Finally, I have finished my Mid Terms recently, and it's time to blog. Well, since I have not been travelling recently, I would might as well introduce some of the must-visit place in my home country, Malaysia. Below are some famous tourist site in Malaysia where I think is really worth to go based on me, my friends and my family experience as a Malaysian, and other trusted travelling websites. This post is specially dedicated to foreigners who wish to travel to Malaysia since 2014 is visit Malaysia year. Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is the nation's biggest and grandest tourism celebration with Malaysia Truly Asia's endless wonders of events, festivals and activities all-year round. This is the perfect time to see, feel and experience Malaysia!
Petronas Twin Tower during the night
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Taiwanese Drama "Love You You" was filmed in Lang Tengah Island
I hope you guys enjoy reading. Welcome to visit Malaysia!!! You'll be amaze by the multi-lingual people and variety of food here.
Top 1: Sipadan Island @ Sabah
(All pic source from the internet)
Sipadan Island is situated in Sabah , east Malaysia. Although I have never been before, but I've heard numerous word of mouth about this awesome diving site. Almost all of my friends who have went there before are very satisfied with what they experienced! This marine ecosystem is one of the richest marine habitat which is well known to have more than 3000 species of fishes and hundreds of coral species.The breathtaking view of the underwater world in Sipadan have make it to be the 5th in World Top 10 Dive Sites by Lonely Planet. See below:
The world's top 10 dive sites:
1. Great Blue Hole, Belize
2. Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
3. Manta Ray Village, Hawaii
4. Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea
5. Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia
6. Cocos Island, Costa Rica
7. Gansbaai, South Africa
8. Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt
9. Cocklebiddy Cave, Western Australia
10. Rainbow Warrior, New Zealand.
2. Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
3. Manta Ray Village, Hawaii
4. Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea
5. Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia
6. Cocos Island, Costa Rica
7. Gansbaai, South Africa
8. Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt
9. Cocklebiddy Cave, Western Australia
10. Rainbow Warrior, New Zealand.
Ranked 5th of World Top 10 Dive Sites in 2013 by Lonely Planet (See here).
"No.5 - Pulau Sipadan - Slow things down to turtle pace as you take to the seas off the Malaysian island that invariably figures in all lists of the world's top dive sites, Pulau Sipadan. Green and hawksbill turtles abound; there's even a so-called turtle tomb, 22m underwater, containing the skeletal remains of vast numbers of turtles. For a marine adrenalin rush, try Barracuda Point, where the eponymous barracuda often gather in swirling, tornado-like formations. No diver will want to leave without witnessing the famous Drop Off where, just a stroll from the shore, the ocean floor drops away 600m. Night diving typically costs around MYR150 per dive for one to three divers, or MYR50 if there are four or more. Book early as permits are restricted to 120 per day."
However, in order to protect the fragile ecosystem in Sipadan Island, the Malaysia Government have restricted to only 120 divers per day and have banned night dives (as in 2013 since 2008). Therefore, the price for holidaying in Sipadan Island is much more expensive than other islands in Malaysia.
Additional Information:
1) Package Price (depends on Resort and Days stayed): RM800 (consider budget diving package) to RM4000++
2) Some of the resorts in Sipadan Island (Facilities and price are listed in the link below) -
[This is NOT advertising, some websites may show lower price than those listed here. Well, I found that this is affordable and worth it.]
Sipadan Water Village Resort << Recommended
Sipadan Mabul Resort << Recommended
Mabul Water Bungalows << Recommended
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort << Recommended
Top 2: Petronas Twin Tower @ Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Tower during the day
The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers (Malay: Menara Petronas, or Menara Berkembar Petronas) are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Although not the tallest building in the world, Petronas twin tower is the tallest twin tower in the world with a height of 451.9 metres, 88-storey. Petronas Twin Tower is a very famous landmarks that is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This is a must visit place when you are coming to Malaysia. If you came to Malaysia without visiting the this tower, then you are not visiting Malaysia! I especially love the stunning beautiful night view of Petronas Twin Tower. Hence, I recommend you to visit it during the evening or night and you can enjoy KL's night view as well. There is also a large shopping centre located just the bottom of the twin tower itself called KLCC. It's a shopping heaven there. Lots of high class brands are offered over there and you can shop-till-you-drop! Also, there is KLCC aquaria which is also another tourist attraction. More info on KLCC aquaria can be found in their official website here.
Petronas Twin Tower Skybridge
The world's highest double-decked bridge symbolises a gateway to the future and provides a stunning vantage point of Kuala Lumpur. Linking the towers at levels 41 and 42, it facilitates movement, and functions as an escape route in case of emergencies.
The Skybridge is supported by a "three-hinged arch" consisting of giant round bearings at the base and a pair of legs 51 metres in length. The base of the arch is located at level 29 of each tower, while the cylindrical legs are bolted to a box girder at the centre of the bridge.
Observation Deck
Discover what makes the Twin Towers special through cutting-edge displays and vibrant exhibits. At 360 metres, you'll be able to see a spire up close and enjoy breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur.
Additional Information:
1) Operating Hours:
Visiting Days Tuesday to Sunday (closed every Monday)
Open on all public holidays with the exception of Hari
Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.
