Mount Stong State Park|Kelantan|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Mt.Stong State Park (formerly called Jelawang Jungle) and is situated on the fringes of Malaysia’s massive Titiwangsa range. The Mt.Stong State Park is listed among the top five unique ecotourism destinations in Malaysia. It covers an area of 21,950 hectares of land dotted with high peaks, dense forest, a variety of caves, rivers and waterfalls.

Its thick jungle is home to elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, hornbills and a range of other exotic wildlife, as well as a variety of flora and fauna including the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia of the kerii meyer species, and the endemic long-sectioned bamboo, a type of purple herb (Didymocarpus calcareous) and a unique palm species (Licuala stongesis).

With the assistance of a qualified and knowledgeable trekking guide, the journey uphill is made more meaningful. In good weather conditions, an experienced guide can take travelers along the scenic route of the waterfalls from the foot of Gunung Stong at least halfway before continuing inland for the rest of the hike up. This route showcases the waterfall cascading down from great heights along the solid granite rock structure, a breath-taking sight to behold.

Kenong Rimba Park|Pahang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Covering an area of 121 sq. km south-west of Taman Negara, Kenong Rimba is situated in natural surroundings with cascading waterfalls, mountain streams and a variety of flora and fauna. It offers great adventure such as exploring limestone caves, river swimming, camping and jungle trekking. Spanning across the Kenong Valley and Sungai Renong, Kenong Rimba Park shares a common eastern and northern boundary with Taman Negara.

Each limestone cave is situated about half an hour's trek from each other. The most striking is the Gua Batu Tinggi, which resembles a dug-out boat. The Sungai Kenong River passes though this cave. Local folklore has it that the cave was formed when a boat carrying the Kings messenger from Pekan was turned into stone. This cave is approximately 122 to 152 metres above sea level. Here you can find a variety of plant life that includes orchids, fig trees and epiphytes.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary|Perak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Kuala Gula is a fishing village located along the coast of Perak, approximately 50 km south west of Taiping. The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is within the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, a rich mangrove and mudflat ecosystem. Nearby is Pulau Kelumpang, an island within the reserve which is surrounded by the Selinsing River at its south east, the Kelumpang River at its north east and the ocean on its west. Pulau Kelumpang is encircled by new mudflats rich with young mangrove (Avicennia spp) trees. These mudflats are vital foraging areas for migratory species as well as nesting sites for resident species.

Kuala Gula is renowned locally and internationally especially amongst birdwatchers for it is a hotspot for waterbirds, both resident and migratory species. Local as well as foreign tourists all over the world, including the United States, Australia, Europe, Japan visit Kuala Gula to observe these birds.During the migration season between August and April every year, more than 200,000 migratory birds representing some 50 species are estimated to stop over here.

The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary has won the "Best Tourist Attraction (Natural Attraction)" category during the Malaysia Tourism Awards, a prestigious award presented to agencies and organisations which contribute to the development of tourism in Malaysia.

Melaka River Cruise|Melaka|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The river was the main artery of trade for Melaka in its heyday when it was bustling with traders from all around the world. Some buildings from that era still stand majestically by the river, which is also lined by old villages, or kampungs, and modern day buildings. The 45-minute cruise is accompanied by an entertaining and informative commentary.

The Melaka River with its cruise is the biggest surprise. The muddy, murky water is now quite clear, with a tinge of emerald green. Clean embankments on both sides stretch for several kilometres. The river has also been widened and a mechanical device has been installed to control the depth of the water. The idea was to make the river completely pollution-free, so as to develop exquisite gardens on its banks, and pave the pedestrian pathways to perfection.

Passengers on the Malacca River cruise get a feel of the multi-cultural and historical fabric of the country. One can even see the Melaka tree, under which Parameswara was so inspired by the sight of a mouse deer kicking a dog that he named the place Melaka. The 26 fibre-glass boats are named after historic figures such as Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Munshi Abdullah and Tun Perak. Passengers are also serenaded with traditional songs such as dondang sayang.

Tree Top Walk|Kedah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Tree Top Walk Sg. Sedim is located in the heart of Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, about 30 kilometers from Kulim Town. The 950m-long Tree Top Walk in the Sedim River Recreation Park is the longest canopy walk in the world. The Tree Top Walk Sedim River was built within the low land of dipterocarp compartment 15 of Gunung Inas Forest Reserve.

The spectacular view you get when you stroll through the jungle canopy is the main draw for visitors from far and wide to this quiet, all-natural corner of Kedah. Strolling high above the ground of this primeval rainforest affords visitors an unexpected and exciting perspective. Call it a 'monkey's eye view'. Visitors will enjoy the fabulous sight of rushing streams and truly fascinating flora and fauna - all from 50m up.

