Penang Museum and Art Gallery|Interesting Places In Pulau Pinang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Penang Museum and Art Gallery is located in central Georgetown on Lebuh Farquhar, in between Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt) and Love Lane (Lorong Cinta). Walk into the compound of the Penang State Museum, and you will first be greeted by a regal bronze statue of Captain Francis Light, the founder of the Penang Straits Settlement, gazing down upon you.

Once you set foot inside the museum building, you will see why the State Museum located along Jalan Farquhar in Georgetown is reputed to be one of the best state museums in the country. Divided into galleries dedicated to Penang's historical communities, as well as particular historical events that took place in Penang, the museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, historical documents, Chinese furniture, embroidery, costumes and other historical relics.

On the first floor where the Art Gallery is located, works of local artists and paintings of old Penang are on display, namely those by William Daniels and Captain Robert Smith. From time to time, special exhibitions are held here.

Similajau National Park|Interesting Places In Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Similajau National Park, just 45 minutes from Bintulu, provides a great weekend getaway for the people within the central region of Sarawak. It has one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Malaysia with miles of unspoiled white and golden sand and rocky beaches facing the South China Sea.

Gazetted in 1978, it covers 7,064 hectares of virgin coastal forest, starting from Sungai Likau in the south to Similajau River in the north. Spanning 30km, it is abundant in flora and fauna and offers you a wonderful experience exploring miles and miles of empty beach.

The terrestrial fauna of the park boasts 24 recorded species of mammals, such as gibbons, banded langurs and long-tailed macaques. A very noteworthy reptile found here is the Saltwater Crocodile.

The Park has also recorded 230 species of birds, which include hornbills and migratory water birds like Storms Stork. If you're lucky, you might be able to see dolphins out amongst the waves. Occasionally, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Kundasang War Memorial|Interesting Places In Sabah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Kundasang is located 90km, about 2 hrs driving from Kota Kinabalu and only 10 minutes driving from Kinabalu Park. A must-visit in Kundasang is the Kundasang War Memorial. Established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.

The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool - to represent the different nationalities. With its towering pine trees and blooming roses, a walk in the gardens is reminiscent to that of a stroll in a quaint English garden. The scent of roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war. Visitors can also opt to view a brief video on the history of the Sandakan Death March.

The memorial is open to local and foreign visitors not only to view the perfect gardens but to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the Freedom of others. The Memorial is open to visitors with minimal entrance fees charged.

Jonker Walk|Interesting Places In Melaka|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Located at Jalan Hang Jebat, (formerly known as Jonker Street) Melaka, Jonker Walk is a definite haven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artifacts and relics, some dating as far back as 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery.

This narrow alley was once a wealthy street filled with rich colonial residents and today it has become a paradise for antique collectors. Featuring unique antique pieces that date as far back as the 17th century, it attracts bargain hunters looking for handmade Chinese porcelain, decorative brassware, cast iron beds, lamps, age old coins and genuine paper money that were used during early Melakan trade and commerce. Visitors can also find priceless Buddha statues and other one of a kind pieces that were made by locals during different Melakan eras.

While Jonker Street is known worldwide for its rare and priceless finds, during weekends (around 6pm) the street is transformed into a busy, carnival like affair which tourists visiting Melaka eagerly look forward to! The Jonker Walk night market is a weekly affair for locals where they assemble stalls and display products to sell. The usual wares you can find on this side of the street reflect their cultural heritage with local and ethnic Melakan fare; you can take a little bit of Melaka home with you through the indigenous handicrafts and souvenirs, ornamental jewelry and wooden clogs.

Another thing that has made Jonker Street in Melaka famous is its food choices. This street is considered the most popular food and entertainment district in Melaka, Malaysia. Here you can find extensive food options from different cultures.

Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park|Interesting Places In Perak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Sungai Klah Hot Springs or Klah River Hot Springs is nestled in the serene and lush forest patches, surrounded by hills and clear cold mountain streams and rivers. All 6.5 hectares enjoy the scenic view of well-tended oil palm plantation and durian orchard amidst a haven of tranquility.

Its unique concept of a specially designed free flowing Hot Springs Swimming Pool and Therapeutic Park at the foothill of the Titiwangsa Range 200 feet above sea level is indeed creatively engineered to attract visitors who appreciate the wonders of nature. Families visiting the park can try out the family baths and enjoy the privacy of this special treat. Another popular family activity not to miss out on is the hot springs egg-boiling experience.

For visitors who are keen to experience the local Malay massage, the park offers one of the finest traditional massage packages to benefit from.
For more adventure, visitors can take on the challenge of the Sungkai River or work off the calories trekking in and around the park as you immerse yourself in the natural wonders that surround the location.

