Find Malaysia

Tourism Board

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HEAD OFFICE
17th, 24th-27th & 30 th Floor
Menara Dato onn
Putra World Trade Centre,
45, Jalan Tun Ismail,
50480, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2935188
Fax: 03-2935884
URL: http//tourism.gov.my
E-mail: tourism@tourism.gov.my

REGIONAL OFFICES

NORTHERN REGION
10, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah,
10200 Penang,
Tel: 04-2619067, 2620066
Fax: 04-2623688
E-mail: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my

SOUTHERN REGION
Suite 5-2, Johor Tourist
Information Centre (JOTIC),
2, Jalan Ayer Molek,
80000 johor Bahru,
Tel: 07-2223591, 2240288
Fax: 07-2235502
E-mail: mtpbjhb@tourism.gov.my

EAST COAST REGION
5th floor
Menara Yayasan Islam Terengganu
Jalan Sultan Omar,
20300 Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-622 1433
Fax: 09-622 1893
E-Mail: mtpbkt@tourism.gov.my

SABAH OFFICE
Ground Floor,
Bangunan EON CMG Life,
No.1, Jalan Sagunting,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Tel: 088-248698, 242064, 211732
Fax: 088-241764
E-mail: mtpbbki@tourism.gov.my

SARAWAK OFFICE
2nd Floor, Bangunan Rugayah,
Jalan Song thian Cheok,
93100 Kuching,
Tel: 082-246575, 246775
Fax: 082-246442
E-mail: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

OVERSEAS OFFICES

AUSTRALIA – Sydney
65, York Street,
Sydney, NSW 2000,
AUSTRALIA.
Tel: 02-2994441/2/3
Fax: 02-2622026
E-mail: httan@tourism.gov.my

AUSTRALIA – Perth
56, William Street,
Perth, WA 6000,
AUSTRALIA.
Tel: 09-94810400
Fax: 09-93211421
E-mail: tourmal@omen.net.au

CANADA
830, Burrard Street,
Vancouver, B.C.,
CANADA V6Z 2K4,
Tel: 604-689 8899
Fax: 604-689 8804
E-mail: mtpb.vancouver@tourism.gov.my

FRANCE
Office National du
Tourisme de Malaisie,
29, Rue des Pyramides,
75001 Paris,
FRANCE.
Tel: 331-4297 4171
Fax: 331-4297 4169
E-mail: malaisie@club-internet.fr

GERMANY
Rossmarkt 11,
60311, frankfurt Am Main,
GERMANY.
Tel: 069-283 782/ 783
Fax: 069-133 79121
E-mail: mtpb.frankfurt@arcormail.de

HONG KONG
Ground Floor,
Malaysia Building,
No 47-50, Gloucester road,
HONG KONG,
Tel: 852-2528 5810/ 5811
Fax: 852-2865 4610
E-mail: mtpbhkg@netvigator.com

ITALY
Secondo Piano,
Piazza San Babila 4/B,
20122 Milano,
ITALY.
Tel: 02-796 702
Fax: 02-796 806
E-mail: mtpb.milan@tourism.gov.my

JAPAN-Osaka
10th floor, Cotton Nissay Building,
1-8-2, Utsubo-Honmachi
Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0004
JAPAN.
Tel: 06-6444-1220
Fax: 06-6444-1380
E-mail: mtpbosa@movenet.or.jp

JAPAN- Tokyo
5F Chiyoda Building,
1-6-4, Yurakucho,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006
JAPAN
Tel: 03-3501-8691
Fax: 03-3501-8692
VOICE FAX INFOSERV.
Tel: 03-3249 7210/ ACC CODE 4370#
E-mail: mtpb.tokyo@tourism.gov.my
URL: http://www.tourismmalaysia.ot.jp

SINGAPORE
10, Collyer Quay,
#01-06, Ocean Building,
SINGAPORE 049315
Tel: 65-532 6321/ 6351
Fax: 65-535 6650
E-mail: mtpb.singapore@tourism.gov.my

SOUTH AFRICA
1st Floor, Hutton Court,
Cnr. Of Jan Smuts Avenue & Summit Road,
Hyde Park 2196,
Johannesburg,
SOUTH AFRICA.
Tel: 011-327 0400/ 0401
Fax: 011-327 0205
E-mail: mtpb.johannesburg@tourism.gov.my

SOUTH KOREA
1st Floor, Han Young Building,
57-9, Seosomun-dong,
Chung-ku, Seoul,
SOUTH KOREA.
Tel: 02-779-4422/ 4251,
7794253 (DL)
Fax: 02-7794254
E-mail: mtpb@users.unitel.co.kr

SWEDEN
Klarabergsgatan 35, 2tr.,
11121 Stockholm. SWEDEN
Tel: 46-8-24 99 00
Fax: 46-8-24 23 24
E-mail: mtpb.stockholm@tourism.gov.my

TAIWAN
Suite C, 8th Floor, Hung Tai Centre,
170, Tun Hwa North Road, Taipei. TAIWAN
Tel: 02-2514-9704/ 9734
Fax: 02-2514-9973
E-mail: mtpbtpe@ms29.hinet.net

THAILAND
Unit 1001, Liberty Square,
287, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500, THAILAND
Tel: 02-631-1994/5/6
Fax: 02-631-1998

UNITED KINGDOM
57, trafalgar Square,
London WC2N 5DU,
UNITED KINGDOM.
Tel: 0171-930-7932
Fax: 0171-930-9015
E-mail: mtpb.london@tourism.gov.my

U.S.A. – Los Angeles
818, Suite 970,
West 7th Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90017-3432,U.S.A.
Tel: 213-689-9702
Ax: 213-689-1530
E-mail: malinfo@aol.com

U.S.A.- New York
120, East 56th Street,
Suite 810, New York, NY10022
USA
Tel: 212-754-1113/ 1114
Fax: 212-754-1116
E-mail: mtpb@aol.com
URL:http://www.visitmalaysia.com

Public Holiday

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2009)

New Year's day	1 Jan
Chinese New Year	14 Feb
Federal Territory Day(Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur & Labuan	1 Feb
Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad)	9 March (TBA)
Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha)	8 May
King's Birthday	6 Jun
Merdeka Day (National Day)	31 Ogos
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadhan)	21 Sept (TBA)
Deepavali (Except Labuan & Sarawak)	17 Oct (TBA)
Hari Raya Qurban	27-28 Nov (TBA)
Awal Muharram	18 Dec (TBA)
Christmas Day	25 Dec
Labour Day	1 Mei

TBA = To be Announced

MAJOR/ NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Malaysias celebrate many festivals throughout the year. During this celebrations, visitors to Malaysian home are offered festive cakes and delicacies.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
(determined by Muslim calender)
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is celebrated by Muslim after month-long Ramadan (Fasting month). For Muslims, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadhan, a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset , and the first of syawal, the tenth month Muslim calendar. usher in the festival with prayers in the mosques followed by receiving well-wishers in their home by visits to the graves of the departed. Many tourists will be invited to sample the warm Malaysian hospitality during this occasion.

Hari Raya Aidil Adha (determined by Muslim calender)
Hari Raya Aidil Adha (Hari Raya Haji) falls on tenth day of Zulhijjah, the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar, ususally two month after Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. The festival is celebrated by Hajis and Hajjahs (men and women, respectively, who have made a pilgrim to Mecca)

Awal Muharram (determined by Muslim calender)
Awal Muharram (or Maal Hijrah) is the beginning of the Islamic New Year. This day coincides with the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina in 622AD on the first of Muharram.

Prophet muhammad’s Birthday (determined by Muslim calender)
Prophet Muhammad’s was born on 12 Rabiulawal, the third month of the Muslim calender in 570AD. His Birthday is celebrated with religious lectures and recital of verses from the Koran.

Chinese New Year (January/ February)
Chinese New Year is a joyous time when friends and relatives give each other angpows – red packets with a gift of cash as a token of prosperity and celebrate with feast and lion dances to ward off evil spirits and usher in the lunar new year. Family reunion dinners are a must among Chinese on the eve of the new year.

Thaipusam (January/February- determined by Hindu calender)
A Hindu festival full of colour pageantry and throbbing excitement reminiscent of the Mardi Gras. It is an occasion for Hindu devotees to pay homage by piercing their bodies with sharp objects and carrying of ‘kavadis’ to Hindu temples. A Kavadi is either a metal or wooden arch with elaborate decorations, which is placed on devotee’s shoulder.

Vasakhi (April)
Vasakhi, celebrated by sikhs were baptised by Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh’s 10 guru. Sikhs celebrate by religious prayers and by partaking of a vegetarian lunch.

Wesak Day (May)
Celebrated by Buddhists. This day is the most important day in Buddhist calendar marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord buddha. Buddhist devotees will gather in temples throughout the country to release small birds and to offer prayers. Wesak is also an occasion to offer alms to monks.

Kaamatan Festival (May)
‘Kaamatan’ or Harvest Festival is celebrated by the Kadazans and Dusuns of Sabah to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Highlights include a beauty contest, cultural dances and rituals culminating in the thanksgiving ceremony performed by the ‘bobohizan’ or high priestess

Gawai Dayak (May/ June)
This ceremony celebrated by the Dayaks of sarawak, marks the end of the paddy-planting season. Join the harvest celebrations of the Ibans and Bidayuhs as they gather in their traditional long-houses for family reunions, games and feasting.Their gather traditional long-houses for family reunions

Festival of San Pedro (June)
Festival of San Pedro a delightful cultural event where the descendants of early Portuguese settlers celebrate the birthday of the patron saint of fisherman, St. Pedro. The fishing boats which are colourfully decorated for the festivals are blessed and prayers offered for a better season.

Flora Festival/ Parade (July)
Kuala Lumpur, the Garden City blooms even lovelier during this week. There will be flora hunts, flower sales, exhibitions of Malaysia’s diverse flora at public gardens, and hotel lobbies. Shopping complexes will also be attractively-displayed with floral arrangements. This week culminates in a spectacular international Floral Parade.

National Day (31 August)
The country celebrates it’s independence on 31 August with parades, exhibitions, stage shows and other cultural activities will be held. Towns and cities throughout Malaysia will be gaily decorated and adorned with lights for the grand occasion

Malaysia Fest (September)
For two weeks, all the major hotels and shopping complexes join forces to feature the culture, cuisine and handicraft of the various states in Malaysia.

The Moon Festivals (September)
Perayaan ini dirayakan oleh masyarakat Cina pada hari ke-15 of the eight lunar month. Keistimewaan utama pada bulan hari ini ditandakan dengan mooncake and lanters. It was on this night in ancient china that the Hans overthrew the Mongols. Night celebrations see the making of sacrificial on open-air and lantern parades by children.

Shopping Carnival (October)
Bargains galore at shopping establishments in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang during this annual two weeks shopping extravaganza.

Deepavali (October/ November)
Deepavali is also known as the Festival of lights. Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the forces of evil led by Nargansuran. During this festival, Hindu homes are emblazoned with lights to symbolize this triumph.

Christmas (25 December)
Christmas is celebrated by Christians similar to any other part of the world. Midnight services are held at churches on Christmas eve. Shopping centres, hotels, oldfolks homes and children’s home echo with beautiful carols. The revelry and yuletide spirit of Christmas is enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians.

Sports

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Sports and sporting events command a very large following among Malaysian of all ages. Soccer enjoys a tremendous popularity. Also popular are badminton, sepak takraw, tennis, golf, squash and motor racing. Sea sports such as wind-surfing and sailing are gaining popularity and traditional Malaysian pastimes such as sepak takraw, giant top spinning and kite flying are also pursued. Most hotels have their own well-equipped health clubs as well as swimming pools.

Newspaper & Magazines

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Newspapers and magazines come in all all languages according to the racial composition of the country. English, Malay, chinese, Tamil, Arabs and others are readily available . Foreign newspapers and magazines can be obtained from most bookstores and around the major centres in this country.

Souvenier

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WHAT AND WHERE TO BUY (Special things)

Pewterware
Exquisitely crafted pewter items include mugs, goblets, coffe sets, ashtrays, vases, figurines, clock, letter-opener and plaques. Leading names are Royal Selangor and Tumasek. They can be found at Hotel shopping arcades and shopping complexes.

Batik
Batik combines wax brushing, dyeing, drying and boiling the material that may be silk, cotton, rayon or satin. Batik items include hats, scarves, ties, handkerchiefs, purses, kraftan, shirts, wrap-around skirts, sundresses, tablecloths, handbags, purses and paintings. The quality of batik varies greatly. Good quality batik is sold at large handicraft centres.

Songket
Songket is Malaysian brocade that is intricately handwoven with silver or gold threads. Rich and heavilyembroidered, the cloth makes superb evening gowns. Buy the material untailored and have it made to measure, or buy songket items such as handbags.

Pottery
Sarawak pottery is ochre-coloured with bold geometric designs. Sayong pottery, from Perak, has the characteristic glossy black colour. There is even pottery, from Johor, which uses batik and gold thread for a distinctive look. Handicraft centres offer the best variety.

Gold
Gold is of high quality here, often 22K. items of traditional designs or avant garde are available. Jewellers are located at shopping complexes, hotels, duty free shops within the city centre.

Silk
Silk from Cendering, Terengganu is of international quality and makes a good buy. Best bought at a handicraft centre or a specialty shop.

Brassware
Brassware items generally come from the cottage industries in Terengganu. Items include candle stands, vases, ashtray and plaques. Best bought at handicraft centres.

Silverwork
Silverwork especially those from Kelantan, is exquisite. Items to buy are rose bowls, napkin holders, plaques and filigree jewellery. Handicraft centres are again the best choices to buy silverwork.

Woodcarvings
Woodcarvings, again, those from Kelantan or Terengganu, are of excellent workmanship. Wood figurines of the orang asli (aborigines) also make good buys. As these are bulky items, you can make arrangement with the stores to have them sent home. Shopping complexes stock a good range of such products.

Basketry
Mengkuang leaves (screw pine) woven into tablemats, hats, bags and bedroom slippers make attractive and functional items. They are also inexpensive. Mengkuang products can be found at handicraft centres.

Food items
Check out the supermarket, grocery stores or night bazaar (pasar malam) for locally-product items such as tea, pepper, prawn crackers and instant food preparations.

Religion

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Religion

Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and other religions are practised freely. Visitors will find mosques, churches, and temples sited next to each other. Most of the religious festivals are gazetted public holidays and celebrated nationwide regardless of race.

Language

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Bahasa Melayu is the national language but english is widely spoken. Bahasa Melayu and is compulsory in official correspondence particularly in the government sector. While, numerous varieties of Chinese and Indian dialects are spoken too besides the countries indigenous language.

Postal Services

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Post offices are opened daily from 8am to 5 pm and closed on Sunday and public holidays (for Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, closed on Friday and public holidays). The General post Office in Kuala Lumpur is opened from 8 am to 6 pm daily and from 10 am to 12:45 pm on Sundays. Other than the ordinary delivery services, there is courier service called the Expedited Mail Service called theExpedited Mail Service (EMS) or locally known as Poslaju. Most international hotels is provide postal services at the front desks.

Telecommunications

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Malaysia is served with the latest telecommunication services worldwide. Public phones are abundant, especially at strategic or crowded places in the cities, towns and rural areas. The telephones are operated by coins, cardphone or both . International calls can be made from phone booth with card phone facilities or at any Telecoms offices. In places such as airport, the office of the Immigration Department, International Direct dial (IDD) public phones are also provided. Most hotels are equipped with IDD service with a minimal service charge.

Customs formalities

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a. currency
Visitors entering Malaysia may bring in or take out any amount of currency

b. Dutiable and Non-Dutiable Goods
Some goods such as the following, imported by visitors are liable to duty: carpets, garments, clothing accessories, jewellery, chocolates, handbags, spirits, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and cigarettes. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refunable on departure. The goods are to be presented at the time of departure at the point of exit together with the deposite receipts. Non-dutiable goods include cameras, watches, pens, lighters, perfumeries and cosmetics.

c. Health Regulations
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all visitors coming from yellow fever infected areas or endemic zones except for children under 1 year of age.

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ENTRY FORMALITIES
(DRUGS TRAFFICKING OR ILLEGAL DRUGD CARRIES DEATH PENALTY)

Visitors must be in possession of national passports or other internationally recognized travel documents, endorsed for travelling in Malaysia and with a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia.
Visitors on social and business visit purposes are to be guided by the following visa requirements:

a. Visa Exemption
No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.

b. Three Months Visa Free Visit
Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, North Yemen, Oman, Qatar, South Korea, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, United States of America and United Arab Emirates are eligible for three months visa free visit.

c. One Month Vis Free Visit
Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries.

d. 14-Days Visa Free Visit
Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and South Yemen are eligible for 14-days visa free visit.
e. 7-Days Visa Free Visit
Applicable to citizens of Bulgaria, romania and Russia

As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before your departure.

Political System

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Malaysia is a multi-party system since the first direct election of the Federal Legislative Council of Malaya in 1955 on a first-past-the-post basis. The ruling party since then has always been the Alliance Party coalition and subsequently from 1973 onwards, its successor the National Front coalition. The National Front currently consists of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and 11 other political parties. Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. The federal head of state of Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commonly referred to as he King of Malaysia. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected to a five-year term among the nine hereditary Sultans of the Malay states; the other four states, which have titular Governors, do not participate in the selection.

The system of government in Malaysia is closely modeled on that of Westminster parliamentary system, a legacy of British colonial rule. In practice however, more power is vested in the executive branch of government than in the legislative, and the judiciary has been weakened by sustained attacks by the government during the Mahathir era. Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as the Barisan Nasional (formerly known as the Alliance).Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral parliament consists of the lower house, the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (literally the "Chamber of the People") and the upper house, the Senate or Dewan Negara (literally the "Chamber of the Nation"). The 222-member House of Representatives are elected from single-member constituencies that are drawn based on population for a maximum term of five years. All 70 Senators sit for three-year terms; 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, two representing the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, one each from federal territories of Labuan and Putrajaya, and 40 are appointed by the king. Besides the Parliament at the federal level, each state has a unicameral state legislative chamber (Malay: Dewan Undangan Negeri) whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years, with the last general election being in March 2008. Registered voters of age 21 and above may vote for the members of the House of Representatives and in most of the states, the state legislative chamber as well. Voting is not compulsory.
Executive power is vested in the cabinet led by the prime minister; the Malaysian constitution stipulates that the prime minister must be a member of the lower house of parliament who, in the opinion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commands a majority in parliament. The cabinet is chosen from among members of both houses of Parliament and is responsible to that body. State governments are led by Chief Ministers (Menteri Besar in Malay states or Ketua Menteri in states without hereditary rulers), who is a state assembly member from the majority party in the Dewan Undangan Negeri. In each of the states with a hereditary ruler, the Chief Minister is required to be a Malay Muslim, although this rule is subject to the rulers' discretion. The Constitution of Malaysia is codified and the system of government is based on the Westminster system. Although Malaysian politics has been relatively stable, critics allege that "the government, ruling party, and administration...are intertwined with few countervailing forces

Medical

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MEDICAL SERVICES

Medical services are available in most towns in the form of government-run hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at the pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels and shopping centres. Private clinics can be found in the shopping malls, shop houses, business complexes, nearby residential areas and others.

Capital City

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Kuala Lumpur locally often abbreviated as K.L., is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. The city proper, making up an area of 244 km2 (94 sq mi), has an estimated population of 1.6 million in 2006. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million. It is the fastest growing metropolitan region in the country, in terms of population as well as economy.

Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they have since moved to Putrajaya starting in 1999. Some sections of the judiciary remain in the capital. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. The city is also the cultural and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a primate city. Kuala Lumpur is rated as an alpha world city, and is the only global city in Malaysia, according to the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC).

Kuala Lumpur is defined within the borders of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and is one of three Malaysian Federal Territories. It is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Residents of the city are known as KLites.
Beginning in the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One World Championship.In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers.

History

Kuala Lumpur has its origins in the 1850s, when the Malay Chief of Klang, Raja Abdullah, hired some Chinese labourers to open new and larger tin mines. They landed at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang (Klang River) to open mines at Ampang. Sungai Gombak was previously known as Sungai Lumpur, which means muddy river. The Original name for this city was "Pengkalan Lumpur", which means bundle of mud. As time passes by the name changed to Kuala Lumpur which literally means “muddy confluence” in Bahasa Melayu. Later, tin mines were opened at Pudu and Batu. Among the early notable pioneers are Hiu Siew and Liu Ngim Kong.
These mines developed into a trading post which became to be considered a frontier town. Early Kuala Lumpur had many problems, including the Selangor Civil War; it was also plagued by diseases and constant fires and floods. Around the 1870s, the Chinese Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur, Yap Ah Loy, emerged as leader, and became responsible for the survival and subsequent systematic growth of this town. He began to develop Kuala Lumpur from a small unknown place into a mining town with economic boom. In 1880, the state capital of Selangor was moved from Klang to the more strategically advantageous Kuala Lumpur.
In 1881, a flood swept through the town following a fire which engulfed it earlier. These successive problems destroyed the town's structures of wood and atap (thatching). As a response, Frank Swettenham, the British Resident of Selangor, required that buildings be constructed of brick and tile. Many of the new brick buildings mirrored that of shop houses in southern China, with "five foot ways" as well as skilled Chinese carpentry. This resulted in a distinct eclectic shop house architecture typical to this region. A railway line increased accessibility into this town. Development intensified in the 1890s, leading to the creation of a Sanitary Board. In 1896, Kuala Lumpur was chosen as the capital of the newly formed Federated Malay States.

A mixture of different communities settled in various sections of Kuala Lumpur. The Chinese mainly settled around the commercial centre of Market Square, east of Klang River, and towards Chinatown. The Malays, Indian Chettiars, and Indian Muslims resided along Java Street (now Jalan Tun Perak). The Padang, now known as Merdeka Square, was the center of the British administrative offices.

During World War II, Kuala Lumpur was captured by the Japanese army on January 11, 1942. They remained in occupation until August 15, 1945, when the commander in chief of the Japanese Seventh Area Army in Singapore and Malaya, Seishirō Itagaki, surrendered to the British administration following the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Kuala Lumpur grew through the war, the rubber and tin commodity crashes and the Malayan Emergency, during which Malaya was preoccupied with the communist insurgency.[ In 1957, the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from British rule. Kuala Lumpur remained the capital through the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
On May 13, 1969, one of the worst race riots in Malaysia took place in Kuala Lumpur. The May 13 Incident was a riot between the Malays and the Chinese. The former being dissatisfied with their socio-political situation at the time. The riot resulted in the deaths of 196 people, and led to a major reform in the country's economic policy favouring the Malays.
Kuala Lumpur later achieved city status in 1972, becoming the first settlement in Malaysia to be granted the status after independence. Later, on February 1, 1974, Kuala Lumpur became a Federal Territory. Kuala Lumpur ceased to be the capital of Selangor in 1978 after the city of Shah Alam was declared as the new state capital.

On 14 May 1990, Kuala Lumpur was celebrated 100 years of local authority. The new federal territory of Kuala Lumpur flag and anthem were introduced.
In 1998, another political movement known as Reformasi took place mainly in this city.The movement was a result of the sacking of former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and resulted in a chain of protests until 1999, where supporters of Anwar Ibrahim took to the streets to demand reforms in the government's administration, among others.
On February 1, 2001, Putrajaya was declared a Federal Territory, as well as the seat of the federal government. The administrative and judicial functions of the government were shifted from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya. Kuala Lumpur however still retained its legislative function, and remained the home of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King).
Geography

Malaysia State & City

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The nine Malay States have a hereditary Ruler as titular Head of state and an executive Chief Minister or Menteri Besar as politically responsible Head of government. The rulers of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu are styled Sultans (typically Islamic). Only Negeri Sembilan's elective ruler holds the rare, autochthonous Malay title of Yang di-Pertuan Besar, whereas only the Ruler of Perlis is titled Raja. The Federal King (titled Yang di-Pertuan Agong) is elected (de facto rotated) among the nine rulers to serve a 5-year term. Former British settlements and crown colonies of Penang and Malacca (both peninsular) and Sabah and Sarawak (both on Borneo) each have a federally appointed titular Governor (styled Yang di-Pertua Negeri) and an executive Chief Minister or Ketua Menteri. Each state has a unicameral legislature called Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN, State Assembly). Members of DUN are elected from single-member constituencies drawn based on the population. The state leader of the majority party in DUN is usually appointed Chief Minister by the Ruler or Governor. The term of DUN members is five years unless the assembly is dissolved earlier by the Ruler or Governor on the advise of the Chief Minister. Usually, DUN of the states in Peninsular Malaysia are dissolved in conjunction with the dissolution of the federal parliament, in order to have state elections running concurrently with the parliamentary election. However, Rulers and Governors hold discretionary powers in dissolving the DUN. Each state sends two representatives to the Dewan Negara (Senate), the upper house of the federal parliament. As Malaysia is a federation, the governance of the country is divided between the federal and the state governments. The specific responsibilities of the federal and the state governments are listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of Malaysia. Theoretically, any matter not set out in the Ninth Schedule can be legislated on by the individual states. However, legal scholars generally view this as a "pauper's bequest" because of the large scope of the matters listed in the Ninth Schedule. The courts themselves have generally favoured a broad interpretation of the language of the Ninth Schedule, thus limiting the number of possible subjects not covered. The Ninth Schedule specifically lists the following matters as those that can only be legislated on by the states: land tenure, the Islamic religion, and local government. Sabah and Sarawak have additional powers as part of the terms when they joined Malaysia, such as immigration controls.
The Parliament of Malaysia is permitted to legislate on issues of land, Islamic religion and local government in order to provide for a uniform law between different states, or on the request of the state assembly concerned. The law in question must also be passed by the state assembly as well, except in the case of certain land law-related subjects. Non-Islamic issues that fall under the purview of the state may also be legislated on at the federal level for the purpose of conforming with Malaysian treaty obligations.
Malaysia is made up of 13 states with two federal territories. The list of the varions states and their capitals including the territories :

State	Known as	Capitals
Perlis	Land of Rustic Beauty	Kangar
Kedah	Land With a Rich Heritage	Alor Setar
Penang	The Pearl of the Orient	Georgetown
Perak	The Land of Grace	Ipoh
Selangor	The Heartland of the Nation	Shah Alam
Negeri Sembilan	Land of Minangkabau Tadition	Seremban
Malacca	Where It All Began	Melaka
Johor	The Southern Gateway	Johor Bahru
Pahang	Where Adventure Beckons	Kuantan
Terengganu	Land of Long Sandy Beaches and Turtles	Kuala Terengganu
Kelantan	The Cultural Capital	Kopta Bharu
Sabah	The Land Below the Wind	Kota KInabalu
Sarawak	The Hidden Paradise of Borneo	Kuching
Federal Territory	The Garden City of Light	Kuala Lumpur
Labuan (Federal Territory)	Malaysia's Pearl of the South China Sea	Labuan

Malaysia Currency

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The currency used in the country is the Ringgit Malaysia (RM). RM 1 is made up of 100 cents.. Notes are denominations of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. Coin denominations are 50, 20, 10, 5 and

I cents. All Major credit cards are accepted. Licensed foreign money changers are available in all urban centres, key entry or exit points and shopping complexes. Traveller’s cheque can be exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit at commercial banks, hotels and authorised money changers. All major hotels are only licensed to buy, but not sell, foreign currencies in the form of notes and traveller’s cheque.

The exchange rate for the Malaysian Ringgit for all currency

Malaysia Transportation

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Malaysia is served by an excellent transport system. Once you are in the country there is always transport available to you to even remote areas. Traveling by road in peninsula Malaysia is popular as it has well- developed network of roads. Once you are in the country there is always transport available to you to even remote areas. There are various options available as to how you might wish to get to a destination. Generally it depends convenience and affordability and what’ s the best way to see the sights as you travel. In Sabah and Sarawak, traveling by four-wheel drive is recommended on unpaved roads, and many remote areas can only be reached by air or river-boats. Traveling by rail is also highly recommended as you get to see the countryside. Naturally the main transportation hub is from its capital, Kuala Lumpur

Road

Driving is an interesting mode of seeing the country. An overland journey to Malaysia Thailand and Singapore be made easily driving through the North-South Expressway on the West coast and East-West highway to the East Coast. Car rental services are easily available. Buses, taxis and coaches, both interstate and local ply between various destinations. To drive on Malaysian road, you require a Malaysian Competent Driviong Licence, Probationary Driving Licence or an International driving Licence. To use a foreign licence, get it endorsed by the Road Transport Department. All vehicles move on the left-hand side of the road and that the use of safety belts by front pasengers is mandatory. Buses are an inexpensive way to travel in Malaysia. Most, if not all buses in Kuala Lumpur (KL) are air-conditioned but there are still non-air-conditioned buses in smaller towns around the country. Buses plying routes within towns and cities typically charge fares according to the distance covered while interstate buses have fixed rates.
Taxis in major cities are usually fitted with meters. In KL, the rate is currently RM2 for the first two kilometres and 10 sen for every subsequent 200 metres. However, a surcharge of 50% will be levied between midnight and 6am. Interstate and smaller town taxis charge a fixed rate and it’s best to settle on a price before getting into the taxi.

