A nature lover’s guide to the Malaysian rainforest

Move away from the bustle of the city and its complementing skyscrapers towards areas of this Southeast Asian nation that will take your breath away with the pleasures and pageantry on show.

1024px-Kinabalu_park_HQ
anonymous, Kinabalu park HQ, CC BY-SA 3.0

Trek to Kinabalu Park

Cut through dense thickets while keeping your eyes peeled for sudden movements that are bound to fill your gaze at the picturesque Kinabalu Park. In fact, once you’re done basking in the company of hot springs, various species of ferns and orchids, and the forest canopy, toy with the thought of ascending the summit of Mount Kinabalu which rises to well over 4,000 meters in the air.

Retrace ancient times at Taman Negara, Pahang

A sense of isolation will follow your every step as you set foot within the pristine, prehistoric rainforests that cover Taman Negara, Pahang. With a proud history that dates back some 130 million years, the curious at heart will be met with the prospect of catching fleeting glimpses of the foliage with the aid of a simple, suspended rope bridge that cuts through the heart of the rainforest.

Marvel at the treasure trove which is Gunung Mulu National Park

Characterised by a dark green canopy that watches over every inhabitant that lives and breeds within Gunung Mulu National Park, the said attraction is a shimmering jewel that has won fame as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to one of the world’s largest limestone cave systems, the 53,000 hectares that scatter the Park is a thriving habitat of life and colour. These include 4,000 varieties of fungus, 1,500 species of flowering plants, 281 butterfly species, 262 kinds of birds, 75 mammal species, and a further 50 variants of reptiles.

Have the ride of a lifetime on the Kampar River

If you desire to pair the adrenaline-drenched pastime of whitewater rafting with exploring rainforests, then head straight for Kempar River in Perak. Once done, you can beeline back to the city and reside at Travelodge Bukit Bintang which is a modern hotel in Bukit Bintang KL.

Experience the Thrills of Malaysia – Exhilarating Experiences for the Adrenaline Seeker

There would be an array of exhilarating activities available for visitors to Malaysia; the variety of activities on offer would mean that there would be something for everyone.

 Jet skiing

Jet skiing would be a great choice for thrill seekers in Malaysia; what could be more fun than piloting your watercraft at speed over the waters? While it may take time to master this water sport, once you have got the hang of it, jet skiing would be a delight. When seeking the best hotels in Malaysia from which you could enjoy jet skiing, consider the Sepang property of Avani Hotels & Resorts.

 Scuba diving

Scuba diving would always be an entrancing experience at this destination as you would encounter appealing conditions for this activity here. Whilst scuba diving in the waters of Malaysia, you may experience shimmering clear waters and encounter attractive corals, interesting kinds of marine creatures and so on making it a marvellous activity indeed.

Image by Lourdes_B from Pixabay

 Tandem skydiving

There would be nothing quite like skydiving to delight and entertain the thrill seeker. Tandem skydiving would usually provide you with the opportunity to enjoy skydiving strapped to an experienced instructor. As you might expect, this experience would be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for those who crave adrenaline and excitement.

 White water rafting

Another wonderful activity for adventure enthusiasts would be white water rafting which could be experienced at various localities in Malaysia. In fact, you would find white water rafting locations in the country that would be suitable for rafters of varied levels of experience, ranging from first-timers to seasoned experts.

Walk along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is named after a Chinese cloth peddler who became an influential figure and grew quite wealthy later in life. It is home to many old and new businesses that breathes life into the street. Located nearby to many a Johor hotel the likes of Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, it is more than just a heritage site.

Becoming a Heritage Site

Previously an old-fashioned but picturesque street, it was transformed into a historic venue by the Malaysian government in 2009.

Visit Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

Paying a small entrance fee, the Chinese Heritage Museum takes you through the journey of the Chinese settlement in Johor Bahru. Using audio guides that contain fascinating stories, you can tour the museum at your own pace.

Chongkian, Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0

Enjoy Delicious Coffee at Art52 Gallery

Open from 9 O’ clock onwards throughout the week, Art52 Gallery is truly a gem at the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. Preserving the historic charm of the old building, the owner has succeeded in converting the space into a simple, low-profile café that exudes genuineness.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds

Walking along the street, one would come across several eateries that offer a wide variety of food. The street is such a great place to become acquainted with the scrumptiousness of the traditional cuisine.

Terence Ong, Johor laksa, CC BY-SA 3.0

Traveler’s Guide to Sepang, Malaysia

Until the KL International Airport was built in Sepang, and several other projects such as the Sepang F1 racing Track and Cyberjaya came up here, it was known to be a sleepy town that was earlier into rubber plantation.

Getting in Sepang

Since there is an International Airport located here, you can now enter this city by plane. For the journey from the Airport to your Sepang hotel, it’s always better to hire a car and travel, as it’s safer and faster too.