Visiting Hours 9am – 9pm (closed from 1pm – 2.30pm on
Fridays)
Ticketing Counter Concourse level, PETRONAS Twin Towers
2) Ticket Price (to go up on the twin tower):
Adult RM80
Adult (MyKad) RM25
Child RM30
Child (MyKid) RM12
Note: Issuing of Tickets will start from 8.30am (tickets are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis). Advance purchase is available.
3) Purchase Ticket Online
Click here.
4) How to get there:
Take a train from any station within Klang Valley area and make your way to KLCC Station (KJ10) [purple color].
Top 3: Mount Kinabalu @ Sabah
Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung
Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain on the island of Borneo in
Southeast Asia. It is located in the East
Malaysian state of Sabah and is
protected as Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the highest
peak in Borneo's Crocker Range and is the highest mountain
in the Malaysia.There are six distinguisable vegetation zones in Kinabalu
Park - Lower Mountain Forest, Upper Mountain Forest, Ultrabasic Rock Forest, Lower
Granite Boulder Forest, Upper Granite Boulder Forest, Summit or Subalpine. The park is known for its diversity of flora and fauna,
which includes over 1,200 species of orchids and over 40 species of oak
This place is specially for those who are adventurous and love hiking. So, if you love hiking very much, do pay a visit to Mount Kinabalu.
Additional Information:
Price: From RM400 (1 day, group of friends) to RM2000 (3D2N stay)
Visit here for more information.
Top 4: Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Lang Tengah Island @ Terengganu
I purposely put all these 3 islands together because it is located at a very short distance only (all reachable by sea taxi). Of course, the most famous one and commercialize one is Redang Island. But in recent years, Perhentian Island is also getting more and more popular. As for Lang Tengah Island, it became popular ever since the drama "Love You You" was film there. I could say that if you are unable to go to Sipadan Island because its located at east Malaysia, why not going to one of these places? These alternatives are slightly cheaper than Sipadan Island and are more convenient if you are going to west Malaysia.
Pulau Redang
Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts. Redang Airport is a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Changi Airport) and Kuala Lumpur(Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).
The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.
Pulau Perhentian
The Perhentian Islands are two islands named Pulau
Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) andPulau Perhentian Besar (Large
Perhentian Island). The Malay name Perhentian is translated as “place
to stop” and this is exactly what these two islands were for traders travelling
between Malaysia and Bangkok in years gone by. These islands are still a
gorgeous place to stop and rest today, albeit for tourists disconnecting from
the stress and routine of everyday life and not for weary seafaring traders.
The islands remain relatively untouched and the only permanent inhabitants live in a small fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. Apart from footpaths that cut through the jungle, there are no roads on the islands. The only way to get around is by walking through the jungle or taking a sea taxi. If you tread carefully, you may even encounter some of the islands’ shy wildlife on the way, such as monitor lizards, fruit bats, squirrels or even the elusive mouse deer. Simple chalets and some moderately luxurious resorts line the picturesque beaches along with restaurants, dive centres and boat operators advertising their services with hand-painted signs.
The islands remain relatively untouched and the only permanent inhabitants live in a small fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. Apart from footpaths that cut through the jungle, there are no roads on the islands. The only way to get around is by walking through the jungle or taking a sea taxi. If you tread carefully, you may even encounter some of the islands’ shy wildlife on the way, such as monitor lizards, fruit bats, squirrels or even the elusive mouse deer. Simple chalets and some moderately luxurious resorts line the picturesque beaches along with restaurants, dive centres and boat operators advertising their services with hand-painted signs.
Pulau Lang Tengah
Lang Tengah Island (or Pulau Lang Tengah in Malay) is an island off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. It features crystal clear seawater, whitebeaches and an untouched tropical jungle. It is located roughly halfway between Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, and is connected to the mainland by ferries to Merang.
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A lot packages can be found through online and facebook for these 3 islands. However, every year starting from Oct to February, these 3 islands will be closed due to the monsoon season (big waves). At this time, the strong waves is so strong that it almost destroy most of the corals. Therefore, if you are going there during March, it is not as beautiful. Recommended travel time are around June to September.
Additional Information:
Price: RM250 to RM1000+ (4D3N)
Price: RM250 to RM1000+ (4D3N)
Blackout time: Oct to February
Top 5: Cameron Highlands @ Pahang
One thing about Malaysia is that Malaysia is always HOT all year round. Because of its hot weather, Malaysians tend to go to cooler places like "Highlands". Cameron Highlands is situated in Pahang, west Malaysia. It is about 3 hours driving from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. Temperature here are slightly lower than below and you would need a jacket at night. Cameron Highlands is well known for its FRESHNESS! Fresh Air, Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Vegetables, Fresh Tea Leaves, Fresh Flowers.... etc... It is the largest supplier of Malaysia's vegetables and fruits and some of the harvest were even exported to foreign countries.
Some of the attractive places in Cameron Highlands:
1) Tea Plantation (BOH tea Center)
2) Strawberries farm
Some allow you to pick your own strawberries but it will be more expensive than you buy it.
3) Cactus Valley
I hope you guys enjoy reading. Welcome to visit Malaysia!!! You'll be amaze by the multi-lingual people and variety of food here.