Air

Getting to Malaysia is easy with over 40 airlines, including Malaysia’s own carrier, Malaysia Airlines. All flights arrive and depart at the new state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) located at Sepang, about 50 km or an hour's drive south of Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital. From KLIA, visitors can take connecting flights to most major cities and towns in Malaysia as well as to Sabah and Sarawak. The airport is well equipped with the latest facilities and services to cater passengers either arriving into the country or on a transit to other destinations. Meanwhile, the old international airport, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, about 45 minutes by road west of Kuala Lumpur, caters only domestic air services.
The national carrier, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), currently flies to more than a hundred destinations worldwide. There is also a small but growing number of domestic airlines serving popular tourist destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Pangkor, Taman Negara, Kuantan, Ipoh, Penang, Malacca and Langkawi. These airlines are Air Asia, Transmile Air and Berjaya Air. Malaysia has six international airports are at Sepang in Selangor, Penang Island, Langkawi Island, Kota Kinabalu and Tawau in sabah, and Kuching in Sarawak.Malaysia is served by more than 35 airlines including Malaysia Airlines which services 94 international routes around the globe. in addition to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), a number of other airlines including Pelangi Air, Berjaya air and Mofaz Air also provide regular domestic flights to the many tourists destinations and cities within the country.
Please Check for more information:

Malaysia Airline System (MAS)
Air Asia

Rail

It is possible to travel by rail within and to Peninsular Malaysia via Thailand and from Singapore. Malayan Railways or Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) connects all major towns in the Peninsular. First, Second or Economy Class air-conditioned coaches are available.
The northbound Ekspres Langkawi departs nightly from Kuala Lumpur to Arau in Kedah. Arriving in the morning, it then proceeds to Hatyai, Thailand before returning back to Arau in the evening. Senandung Malam is a KL-Butterworth-KL and KL-Singapore-KL sectional nightly service. Sleeping berths are provided in the first and second class coaches. All express services have a restaurant coach serving local and continental cuisine. Tickets may be purchased 60 days in advance from the date of travel. Children aged from four to twelve are charged half the adult fare whilst those below four travel free. Available to foreign tourists is the 30-day or 10-day Tourist Railpass which provides unlimited travel on KTM during that period.

Sea

There are several ports of entry in Malaysia, namely Penang, Port Klang, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Coastal ferries sail frequently between Penang and Butterworth, carrying both passengers as well as vehicles from the mainland to the island. Apart from that, there are many ferry/ boat services available for mainland-to-island and island-to-island travel around the country. Fast boats and small river crafts are a popular way of getting about in Sabah and Sarawak especially to the more isolated settlements.
There are also sea cruises and river-cruises run by local tour agents. For sea travel within the country there are services available from Port Klang (Selangor) to Kuantan (Pahang) and to Sabah or Sarawak. Besides that, there are also holiday cruises that take passengers to neighbouring countries.

MAJOR/ NATIONAL FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

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Malaysia Health

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Health
Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travellers should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations before travelling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever, which has no vaccination or immunisation. There has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there is an all-year risk. Visitors should stick to bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. A further health hazard in Malaysia is smoke haze and air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has the worst air quality in Asia with very high Benzene pollution levels. This could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. The hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical insurance is recommended. Travellers older than one year coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Malaria
General considerations:
Malaria is a common and life-threatening disease in many tropical and subtropical areas. It is currently endemic in over 100 countries, which are visited by more than 125 million nternational travellers every year. Each year many international travellers fall ill with malaria while visiting countries where the disease is endemic, and well over 10,000 fall ill after returning home. Fever occurring in a traveller within three months of leaving a malaria-endemic area is a medical mergency and should be investigated urgently.

Cause:
Human malaria is caused by four different species of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae.

Transmission:
The malaria parasite is transmitted by various species of Anopheles mosquitoes, which bite mainly between sunset and sunrise.

Nature of the disease:
Malaria is an acute febrile illness with an incubation period of 7 days or longer. Thus, a febrile illness developing less than one week after the first possible exposure is not malaria. The most severe form is caused by P. falciparum, in which variable clinical features include fever, chills, headache, muscular aching and weakness, vomiting, cough, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; other symptoms related to organ failure may supervene, such as: acute renal failure, generalized convulsions, circulatory collapse, followed by coma and death. It is estimated that about 1% of patients with P. falciparum infection die of the disease. The initial symptoms, which may be mild, may not be easy to recognize as being due to malaria. It is important that the possibility of falciparum malaria is considered in all cases of unexplained fever starting at any time between the seventh day of first possible exposure to malaria and three months (or, rarely, later) after the last possible exposure, and any individual who experiences a fever in this interval should immediately seek diagnosis and effective treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be life-saving. Falciparum malaria may be fatal if treatment is delayed beyond 24 hours. A blood sample should be examined for malaria parasites. If no parasites are found in the first blood film but symptoms persist, a series of blood samples should be taken and examined at 6-12-hour intervals. Pregnant women, young children and elderly travellers are particularly at risk. Malaria in pregnant travellers increases the risk of maternal death, miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death. The forms of malaria caused by other Plasmodium species are less severe and rarely life-threatening. Prevention and treatment of falciparum malaria are becoming more difficult because P. falciparum is increasingly resistant to various antimalarial drugs. Of the other malaria species, drug resistance has to date been reported for P. vivax, mainly from Indonesia (Irian Jaya) and Papua New Guinea, with more sporadic cases reported from Guyana. P. vivax with declining sensitivity has been reported for Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. P. malariae resistant to chloroquine has been reported from Indonesia.

Geographical distribution:
The risk for travellers of contracting malaria is highly variable from country to country and even between areas in a country. In many endemic countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Mediterranean region, the main urban areas, but not necessarily the outskirts of towns, are free of malaria transmission. However, malaria can occur in main urban areas in Africa and India. There is usually less risk of the disease at altitudes above 1,500 metres, but in favourable climatic conditions it can occur at altitudes up to almost 3,000 metres. The risk of infection may also vary according to the season, being highest at the end of the rainy season. There is no risk of malaria in many tourist destinations in South-East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Hepatitis B
Cause:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), belonging to the Hepadnaviridae.

Transmission:
Hepatitis B is transmitted from person to person by contact with infected body fluids. Sexual contact is an important mode of transmission, but infection is also transmitted by transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products, or by use of contaminated needles or syringes for injections. There is also a potential risk of Hepatitis B transmission through other skin-penetrating procedures including acupuncture, piercing and tattooing. Perinatal transmission may occur from mother to baby. There is no insect vector or animal reservoir.

Nature of the disease:
Many HBV infections are asymptomatic (e.g. causes no symptoms) or cause mild symptoms, which are often unrecognised in adults. When clinical hepatitis results from infection, it has a gradual onset, with anorexia, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia and rash, followed by the development of jaundice in some cases. In adults, about 1% of cases are fatal. Chronic HBV infection persists in a proportion of adults, some of whom later develop cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.

Geographical distribution:
Worldwide, but with differing levels of endemicity. In north America, Australia, northern and western Europe and New Zealand, prevalence of chronic HBV infection is relatively low (less than 2% of the general population)

Risk for travellers:
Negligible for those vaccinated against hepatitis B. Unvaccinated travellers are at risk if they have unprotected sex or use contaminated needles or syringes for injection, acupuncture, piercing or tattooing. An accident or medical emergency requiring blood transfusion may result in infection if the blood has not been screened for HBV. Travellers engaged in humanitarian relief activities may be exposed to infected blood or other body fluids in health care settings.

Prophylaxis (protective treatment):
Vaccination.

Precautions:
Adopt safe sexual practices and avoid the use of any potentially contaminated instruments for injection or other skin-piercing activity. Source: WHO.

Yellow fever
Cause:
The yellow fever virus, an arbovirus of the Flavivirus genus.

Transmission:
Yellow fever in urban and some rural areas is transmitted by the bite of infective Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and by other mosquitoes in the forests of south America. The mosquitoes bite during daylight hours. Transmission occurs at altitudes up to 2,500 metres. Yellow fever virus infects humans and monkeys. In jungle and forest areas, monkeys are the main reservoir of infection, with transmission from monkey to monkey carried out by mosquitoes. The infective mosquitoes may bite humans who enter the forest area, usually causing sporadic cases or small outbreaks. In urban areas, monkeys are not involved and infection is transmitted among humans by mosquitoes. Introduction of infection into densely populated urban areas can lead to large epidemics of yellow fever. In Africa, an intermediate pattern of transmission is common in humid savannah regions. Mosquitoes infect both monkeys and humans, causing localized outbreaks.

Nature of the disease:
Although some infections are asymptomatic, most lead to an acute illness characterized by two phases. Initially, there is fever, muscular pain, headache, chills, anorexia, nausea and/or vomiting, often with bradycardia. About 15% of patients progress to a second phase after a few days, with resurgence of fever, development of jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and haemorrhagic manifestations; half of these patients die 10-14 days after onset of illness.

Geographical distribution:
The yellow fever virus is endemic in some tropical areas of Africa and central and south America. The number of epidemics has increased since the early 1980s. Other countries are considered to be at risk of introduction of yellow fever due to the presence of the vector and suitable primate hosts (including Asia, where yellow fever has never been reported).

Risk for travellers:
Travellers are at risk in all areas where yellow fever is endemic. The risk is greatest for visitors who enter forest and jungle areas.

Prophylaxis (protective treatment):
Vaccination. In some countries, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for visitors.

Precautions:
Avoid mosquito bites during the day as well as at night.

Endemic Countries:
The World Health Organization considers the following countries to be endemic for yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkino Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Venezuela. Source: WHO.

Hepatitis A
Cause:
Hepatitis A virus, a member of the picornavirus family.

Transmission:
The virus is acquired directly from infected persons by the faecal-oral route or by close contact, or by consumption of contaminated food or drinking water. There is no insect vector or animal reservoir (although some non-human primates are sometimes infected).

Nature of the disease:
An acute viral hepatitis with abrupt onset of fever, malaise, nausea and abdominal discomfort, followed by the development of jaundice a few days later. Infection in very young children is usually mild or asymptomatic (e.g. causes no symptoms); older children are at risk of symptomatic disease. The disease is more severe in adults, with illness lasting several weeks and recovery taking several months; case-fatality is greater than 2% for those over 40 years of age and 4% for those over 60.

Geographical distribution:
Worldwide, but most common where sanitary conditions are poor and the safety of drinking water is not well controlled.

Risk for travellers:
Non-immune travellers to developing countries are at significant risk of infection. The risk is particularly high for travellers exposed to poor conditions of hygiene, sanitation and drinking water control.
Prophylaxis (protective treatment):
Vaccination.

Precautions:
Travellers who are non-immune to hepatitis A (i.e. have never had the disease and have not been vaccinated) should take particular care to avoid potentially contaminated food and water.

Dengue Fever
Cause:
The dengue virus - a flavivirus of which there are four serotypes.

Transmission:
Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites during daylight hours. There is no direct person-to-person transmission. Monkeys act as a reservoir host in south-east Asia and west Africa.

Nature of the disease:
Dengue occurs in three main clinical forms: Dengue fever is an acute febrile illness with sudden onset of fever, followed by development of generalized symptoms and sometimes a macular skin rash. It is known as "breakbone fever" because of severe muscular pains. The fever may be biphasic (i.e. two separate episodes or waves of fever). Most patients recover after a few days; Dengue haemorrhagic fever has an acute onset of fever followed by other symptoms resulting from thrombocytopenia, increased vascular permeability and haemorrhagic manifestations; Dengue shock syndrome supervenes in a small proportion of cases. Severe hypotension develops, requiring urgent medical treatment to correct hypovolaemia. Without appropriate treatment, 40-50% of cases are fatal; with timely therapy, the mortality rate is 1% or less.

Geographical distribution:
Dengue fever is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of central and south America and south and south-east Asia and also occurs in Africa; in these regions, dengue is limited to altitudes below 600 metres (2,000 feet).

Risk for travellers:
There is a significant risk for travellers in areas where dengue fever is endemic and in areas affected by epidemics of dengue.

Prophylaxis (protective treatment):
None.

Precautions:
Travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites both during the day and at night in areas where dengue occurs.

Selangor State

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History
Selangor's history dates back to as early as the 1600s when tin deposit were found in several areas in the state, thus attracting an influx of miners, immingrants and colonists in search of "new lands". The small village of Kampung Permatang in Kuala Selangor was the spot where the Bugis first landed and established the Selangor Sultanate in early 17th century. By the middle of the 18th century, the Bugis dominated the state economically and politically. The late 18th century was marked by wars among the Bugis, Malay and Chinese tin barons over the monopoly of mining areas and the power play of the faction groups. To control the situation, the sultan was forced to accept the appointment af a British Resident in 1874 and indirectly, giving the British a foothold in the state,s administration . After a few years of unrest, the year 1896 saw Selangor joined the federated Malay States under the control of the British administration. In 1957 Selangor became one of the states of the Federation of Malaya which later changed the name to Malaysia.

Physical Geography
Selangor terletak bersebelahan dengan negeri Perak, Pahang dan Negeri Sembilan. Selangor mempunyai keluasan sebanyak 7956 sq. Km. Selangor mempunyai penduduk yang agak ramai iaitu seramai 2.29 million. Lazimnya suhu di Selangor di antara 21 ºC hingga 32ºC.

Places to Eat/ Food
One of the best thing that Selangor has to offer the visitor is her wide range of food, and Selangor's restaurants and hawker stalls are the best and most varied; a reflection of multi-ethnic synergy. The distinctively spicy Malay food, such as nasi lemak, rendang, curry and the many palm sugar and coconut-based desserts such as cendol, shaved ice (ABC) delight to even the most jaded palate. These delicacies can be savoured at the Rasa Utara Restaurant, Subang Jaya and the Hartine Restaurant, Shah Alam. For a popourri of Malaysian cuisine, try the Lakeview Floating Restaurant, Shah Alam, and the Food Court Centre at Subang Parade, Subang Jaya. Visitors will be feasted by the endless variety of Chinese dishes, stir-fried noodle, dim sum and roost duck at the Foong Chek Yuen Restaurant, Klang, Hong Kong Kitchen Restaurant, Petaling Jaya and the Eden Restaurant, Subang Airport. For Indian cuisine, it ranges from northern Indian to southern Indian, and from fully vegetarian to fish curries and chicken tandoori. Visitors can try a luscious Indian cuisine at the Devi Restaurant at Subang Jaya or the Shiraz Restaurant, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya.

Culture Heritage
Penduduk di Selangor terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum iaitu seperti kaum Melayu, China dan India. Kepelbagaian kaum ini sudah pasti akan menghasil budaya yang pelbagai dan unik. Kebudayaan ini meliputi dari segi tarian tradisional, permainan tradisional, pakaian tradisional, alat muzik tradisional dan lain-lain lagi yang mengambarkan cara hidup sesuatu masyarakat.

Places Of Interest

State Mosque
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is one of the most beautiful building in the country. Frequently referred to as the "Blue Mosque" its minarets are the tallest in the world at 142.3 metres. Its graceful blue dome is one of the largest of its kind. Decorative Islamic calligraphy enhances the dome and main prayer hall, while the overall architecture integrates ethnic Malay design elements.

Shah Alam Gallery
Situated at the Shah Alam Lake Gardens, the Shah Alam Gallery exhibits a wide collection of art, local handicraft and fabrics for viewing and sale.

Sultan Alam Shah Museum
This blue-roofed State Museum in traditional Selangor architecture houses some of the finest displays in the country, providing visitors with an eye-opening look at the history, culture and heritage of Selangor.

State Monument
Located adjacent to the State Secretariat Building is the serene and lovely State Monument with a sweeping arch, reflecting pools and gold inscriptions on grey granite . it is a favourite location for shutterbugs and tourist because of its picturesque setting.

Shah Alam Sport Complex
Awarded the 1996 Best Sport Alam Sport Complex features one of the largest and most dynamic sports and entertaiment complex in south East Asia. State of the art facilities and a professional management team ensures that all event held here will be successful. SASC comprises the 70,000 seats Shah Alam stadium,an adjacent warm-up track and training field , a 12,000 capacity air-conditional indoor stadium, and an Olypic standard swimming and diving centre.

Shah Alam Lake Gardens
Site of many annual events, the Shah Alam Lake that graces the city centre is surrounded by landscaped gardens. A culture centre called Laman Budaya, the Wet World Water Park and the Shah Alam Gallery are within this area. Picnic and children's playground areas dot the well-kept parkland.

Kota Darul Ehsan
Erected to mark the sacrifice by the Sultan of Selangor in ceding Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government, this magnificent arch incorporates exquisite Moorish architecture with traditional Malay elements. Flanked by ancient Selangor cannons, Kota Darul Ehsan straddles the Federal Highways as it crosses the state border with Kuala Lumpur.

Orang Asli Museum
Situated at km 24, Jalan Gombak, visitors can have an insightful glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of Selangor's "Original People" or orang asli, that is fast disappearing with development and modernisation. It has a vast collection of tribal heritage such as blowpipes, spears, porcelain and ancestral figurines.

Batu Caves
Located 15 km north of Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves is the most popular tourist destination in Selangor. It consists of the three big caves and the main temple cave, which features ornate. Hindu shrines and has a ceiling loomin over 100 metres overhead. To reach it one has to climb s steep flight of 272 steps, a feat performed by as many as 100,000 devotees during the annual Thaipusam festival.

National Zoo
The National Zoo in Hulu Klang has a fascinating animal collection from all over the world, as well as an impressive aquarium and aviary. It is considered one of the most interesting zoos in South East Asia, with large grounds for picnic, enormous lake for 'swan boating' and train rides around the zoo.

Carey Island
Located just off the mainland, Carey Island is well-known for the orang asli community known as the Mah Meri. They have assimilated into life with jobs in the nearby plantations and farms. However, they have retained the unique culture and way of life. Apart from exhibitions of the traditional dances and music, Mah Meri are particularly known for their votive sculptures, fashioned from a kind of a swamp hardwood called "nyirih batu".

Historic Jugra
Once the seat of ancient kings, the placid town of Jugra has several fascinating historic buildings. The intriguing Istana Bandar ( Bandar Palace), built in 1905, features exquisite woodcarvings by the late Sultan Alauddin, reminiscent of the previous century. The Sultan Alauddin Mosque, next to Istana Bandar, was erected in 1932, but its classical Mosque, next to Istana Bandar, was erected in 1932, but its classical Moorish architecture has given it timeless, mystical look. The Royal Mausoleum, the Jugra Lighthouse and the ruins of the legend shrouded Istana Jugra are also well worth a visit.

Bukit Malawati, Kuala Selangor
This landscaped hill of

Terengganu State

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Transportation
Visitor will find most places in Terengganu easily accessible. There is a host of transportation modes that one can choose from, when travelling to and within Terengganu by air, road, buses and coaches, taxi.

Air
Malaysia Airlines and Pelangi Air operate daily services from Kuala Lumpur to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu. From Kerteh Airport, flights to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Pulau Tioman are available.

Road
Regular express buses operate daily from Kuala Lumpur and other major towns. Terengganu internal bus services operate from Kuala Terengganu to various small towns in the state. The main bus station is located at Jalan Masjid Abidin, Kuala Terengganu. Taxis are also available throughout the state and they serve all major towns in Peninsular Malaysia.

Places to Eat / Food
Terengganu cuisine is distinctively memorable for its fresh ingredients, inimitable spices and unique flavours. There are many good restaurants in Kuala Terengganu serving Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes. Western cuisine can be found at larger hotels and restaurants in many towns. Nasi Dagang is glutinous rice, white or pinkish, cooked in coconut milk and served with fish curry, cucumber, pickle and coconut sambal. More recent accompanying items include chicken and seafood cooked in curry.

Cultural Heritage
Terengganu cultural heritage is stored. Here, by arrangement tourists can see all types of cultural performances such as the Seni silat, traditional dances and wide selection of indigenous Malay games.

Places of Interest

Terengganu State Museum Complex
The Terengganu State Museum Complex consists of a main museum, a maritime museum, a fisheries museum, 4 traditional houses and botanic and herbs gardens. The main museum is built on 16 stilts, in accordance with the traditional architecture
of Terengganu. Its 4 block are adjoined, to represent a big family. There are 10 galleries showcasing textiles, crafts, historical, royal, nature, art, petroleum, Islamic, new generation and contemporary arts.

Sutera Semai Centre
Approximately 6 km south of Kuala Terengganu is Sutera Semai Centre at Chendering. It is Malaysia's pioneer silk weaving centre, where visitors can witness the painting of batik designs onto the fabrics, resulting in beautiful batik shirts, kaftans, scarves, handkerchiefs, etc.

Batik painting is an exquisite and delicate art which requires skill, patience and meticulousness. In batik painting brightly coloured floral motifs are painted in stages onto dyed cloths. Songket , a piece of dyed silk material weaved with gold and silver threads, is the clothing for royalties, and Malay brides and grooms at their weddings. It is also often worn during special ceremonies and occasions such as on Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. There are many Batik and Songket Centres in and around Kuala Terengganu which produce and sell batik and songket.

Istana Maziah
Istana Maziah is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. It was built in1897 to replace the Istana Hijau which was burned down during world war II. Located next to Bukit Puteri, it is the venue for royal birthdays, wedding, conferment of titles and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries. A product of the blend between splendid modern and traditional architecture, it is also well-known as one of Malaysia's cultural attractions.

The Central Market
The Central Market, or locally known as Pasar Payang which is located by the Terengganu River is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Housed in a modern building complete with a shopping arcade and a car park, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, other fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and 'keropok lekor' which is a special local delicacy made from a mixture of fish and sago. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping in local fares at reasonable prices.

Desa Craft
Desa Craft, formerly known as Usaha Desa, is an interesting handicraft centre which showcases songket, brassware, batik, souvenir items and also fashion wear of current batik designs. This centre was developed by the Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation as part of its effort to promote Kuala Terengganu a popular tourist destination.

Handicraft Centre
Chendering, located approximately 6 km from Kuala Terengganu, is the site of the Malaysian Handicraft Centre. The centre offers visitors a wide variety of Malaysian handicraft and also an in sight into handicraft making. Some of the exquisite items which can be found here are songket, batik, vases, and mats, hats, wallets and bags made from pandanus leaves. Visitors will also get a chance to witness first hand the skills of local artisans in songket weaving, batik painting, basket weaving, etc.

Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah
The Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah, located outside Kuala Terengganu is just 4.5 km away. This is no ordinary mosque but one that is unique and said to be the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Combining modern and traditional architectural designs, the mosque creates an illusion of itself as floating on water.

Marang Fishing Villages
A very picturesque fishing village, Marang welcomes her visitors with tall swaying coconut trees, cool fresh air, an incredibly beautiful lagoon and a fleet of fishing trawlers. Any visitor to Marang will be easily captivated by its natural beauty and simplistic ambience.

Chendering Fishing Villages
Besides being considered as the centre for handicraft and traditional textiles in Terengganu, Chendering is also the site for a national deep sea fishing project. Located 6 km south of Kuala Terengganu, Chendering has a long jetty which makes it an excellent site for fishing.

Kijal Fishing Villages
Kijal is a small, quiet and quaint fishing village located north of the Kemaman town. For those who want some peace and solitude, head out for Kijal where you can just laze around while watching fishing fleets returning with the day's catch, fishermen mending their nets or attending to their boats, or just let the cool and invigorating air caress you to a state of tranquility.

Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu
Visitors to the Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu wand rest areas.

LA Hot Springs
There is a hot spring in Besut which is known as the LA Hot Springs with its water temperature ranging from 45-49 degrees celcius. The water contains natural sulphur, which is said to have healing properties. Visitors flock to this spring especially those who are afflicted with skin ailments.

Lata Seru
Lata Seru is located 15 km from Kerteh. It has a beautiful waterfall set in tropical rainforest. The journey to this waterfall comprises an 8 km drive to Kampung Cabang and a 7 km jungle hike from Kampung Cabang to the waterfall.

Hulu Sungai Ibok Waterfall
The Hulu Sungai Ibok Waterfall, 18 km away from Kampung Air Jerneh is a small fall with deep pools. The journey is best undertaken with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Bukit Belatan Waterfall
The waterfall is located 19 km from Jerteh. The waterfall offers delightful scenery of water falling over a series of immense rock shelves into a pool bordered by rock-walls.

Islands

Pulau Redang
Located 50 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is one of the most beautiful and exotic islands in Malaysia. Far from the hustle and bustle of a big town or city, Pulau Redang offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colourful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing boating and canoeing. It takes about 2 hours by boat from the village of Merang. However, visitors have to abide by the Fisheries Act 1985, as Pulau Redang is one of the few marine parks in Malaysia. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island, and the collection of coral and aquatic life is prohibited.

Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian, situated 21 km off the coast of Terengganu, consists of two islands Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. A trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing. Surrounded by a virgin jungle,
swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters, and a colourful coral garden, Pulau Perhentian is renowned as one of Malaysia's marine paradise and part of the national marine park. Therefore, the same code applies here, as in Pulau Redang. The journey to this spectacular island takes about one and a half hours by boat from Kuala Besut.

Pulau Kapas
Pulau Kapas is an island renowned for its pure emerald water, white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, caves with swallows' nests, dazzling marine life and superb coral formation. Long kept a secret by lovers of the underwater world, this island offers many secluded areas, which are unspoiled and quiet. There are many activities, which can be undertaken here. Pulau Kapas is a haven for swimming, snorkelling, wind surfing, kayaking, boating or just lazing around. It is only 6 km or a 30 minutes boat ride from Marang.

Pulau Duyung
Pulau Duyung is the most well-known boat building ground in Terengganu. There, you can see boats being made by skilled boat builders who implement skills which have been passed down from generation to generation. Boat building is an art form therefore the boat builders are unique, for they work entirely from their memory and experience and without any set plans. Pulau Duyung is also renowned for its dried and salted fish, and fish crackers industries. It is easily accessible by the Sultan Mahmud Bridge, or for those who enjoy using sea transportation, take a boat from the Kuala Terengganu waterfront.

Beaches

Rantau Abang
Another place that should be on every visitor's itinerary is Rantau Abang, 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu. There, visitors lay in wait quietly from midnight to dawn to watch giant leatherback turtles laying eggs. The turtles lumbering slowly on the white sandy beaches to lay eggs are a memorable sight. These giant turtles, up to 2.5 m in length and sometimes weighing more than 375 kg are indeed a phenomenal sight to behold. Rantau Abang is one of only six places in the world visited by these turtles, from the months of May to September.

Gently sloping sands and fairly shallow, sparkling water give Pindaric the ideal ambience and make it the perfect setting for sunbathers and fun seekers who want a quiet, serene vacation spot to while away the hours in uninterrupted bliss.

Bukit Keluang
Approximately 140 km north of Kuala Terengganu and a few km from Besut, lays Bukit Keluang. The view in this area is one of the most breathtaking and magnificent in Malaysia. It is also an ideal site for swimming, snorkelling and wind surfing. Its distinctive features are caves, which are easily reached by walkways.

Try to conjure up an image of a very peaceful village with beautiful wooden houses, innocent looking children playing games such as hopscotch or marbles, cows grazing in the field, swaying coconut trees, fresh cool breeze and a spectacular curve of white, sandy beach. This description describes Merang to a tee.

Tanjung Jara Beach Resort
Tanjung Jara is located 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu. This enchanting beach resort is specially architecture and designed after an old Malay Palace. Visitors can go for sea-sports, turtle watching and an exciting organised River Safari on the Sungai Dungun.

Agrotourism

Setiu Agro Resort
Seven km from Bandar Permaisuri is the popular Setiu Agro Resort, which has been conceived with the noble agrotourism concept in mind. This is the state government's effort to preserve the environment and at the same time offer healthy recreational activities while providing camping facilities and basic amenities for visitors. The park is a natural laboratory
for the study of nature with the names of trees and plants labelled accordingly. It promotes the importance of care and concern for the environment and enhances civic consciousness among the state's populace and visitors.

Shopping
Terengganu is a paradise for bargain hunters and souvenir collectors. There is ample opportunity to buy batik cloth, songket, traditional woodcarvings, local handicrafts, woven hats and baskets, clothing, intricate filigree silverware, gleaming brassware and decorative wall pieces as well as a staggering variety of dried and fresh food. Another special feature for shoppers are the fascinating bustling weekend markets found in practically avery town.

Accommodation

Kuala Terangganu Primula Park Royal
Jalan Persingahan Off Jalan Sultan Mahmud
Tel: 09-6222100 / 623722
Fax: 09-6233360

Permai Park Inn International
Jalan Sultan Mahmud
Tel: 09-6222122 / 625002
Fax: 09-6222121

Seri Malaysia
Lot 1640, Jalan Hiliran
Tel: 09-6236454
Fax: 09-6238344

Motel Desa
Bukit Pak Apil, 20100 Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-6223033 / 6223488
Fax: 09-6203751

Sri Hoover Hotel
49, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 09-6233823 / 6233863
Fax: 09-6228888

K.T Mutiara Hotel

67, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 09-6222655 / 6222653
Fax: 09-6236931

Grand Paradise
Jalan Tok Lam
Tel: 09-6228888
Fax: 09-6238899

Seaview Hotel
18A, Jalan Masjid Abidin
Tel: 09-6221911
Fax: 09-6221911

Terengganu Hotel
12, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 09-6222009
Fax: 09-6222906

K.T Travellers Inn
Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin
Tel: 09-6223666 / 6220308
Fax: 09-6232692

Sri Indah Resort
898, Jalan Haji Busu Pantai Batu Burok
Tel: 09-62215998 / 1564
Fax: 09-6248548

Batu Burok Beach Resort
Jalan Pantai Batu Burok
Tel: 09-6221410 / 6237366
Fax: 09-6232904

Qurata Riverside
Lot 175-19, Kuala Ibai, 20400 Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-6175500
Fax: 09-6175511

Awi's Yellow House
3576 Kampong Duyong Besar, Kuala Terengganu
H/p: 017-8829564

Bidong view Beach Resort
Lot 1906, Kampong Mengabang Lekor Batu Rakit,
21020 Kuala Terengganu.
Tel: 09-6696711

Gem Beach Resort
Lot 2135 Mukim Batu Rakit
Tel: 09-6695910
Fax: 09-6695920

Kenangan Hotel
65, Jalan Sultan Ismail 20200 Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-6222688 / 342
Fax: 09-6233268

Hotel Grand Continental
Jalan sultan Zainal Abidin, 20000 Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-6251888
Fax: 09-6230089

Asrama Tepian Gelangang
Jalan Pasir Panjang, Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-6222529
Fax: 09-6240850

Ping Anchorage Travellers Homestays
77A, 1st & 2nd floor
Jalan Dato' Isaac, Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-6220851

Sarawak State

2009-06-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

History

Physical Geography
Sarawak merupakan negeri yang berhampiran dengan negeri Sabah dan Kalimantan, Indonesia. Negeri Sarawak mempunyai keluasan seluas 124,000 sq.km. Sarawak terbahagi kepada 6 bahagian iaitu bahagian Kuching, bahagian Samarahan, bahagian Sibu, bahagian Bintulu, bahagian Sri Aman dan bahagian Kapit. Sarawak mempunyai penduduk seramai 1.7 million. Suhu di negeri Sarawak di antara 23 darjah celsius hingga 32 darjah Celsius. The state of Sarawak is situated near to the state of Sabah and Kalimantan, Indonesia. The width of this state is 124,000 sq. km. Sarawak is divided into 6 divisions that are Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu, Sri Aman and Kapit. The population in this state is about 1.7 million. The temperature in the state of Sarawak is about 23° Celsius till 32° Celsius.

