Malaysia Truly Asia

Malaysia Truly Asia!

What does this phrase remind you of? Well for me it paints a vivid picture of a picturesque land that celebrates cultural and ethnic diversity in all the ways you can think of and sings of the great diversity of nature at the same time. It reminds me of Asia’s one of the most consistent economic powers, Malaysia. Every time I see the Malaysia truly Asia campaign advertisements I note Malaysia in my bucket list of ‘Places to Visit’. But what would I do when I reach this tropical paradise? So here are the five things I would definitely do in this Malay Kingdom.

1.NATURE TRAIL

a.   Taman Negara – World’s oldest and one of the most preserved Tropical rain forests. It is one of the world’s most famous ecotourism destinations and flaunts the highest and longest canopy walkway. Malaysia is the 12^th most bio diverse country in the world and Taman Negara is its biodiversity hotspot.

b.    Gunung Mulu National Park – Sharp limestone peaks (karst formations) peeking out of an evergreen tropical jungle would literally pull its visitors into the world of Avatar, to Pandora to the floating mountains.  Gunung Mulu National is also known for its cave network called as the Mulu Caves which is further named after Mount Mulu - the highest sandstone peak of the national park. The Mulu caves has the largest known natural camber  -  Sarawak Chamber. It has been said that the chamber is so big that it could accommodate about 40 Boeing 747s, without overlapping their wings. (Wikipedia).

c. Mount Kinabalu – A peak of height at 4,095 meters - Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain of the Borneo area. The mountain is known worldwide for its biodiversity which is of over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammals (wikipedia). It is the most known mountaineering ground of Malaysia.

2.ISLAND HOPPING

a. Lagankawi Islands– An archipelago of 99 island in the emerald waters of the Andaman sea is a must visit when in Malaysia. These are home to some of the world’s most beautiful and secluded beaches. As they are closer to the Thai border they are the confluence of social and cultural diversity that Malaysia is known for. These islands are also known for their night life and spas. And shopaholics pack a lot of sunscreen because you wouldn’t wanna leave this place until forced to, literally. It is a duty free area!

b.  Perhentian Islands – These are off the northeastern coast of peninsular Malaysia and are a favourite with budget travelers. They are known for their white sand beaches, turquoise blue crystal clear waters and tropical coral reefs. It is the best place for scuba diving in Malaysia.

c.   Penang Island – Think Chinese, think Thai, think British, think Portuguese – all boil down to a town named Georgetown. Along with the colonial feel of Georgetown, Penang Island also lets you dive into religious realms. It is house to Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist Shrine of south east Asia and the ornamental Chinese clan house Khoo Kongsi.

3. RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL CAVING IN

a. Batu Caves – It is a fact, the largest Hindu religious complexes are not in India so don’t be surprised when I say Malaysians say they are proud of the 42 meter Statue of Lord Murugan at Batu caves. Batu caves are the most famous Hindu shrine outside India. There are a lot of cave temples in the complex along with a Ramayan Cave Temple. The caves are also known for rock climbing.

b. Sarawak Cultural Village – Being a travel freak I enjoy interaction and conversation with ethnic groups where ever I go and I would never miss the chance to go up close and personal with the ethnic groups that celebrate life in the live museum Sarawak Cultural Village. It lets people experience the authentic Malay culture and traditions. It is a delight to observe and enjoy with 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities like the processing of sago and collecting rubber and traditional dance forms in traditional costumes.

4. HIGH TEA

Cameron Highlands – Everybody knows the world most famous and largest tea estates are in Malaysia, so how can a trip to Malaysia be complete without a visit to the Tea Gardens. Cameron Highlands are the best place to go tea hunting. Also a trip to the tea factories is a memorable experience; not to mention to know how much more can people do with the beverage plant. Cameron Highlands is a must visit.

5. CITY RIDE

 Kuala Lumpur – How can you bid adieu to Malaysia without paying a visit to the tallest twin towers of the world – the Petronas Towers. Along with these 88 floored buildings Kuala Lumpur is also known for a six tiered Buddhist shrine Thean Hou Temple. Kuala Lumpur is the perfect example of city with old and new in harmony. Shopping and Nightlife of Kuala Lumpur is a must, goes without saying right?

So that is the mini Bucket list of the Major Bucket List Destination Malaysia. Now all I have to do is pack my bags and enjoy. Hope you guys are planning to do the same..:P

I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com.
P.S.- Photo and video credits Google.com and PleaseTakeMeTo.com