tourist destination in Malaysia: Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sarawak
Gunung Gading National Park

Gunung Gading National Park is a beautiful expanse of mountainous rainforest only two hours away from Kuching. Located near Lundu, a pleasant little town in south-west Sarawak.

Initially, the park was a closed conservation zone for the spectacular Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world that can grow up to one metre in diameter. However, after extensive environmental impact studies, the National Parks Department decided that Gunung Gading is a treasure that should be shared with the public.

It was therefore opened to the public in 1994. However, Gunung Gading National Park remains closely watched by the National Parks Department to ensure that visitors will get the best opportunities to view the flowering Rafflesia without causing any damage to the young buds and other flora in the surrounding area.

A plank walk has been built close to where the Rafflesia is commonly found, making viewing possible when the plant is in bloom.

Jungle trails lead to streams, cascading waterfalls and the mountains, with one path taking trekkers to the summit of Gunung Gading (906m). The rugged mountains within the Park provide a scenic backdrop to the nearby town of Lundu, and the beaches at Pandan and Siar.

Key Tips

November to January are the peak blooming months for the Rafflesia.

How to get there

By Bus
The Park is just five minutes' drive from Lundu town or about a two-hour drive from Kuching. You can take an STC (Sarawak Transport Company) Lundu Express Bus or Bus No. 2B from Kuching City to Lundu town centre. From there, take a Pandan bus and ask to be dropped off at the park. Alternatively, charter a taxi for the day.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sarawak Tourism Office Tel: +6082-246 575 / 775 Email: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

Accommodation Overview

A hostel, chalets, and camping are available.

Accommodation Booking

www.dynamictourism.com

tourist destination in Malaysia

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Cameron Highland, Pahang

tourist destination in Malaysia: Pahang
Cameron Highlands

There are many things to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's largest highland resort. Walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and sprawling tea plantations or meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns, are all pleasurable and relaxing activities to be experienced here. You can't beat the weather up here. A few days out of the sweltering lowland heat will surely recharge your batteries.

One other popular activity in Cameron Highlands, actually more of a tradition, is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hilly location as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands. Bird-watching and trekking are also popular activities here.

Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little townships that include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. What's more, it's easy to get to. Cameron Highlands lies less than an hour off the main North-South Highway, and is a pleasant, easy 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Key Tips

When trekking, please check with your host if the weather is suitable for the trail you want to take. Also, do let your host know when you plan to be back and what trail you are taking.

How to get there

By Road
Cameron Highlands is accessible via Tapah or the new highway at Simpang Pulai. If you are driving up from Kuala Lumpur, the Simpang Pulai exit takes an additional 45 minutes to reach the north of Tapah using the North-South Expressway. The ascent along this route is much smoother and less precarious than the route from Tapah.

By Bus or Taxi
Bus and Taxi services are available from the Puduraya Terminal in Kuala Lumpur and the journey will take you to Tanah Rata. Alternatively, take a train to Tapah and then continue your journey in a taxi or a bus.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Pahang Tourism Action Council. (Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Pahang). Phone : +(609) 517 1111 / 1112. Fax : +(609) 514 6900. Website: www.pahangtourism.com.my

Accommodation Overview

The Highlands have matured a lot in recent years in terms of variety of accommodation available. These days, visitors can choose from anything from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.

Accommodation Booking

http://www.dynamictourism.com

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sarawak
Batang Ai National Park

Gazetted in 1991, Batang Ai National Park shelters many protected animals. It also serves as a water catchment area for a huge artificial lake, creating the Batang Ai Hydro-electric dam. The lake extends up to the Engkari and Ai Valleys, where the scenery complements an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

Because of the limited facilities available within the park, the best way to see it is by arranging to be part of a longhouse tour, where you'll get a chance to meet natives of the Iban tribe and discover how they live in their communal house and how they interact non-destructively with nature.

Key Tips

A visit to the longhouse is a great experience, especially since the Ibans are such hospitable and lively people.

How to get there

By Road
Batang Ai National Park is a few hours' drive from Kuching. If you go with a tour, your transport is included.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sarawak Tourism Office Tel: +6082-246 575 / 775 Email: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

Accommodation Overview

Besides the 5-star resort in the park, operators can organise stays at nearby Iban longhouses.

Acommodation Booking

www.dynamictourism.com

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Longhouse Tours, Sarawak

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sarawak
Longhouse Tours

A holiday in Sarawak is not complete without a visit to the longhouses that are the traditional dwellings of many of the natives here such as the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. A longhouse is a terraced street of separate dwellings covered by one roof. A tuai rumah (headman) is the head of the longhouse. Every family has their own separate bilik (room). Communal activities are carried out on the ruai (verandah). Male visitors will spend a night on the verandah whereas female visitors are invited to stay in the bilik or room.

