Ten Essential Things to Do When You Visit Malaysia

Malaysia is a great place to go to if you are the kind of person who loves both the environment and the city. Amazingly, Malaysia can offer both for you - from its natural treasures, to its man-made architectural wonders. You will find Malaysia to be a country not only rich in resources but also in culture.

1.) Rafflesia, Pitcher Plant and other rare plant species

The list of plant species you can acquaint yourself with in Malaysia is very extensive. In fact, Malaysia is home to almost 8,000 flowering plant species, some of which are exclusively found only in Thailand. You can find the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, here in Thailand, and you can also find other rare plant species such as the Pitcher Plant.

2.) Malaysia's wildlife reserves and natural parks

But your trip with nature in Malaysia ought not to stop there. There are also wildlife reserves and natural parks in Malaysia, and only in Malaysia can you witness the gathering of so many animals. Orangutans, lizards, insects, bears, elephants, tapirs, rhinoceroses, and so many other endangered animals are well-protected in Malaysia.

3.) Wayang Kulit

Experience the richness of Malaysia's culture by watching the shadow-puppet theater that only professes too much how the Malaysians deal with each other. It also shows how remarkably well preserved their culture has been throughout time. There are also other unique forms of theater art in Malaysia.

4.) Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers was once the tallest skyscraper in the earth. Today, the glamour of the towers has not vanished at all, and you have the chance of seeing the towers firsthand by visiting Kuala Lumpur. The astounding command the Petronas Towers has over the sky will surely leave you breathless.

5.) Mount Kinabalu in Borneo

You should pay a visit to Mount Kinabula in Borneo. The mountain has the highest peak in the whole Malay Archipelago. It is also a good place to relax and have some quality time with your family in the comfort of nature.

6.) Convention Center in Putrajaya, Malaysia

The function of the convention center in Malaysia is similar to that of the White House. It is actually a place where important government issues and functions are placed. You may not know this, however, because of the architectural beauty of the place but something you will surely revel upon.

7.) Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque

Religion plays an invariable role in Malaysia. Sultan Ahmad is actually one of the recently built mosques, and yet, it has gained worldwide attention because of the beautiful dimensions of the place, a usual trait in mosques. Sultan Ahmad is one of the examples of classic yet modern Islam architecture.

8.) Longhouses in Sarawak

Longhouses are commonplace in Malaysia, but you might want to take a moment and visit these houses. These are houses built over rivers. You will surely marvel at how ingenious the houses' designs are, inasmuch as it has stood the test of time.

9.) Terengganu State Museum

A visit to Malaysia can never be complete without a visit to one of Malaysia' national museums. Before you think that Terengganu State Museum is just like any other museum, think again. It is actually one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia, and it houses diverse forms of art and archaeological finds exclusive to the place. The architectural structure and design of the place itself will mesmerize you.

10.) Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangsar

Istana Kenangan is a sort of transient house built exclusively for the sultan whenever he would visit the place. What is so unique about this place (aside from its being historic) is the fact that no nails were used to construct the building. This is truly an architectural wonder.

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Experience the Many Festivals and Events in Malaysia

Malaysia is a colorful country not only for its exotic beauty and amazing culture, but also of the many festivals that is celebrated by Malaysians. Every Malaysian celebration is very vibrant and lively. One will definitely enjoy being a part of these amazing events.

Here are some of the well known festivals and celebrations in Malaysia:

• Chinese New Year - like any other New Year celebration, the Malaysians celebrate theirs with such vigor. Fireworks and lots of colorful craze are seen. The whole country is really multicolored and vibrant during this occasion.

• Gadai Dayak - the Malaysian's celebration for the harvest seasons. This is to give appreciation to their gods who blessed the Malaysians with good harvest. During this occasion, locals eat and drink together. There are also dance performances by the members of the community. The Gadai Dayak is celebrated during the end of May until mid July. Malaysians are always in their traditional clothing and the elders perform rituals and services.