Things to see and do

Sepang International Circuit which is located close to properties such as Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort is one main attraction in the city, that is never missed by tourists generally. In addition, there are also other places such as Bagan Lalang Beach which you can visit during your days there.

Craig, Sepang international circuit qualifying 2CC0 1.0

Events in Sepang

In addition to the world-famous Sepang International F1 & Moto GP Racing, there are also some other events happening in Sepang. Thaipusam and the Chinese New Year are just some of them.

Keeping in touch is easy here

In Sepang, dealing with the internet is always easy and fast. You find Wi-Fi hotspots in almost all shopping malls and food courts. Buy a local SIM card and make local calls at cheap rates too.

 

Top Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur offers plenty of adventures for the whole family. Here are some of the key attractions in KL well worth visiting on your holiday.

Petronas Twin Towers

Iconic and inspiring, the Petronas Twin Towers is a stunning modern marvel that spans a total of 88 storeys. When searching for the best hotels & resorts in Malaysia, do look to stay close to this attraction which offers amazing panoramas from the Skybridge that connects the two towers.

Image Credit: Berjaya Hotels & Resorts

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

One of the most dynamic areas in the city, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre is where you will not only find the Petronas Twin Towers but a host of other attractions too. Within easy reach of many city properties including those belonging to Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, these sites include the Suria KLCC Shopping Complex, Petrosains, The Discovery Centre and Aquaria KLCC.

Jakub MichankowKuala Lumpur City CentreCC BY 2.0

Bukit Bintang

One of the key areas for shopaholics, Bukit Bintang is home to some of the city’s most popular shopping hubs. Retail therapy abounds in this locale where you can shop to your heart’s content at malls the likes of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Times Square, Fahrenheit 88 and Sungei Wang Plaza.

Patrice78500Bukit Bintang, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

Central Market

One of the historic attractions in Kuala Lumpur, the Central Market dates back to the 1880s; within this heritage site, you will find a number of traders selling souvenirs, batiks, handicrafts, sculptures, artworks, clothing and more. It also has food stalls which give you a chance to sample some yummy local dishes.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Hike to the Highest Mountain on Tioman: Gunung Kajang

A hike to the highest mountain on Tioman – Gunung Kajang is undoubtedly the next adventure for you if you are an adventure seeker in life. The journey is difficult and requires a lot of your energy, but the breath-taking views you get right at the top of the mountain are priceless, and the hard hike is worth it.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Mount Kajang

If you stay at a Tioman resort, the likes of Berjaya Tioman Resort, Mount Kajang cannot be too far away. The peak of the mountain is an extinct volcano that dwells in the clouds and this is the whole purpose of the hike too. The special fact about this is that this mountain which is covered by a dense rain forest has a volcanic past.

The trek up

There are not many set trails to the mountain. On your way to it, you may see a noticeable difference between the flora you get to find in the mainland and those you find here. Try to keep talking to a minimal and take in the beautiful surroundings on your trek up.

Up at the summit

The reason we recommend this difficult hike to you is the relaxation you get to feel when you go up the summit. There are also some mysterious caves that you can explore and then the beauty of Tioman island is all yours to feel and enjoy.

Things to keep in mind

It is always better if you have this climb with a crew and especially with the presence of an experienced guide. The general rules do apply for this hike too where you can’t leave anything other than footprints when you come out of the premises.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Adventure in Langkawi Island -An adventure lover’s paradise!

Langkawi Islands
Langkawi Islands | Image Courtesy : Lankawi

Langkawi Island is one of the most popular islands in Malaysia bordered by golden sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, lush rainforests and unspoiled waterfalls. Langkawi is known to cater to laid back travellers and to the adventurous type. Berjaya Langkawi Resort is situated amidst the dense rainforest with a few steps away from the breath-taking beach, and rooms at Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Malaysia features views of the rainforest and the sea. Adventures range from jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and horseback riding.

Setting off on a high speed Jet Ski is probably one of the most exciting things that Langkawi has to offer. Jet Ski tours allow its rider to explore around the island, its marine life and caves while also discovering some secluded beaches. Some tours also include snorkelling in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 meter long walkway that stands 660 meters above sea level. Ideal for panoramic views of the island, travellers are treated to beautiful mountainous landscapes that dominate much of the island.
Adventurers who wish to see the Island from a bird’s view point would love the idea of parasailing. Launched from a boat, the flight will usually last about 10 minutes, giving you ample time to view the magnificent beauty of the Island below. Ensure the parasailing company has the required certificates and licenses in order to ensure your parasailing experience is safe and fun!
An adventure park called Skytrex Adventure features a variety of activities that allows you to climb, swing, crawl or glide through the jungle.
A sunset cruise makes the perfect ending for your adventure filled day in Langkawi Island. Indulge yourself in a cruise along the Andaman Sea while you sip on a cool beverage or have dinner aboard a boat, while the horizon stretches ahead of you giving you the perfect sunset view.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

