Desaru

Desaru is located 100 kilometres from Johor Bahru, and is a very popular destination for its clean beaches, excellent golf courses and unique attractions. 

Although it is better known as a beach and resort area, its other name is the 'Land of Casuarinas', as one can see casuarina trees along the beaches. 

Its natural forest beauty, with views of the South China Sea, definitely makes it an exciting destination, captivating tourists from near and far. 

Amongst the attractions at Desaru include Desaru Beach, Fishing Village Museum at Tanjung Balau, Desaru Fruit Farm and the opportunity to see fireflies at Lebam River.

Kota Iskandar

Kota Iskandar, Johor State Administrative Centre was opened in April 2009 and is now one of the must see places in Johor. Inspired by Moorish-Andalusian and Johor Malay designs and motifs, Kota Iskandar is Malaysia’s first Experiential Parliament where visitors through our guided tours will be allowed the chance to enter Johor’s beautiful state parliament hall and immersed in Johor’s rich culture and history while understanding the symbolisms and abstract interpretations in true style and splendour of Kota Iskandar- Johor’s Living Legacy.

Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque

Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque (Masjid Terapung) is built on a floating platform, giving it a unique perspective from all facets. It sits snuggly on the estuary of Terengganu River and its modern architecture is due to the ingenuity of one of the princes in Terengganu. 

The glistening white mosque combines modern and Moorish architecture, symbolizing a new modernisation in the state, making it an Islamic icon in the country. 

The design of the mosque reflects a subtle Islamic influence combined with local features, incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving. The mosque, was built by an idea inspired from the late Sultan of Terengganu, Al- Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al- Muktafi Billah Shah ibni al- Marhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah. 

This beautiful mosque was named after his mother, Tuanku Intan Zaharah binti Almarhum Tengku Seri Setia Raja. The architectural beauty of the mosque is surrounded by a lake, looking enchantingly inspirational much like a place in the tale of 1,001 Arabian Nights. The calmness of the mosque is enhanced with the roaring of the South China Sea, making it an alluring and unique tourist attraction in Terengganu.

Lang Tengah Island

Pulau Lang Tengah is a very small island located between Perhentian Island and Redang Island. This little island is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the Merang jetty. According to locals, Lang Tengah takes its name from 'Lang' which comes from helang which means 'eagle' in the Malay language, and tengah, meaning 'middle'. Thus, Lang Tengah means eagles resting on the middle island. 

The island is very small indeed. A round-island trip by speed boat takes only 10 minutes. The beach is narrow and land is limited. However, its small size gives it its best advantage - Lang Tengah Island holds only 4 resort operators, ensuring a peaceful visit. 

And the winning attraction of this tiny and peaceful island? Some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Malaysia!

Toy Museum Penang

Reputed as the largest of its kind in the world, the Museum house over 100,000 toys, dolls and others fun collectibles. It has also entered Malaysia Book of Records as the first toy museum in the country and with the largest toy and figurine collection

Passion for toys is where it all begins, says the proud owner Loh Lean Cheng of his collections. He was inspired with toys collection after visiting the London Toy and Model Museum at the age of 19.

For the past 30 years - Starting from the first toy that he bought in 1973 at 0.5 pound (Popeye), his collection just keeps on growing and growing. Today, almost everything that you ever think of (on toys) can be found here.

Used to be located in Jalan Tanjung Bungah, the museum has since moved to another premises at 1370, Mk2, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang which is exactly beside SJK(C) Eok Hua School in Teluk Bahang, Penang.

When you walk around certain section of the Penang Toy Museum, you'll get to experience chilling voices, weird sound and motion effects triggered by motion sensors that are installed to enhance the atmosphere of the surrounding. The wall of the museum is creatively decorated with the famous ancient Egyptian monument such as the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.

source : http://www.penang-vacations.com

Peace Park

Peace Park at Layang-Layangan is situated close to Surrender Point, the place where the 32nd Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Australian Imperial Forces on 9 September 1945. The Japanese arrived at Labuan on January 1, 1942, less than a month after they had started their campaign in Malaya at Kota Bharu. They took formal possession of the island on the 3rd, having faced no resistance.