Introduction
Sarawakians call her Bumi Kenyalang (Land of the Hornbill), others romanticise her as land of the White Rajahs or Land of the Headhunters. By any name, Sarawak is a fascinating state. As these names indicate, Sarawak has a rich heritage and a variety of attractions to suit the discerning tourist. Some even call her the land of superlatives. It is the largest state in Malaysia, the earliest remains of man in Southeast Asia is found here. Sarawak has the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia and the world’s largest cave entrance and natural chamber at the Mulu National Park and one of the country’s oldest museums.

Economy
Sarawak economic base is built on three major products, namely oil, timber and natural gas. Major exports from Sarawak are petroleum and petroleum products, forestry and agricultural products. Petroleum accounts for 54% of the total export earnings for the state while timber accounts for 27% of export earnings, followed by pepper as the third largest export earner. With increased diversification in the agricultural base, other crops such as rubber, sago and coconut have emerged as new additions to the list of exportable items.

Getting to Sarawak
International tourist comes into Sarawak via Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Singapore and Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia Airlines, Singapore International Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines currently serve Sarawak with a total of 76 weekly flight from Kuala Lumpur, 23 weekly flights from Singapore and 44 from Kota Kinabalu. One can also reach Kuching by the north-south road linking Miri in the north to Kuching in the south. Many visitors from Brunei cross by road or boat to Limbang, Sarawak. Others drive along the Pan Borneo Highway through Sindumin and Merapuk to Lawas. Visitors from nearby Labuan Island have a choice of either boat or air. Travellers from Pontianak cam fly in by Merpati Airlines. Kuching is also accessible by road from Pontianak. There are two international airports, one in Kuching and another in Miri. There are also airport and airstrips at Sibu, Bintulu, Kapit, Belaga, Marudi, Limbang, Lawas, Bario, Long Seridan, Ba Kelalan, Long Semado and Long Lellang, and rural air service. One can also charter light aircraft and helicopters by contacting Hornbill Skyways at 082-455737.

Culture
More than 30 ethnic groups live together harmoniously in Sarawak, including 21 native ethnic groups Malay and Chinese. Even with such diversity, individual groups have retained their cultural identity, observing traditional customs and rituals on a day-to-day basis. For an informative and entertaining insight into the lives and cultures of some of the major ethnic groups in Sarawak, a visit to the living museum-The Sarawak Cultural Village- is a must. Located in Damai, the village sprawls over 17-landscaped area with an artifice lake at the centre. This is surrounded by seven authentic replicas of ethnic houses-Iban, Bidayuh, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese-displaying artefacts made by the house residents and demonstrating arts and crafts and fascinating tribal music and dancing. Open seven days a week, this is an easy day or half-day trip from either Kuching or the Damai resort area.

Places Of Interest

Kuching
Many of Sarawak’s attractions may be found in its capital, Kuching. Located on the banks of the Sarawak River, approximately 32km from the sea, the city reflects the influence of the west, as it was for years the home of the Brooke Dynasty or the ‘White Rajahs’. Rich in heritage, Cushing’s prominence can best be viewed along the river. Among its numerous points of interest is the Sarawak Museum with its collection of Borneo ethnological and archaeological artefacts. Other attractions include Fort Margherita, the Astana, Court House, Islamic Museum, Timber Museum, Chinese History Museum and cat Museum.

Kuching North
The north side of Kuching has a number of attractions that a traveller should not miss. These are the Exhibition Centre, the Lapau, the Bangunan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Astana, the Fort Margherita, the New State Mosque and the recently opened Kuching City Garden. Just cross the Sarawak River by road or by tambang and you find them in the vicinity of Jalan Istana. Some of the more notable places of interest are described below.

The Istana
This stately place is situated on the banks of the Sarawak River and built by the second Rajah, Charles Brooke in 1870. Its white washed walls, tall roofs and battlements strike an imposing picture as does its romantic private jetty on the banks of the river. It is now the official residence of the Governor.

Fort Margherita
Located on a hillock near the Sarawak River, not far from the Palace is fort Margherita. Built by Charles Brooke and named after his wife. Since 1971, this three storey Fort has been converted into a police Museum. Beside the fort is a graveyard of the family of John Brooke, the nephew of James Brooke.

The Kuching City Garden
Open in early December 1992, the Kuching City Garden is a scenic recreational garden situated at Pangkalan Sapi, a popular jetty for Kuching distinctive tambang. The garden is surrounded by the relics of Sarawak history, with the Istana and Fort Margherita only a stone a throw away. Covering some two acres, the garden features distinctive structures and artefacts to portray the various ethnic communities in the state, cascading waterfalls, viewing tower and curio shops. The garden also features a walkway of mist to create a mystic ambience.

The State Mosque
The new state mosque is located in Petra Jaya, replacing the former mosque, which was built in 1876. Designed by world renowned Sami Mousawi, architect of some of the most beautiful mosques in Rome, London, and Kuwait, the new state mosque stands on 100 acres of land with a main prayer hall for 8,000 worshippers and a library of 250,000 books a conference hall, a lecture hall and a banquet hall.

Kuching South
Kuching South, being the older part of the city has the lion share of attractions. Many of the attractions are located almost directly opposite the Istana and Fort Margherita. With the beautification of the Waterfront of the Sarawak River being undertaken by Tourism and Leisure sector of the State Economic Development Corporation, it is hoped that in future the tourism activities will be more developed. From Jalan Bazaar, which joins up with Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Padungan, the visitor will find three of the pride of Kuching hotels, the Holiday Inn, the Kuching Hilton and recently opened Riverside Majestic. All three hotels are located on the waterfront with a commanding view of the Sarawak River. Within this enclave are also sited China Town, shopping complexes, banks, a movie theatre and the Tua Pek Kong Temple. There is also a shuttle bus service along this route for the convenience of the tourist. West of this area around Jalan Bazaar, Jalan Mesjid and Jalan McDoughall are other places of interest such as the Square Tower, the Round Tower, the Court House, the General Post Office the war Memorial and the State Mosque. Further south along Jalan Tahan and Jalan P. Ramlee, there is the Kuching Municipal Library, the Sarawak Museum and its new wing. Along Jalan Budaya is the beautiful Civic Centre. Some of the attractions are described below.

The Square Tower
Resembling the late Renaissance towers of England, this tower was originally built as a detention centre for prisoners. During the Brooke Era, it doubled as a fortress and a dance hall.

The Tua Pek Kong
Built in 1843, it is the oldest Chinese temple. The temple has undergone several innovations to its impressive state today with its unmistakable dragon wall outside.

The Court House
Built in 1874, the Court House has an impressive edifice displaying architecture reminiscent of the Romantic period. Yet the doors and window grilles and roof panels are decorated with intricate local art patterns, which makes it one of the most outstanding buildings in Sarawak. This building was the seat of government during the Brooke period. A clock tower was added in 1883 and an obelisk memorial dedicated to Charles Brooke was built in 1924.

The Round Tower
Except for the date when the building was built, which was in 1886 during the Brooke period no one is clear as to the purpose of this building. A unique structure, it is believed that the Rajah wanted this to be another fort in town.

The Pavillion
Opposite the Post Office is the Pavillion, believed to be the first building in town to be constructed of reinforced concrete frames. Today, it houses the government offices.

The General Post Office
The Kuching General Post Office is unique with impressive Corinthian column in its façade.

The Sarawak Museum
The Sarawak Museum is regarded as one of the oldest and one of the best in Southeast Asia, housing an excellent collection of Borneo an ethnological and archaeological artefacts. The old wing of the museum was built during the time of Rajah Charles Brooke in 1891 to display native arts and craft. One may see replicas of longhouses with actual skulls on the rafters. There are beautiful primitive woodcarvings depicting legendary figures and other artefacts of native handicrafts, which should not be missed. The museum also houses many interesting documents, such as diary entries of the Brookes, which provide an insight into the administrative and legal aspects of the reign of the white rajahs. The new wing is located on the hill next to the old wing and is accessible by an overhead bridge. From time to time special exhibitions are held to provide the visitor an insight into the rich historical and cultural diversity and archaeological significance of this region.

The Old State Mosque
This beautiful mosque with its gilt dome was built in 1968 on the same site as the former mosque, which was an old wooden structure, built in 1852. Situated in the centre of Caching City, with the Sarawak River as background, it is one of the most magnificent buildings in the city.

The Civic Centre
Located just five minutes from major hotels, the Kuching Civic Centre is set in an exclusive area surrounded by a beautiful garden. The unique shaped multi-purpose hall which houses up to 1000 participants makes it one of the most sought after halls for exhibitions, conferences and formal evening functions. The centre offers a range of complementary facilities such as restaurants, cafeterias and a lounge. A unique features the Sultan Iskandar planetarium, the only one in Malaysia.

The Sarawak Cultural Village
Nestled in the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubung is the Sarawak Cultural Village, which holds a potpourri of the rich cultural diversity of Sarawak. Situated just 25 km from Kuching, a 40 minutes drive away, the museum presents a showcase of the seven major ethnic houses found in Sarawak. Upon entry, the visitor is presented with a passport, which allows him or her to have a glimpse of community life in the Bidayuh longhouse, the Penan Hut, the Orang Ulu longhouse, the Melanau Rumah Tinggi, the Malay house and the Chinese farmhouse. The tour begins with a visit to the Bidayuh longhouse, followed by the Iban longhouse, complete with their welcome drink of tuak, women weaving their pua kumbu and skulls hanging on the rafters. At the simple Penan hut, one sees how blowpipes are made while the Orang Ulu house displays the most artistic people at work with their beadwork, carvings and paintings.

Semenggoh Orang Utan Pottery Factory
The Rehabilitation centre is home to orang utans honey bears, hornbills, porcupines, storks, eagles, barking deers and monkeys, rescued from the wild and rehabilitated in their natural surroundings. On return journey, we can stop at the pottery factory.

Annah Rais Longhouse

Depart for an hour’s drive to Annah Rais, a Bidayuh Longhouse with about 120 families. It is straddled in an isolated village guarded by four mountains, a strategic position in the past to ward off headhunters. View the relics of “Cannon of Peace” and “Baruk”, the head house that stores 100 years old human skulls. Return to Kuching.

Crocodile Farm & Pottery Shop
Proceed for 30 minutes scenic coastal ride along Miri and Kuala Baram road before reaching the crocodile farm. The 22 acres lanscape with natural breeding enclosures and man-made sanctuary ponds, houses more than 1000 salt and fresh water crocodiles. On the way back, stop at the pottery shop for ethnic, modern and contemporary design souvenirs.

Natural Attractions

Gua Niah

Gunung Mulu National Park
The majestic Gunung Mulu, rising over a mass of sandstone and shale, 2376 metres above sea level, dominates the Gunung Mulu National Park in the Miri and Limbang Divisions. The Park covers 52,866 hectares of shale and sandstone flanked by limestone outcrops with virgin tropical forests at the lower slope giving way to montane vegetation in the upper regions. It was gazetted as a National Park in 1974. The mix of natural habitats in all its diversity amidst such wild and rugged scenery makes it one of Sarawak’s most popular destinations. Foremost among its attractions are the spectacular pinnacle rock formations tucked in the valley of gunung Api and its cave complex which can only be described in superlatives. Despite its ruggedness, the park is easily accessible and there is a range of activities to keep everyone busy and happy.

Loagan Bunut National Park
Tucked away on the upper reaches of the Sungai Bunut in the Miri Division, is a huge lake, the largest natural lake in Sarawak. The local Berawan Fishermen call it Loagan Bunut. In 1991 an area of about 10,736 hectares encompassing the 650-hectare lake was gazetted as a National Park as part of the on going effort to preserve the unique habitats, rare and valuable plants and wildlife indigenous to the region. The lake is utterly dependent on the Sungai Bunut, Sungai Tinjar and Sungai Baram whose water levels are subject to seasonal fluctuations and this accounts for the fluctuating levels of the water in Logan Bunut. During spells of extreme dryness, usually lasting between 2 to 3 weeks, the lake is converted to vast expanses of dry cracked mud.

Beaches

Santubong
Approximately 35km from the capital of Kuching lay the picturesque fishing village of Santubong boasting some of the finest beaches in Sarawak. Lapped by aquamarine waters of the South China Sea and surrounded by a backdrop of forested hills, Santubong has a number of excellent resort beaches to choose from. One of these is Damai Beach. Set against Mt. Santubong, this picturesque beach offers three popular retreats for its guests. This include the Holiday Inn Damai Beach Resort, all of which provide a wide range of facilities for both land and sea activities.

Teluk Bandung
Another beach of equal beauty in Santubong is Teluk Bandung. A sandy cove fronting the Holiday Inn Damai Beach Resort, it offers a host of recreational facilities to fill your days with fun and excitement. There are the thrills and spills of water skiing, windsurfing and canoeing in the waters of a cool cave. Other leisurely pursuits include snorkelling, catamaran sailing and fishing.

Pulau Satang
Within proximity to Santubong is Pulau Satang. An uninhabited island with white sandy beaches, lush forests and crystal waters, it makes the perfect hideaway for those seeking privacy. A sanctuary to many species of wildlife, the island offers an intimate glimpse into the mysteries of nature. The coral reefs of the island are so close to the shore, you can stand on the beach and see neon-hued fish weaving through castles of coral. Besides underwater attractions, the island is also a popular nesting place for sea turtles and a fishing haven for anglers.

Pantai Siar
An uncrowned retreat to head for is Pantai Siar, 90 km from Kuching. A secluded beach with shimmering white sand, sea-chiselled crags and aquamarine waters, Pantai Siar is a private enclave worth resorting to surrender to its quiet charm and beautiful memories will long remain.

Pantai Sematan
Nearby is Pantai Sematan a popular weekend retreat with sandy white beaches and sparkling blue water.

Pantai Penyok and Pantai Bandung
Further to the west, 115 km from Kuching lay the beaches of Pantai Penyok and Pantai Bandung. Each is a perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities.

Shopping
The visitor to Sarawak should take home more than just a tee shirt that says Sarawak. Look for handicrafts such as hats, mats and baskets fashioned from the climbing rattan, the leaves of the nipah, the pandanus and the bemban. Almost all the tribes have a handicraft that is uniquely their own as seen from the types of patterns, motifs and weaving techniques. For instance, there is the Penan ajat basket, the Melanau terendak hats, and the Punan mats. Another popular handicraft is the Pua Kumbu, which is hand-woven on handlooms. Pua Kumbu can be bought as a piece or one can get a purse or handbag that is made from the cloth that is woven in cotton and dyed using the tied (ikat) method. Woodcarvings range from small statuettes to shields and masks. Traditional Kenyah carvings of figurines have bulging eyes, while the Iban enjoy carving hornbills. Sarawak is famous for her intricate beadwork. There are necklaces, bangles, earrings of a variety of designs and colours to choose from. In the old days, beads used to be a symbol of social status and wealth. Along the side of the road heading towards the airport are a number of factories, now with show rooms, that sell pottery items ranging from small vases and ashtrays to large jars, cooking pots and flower vases. These items can be sought in the city, particularly facing the waterfront, along Main Bazaar, Wayang Street and Temple Street. One could also get them at the Sunday tamu along Jalan Satok and also at Sarakraf, a semi-government agency, which runs souvenir shops at Kuching Airport, Miri Airport, the Holiday Inn Kuching and the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Golf Club
There are 18 holes golfing at the Damai Golf and Country Club.

Hotels

Crowne Plaza Riverside

Tel: 082-247777
Fax: 082-425858

Holiday Inn Kuching
Tel: 082-423111
Fax: 082-426169

Grand Continental
Tel: 082-230399
Fax: 082-230339

Holiday Inn
Tel: 085-422679
Fax: 085-419999

Kingwood Inn Kuching
Tel: 082-330888
Fax: 082-332888

Hilton Kuching
Tel: 082-248200
Fax: 082-428984

Merdeka Palace

Tel: 082-258000
Fax: 082-425400

Royal Mulu Resort
Tel: 085-790100
Fax: 085-790101

Hilton Batang Ai
Tel: 083-584388
Fax: 083-584399

Regalis Court
Tel: 082-412211
Fax: 082-413211

Telang Usan
Tel: 082-415588
Fax: 082-425316

Rihga Royal
Tel: 085-421121
Fax: 085-421099

Holiday Inn Damai Beach
Tel: 082-846999
Fax: 082-846777

Holiday Inn Damai Lagoon
Tel: 082-846900
Fax: 082-846901

Santubong Resort
Tel: 082-846888
Fax: 082-846666

Harbour View
Tel: 082-274666
Fax: 082-274777

Sarawak Tourism Information Centre

Sarawak Tourism Information Centre
Jalan Main Bazaar, Kuching
Tel: 082-410942

Sarawak TDC
Tingkat 2, Bukit Mata Kuching
Jalan song Thian Cheok,
93100 Kuching
Tel: 082-246575 / 246775

Sarawak Cultural Village
Pantai Damai Santubong
P.O.Box 2632, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: 082-422411
Fax: 082-428988

Travel Bureaus

Amibo Travel Service
Tel: 085—755150

Bel-Air Travel & Tours
Tel: 082-414419

Bintulu Deluxe Travel Service
Tel: 086-335311

Borneo Esteem Star Tours
Tel: 085-432908

Borneo Interland Travel
Tel: 082-413595

Borneo Jungle Safari
Tel: 085-436566

Borneo Tours
Tel: 082-248537

Borneo Transverse Tours & Travel
Tel: 082-257882

CPH Travel Agency
Tel: 082-426025

East West Agencies & Holidays
Tel: 082-428193

Equatorial Tours & Travel Centre
Tel: 084-331599

Golden Horse Travel & Tours
Tel: 084-324625

Hapyholiday Travel
Tel: 084-339039

Harrisons Travel
Tel: 085-410339

Hong Tai Travel Agency
Tel: 082-241257

Hunda Travel
Tel: 086-331339

IK Chin Travel Service
Tel: 082-411325

Inter-Continental Travel
Tel: 082-256155

Interworld Travel Service
Tel: 082-252544

Journey Travel Agengy
Tel: 082-421603

Perlis State

2009-06-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

History
Perlis was once a part of Kedah, which the Thaïs conquered in 1821. When Kedah was subsequently restored to the sultan of Kedah, Perlis was separated from it and established as a vassal state in its own right. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred Thai sovereignty over Perlis to the British but the Japanese ‘handed it back’ to Thailand during its occupation of the Malay Peninsula. After the Japanese surrendered, Perlis once again came under British protection until it gained independence under the banner of Federation of Malaya in 1957

Physical geography
Perlis lies at the northwestern tip of the Malay Peninsula; bounded by Thailand in the north, and by Kedah to the east and south. Its western coastline borders the straits of Malacca. It measures approximately 810 sq km and has a population of 217 480. The state capital is Kangar while Arau, 10km away, is the royal town.

Introduction
Perlis may be smallest state in Malaysia, but it boasts a wealth of natural, cultural and historical splendours that rival the bigger states. The many quaint villages, picturesque scenery and centuries-old traditions may mesmerize you wherever you go. In short, Perlis is the perfect destination to head for if you prefer old world charm instead of the hustle and bustle of the city, where life is unhurried and the environment naturally fresh and crisp.

January to April the weather is generally warm and dry. Days are hot and windy but night can become cold towards dawn. September to December is wet. The average annual rainfall is between 2,000 ml and 2,500 ml (80" to 100") and humidity is high throughout the year. Temperature varies little the year round, ranging from 21° to 32° C.

Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attraction, foremost which is its serene beauty. Perlis, too, abounds with rustic rural scenes and rolling green fields of paddy.

Economy
Traditionally the economy of Perlis has been dominated by agriculture, fishing and forestry pursuits. The state also shares with Kedah the distinction of being the ‘rice bowl’ of the country. Rubber and sugar cane are also extensively cultivated while fruit cultivation includes mango and watermelon realising the need to prosper economically, the state embarked on the development of medium-scale industrial and manufacturing activities. Beside a sugar refinery at Chuping and cement factory at Bukit Keteri, Jejawi, Chuping, Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar Industrial Estate, complete with infrastructure, were created to facilitate this rapid growth.

Cultural Heritage
For leisure, the people of Perlis enjoy a variety of activities ranging from traditional dances to traditional games and pastimes handed down through generations.

Tarian Canggung
Tarian canggung a traditional dance was brought from early historical times and performed by the people as a form of celebration after harvest time. In fact, it is the people’s dance where singing and exchanges of words in stanzas are freely and jestingly called for to the accompaniment of music.

Awang Batil
Awang Batil is akin to a story –teller who tells of the glory and richness of life of the people of olden times. Awang batil is an expert with words, albeit colloquial, and as he proceeds with his story he beats a small drum and plays a tune on his flute as and when the story line demands.

Tarian Terinai
Tarian terinai is yet another dance and musical presentation, performed specifically during a royal ceremony. The beating of gendang terinai normally performed by five musicians usually provides the musical accompaniment.

Seni Silat
Seni silat is the traditional Malay art of self-defence. It has become an integral part of an official function as individuals also perform it, singly or as a team, as part of the festivities associated with the function. Silat takes on various forms, depending on the origin, body thrusts and artistic representations.

Transportation

By bus
Perlis is well link by road from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur to Kangar, the normal bus fare is approximately RM 23.50 per person.

Air
There is no direct air service to Perlis. Visitors have to fly into Alor Setar and from there take a taxi to Kangar. The drive takes about 45 minutes. At the Alor Setar Airport, the normal taxi fare is approximately RM 35 per vehicle.

By rail
There are daily services from Kuala Lumpur to Arau. From Kuala Lumpur to Arau, the rail fare is approximately RM 70.00 per person (1st class), RM41.00 per person (2nd class) and RM 35.00 per person (2nd class -seat).

Ferry
Ferryboats provide scheduled crossings between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi. The fare varies from RM 12 to RM15 per adult. The journey takes an hour to reach Kuah jetty.

By taxi
From Kuala Lumpur to Kangar, the taxi fare is approximately RM200.00 per vehicle.

Places to Eat/Special Foods
A wide of food, from local delights to continental fare, is available in Perlis. The prices are reasonable and the service courteous. For the food lover, do sample as many exotic traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai dishes (like the perennial favourite, tom yam) as possible. A delectable time awaits you. The choices of eating that you can patronise are also excellent, ranging from open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned restaurants to luxurious hotel restaurants. Wherever you choose to eat, rest assured the environment is clean, casual and comfortable.

Place of interest

Kanga
Kanga, 56 km northwest of Alor Setar, is the state capital set amidst a vast expanse of green paddy fields that turn a golden yellow at harvest time. A major landmark of the town is the state mosque, Masjid Alwi. A small town, Kangar’s stadium, general hospital, hotels and schools are all within walking distance.

Arau
There are many interesting places and things to see in Perlis. Of special note in Arau, the royal town, are the Royal palace, fronting the main road and the nearby Royal Mosque, which can easily accommodate up to 7,000 people in one prayer session. Arau itself, which has clusters of fruit trees and coconut palms interspersed among quaint residences, is worth a visit.

Kuala Perlis
The coastal fishing town of Kuala Perlis, 13 km from Kangar is the major departure point for the fabled Langkawi island and has a ferry terminal for island bound passengers. The town of Kuala Perlis has just a couple of streets with plenty of restaurants, which are popular for seafood, and the local speciality of ‘laksa’ (rice noodle dipped in a fish-based gravy).

Chuping
Chuping derived its name from the limestone hill known locally as Bukit Chuping. It has an area of 22,000-hectare sugar plantation and harvesting takes place in December till June.

Padang Besar
This is a border town. It can be said with some degree of truth that Thailand and Perlis merge in this town, because the border is unseen although the relevant signboards and checkpoints bear testimony to the fact. The town is also the major stopover from rail travel to Thailand. Beyond the rail tracks is Pekan Siam-a bargain hunters’ paradise. Besides agricultural goods, duty free shopping is also available in Padang Besar. The town is filled with all shades and designs of textiles, footwear, handicrafts, decorative items, foodstuff, souvenirs, fruits and much more.

Kota AlMarhum Kayang
In the same vicinity are located the burial grounds of two of the 16th century sultans of Kedah. These are now seen as simple mausoleums marked by gravestones with remnants of wood used to mark the site. Nearby too, is an area of land believed to be the site of one of the sultan’s palaces surrounded on each side by limestone hills. This is reminiscent of the palace built by Almarhum Sultan Dhiauddin Almukaram Shah of the late 16th century who had given the name of Indra Kayangan to Perlis then. Two of the Sultan’s personal efforts are still evident today. One is a partially enclosed spring, which supplied fresh mineral water to the palace and is still seen intact today. The other is the canal built by the Sultan in about 1680 connecting Alor Setar to his palace in Kuala Perlis and from the palace to the burial grounds, thus permitting boat passages between the points.

Tasik Melati
Tasik Melati is a small but picturesque lake located in a partially marshy lowland about 8 km north of Kangar. The lake is shallow. More than 150 sandbar-islands may be seen all over the lake. Sampans can be rowed to these tiny ‘islands’. Elevated walkways are also found over the waters of the lake, providing vantage viewpoints and seating for visitors. There is also a parameter walkway as well as telephone kiosks and toilet facilities.

Snake Farm
Perils is noted for its large population of venomous snakes, the limestone caves and crevices offering the best of natural habits for the slithery creatures. The snake farm at Sungai Batu Pahat houses a large collection of 23 species of live snakes in large open-air enclosures. In addition, there is a crocodile and a fishpond. It is open daily from 10.00am to 4.15pm.
Admission fee. Adult RM2.00
Child RM1.00

Putra Golf Club
An 18-hole golf course, offers the golf enthusiast the challenge of a reputedly difficult par-72 course with its numerous obstructions and traps.

Hutan Lipur Bukit Air
Cool streams meandering through a lush tropical forest setting and waterfalls cascading excitingly into frothing rocky pool down below, make it an ideal location for picnic. It is 12 km from Kangar and it offers camping site, car park facilities and basic amenities to make your trip comfortable.

Gua Kelam, Recreational Park
Gua Kelam, Kaki Bukit refers to the 370-metre long limestone cave at the small town of Kaki Bukit. Its name literally means, "at a foothill (Kaki Bukit) lies a dark cave (Gua Kelam). Access to the cave is by way of a suspension bridge. The uniqueness of approach, as well as the experience of walking along the bridge, makes a visit to this place an intriguing and adventurous experience. A subterranean stream flows in the limestone range near Kaki Bukit for about a quarter of a mile long. As in other limestone areas, the stream has built a long cavern over the centuries. This physiographic phenomenon was enlarged throughout the length of the underground stream in 1935 by a resident Englishman who saw it as a marvellous way of transporting tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern. A wooden walkway hangs suspended throughout the length of the underground cavern providing a wondrous means of communication from Kaki Bukit to a valley on the opposite end-the Wan Tangga valley.
Admission fee: Adult RM1.00
Child RM0.50

Hutan Lipur Bukit Kubu
Hutan Lipur Bukit Kubu is a natural limestone cave in a forested limestone hill known as Wang Pinang, located near Kuala Perlis. The cave is an interesting geological formation. Bukit Kubu is now a ‘cave park’, sheltered and ideal for joggers and cave trekkers.

Wang Kelian State Park
The Wang Kelian State Park is a haven for nature lovers and eco-tourism buffs. Close to the Thai border, the 1,000 ha area in the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve is a treasure-trove of biodiversity. It contains one of the few semi deciduous forests in the country, closer in type and species to Thai vegetation. Its limestone forest is also rich in fauna, including birds, mammals and reptiles. A challenging jungle track leads from the camping area past a little tripping waterfall to the Gua Wang Burma cave system. Possibly the northern most cave in Peninsula, its narrow passages lead to chambers boasting interesting formations.

Perlis Craft Cultural Complex
The Perlis Craft Cultural Complex at Kuala Perlis, about 8 km from Kangar and 15 minutes drive to Kuala Perlis Jetty, is a must stop over for visitors. The complex offers a wide range of Malaysian handicraft such as delicate hand drawn batik, intricately carved silverware and an assortment of hand made items such as basketry, ceramics as well as rattan based products.

Taman Herba
Adjacent to Bukit Air Recreational Park, on 12 hectares of land, are the Herb Gardens. Created in 1998, these gardens now contain over 6,000 species of herb, spice and traditional medicinal plants. Both local and exotic species from other countries are grown and visitors to the gardens can learn their uses and how to care for such plants.

Shopping

Farmers Market
Farmers sell their farm produce directly to consumers on a plot predetermined by the authorities. Non-farmers take advantage of the influx of buyers by selling their wares, which are non-agricultural. Prices are reasonable. Freshwater fish and prawn, vegetables and fruits galore, are all fresh as they come. The market is held from 8.00 am till 1.00 pm.

Days Place

Sunday Sena Indah

Monday Arau

Tuesday Taman Kemajuan

Wednesday Sena Indah

Friday Beseri

Satuday Sena Indah

Night Market
Pasar malam is an open-air affair where business is already brisk at 5.00 pm, and are very popular because of fiesta-like atmosphere. A pasar malam is held on an open ground or even a full stretch of a road or thoroughfare according to what has been approved by the local authorities. The police keep a friendly surveillance, especially when a road has been blocked off and passage impeded. A feature of a pasar malam is that it is held in a different place each night and the schedule is repeated week by week. In a sense, therefore, there is held once a week at a predetermined place at night.

Days Place

Sunday Utan Aji

Monday Padang Melangit

Tuesday Kuala Perlis

Wednesday Kangar

Thursday Pauh

Friday Arau

Satuday Jejawi.