Longhouse communities normally wear practical clothes like jeans and T-shirts. They only wear their traditional costumes during festivals like Gawai Dayak or the Iban harvest festival and also during weddings. Tour groups are normally greeted with a glass of tuak or rice wine and a welcome dance. After that, they will tour the longhouses and will be entertained by various cultural performances. You are usually invited to join in the dancing. Visitors can spend a night at the longhouses or in a nearby guesthouse.

Key Tips

If you do decide to stay overnight at a longhouse, just be aware that you'll have very little privacy. It is a communal experience.

How to get there

By Road and River
The distance to your longhouse depends on where you're going, but a common programme, run out of Kuching, picks you up at your hotel for the 2-hour drive to a jetty by a major river. After that you may go up or downriver by longboat for one or two hours to reach the longhouse.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sarawak Tourism Office Tel: +6082-246 575 / 775 Email: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

Accommodation Overview

The highlight of this tour is an overnight stay at a traditional longhouse.

More Info

www.dynamictourism.com

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Bako National Park, Sarawak

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sarawak
Bako National Park

Sarawak's oldest national park was established in 1957, covers a modest 27 sq. km., and is about 37km from Kuching. It's known for its extraordinary natural scenery, habitats, plants and wild life. Its most significant feature are secluded coves and rugged rocky headlands with magnificent steep cliffs that overlook the South China Sea.

The sea spray, wave action and the wind have also carved out magnificent sea arches and sea stacks at the base of the cliffs, some rearing above the waves like a mighty serpent's head. The attractive sandstone formations appear pink with iron patterns on the cliff. Further inland, waterfalls tumble down into freshwater pools in a tranquil and idyllic jungle setting.

Key Tips

Bako is famous for being the most accessible place in Sarawak to see the rare, human-looking proboscis monkey.

How to get there

By Road
Petra Jaya Bus No.6 and regular minibuses go from Kuching to Kampung Bako, a picturesque fishing village. Alternatively, taxis to Kampung Bako.

By Boat
From there you have to charter a boat to the Park HQ from the booth at the jetty. The boat ride is an adventure in itself, with the skilled and experienced boatmen riding the surf at high speed, to the delight of most visitors.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sarawak Tourism Office Tel: +6082-246 575 / 775 Email: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

Accommodation Overview

There are mountain huts, public toilets and washrooms, a canteen, an information centre and video shows. Application for permits and reservations for accommodation can be made at the National Parks and Wildlife Office in Miri. The phone number is (+6)085-436637

Accommodation Booking

www.dynamictourism.com

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia, Pahang - Genting Highlands

tourist destination in Malaysia, Pahang
Genting Highlands

The fun never stops at Genting, City of Entertainment, perched on the top of cool, breezy Genting Highlands. One big attraction in Genting is the cool weather. Because of the 2,000m altitude, Malaysians like to visit just to enjoy the 'European' weather!

In the evening, there is spectacular entertainment at the Genting International Showroom or Pavilion, be it a thrilling magic show or an ice-skating extravaganza. There are also opportunities to go shopping at First World Plaza, visit the indoor and outdoor theme parks and feast on a wide range of delicious food at the many restaurants.

The First World Plaza indoor theme park / shopping complex features a series of fun rides and six theme areas named after famous cities and landmarks from around the world - France (Champs Elysees), England (London), Italy (Venice), America (Times Square and Universal Walk), Switzerland (Swiss Alps) and Malaysia (Genting Walk).

The Snow World features a log cabin, an igloo, toboggan slides and a snowy play area. It's cold in here, so remember to wear warm clothing. Children will surely love the Rainforest Splash Pool, although the air is chilly, the pool is filled with warm water.

Other attractions are Genting Sky Venture, the only free-fall skydiving simulator in Asia, and Genting X-pedition Wall, an international-standard rock-climbing wall stretching to 15 metres in height, with a 6-metre overhang. There is also bowling, a video arcade, a cineplex and many more fun rides.

One of the most popular attractions is the casino, the only one in Malaysia.

Key Tips

Make hotel bookings in advance if you wish to spend the night as Genting is a very popular weekend destination.

How to get there

By Road
About 45 minutes' drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway.

By Bus or Taxi
Taxis to Genting are available at the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. The Kuala Lumpur-Genting direct coach service is available from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station, Puduraya and Gombak LRT Station.

Who to contact

For more information, please visit http://www.genting.com.my

Accommodation Overview

Genting has the highest concentration of hotels in Malaysia, ranging from 5-star to more affordable accommodation.

tourist destination in Malaysia, Pahang

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Pahang Darul Makmur

tourist destination in Malaysia: Pahang Darul Makmur

Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse range of attractions. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and natural wonders.