• Malaysia Water Festival - held from the second week of April until the month of May. This occasion is managed and organized by the Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism. The celebration is all about water sports activities. There are competitions and games that involve water tricks and races. The celebration is then completed with singing and dancing of the locals with their traditional dances.

• Merdeka day - the Malaysians' own celebration of Independence Day. It is celebrated in August 31st, and is their National Day. During this day, all the streets of Malaysia are packed with music, parades, and people dancing around. People are out blowing horns and trumpets making loud noises around their community.

• Tadau Kaamatan - held during the month of May and lasts for two days. The whole celebration is to commemorate the culture of Sabah's largest ethnic group. The tribes conduct rituals and give honor to their gods. There are also a large variety of foods that are served during the Tadau Kaamatan. Residents enjoy indulging with these tasty and delicious foods for the entire celebration.

• Malaysia Mega sale Festival - probably the most favorite event of all shopaholics. This is to celebrate Malaysia's big gross from its shopping industry and to commemorate this; the Malaysia's tourism department conducted a Mega sale festival. Almost everything that is sold in all shopping stores in the country is on sale during this event. One can enjoy shopping with the lowest prices shops has to offer. The country's shopping department stores are always swarmed with thousands of people buying and treating themselves with bargains and discount prices.

These are just some of the many well known events in Malaysia. Whatever the country celebrates, definitely is a must see for all.

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10 Reasons Why It's Worth Visiting Malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country and a popular tourist destination. Its unique culture, incredible climate, beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine are only a few of the reasons why Malaysia is considered to be one of the best holiday vacation spots in the world.

1. Kuala Lumpur is one of the best reasons to visit Malaysia. It is the capital of Malaysia and is also known as the 'Garden City of Lights'. Its shopping complexes and malls offer a choice of traditional handicrafts as well as branded products from all over the world. The mega sales that are held annually all over the country attract shoppers from all over Southeast Asia.

2. Malaysia offers an amazing range of cuisines to suit all palates and budgets. The different cuisines available include hot and spicy Malaysian dishes, exotic Chinese delicacies, rich Indian cuisine and a multitude of Continental dishes.

3. Sightseeing in Malaysia is a treat in itself. The country has a plethora of exotic destinations that attract tourists from all over the world, including islands, beaches and forests. Some wonderful places worth visiting are Langkawi, Cherating, Port Dickson, Labuan Island, Tioman Island, Pangkor Island and Redang Island.

4. Malaysia is famous for its beautiful heritage sites like the Churches in Malacca and the Malacca Museum, the Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur and the Snake Temple in Penang.

5. For those who love exploring the outdoors, it would be worth visiting the Cameron Highlands, Frasers Hill, Berjaya Hills and Genting Highlands.

6. Malaysia's natural beauty is at its most resplendent in the rainforests. The best places to see the splendour of the rainforests would be Kinabalu Park, Kuala Selangor Park, Endau-Rompin and the Mulu national park.

7. A typical tour for lovers of wildlife would include a trip to the Botanical Garden and Bird Park, in addition to the Bukit Jambul Reptile farm.

8. Accommodation in Malaysia spans a wide range of hotels and resorts that appeal to all tastes and budgets. There are high end five star facilities such as the Taj Resort in Langkawi, Berjaya Time Square in Kuala Lumpur, Bayview Beach Resort in Penang and the Berjaya Langkawi Resort, to name a few. Among the hotels that offer good deals are the Holiday Inn Malacca, the Andaman in Langkawi, Citrus Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and the Dorsett Penang.

9. Getting around Malaysia is not difficult. and visitors can travel through the region via air or road. One of the best transport options open to travellers are the car rentals from places like Hertz and Hawk that can take you anywhere in Malaysia. Luxury buses are also available between Malaysia and Singapore.

10. Malaysia still has a fascinating tribal culture. A visit to Sabah provides an opportunity to observe the indigenous tribe in their natural environment.

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