Hotels

Kangar travellodge
135, Main Road
01000 Kangar
Tel: 04-9767755
Fax: 04-9761049
146 rooms
RM200-RM360

PENS Hotel Kuala Perlis
Jalan Kuala Perlis
02000 Kuala perils
Tel: 04-9854122
Fax: 04-9854131
25 rooms
RM75-RM92

Federal Hotel
104 A&B,Jalan Kangar
01000 Kangar
Tel: 04-9766288
Fax: 04-9766224
46 rooms
RM21-RM120

Malaysia Hotel
67, Jalan Jubli Perak
01000 Kangar
Tel: 04-9761366
25 rooms
RM30-RM50

Utara Semarak Resort
Batu Pahat
01000 Kangar
Tel: 04-9772233
14 chalets
RM50

State Tourism Office

State Economic Planning Unit
3rd Floor
Dato’ Mahmud Mat Building
01000 Kangar
Perlis
Tel: 04-9761957
Fax: 04-9762951

Negeri Sembilan State

2009-06-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

History
Negeri Sembilan boasts of a history, which actually predates that of her more famous neighbour, Melaka. Evidence of this has been found in the form of ancient and as yet unidentified, stone megaliths in various parts of the state. Briefly, the history on the formation of the kingdom of Negeri Sembilan can be traced back to the 15th century when the Minangkabaus emigrated from their homeland, Pagar Ruyong, Sumatera Indonesia, to Negeri Sembilan searching for greener pastures. As opposed to the Achehnese from northern Sumatera, the Minangkabaus came to Negeri Sembilan not has conquerors but as farmers and traders. Later, they settled and formed their own kingdom. Owing to struggle and external aggression, the Minangkabaus sought protection from their motherland, Pagar Ruyong to appoint a ruler over them. The appointment of the first Yam Tuan Besar took place in 1773. Years later, the instability and constant civil wars between the Bugis and the Minangkabaus over the control of the tin areas led to the British intervention. Places like Sri Menanti, Tampin and Rembau came under the protection of the British. Finally, a treaty was signed between the Yang Di Pertuan Besar, the four major chiefs and the British in 1895 to end the conflict. Negeri Sembilan remained under the British administration until she became one of the states of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

Physical Geography
Negeri Sembilan, which is just about 50 km south of the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the earliest tourism draws of the country.

Introduction
Negeri Sembilan is known in the country as the cradle of a distinct and unique culture, the Adat Perpatih of the custom within the matrilineal system. Negeri Sembilan offers more than just beaches. There is a little bit of everything for everyone, from the history buff right to the nature lover. A first time visitor to Negeri Sembilan would perhaps be drawn to the significant feature of a great majority of traditional houses, which have the distinctive style of the Minangkabau people who had migrated across the straits of Melaka from Sumatra centuries ago. Their traditional houses consist of sweeping buffalo home shaped roof peaks and such features have even been incorporated in newer buildings like the State Mosque and the State Secretariat Building.

Economy
Owing to the state Government's comprehensive economic plans, Negeri Sembilan enjoys growing development projects of the various sectors for the past few years. Besides earning a reputation as one of the major tin producers in the country, Negeri Sembilan is fast becoming an industrial state. This development is attributed to the good infrastructures and abundant multi-lingual labours in the State. The mushrooming of industrial estates at Senawang, Beranang and Nilai evidences the plethora of foreign investment flow into Negeri Sembilan.

How To Get There
Moving around Negeri Sembilan is relatively easy. The state is well served by road and rail links. The spanking new bus station in Seremban, described as the most colourful in the country in view of its bright bold colours, is usually a hive of activity with buses going to all parts of Negeri Sembilan as well as the major towns of Peninsular Malaysia. Taxis are also easy to come by. Prices are reasonable. Enquiries can be made at the ticket counters of the bus and taxi station at Jalan Tuanku Munawir and Jalan Sungai Ujong. Seremban also connected to other parts of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Bangkok and Singapore by rail. There are various departures and arrivals on different trains at all times of the day. Enquire at the Seremban railway station (Tel:06-762214) or the Kuala Lumpur Station (Tel:03-2747442).

Places to Eat / Special Food
Eating out in Negeri Sembilan is usually an enjoyable experience as there is a wide variety to choose from. Western fare is easily available in top-notch restaurant while local cuisine is found throughout the state. Chinese and Indian cuisine in Negeri Sembilan also ranks high among gourmets. For those who love hot and spicy Malay food, the dishes found in Negeri Sembilan are usually done according to the Minangkabau tradition, which often see a generous portion of "cili padi" being used. Among the hot favourite is "masak lemak cili api", a dish made from coconut milk blended with turmeric powder and ground "cili api" added to fish, meat or vegetables. Another specialty of Negeri Sembilan is the "lemang" glutinuous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with "rendang", a curried meat dish. These local delicacies can be found at many roadside stalls in the state. The usual yardstick for seeking out above average fare is to observe the number of patrons, the better the number, so is the food. There are several fine restaurants for dining in style at some of the hotels in Seremban. In addition, the town also offers other eating establishments which are within walking distance and serve a wide array of mouth watering dishes to suit every palate.

Culture Heritage
For the culturally inclined visitors, they can see the unique Minangkabau culture performances, which are held sporadically in major hotels at Port Dickson and Seremban. Among the popular ones are Tarian piring (saucer dance), top spinning, percussion drum or embraphone, Rentak kuda (the rhythm of horse) and Cha-Lempong (Small gongs).

Places Of Interest

Cultural Handicraft Complex
The Complex, which has been modelled along the traditional Minangkabau dwelling, is located on a four-hectare site along Jalan Labu. Various handicraft items and historical artefacts are on display in this complex which seeks to preserve Negeri Sembilan's rich cultural traditions.

State Museum
The State Museum is a "must" item for local history lovers. Located within the grounds of the Cultural Handicraft Complex, it is actually an old wooden palace, which has been reassembled for public viewing. Built entirely of wood, this palace that has seen greater days of royal splendour at its old site at Kampung Ampang Tinggi, houses various old and historical artefacts, which will interest those with a keen eye for local history, like weapons as well as brass and silverware. Also on display is a tableau portraying a grand royal wedding. Situated next to the state museum is the "Rumah Minang", depicting an actual Minangkabau house. Also found at the Complex grounds are the megaliths from fort Kempas.

State Mosque
The state mosque is adorned with nine pillars to symbolize the seven districts. Described as one of the most attractive modern mosques in the country, it offers a scenic view of the Seremban Lake amid the tranquillity of its surroundings.

State Library
Situated in the vicinity of the Seremban Lake Gardens is the state library, which used to be the State Secretariat Building. Built in 1912 by B.P Habback of Britain with the assistance of the state Public Works Department, this stately building reflects the colonial architecture of a bygone era.

Sri Menanti Palace / Royal Museum
Negeri Sembilan's rich traditions go back a long way. One of these has been manifested in the construction of the Sri Menanti Palace in Sri Menanti. Built at the turn of this century to replace an older palace, which was burnt down, this uniquely constructed palace has now become a tourist attraction after it was turned into a Royal Museum in 1992. The Sri Menanti Palace was the official residence of the royal family until 1931 when it was found to be inadequate for the growing functions of the state. Designed by two local craftsmen and carpenters, "Tukang Kahar" and "Tukang Taib", the wooden palace or "Istana Lama" (old palace). Which was completed in about six years in 1908, was built without the aid of any nails or screws. The palace, which features 99 magnificent pillars to denote 99 warriors of various "luak" or clans, is often the subject of study and research among students of architecture.

Fort Lukut
This fort, situated about 30 km from Seremban, is steep in history. Painstakingly built between 1826 and 1827 to be exact, its existence came into being during the heyday of the state's tin industry. Located about a kilometre from the Seremban-Port Dickson trunk road, Fort Lukut was built by Raja Jumaat to provide a safe haven during more turbulent times in the state's history. The fort has now become another tourist attraction for Negeri Sembilan. Travelling to Fort Lukut will bring the visitor past many neatly planted rows of rubber trees and oil palms, which are among the mainstays of the state's economy.

Fort Kempas
In Fort Kempas, about 23 km from Port Dickson lays the grave of a leading historical personality, Keramat Ujong Pasir, Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Makhtum. Beside his grave are the famous stone inscriptions or "Batu Bersurat" which depict his struggle and history.

Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado)
Near the Blue Lagoon is Tanjong Tuan, formerly known as Cape Rachado, renowned for its lighthouse built many years ago on a hillock overlooking the straits of Melaka. On a clear day, one can see Port Dickson town and the outline of Sumatra across the straits of Melaka from this vantage point.

Nilai
Nilai, in the northern part of the state, is turning out to be the centre of growth in Negeri Sembilan. Its proximity to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport in nearby Sepang district in Selangor has spawned a host of industrial development. Once a sleepy hollow, it is an interesting town to view contrasts of new development against the backdrop of the traditional village houses and the neat rows of old shop houses in town.

Natural Attraction

Ulu Bendul Receational Park
The Ulu Bendul Recreational Park located some 16 km from Seremban on the Kuala Pilah Sri Menanti route, at the foot of Bukit Angsi provides a welcome respite to the weary traveler. The park is one of the six recreational park parks in Negeri Sembilan developed for ecotourism purposes. Picnic lovers should find this place inviting because of its shady and leafy surroundings. The refreshing and cool water from the stream that meanders through the park offers a fun place for visitors bent on having a dip. For the more adventurous, they can go jungle trekking. To savour the best out of this park, visitors may prefer to stay at the specially designated camping grounds or rent one of the chalets in the park.

Seremban Lake Gardens
The Seremban Lake Gardens is one of the most picturesque gardens in the country. Its lush greenery and well-maintained lawns are a delight to the tired eye and often have a calming effect on many a weary soul. There are jogging tracks in The Lake Gardens for the more energetic visitor while children can frolic in the playground. For those who are content to watch the world go by, this is just the place with benches erected in various spots overlooking the lake and greenery.

Galah Forest Reserve
This tropical forest, located near Mantin, provides another adventurous outing for those who love jungle trekking. Facilities include cute wooden sheds erected as rest areas and camping sites. There is a regular bus service from Seremban. Taxis are also available.

Pedas Hot Spring
It is located on the 16 km road to Tampin. Pedas Hot Spring is a popular tourist spot in Negeri Sembilan. Rooms are provided for those who like to feel the natural warm baths at reasonable in the area. To get there, one can take the Southern Omnibus Company from the Seremban Bus Station and alight at Pedas. Taxi service is also available in Seremban.

Pasir Panjang Park
It is located near the sea and it is an ideal place for bird watchers. A row of a mud flat along the coast at the tip of this park attracts many species of birds. There are huts for bird watching.

Beaches

Blue Lagoon Beach
About 15 km from Port Dickson town lays the Blue Lagoon, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding greenery and the blue open sea. The lagoon is an ideal spot for swimming, boating, wind surfing and water skiing. This is where the action is when it comes to having fun in the sun. accommodation is easily obtainable as a number of hotels and motels are located here.

Port Dickson Beach
Port Dickson or more popularly known as PD has long been a weekend retreat for many inland dwellers, especially those from the city seeking to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of a hectic life. Located about 32 km Seremban, PD that is in the Pantai Laut district, offers one of the best beaches on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. All along the 18 km of beachfront are shady casuarinas trees that "sing" along with the gentle breeze. Port Dickson usually comes alive in August each year during the "Pesta Port Dickson". Besides this, there are also cultural presentations at the annual festival. The most famous picnic spot in PD is the Blue Lagoon near Cape Rachado. One can easily reach the Blue Lagoon either by bus or taxi that ply along this popular coastal route from the main terminus in town. PD boasts of many international class and budget accommodation, ranging from luxury establishments to simple guesthouses. Currently, rates are from as low as RM 80. Food stalls can be easily found along the beach as well as the town centre. PD specialty is seafood, be it Malay, Chinese or Western cuisine.

Shopping
Over the years, shopping has become a fun thing to do in Negeri Sembilan, especially in Seremban it has a string of modern shopping complexes and department stores that can satisfy even the most demanding of shoppers. These include establishments like the Store, Parkson, Seremban Parade, Seremban City Square and Centre Point. Duty -free items like exquisite watches and sophisticated photographic equipment are widely available at competitive prices.

Golf Club
Negeri Sembilan boasts of several places for recreational sports. There are several golf clubs like the Seremban International Golf Club, Royal Sri Menanti Golf Club and Bahau Golf club. Many more golf courses are being developed to cater for the increasing popularity of the game.

Accommodation
Choosing a place to stay in Port Dickson should pose no problem for the visitor. This resort town has several types of accommodation to offer, ranging from comfortable beach hotels to spacious chalets. Those who are used to the comforts of good hotel accommodation can choose to stay at the beach hotels or apartments. Or they can choose to stay at the beach hotels or apartments. Or they can choose from budget dwellings, which are found in the town centre or along the coastal road. For further information please contact the District Council, Tel: 06-6471335 / 6471122 or Tourism Malaysia.

Costa Rica Hotel
Tel: 06-6479999

Delta Paradise Lagoon Hotel
Tel: 06-6477600

Regency Hotel & Resort Port Dickson
Tel: 06-6474090

Carlton Star Hotel
Tel: 06-7625336

Kong Ming Hotel
Tel: 06-6625683

Mee Lee Hotel
Tel: 06-7630162

Oriental Hotel
Tel: 06-7630119

ACBE Hotel
Tel: 06-4544128

Golden Hill Hotel
Tel: 06-7613760

Hai Chiew Hotel
Tel: 06-6471274

Hotel Selat
Tel: 06-6625109

International New Hotel
Tel: 06-7634957

Lido Hotel
Tel: 06-7630118

Nam Yong Hotel
Tel: 06-7620115

Tong Fong Hotel
Tel: 06-7636045

Wado Hotel
Tel: 06-7630148

Photograph 7.15

State Tourism Offices

State Economic Planning Unit
State Secretary's Office
5th Floor, Wisma Negeri
70503, Seremban,
Negeri Sembilan.

Port Dickson District Council
Km 1, Jalan Pantai
71009 Port Dickson.
Tel: 06-6741335
Fax: 06-6474007

Travel Bureaus

First Travel & Tours.
Tel: 06-7622263

Hai-O Tours & Travel NS
Tel: 06-7637348

Lancasrich Travel & Tours
Tel: 06-7620687

Kelantan State

2009-06-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

History
Kelantan was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms, which established trading links with the Chinese Empire. Early Chinese records indicate the existence of trade links with China, which referred to Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan. The state has at various times in the past been a vassal of Siam. In the 18th century, a Kelantanese Prince, Long Yunus, ascended to the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him. Kelantan along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained its independence on 31st August 1957.

Physical Geography
Kelantan neighbouring states are Perak on the west Terengganu on the east and Pahang on the south. She offers tourists recreational activities, scenic spots and pastimes such as top.

Introduction

Reputed to be the cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan offers a delightful profusion of colourful traditions, charm and scenic beauty to the visitor. Located in the northeastern corner of the Peninsula, Kelantan is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarinas-lined beaches. With a population of around 1.5 million, Kelantan is primarily a Malay state although around 7% of the populations are of Thai, Indian and Chinese ancestry. The Kelantanese have carefully preserved their customs, traditions and craft skills over time. One might be pleasantly surprised to see adults, indulging in pastimes such as flying giant kites or spinning giant tops. Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, the Kelantanese display an old world charm that captivates visitors.

Economy
The economy of Kelantan is based on agriculture with rice, rubber, tobacco and fruits being the main cash crops. Fishing, fish and livestock rearing are also important economic activities. Timber production provides a substantial revenue to the state and gold is still mine is small quantities. A thriving cottage industry produces extremely fine batik material and paintings, exquisite gold and silverware, intricate wood carvings and beautiful 'kain songket' (cloth woven from gold and silver threads). Leather working and mat weaving from pandanus leaves are also local trades. Tourism is growing in importance as the state has a wealth of attractions such as home stay programmes a rich heritage of culture and traditions, eco-tourism packages and fine powdery beaches.

Cultural Heritage
Kelantan a state whose people are steeped in tradition, is also a seat of the Malay culture.

Dikir Barat
It is a verbal art form-a matching of wits between two teams of not fewer than 10 persons each. Each team has a leader and they weaves in a continuous stream of impromptu, rhymes verses ridiculing and pinning down the arguments of the opposing side.

Mak Yong
It is a traditional dance drama that is a combination of ballet, opera, romatic drama and comedy. In Mak Yong plays, mainly women perform all the main characters, with only three men. An orchestra accompanies this drama, usually lasts for approximately two hours. The spontaneous dialogue is coupled with bantering on current social issues.

Rebana Festival
It is a colourful event held in a vast field after the paddy harvest. In this event, there are two or more teams competing for the best costumes, drum decorations and music. Each team comprises 12 drummers and six drums. Their music is assessed according to the categories of sound tone and reverberation.

Top-Spinning
It is an adult sport where it requires lots of strength and skills. Top spinning is a craze among villagers after the paddy harvest when several villagers challenge one another to a fest of skill.

Transportation

By road
There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsular Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang, a journey of about 3 hours. The rest of the journey from Kuantan to Kota Bharu takes about 4 1/2 hours. The route heads northward along the coast passing through picturesque villages providing scenic vistas of the palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China Sea. The in land route to Kota Bahru turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. An alternative route exits the Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu. From Penang, one has to get to Grik via Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along the scenic East-West Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey to Kota Bharu. There are regular air-conditioned express bus services operating from Kuala Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.

By rail
Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat. From these two points, one can get to Kota Bharu either by taxi or bus. Stop over points en-route include Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas. Once you are in Kota Bharu, it is relatively easy to get to nearby districts, as regular bus and taxi services are available from the main bus terminal. For those who are interested in visiting places of interest in the interior of Kelantan, it is advisable to enquire with the Kelantan State Tourist Information Centre or any registered travel agent in Malaysia.

By air
Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Pelangi Air also flies daily to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur.

Places to Eat/Special Foods
Kelantan boasts its own unique cuisine with many popular dishes such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Dagang being indigenous to the area.

Ayam Percik
A favourite with locals and visitors alike, this barbecued chicken is marinated with rich, spicy coconut gravy.

Nasi Kerabu
This dish is made of rice coconut milk, flaked fish, desiccated coconut and some varieties of herbs, spices and sauces.

Nasi Dagang
A type of rice with a brownish tinge steamed with coconut milk and served with rich spicy fish gravy. Food stalls and restaurants abound in Kota Bharu and other larger town and hawkers selling snacks can be found along every road. Kota Bharu's Chinatown, located at the junction of Jalan Padang Garang and Jalan Pengkalan Chepa has fine traditional Chinese noodle dishes, among others. Outdoor dining at food stalls is something not to be missed in Malaysia and visitors to Kota Bharu must try the food stalls at Padang Bas in the town centre, which serves traditional fare from 6 pm to midnight.

Places Of Interest
The best place to appreciate Kelantanese culture and crafts is the capital city, Kota Bharu. A bustling town famed for its ornately decorated trishaws, Kota Bharu offers numerous attractions for the visitor.

Cultural Centre
Located on Jalan Mahmud close to the Perdana Hotel, the cultural centre is a veritable showcase of the living heritage of Kelantan. Demonstrations of popular folk arts and pastimes are held daily. Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) shows, Silat (the Malay art of self defence) performances, Gasing (top spinning) displays, Wau (kite flying) and Rebana (Giant Drum) playing can all be seen at the centre. Evenings see cultural performances featuring traditional Malay music and Wayang Kulit. The cultural centre is open three times a week from March to October each year.
Performance time are 3.30 pm to 5.50 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and 9.00pm to midnight on Wednesday and Saturday.

Historical Zone
The main cultural and historical zone of Kota Bharu is situated along Jalan Hilir Kota and Jalan Sultan where many museums and heritage buildings are located. Some museums charge a nominal fee for admission.

Royal Museum/ Istana Batu
The Istana Batu (Brick/ Stone Palace) was constructed in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It houses the Royal Museum and was previously used as the venue for royal weddings and as a guesthouse for visiting royalty. The Royal Museum now serves as a repository for the history of the Kelantan royal family and displays regalia, pictures, silverware, furniture and palace items of former Sultans.
Opening times 8.30am to 4.45pm daily-except Fridays.

Istana Jahar
Built in 1887 by Sultan Mohamad II for his grandson, Long Kundur, the Istana Jahar has been transformed into a museum featuring Kelantan's cultural heritage. Photographs and a great variety of artefacts bear testimony to the rich Kelantanese cultural legacy. The building itself is laced with intricate woodcarvings, serving as an example of the fine craftsmanship of local artisans.

Islamic Museum
The Islamic Museum traces the history of Islam in Kelantan. Exhibits include Islamic Arts and crafts and photographs of some of the personal belongings of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic historical sites. The museum reflects not only the position of the state as a centre of Islamic learning.

State Museum
The State Museum located along Jalan Hospital incorporates the State Art Gallery. The building itself was utilised as the land office from colonial times until 1990 when major renovations were carried out to convert it into a museum. The museum documents the arts, crafts and musical traditions of Kelantan. Ceramic displays testify to the early trade with China and artefacts from local archaeological sites provide evidence of the existence of the pre-historic age in Kelantan.

World War Two Memorial/ Bank Kerapu
Originally constructed in 1911, Bank Kerapu is now a repository for documents, pictures and military paraphernalia of the Japanese Occupation from 1941 to 1945. During the war, the building served as the headquarters of the Japanese Kempetai, the feared secret police.

Handicraft Village And Craft Museum
While the Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship, the adjacent Handicraft Village provides visitors the chance to see just how these crafts are made. Demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, skilled artisans carry out silver work and woodcarving. Their products are also on sale at the centre.

State Mosque
Construction of this mosque was completed during the reign of Sultan Ismail IV after almost a decade of work. Also known as the Al-Muhammadi Mosque or the 'Brick Mosque', it is the centre for Islamic missionary activities in the state.

Istana Balai Besar
Built by Sultan Muhammad II in 1840, the Istana Balai Besar was formerly the residence of past Sultans. However, it is now used solely as a venue for official state functions. The palace boasts a large audience hall, a throne room and a fine collection of royal regalia.

Merdeka Square
Other interesting sites in Kota Bharu include Merdeka (Independence) square, State Government officers and raft houses along the riverbanks.

Kuala Krai Museum And Mini Zoo
Located in Kuala Krai about 64 km from Kota Bharu, the mini zoo is home to a variety of animals such as bears, deer, monkeys and birds. The mini museum houses a collection of preserved animals as well as photographs and documents relating to the founding of Kuala Krai.
Opening hours: 9.00 am- 6.00 pm daily (except Fridays).

Fishing Village
Fishing village a visit to one of Kelantan's quaint fishing villages should not be missed. Two well-known villages are Kuala Besar and Kampung Sabak, both only 15 km the capital. Fishermen normally put out to sea at dawn and return in the early afternoon to sell their catch on the beach. Haggling over prices and the sorting and weighing of the catch provide an interesting cacophony against the picturesque backdrop of gaily-painted boats lining the beach.

Natural Attractions

River Cruise
Beginning at Kuala Krai, the River Cruise winds its way upriver to the town of Dabong. Passing through ancient tropical forests and a number of riverine communities you may catch a glimpse of the shy jungle wildlife. Kingfishers, eagles and hornbills are readily seen along with various species of monkeys.

Jelewang Waterfalls

From Dabong you may return to Kota Bharu by train or, head to Jelawang for jungle trekking. Chalets are available and various jungle trails have been laid. A 1 1/2 hour trek will take you to the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls. Gua Musang is another alternative that can also be reached by train. Well known for its limestone caves, cave temple and the Lata Beringin waterfalls, Gua Musang is only a 2-hour drive from Taman Negara (The National Park).

The Kedasar Inn, located at Gua Musang old town can arrange visits to a goldmine, a deer park, an ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements as well as organising river rafting and cave explorations. A summer camp, complete with various obstacle and fitness courses, provides leadership and youth training programmes.

Kuala Koh
Kuala Koh, two hours drive from Gua Musang is the northern entrance to Taman Negara and serves as the Park Headquarters in Kelantan. Chalets are available at Kuala Koh, and a small restaurant serves basic fare. Arrangement for guides, however, should be made through an accredited tour operator in Gua Musang, where transport can also be arranged to Kuala Koh, if required.

For bird watching enthusiasts, it is possible to see quite a variety of birds in a couple of days and for anglers, the pristine river offer some excellent sport fishing. The whole area offers superb opportunities for photographers, the diverse flora and fauna in the emerald forest providing perfect settings, colours and contrasts.

There are many river-based activities around Kuala Koh. Kayaks, bamboo raft and inflatable can be hired. However, anyone planning any serious river activities should check with the wildlife and National Parks Department at Kuala Koh on river conditions before setting off.

A new trail has also been laid to Gunung Tahan, the peninsula's highest peak, from Kuala Koh. It is actually a long and arduous trek rather than climbing as such, and is an excellent alternative to the more well known trails. There are, however many other jungle trails of varying distances and degrees of difficulty within the vicinity. And for those who wish to view life at the top of the jungle, a canopy walkway has recently been completed adjacent to Kuala Koh.

Waterfalls
Waterfalls in Kelantan are major attractions for picnic and swimming. Jeram Pasu is just off the Kota Bharu-Pasir Putih road while Jeram Lenang is off the Pasir Putih-Machang road. Lata Beringin, with its 120-metre drop, cool waters and lush vegetation is most spectacular and is found off the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway.

Gunung Stong
One of Kelantan's highest mountains, at 1,442 metres, it is reputed to hold hidden treasure in Gua Ikan (Fish cave), named after a solitary fish-shaped rock. The treasure is said to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

Beaches

Pantai Cahaya Bulan
Formerly known as the beach of Passionate Love, this is a picture post card beach. Tall casuarinas trees fringe the beach providing shade and a grassy verge, which gives way to tall swaying coconut palms. Comfortable chalets are available at the beach.

Pantai Seri Tujuh
Located in the Tumpat district close to the Thai border, this pristine beach is sheltered by the longest lagoon in Malaysia. Home to the annual International Kite Festival, the beach has a variety of food and drink stalls as well as public amenities.

Pantai Sabak
As well as being a rendezvous for fishing boats, Sabak Beach boasts fine golden sands fringed by coconut palms. It is a perfect spot to picnic and relax while observing the return of the fishing boats. Gentle waves lap the shore while the water is warm and clear.

Pantai Irama
Approximately 30 km south of the capital in the Bachok district, Pantai Irama offers choice picnic spots and eating stalls. It is reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches along the East Coast.

Pantai Bisikan Bayu
About 50 km from Kota Bharu in the Pasir Puteh district, both north and south of the village of Semarak, the gentle breezes rustle the casuarinas needles producing a hushed sound. Surfing can be good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find excellent sport.

Shopping
Kelantan offers a fascinating variety of local handicrafts. This is supplemented by merchandise from Thailand that is available at the Malaysian border towns of Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur. In the shops, richly coloured silks are displayed alongside batik scarves, prints and songket textiles.

New Central Market
In the mornings, the pulse of Kota Bharu is the Central Market (renamed the Siti Khadijah Market). The majority of the traders here are women and the profusion of colours, aromatic and sounds bear testimony to the variety of goods on sale. Fruits and vegetables of all colours, shapes and sizes are everywhere while cakes, spices, sweetmeats, preserved foods, pickles and dried seafood flood the senses with their scent.

Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
This three-storey shopping complex is stocked with just about everything imaginable and at bargain prices as well. The sheer variety of locally made souvenirs, fine silverware and imported Thai goods leave you in awe. A wide choice of clothes, t-shirts, sarong and hats are also offered at reasonable prices.

Jalan Temenggong
Virtually the whole street is lined with craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brassware and woodcarvings. Be prepared to bargain and search for the best deal.

Cottage Industries
Kelantan's cottage industries are found mainly on the outskirts of Kota Bharu with the majority being not more than 10 km from the town centre. For silver craft, Kampong Marak, Kampung Sireh and Kampung Badang are the most well known. Famed for their intricate designs, Kelantan silverware offers traditional and decorative items from vases to jewellery.

Only 4 km north of Kota Bharu at Kampung Penambang is a 'songket-weaving' factory. Here silk material is woven with gold and silver thread. Originally the silk material came from Thailand while the gold and silver threads were imported from India. The use of songket material was once reserved for royalty but now it is used for ceremonial occasions and weddings. Batik factories are found in Kampung Putih, Kubor Kuda and Kampung Badan. A visit to a batik factory gives an insight into the process of batik printing. In the past, basic cotton materials were printed using the stamp block method. Now much more sophisticated methods are used on a variety of materials, both for attire and as wall hangings.

Kelantan woodcarving is perhaps among the best in the region. Carvers produce ornate mirror frames, headboards, decorative panels for wall mounting or free standing lamp stands and more. The great majority of the designs reflect floral motifs and Islamic scriptures. The art of kite making, although not restricted to Kelantan, is of the highest order. Kites of all shapes and sizes take to the skies especially after the harvest season and Kelantan kites are without doubt the finest in the land. Requiring tremendous skill and patience, the art of kite making is usually handed down from father to son. Some of these kites carry names such as 'Wau Merak' (peacock kite). There are numerous shops in Kota Bharu and many more along the road to 'Pantai Cahaya Bulan' selling and displaying a vast array of gaily decorated kites.

Home stay
To experience the daily life of a typical Kelantan Malay family, you can arrange to stay with a family of a farmer, fisherman, kite maker, silversmith, batik manufacturer or a top maker. You can learn how to plant or harvest paddy, tab rubber, makes fish traps and participate in traditional games like silat and sepak takraw. For more information, contact the state tourist information centre to make the necessary arrangements.

Accommodation

Chalet Sri Ketitir
Bandar Baru Gua Musang,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9121235
Fax: 09-9121044.

Chalet Sri Tujuh
Pantai Sri Tujuh, Tumpat
Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7211753.

Crystal Lodge
124, Jalan Che Su,
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7470888
Fax: 09-747 0088

Diamond Puteri Hotel.
Seksyen 9, Jalan post Office lama
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09- 7439988.
Fax: 09- 7438388.