The Peace Park was built as a memorial and also as a renunciation of the horrors of war. It is dominated by the memorial mound which is surrounded by landscaped gardens and pavilions. Small ponds with stone bridges and park seats are all Japanese-inspired. A bronze plaque commemorating the surrender is mounted on a stone slab near the entrance.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Located just a 10- to 20- minute speedboat ride away from Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises of a cluster of five idyllic islands spread over 4,929 hectares, of which two-thirds is sea. 

The islands - Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Sulug, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sapi have soft white beaches that are teeming with fish and coral; perfect for beginner divers as well as snorkellers and picnickers. For those who love adventures on land, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sapi also have hiking trails through their pristine jungles. 

Home to a variety of exotic flora and fauna, one is likely to catch a glimpse of rare species such as the intriguing Megapode or Burung Tambun, a chicken look-alike bird with large feet that makes a meowing sound like a cat.

Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang

Batu Ferringhi, situated along the coastal road north-west of Georgetown and lined with a string of international- standard resorts, is the most popular beach in Penang. 

Soak in the sun or unwind on the beach while you enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from wind-surfing to canoeing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky. 

As the sun sets, Batu Ferringhi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items. 

Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik- painting. Dubbed the Feringghi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions.

Kenong Rimba Park

Covering an area of 121 sq kilometres in the Kenong Valley, Kenong Rimba Park lies in the south-west of Taman Negara. Within the park are some magnificent limestone caves. The sense of tranquility and quiet solitude are broken only by the chirping of birds and the cascading waterfalls. 

Each limestone cave is situated about half an hour's trek from each other. The most striking is the Gua Batu Tinggi, which resembles a dug-out boat. The Sungai Kenong River passes though this cave. Local folklore has it that the cave was formed when a boat carrying the Kings messenger from Pekan was turned into stone. This cave is approximately 122 to 152 metres above sea level. Here you can find a variety of plant life that includes orchids, fig trees and epiphytes.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary

Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, Pahang is a rare and fantastic opportunity to get up close to endemic Malaysian elephants. 

This truly unique Elephant Orphanage of Kuala Gandah in Pahang will give you a very rare opportunity to learn about these displaced gentle giants. Get the chance to ride them through the jungle, with the help of an elephant guide, or mahout. 

For the brave and adventurous, there are opportunities to take the elephants down to the river and help give them a bath! There really is no better opportunity than this to get in touch with these grey giants. 

It is estimated that there are only 1,200 wild Asian Elephants, also known as Elephus Maximus, left in Malaysia and this is the only conservation centre set up to relocate these displaced pachyderms. The elephants here have been rescued from all over Peninsula Malaysia, providing them a safe sanctuary in the wild. 

source : www.tourism.gov.my/

Kidzania Selangor

First established in Mexico City in 1999, this award-winning theme park has since been established in eight cities worldwide including Monterrey, Tokyo, Dubai and Seoul. Malaysia is its latest home, a place where place where children can lead independent lives and understand the world of grown-ups better, by being grown-ups themselves. 

Most parents would agree that kids simply enjoy imitating adults. KidZania is the answer to satisfy their curiosity of the adult’s world and their desire to be an adult through fun role-playing activities. Targeted at those aged 4 to 14, it is truly a nation for kids. There are 60 “establishments” in KidZania offering 90 authentic role-playing activities. Kids can play and experience the jobs that their parents are doing – from surgeon and pilot to fashion model and hair stylist.