Penang War Museum|Interesting Places In Pulau Pinang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

This fortress is located at Batu Maung Hill, south east of Penang Island. It was built in the 1930's by the British to protect the island from the invasion of enemies. This 20 acres site is located on a hill and you will be able to see the Straits of Melaka as well as the surrounding areas from here. The construction of this fortress was done by The British Royal Engineers and local labourers. This complicated fort has all the features of a typical defence facilities with underground military tunnels and ammunition bunkers. The ammunition storage is located 9 metres underground with thick stonewall to enable it to withstand enemy's fire.

Once completed, this fort was manned by the British, Sikh and Malay soldiers. During World War II, this fortress came under attacked and fell to the Japanese. It was then used as a Japanese army base where interrogation and torture of prisoners for information were conducted here. Being labelled as a place of horror due to the cruelty of war, this hill was deserted after the War in 1945. It was abandoned for years until it was being cleared off and turned into War Museum by Johari Shafie 30 years later.

As the area is quite big, plan to spend about 2 hours here as you will be walking and climbing the stairs that abound on this hill. Proper signages and information about the artifacts are clearly displayed here. As it can be quite humid and hot during the day, remember to bring along a cap to protect your head from the heat of the day. Wear a comfortable shoes and have insect repellant ready to ward off the mosquitoes as you move deeper into the hill.

Sarawak Cultural Village|Interesting Places In Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Known as the 'Living Museum', the Cultural Village was set up to preserve and showcase Sarawak's cultural heritage. Located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, just 32km from the state capital, Kuching, it is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle. Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's diverse tribes like the processing of sago and the making of handicrafts. They wear traditional costumes and also put on dances for visitors.

The village residents provide information on their various traditional cultures and lifestyles. You can see replicas of buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak; longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house among others. The village also has a theatre, where you can enjoy multicultural dance performances. Besides this, there is a restaurant and handicraft shop. You can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu style.

The Iban longhouse has separate rooms placed side by side, all of which open to a long communal hall, used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving. Guests are often invited to attend nightly ceremonies and drink a potent rice wine, tuak, which the Iban make themselves. Comfortable guesthouses are also available for visitors.

Kilim River Cruise|Interesting Places In Kedah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Enjoy the scenic and spectacular views of unique limestone rock formations emerging from the floor of the mangrove swamps and the sea. These fascinating geological wonders have been variously dubbed as the Temple of Borobodur, the Elephant Stone and the Hanging Gardens. Gua Cerita (Cave of Legends) and Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave) are accessible via Sungai Kilim.

Spread over an area of 100sq. km, Kilim Nature Park features a beautiful mix of well protected green mangrove forests, isolated white beaches and blue lagoons. Kilim Nature Park is located on the northeastern side of Langkawi about 13km from Kuah town and is accessible via Jalan Kisap. Along the trail, passing through calm winding river, you will be exposed to the wonders of the park's marine ecosystem, flora and fauna and its natural habitats.

Some tour operators will stop at a special spot along the river where they feed the eagles, found in great numbers here. These include the white-bellied fish eagle, brahminy kite and the gigantic sea eagles. Kilim River is also a great place for some birdwatching during the migratory seasons in September and March.

After feeding the eagles, the boats will move downstream and soon the Andaman Sea, located in the northern coast, comes into view as they exit the Kilim River through The Hole in the Wall. This is a famous passage so named after a narrow opening between formidable walls of limestone cliffs that connect the river to the open sea.

This narrow gap provides a sheltered area for a thriving fish farm and yachts mooring venture. The farm adopts a very hands-on approach, encouraging visitors to hand feed the multitude of marine life such as groupers, bat fish, blue spotted stingrays, lobsters, mantis prawns and snappers. Visitors can choose their own lunch or dinner directly from the 50-odd cages and have it cooked the way they like at the floating restaurant.

Endau- Rompin State Park|Interesting Places In Pahang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Endau- Rompin State Park situated in Pahang, is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. The park is part of the Endau Rompin National Park covering a land area of 80,000 hectares of virgin jungle situated between the states of Pahang and Johor. It has some of the most fascinating wildlife, and tropical fauna.

Endau Rompin State Park is the second National Park, after Taman Negara. It covers an area of approximately 80,000 hectares of rich and exotic flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derives its name. In other words, this place is huge. The park is suitable for nature and adventure lovers, especially those wishing to get a glimpse of Malaysia's rich tropical rainforests. Some activities one can carry out at the park include jungle trekking, bird watching, camping, cave exploration and many other adventure and nature-based activities.

The park is home to a vast range of species of birds, mammals, frogs, insects and exotic varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. In existence for over 130 million years, this rainforest holds rare flora and fauna, many of which are not found anywhere else in the tropics. The most prominent of these unique species is the Sumatran Rhinoceros. Regular treks through the jungle will give adventurers sightings of leaf monkeys, long-tail macaques, white-handed gibbons, elephants, deer, tapirs and the occasional tiger and leopard. For adventure lovers and river trekkers, there are exhilarating rapids and fairly substantial waterfalls.