Dynasty Inn
2865-D&E Jalan Sultanah Zainab,
15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7473000
Fax: 09-7473111

Hostel Pantai Timur
Lot 391, seksyen 27, Jalan Kebun Pantai,
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7483753.

Hotel Ansar Inn
Jalan Maju, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7474000
Fax:09- 7461150

Hotel Gua Musang
Bandar Baru Gua Musang,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9122121/9122929
Fax: 09-9122121

Hotel Mawar
Bangunan Mawar Jalan Parit Dalam, Bandar Kota Bharu,
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7448888/7440000
09-7400110
Fax: 09-7476666

Hotel Perdana.
P.O.Box 222, Jalan Mahmud
15720 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7485000
Fax: 09-744762

Hotel Sentosa
No.3180-A, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-74432000

Hotel Tanah Merah
Taman Tasik, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9557682 / 9557398
Fax: 09-9557398.

Hotel Temenggong
Jalan Tok Hakim
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7483481
Fax: 09-7441481

Johnty's Malaya Villa
Lot 882, Jalan Kebun Sultan
Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7448866.

Juita Inn
Pt 60-64, Jalan Pintu Pong
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09- 7446888
Fax: 09-7445777

Kencana Inn
Jalan Padang Garong
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7447944
Fax: 09-7440181

Kesedar Inn
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9121491
Fax: 09-9122121

Menora Guest House
Wisma Chua Tong Boon
Jalan Sultanah Zainab
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7481699.

Nikmat Lodge
Jalan Tengku Besar, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9104070

Pantai Cinta Berahi Resort
Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7732307
Fax: 09-7741466

Pantai Irama Motel
Bachok, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7788462

Perdana Beach Resort
P.O.Box 121, Jalan Kuala Pa'amat,
Pantai Cahaya Bulan
15710 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7744000
Fax: 09-7744980

Perdana Stong Hill Resort
Kampong Jelawang
18200 Dabong, Kelantan.
Tel/Fax: 09-7476100

Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel
Kota Sri Mutiara, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra,
15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-746 2233
Fax: 09-7461122

Safar Inn
Jalan Hilir Kota
15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7478000

Fax: 09-7479000

Square Point
Jalan Pengkalan Chepa
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7433333 / 7432333
Fax: 09-7438333

Sri Chalet
Taman Tasik Sri, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9556626
Fax: 09-9556300

Sutera Inn Prima
Jalan Dusun Muda, Off Jln. Bayam
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7441000
Fax: 09-7442000

Taman Rehlah
Pantai Bisikan Bayu Semarak
Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-6919887
Fax: 09-6918358.

Town Guest House
Jalan Pengkalan Chepa
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7432521.

State Tourist Information Centres

Jalan Sultan Ibrahim
15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7485534 / 7483518
Fax: 09-7486652.

Travel Bureaus

Batuta Travel & Tours
Tel: 09-7443652

Gloways Travel & Tours
Tel: 09-7481833

KUB Travels
Tel: 09-7484870

Sino American Travel Corp
Tel: 09-7485099

Super Services Travel Agency
Tel: 09-7444999

Penang State

2009-06-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

History
Penang today bears the mark of an early history of successive foreign influences-from the early Indian civilization that took root in northern Malaya to that of the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British who came to this part of the world in search of spices and stayed to participate in the lucrative trade.

The history of modern Penang can be traced back to 1786 when Francis Light managed to persuade the Sultan of Kedah to cede "Pulau Pinang"(Betel Nut Island) to the British East India Company. Light landed at the site of the present Esplanade and according to local legend, fired gold coins into the surrounding jungle to induce his men to clear the area. The island was originally named Prince of Wales Island and the settlement that soon grew up was named Georgetown after King George III. In 1800,the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel which light named province Wellesley, after the then governor of India. In 1832, Penang formed part of the straits settlement with Melaka and Singapore. It flourished and grew to be a major trading post for a lucrative trade in tea, spices, China and cloth. For more than a hundred years, it remained under British Colonial rule until 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the states of the newly formed Federation of Malaya and later Malaysia 1963.

Physical Geography
Negeri Pulau Pinang merupakan negeri yang terletak di sebelah utara Semenanjung Malaysia. Negeri Pulau Pinang yang dikenali sebagai Pulau Mutiara terbahagi kepada dua iaitu Georgetown dan Butterworth. Kawasan Georgetown terletak di bahagian pulau. Manakala Butterworth terletak di Tanah Semenanjung Malaysia. Kedua-dua kawasan ini dihubungkan melalui jambatan yang dikenali sebagai Jambatan Pulau Pinang. Jambatan ini merupakan jambatan yang terpanjang di Malaysia. The state of Penang is situated at the north of West Malaysia. It is also well-known as ‘The pear Island’ (Pulau Mutiara) and the areas are divided into two that is Georgetown and Butterworth. Georgetown is located at the island meanwhile Butterworth is located at the mainland of West Malaysia. Both areas are link via bridge that is known as ‘The Penang Bridge’ (Jambatan Pulau Pinang). This is also the longest bridge in Malaysia.

Introduction
Penang, "The Pearl of The Orient" lies off the north-western coast of Penisular Malaysia. The state comprises the island of Penang covering an area of about 285sq.km and a narrow strip of approximately 760 sq. km on the mainland known as Seberang Perai (province Wellesley) separated by a channel 3 km wide at the closest point. They are linked by the Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service. Its population of more than 1 million represents a happy mix of the major races found in Malaysia with Malays making up 32%, the Chinese 59% and Indians 7%.

Geogetown at the northeastern tip of the island is the seat of administration and is also the commercial hub of the state. This bustling metropolitan city combines the best of the east and west as seen in its fascinating collection of fine old building, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its colourful history. Much of its charm also lies in its famous golden beaches and calm warm seas. Penang today is a resort island in full bloom- an idyllic playground for worshippers of the sun and the sea. Its multi-racial population contributes to a wealth of cultural attractions and festivals for visitors to bring home memories of happy times in Penang.

Economy
Pulau Pinang merupakan negeri yang banyak memberi peluang pekerjaan kepada penduduk setempat ataupun luar. Ekonomi negeri Pulau Pinang lebih tertumpu kepada ekonomi perindustrian terutamanya pengeluaran elektronik. Lebih 50 % ekonomi Pulau Pinang bergantung kepada sektor perindustrian. Selain itu, sektor pelancongan juga banyak menyumbangkan pendapatan kepada negeri Pulau Pinang. Hal ini kerana negeri Pulau Pinang mempunyai tempat-tempat yang menarik terutamanya pantai. Penang is one of the states that offer lots of working opportunity for the people and outsiders. The main economic here is being focused on industrialization that is electronic. More then 50% of the Penang economic lies on the industrialization sector. Other than that, tourism sector also helps to develop the earning of this state. This is because Penang has lots of breathtaking places to visit especially beaches.

Culture Heritage
Penduduk Pulau Pinang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum seperti melayu,cina dan India. Setiap kaum ini mempunyai kebudayaan yang tersendiri sama ada dari segi pakaian, tarian, permainan, perayaan dan makanan. Kepelbagaian dan keunikan budaya yang terdapat di Pulau Pinang sudah pasti akan menarik perhatian setiap orang yang mengunjung negeri ini. The population in Penang consist of multiracial that is Malay, Chinese and Indian. Each ethnic has its own different culture in terms of clothing, dance, games, festivals and foods. The multiracial and the uniqueness of culture in this island therefore bring attraction to many visitors.

Transportation

Air
Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals of the region. It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen(China) and Madras, operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airlines also operate more than 20 flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the city centre. Taxis plying the route follow the coupon system by which fares between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed. Air-conditioned taxis and limousines charge higher fares.

The Penang Yellow Bus Co. operates an hourly service between the Airport and Pangkalan Weld in the city between 6.00am to 10.00 pm daily (Bus no.83.).

Road
The opening of the Penang Bridge linking the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang Island has facilitated driving to Penang. A charge of RM 7.00 is levied on all classes of cars at the toll plaza in Perai on the mainland. No payment is required for travelling from the island to the mainland.

Ferry
From Butterworth, it is necessary to take the ferry to Penang Island. The ferry service is available around the clock for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets are purchased at the Butterworth terminal and the rates are applicable for a return journey.
Fares: Adult RM0.60
Children RM0.30

Railway
The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes approximately 6 hours. First and second-class passengers travel in comfort in the air-conditioned coaches. Taking the train is a comfortable way to travel within the country and it affords one the opportunity to see a lot of the countryside. Keretapi Tanah Malayu Berhad also operates regular services to Alor Setar, Padang Besar, Haadyai and Bangkok from Butterworth.

City Taxis
Most city taxis do not use the meter. You may either insist on the meter being turned on or agree on the price before you move off. Taxis normally charge between RM 3.00- RM 6.00 for short distances within the city.

City Buses
Most of buses use coin machine to collect fares. The main bus terminals are Pangkalan Weld (Ferry terminal) and KOMTAR(ground floor).

Trishaws
A trishaws ride is one of the best ways of seeing Penang. Besides the novelty of travelling in this open-fronted three-wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity of doing the sights at a more leisurely pace stopping at any point snap pictures or by souvenirs.

Car Rental
If you wish to venture further field at your own leisure, it might be a good idea to drive around yourself. Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice of vehicles and packages.

Rent Motorbike/Bicycle
Motorcycles and bicycles also offer inexpensive and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel stretch of Batu Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.

Places to Eat/ Special Foods
The endless variety of Penang food reflects the different cooking styles and tastes of its multi-racial population. There is a mouth-watering selection of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nyonya cuisine to sample, not to mention the irresistible hawker fare from makeshift roadside stalls.

Not to be missed hawker favourites are "Asam Laksa", "Hokkien Mee", "Char Koay Teow", and "Pasembor". Nyonya cuisine includes "Mee Siam", "Otak-Otak", "Kerabu", "Enche Kabin", and "Curry Kapitan". The nyonyas are also famous for their delicious cakes and desserts.

Heading the list of Indian food is "Nasi Kandar" of Indian Muslim origin. South Indian favourites include "Tosai" and "Indiapom" served with thick "Dhall" curry. Northern Indian "Naan" bread with chicken "Tandoori" or chicken "Tikka" are also worth trying.

Chinese restaurant offer Cantonese, Szechwan, Hokkien, Teochew and Hainanese food represented by food such as "Dim Sum", rice porridge, chicken rice, a variety of noodles and the pungent diced chicken with dried chillies.

Malay food typified by dishes such as "Sambal tumis", "Masak lemak", and "Sambal belacan" are easily available. Another hot favourite is of course the "Satay".

Events, Festivals and Celebrations

Chap Goh Meh. (February/March)
Celebrated on the 15th night of the first month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. The highlight of the festival is the orange throwing ceremony in which local maidens throw oranges into the sea for would-be suitors to catch.

Penang International Triathlon. (May)
An annual event featuring is a gruelling non-stop swimming-cycling-running race, which attracts hundreds of hopefuls to Penang.

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. (June)
This water sport in gaining worldwide popularity is seen as from the increasing number of international teams participating each year in the sea off Batu Uban.

Penang Flora Festival. (July)
Highlight of the festival is the bright display of flowers at the KOMTAR mall.

City On Parade. (July)
It would be a weeklong extravaganza of food promotions, inter-hotel competitions, and seaside festivities, cultural shows, fashion parades, telematches and parties.

Penang Beach Carnival.
The one-week carnival features food promotions, inter hotel competitions, seaside festivities, cultural shows, fashion parades, telematches and parties.

Penang Food Festival. (August)
Offer visitors the opportunity to sample the best of Penang Cuisine, learn a bit about its history and watch various dishes being prepared.

Penang Cultural Festival. (August)
This is the month-long festival to celebrate Penang’s multi-racial heritage featuring various performances from different cultural groups.

Lantern Festival. (September)
Mid-Autumn festival characterized by brightly lit lanterns in all shapes and colours. Also associated with the moon cake, a sweet delicacy, which once carried secret messages inciting rebellion in ancient China.

Pesta Pulau Pinang. (November/December)
Features an annual trade fair and exhibition. Carnival rides, band performances, games and cultural shows lend a festive air.

Sports / Recreation.

Jungle Trekking.
Most beach hotels organize early morning treks past jungle streams and waterfalls. Food packs are usually provided. Check with your hotel for time and prices. For the more adventurous wishing to venture out on their own, the Malaysian Nature Society’s ‘The Nature Trails of Penang’ provides comprehensive guides on trekking in Penang.

Golfing.
Visitor may also have a swinging time at the following golf clubs.

o Bukit Jambul Golf and Country Club (Tel: 04-6442255)

o Penang Turf Club (Tel: 04-436 2333)

o Air Force Golf Club Butterworth (Tel: 04-3322632)

o Bukit Jawi Golf Resort (Tel: 04-5822612)

o Kristal Golf Resort (Tel: 04- 3998661)

Sea Sports.
Beach hotels provide facilities for a host of sea sports such as sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, canoeing and speedboat rides. The uninhabited islands of Pulau Bidan, Pulau Telur and Pulau Song Song off Batu Ferringhi are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Arrangement may be made for trips to these islands within whose crystal clear depths are some of the most fascinating attractions of the underwater world.

Horse Racing.
The Penang Turf Club at Jalan Batu Gantung is the scene of exciting races held on two consecutive weekends once every two months. On other weekends when the races are held at Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the turf club is open for ‘off-course’ betting.

Places Of Interest.

Penang Museums And Art Gallery, Lebuh Farquhar.
Built in 1821, the Museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. There are also Malay daggers (keris), Chinese furniture, embroidery and paintings of old Penang. The Art Gallery on the first floor displays the works of local artists and is the venue for special exhibitions. The statue of Captain Francis Light is graces at the grounds in front of the buildings.

Kapitan Keling Mosque, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
Named after the Indian Muslim merchant the "Kapitan Keling" (headman) Caudeer Mohudeen who built it in the early 19th century. It features an ochre yellow façade and dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. Permission to enter must be obtained from mosque officials.

Acheen Street Mosque, Lebuh Acheen.
Also known as Masjid Melayu, the mosque was built on land donated by Syed Sheriff Tengku Syed Hussain Aidid who came from Acheh in Sumatera. The 1820 mosque features a small window halfway up the minaret, which is said to have originally been a hole made by cannonball fired during the 1867-triad riots.

Goddess Of Mercy Temple, Jalan Kapitan Keling.
Early immigrant settlers from China built one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang, the Kuan Yin Teng or the Goddess of Mercy Temple in 1800. The building is decorated with intricately crafted dragons and stone sculptured lions, which are said to be its guardians. The temple is flocked by pilgrims and followers all year round especially during the three anniversaries of Kuan Yin that are on the 19th day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar month.

Sri Mariamman Temple, Lebuh Queen.
The temple is built in 1883,features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and on its façade. Housed within its ornately decorated interior is the priceless statue of lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. The statue figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on a silver chariot through the city streets to the temple at Jalan Waterfall.

St George’s Church, Lebuh Farquhar.
Built with convict labour in 1818, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. The entrance of this stately Anglican church named after the patron saint of England, features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light.

Khoo Kongsi, Lebuh Cannon.
The forefathers of the Khoo family who emigrated from South China built it as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. It was burnt down in 1894 and some believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor’s palace. A scaled down version was later built in 1902. The building features a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.

City Hall, Esplanade.
Built in the 1880s, this stately colonial building is a fine example of British Palladian architecture featuring magnificent Corinthian Columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government.

Clock Tower, Pesara King Edward.
Towering 60 feet high, local millionaire presented the clock tower to Penang Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the diamond commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Fort Cornwallis, Lebuh Light.
The fort was built on the site of Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it was replaced by a concrete structure built by convict labour, in 1804. Today, an open-air amphitheatre history gallery and a handicraft and souvenir centre occupy the interior. It houses the famous Dutch cannon presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch and which finally found its way to Penang after being looted by the Portuguese.

Nagore Shrine, Lebuh King.
Constructed in the early 1880’s, the shrine is a memorial to the Caliph, Syed Shahul Hamid. Faithful devotees may be seen visiting the Shrine to seek favours on Thursdays.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, Lorong Burma.
The Buddhist temple of Thai architecture houses a 33-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha-said to be one of the longest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns containing the ashes of devotees.

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Lorong Burma.
A pair of elephants guards the entrance to this Burmese temple. Within the pagoda grounds is a Boddhi tree and a wishing pond. It is the scene of many festivities during the water festival in April.

China Town.
China Town on the island stretches from Weld Quay to Lebuh Stewart, Lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh King. China Town is so large and well preserved that you will sense and fell the lifestyle of Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s. The many clan houses, shop houses and temples found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind, will intrigue visitors. Stepping into these streets will certainly take you back in time.

Komtar, Jalan Penang
Tun Abdul Razak complex is a prominent Penang landmark, houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants. The 65-story complex also contains theatres, squash courts and a geodesic dome, which serves as a multipurpose hall, while the 55th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and on clear days, also of Gunung Jerai in Kedah.

State Mosque, Jalan Masjid Negeri.
The State Mosque features elegant modern architecture and took four years to complete. It can accommodate 5,000 worshippers for congregational prayers and is usually packed on Fridays. Permission to enter must be obtained from the State Religious Department, Lebuh Pantai. Visitors must dress appropriately and remove their shoes before entering.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam.
One of the Finest Buddhist temples in South East Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddha’s" taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. It features gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures.

P. Ramlee’s House.
Situated along Jalan P. Ramlee (formerly Caunterhall Road), is the newly restored wooden house, to commemorate the late P.Ramlee, Malaysia’s foremost entertainer. Originally built in 1926 by his father and uncle, the house had previously undergone successive repairs before being taken over by the National Archives as an extension of its P.Ramlee Memorial project in Kuala Lumpur. The display within and outside the house features the main living areas and also the life history of the late singer, actor, composer and director. The various artefacts include his personal memorabilia related to his life in Penang and also items belonging to his family.

University Of Science Malaysia’s (USM) Museum and Art Gallery, Minden.
The museum houses a collection of artefacts on Malay and Nyonya cultures, textiles, prints, traditional jewellery and daggers (keris). One section is devoted to the performing arts. The art gallery has a fine collection of paintings.

Forestry Museum, Teluk Bahang.
Located within the 100-hectare Forest Recreation Park, the museum was built using various species of wood and other forest produce and houses a collection of forest produce from all over the country. The park features foot paths and flowing streams and is home to countless species of flowering plants, ferns, insects, birds, butterflies, snakes and lizards.

Pinang Cultural Center.
Pinang Cultural Center operates 3 cultural tours daily, 9.30am-12.00pm, 4.30pm- 7.00pm,6.00pm-10.00pm (dinner show). The cultural tour, which lasts for 2 hours 30 minutes, is a window to the Malaysian culture. In each of these guided tours, visitors get to see-a demonstration of traditional welcoming ceremony, Malay martial arts, traditional games, handicraft making, a longhouse, an exhibition on heritage and a 45 minute cultural show featuring dances from all over Malaysia.

Penang Bridge.
The Penang Bridge, which links Penang island and the mainland, was officially opened on September 15, 1988. The spectacularly beautiful bridge spans 13.5 km across the channel, offering a beautiful view of the open sea, ships and the sprawling coast

Nattukkotai Temple, Jalan Air Terjun.
The temple is dedicated to the deity, Bala Subramaniam, and features prominently during the annual Thaipusam festival when thousands of devotees throng its premises for the various rites and ceremonies.

Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden.
The Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden and Reptile House are located along Persiaran Bukit Jambul, close to the Hotel Equatorial; only a leisurely 5-minute drive away from the Penang International Airport.

Balik Pulau.
The hills of Balik Pulau abound with clove and nutmeg trees, which bear fruit in November-January and July. Or savour the durian, a seasonal fruit that is the luscious king of fruits.

Butterfly Farm, Teluk Bahang.
The farm spans 0.8 hectares and is home to 3,000 living specimens of over 50 species of colourful butterflies, frogs, scorpions and other insects. It features a lily pond, artificial waterfalls, a rock garden, tunnel and a bubbling mud pool. Also included within the farm are a garden enclosure, breeding area, laboratory, exhibition area, souvenir shops and information centre.

Snake Temple.
Built in 1850 and dedicated to the dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong, the temple is located 3.2 km from the Penang International Airport. It is a sanctuary for pit vipers said to be the ‘servants’ of the deity. These poisonous snakes, seen coiled round the pillars, beams and potted plants within the temple is believe to be rendered harmless by the smoke of the burning incense.

Kampung Seronok, Batu Maung.
The name ‘Kampung Seronok’ originated from a suggestion by an English engineer, D.W Grehan who had, on a number of occasions, shared in the joy and merrymaking of the kampung folk, in the days shortly after the Japanese surrender. What makes it unique is the fact that it is virtually ‘open’ to visitors who are free to observe and participate in the various cultural activities, traditional games and rural economic pursuits of the people, showcasing the intrinsic values of traditional village life.

Batu Maung Fishing village.
Batu Maung is a small fishing village at the southeastern tip of the island, which owes its fame to the beachfront shrine, dedicated to admiral Cheng Ho, the famous Chinese admiral who featured prominently in the history of the Malacca Sultanate. The huge footprint in the vicinity of the shrine is said to be that of the admiral.

Penang Bird Park, Seberang Jaya.
The park spans 5 acres and houses a fine collection of some 800 birds from all over the world. It is beautifully landscaped and features a walk-in aviary, pond with ducks and swans, ornamental plants.

Penang Hill.
Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill is 830 meters (2730ft) above sea level, visitors can ascend to the top by either hiking up or by the funicular railway, which has been operational since 1922. Apart from the cool, refreshing climate and the fantastic view at the summit, visitors can also view the picturesque bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird park. There are bungalows for rent and a hotel for those who want to stay for more than a day. Visitors can also indulge in refreshments and snacks at a convenient tea kiosk located on top of the hill. There is a good walking track up the hill. It takes 4 hours to reach the top and is recommended only for the more energetic. The jungle trail begins at the ‘moon gate’ at Jalan Air Terjun, approximately 300m from the Botanical Gardens entrance.

Botanical Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens offer peace and tranquillity amidst lush green surroundings, tropical plants and the vibrant colours of Penang’s flora. The 30-hectare garden also features a waterfall. Created in 1884 by the British, it was meant as a tribute to Charles Curtis, its first superintendent who collected botanical specimens from the surrounding hills-specimens, which have since become significant samples in the world’s major herbariums. The garden is also well known for their bold Rhesus monkeys.

Penang’s Famed Beaches.
Penang’s northern shoreline is famous for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and deep blue seas. The Tanjung Bunga, Batu ferringhi and Teluk Bahang beaches offer expansive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves within the shelter of gigantic rocks. It is along this famous coastline that resort of international standard has sprouted up, offering a host of water-based recreational facilities. If you crave for privacy, head for Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach, Pantai Keracut and Pantai Mas accessible via the trails in the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Bahang. The Pasir Panjang Beach at the southwestern tip of the island is a good clean stretch for swimming and can be reached after a 25-minute hike over hilly land from Bentong.

Shopping.

Penang has a superb range of shops. Penang is definitely a shopper's paradise, with hundreds of retail establishments located conveniently, in and around the city. The main shopping areas in Penang are concentrated in Jalan Penang, Lebuh Campbell, Lebuh Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pantai. Few places can compare with Penang for its variety of goods and reasonably cheap prices.

One of the biggest and most famous shopping complexes in the city is none other than the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, or fondly known as KOMTAR. This 65- story complex, located in the heart of Georgetown, offer some of the best shopping on the island. KOMTAR houses a labyrinth of boutiques, fast food outlets, restaurant, amusement arcades and shops as well as two of the biggest department stores. On the 58th floor is the tower Tourist Centre, which allows visitors to have an excellent aerial view of the whole city as well as cultural shows, performed daily.

A duty free shop on the 57th floor offers good shopping, and the souvenir centre is yet another places to get memorabilia of Penang.

Batik, the highly versatile fabric is available as individually designed pieces or as clothing, tablecloths, napkins and furnishings. These may be purchased at factories in Teluk Bahang and in souvenir shops at Batu Feringhi, specialist shops in Penang Road and in most department stores and shopping complexes. Batik paintings can also be found in galleries in Jalan Penang, Lebuh Leith and Batu Feringhi.

If you are searching for fine jewellery, the Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Kapitan Keling are the places to go. Other shopping complexes include Island Plaza and Midlands One Stop Shopping Centre.

Duty free shops within the city offer cameras, radios and tape-recorders, TV and Hi-Fi equipment, calculators, electrical appliances, pens, lighters, watches and cosmetics plus a host of other items at reasonable prices.

Penang is also a haven for antique lovers in search of rare bargains. The junk shops along Rope Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali) offer a range of antique items and bric-a-brac such as porcelain ware, chains, coins, old glass, old ceiling lamps and antique clocks.

Hotels.

1. Evergreen Laurel Hotel-Penang
Tel: 04-2269988

2. Golden Sands Beach Resort
Tel: 04-8811911

3. Hotel Equatorial Penang
Tel: 04-6438111

4. Ming Court Inn Penang
Tel: 04-2288588

5. Shangri-La Hotel Penang
Tel: 04-2622622

6. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort
Tel: 04-8811811

7. Sheraton Penang Hotel
Tel: 04-2267888

8. City Bayview Hotel Penang
Tel: 04-2633161

9. Hotel 1926-Penang
Tel: 04-2281926

10. Hotel Central
Tel: 04-2266411

11. Paradise Tanjung Bungah
04-8908808

12. Pearl View Hotel
04-2614282

13. Sunway Hotel
Tel: 04-2299988

14. Agora Hotel
Tel: 04-2266060

15. Hotel Continental
Tel: 04-2636388

16. Hotel Malaysia
Tel: 04-2633311

17. Oriental Hotel Penang
Tel: 04-2634211

18. Butterworth Travel Lodge
Tel: 04-3333399

19. Chusan Hotel.
Tel:04-8908255

20. Garden Inn Hotel
Tel: 04-2263655

21. Grand Continental Hotel
Tel: 04-2636688

22. Hong Kong Hotel
Tel: 04-8908515

23. Hotel Golden City
Tel: 04-2279910

24. Hotel Mingood Penang
Tel: 04-2299922

25. Hotel Waterfall
Tel: 04-2295588

26. Midtowne Hotel
Tel: 04-2269999

27. Palm Beach Hotel
Tel: 04-8811621

28. Peking Hotel
Tel: 04-2636191

29. The Merchant Hotel
Tel: 04-2632828

Penang State Tourism department

Penang Development Corporation
Tourism Division
No. 1, Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Baru
11909 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Tel : 04-6432111.
Fax : 04- 6432405.

Penang Tourist Centre
Bangunan Penang Port Bhd
Pesara King Edward, 10300 Penang
Tel : 04-2616663

Tourist Information centre
3rd Level, Concourse KOMTAR
Jalan Penang.
Tel : 04- 2614461.

Travel Bureaus.

1. Admiral Tours & Travel
Tel: 04-2636394

2. Adventure World Holidays
Tel: 04-2286238

3. Airbone
Tel: 04-2632141

4. Angel Tours
Tel: 04-2613488

5. Bayan Baru Travel
Tel: 04-2298255

6. Berbudi Travel
Tel: 04-2286815

7. Bintang Biru Travel & Travel
Tel: 04-2271618

8. BJ Travels
Tel: 04-2617475

9. Bousted Travel Service
Tel: 04-2610511

10. Chan Brothers Travel Agency
Tel: 04-2636195

11. Cheng U-EE Travel & Tours
Tel: 04-5391730

12. City Tourism
Tel: 04-3237909

13. CT Tours & Travel
Tel: 04-8811671

14. Diners World Travel
Tel: 04-2293560

15. Eternal East Travel & Tours
Tel: 04-2298819

Sabah State

2009-06-06T09:29:00.001-07:00

History
As early as the 9th century A.D., Sabah, then under various chieftains, traded with China and later with the Spanish and Portuguese. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the ports on Borneo Island were not as popular as Melaka (Malacca). But the island had already been explored bu seafarers and traders who sought for the jungle ‘fortune’ such as camphor, rattan, wildlife and resins. During the 15th century, Sabah was a vassal of the Sultan of Brunei. In 1704, the Sultan of Brunei ceded the land east of Marudu Aby to the Sultan of Sulu. In the early 1880’s, Moses, an American trader, obtained a lease over Sabah from Brunei. The lease was eventually passed to Alfred Dent, an Englishman. In 1881, he signed a treaty with Brunei and Sulu, converting the lease into a cession. Thus British North Borneo (Sabah’s old name) was born. It was administered by the Chartered Company of British North Borneo until the Japanese Occupation in 1945. After World War II, Sabah became a British Crown Colony. In 1963, it gained independence and joined Malaysia.

Physical Geography
Sabah shares her land border with Sarawak and Brunei in the west and Kalimantan, Indonesia in the south. Sabah mempunyai keluasan 74,500 sq km. penduduknya pula berjumlah lebih kurang 2 juta orang. Ibu negeri Sabah ialah Kota kinabalu, formely known as Jesselton before its name was changed in 1968 to Kota Kinabalu, the state capital is also affectionately called KK by locals. Sabah dibahagikan kepada 23 daerah iaitu, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Kota Kinabalu, Ranau, Kota Belud, tuaran, Penampang, Papar, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Tenom, Nabawan, Keningau, Tambunan dan Kunak. Negeri ini beriklim tropika dengan suhu 32 C di kawasan lowlands dan 21C di kawasan highlands. Sabah is a mountainous landmass covered by dense and moist tropical forests, alluvial and swampy coastal plains ‘cut’ by rivers and valleys. Standing proud and firm among Sabah’s mountain ranges, is Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mt. Kinabalu with 4,093 metres high. Sungai terpanjang di Sabah ialah Kinabatangan River.

Introduction
Sabah is a land of mystery awaiting to be explored. As the furthest point from Kuala Lumpur, her ‘mysteriousness’ is due to her unspoilt natural wilderness that remains ‘untouched’. Sabah is popularly known as ‘The Land Below the Wind’ because it lies below the typhoon belt that surrounds the Philipine islands. During the spice-dominated sea-borne trade era, the seas around Sabah have been a safe refuge to traders from the strong winds, especially during the typhoon seasons.