As the world’s biggest Tree Top Walk, the canopy walk takes the visitors along side huge, towering giant trees, fruit bearing trees with rambutans and durian, innumerable medicinal herbs and wide jade canopies. Once the Tree Top Walk in Sedim ends, the tourists can follow the boardwalk that takes them to the floor of the forests where they can sit in the shade and enjoy the lovely peace and quiet humming with the sounds of nature.

Water Village|Sabah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

A trip to Labuan would not be complete if one does not visit Kampung Air (Water Village). There are two main water villages in Labuan,Sabah - Kampung Bebuloh and Kampung Patau-Patau which are mainly inhabited by Brunei Malays.

The houses here, which are built right at the water's edge, are made of wood and sit on high stilts, joined together with a maze of wooden walkways. Visitors are free to roam around the vicinity of the water villages and observe the humble lifestyle of a predominantly fishing community.

Almost every house owner here has his own boat. The houses can be quite large and they all have cool decorated verandahs.Some are very eye-catching with pots of brightly colored bougainvillea and orchid plants. The villages are made up of large communities with shops, mosques and other facilities.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park|Sabah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Tunku Abdul Rahman park comprises a group of five islands located only 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which is sea. The Marine Park is a popular destination for day-trippers, picnickers, divers and nature lovers.

The five idyllic islands, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Gaya and Sapi have soft white beaches and are teeming with fish and coral, perfect for beginner divers as well as snorkelers and picnickers. Gaya and Sapi Islands also have hiking trails through their pristine jungles.

These islands are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including one of the most intriguing birds, the Megapode or Burung Tambun, a chicken lookalike with large feet and makes a meowing sound like a cat.

During the cooler months from November to February, plankton blooms attract krill which in turn attract whale sharks, the world's largest fish. At times, the density of the krill can be so thick in these murky conditions underwater encounters with these colossal animals can be exciting as they suddenly appear out of the gloom.

Tanjung Jara Beach|Terengganu|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Tanjong Jara is situated on a 17-hectare site, with an extensive stretch of private beach on the north east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. Nestled near the South China Sea, Tanjung Jara Beach has a prominent stretch of golden sand, with powerful waves striking its shores. The beach provides an excellent location for windsurfing, boating, kayaking, snorkelling and diving.

The silence here is a welcoming treat, and makes for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Catch the sunrise or sunset with the winds whipping in your face, albeit with a gentle breeze. Turtles also frequent the beach during the 'turtle laying season' from the months of May to September.

KL Tower|Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Tower is the sixth tallest telecommunication tower in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. Standing at 421m and located at Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee,Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, we offer a unique blend of Cultural, Adventure and Nature experience not found anywhere else in the world.

For those seeking Adventure and adrenalin-rush activities, Menara Kuala Lumpur is known as the World Basejump Centre. The Tower has hosted the longest-running urban BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) event since 1999 and it is now the largest event of its kind in the world. If that is too extreme for you, experience breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur skyline at 276m above ground at the comfort of our Observation Deck.

The beautifully sculptured ceiling of the lift lobby is worth having a look. Glass crystals were used to construct the ceiling. It is to represent the 7 layers of the sky or Muqarnas. There are 3 Muqarnas in the tower. Craftsmen from the city of Isfahan, Iran, were deployed to build the Muqarnas.

Turtle Island Park|Sabah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings.

Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities. As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures.

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

Sipadan Island|Sabah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Sipadan Island is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, East Malaysia (which is on the island of Borneo). Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop.

Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem. Sipadan is judged by many to be among the top 5 diving locations in the world.

The island is a covered in lush jungle and home to tropical birds such as kingfishers, sea-eagles, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons. There are also fruit bats and monitor lizards and at nightfall a turtle may come to lay her eggs on the beach while coconut crabs scurry into the water at the slightest sound. It was declared a bird sanctuary as early as 1933 and in 2004, all accommodation facilities on Sipadan were closed to further protect this pristine natural treasure.

National Zoo|Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The National Zoo is located on 110 acres (45 ha) of land in Ulu Klang, near Taman Melawati, in north-east Kuala Lumpur. It was officially opened on 14 November 1963. The park is managed by a non-governmental organization known as the Malaysian Zoological Society.

The National Zoo is home to 5137 animals of 459 different species. Over the years, the zoo has transformed itself to an open concept zoo with over 90% of its animals kept in spacious exhibits with landscape befitting its nature.

