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Malaysia |
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Official Language: Bahasa Malaysia
Currency: Ringgit
Malaysia situated in central South-East Asia is a place of great natural, cultural and historical wonder. Malaysia borders Thailand in the north, Singapore and Indonesia to the south and Philippines to the east. Sharp geographical contrasts with forested mountain ranges in the Peninsular Malaysia to low-lying coastal plains and lush tropical rainforests in the west, Malaysia boasts some of the beast beaches, mountains, national parks and diving spots in Asia. Mount Kinabalu, is the highest peak in Malaysia. The major islands are Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor off the west coast and Tioman, Redang, Kapas, Perhentian and Rawa off the east coast. Malaysia is also ethnically and culturally diverse with a fusion of Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous Orang Asli tribes of the peninsula.
Major Cities
Ampang Jaya, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Klang, Sarawak, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur are the major cities of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur lying in peninsular Malaysia is the capital city. Kuala Lumpur is a blueprint of futuristic cities with magnificent high rising towers, historic stop houses of China Town and British colonial architecture. China town is vibrant with bustling city streets, teashops and gambling sheds. Kuala Lumpur's principal Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is situated here. Intricate carvings, gold embellishments and hand painted motifs in this temple are really spellbinding. Merdeka Square is the traditional heart of Kuala Lumpur. To the east of Puduraya, the Golden Triangle is the modern up market heart of the new Kuala Lumpur with cosmopolitan bars and restaurants. The state of Sarawak shares East Malaysia with Sabah but is a vastly different destination to its neighbor with a greater degree of ethnic and tribal diversity.
Tourist Attractions
Malaysia is rich in tourist attractions. Petronas Twin Towers on the Dataran Merdeka Road in Kula Lumpur said to be the tallest high rise in the world. The 88-floor towers constructed largely of reinforced concrete with steel and glass facade represents motifs found in Islamic art. The Sultan Abdul Samad building with its signature copper domes and Moorish architecture nearby is another place of interest. The Court of Appeal and the Federal Court were housed in the building until very recent times. Other worth seeing places are the Dayabumi Building, Kuala Lumpur's first skyscraper, the Tabung Haji Building and Menara Telekom, the tallest telecommunication tower in South-East Asia. Masjid Negara is one of south East Asia's largest mosques with 18-pointed star dome symbolizing the 13 states of Malaysia and five pillars of Islam. The Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens lying in the edge of the city center is a wonderland of natural beauty with a bird and butterfly park. National Museum exhibits colorful displays of Malaysia's history, economy, arts, crafts and culture. The Friday Mosque, situated astride the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers is the most stunning and popular sight in the city. The western side of the Malaysian Peninsula is the historic Melaka. The main area of interest is Melaka's old city, centered on the Town Square. The most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka is Stadthuys , the massive Red Town Hall and Governors' Residence. Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's best known and extensive hill station with a network of jungle trails, waterfalls, mountains, temples, rose gardens and lush green tea plantation. Known as 'The Land Below The Wind', Sabah on the northern tip of Borneo is an adventure playground and home of Malaysia's exclusive orang-otangs.
Getting Around
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia flying to 95 destinations worldwide. Other international airlines that offer flights to Malaysia are Aeroflot, Air France, Air India, Air Lanka, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Vietnam, Alia/Royal Jordanian Airlines, Balkan-Bulgarian Airlines, Bangladesh Biman, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Eva Air, Japan Airlines, Kampuchea Airlines, Koran Airlines, Lufthansa, Pakistan Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Qantas Airways. Most of the flights are operated from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). All major towns and cities of Malaysia have a well-developed transportation system enabling travel within the country to be convenient, speedy and relatively inexpensive. Cars, taxis, buses, Light Rail Transit (LRT) System is to be found in the metropolitan areas. Most points in Peninsular Malaysia can be reached via the North-South Expressway which links up to coastal roads and the rest of the road arteries in the country. Train services in Malaysia are also faster and comfortable. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) or Malayasian Railways has an impressive rail network that stretches from north to south and east to west in Peninsular Malaysia. Interstate air-conditioned buses operate between most cities and towns in Malaysia. They offer a comfortable ride at a reasonable rate. Metred taxis are found in all major cities at metered rates. A stream of luxury hotels and tourist resorts in the chief cities offers cozy and comfortable accommodation to the travelers.
For further details and information on Malaysia and its tourist destinations browse more pages of Allwonderscountries
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