Sabah is located on the northern tip of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. The seaboard state faces the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu Sea on the east. This is the land that has retained its charm and refreshness. A land that will interest the visitor with her environmental splendours, majestic mountains, awesome cloud-crested ranges, colourful landscape, a variety of flora and fauna, and her creatively cultured people,rich in custom and handiworks.

Sabah is a unique unique land, a melting pot of many indigenous and immigrant groups. The population comprises over 30 different dialects and each group has its own unique tradition, festival and custom. The indigenous groups include the Kadazan or Dusun, Bajaus, Muruts, rungus, malays which comprise Bisayas, bruneis, Orang Sungei, Kadayans, and many other sub-groups. The Chinese form the largest non-indigenous group. The present immigrants are Filipinos and Indonesians seeking better opportunities.

About three-quarters of the population of Sabah are concentrated along the coastal areas while the sparsely populated interior is mainly covered with dense jungles. The Muruts, who are great hunters and other nomadic sub-groups dwell the interior. They still practise shifting cultivation though this is being discouraged by the government.

Making up one-third of the population, the Kadazan or dusuns form the largest racial group in Sabah. They are prosperous farmers and are the main rice producers of Sabah, though many of th epresent generations have left the paddy fields. The many sub-groups of the Kadazan or Dusun include Rungus, Lotuds, Tambanuos, Kimarangans, Sanayos, Minokoks and Tenggeras.

The Bajaus, are the famous ‘Cowboys of the East.’ They are skilful horseman rearing ponies, buffaloes and cattle as well as being productive paddy growers.

Economy
The growth sectors of the economy are agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and
tourism. Exports include palm oil, cocoa beans, rubber, logs, sawn timber and crude petroleum. Pearls are also cultivated for exports to Japan.

Transportation

Air
Malaysia Airlines has regular flights from kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Singapore, Manila and Hong Kong direct to Kota Kinabalu and Tawau. Domestic flights by Malaysia Airlines also link Kota Kinabalu to Labuan, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Tawau and Kuching in Sarawak.

Road
Road networks connect border towns of Sabah with Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital city and Miri in Sarawak. It is difficult to approach Sabah by road from Kalimantan although there are interactions between the people of the two countries who live along the border of Sabah and Kalimantan.

Cultural Heritage
A rich, cultural experience awaits you at the Monsopiad Cultural Village named after the legendary Kadazandusun hero. Major highlights are the House of skulls with its 42 ancient human skulls, traditional handecrafted buildings, a paddy field and a hanging bridge. You cannot get a more authentic feel of the indigenous community than here.

Meet the colourful Bajau community from Akota Belud, famous as “cowboys of the east”, who where once known as sea Gypsies because of their love for adventure on the high seas. Resplendent in their colourful costumes with a silver dagger of kris as part of their outfit, their ponies are just as elaborately dressed, especially on festive occasions. The Bajau Horseman are best seen during the annual Kota Belud “Tamu Besar”.

The Rungus, a sub-tribe of the Kadazandusun indigenous group, is the main ethnic group living in the Kudat division. They live in their traditional thatched longhouse on stilts. For each family unit, there is a sleeping area, a dining area, an attic, a corridor and the living area. The entrance stairway is made of a small tree trunk with notches, leading to the main longhouse communal living area. Floors are made from small, split tree trunks tightened and held together by rattan and bark strips. The roof is made of leaves, the walls from tree bark. Only trees that bring good luck are used. Evenings are festive as gongs are played and villagers dress up in their traditional black costume with elaborate, colourful beads.

Places of Interest
Signal hill Observator (Kota Kinabalu)
Which affords good views of the city and its green bay.

Sabah State Mosque (Kota Kinabalu)
Located at at Jalan Sembulan (Sembulan road). There is the State Mosque with majestic domes, and crafted in modern-style Islamic architecture.

Sabah State Museum, Science & Technology centre, Art Gallery (Kota Kinabalu)
Wonder at the beauty of traditional Sabah architecture when you visit the three main building of the museum. The Main Building traces Sabah’s historical development, inclusive of the Shell Company’s exhibit at the Science Center, while the Sabah Art Gallery showcases the masterpieces of Sabah’s talented artists. The museum’s exhibits also include five life-size replicas of sabah’s traditional etcnic and community houses and a garden of native medical plants.

Colonial Train (Steam Train)
Relive the magic of the good old colonial days, complete with the staff of the North Borneo Company dressed in planter’s style uniforms with ubiquitous solar topee hats, serving food in the original age-old tiffin containers. This magic of the past has been enhanced by today’s luxurious brocade seats and pipe- in music for added ambience. All the way from Tanjung aru to Papar, you will marvel at the pastoral countryside, with monkeys swinging from vines by the tracks, water buffaloes, quails and kingfisher in their rich turquoise colours gleaming under the sun. in this communion with nature and a glimpse into the past, you will be drawn into a pensive mood as you take stock of life and all the things that truly matter. For another memorable experience, take the old diesel train from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom, on the only commercial railway line in Borneo. Built in 1896, the train chugs past villages, rubber estates, lush tropical jungles and the magnificent Padas Gorge. Take the leisurely ride all the way to Tenom, or disembark at Rayoh Station, where you can proceed to white water raft down 2 km. Of the Padas River. This exciting adventure is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Monsopiad Cultural Village (Kota Kinabalu)
Ten kilometres south of Kota Kinabalu is the village of Kampong Monsopiad (Monsopiad Village) famous for its Monsopiad Cultural Village. Named after the prolific head-hunter Monsopiad, it contains a museum, a handicraft workshop, and a hall to hold cultural dances and traditional feasts. Monsopiad’s grisly harvest of 40 skulls are also displayed.

‘Tamu’ and ‘Cowboy of the East’(Kota Belud)
kota Belud, 75 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu, is famous for its Sunday ‘tamu’ at Jalan Hasbollah. The Bajaus, often called the ‘Sea Gypsies’, a great sailors. Now, very much settled on the land, Bajaus are the famous ‘cowboys of the East’. They are skilful horseman rearing ponies, buffaloes and cattle as well as being productive paddy growers.Horseman from the Bajau, Rungus and KadazanDusun in traditional costumes ride in from around the countryside to trade in a wide array of products. An annual tamu is also held in November with the atmosphere of a carnival, where there are also games and competitions.

Natural Attractions
1. Kinabalu Park
Less than 2 hours’ drive from Kota Kinabalu, a drive to the Park passes through lush verdant countryside where you will be amazed to find buttercups, rhododendrons, a wide array of exotic orchids, pitcher plants, to name a few. A bus service runs twice daily from Kota Kinabalu, in addition 40 4-wheel drive vehicles. Coaches, small aircraft and helicopters available for charter. Located at 1,558 metre above sea level, Sabah’s oldest park was gazetted in 1964 and covers 754 sq. km. Including Mt. Kinabalu, Mt. Tambayukon to the north and their foothills. Of the most complex ecological system compacted in one small area. In fact, much of the world-renowned eco-treasures of Sabah can be found at Kinabalu Park, where you will find vegetation ranges from cloud forest to mountain forest to lowland forest. The majestic mountain, has a fascinating geological history. It began approximately a million years ago when the granite core lying beneath the earth’s crust was solidifying. This granite massif was later thrust upwards through the crust to the surface. Subsuquent erosian removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running through the summit plateau, smoothed it out but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface, remained unaffected by these ‘cosmetic’ touches and retained their extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain, 4, 101 metres above sea level, and still imperceptibly rising, is the focal point of the National Park. The park is a favourite getaway whether for day trips or week-long stays to explore the rare and endless eco-treasures found within. For overnight accommodation, make your reservations and payment at Kinabalu Nature Resort office in Kota Kinabalu. Privately operated room and board facilities are also available within easy distance of the Park.

 Flora & fauna
The park is known for the abundance and diversity of its plant life, within one of the most ancient vegetations in the world. There are over 1,200 species of wild orchids and 40 varieties of oak in its forests, not to mention the countless varieties of rhododendrons with blooms ranging in hue from deep red to pale pink and white! Masses of moss and ferns weigh down the trees of the Montane oak forests of the upper regions. Flowers are to be seen everywhere on the trees, in the shrubs, along the banks on the forest floor and even peeping out of the rocky crevices of the summit. Orchids such as the white necklace orchids are as delicately beautiful as their namesake.

The Bornean mountain ground squirrel Dremomys eve are often spotted scampering about in the scrub vegetation while the mountain tree shrew Tupaia montana are easily spotted along the mountain trails. You may even come across a red-necked keelback snake sunning itself along your path. The variety of birds range from mountain black eye, mountain black bird, Borneo eye bright, Euphrasia borneensis, and the now ‘not-so-friendly’ nor so easily sighted Friendly Kinabalu Warbler.

 Facilities
The Park Headquarters at 1,524 metres above sea level, has a range of accommodation facilities, restaurants and an exhibit centre.

Accommodation (At Kinabalu Park)
The Park charges different rates for accommodation on weekdays and weekends.
 Nepenthes Villa (2 bedrooms/ 4 persons) – 1 unit
 Rajah Lodge (5 bedroom/ 10 person)- 1 unit
 Kinabalu Lodge (4 bedroom/ 8 person) – 1 unit
 Double Storey/ Deluxe Cabin (3 bedroom/ 7 persons) – 1 unit
 Single Deluxe/ Cabin (2 bedrooms/ 5 persons) – 1 unit
 Duplex 2-Bedroom/ Chalet (6 persons in each) – 4 units
 Two-roomed/ Annex Suite (4 persons in each) – 4 units
 Twin Bed Cabin (2 persons in each) – 10 units
 New Fellowship/ Hostel (52 persons in dormitory room)
 Old Fellowship/ Hostel (46 persons in dormitory room)

The above cabins are provided with a fireplace, kitchen, shower, gas cooker and a refrigerator and cooking and eating utensils. Visitors intending to cook must bring their own food. Simple meals (both western and local) are available at the clubhouse and canteen in the Administration building. Electricity, piped water and firewood are all provided free of charge. All accommodation fees are subject to 5% Government Tax.

2. Poring Hot Spring
Located 39 km. Away from Kinabalu Park is the poring Hot Springs, where you can soak in the skin-curative properties of a hot sulphur bath, trek the various trails through rich lowland forest, mountain streams and waterfalls or do some bird-watching and the colourful profusion of wild flowers. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a Refflesia, the world’s largest flower! The hot spring, first developed by the Japanese during World War II, now feature several open-air Japanese-style baths. Take a dip to rest your tired feet and aching muscles. The water contains sulphur, known for its curative properties for curing skin problems.
Accommodations:
 Poring Chalet (6 persons perunit) - 2 units
 Old Cabin ( 3 bedroom – 6 persons)
 New Cabin ( 2 bedroom – 4 person)
 Youth Hostel ( 2 blocks with a capacity of 24 and 40 person in each block)
 Camp ground (30 person)
 Tents, blankets and pillows can be rented
 There are facilities such as restaurant to catter for visitors intending to stay overnight at Poring Hot Springs.

3. Mount Kinabalu
The state Capital, Kota Kinabalu, was specially named in reverence to Mount Kinabalu, the highest challenge in Borneo. Rising majestically at 4,095.2 m. or 13,432.26 ft., Mount Kinabalu has a mystique so inspiring, it’s magical. With its granite peak often shrouded in mists and clouds, it never fails to lure travellers all the way to the top. Conquering Mt. Kinabalu does not require mountain-climbing skills, just basic fitness. It takes a minimum of 2 days to climb the 14.5 km. trail to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu. It gives you the chance to look around and absorb the sights and sounds of your surroundings. See the clear mountain streams, observe the subtle changes in vegetation as your trail leads you first through the montane oak, rhododendron and conifer forests, to the mossy cloud forest zone with its gnarled twisted trees covered in moss and epiphytic orchids and ferns; and finally to the alpine meadow vegetation of the scrub-like summit regions. You may chance upon the maiden’s veil fungus Dictyophora, the delicate plant with the foul-smelling mucous on the outer surface of its cap. Insects feeding on this mucous unsuspectingly transport the spores that inevitably get stuck to their feet.

The park organises complimentary visitor programmes for first-times to the park. This include slide/ film shows and guided trails walks conducted by park naturalists. Take advantage to these to gain some informative and educational insights on the parks’s flora and fauna.
Arrangements for climbing
 Make sure you have good shoes. Tennis or gym shoes are fine.
 Bring enough warm clothing. The temperature can fall to below freezing point at night. Pack all clothes in plastic bags to keep them dry in case of rain. Sleeping bags are provided at the mountain huts.
 Bring something wind and water-proof, gloves and a hat.
 Bring a waterbottle with you
 Bring some high-energy foods for climb (e.g. chocolate, nuts, raising. Glucose sweets are good)
 Bring a good torchlight.
 Headache tablets, paper tissues, a couple of plastic bags and some plasters for cuts or blisters are all useful.

There are overnight accommodation and rest houses, with climbers leaving before dawn to catch the magnificent sunrise at the peak. Park regulations require the climb to be done with a registered guide, so make reservations for your mountain guide and porter through the Park’s Head Office in Kota Kinabalu. A minimal fee that goes towards the conservation and maintenance of the Park, is charged at the Registration Office of Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Transportation arrangements can be made individually or through tour operators, while accommodation can be arranged through the Kinabalu Nature Resort. Reservations cannot be made at the Park headquarters. Accommodations are usually fully booked during the peak climbing season, so do confirm your reservations before arrival.
Contact:
Sabah Parks, Lot 3, Block K, Sinsuran Complex
88806 Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 6088-212719/ 211881
Fax: 6088-221001
e-mail: sabahparks@sabah.gov.my

Kinabalu Nature Resort
Tel: 6088-243629
Fax: 6088-242861
e-mail: nature@kinabalu.net

Accommodation:
The park also provides lodging facilities for climbers. These facilities are situated on the mountain at two altitudes; 11,000 ft and 12,500 ft. They serve as overnight rest areas prior to the ascent to the summit.

Rest House/ Mountain Huts At 11,000 feet.
 Laban Rata Rest House – 3322 metre ( 1 rest house –10 bunks). Canteen and shower facilities provided
 Gunting Lagadan hut – 3353 metre ( 1 hut – 12 bunks)
 Panar Laban hut – 3353 metre ( 1 hut –12 bunks)
 Waras Hut – 3292 metre ( 1 hut – 12 bunks)

Mountain Huts 12,500 feet
 Sayat-Sayat hut –8810 metre ( 1 hut – 18 bunks)
- The mountain huts provide wooden bunks with mattresses, gas cylinders, cooking utensils and a limited supply of eating utensils, climbers must bring their own food for cooking

4. Waterfalls
The waterfalls that are describeb here are the Kiansom Waterfall, Langganan Waterfall, Madai Waterfalls, Maliau Waterfall, Mawah Waterfall and the Purun Waterfall. The nearest waterfall withing reach from Kota Kinabalu is the Kiansom Waterfall. Well known as the spot for weekend family recreation, this waterfall is about 60 feet in height with several spots to swim in along the lower parts of the fall. Driving to ranau on the way to Mount kinabalu you will see another waterfall in the far distance. This is Kedamaian Waterfall but is not easily accessible and it takes a minimum 2 days to reach its base. At the Poring Hot Springs, however, a semilar waterfall to that of the Kedamaian Waterfall can be reached within 2 hours of walking. The Langganan Waterfall stands at least 600ft in height and can be seen on the route to Poring Hot Springs from the Poring Village. If you would like to trek and visit the Laganan Waterfall, you will need to report your intentions to the Park warden and it is best to have an accompanying guide.

There are a few waterfalls in the Telupid and other remote areas. On your way to Lahad Datu, there is a newly opened Park called the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Centre where you can visit the Madai Waterfall. From a small stream running across the main road, the water falls into a big depression forming a waterfall of at least 150ft. you can also view the waterfall from a canopy walkway within the park.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful waterfall in Sabah and probably the most well known is the Maliau Waterfall. Located in the Maliau Basin also known as “Sabah’s Lost World,” this waterfall has several tiers and can only be reached by driving to the basin and trekking to the Basin’s campsite.

In Keningau and Tambunan there are a few smaller falls, the well known of which is called the Mawah Waterfall which is about 100ft. it is located at kampung Patau and this offroad destination is easily accessible. This is a popular site especially for the local school students. Other smaller waterfalls include the Sunsuran Waterfall, Moyog Waterfall and Sugud Waterfall. On your journey down to the south of Sabah into the far remote area of Sipitang, you will find in a village called Maligan another waterfall that is said to the other most beautiful waterfall in Sabah called the Purun Waterfall. Located in the Sigalong camp, its water runs down very semilar to that of the Maliau Waterfall. This waterfall is about 150ft high.
Furter information: please contact Sabah tourism (088-212121, 088-232121)

5. Tenom Orchid Centre (Tenom)
Located about 100 km from Tambunan and Passing through the small town of Keningau. At the Tenom Agricultural Research Station at Lagud Sebran, you can take an educational trip in crop cultivation. Its Orchid Centre is ablaze with thousands of the colourful orchid blooms cascading from plants or tree trunks.

6. Crop Museum (Tenom)
In the Crop Museum, one can stroll amidst rows and rows of exotic fruit trees. About 30 km south of Tenom are two sizable murut villages worth visiting-Kampung Mamai tom and Kampong Kaparungan.

7. Rafflesia Complex (Tambunan)
Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world is a magnificently beautiful, fascinating and unique flower. It has no leaf, stem or roots of its own and yet has the biggest flower. At VJR Rafflesia, a conservation area dedicated to the conservation of Rafflesia, you can see this impressive flower, literally, from the comfort of your car seat. The nearest site where Rafflesia pricei grows is just 20 metres from the Tambunan/ Kota Kinabalu highway.

The Rafflesia conservation area covers 356 hectare of prestine highland forest within the Crocker range. From Kota Kinabalu, it is a little over an hour’s drive and from the town of Tambunan, a mere 20 minutes. The conservation centre was established in 1984 and was officially open in 1990 with the setting up of the Rafflesia Information Centre.

The Rafflesia Information Centre is a pentagonal shaped building, depicting the five petals of the Rafflesia flower. Inside, there is a Rafflesia information gallery where photographs, drawings, text information are displayed. A model showing the relief of the conservation area and the location of Rafflesia plot is also displayed. At the centre of the building stood a 20 feet tall Selangan Batu stump. At its base, lie 2 life-size flower of Rafflesia pricei. T-shirt, key-chain, postcard, mini Rafflesia replica, books, pamphlets and other souvineurs item can be bought at the counter.

Besides the Rafflesia Information Centre, the conservation area also has a picnic ground, look out pavilion and nature trails. The picnic ground is located at Masakob where a 20 feet waterfall is found. Other facilities provided at the picnic ground include a cooking area, changing room, washroom, resting hut and parking area.

For the more adventures, the centre’s nature trails lead to many interesting parts of the conservation area where visitors can see giant trees, and Rafflesia plots. An old ‘salt route’ which the centre calls Sunsuran Trail is one such trail. It is the path treaded by our otherwise self sufficient forefathers from Tambunan to get their salt supply from Kota Kinabalu. This trail lost its glory when the Tambunan/ Kota Kinabalu highway was opened in the early 70’s from the look out pavilion visitors can get a glimpse of the forest that is part of the conservation area, the Sunsuran river valley and Sunsuran Village in the distance. The pavilion is just about 5 minutes walk from the Rafflesia Information Centre. Within the jungle area, there are lots to see besides the Rafflesia flower. The forest is rich with flora and fauna-birds, insects and small mammals, giant lianas, orchids, tall seraya trees and Agathis area a common site.
The Rafflesia information:
Open: 8 am- 4.30 pm (daily)

8. River Safaris (sapulut)
The most adventurous destination is to Sapulut, 170 km away. Here, one can take river cruises to traditional longhouse communities in the interior. There are three such settlements about one hour’s boat ride away; namely, Kampung Pagalongan (Pagalongan Village), Pensiangan and Kampung Silungai (Pensiangan and Silungai Village)) with a 120-metre long longhouse. The most popular trip from Sapulut is to Batu Punggal, taking a three-hour boat trip up the Sapulut River. The Tinahas Caves near Batu Punggal houses thousands of bath and swifts. Accommodation can be at the Batu Punggal Resort or at a Murut longhouse. An evening of traditional feast can also be arranged.

9. Crocker Range National Park
The Park is situated in the rugged Crocker Range that divides the western coastal plains from the rest of Sabah. Lying more than 300 metres above sea level, it is spread over 139,919 hectares of densely forested terrain. The Padas River which bisects the range between Beaufort and Tenom on its journey southwest, is just one of the twelve that flow through the mountains. Passage by boat was impossible due to the boulders strewn along the swift flowing Padas Gorge. However, human ingenuity led to the construction of a railway alongside the scenic gorge. Roads crossing the range have also made the interior more accessible from the coastal areas making it possible for visitors to enjoy the serene tranquility in the rugged mountains.

Flora and fauna
The vegetation is predominantly a mix of dipterocarp forests and the montane forests of the upper slopes. The bright yellow flowers of the Dillenia suffruticosa, a woody shrub usually found on infertile deforested soil are a common feature here. So too are the Tetrastigma, the wild vine, playing host to the Refflesia pricie, one of the three parasitic rafflesia species found on Sabah’s mountain ranges. The forest is home to at least five species of primates, such as orang utan, gibbons and the furry tarsier (kera hantu) with its enormous round eyes and frog-like hands and feet. Here too resides the extremely sociable long-tailed macaques. Easily identified by their prominent cheek whiskers, they are often spotted obligingly grooming each other and picking out edible insects, in the process! Their intelligent pig-tailed cousins (pigtailed macaques) are extremely adept at plucking coconuts and can contribute significantly to the labour force in coconut plantation! Bears, civet cats, marble cats, and wild pigs also roam the forest floor while hornbills, pheasants and partridges may be spotted flitting between the dense foliage.
Facilities

There are no visitor facilities within the park at present. However, there are plans to establish a Park Headquarters at the present site of the Forestry Department building in the near future. Private accommodation is available at a resort outside the park area.

How to get there
Presently, the crocker Range national Park is not open for public visits. Therefore, those who intend to visit must obtain written permission from the Director of Sabah Parks. This also applies to travel agents who are bringing tourists to the said park.
Enquires:
Sabah Parks, P.O. Box 10626,
88806 Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-21 1881, 21 2508
Fax: 088-22 1001, 21 1585

10. Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary (Sandakan)
This world-famous sanctuary enables visitors to come in close contact with the
remarkable “man of the forest” (this is what the Malay name means) and witness an exciting conservation programme in action. Only 25 km. from Sandakan town, and set in 43 sq km. of beautiful virgin rainforest, the sanctuary was begun in 1964 to help once captive orang utan learn to fend for themselves in the wild.

These large red apes-man’s closest relative are astonishingly gentle and highly intelligent, gazing at visitors with almost disconcerting frankness. To avoid the spread of disease, touching the animals is not permitted inside the sanctuary. However, it is usually possible to meet and photograph a couple of the mature females, who are so fond of human company that they refuse to go back to the wild, just outside the Registration Centre. After watching orphaned orang utan being taught how to climb, visitors then go to a platform where they can watch the semi-wild orang utan come in from the further reaches of the forest for their twice-daily ration of milk and bananas.

The sanctuary also houses a couple of highly endangered Sumatran rhinos, and occasionally other animals such as elephants. There is an Information Nature Education Centre, and mini-theatre where a documentary video on the work of the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary is shown. Visitors are advised to arrive about one hour in advance to register and enjoy activities prior to the feeding. It is possible to take a taxi to Sepilok, and have it wait for your return; there are also infrequent buses marked ‘Sepilok’ leaving from the station near the Central market. All tour operators offer guided tours which include transport.
Daily feeding time: 10 am, 2.30 pm
Entrance fee: RM10 per person
Still cameras: free
Video cameras: RM10

11. Gomantong Caves (Sandakan)
For centuries, the caves in this limestone outcrop, once accessible by a stream off the Kinabatangan River, have been harvested for their valuable edible birds nests. Harvesting continues to this day, although it is regulated by the Wildlife Department to avoid over-exploitation.

Two cave complexes produc different types of nests, the less valuable ‘black’ nests which consist of hardened saliva mixed with feathers, gathered in the easily accessible Simud Hitam Cave. This cave, with its roof soaring up to 90 metres high, is just a five-minutes walk from the Registration Centre and picnic area, and gives visitors a glimpse of the remarkable life within a limestone cave. Swiftlets, who make the valuable nests, and bats share the caves with thousands of insects which live in the rich guano on the floor.

The Simud Puteh Cave complex, much larger and less easily accessible than Simud Hitam Cave, is where the more valuable ‘white’ nests made of pure saliva are found; these can fetch more than US$500 per kilo. Twice a year, licensed collectors gather the nest in a dangerous operation involving the use of rattan ladders, ropes and poles. The nest are first harvested just after the birds have made them (between February and April). The birds then build new nests, which are left undisturbed until after the eggs have been laid and hatched; these nests are then gathered, some time between July and September.

The birdlife around the caves is particularly rich, with Crested Serpent Eagles, Kingfishers, Asian Fairy Bluebirds and Leafbirds often sighted. Large groups of vividly coloured butterflies are frequently found feeding on along the road leading through the forest into the caves.

12. Lower Kinabatangan River (sandakan)
The greatest concentration of wildlife in Malaysia, and possibly all of Borneo, can be found remarkably close to Sandakan, along the lower reaches of Sabah’s biggest and longest river, the Kinabatangan. Wild orang utan, macaques, red and silver leaf monkeys, elephants, dozens of beautiful nirds including several species of hornbill, crocodiles, civet cats and otters may all be viewed in this region, although the most famous creature of all is undoubttedly the bizarre Proboscis monkey.

Thanks to their habit of socializing in the mangrove trees along the river banks late afternoon, the Proboscis monkeys are very easy to spot. Found only in Borneo, the male of this species has a large pendulous nose, fat belly, thick white tail, and a peculiar mixture of colours that makes him look as if he’s wearing grey tights, white underpants and an orange jacket. The Proboscis monkey is large, and has webbed feet which make him a strong swimmer. He is remarkably entertaining to watch as he leaps forcefully into space, seeingly without thought of where to land, crashing heavily and with maximum noise into a nearby tree.

The many dramatic and beautiful birds of the Kinabatangan region include elegantEgrets, several species of Kingfisher, the Oriental darter or Snake bird which dives underwater to catch its prey, swift and vividly coloured Bee-eaters, and Hornbills, huge ungainly birds with a heavy wingbeat and strange casque on their beaks.

It is possible to take an afternoon tour by boat across Sandakan Bay and through the salt-water swamp forest into the mouth of the Kinabatangan River, and on up to the first settlement, Kampung Abai, returning to Sandakan at night.

Visitors who prefer an indepth look at the area’s wildlife can stay overnight at Sukau, just two hours by road from Sandakan, where accommodation is provided by local tour operators. For at least two hours in the late afternoon, visitors thread through the fresh-water swamp forest to discover the Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife in the comfort of a boat. Because of lack of public transport to Sukau, the only practical way to visit is with a tour operator.

13. Danum Valley Conservation Area (Lahad Datu)
Nestled in the interior of Sabah, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the last remaining preserves of primary lowland rainforest in Asia. The Danum Valley provides visitors with an unparalled ecological experience into the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests. Within its 438 sq. km. the rich diversity of animal and plant life display the complex interaction of a natural, dynamic ecosystem found only in rainforests.

The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes. There are few places on earth that can provide such an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature in its original, pristine state.

Danum valley was formely part of a 972,000 hectare forest concession assigned to the Sabah Foundation by the State Government. In May 1995, the area was declared a Class 1 (Protection) Forest Reserve by the Sabah Legislative Assembly, under the authority of the Sabah Forestry Department, which prohibits the issuance of timber and logging concessions.

Currently the Sabah Foundation works to make it a center for wildlife research, education and eco-tourism. The Foundation also provides infrastructural support in the form of road acces. Radio communication and manpower to assist the state authorities in conserving Danum and supporting the development of scientific and commercial establishments for research purpose which culminated in the opening of the Danum Valley field Center in 1986.

As a pocket of lowland rainforest habits designated for conservation. Danum Valley preserves the best of the natural world with many plant and animal species found only in the forests, rivers and wetlands of Borneo. Danum valley’s uniqueness lies in the dipterocarp forests covering over 90% of the area. These forest are a haven for indigenous tree species. Like the keruing Daun Besar, Selangan Jangkang, Mengaris and Kapur Biasa. Danum valley is a sanctuary to over 110 mammals, including the rare Sumatran rhino and ten primate species among which are the Orangutan and the Proboscis monkey. The valley is also home to over 275 bird species and numerous reptiles, amphibians, fishes, countless insects and other fascinating creatures.

As one of the few private protected areas in Malaysia, Danum represents not only a natural treasure, but also an opportunity for land managers and conservationists to work together to sustain the biological resources unique to tropical habitats. One of the primer research and education facilities in Southeast Asia. The Danum Valley Field Center overseas research projects, controls forest enrichment planning sites, education, training and wilderness recreation and is a meeting place for naturalists from all over the world.

Activities
Among the many nature activities the Borneo Rainforest Lodge provides are:
 Nature walks with knowledge guides who will point out interesting flora and fauna and lead you through undisturbed riverine and lowland dipterocarp forests
 Jungle wildlife treks along an escarpment trail with panoramic views over orangutan habitats
 Canopy walkway where bird watching can be carried out
 Visits to an ancient Kadazandusun burial site
 Night safari drive in open jeeps in search of wildlife
 Refreshing swims in rivers and waterfalls
 Day trips to danum Valley Field Center
 Slide presentations by naturalists
 Guided tours to reforestation and research areas.

Wildlife
Undoubtedly, the wildlife in Danum makes for a memorable experience. Some of the rarest species in Borneo are found in this valley and it is here that sightings of the clouded leopard or Sumatran rhino have occurred.