National museum Kuala Lumpur- representing the rich history and culture of Malaysia

Located on Jalan Damansara Malaysia, the National Museum of Kuala Lumpur is a must attend venue during your visit to the city. Travellers interested in history and architecture could get a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia at the museum. Built by the British in 1898, the museum was opened in 1963 and portrays traditional Minangkabau & Malay architectural features. Tourists could find accommodation at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur which includes leading properties such as Berjaya Times Square Hotel that provide guests easy access to sought after tourists attractions.

Exhibits at the museum are spread across two floors and divided into 4 galleries. The design was done by Ho Kok Hoe architect who was inspired by the traditional Malay architecture. During your visit you will be able to witness murals that span across the entrance. Artefacts that depict culture, history, arts and crafts as well as local weaponry and flora & fauna are showcased at the museum for the viewing pleasure of the visitors. Ground floor of the museum is dedicated for exhibits of the Stone Age, Bronze and Iron Age among which the bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara of Bidor and the Javan Borobudur. The second floor of the museum holds artefacts representing colonial history to independence as well as the headgear worn by Malay rulers of the past. A well known part of the museum is the Istana Satu, an old timber palace built by Sultan Zainal Abidin III, Sultan of Terengganu in year 1884. The local cultural history enthusiasts could support the department of National Museums by volunteering as museum tour guides to meet the demand of tourists visiting the museum. These tours are conducted in English, French and Japanese languages.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Best Mountains to climb in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the technologically advanced countries in the East. However, the country is abundantly blessed with many natural resources as well as places. There is a world of activities away from the capital Kuala Lumpur. Sepang is an exciting place to check out if you are visiting Malaysia. There are plenty of things to do and explore here. Restaurants, cafes, shopping, circuits and if you want to pamper yourself- plenty of luxury Sepang Hotels. Malaysia has an interesting terrain too. Due to this, one of the activities that are becoming popular is mountain climbing. There is the Gunung Nuang in Selangor which is a tough climb but one that is worth. If you are super fit, a day would be sufficient to climb to the top and back, however, some others may take two days. There are campsites and shelters on the way. For those who seek a hint of luxury one of the options among the many available is AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort.

Apart from Gunung Nuang, there are plenty of other mountains around Malaysia to climb offering some of the best treks and views. The tallest mountain in Malaysia is Gunung Kinabalu. Located in Borneo the mountain and the rainforest area surrounding it are declared a UNESCO world heritage site.

Gunung Gagau’s climb is a great adventure as getting to the mountain’s base itself is a two-day journey along a river. One of the areas that cannot be forgotten when considering a good mountain trek is the Cameron Highlands. Gunung Beremdun is located in the highlands and offers cooler climates for climbing than the rest of South East Asia. Another mountain with incredible views is Gunung Jerai also known as “Kedah Peak”. Even though not a tall mountain its location among flat rice paddy fields offers incredible far out views.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Diving in Tioman

Coral reefs are the underwater equivalent of rainforests, but unlike their earth-bound counter-parts, coral reefs are extremely rare, and account for only 0.1% of the ocean’s surface area. Out of this tiny percentage, over ninety percent of coral reefs are located in the Indo-Pacific region. This is why it is no surprise that one of the most popular diving hotspots in the world is considered to be in the area surrounding Tioman Island, a small landmass located thirty miles off the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula. There is many a Tioman resort that has capitalized on the wondrous coral reefs that surround the island and offer a variety of diving programs. One such resort is Berjaya Tioman Resort that is truly noteworthy for their sheer scale of dive programs.

There are up to twenty dive sites for a visitor to choose from, such as Renggiss Island, Golden REef and Tiger Reef. Each of these sites is teeming with a variety of life, ranging from countless varieties of coral fish to turtles. Divers can further discover the beauty of sub-marine wonders beneath the seas surrounding the Tioman Island by discovering the incredible rock formations that indulgent with soft and hard varieties of coral.

The variety of diving courses available at the Tioman islands is as diverse as the coral and creatures that surround them. The courses range from basic open-water classes, to advanced open-water classes, as well as night-time dives. Safety is paramount and all of these courses are certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructiors, also known as PADI. If coral reefs and underwater life do not interest you, then perhaps the dozen plus shipwrecks that are a staple of the diving tours might. The Tioman Island also has a dense rainforest for visitors to explore. So if you happen to be in Malaysia, take a trip to the Tioman Island and witness sights that are truly one of a kind.

 

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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