SUNWAY LAGOON THEME PARK

Spanning an area over 80 acres, Malaysia’s premier theme park in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, has thrills and spills to offer people of all ages! Divided into three sections; the Wild Wild West, World of Adventure and Waters of Africa, a day out in Sunway Lagoon is a fun-filled encounter to remember!

Wild Wild West

Take a walk on the wild side, to the days where cowboys and Red Indians ruled the Western frontier. Meet with cowboys and cowgirls in the authentically-built cowboy town and enjoy old-styled salons and thrilling rides for the whole family!

Get wet when you ride the Grand Canyon Rapid Falls, sitting in giant tubes while swirling around the 350 m river. The Niagra Falls Flume Ride is another major attraction where you and your friends get into logs and drop down a steep hill into a 260 m long river. Other great rides include the Buffalo Bill Coaster, Butch Cassidy’s Trail and Colorado Splash.

World of Adventure

The World of Adventure offers more breath-taking rides as excitement is the name of the game here! See majestic Bengal tigers roam in their enclosure or step into the Adventure Park and see the largest collection of scholar rocks in the world.

Ride through tunnels, bobby traps and tarantulas on the Lost City of Gold. After that, take a boat ride of a lifetime down Pirate’s Revenge, Malaysia’s first and only 360-degree rotating pirate ship that swivels you 24 m up the ground. Yet another exciting right in the Tomahawk but why not try walking across the 428 m suspension bridge across Sunway Lagoon’s lake and see the entire landscape from a bird’s eye-view?

Waters of Africa

Next up is the amazing journey through the Waters of Africa! The only African-themed water park in Malaysia, the Waters of Africa has some amazing rides such as the Congo Challenge; a six-lane race where visitors can race to the finish line at speeds of 40 km ph!


The gigantic African Pythons tubes are a great place for thrill-seekers. Choose from an enclosed slide, a half-open slide and a fully-open slippery slide. Also equally as exciting is the Cameroon climb, a delight for daredevils. Here, two riders can swoop down from a height of 15 m in double tubes and shoot up and forth till they come to a stand-still.

Then there’s a wave pool at Jeffrey’s Bay, the largest man-made surf pool in the world. Surfers can show off their skills here during competitions to find the best surfer! For the children, the Kalahari Kids is a special playground built to resemble an African village complete with huts and Masai warrior guarding the entrance.

THE HISTORIC CITY OF MALACCA

Many years ago Malacca was one of Malaysia’s most sought-after destinations. Before Kuala Lumpur transformed from a malaria-infested jungle into a polished high-rise capital, Malacca was one of the greatest trading ports in Southeast Asia. Over time it changed from a thriving port into a sleepy backwater city and lost its spot as a must-visit destination to its high-rolling cousins.

Yet in recent years, Malacca has been revived as a top-pick holiday getaway due to its many historic attractions. Home of the well-known Nyonya cuisine, it’s a popular destination for tourists who want to catch a glimpse of Malaysia’s unique heritage.

Highlights and Features

• Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum – With Victorian and Dutch-style Chinese hardwood furniture, this Peranakan townhouse is arranged to look like a typical 19th-cenutry Baba-Nyonya residence.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – Significant due to its engraved woodwork, this temple is Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese temple. Dedicated to the goddess Kwan Yin, the highlight of this shrine is the robed effigy of the Goddess of Mercy herself within the main hall. 

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

• Christ Church – Sporting a huge white cross, this coral-red building is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Built in 1753 to commemorate a century of Dutch rule in Malacca, it is one of the most notable heritage sites in the city. 
• Jonker Street – Malacca’s Chinatown centre street was once renowned for its collection of antique stores; these days it is most noteworthy due to the Friday and Saturday Jonker Walk Night Market where tasty treats and delicious knick knacks are sold at dirt cheap prices.
• Maritime Museum & Naval Museum – This massive re-creation of the Flora de la Mar is one of Malacca’s most tourist-worthy attractions. Built in 1990 the Maritime Museum is home to dated props including old maps, scale model ships, weaponry and nautical -related accessories and relics that chronicle Malacca’s history.
• Melaka River Cruise – A 40-minute riverboat ride that takes you on a journey down the ‘Venice of the East’. This waterway, which was once used as a trade and commerce centre for the Melaka Malay Sultanate, is now a simple reminder of its bountiful past where you pass by kampungs and old godowns – river warehouses.

Melaka River Cruise

• Melaka River Park – This popular theme park houses the Eye on Malacca – a giant gondola-style Ferris wheel – which takes you on a gentle 20-minute spin with great views of the Straits of Malacca.
• Melaka Sultanate Palace – A wooden replica of an original 15th-century palace, this cultural museum is a unique structure with ornate wood carvings and features numerous dioramas portraying the palace atmosphere of the era.
• Porta de’ Santiago (A’Famosa) – A quick photo stop opportunity, it’s best to visit these Portuguese ruins in the late evening when the sun isn’t so high in the sky. Climbing to the top may not be a gruelling task, yet, given the fact that there are hardly any trees along the way, the short trip can be scorching due to the sun’s fiery rays.

