Joanna James
Enchanting Malaysia is a destination where despite modern development one can still experience a rich cultural and natural heritage. Here are some of the top attractions you should look to visit and explore which offer rewarding insights into the country.
The island of Penang is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia and one of its premier attractions would be the capital, George Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. It was once a thriving trading hub in the Straits of Malacca and is home to historical British colonial buildings and mansions, mosques, Chinese shophouses and more. Places of interest include Fort Cornwallis, St George's Church, the High Court, and the Khoo Kongsi Chinese clan house; on your visit, you will come across enthralling street art that has become an integral part of the city too.
The iconic Petronas Twin Towers dominates the skyline in Malaysia's capital and is an unmissable sight be it during the day or at night. Located within walking distance away from Ascott Kuala Lumpur, these structures reach a height of 452 meters and as you can well imagine, provide some stunning views! You can enjoy such vantage points at its Skybridge which is on the 41st and 42nd floors as well as the observation deck on Level 86. Easy to reach for those based at serviced apartments KL has to offer in 'The Golden Triangle' area, this site is also home to the Suria KLCC shopping complex and KLCC Park.
Intrepid travellers and those who love a challenging hike can prepare for an adventure of a lifetime as they make their way to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the nation's tallest mountain. Reaching a height of a little over 4,000 metres, this mountain is in Sabah's Kinabalu National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Kinabalu is known for its stunning ecosystem and diverse flora and fauna, with orangutans, even found here. Keep in mind there's a limit of climbs allowed per day, and one needs to book a mountain guide and reserve accommodation ahead.
For some exciting island escapades, you can head to Sipadan Island which is blessed with rich marine biodiversity and a perfect place for snorkelling and diving; to preserve the environment, however, only around 120 permits are given daily so plan in advance and get there early. After a one-hour journey to reach the island, you can look forward to exploring both beaches and sites with thriving reefs within easy reach of each other. From colourful coral to whale sharks, hawksbill turtles and more, there's much to discover.
Over on Borneo, you can plan an excursion to the Bako National Park in Sarawak which is home to a captivating combination of peat swamp forests, mangroves, idyllic beaches, and towering sandstone cliffs. The journey to the site, first by bus and then boat, is all part of the adventure too! You can choose from several marked trails each with something different to offer like the Tajor Trail which offers stops by a waterfall and places to swim. Keep your eyes peeled to catch sight of some of the park's wildlife inhabitants including proboscis monkeys.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