The country's premier national park, Taman Negara, as well as the Endau Rompin State Park, contain an astounding ecological diversity with a vast collection of flora and fauna. The Orang Asli, Malaysia's indigenous people, with their intriguing traditions and way of life, add colour to Pahang's heritage.

Pahang's long, scenic coastline is a paradise of swaying palms and sandy beaches washed by the South China Sea. Cherating Beach and Tioman Island are renowned as the region's most popular beach resorts, captivating sun seekers with their exciting beach activities, underwater attractions and relaxed charm.

The formidable Main Range of mountains divide the state into east and west, and Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in the peninsula, provides challenging adventures for serious climbers. The state's mountainous terrain has also endowed it with several invigorating hill stations, ideal for fun-filled family holidays.

Genting Highlands, dubbed the City of Entertainment, and Bukit Tinggi, a French-themed resort, are excellent getaways situated an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands are quaint hill stations, which offer fantastic bird watching and nature trails. Kuantan, the state capital, is an interesting mix of modern buildings and charming old-world cottage industries.

Pahang's majestic nature, exciting eco-adventures, beautiful beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique handicrafts and delicious food make for a mesmerising and unforgettable vacation. Come, discover this gift of nature!

tourist destination in Malaysia

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah, Batu Punggul Pinnacle

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah

Batu Punggul Pinnacle

Situated on the banks of Sungai Sepulot (Sepulot River) in the remote interior of southern Sabah, not far from the Kalimantan border, Batu Punggul is a limestone massif with amazing views over the jungle from above and with caves below. Accommodation is available at a rustic resort nearby which offers anything from a Murut longhouse or native huts (called sulap), to a hostel or guesthouses, complete with modern facilities.

Cave exploration is an exciting treat of unusual stalactites, stalagmites and bats. The Rafflesia, the world's largest flower, can be found about 25-minutes' walk from the caves. The area is also home to wild orchids. It is possible to climb to the top of the massif for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. At night, there is impressive music coming from the 'jungle symphony'...

As limestone massifs are normally found in coastal areas, the existence of Batu Punggul deep in the interior of Borneo is a source of geological wonder to scientists visiting the area.

Key Tips

Bring long trousers and proper walking shoes for the scramble up the peak and for some protection while caving. Also, the journey to Batu Punggul may take the whole day and it is advisable for visitors to spend the night there before heading back to town.

How to get there

By Road and River
From Kota Kinabalu or Keningau, drive up to Sepulot or Kampung Labang before proceeding to Batu Punggul via motorised boat. The journey by boat takes about two to three hours up the winding Sepulot River.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation Overview

There is just one basic resort in this remote corner of the Sabahan jungle. Camping, though not forbidden, is ill-advised.

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah, Mabul Island

tourist destination in Malaysia

Mabul Island

Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.

Covering some 21 ha., it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.

Diving is the main activity on this island, and it can be done all year round. Marine life that can be seen here includes sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, crocodile fish, pipefish and snake eels. There are over eight popular dive spots, each with its own speciality.

Three resorts cater to scuba divers -- two are on the island itself while one is on a converted oil rig platform about 500m offshore. All of the resorts provide day trips for their guests to the nearby Sipadan and Kapalai Islands.

key tips

There's no airport in Semporna, so book your flight to Tawau instead and organise a pick-up from your tour operator for the hour-long drive to the jetty at Semporna.

how to get there

By Sea
To reach Mabul Island, it is a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna and 20 minutes from Sipadan Island.

who to contact

For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732 or visit their website at http://sipadan-kapalai.com

accommodation overview

Mabul Island is home to three very different resorts, all up-market, and all catering to divers.

tourist destination in Malaysia

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah, Land Below the Wind

tourist destination in Malaysia:

Sabah: Land Below the Wind

Often called the 'Land Below the Wind' because it lies below the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and is East Malaysia's second largest state with an area of 74,500 sq.km. Sabah has the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east.

Mountainous and largely carpeted by lush tropical rainforests, its population of nearly two million is made up of 32 colourful ethnic communities.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital, lies in a fertile lowland plain where most commercial and administrative activities are concentrated. But the 'real' Sabah can best be found in its contryside.

Kinabalu Park has been listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, due to the diversity of plant life and wildlife there. It provides a challenging climb amidst a lush virgin rainforest, where you can find hidden hot springs in cool high altitudes.

Sipadan island off the south eastern coast of Sabah, has been one of the top five dive sites in the world for years. This is attributed to unique underwater goegraphy that encourages proliferation of wildlife. Leatherback turtles, barracuda and white tipped sharks are a common sight while diving in Sipadan.

tourist destination in Malaysia:

source: tourism malaysia