For the nature lover, Danum Valley is a picture book of the exotic and beautiful. Marvel at the distinctive features of the long nosed Proboscis monkey and the membrane wings of the flying lemur; enjoy the acrobatic antics of the graceful gibbons as they swing rapidly among the trees, their whooping calls echoing through the forest at dawn as opposed to the reasonant groans of the male orangutans which filter through the nighttime. Some mammals found in this valley: orangutan, Western tarsier, Flying lemur, Leopard cat, Yellow barking deer, Mousedeer, Sambar deer, Bearded pig, Malay civet, Long-tailed macaque, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Giant flying squirrel, Lain pygmy squirrel, Malayan sun bear, Bateng, Smooth otter, Sivered langur, Proboscis monkey, Sumatran rhino and Asian elephant.

This valley is also a bird watchers’ paradise. The most recognizable are the majestic hornbills with their long beaks, colourful plummage and loud swooshing wingbeats. Some of Sabah’s rarer residents such as the Great Argus, Bulwar’s Pheasant, the Bornean Bristlehead and the Giant Pitta have also been sighted at Danum Valley. Some of the birds found in Danum Valley: Bay owl, Bill fletcher, Crested fireback pheasant, Black-backed kingfisher, Lesser green leafbird, Bornean flycatcher, Blue-headed pitta, Crimson sunbird, Asian fairy bluebird, Grey-breasted spiderhunter, Spectacled bulbul, Buffy fish owl, Helmeted & wreathed hornbills, Busy-crested & pied hornbill, Rhinoceros hornbill.

With every layer of forest providing shelter for Danum’s birdlife, visitors must sharpen their senses and be constantly on the look out for elusive species by their calls, movements or makings. Patient scrutiny is sure to be rewarded with a decent list of sightings. Ususally the sightings will intensify during the fruiting season between July to August.

Although not everone’s favourite creatures, insects are one of the Valle’s most fascinating inhabitants. Danum supports thousands of these little known but very important inhabitants of the tropical rainforest. With only a few stinging bees and wasps, most of the insect colony are harmless and deserve the attention given to their larger counterparts. Take time to find butterflies like the Chocolate soldier, look closely for the cleverly camouflaged Spiny stick insect which appears at first glance to be a twig; and listen to the song of the cicadas as they add chirping to the natural music of Danum.

Unlike the African savannah, wildlife in the lowland rainforests of Borneo is not always easy to sight. To spot nocturnal creatures like the leopard cat or clouded leopard who only wake and hunt for food in the dark, one must be prepared to forego sleep and spend many hours waiting and watching patiently.

Jungle trails
Standing under the green cover of the rainforest while being encircled by the immense diversity of plants, one cannot help but marvel at the spectacle which took nature centures to complete.
A seemingly limitless bounty of orchids, ferns, fruit trees, lichens and lianas are unveiled as jungle trails through danum take you into the heart of the natural world. With over 50 km. of cool hiking trails through the dipterocarp forest and riverine habitats, a trip into the forests become a new learning experience as knowledgeable guides point out things easily missed by untrained eyes. Take particular note that no visitor is allowed to trek or jungle walk without being accompanied by aguide for their own safety. The many viewing platforms perched on high plateaus overlook panoramic vistas and observation decks attached to mighty tropical timbers allow a visitor closer acces into the forest canopy.

Some of the special activities at Danum are the canopy walkway and night drivers in search of wildlife in open jeeps equipped with spotlights to flush the nocturnal dwellers from the undergrowth. The 27 meter high L-shaped canopy walkaway anchored by sturdy Mengaris and majau trees gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the forest and is a perfect vantage point for bird watching.

Getting to Danum Valley
Danum Valley is located 80 km. inland from Lahad Datu on Sabah’s east coast. The journey takes approximately 2 hours with the first 15 km. being the main Lahad Datu-Tawau road. The rest of the ride is on an unsealed but well maintained private logging road. While it is possible to take your own transport into the Valley, permits will have to be obtained beforehand. It is thus better to avail yourselves of the pick-up service provided by Borneo Nature Tours Sdn. Bhd. From Lahad Datu airport. Bordered by the Segama and Danum Rivers, Danum Valley is a rugged terrain of gently sloping inclines with elevation less than 70 meters in most places. Descending into level riverine habitats. Three summit in the interior of Danum, the highest reaching 1,093 meters, give way to a rolling plateau on the western side and form the headwaters of the Segama River which traverses through a continuous series of gorges, of which only a couple are accessible by foot.

Accommodation
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) is the only accommodation facility in Danum. Located beside the lovely Danum River, the lodge offers 23 bungalows which can accommodate up to 60 persons. The lodge offers fully nature walks on the extensive trail syatem, night drivers and
walks as well as day visits to Danum Valley Field Center, a research, training and rehabilitation center Made from river stone and core logs, the chalets are designed along the lines of traditional Kadazandusun dwellings and linked together by walkways. The lodge is open 12 months a year. A three-day, two-night stay is encouraged. Full board accommodation package rates start from RM350 per person. There is also a campbed facility (tented camp) seven km. from the lodge where visitors can spend the night under the watchful protection of field guide. Packages start at RM250 per person.

Apart from the nature walks, trekking and bird watching, the lodge also provides the
services of guides and arranges for angling trips, river rafting, extended night drivers and many other activities. Contact Borneo Nature Tours Sdn. Bhd. For further information: (Tel) 089-880 207/ 089-880 206 (Fax) 089-885 051 (e-mail) ijl@po.jaring.my

Practical Tips
Visitors are advised to bring along light cotton tops, long pants and sturdy walking or hiking shoes and a container of drinking water to prevent dehydration their walks. There are nominal charges imposed on visitors to Danum Valley. Entrance permit fees range from RM4 per day to RM30 for a residential visit. A fee is also levied for the use of cameras and video cameras. Collections go to a trust fund for conservation activities. Visitors are reminded not to hurt, frighten or disturb any animal or bird: or attempt to smuggle any forest inhabitant out of the Valley. There is a penalty for defacing, destroying or haming the flora and fauna in Danum.

14. Tawau Hills Park
The lush forests of the Tawau Hills in the east coast of Sabah serves as an important water catchment area for Tawau and Semporna. The area was gazetted as a National Park to protect the natural environment with its unique flora and fauna and to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the region. Rugged volcanic terrain cover the natural landscape, in sharp contrast to the neatly cultivated plantations of oil palm, cocoa and rubber on the flat coastal plains. It covers an area of 27,972 hectares.

Flora and fauna
Lush dipterocarp forest vegetation and lianas cover the lower regions giving way to thick damp mossy forests as the altitude gets higher and temperature get cooler. The variety of plant life found within the park include Agathis, Mountain ru, Tree ferns, different species of orchids and begonia. A particularly interesting species is the Mengaris tree whose smooth grey trunk makes it particularly difficult to climb. Wild bees protect their precious store of honey from the voracious honey bears, by making their honeycombs high up these trees. Macaques, creamy white leaf monkeys, giant tree squirrels, civet cats and leopard cats inhabit the park’s dense primary forests. Borneo’s largest wild cat-the clouded leopard, through rarely seen is not uncommon. It preys on smaller mammals such as rats and even bigger wild pigs. Other inhabitants of the harmless kind include hornbills and pheasants and the slow-moving forest tortoise.

Planning an itinerary
Cool strams meandering through a lush tropical forest setting and waterfalls cascading excitingly into frothing rocky pools down below, make it an ideal location for picnics and refreshing dips-away from the stress and strains of everyday life. There are also hotsprings-Mother Nature’s very own spa, where you can ease your tired muscles and weary bones while luxuriant in the the therapeutic warmth of the ‘geotermal’ pool.

Islands
1. Turtle Island Park
The Turtle Island Park lies 40 km north of Sandakan in the Sulu sea off Sabah’s east coast. It encompasses 1,740 hectares which includes the three island of Selingan Island, Bakkungan Kecil Island and Gulisan Island; the sea surrounding coral reefs. The islands are built over shallow rocky surrounding reef on the fringes. They are covered with a variety of plant life which includes mangrove, lantana, the yellow-flowered sophora and the furry silver-leaved Tournefortia. The main attractions here, however are the turtles which comes to nest on their shores. Pulau Selingan (Selingan Island) is the main nesting area for the green turtles chelonia mydas , while the hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys seem particularly attracted to the shores of Pulau Gulisan (gulisan Island). Both species lay their eggs on these shores throughout the year, although the best months are between July to October. The islands were gazetted as Marine Parks in 1977 primarily for the protection of these two species in order to save them from extinction. A visit to these islands is a must on your itinerary, if you are interested in the conservation of these turtles.

The turtles really take their time laying their eggs. The whole ritual of emerging from the sea, then choosing a suitable site and clearing the area before laying its eggs (about 40 to 90 eggs per batch); concealing the eggs with sand and finally taking their leave takes one whole hour! So be prepared for a longwait if you wish to observe the nesting.

Hatcheries
Park staff collect the eggs and transfer them to hatcheries where every effort is made to ensure successful hatching. After an incubation period of about 50 to 60 days, the hatchlings dig their way up to the surface and they are later released to the sea from different points around the islands. They are then on their own, to survive the dangers at sea and perhaps return one day to lay their eggs on the very same shores as their mother once did.

How to get there
There are boat services from Sandakan Harbour to the islands. The journey may take anything between 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on your destination and the boat’s speed.

2. Pulau Selingan (Selingan Island)
Almost 8 hectares in size is the second largest island in the group. The turtles come ashore on the east and southwestern parts of the island to lay their eggs before returning to the sea. They normally come ashore after 7.30 pm but have also been seen nesting in the early hours of the morning between 5 to 6 am.

Accommodation is available on the island for those who wish to stay overnight to witness the nesting. A restaurant is also available for visitors to enjoy hot meals.
 Chalets – 3 units (fully furnished) for 20 persons per night.

3. Pulau Bakungan Kecil (Bakungan Kecil Island)
This is the largest island and it lies close to the Philipines border. Active mud volcanoes are also present here. These are not true volcanoes but originate as mineral-rich mud, expelled from deep below the surface. The favourite nesting places of the green turtles are the beaches on the northern and western shores of the island. There are no accommodation facilities on Pulau Bakkungan Kecil.

4. Pulau Gulisan (Gulisan Island)
The island is a mere 1.6 hectare in size but remains one of the favourite haunts of the hawksbill turtles which lay their eggs on the northern, eastern and southwestern beaches. All sea turtles eat marine animals such as sponges, marine worms and molluscs and the hawksbills are no exception. Being carnivorous, they feed on the invertebrate animals of the coral reefs. The adult green turtles however, are strict vegetarians, limiting their diet to the underwater grass and seaweed.

Guidelines for visitors
The park was created to protect the natural environment especially the sea turtles, the coral reefs and other marine life. There are therefore stringent rules which visitors are advised to observe.
Visitors are forbidden from engaging in any of the following:
 Wander along the beach after dark (the Park Ranger will inform them when there is a turtle laying eggs.
 Build campfires, shine bright torches on the beach, sing, dance or play music on the beach at night.
 Disturb the turtle during the nesting process by coming too close or crowding around her. Instead, visitors are advised to watch the nesting from a distance.
 Under ant circumstances, ride on the turtle, pull her flippers, turn her over, jump on her or injure her physically. Such acts of abuse may have adverse effects on future nesting returns.
 Night photography is strictly forbidden on Pulau Selingan but allowed on the other two islands with permission from the Park Rangers.
 Collecting any plant, animal or other living or non-living things is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from the Director of Sabah Parks. Fishing, however, is permitted with hook and line only.

5. Pulau Sipadan (Sipadan Island)
The jewel in the crown of Sabah’s dive sites is Sipadan Island, 30km south of Semporna in the Celebes Sea. Sipadan is actually the crown of a volcanic spire formed millions of years ago, and has been described by Jacques Cousteau as ‘ an untouched piece of art.’ Underwater caves such as Turtle Cavern, Whitetip Avenue and Barracuda Point-all replete with magnificent corals and exotic fishes-are famous among international divers. Most dive operators to Sipadan are based in Kota Kinabalu.

5. Pulau layang-Layang (Layang-Layang Island)
A restricted area, it is an island of 13 coral reefs linked together, located approx 120 miles from Labuan in the South China Sea. It is the ultimate of island splendours. The water is very clear; one can see down to 200 metres. Pulau Layang-layang offers the best for sailing, fishing, snorkeling and diving. Or just admire the beauty of the majestic surroundings, see the clouds touching the sea, the waves and the birds. This island has a small hotel and an airstrip. Visitors from Labuan can arrange a day trip to the island.

6. Pulau Tiga Park (Three Park Islands)
The Pulau Tiga Park comprises three islands-Pulau Tiga, Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit situated in the Kimanis bay, off the west coast of Sabah. Gazetted as a National Park in 1978, It covers approximately 15,257 hectares of sea and underwater habitat including the three islands. Lush forests serve as a soothing green backdrop for white sandy beaches and the clear unpolluted waters of the coral fringed seas.

Flora and fauna
The undisturbed shoreline abounds with a colourful variety of plant life such as the Barringtonia Asiatica easily distinguished by its delicate white flowers with pink stamenlike filaments. There are also Callophylum, Termanilia catappa, and Casuarina not forgetting the Ardisia, a small bushy tree with cluster of tiny pink flowers. The Ranggu and Keruing are also abundant here. One particularly important tree among tropical islanders is the Hibiscus tiliaceus, a tree with bright yellow flowers whose fibrous bark is used for ropes and boat caulking. It is also a souce of timber, firewood and medicine.

The many varieties of birds include the fish eating frigate birds which roost on Pulau Kalampunian Damit and the unusual looking megapode. Hornbills, night jars, magpies, bulbuls, the brilliantly coloured and fast moving sunbirds and black-naped bridled terns also inhabit the islands. Long-tailed macaques are easily discernible between the foliage while bats sleep hanging ‘upside-down’ from the trees waiting for evening before embarking on their nocturnal food hunting expeditions. Reptiles include the grey-tailed racer snake, the beautiful yellow-ringed cat snake found on Pulau Tiga and a large population of sea snake on Pulau Kalampunian Besar earning it the name , ‘Snake island’. There are also numerous water monitor lizards preying on the megapode eggs. The ‘homeless’ hermit crab can also be seen moving into shells abandoned by the sea snails or other mollusc like a fugitive avoiding detection!

A 7-km coral reef around the islands is home to some 35 general species and 98 species of hard corals and their accompanying ‘guests’-the brightly coloured fish and other marine life to whom the reef is home.

Planning an itinerary
7 (1)Pulau Tiga
The island consists of three low hills that were formed when ‘volcanoes’ of mineral-rich mud were spewed out from underground. Since the last explosion in 1941, the ‘volcanoes’ have remained passive, leaving the island relatively serene. Coral fragments from the encircling reef, make up the fine sand of its clean white beaches, while the lush green forest is reflected in the emerald depths of the crystal clear sea. The island is a sanctuary for the megapode Megapode freycinet, a curious chicken-like creature that produces a cat-like meow sound. Trails winding through the undisturbed forest are worthwhile exploring if you wish to glean something of its flora and fauna. With a rest house and hostel facilities catering to a maximum of 20 persons at any one time, the island is ideal for overnight stays.
Accommodation:
Rest house- 2 bedroom (for a total of 4 person)
Hostel- 4 bedroom (for a total of 16 person)
Camping- maximum campers is 60 person at one time)

7(2) Pulau Kalampunian Damit
The island owes its fame to the sea snakes Laticauda colubrina which breed here in
large numbers. These black-ringed snakes prey on eels and can usually be seen coiling in cosy clusters amongst the rocks where they lay their eggs.

8. Tuanku Abdul Rahman Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises a group of 5 islands located between 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabalu. The park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which cover the sea. Before the Ice Age, it formed part of the Crocker Range mass of sandstone and sedimentary rock on the mainland. However, towards the end of the Ice Age about one million years ago, the melting ice brought about changes in the sea level and parts of the mainland were cut off by the sea to form the islands of Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. Evidence of this can be seen from the exposed sandstone of the coastline forming the cliffs, caves, honeycombs and deep crevices. The beauty of its natural environment combined with its close proximity to the mainland makes the islands group a favourite among picnickers, divers and nature lovers. In a bid to protect the natural environment with its coral reefs, marine life, and its flora and fauna, the islands were gazetted as a National Park, beginning with Pulau Sapi and part of Pulau Gaya in 1974 and then embracing the three nearby islands in 1979.

Flora and fauna
The plant life feature a mix of typical shoreline vegetation such as Pandanus Dubius and Podocarpus Polystachyus with those of the dipterocarp forests. Representative of the latter group are the Keruing with their narrow crowns of large dark green leaves and unique ridged two-winged fruits. The Seraya, Kapur and Selagan Batu are also to be found in abundance. The only undisturbed coastal dipterocarp forests are on Pulau Gaya, where the Hopea Philipineansis and Quassia Borneensis are abundant. The fish Tail and Nibong Palam flourish in the shady gulleys.

The park is home to the bearded pig, scaly pangolin, rats, squirrels and monkeys. Snakes and monitor lizards make up the reptile population. Large birds such as the white breasted sea-eagle, pied hornbill and green heron are found in large number. Smaller varieties such as the sandpiper, the pink-necked green pigeon, bulbul, flycatcher, sunbird and swifttlets also flourish within the tranquil park environment. One of the most Megapode or Burung Tambun, a “chicken look-alike”, with large feet and which meows like a cat! It lays its eggs in huge mounds of sand and leaves at the edge of the beach. The fermentation of the leaves produces the heat necessary to incubate the eggs for succesful hatching.

The best coral reefs are those between Pulau Sapi and Pulau Gaya. The colourful and delicately beautiful corals are living organisms which feed on the plankton floating in the sea. The reefs is home to many different kinds of fish, in all shapes and colours of the rainbow the butterfly fish, parrot fish, clown fish in stripes of bright yellow and white, and dragon fish, and those of the bigger variety such as the red grouper, barracuda and catfish. Other marine life include molluscs, giant clams, sea cucumbers, the beautiful feather starfish, sea urchins in brilliant hues, cowrie shells and scorpion shells.

9. Pulau Manukan
Pulau Manukan shaped like a boomerang, Manukan covers 51 acres and is the second largest island in the group. The southern and eastern coastlines have a number of beautiful beaches-thebest stretch being on the eastern tip. The surrounding crystal clearwaters is ideal for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Trails around the island provide endless hours of exciting trekking in the cool, shady forest. Facilities such as chalets, a clubhouse, restaurants, souvenir centre, diving centre, a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts are provided to make your stay an enjoyable and fun-filled experience. There are 20 units of wooden chalets, situated on the lush green slope overlooking the sea. Set within a garden of swaying palms and vivid tropical blooms, they provide the perfect hide-away for overnight stays or leisurely weekends.
Reservations for accommodation:
Sabah Parks, Lot 3, Block K, Sinsuran Complex,
P.O Box 10626, 88806 Kota Kinabalu,
Tel: (6088) 212719 / 211881
Fax: (6088) 211585 / 221001

10. Pulau Mamutik
It’s the smallest of the group, this island covers only 15 acres. Nevertheless, it is endowed with rich coral life which surrounds the islands with a colourful underwater treasure trove. The rare white distichopora and reddendrophyllia are to be found in the reef at the north-eastern tip. This is the place for diving enthusiasts and snorkellers!

Facilities such as changing rooms and toilets; picnic shelters and tables are provided for day trippers. There are no accommodation facilities but overnight camping on the island is allowed with prior permission from the Park Warden.

11. Pulau Sulug
This 20-acre island, being the least developed and the farthest away, has an almost untouched quality making it ideal for those seeking a more tranquil and deserted atmosphere. The shoreline is mostly rocky with beautiful patches of reef at the southern end. Corals such as the Acropora, Echnipora, Montipora and seriapora are a visual delight with their variety, delicate shape and brilliant colours. Facilities such as changing rooms and toilets, picnic shelters and tables are provided for day trippers. There are no accommodation facilities but overnight camping on the island is allowed with prior permission from the Park Warden.

12. Pulau Sapi
A small island of 25 acres has the distinct advantage of having some of the nicest beaches of clean white sand and sparkling crystal clear water and a coastline fringed with beautiful coral reefs. It is the ideal place for snorkelling, diving and swimming. If you can do neither of this but do not want to be left out in the discovery of the rich underwater treasures, take heart a glass boat rental service will allow you to see it all just as closely. Hiking trails through the interior provide an excellent opportunity for nature appreciation. There are are no accommodation facilities but picnic shelters, barbecues pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets are provided for day use. Camping is allowed with the permission of the Park Warden.

13. Pulau Gaya
The largest island is located about 15 miles from Kota Kinabalu. The 3,665 acre island has 16 miles of shoreline, certain stretches consisting of fine white sand. Popular beaches include Bulijong Bay and Police beach, a quarter mile of beautiful sand sloping gently into the crystal clear bay, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The untouched coastal dipterocarp forest makes it ideal for trekking and graded nature trails through the inland forest provides opportunities for a study of the various species of plant and animal life within. Day use facilities include public shelters, changing rooms and public toilets.
• How to get there
Daily boat services are available from the Kota Kinabalu jetty to transport visitors to the park and back.

Departure times ( from Kota Kinabalu) Pick up times from the Park
9 am 1.30 pm
10 am 2.30 pm
11 am 3.30 pm

• General guidelines for visitors
The park was created for the protection of the natural environment, including the coral reefs, marine life and the flora and fauna. Certain guidelines have therefore been created to ensure the conservation of these natural treasures and visitors are advised to observe the regulations which are prominently displayed on all the islands. Visitors are strictly prohibited to engage in any of the following activities:
 Hunt or carry firearms, poison, spearguns and dangerous weapons within the park.
 Harm or disturb any plant, animal or other living things.
 Pick, cut or collect plants, insects, coral, shells and any other materials, dead or alive.
 Write names on rocks, trees or shelters.
 Bring pets into the park.
 Collecting of any plant, animal or other living or non-living things is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from the Direstor of Sabah Parks.
 Fishing, however, I spermitted with hook and line only.

Beaches
1. Tanjung Aru Beach (Kota Kinabalu)
The Tanjung Aru Beach with its Prince Philip Park is just one of the many splendoured beaches in the West Coast. Tanjung Aru derives its name from the abundance of tall casuarinas or Aru trees that grace the shoreline in honour of the Consort of Queen Elizabeth II. There are countless magnificent beaches to explore and enjoy. While each one has a feel of paradise, there are always nearby hawker stalls offering mouth-watering cuisine while you soak in the wonders of the islands, especially the spectacular sunsets which the area is known for.

2. Others beach
Kebanyakan pulau-pulau mempunyai kawasan pantai yang menarik.

Golf, Clubs & Association

Borneo Golf & Country Club
Tel: 088- 23 2350

Caramas Sdn. Bhd
Tel: 089- 66 4586

Club sabah Golf & Beach Resort (Tuaran)
Tel: 088- 78 7799

Keningau Golf Club
Tel: 087- 33 1113

Kinabalu Golf Club
Tel: 088- 25 1615

Kudat Golf Club
Tel: 088- 61 1002

Labuan Rainbow Centre
Tel: 087- 41 6308

Mount Kinabalu Golf Club
Tel: 087- 33 1113

Sabah Golf & Country Club
Tel: 088- 24 7533]

Shan-Shui Golf & Country Resort Bhd.
Tel: 089- 91 6888

Tawau Golf Club
Tel: 089- 77 2776

The Sabah Golf Association
Tel: 088- 24 7533

The Sandakan Golf & Country Club
Tel: 089- 66 0557

Hotels (Divided by Star)

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu ( 5 s)
Tel: 088-22 1234

Likas Square ( 5 s)
Tel: 088- 25 2233

Pan Pacific Sutera Hotel Kota Kinabalu
( 5 s)
Tel: 088- 21 4728

Sutera Harbour Resort Hotel ( 5 s)
Tel: 088- 253 131

Karamunsing Hotel (4 s)
Tel: 088- 25 8998

Promenade Hotel (4 s)
Tel: 088- 26 5555

Ramada Renaissance Hotel Sandakan
(4 s)
Tel: 089- 21 3299

Renaisance Sandakan Hotel (4 s)
Tel: 089- 21 3299

The Jesselton Hotel (4 s)
Tel: 088-22 3333

Belmont Marco Polo Hotel (3 s)
Tel: 089- 77 7988

Berjaya Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu (3 s)
Tel: 088- 21 1911

Hotel Ramai (Sandakan) (3 s)
Tel: 089- 27 3222

Hotel Sandakan (3 s)
Tel: 089- 22 1122

Hotel Shangrila Kota Kinabalu (3 s)
Tel: 088- 21 2800

Kinabalu daya Hotel (3 s)
Tel: 088- 24 0000

Perkasa Hotel Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (3 s)
Tel: 088- 23 9511

Sanbay Hotel (3 s)
Tel: 089- 27 5000

Tang Dynasty Hotel (3 s)
Tel: 088- 25 5566

Borneo Resthouse Hotel (2 s)
Tel: 088- 71 8855

Capital Hotel (2 s)
Tel: 088- 23 1999

Century Hotel (2 s)
Tel: 088- 24 2222

Emas Hotel (2 s)
Tel: 089- 76 2000

Executive Hotel (2 s)
Tel: 089- 88 1333

Hotel Jagokota (Lahad Datu) Sdn. Bhd.
(2 s)
Tel: 089- 88 2000

Island View hotel (2 s)
Tel: 088- 78 1531

Jockey lodge Hotel (2 s)
Tel: 089- 22 1988

Central Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 25 1544

City View Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 27 1122

Cosmo hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 21 6233

Full Wah Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 88 3948

Hotel City View ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 27 1122

Hotel Deleeton ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 25 2222

Hotel Full Hua ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 23 4950

Hotel greenland ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 61 3211

Hotel Hsiang Garden Sandakan ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 27 3122

Hotel Kim San ( 1 s)
Tel: 087- 73 5485

Hotel Kota Belud ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 97 6576

Hotel Lee Gardens ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 27 3600

Hotel Lutana Sdn. Bhd ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 27 2111

Hotel Mutiara ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 21 3251

Hotel Nak Sandakan ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 27 2988

Hotel Ocean ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 88 1700

Hotel Perdana ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 88 1400

Hotel Segama ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 21 5171

Hotel Suang Hee ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 25 6344

Hotel Tanjung ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 77 3400

Kristal Keningau Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 087- 33 8888

Marco Polo Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 777988

North Borneo Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 76 3060

North City Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 77 3100

Pan Sabah Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 76 2488

Pantai Inn ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 21 9221

Park View Lodge ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 27 1022

Sabah hotel Sdn. Bhd. ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 21 3299

Sabah Inn ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 25 3322

Sea View Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 25 4422

Venus Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 089- 88 1900

Wah May Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 26 6118

Winner Hotel ( 1 s)
Tel: 088- 24 3222

Sabah State Tourism Department

Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation
Tel: 088- 21 8620

Sabah Tourist Association
Tel: 088- 21 1484

Tourist Development Corporation Malaysia
Tel: 088- 24 8698

Travel Bureaus

Adventure Journeyworld travel (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-22 1586
Airworld Sdn. Bhd
Tel: 088-24 2996

Airworld Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-24 2996

Antara Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 21 6467

Asia Travel Centre
Tel: 088- 22 1886

Bakti Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 76 4742

Borneo Discovery travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 21 8190

Borneo Divers & Sea Sports (sabah) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-22 2226

Borneo Leisure Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-24 0131

Capac Travel Service Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 21 7288

Cometra Travel Services Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 22 5304

Coral Island Cruisers Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-24 0039

Desa Manis Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-76 1630

East Malaysia Travel Service (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088 24 3333

Harrison Travel
Tel: 088-24 0370

Inter Phoenix Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 089-21 2216

Intra Travel Service Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-27 4988

Jasmine Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 23 3230

Journey World Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-22 1586

Kay Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 23 8400

Megah Travel Services Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 089- 22 3377

Mount Kinabalu Adventurous Travel (Sabah) Sdn.Bhd.
Tel: 088 23 3833

Popular Express Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 21 4692

Rafflesia Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 23 6636

Sabah Travel Service Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 089- 22 3183

Sea Quest Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 23 0943

Supremo Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 089-77 7968

Sweet holiday Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 21 8986

Sykt Oriental (S) Agensi Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 21 4228

Tanjung Aru Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088-21 4215

Transborne Travel service (S) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 088- 24 7876

Pahang State

2009-06-05T21:50:00.002-07:00

History
Though Pahang’s history goes back a long way, her past is very much overshadowned by her neighbouring west coast neighbours. A relatively unknown territory, Pahang become a part of the Malakan Sultanate in the sixteenth century. The coming of the Portuguese saw her administrative centre shifted from Melaka (Malacca) to Johor eventhough Pahang was largely autonomous. She eventually broke free from the clutches of the descendants of the Melakan Sultanate due to external and internal conflicts at the hand of her master in Johor. But, Pahang independence was short-lived as Pahang soon fell prey to a British Resident. Archaeological finds showed that the first human settlement in Pahang was probably at the Tembeling River. Ancient Chinese records referred to Pahang as a vassal of the Buddhist Sumatra-based Sri Vijaya Empire from the seventh to 13th centuries. During the 15th to the 19th century, it was a vassal state of the Melaka Empire and later of the Johor-Riau Empire. When the latter collapsed, Bendahara Wan Ahmad of Pahang proclaimed himself Sultan in 1882. In 1888, however, British imperialism manifested itself in Pahang with the appointment of a British Resident. In 1896, it became part of the Federated Malay States until Japanese invasion. After the war, it joined the Malayan Union and later the Federation of Malaya.

