Backpacking, hotels and travel Malaysia

Fascinating Malaysia beckons all for the seasoned traveler as well as the uninitiated seeking to discover for the first time, its much published charms. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a tropical paradise of immense charms and is steeped in interesting cultural traditions and the elaborate festivities, exotic cuisine, the sartorial splendors, unique arts and crafts, dance forms and architecture. Bordered by Thailand to the north, Photo: Royal Abu Bakar Museum in Johor

Malaysia presents an exotic blend of the old and new. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's dynamic capital city is a modern city with great shopping facilities, both traditional and contemporary, museums and galleries, a fascinating architectural mix, lively bars, restaurants, hospitable and cheap accommodation and good transportation. The city's skyline is rapidly changing and presently boasts of the world's tallest building, the magnificent Pulau Duyung in Terengganu Petronas Twin Towers, the city's most recognized landmark. Yet, a short drive away from the capital brings one to see the country at its rustic best.

Both the historic settlement of Malacca and Penang are labyrinth of interesting streets, mosques, temples and fascinating shops. The mountain retreats of Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Genting Highlands are cool and peaceful. Lovers of the sun, sea and underwater adventure will find their dream holiday in Malaysia fulfilled at the island of Tioman, Redang, Perhentian, Pangkor and Langkawi for these islands provide both simple chalets as well as some of the world's most exclusive resort facilities together with excellent hotels. The islands and the surrounding seas are ideal for diving, snorkeling, swimming, yachting, wind-surfing, boating, game fishing and underwater photography.

Taman Negara, one of the most glorious and oldest tropical rainforest in the world, 130 million-year old, offers great adventure travel and challenging outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, cave exploration and camping to visitors. Shutterbugs and nature freaks can seek refuge in Endau-Rompin State Park and Kenong Rimba Park for its natural paradise of lush tropical greenery, wooded mountain ridges, cascading rapids and icy cold waterfalls. Kenyir, Chini and Bera lakes are unexplored destinations offering abundance opportunities for fishing, birds watching, and experiencing village life.

Sabah is well known for its adventure and eco-treasures attractions such as Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia highest peak at 4,095.2 m, untouched Kuala Lumpur Tower

rainforest at Danum Valley, Proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatang River, the world's largest orang utan sanctuary at Sepilok and turtles on the Turtle Islands Park where visitors can marvel at rare turtles laying their eggs.

Neighbouring Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia has similar activities. Here you can find the Gunung Mulu National Park, known for its famous limestone caves which has the world's largest cave passage, the largest natural rock chamber in the world and the longest cave system in Southeast Asia, the Niah caves where the oldest human remains was found in Southeast Asia, inland river cultural exchanges at Batang Ai and Rejang River where you can shoot the rapids as well as several good national parks like Bako National Park and Kubah National Park, perfect for a jungle safari.

Malaysia is a colorful combination of Southeast Asia's major cultures (Malay, Chinese and Indian together with a rich array of other ethnic races). Selamat Datang meaning 'welcome' in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language is written on the faces, expressed in the gestures and exhibited in the unrestrained friendliness of its people reflect the heartwarming charm Wat Chayamangkalaram and genuine hospitality of the country.

The rich array of local, oriental, as well as western and continental foods is available throughout the country. Eating is a favorite pastime of Malaysians. Delicious dishes are served at hawker stalls to sophisticated restaurants throughout the day and you will never be hungry during your travel in Malaysia.

In the villages, lush carpets of paddy fields, local children reeling or scooping up fish for the day from the canals , the rolling plains of rubber estates and the pleasant green plantations of oil palm are all simply breathtaking. Traditional sports and pastimes such as sepak takraw, giant top spinning, and kite flying still survive although football is the most popular sport. Golf is also popular and players can choose to play on the 250 plus excellent courses located throughout the country.

Immerse yourself in a shopping adventure. Malaysia's relatively low cost of living and the wide array of choices for shopping have made it a shopper's haven and value for money destination where you can buy goods ranging from local handicrafts to luxury products. So, let your dream holiday come true in fascinating Photo: Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Malaysia with its eco-tourism attractions together with its imposing structures and modern amenities in the cities and towns.