Porta de Santiago

• Stadhuys – This salmon-pink town hall and governor’s residence, believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East, houses several museums and is a favourite trishaw pick-up point.

Tips when visiting Malacca

• Take the boat trip down the river when it is already dark; the city will be illuminated.
• A delicious breakfast or lunch you can get at Limau Limau 5 near Jonker Street (a bystreet of Jonker Street). Especially the upper floor is very pleasant and cozy.
• A local delicacy are Kajang Cupcakes, delicious little cakes with sauce in them.
• At the aforementioned dessert restaurant Jonker Desert 88, you can also eat delicious laksa.
• From Porta de Santiago it is an easy walk to Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall (in a 1 minute walk you're at the northern entrance).
• Each Sunday morning there is a flea market with antiques along Jalan Hang Lekir. Mostly you will find ancient coins and medals here.
• The best time of day to visit the beautiful Dutch tombstones at the top of Porta de Santiago is around 8 o’clock in the morning. It is still cool and very quiet. Especially in the weekend from 10 o’clock in the morning onwards it will be extremely busy and crowded at this attraction. It is also best to visit the rest of the UNESCO World Heritage Site early in the morning.
• At the seaside near the Portuguese Settlements you can enjoy dinner at one of the many local seafood restaurants.

THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

The Perhentian Islands are a small group of beautiful, coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, not far from the Thai border.

The Perhentian Islands (pronounced Perhen-TEE-AHN, not Perhen-SHEN) lay approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. The name Perhentian means "stopping point" in Malay. This is because the islands became a staging point used by traders traveling from 

Malaysia to Bangkok.

The two main islands are Pulau Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian Island") and Pulau Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian Island"). Kecil attracts more travellers as it has cheaper accommodation, while Besar is a little more expensive and caters more to families and those who want to avoid the backpacker party scene.

The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Seringgi and Rawa lie off Kecil. All the islands belong to a protected marine park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited, although in practice litter is one of the major problems that face the islands.

The Perhentian Islands offer some great diving and excellent snorkeling. In addition to coral and fish, the Perhentians are home to sea turtles and several species of shark. The islands are also crisscrossed by small paths connecting one beach to another, but be prepared to sweat and swat off bugs if you tackle any of these.

There is very little luxury accommodation on the Perhentian islands. with the top of the line being air-conditioned chalets and the bottom being a bunk in a longhouse. Discounts are usually negotiable in the off season but the better accommodation can get snapped up fast especially on weekends and holidays.

BEWARE OF THE MONSOONS

Due to the eastern monsoon, the season in the Perhentians (and all other east coast islands) is effectively limited to the period between the beginning of June until late October. Outside this period the seas can be very rough and choppy, skies overcast, and with currents that make swimming dangerous and most (though not all) accommodation options are closed. However, many of them located on Coral Beach start on beginning of Feb, while on the Long Beach usually a month later. Do not believe the travel-agents when they claim the accommodations are open. Even if they will provide a room, restaurants and all shops (i.e. no place to get water, food, sunscreen etc.) are closed in off-season. If the restaurant is open, food choices will be very limited and over-priced. However, in the village cheap meals and shops are available year-round.

When going during off-season be aware that there will be no one there aside from you and maybe a handful of locals.

TAMAN NEGARA RAINFOREST

Encompassing three states across the northern part of West Malaysia, Taman Negara is reputed to be the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. A popular ecotourism and adventure destination, this national park is teeming in in wildlife from rare plants to exotic birds and scarce animals like the Malayan Tiger, Asian elephant and Sumatran Rhinoceros.

Most visitors access Taman Negara through the town of Kuala Tahan, which is located across the river from the national park headquarters. From the visitor’s center, jungle hikes and other adventures can be arranged. There are a variety of exciting ways to experience the park’s natural attractions such as hiking, fishing, cave-exploring and 4WD safaris. One of the most popular things to do is the Canopy Walk, a long suspension bridge high above the treetops where visitors can walk and glimpse exotic birds. Guided night safaris are also available to see plants that only bloom at night, glow-in-the-dark fungi and nocturnal creatures like owls, leopard cats and water dragons. Climbing Teresek Hill also provides opportunities to see rare birds, wild boars and beautiful panoramic views. Visiting the settlements of indigenous groups, known Orang Asli, are worthwhile to learn about their traditions and tips for surviving in the jungle.

For food choices, the floating restaurants along Kula Tahan’s riverside are not to be missed. These cafes and restaurants offer the likes of fried rice, soups, sandwiches, drinks and unforgettable experiences.

SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located about 25 kilometres west of Sandakan in the state of Sabah, East Malaysia.