Toddlers too are not left out. There’s an exclusive section to cater to them called ‘Urbano’s House’. Here, those aged 3 and below can take part in story-telling and puppet shows, make their favourite meals, jump around on an inflatable bed, enjoy games, colouring books, puzzles and many more. Whether children would eventually find KidZania interesting or enriching, I’ll leave it to them to judge. After all, the city is created for them.

source : www.tourism.gov.my

Leaning tower Teluk Intan

The leaning tower of Teluk Intan is the Malaysia equivalent of the world famous tower of Pisa in Italy. It is located in the centre of the town of Teluk Intan, Perak. The tower is slanted leftward similar to Tower of Pisa. It is 25.5 metres tall and from outside, it looks like a 8 storey building. In actual fact, you will find out as you go inside that the building is divided into 3 storeys.The tower is located in the center of a square surrounded by Jalan Pasar, Jalan Selat, Jalan Bandar and Jalan Ah Cheong

The tower was built in the year 1885 by Leong Choon Chong, a Chinese contractor and was originally used as a water tank to store portable water during dry season for the people living nearby. It is also used as a time keeper of the town as there is a huge clock on top of the tower. The clock was made by J.W. Benson of Ludgatehill London and the cost of building it was contributed by the local people. The building itself is made of bricks and wood

The pagoda style structure has been greatly influenced by Chinese architecture because the majority of the population of the town at that time was Chinese. Each storey has a height of 5 metres and you will need to go up 110 steps to reach the top of the tower. The reason for the leaning are because of the soft ground on the base of the tower and the weight of the water tank.

source : www.mpti.gov.my

Orchid Park

Situated next to Astana (the official Residence of the State Governor), across the Sarawak River and opposite, the Kuching Waterfront, Kuching Orchid Garden, has become an icon for Kuching. The 3.54 acres garden overlooks the magnificent new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building. The Construction of the garden commenced in November 2007 and was completed in May 2009 is one of the tourist attractions, offering visitors knowledge and information on orchids and other related plants. It has a collection of 75,000 orchids from 65 epiphytic and terrestrial species and hybrid, growing in open and shaded areas resembling their natural habitats. The garden features the world-renowned Borneo Orchids, known for its beauty and potentials as horticultural plants.

Among the famous Borneo Orchids found in the garden are the ladys’ slipper Paphiopetilum Saderianum, a unique green and black-flowered orchid, Coelogyne Pandurata, the Vanda dearie and the “Normah Orchid” Phalaenopsis Bellina which was declared the state flower of Sarawak on 28 August 1983. The Normah Orchid-light green in colour and flushed with bright purple towards the base has been use to produce many colourful star-shaped novelty hybrids.

Cat Miseum Sarawak

The Kuching’s Cat Museum is the first museum of its kind in the world. It is managed by Kuching North City Hall and has collection of Cat artefacts acquired from the National Museum which displayed them in one of its galleries in Kuala Lumpur. These collections were bought to Kuching City by the Sarawak Museum and displayed for the first time on 1st August 1988 at the Dewan Tun Abdul Razak.

The idea to set up the ‘Cat Museum’ in Kuching which is Malay world for cat was first mooted by none other than the Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Hj. Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr. Hajah Laila Taib. The collections were officially handed over to Kuching North City Hall on the completing of DBKU Headquarters buildingin 1992, in which the museum is situated.

The museum is housed on the Lobby Floor of Kuching North City Hall Headquarters on the top of Bukit Siol (Siol Hill) at Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, Kuching. It stands 60 meters above sea level overlooking the picturesque view of Kuching City.

The Cat Museum covers an areaof 1,035 sq. meters comprising four galleries with over 4,000 artificats including paintings and memoriable

Rebak Island Langkawi

There are numerous outlying islets you can visit when you visit Langkawi Island. Rebak Island – measuring approximately 390 acres – is a short boat ride away. Home to the exclusive Rebak Island Resort, part of the Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces international hotel chain, this holiday spot is an incredibly romantic and secluded isle. Playing host to a gorgeous marina, the only fully-equipped marina in the country, there’s not much to see or do on these shores beside lounging in the sun and soaking in the surf. If you’ve got a yen for sightseeing then you’re going to need to take the boat back to the mainland to visit Langkawi Island’s more popular beaches – Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah and Pantai Kok.