In the Zoo are numerous paths meandering between wooded groves and tree-lined enclaves where the animal enclosures are located. Among the more exotic exhibits are the Sumatran tiger, orang-utans and gibbons. All are extremely rare outside this part of the world. There are also scheduled elephant shows in the elephant Amphitheatre and a "Multi-animal show in the "Main Amphitheatre". There's also a possibility make a ride on an elephant.

Sungkai Wildlife Conservation Centre|Perak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Sungkai Wildlife Conservation Centre is located about 60km south of Ipoh and 15km from Sungkai village. From Kuala Lumpur, exit at the Sungkai toll gate, turn right at the junction and take the main road leading to the Shell petrol station, where a signboard on the right points to direction where the Wildlife Conservation Center is.

 Sungkai Wildlife Conservation Centre is managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Jabatan Perhilitan) in Sungkai, Perak. The centre which spans over 50 hectares was opened in 1971 and it’s primary conservation effort to prevent extinction of endangered wildlife is focus on captive breeding programmes for the gaur, sambar deer and several indigenous pheasant species.

This wildlife reserve covers an area of about 2,450 hectares of the Tapah Forest Reserve at Sungkai and was gazetted in 1921. The breeding centre is home to Sambar Deers, Timor Deers, mousedeers, pheasants especially the Malaysian Great Argus Pheasant, the endangered Crested Argus Pheasant, the Crested Fireback, the Crested Peacock Pheasant, the Crestless Peacock, the Green Peafowl and the highly endangered Mountain or Rothchild's Peacock. There are also several cages of hornbills, pigeons and cuckoo-doves.

Penang National Park|Pulau Pinang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Penang National Park is located at the north-western corner of Penang Island, and the Park's ecosystem is a diversity of habitats with hills, sandy and rocky beaches, streams and coastal forests -representing much of the natural habitats of Penang. It is the smallest national park in the country with a size of 2,562 hectares.

Penang National Park was set up to preserve and protect flora and fauna as well as objects with geological, archaeological, historical, ethnological and other scientific and scenic interests.

The park is unique as it contains several different types of habitat including a meromictic lake (a lake in which some water remains partly or wholly unmixed with the main water mass at circulation periods), wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs and turtle nesting beaches. Penang National Park offers vast opportunities for research, education, recreation and ecotourism activities such as climbing, trekking, swimming, wildlife observation or simply enjoying the natural environment, which is a combination of the forest and sea.

Chamang Waterfall|Pahang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Chamang Fall can be reached by taking the road from Bentong to Raub. Just outside Bentong there is a signposted junction where you turn left. After about 10 km you will reach the Recreation Park. Chamang waterfall has facilities like a rest area, toilets and changing rooms nearby, making it a perfect area for a weekend retreat for those out of town.

The Chamang Waterfall in Bentong is tucked in a lush valley bordered by verdant tropical rainforest. It is a soothing experience to be enveloped by such surroundings where the only sounds you hear are the beautiful noise of jungle insects and the rushing water. The waterfall used to be a favourite spot among locals who come here to fish and while away the hours.

The waterfall, with its huge volume of water gushing from the top, is a visual wonder, but may be too dangerous for bathing. But, there is a small meandering stream at the bottom, away from the rush, that is perfect for a dip.

Fairy and Wind Cave Nature Reserve|Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

 WIND CAVE

 FAIRY CAVE

Fairy and Wind Cave Nature Reserve is located about 50 km away from Kuching. Before reaching the destination, you’ll pass by fascinating villages, rubber estates, pepper gardens, cocoa plantations and lush rainforest. Fairy and Wind Cave Nature Reserve is a national park in the Kuching Division of Sarawak. It is part of the Bau Formation, a narrow limestone belt extending 150 kilometers on the southwest part of the state.

The Wind Cave is geologically more interesting, as the effects of water in hollowing out holes in the ceiling and sculpting river channels were more pronounced. The cave derived its name from the draft of air, which passes through the passage leading to the Sungai Sarawak Kanan, on which it is situated. The most popular attraction here is the Western entrance of the cave, which has a small beach adjacent to the Sarawak River. Exploring the cave on the boardwalk and experience the thrill of walking in the dark, with bats flying by you in the darkness.

There is another equally majestic cave called the Fairy Cave. The mouth of the cave is at the top of a three-story staircase. Fairy Cave has interesting rock formations, some resembling figures and animals. The cave has long been frequented by the Chinese living in the area, who come to pray at the cave formations, and who believe these formations are representations of "spirit beings", and thus gave the cave its name. Many shrines and altars are to be found in the cave.