 The centre opened in 1964 as the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets. The orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. Some park rangers and guides have received training from primatologist Francine Neago. The sanctuary is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve which covers an area of 4,294 ha (10,610 acres), much of which is virgin rainforest. Today around 60 to 80 orangutans are living free in the reserve. It has become one of Sabah's tourist attractions.

The centre attracts tourists and researches alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk which leads to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10am and 3pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. 

In October 2014 the centre opened a new section where visitors can view the nursery area where the younger Orangutans first learn to be outside and play on a large climbing frame. This consists of 2 large indoor seating areas (one with air conditioning and one with fans only) with a large window that overlooks the play area. There is no additional charge to enter this part of the centre.

The Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is neighboured to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and shares veterinary facilities, personnel, parking, access roads and ticket gates.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Providing a cool escape from the heat of the lowlands, the Cameron Highlands in the Titiwangsa Mountains are one of Malaysia’s oldest tourist destinations. Developed with an English garden charm, this beautiful tableland offers lush scenery, colorful flower farms, tea plantations, forests, lakes, wildlife and outdoor recreation.

A good network of roads makes access by car, buses, mini vans and taxis easy amid the picturesque landscape. Although lying in considerable distances from one another, several towns and settlements also dot the area, offering lodging, restaurants, bars, colorful markets and museums such as the Time Tunnel Gallery, which showcases the history, people and development of the Camerons. The most popular of these towns are Brinchang and Tanah Rata.

As Malaysia’s chief tea and flower producer, the Cameron Highlands abounds in sprawling tea plantations and flower gardens as well as vegetable farms, fruit orchards, butterfly gardens and honey bee farms. Many of these establishments are open to the public. Several pictorial golf courses are available for golfers. A scenic car drive to Malaysia’s highest point, Mount Brinchang, presents spectacular views, while the Mossy Forest features a boardwalk through untouched trees and plants as well as glimpses of birds, animals, reptiles and insects. Well-marked jungle trails lead hikers to beautiful waterfalls and panoramic overlooks.

Check out this great video about Cameron Highlands.

MOUNT KINABALU

Mount Kinabalu is Borneo's tallest mountain. You can climb to the top of Low's Peak (4,095.2m or 13,435.7ft above sea level). The height of the mountain is often given as 4,101m but recent satellite imaging has proven this to be incorrect.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Sabah's Crocker Range. The landscape ranges from tropical rainforest to subalpine at near the summit. Mount Kinabalu is the key attraction in the Kinabalu Park.

Mount Kinabalu is known to be one of the most accessible mountains in the world. No specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend it, though along certain sections on the summit trail, hikers will need to rely on guide ropes to make the ascent and descent. The trail that most tourists use is described as a 'trek and scramble'. Locals are reported to begin climbing the mountain from the age of 3 and the oldest person to reach the peak was 80 years old. However, how much one enjoys the climb depends strongly on how fit you are and how well you acclimatise to the thin air at the higher levels.

Nevertheless, the mountain can be a dangerous place, especially during the rain or when there is mist. On average, every year one person gets into severe difficulty out of the estimated 20,000 people who attempt the climb. The higher slopes can be very slippery when it rains and dense fog reduces visibility to a few feet.

Although it is possible to climb to the top and back in less than four hours, most climbers take two days, with an overnight break at Laban Rata(3,272.7m above sea level). The final attack on the peak takes place in the early hours of the second day (most begin at 2:30AM) in order to catch the sunrise at the top. By mid-morning the mist begins to roll in, obscuring the breath-taking views.

Climbing weather is best around the month of April while November and December brings rain. The temperature ranges from a comfortable 20-25°C at the main park to something approaching freezing near the top (depending on the weather). Bring appropriate warm clothing and windproof gear. If possible, climb during the full moon as it helps illuminate the white rope that marks out the climbing path.

MOUNTAIN IS SACRED TO THE LOCALS

The mountain, called “Aki Nabalu” by the Dusun tribe, is sacred to locals and thought to be the “revered abode of the dead”. Local tribes believe that spirits of their ancestors inhabit the top of the mountain. Previously, a chicken was sacrificed at the peak every time a climb was made but these days this ceremony only happens once a year during which only seven chickens are sacrificed to appease the spirits.

CLIMATE AND FLORA AND FAUNA

There are six distinguisable vegetation zones in Kinabalu Park - Lower Mountain Forest, Upper Mountain Forest, Ultrabasic Rock Forest, Lower Granite Boulder Forest, Upper Granite Boulder Forest, Summit or Subalpine.

The park is known for its diversity of flora and fauna, which includes over 1,200 species of orchids and over 40 species of oak.

The climate experienced in Kinabalu Park and at Mount Kinabalu depends on the altitude you are at. In the lower reaches, the climate is tropical, marked by afternoon showers. Temperatures at the summit can go to freezing.