Named after the Rebak tree, Rebak Island Resort’s secluded stretches of beach are reserved exclusively for its guests; hotel facilities are made available to them for free or at reduced rates. Most Langkawi visitors tend to use the daylight hours by joining island-hopping and eagle-feeding tours; if you’re a resort guest then the hotel can arrange these tours for you but you’ll get better rates by booking in advance. Truthfully there’s not much for you to do on Rebak Island itself – so if you have itchy feet head on over to Pantai Cenang for the afternoon to do some sightseeing and take a trip down to Kuah for some retail-therapy.

Telaga Harbour Langkawi

This is a wonderful and picturesque harbor complex located in Pantai Kok area of Langkawi on the western coastline. It covers 27 acres of basin area and includes a full serviced marina for yachts & sailboats and a shopping complex with a board walk that also has several upscale restaurants & bars. 

Telaga Harbor park once used to be a sleepy fishing village. LADA (Langkawi Development Authority) has built a modern and sophisticated marina with comprehensive berthing facilities and added Perdana Quay which is a harbor-side complex having a boardwalk with several waterside restaurants, bars and shops to make it a great attraction for both yachters and tourists. In the evenings when all the lights are put on, Telaga Harbor Park looks gorgeous and awesome. 

The marina is today home to many passing as well as Langkawi based yachts of various sizes including mega yachts. It has now become a self contained township and is only such harbor town in the entire region. You can come to the harbor and enjoy sailing. Annual International Water Festival is held during the first quarter of the year when you can participate in many water based activities and games held in the harbor park. 

Facilities at Telaga Harbor Park

This is a small but a complete harbor town offering berthing facilities for small to mega yachts, full marina services, yachters work places, hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping, bank with ATM facilities, Petrol Station etc. 

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Prior to may 1995, Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) was an informal protected area in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve of primary, undisturbed, predominantly lowland rainforest with an outstanding complement of Borneo flora and fauna. It was part of the almost one million ha forest concession assigned to Yayasan Sabah. In 1976, WWF-malaysia suggested that the area be declared a national park. The Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) is a 438 sq. km tract. However, Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustess resolved on November 28, 1980, to leave the area within Yayasan Sabah concession but shall leave it unlogged for the purpose of conservation. Thereafter it is known as "Danum Valley Conservation Area".

The area would be administered informally as Conservation Area in recognition of its outstanding biodiversity value. To help justify forgoing such a large financial opportunity, the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees resolved to make use of Danum Valley for purposes of research and education, which are in line with its charitable mission.

In 1982, the Interagency Danum Valley Management Committee was established, comprising Yayasan Sabah, the Sabah Forestry Department, the sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Evironment, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and several other agencies.

The Forest Management Plan for Yayasan Sabah Concession Area was drawn up and approved by the State Cabinet in 1984. Principle to this plan was the designation of two areas as protected conservation areas, one of which being the Danum Valley Conservation Area. In May 1995, the area was declared a Class I (protection) Forest Reserve by the Sabah Legislative Assembly, meaning that it cannot be logged except by decisions of a two thirds majority vote by the Sabah Legislative Assembly. In 1999, Danum Valley Conservation Area was further gazetted under The Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment 1998, as a Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Area

source : www.danumvalley.info

Tawau Hills Park

The Tawau Hills Park is located about 24 kilometers from Tawau town and is a famous spot for families and friends to get together for a picnic or camping. With its large area of lush greenery and sparkling river, it is hard to resist not spending your time hereThe park is an essential water catchment area for major rivers of this part of Sabah. The rivers are the Tawau Merotai, Kinabatangan, Mantro and Balung rivers. The park covers an area of 27,972 hectares of land. It was established in 1979. The Tawau Hills Park is the home to myriads of plants and animals. The walk down any of the paths is a learning journey. Each and every plant has a wooden label which identifies every plant. The dominant vegetation is the lowland dipterocarp forest.