Physical Geography
Pahang is the largest state in Peninsula Malaysia and covers an area of 35,960 square kilometres. It lies on the east coast and has a population of about 1.5 milion people. It is bounded on the north by Terengganu and Kelantan, by Perak to the west and by Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to the south west with Johor forming its southern boundry. It has a coastline of 208 km on the South China Sea. Pahang divided into 11 district iaitu Bentong, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan, Lipis, Pekan, Raub, Temerloh, Rompin, Maran and Bera. Vast stretches of primeval rainforests dominate the state and form part of Taman Negara of the National Park. All the main hill resorts are found here as is Peninsula Malaysia’s highest peak, Gunung Tahan, which poses a challenge to avid mountaineers. A myriad of exotic flora and fauna are an intrinsic part of the wild life and unspolilt beauty throughout the state. Rich varied scenery and landscape leave visitors thoroughly entranced with the magnificent gifts nature has bestowed on this tropical paradise. From pristine waterfalls to tranquil, invigorating mountains and palam-fringed beaches fronting serene seas to refreshing jungles, it is a rendezvous with diversity and contrast designed to leave you spellbound and delighted.

Introduction
Closely aligned with Mother Nature, Pahang the largest state on the Malaysian Peninsular, is indeed a multi-faceted “Nature’s Paradise.” Largely dressed in her 130 million years old tropical forest accompanied by cool refreshing, mountain air and gigantic rivers, Pahang holds the key to the secretive forests of the Malaysian jungles. In addition, calm bluish-green water coupled with miles and miles of warm shimmering sand is very much a part of her diverse natural scenes. Here, the beauties of nature are highlighted in the dazzling displays of the multi-coloured underwater world, the superb collections of native flora and fauna in all their “extremities”, not forgetting the “warm caresses” of Mother Nature herself. Pahang is largely a state made up of “native” Malay though a smaller proportion of Chinese, Indians and a host of foreign workers are also to be found here. Like the other states in Malaysia, the Chinese and the Indians found their way there in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries while the foreign workers (mainly indonesians) are a thing of the twentieth century. These once migratory races came to seek their lot and have since remained, alongside their distinctive cultures. Though the newcomers (the Indonesians) are mostly found in the numerous plantations and estates, the Chinese and Indians prefer to reside in town centres throughout the state. The Malays loyally keep to their traditional kampungs while the aborigines hold on to their jungle dwellings eventhough the government strongly encourages them to adapt to the new environment of today.

Economy
Agriculture is the main employer of manpower in the state, with the main crops
being oil palm, rubber, cocoa, and tropical fruits. Forestry is its main economic activity, as more than 65% of its land is covered with thick, dense tropical rain forest. Timber and timber products, including rattan and bamboo, account for a major portion of Pahang’s revenue. The mining of tin, iron, manganese and bauxite clay are still flourishing activities. Manufacturing and tourism are increasing in importance and are expected to contribute to 24% and 10% respectively of the state’s GDP by the year 2000. Kuantan port is fast growing. Currently, special industrial zones and investment incentives have been drawn up by the state government to encourage foreign participation in the state economy.

Cultural Heritage
In Pahang, you will find vivid evidence of fascinating cultures that make Malaysia a rich source of colour, pomp and pageantry. The Malays, Chinese and Indians, each with their own distinct identity, coexist most harmoiously. This is the nurturing result of mutual respect and understanding, a rare and special feature which continues to bewitch and astound visitors. The many cultures of Pahang are manifested in the clothes, customs, food, games, art forms and festivals of the various races. It would be hard indeed to fully describe the many face of Malaysian culture. But even a brief encounter is enough to reveal the scintilling vibrancy of Malaysia’s rich heritage

Transportation

By road, Kuantan is only 260 km from Kuala Lumpur, and 325 km from Johor
Bahru. Malaysian Airlines has daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan at Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, and also between Tioman Island and Kuantan. By train, Pahang is accessible through Mentakab and Kaula Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu. Busus and outstation taxis have regular services between Kuantan and major towns in neighbouring states.

Places to Eat/ Special Foods

Foods and gourmands will relish the delectable and astonishing unending variety of delicacies found in the vast cuisines typical to Pahang. Malay, Chinese (particularly Cantonese, Hokkien, Szechuan) and both North and South Indian food stimulate the taste buds and arouse the adventurer in each of us. A must for the uninitiated is ‘satay’-succulent morsels of meat skewered on palm-leaf sticks and barbecued on open flame and eaten with piquant, spicy peanut-based gravy. Accompanying dishes are cucumber, onion slices and ‘ketupat’ (rice boiled in woven palm cases). Generally, Malayi cuisine is spicy and punget in nature but once you have developed a taste for such tantalising flavours, it is hard to disassociate yourself from them. Rice is the staple food of Malaysians and is cooked in a variety of ways-one of which is ‘nasi lemak’, which is rice cooked with coconut milk and eaten with a spicy anchovy sauce, hard-boiled egg, peanuts and cucumber slices. Dim sum and its 30 over delicacies are among the many items on the Chinese menu. The incredible number of ways they cook rice and noodles prove that innovation and creativity know no bounds. If you visit Pahang and do not feast on the ample sea-food available, you would be missing some of the best dishes the state has to offer. ‘Ikan bakar’ or grilled fish, is a hot favourite. The star attraction of Indian cuisine is ‘nasi briyani’, a rich moghul dish. With such a wide variety ofdishes, it is hard to decide which to choose as each has established its own popularity.

Tropical fruits are abundant during their seasons.’Durian’, which holds indisputable appeal for those who love it, often leaves the novice perplexed and intimidated as its overly pungent odour takes some getting used to. And it has culled lifelong fans even among westerners-those who have stayed here long enough to cultivate a taste for this exotic fruit. ‘Rambutan’, ciku, mango, watermelon, guava, mangosteen, papaya, pineapple and starfruit are some of the succulent fruits that offer delights to all.

Shopping

In Kuantan, the Teruntum Complex, the Kuantan Parade, the Berjaya Megamall and the Kuantan Plaza offer the best shopping pleasures. Complete with cineplexes, food courts and a diverse selection of trendy shops, these complexes offer a wide scope for entertainment and shopping. To visitors looking for something different, there are the night markets within the various localities in Kuantan. Craft shops can be found at Medan Pelancong (Jalan Besar), Sunga Karang and Cherating. Pandanus household articles, wood carvings, shellcrafts and batik are sold at reasonable prices here. Pahang silk from the Pahang Silk Weaving Centre in Pulau Keladi, Pekan, is an intricately woven material and visitors to the center will get opportunity to see how the material is made. At Tanah Putih where the batik is located, the visitor can view how batik, the unique wax-printed fabric is made.

Places of Interest

State Museum
At Pekan. A tour of the town will not be complete without a visit to the State Museum which houses a rich collection of historical items. The museum, located at sultan Ahmad Street, Pekan has valuable antique pieces such as a large quantity og glass ware and ceramics from ancient China. The old history of Pahang, especially that of its ancient kings is well-documented in this museum.

Pahang Handicraft Centre
It is a must-visit spot in one’s itinerary. Located at Jalan Pintasan, it has a vast range
of wood-crafted products. Some of these products are the result of traditional concepts having been adapted, blended and improved to suit modern needs. For instance, bark has been fashioned into beautiful objects such as bags, wall decorations and dividers. There is also a branch at Temerloh.

Highlands

1. Genting Highlands
At Bentong. Genting Highland, located at an elevation of 1,800 metres above sea level is one of the most developed hill resorts in Malaysia and is popular with many local and foreign visitors. It offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and taste. The cool mountain air and lush greenery make Genting an ideal escapade away from the heat, hustle and bustle of the city. There are numerous activities that one can indulge in dining at the Genting Theatre Restaurant, featuring shows by ibternational stars, boating and enjoying the many other fun-filled rides at the Genting Theme Park as well as the attraction of ‘Virtual Reality’, an exciting and unique game. Punters can try their luck at the world class Casino De Geating. The Awana Golf & Country Resort, a luxury condotel, provides first class facilities, a breathtaking 18-hole golf course, horse riding at the Awana ranch and jungle trekking. Genting Highlands is accessible by well-maintained road and is only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. At the Gentong Jaya township, 950 metres above sea level, visitors can take a thrilling cable car ride above the clouds to the summit. Hotels here are:
Highlands Hotel (Tel: 603-2111118/ Fax: 603-2111888)
Genting Hotel (Tel: 603-2111118/ Fax: 603-2111888)
Awana golf & Country Resort (Tel: 603-2623555/ Fax: 603-2616611
Resort Hotel (Tel: 603-2111118/ Fax: 603-2111888)
Amber Court (Tel: 603-2112988/ Fax: 603-2112933)
Seri Malaysia Hotel (Tel: 603-2102525/ Fax: 603- 2101125)

2. Cameron Highlands

This is Malaysia’s green bowl supplying vegetables to the major cities of the country and to Singapore. The cool climate makes it an excellent tea growing area and indeed the Cameron tea is highly priced in the world market. Places of interes are the Robinson Falls, the Rose Garden nurseries and the vegetable farms. There is also an 18-hole golf course. The small town of Tapah at the foot of Cameron Highlands is the gateway to the resort and can be reached by bus, taxi or train from Kuala Lumpur. From Tapah, regular bus and taxi services are available to the highlands. Accommodation facilities include old English country inn-styled hotels, chalets and Government resthouses. Special mention must be made of the Ye Olde Smokehouse which has been preserved in the same state as it used to be during the colonial period, except for the addition of some modern coveniences. Hotels here are:
Strawberry Park Hotel (Tel: 605-4911166/174, Fax: 605-4911949)
Rosa Passadena Hotel (Tel: 609-4912288/ Fax: 609-4912688)
Equatorial Hill Resort Cameron Highlands (Tel: 605-4961777/ Fax: 605-4961333) Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands (Tel: 605-4913888/ Fax: 605-4915666)
Cool Point Hotel (Tel: 605-4919914/ Fax: 605-4919070)

3. Fraser’s Hill 8.10.3
At Raub. Fraser’s Hill 104 km from Kuala Lumpur can be reached through the Karak Highway. Turn left at the Bentong junction and proceed to Teranum. At Teranum, take the left turn towards Gap before the short ascent up to Fraser’s Hill. Alternatively, one can also take the old trunk route heading towards Penang and turn off at Kuala Kubu Bharu for the drive to the Gap. The last 8 km from the Gap to the top of Fraser’s hill is along scenic, narrow winding road which carries one-way traffic from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. At the Gap, there is a gate control system with scheduled times for ascending and descending traffic, at both ends to facilitate the flow of traffic. Fraser’s Hill offers visitors cool mountain air, an abundance of luxuriant vegetation, peace and tranquility as well as other attractions such as pony rides, a nursery containing many exotic flowers, the Jeriau waterfalls and a pleasant 9-hole golf course. Other facilities include a children’s playground and a roller skating rink. For accommodation, Fraser’s Hill has a range of hotels, chalets and colonial-bungalows to suit ones’s preferences and budget. Hotels here are:
Fraser’s Pine Resort (Tel: 609-3622122/ Fax: 603-7836108)
Quest Resort (Tel: 609-3622300/ Fax: 609-3622284)
Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation (Tel: 609-3622044/ Fax: 609-3622273)
Ye Olde Smokehouse (Tel: 609-382035)
Silver Park Holiday Resort (Tel: 609-3622164/ Fax: 609-3622887)

4. Bukit tinggi
At Bentong. Bukit Tinggi is a hill retreat area with several resorts taking advantage
of the cool, fresh country air that pervades the area. Among the resorts here are Selesa Hillhomes and Bukit Tinggi Resort. Visitors can jungle trek, take long invigorating walks or head for nearby Genting Highlands. Also in this area is Janda Baik, a resort-cum-residential vicinity that is popular with urban dwellers seeking to escape the bustle of the city for a brief respite. Hotels here are:
Bukit Tinggi Resort Berhad (Tel: 603-2486088, 2422622/ Fax: 603-2481853)
Selesa Hillhomes, Health Farm & Golf Resort(Tel:609-2330039/ Fax: 609-2330066)

Natural Attractions

1. Taman Negara (National Park)
At Kuala Tahan. Taman Negara, or the National Park, boasts of jungles that date back millions of year, making them older than those of the Congo or Amazon. With 4,343 sq km of luxuriant tropical rain forest, the park is a heaven for adventurers. Picturesque trails, giant trees, limestone caves, excellent fishing spots, exciting river trips and ample jungle trekking trails offer a multitude of such adventure opportunities. The park’s canopy walk which is 25 metres high and over 400 metres long is the world’s longest. As it lies on the top layer of vegetation in a forest, you will have an extraordinary view of the plant and animal species found there. Wildlife observation can be done from observation hides built around the many salt-licks. Mountain climbing buffs would enjoy scalling Gunung Tahan, which at 2,187 metres is the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. River trips are an enjoyable activity within the park, especially those involving shooting the rapids. For the less stalwart, there are meandering cruises that let you enjoy the surrounding scenery at a leisurely pace. Fishing is best done in February, march, July and August, and it takes two days to reach the best fishing areas located along Sungai Tahan near Lata Berkoh and Sungai Kenyam. Camping grounds in verdant surroundings are to be found in the park. Accommodation at the park is available in the Rest House, chalets and a hostel, all fitted with basic utilities. Hotels here are:
Taman Negara Resort (Tel: 609-2663500/ Fax: 609-2661500)
Nusa Camp Holiday Village Sdn. Bhd. (Tel: 609-2662369/ Fax: 609-2664369)
Teresek View Village (Tel: 609-2663065)
Ekoton Chalet (Tel: 609-2669897)

2. Kenong Rimba Park

At Lipis. Kenong Rimba Park is situated in natural surroundings with cascading waterfalls, clear mountain stream and a variety of flora and fauna. The merry chirping of birds will create an atnosphere which is really difficult to express in words. It offers great adventure, such as exploring limestone caves, swimming in the river and camping. Challenging hiking trails interspersed with protruding rocks and untouched natural surroundings is a haven for adventure lovers. Within the Kenong Rimba Park, these are several caves (gua) to explore. These are Gua Batu Telungkup, Gua Hijau and Gua Harimau. The caves, situated approximately 122-152 metres above sea level, are a natural habitat for a range of flora and nature’s other marvels. For nature lovers, a stop at Kenong Rimba Park is a must. It is a perfect hideout for bird watchers, campers, anglers, trekkers and swimmers. Hotels here are:
Persona Rimba Resort (Tel: 609-3125032/ Fax: 609-3121421)
Lipis Centre Point Hotel (Tel: 609-3122688/ Fax: 609-3122689)
Lipis Inn Hotel (Tel: 609-3125588/ Fax: 609-3125588)

3. Tasik Bera (Bera Lake)
At Bera. Tasik Bera, covering an area of 24,000 hectares is one of two major natural bodies of freshwater in Malaysia. The Semelai aborigines inhabit the area surrounding Tasik Bera and a number of them continue to live and procure their food in traditional ways. Others have modified their way of life and have become permanent residents in Post Iskandar. The Tasik Bera watershed includes a wide variety of flora ranging from primitive algae species to higher plants and tress. It was recorded that 328 species of flora, 200 species of birds and more than 95 species of fishes are found in Tasik Bera. Tasik Bera is ideal for many recreational and adventure activities. Trekking through the jungle is both exciting and educational. River safaris can be exhilarating, or simply paddle around the lake and take in the tranquil surroundings. Hotels here are:
Persona Lake Resort (Tel/ Fax: 609-2762505)

4. Lake Chini
At Kuantan. Located in the wilds, Lake Chini is approximately 100 km from Kuantan, consists of a string of more than 12 connected lakes. Here, you can enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, jungle trekking, speed-boating, and visiting Kamoung Gumum, an Orang Asli village. The lake, with its fascinating myths, has attracted tourists from far and near. Legend has it that an ancient Khmer city once existed there and this has since resulted in several scientific expeditions being mounted by both local and foreign archaeologists. It is also popularly believed that a mythical monster lurks in its depths and guards the lake. Lake Chini has a number of wooden chalets and restaurants to cater for overnight visitors. There are also a number of camping spots if you plan to rough it out. Jungle gear and camping equipment are recommended. Acces to the lake is by road to Kampung Belimbing, about 100 km south west of Kuantan and then on by boat through the winding Chini river. Alternatively, one can go by road via Segamat Highway through the new town of Chini, and then continue travelling for 15 minutes through palm oil estates roads to the lake. Hotels here are Lake Chini Resort.

5. Empang Jaleh
In Kuala Lipis, there is a recreational lake called Empang Jaleh where visitors can
relax. Here too, one can trek along a mountainous jungle trail to Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia. It takes about two nights to reach the summit. For birdwatchers, Bukit Taching is an ideal bird sanctuary to while away the hours. And the Terenggun Forest Park is anothernature spot perfect for a leisurely holiday. Perhaps its most endearing feature is its profusion of fabulous nature scenes.

6. Gunung Tapis Park
At Kuantan. About 16 km away from Sungai Lembing is Gunung Tapis (Tapis Mountain), a beautiful nature park. Excellent camping spots can be found in a number of areas. Although still in the early stages of development, Gunung Tapis offers a number of activities. You can shoot rapids on one of the several rivers, or fish for the delectable ‘Ikan Kelah’ (tortambroides duronesis). The park also abounds with hot springs and wildlife. If you plan to stay overnight, camping and survival equipment are recommended. Prior arrangements for a visit to the park can be made with the Persona Adventure Camp. Hotels here are:
Persona Adventure Camp (Tel: 609-5135566/ Fax: 609-5130510)

7. Endau-Rompin State Park
At Rompin. Some of the most famous and visually spectacular tourist attractions are found in Pahang. Among them is the Endau-Rompin State Park, one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. This ancient tropical rainforest has remained undisturbed in its original state through the years. Endau-Rompin boasts of some of the most exotic species of tropical plant and animal life. The Park is one of the last remaining lowland forests in Malaysia and it is spread over a generous 80,000 hectares of virgin jungle straddling the state of Pahang and Johor. Endau-Rompin derives its name from the Rompin and Endau Rivers, forming a watershed on which the park lies. This nature reserve offers a wide spectrum of activities for the adventurous visitors providing the opportunity to get back to nature and experience the hidden and mysterious secrets of its wilderness. Hotels here are:
Lanjut Golden Beach Resort (Tel: 609-4145113/ Fax: 609-4145112)
Seri Malaysia Hotel Rompin (Tel/ Fax: 609-4132723

8. Kota Gelanggi
Located in Jerantut. One of the highlights for visitors to this area is exploring the Kota Gelanggi Cave. Explore the 150 milion year old historical and mythical cave complex and its unique fauna, flora and rock formations. The magnificent cave chambers are among the best in this region. Visitors will be able to experience what tropical limestone caverns are all about, with their myriads stalagmites and stalactites and strangely shaped formations. Hotel here are:
Tekam Plantation Resort (Tel: 609-4718300/ Fax: 609-4718253)

9. Gunung Senyum Caves (Senyum Mountain Cave)
Located in Temerloh. The Gunung Senyum Caves consists of at least 20 caves, which are fascinating to explore. While cave exploration and camping in the shade of tropical foliage are common activities, scientific research is also gaining in popularity among students and scientists. Cave explorers must be prepared for the smell of bats, limestone rocks and the sighting of strange creatures and insects. Hotels here are:
Tekam Plantation Resort (Tel: 609-4718300/ Fax: 609-4718253)
Seri Malaysia Hotel Temerloh (Tel: 609-2965776,5779,5787/ Fax: 609-2965711)

10. Tekam Plantation Resort
Located in Jerantut. Nestled in tranquility in the green forests near Jerantut is the
Tekam Plantation Resort, comprising chalets, dining facilities for travellers as well as conventions. Visitors can also arrange for special trips and adventure tours to various places of interest. One of the highlights of the stay at the Resort is the Plantation Tour, which take visitors on an educational visit to places such as the Kota Gelanggi Caves, Gunung Senyum Caves as well as surrounding rubber and oil palm plantations. The best time to visit the area is during the fruit season from July to September, when local fruits such as ‘durians’ and ‘rambutans’ are plentiful. The Resort provides facilities such as tennis and takraw, mini market, water sports and cafeteria. Hotels here are:
Tekam Plantation Resort (Tel: 609-4718300/ Fax: 609-4718253)

11. Jeram Besut
Located in Raub. Apart from Fraser’s Hill, other recreational areas in Pahang include the Lata Jarum Waterfalls and the Jeram Besu Rapid. The former is just 30 km from Raub while the latter is only about 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Jeram Besu is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water-rafting areas in the country. Raub is one of the oldest towns in the State of Pahang. It began as a gold mining town in the early 19th century. Remains scattered around the town. Hotels here:
Countryview Recreation Park (Tel: 609-3230230/ Fax: 609-3230200)

Islands

1. Tioman Island

Tioman is the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, the smallest of which is a mere rock jutting up from the sea. Measuring 38 km long and 19 km wide, Tioman Island is a magnificent island in the sun, with good reefs for scuba diving and crystal-clear waters for swimming. Legend has it that Tioman Island is the resting ground of a beautiful dragon princess who, while flying from China to her beloved in Singapore, sought solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Pleased with the island’s charms, she discontinued her journey, forsaking her happines to give pleasure and comfort to passing travellers by turning herself into an island. Tioman Island is accessible by boat from Mersing town or Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, a journey which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Or one can also take a plane from either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuantan. Accommodation comes in the form of delighful wooden chalets on the beach or in luxurious hotel rooms. Whichever is the choice, comfort and hospitality is assured. Hotels here are:
Persona Island Resort (Tel: 609-4191213/ Fax: 609-4191213)
Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort (Tel: 609-4191000/ Fax: 609-4191718)
Nazri Place (Tel: 609-4191329)
Salang Indah (Tel: 609-4195015/ Fax: 609-4195024)

Beaches

1. Cherating Beach

Located in Kuantan. To many, this name is synonymous with Club Med. This is natural because Aisa’s first Club Med is located here. Actually, only a small part of the beach is administered by this world famous club, the rest is a populated area offering excellent beaches. Situated only 47 km from Kuantan, its unique features are the rustic atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the village folk. Cherating also offers you the chance to shop for handicraft and see cultural performances. Village maidens nimbly weave the pandanus leaves into mats, hats, bags and other inexpensive lightweight souvenirs. Cultural shows include ‘wayang kulit’ (shadow play) and silat (the Malay art of self-defence).

2. Balok Beach
Located in Kuantan. Balok Beach is about 15 km north of Kuantan and is a paradise for avid wind-surfers. Most of the activities revolve around the many international class resorts and hotels located at the beach, forming the perfect getaway for visitors to the East Coast of the Peninsular. Truly perfect and serene with soothing tropical breezes, swaying casuarinas, unending white sand in harmony with the azure blue sea, indeed, relaxation is never easier. Hotels here are:
Le Village Beach Resort (Tel: 609-5447900/ Fax: 609-5447800)
De’ Rhu Beach Resort (Tel: 609-5579000/ Fax: 609-5579002)
Peranginan Tamu Kami (Tel: 609-5839090/ Fax: 5837061)
Muara Beach Resort (Tel: 609-5834544/ Fax: 609-5834144)
Swiss Garden Resort (Tel: 609-5447333/ Fax: 609-5449555)

3. Teluk Chempedak Beach

Located in Kuantan. This delightful beach, only 5 km from the town of Kuantan, is
the site of several world class hotels. At Teluk Chempedak Beach, the scene is alive with hawker stalls, resort hotels, trinket stalls, restaurants, and snack bars. It is an excellent beach for water sports activities like sailing, surfing, skiing and sunbathing. A short trek through the Teluk Cempedak Forest Reserve is idyllic Pelindung Beach. If you are game to more jungle trekking, there’s an alternative route leading to the mini-zoo. Hotel here are:
Hyatt Hotel Kuantan (Tel: 609-5661234/ Fax: 609-5677577)

4. Beserah Beach
Located in Kuantan. Beserah is a fishing village and is well-known for salted fish.
But what many people do not know is a very unique practice of the Beserah fisherman: they employ water buffaloes (which are not normally seen on the beach for they are always used to plough padi fields or to pull heavy carts), to transport fish from the boats to the processing area. Beserah is situated 10 km from Kuantan. A batik factory and many cottage handicraft workshops producing items made mostly of sea shells and local plant materials (dried nuts, leaves) can be found in Beserah. Hotels here are:
Duta Sands Resort (Tel: 609-5448101/ Fax: 609-5448291)
Gloria Maris Resort (Tel: 609-5447788/ Fax: 609-5447619)

5. Chendor Beach

Located in Kuantan. About 10 km from cherating is the famous Chendor Beach. Here, from early July to September, you can watch green turtles or occasionally giant leatherback turtles toil ashore to lay eggs. It’s a ritual worth experiencing. Besides the turtles, Chendor Beach offers some fine bathing spots. Its irresistible appeal also lies in the peace and seclusion you will enjoy at this resort.

6. Rompin/ Lanjut Beach

Located in Rompin. Lanjut Beach, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches on the southern coast of Pahang. The new Lanjut golden Beach Resort is ideally located where hotels and chalets are easily avaulable, in fast-developing Rompin district. Fishing for freshwater prawns is a popular outdoor activity in the many rivers found in the district. Kuala Rompin is also a gateway to Tioman Island, as well to the newly opened Endau-Rompin State Park. Hotels here are:
Lanjut Golden Beach Resort (Tel: 609-4145113/ Fax: 609-4145112)
Seri Malaysia Hotel Rompin (Tel/ Fax: 609-4132732)
Rompin Beach Resort (Tel: 609-4141367/ Fax: 609-4141366)
Summerset Resort (Tel: 609-4141888/ Fax: 609-4140888)

Hotels (Divided by Stars)

5 Star Hotels

Genting hotel
Tel: 03-211 1118

Holiday Villages Of Malaysia sdn.Bhd.
Tel: 09- 581 9131

Resort hotel
Tel: 03- 211 1118

4 Star Hotels

Equatorial Hill Resort Cameron Highlands
Tel: 05- 496 1777

Hotel Grand Continental
Tel: 09- 515 8888

MS Garden Hotel-Kuantan
Tel; 09- 555 5899

Mariana Beach Resort
Tel: 09- 582 1300

The Legend Resort
Tel: 09- 581 9439

The Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands
Tel: 05- 491 1215

The Smokehouse Hotel Fraser’s hill
Tel: 09- 362 2226

3 Star hotels

Hotel Rainbow
Tel: 05- 491 4628

Hotel Rosa Passadena
Tel: 05- 491 2288

The Lake House
Tel: 05- 495 6152

Merlin Inn Resort Kuantan
Tel: 09- 513 1388

Quest Resort
Tel: 09- 362 2300

Residence Inn Cherating
Tel: 09- 581 9333

Theme Park Hotel
Tel: 03- 211 1118

2 Star Hotels

Brinchang Hotel
Tel: 05- 491 1755

Cameron Highland Country Lodge
Tel: 05- 491 1811

Cameron Hill Garden Lodge
Tel: 05- 491 2808

Citiview Hotel
Tel: 09- 555 3888

Classic Hotel
Tel: 09- 555 4599

Down town House
Tel: 05- 491 2868

East Garden Restoran & Hotel
Tel: 05- 491 5824

Fraser’s Pine Resort
Tel: 09- 362 2099

Hotel Pacific Kuantan
Tel: 09- 514 1980

Kuantan Hotel
Tel: 09- 567 4980

The Cool Point hotel
Tel: 05- 491 4914

1 Star Hotels

Bala’s The holiday Chalets
Tel: 05- 491 1660

Brinchang hotel & Restaurant
Tel: 05- 491 2122

Centre Point Hotel Temerloh
Tel: 09- 296 5588

Country Inn Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 05- 491 1215

Grand Champagne Hotel
Tel: 09- 513 8822

Hollywood Hotel
Tel: 05- 491 1633

Hotel Chusan
Tel: 09-513 4422

Hotel embassy
Tel: 09- 52 4406

Hotel Hoover
Tel: 09- 277 1622

Hotel Makmur
Tel: 09- 514 1363

Hotel Meian
Tel: 09- 52 0949

Hotel Raya
Tel: 09- 514 0786

Hotel Silverstar
Tel: 05- 491 1387

Hotel Sri Emas
Tel: 09- 26 4499

Hotel Sri Pahang
Tel: 09- 312 2445

Hotel Suraya Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 09- 555 4266

Hotel T wang
Tel; 09- 355 2102

New Embassy Hotel
Tel: 09 52 4277

Kuai Pan Hotel
Tel: 09 286 1431

New Evergreen hotel
Tel: 09- 513 1548

Orchid Inn
Tell; 05- 491 2102

Orient Hotel
Tel: 05- 491 1633

Seah Meng Hotel
Tel; 05-491 1618

Shanghai Hotel
Tel: 09- 277 2533

The Center Point Hotel
Tel: 09- 296 2288

Tiara Hotel
Tel: 09- 859 1802

Triang Grand Hotel
Tel: 09- 255 5450

Union Hotel Ltd
Tel: 09- 222 1088

Golf Club, Courses & Associations

Astana Golf & Country Club
Tel: 09- 573 5135

Astana Golf Resort
Tel: 09- 573 5312

Awana Golf & Country Resort
Tel: 03- 211 3015

Bentong Golf Club
Tel: 09- 222 2585

Cameron Highlands Golf Club
Tel: 05- 491 2868

De Golf Club Frasers
Tel: 09- 362 2777

Kelab Desa Rantau Petronas
Tel: 09- 864 0259

Kelab Fraser’s hill
Tel: 09- 362 2044

Kelab Golf Darul Makmur Diraja
Tel: 09- 422 3592

Kelab Golf Indera Kuantan
Tel: 09- 538 5588

Kelab Rekreasi Sri Mahkota
Tel: 09- 277 7831

Kelab Rekreasi TUDM Kuantan
Tel: 09- 538 4282

Lipis Valley Golf Club
Tel: 09- 312 1011

Raub Golf Club
Tel: 09- 355 4066

Pahang State Tourism Department

Pahang Industrial & Tourism Division
Tel: 609-52 2346

Perbanan Kemajuan Bukit Fraser
Tel: 609-517 1623

Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Jemgka
Tel: 609-466 2205

Badgerlines Information Centre
Tel: 609-581 9466

Travel Bureaus

East Coast Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 609-567 6839
Fax: 609-567 5223

Firstar Travel & Tours (KTN) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 609-515 6882

Kuantan Holidays Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 609-513 1313
Mayflower Acme Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 609-513 1866

Southwest Vacation sdn. BHd.
Tel: 09-515 6861

Tahan Outdoor Holidays Centre Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 609-266 6797