Rainforest canopy tours in Sabah, Malaysia

For the most part, descendants of native Malay, migrating Chinese, and Indian settlers form the blend of cultures living in harmony, who now offer their hospitality to visitors the world over. The jungles of Borneo shelter indigenous communities that include the Dayak, Iban, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Bidayuh. Revel in the rich colours and gastronomic inventiveness of their origins during any one of many popular celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Malaysia hosts major international events, like Formula One racing and an international military air show for example, that draw thousands of folks from the four corners of the world. No matter the season, this is a land of expression where warm generous people are forever thinking of new ways to share.

Shrine at the Batu Cave in Perak, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the Garden City of Lights

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, has a lot to brag about. It's big! It has the tallest building in the world. It has great theme parks, museums and planetariums; endless shopping centres with everything in the world for sale; restaurants and more restaurants-food from everywhere! At night, the city is a magical encounter of dazzling neon lights. Small enclaves of pubs, bistros and restaurants with live entertainment scatter the city. These chic streets see urbane Malaysians mingling with the throngs of strolling international vacationers. KL, as it is often referred to, has a Chinatown as well as a 'little India' if you're interested in a concentrated sampling of either culture. When you've 'been there, done that' the main KTM railway station is waiting to transport you to just about anywhere in the country you wish to go next.

Historical Malacca

The famed 14th century city of Malacca is situated on the coast of Malaysia across from Sumatra. For more than one hundred years, Malacca was the most prominent centre of trade for silk and spice in the region. Wooden sailing ships from the west crossed the Indian Ocean and down the Malacca Strait, stopping here on their way to or from the far east. Today, although shipping in the strait is busier than ever, Malacca seems content to sit on her laurels and assume the quiet deportment of 'historical city'. In this endeavour, she really shines. Aside from the feeling of antiquity shedding from the old buildings and shops, the cast of many newer constructions are obviously designed to pay homage to the origins of Malacca. Heritage sites and museums are never far from any street corner so, for a fascinating trip through the past, make Malacca a stopover.

Mountain summit, Malaysia

Penang

Penang Bridge (the third longest in Asia at 13 km.), links the town of Butterworth to the island of Penang. This is a thriving island, home to international electronics and telecommunication equipment manufacturers. The bustling city of Georgetown, where merchants are almost as thick as the bargain hunters, contains a shop for everything and everyone. Quaint side streets, narrow and oozing the charm of old Sino Portuguese architecture, boast friendly shops, boutiques and local eateries. There is a Chinatown and a 'little India' and a mega shopping complex called Komtar. There are beaches and resorts, harbours and ports, where you can hop a ferry to neighbouring Langkawi Island. Shopping or relaxing, Penang has plenty of both.

White water rafting on Padas River, Malaysia

Langkawi, Isle of Legends

Duty-free Langkawi is the largest of a cluster of islands off the coast of northwestern Malaysia near the border to Thailand. This is a superb place to relax on the beach with just enough going on to do to keep you amused. Aside from the obvious shopping potential, Langkawi has plenty of attractions that lure island-loving vacationers. Beaches of fine sugar-white sand, duty-free shopping, quiet luxurious resorts that pamper you in style, duty-free shopping, vertiginous cable car rides to mountain peaks, duty-free shopping, the seven-tier waterfall Telaga Tujuh, duty-free shopping, the legendary Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of Pregnant Maiden), duty-free shopping, and the nearby island of Pulau Payar to name but a few. Oh! Did we mention the duty-free shopping?

Taman Negara may be the oldest rainforest in the world (130 million years), but this National Park covering 4,343 square kilometres has a host of modern amenities to welcome the international traveler. For outdoor enthusiasts, Taman Negara offers camping, trekking, cave exploration, swimming, white-water rafting, fishing and mountain climbing in addition to the park's highlights: bird and wildlife watching. Trekking near the park headquarters on well-worn trails is easy and offers a memorable insight into the biodiversity of a jungle. Expert guides are available to help you along some of the more remote trails. A permit is required to enter the park and can be obtained from park headquarters in Kuala Tahan. Taman Negara is a truly an outstanding wilderness event-don't miss it.

Colorful kites

Cameron Highlands

Escape to the highlands for cooler climes. Cameron Highlands is a delightful area of undulating hills tamed by gentle cultivation. The misty mountaintops have been enchanting visitors since colonial times. Old British-style country inns still provide lodging for honeymooners and frenzied city dwellers escaping to the fresh mountain air and serenity of the highlands. Terraced hillsides with neat rows of tea plants, winding roads and wonderfully refreshing temperatures combined with a host of quaint accommodation options ensure the Cameron Highlands will remain Malaysia's top hillside resort destination for some time to come.

Far removed from the genteel countryside of the Cameron Highlands, Sarawak and Sabah stand in stark contrast. Here the impenetrable jungles of Borneo impose their awesome presence relegating all development to coastal regions. Just as well, for the beaches and resorts of these two states offer some of the most idyllic settings for visitors to East Malaysia. Diving is said to be second to none. The resorts are splendid and cater to your every whim with an unobtrusive attendance. Enter the jungles, explore and thrill to the natural wonders that make East Malaysia one of the most dynamic tourist destinations in the Asia Pacific region.