With increasing altitutes, thick damp mossy forest takes over the dipterocarp forest. Lowland orchids are also plentiful and the most spectacular of them is the Elephant's Ear orchid. It is a must to take a walk in the 2 hectare lowland gardens which is the home to a wide range of flora. The wildlife here is not to be missed as well. The wildlife is generally elusive but there have been sightings of long-tailed macaques, giant tree squirrels, civets, red-leaf monkeys and even troops of white monkeys.

Visitors can choose to stay at chalets or lodges which have basic amenities such as common bathroom and kitchens. If you want something more outdoorsy, you can always opt to camp in the park. There is a camping ground not too far from the river. The river here is clean enough to take a swim too. If Sabah is the place you want to really explore, consider extending your stay here. There are plenty of accommodations in Sabah which will make it easy for you to find a place to put up during the stay.The only way to the park from Tawau town is by taxi. Other means of public transport is not readily available in this area but you can book your return transport from the Sabah Park counter at a fee of about RM30 to RM45.

source : sabah.attractionsinmalaysia.com

Teluk Lipat seaview Dungun

Fold the Gulf Coast, located in Aurangabad district was given the name because berteluk area and often eroded when coming season or monsoon northeast monsoon. Berteluk area was fortified with concrete to prevent erosion by waves. It starts from the house up to the District Officer Appetite Park. However, tourists or locals can relax on the beach too long because starting from Dungun River estuary until the end of Sura village where lies the campus of UiTM Dungun and Bukit Mountains located about sideburns and Recreation Gulf Coast yam. The road along the coast is named Jalan Pantai Sura of the start of the Dungun District Museum UiTM campus up to Dungun. 

For locals, the beach is not all that long called Gulf Coast Gulf Coast Fold Fold because only located within the Village Bay Fold, from House District Officer until the border village of Sura Pier where Opal Pole. In the village of Sura Pier, Central and Sura Sura tip was not called the Gulf Coast Fold. The locals prefer to call it by the name of Sura Beach Pier, Beach and near the end of Sura Sura Beach is about the end of the bertasik yam Bay and connected to the sea when the tide. If we are facing Dungun River estuary, coastal areas are located within the village of Tanah Lot. 

Along the beach there are many restaurants, cafes and seafood stalls and food traditions whether built by the local government authority or built on their own land. The beach area is located in the village of Sura Pier faced with Imtiaz School was located a children's play area, nature trails and equipment to play. Therein lies the remains of the history of iron ore mining era in Bukit Besi which is the pillar of the pillars of the bridge Opal to distribute iron ore to the barge before carrying out to sea to be transported by cargo ship. Other traces of rock and concrete is still intact and the area is the red-effects from iron ores. 

The area also has a number of hotels including Mayang Sari Resort Dungun, Ulek Beach Resort and Hotel Uitm Dungun own. Along the beach there is a beach soccer field, Dungun District Museum, Aurangabad Guest Houses, the housing, and Dungun Village Golf Club. There are also a variety of unique designs and endowment for safe fishing boat built by fishermen. Mostly built using bamboo, wood and thatch roof.

source : pddungun.terengganu.gov.my

China Town (Kampung Cina)

view along Jalan Kampung Cina with a shop on the right selling items for Chinese / Buddhist rituals like joss sticks, paper money and altars

traditional Kopitiam (Chinese coffee shop) selling fried noodles, noodles soups and the local specialty Roti Paung (a soft bun served with Kaya and butter)

KT's Chinatown is located along Jalan Bandar (formerly known as Jalan Kampung Cina) at the river mouth of Terengganu River that empties into the South China Sea. If you overnight at the hotel / hostel in town and wish to pay the islands a visit, it is convenient and easy as the boats depart from the jetty next to Chinatown to the islands. The town is small but charming with colorful shophouses along both sides of the road that carries traditional flavor. Small grocery shops, a morning market, butcher shops, hardware shops, kopitiams (literally means coffee shops), cafes, restaurants and so on can be found in this humble little town. The kopitiams, cafes and restaurants offer local delicacies from mostly Chinese, but also Malay and Indian food. Start your day in town with an empty stomach and you will be sure to be satisfied with the food at the end of the day.