Eastcoast

East Malaysia includes the states of Kelantan, Trengganu and Pahang, the largest peninsula state.

Kelantan, which translates to 'Land of Lightning' is the home of giant spinning tops and kites, as well as the wayang kulit and is famous for its forests, waterfalls and beaches. The best is the Beach of Passionate Love, ten kilometres from the capital, Kota Bharu. Further on is the Beach of Whispering Breeze which has crystal clear waters and is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming.

Kota Bharu's Cultural Centre is a good place to get a taste of the region's cultural heritage, and the central market and numerous museums are also popular attractions. Kelantan is renowned for its intricate silverware and indigenous batik, both of which can be observed in the making.

Jungle trekking or river cruises to villages are enjoyable options, and a trip to Kelantan is not complete without a visit to a fishing village such as Sabak Beach or Kuala Besar, both less than 15 kilometres from Kota Bharu.

On a promontory formed by the South China Sea and the Trengganu River is Kuala Trengganu, the capital of the state of Trengganu and the seat of the sultan. Trengganu has exotic islands, tropical rainforests, traditional fishing villages, beautiful sandy beaches, inland jungle adventure spots and waterfalls.

Things to see in the capital include the central market, Pasar Payang, a colourful hive of activity with good batik displays and brassware bargains. The Trengganu State Museum, built on stilts, offers interesting displays and a must-see is a performance of traditional dances and martial arts at the Cultural Centre located on Batu Buruk Beach. The beach is also a great place to stroll in the evening when the food stalls open.

Pahang has many unspoiled natural splendors including ancient rainforests, Taman Negara National Park and the highest peak in the peninsula, as well as magnificent beaches.

Kuantan, the capital, is easily explored on foot before heading to Teluk Chempedak, five kilometers from town where there is an excellent beach for sailing, surfing, skiing and swimming. To the north of Kuantan is Balok Beach, popular with windsurfers. Further north, near Cherating, is Chendor Beach where giant turtles clamber ashore to lay their eggs between July and September.

Worth a visit are the million-year-old limestone Charah Caves, just 25 kilometres from Kuantan in the middle of tropical forests, and mythical Lake Chini with its enormous water lilies, approximately 100 kilometres from Kuantan.

Kuala Rompin, 177 kilometers south of Kuantan is the gateway to Tioman Island, the largest and most spectacular of the east coast islands which was made popular in the movie South Pacific. It is 39 kilometers long and 12 kilometres wide and has beautiful beaches, clear water and coral perfect for snorkelling or diving. The main attractions are the high mountains and dense jungles a short walk from the coast.

The extensive Taman Negara National Park straddles the rugged mountain forest land where the states of Pahang, Trengganu and Kelantan meet. It is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, a sanctuary to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, insects, fish and plants.

Taman Negara is spread over 4,343 square kilometres of the formidable Titiwangsa Mountain Range and is home to Malaysia's friendly Orang Asli, a shy yet gentle race who continue to live the nomadic way they have lived for centuries, although they are well aware of the rest of Malaysia's progress.

Visitors to Taman Negara can shoot rapids, explore spectacular caves, catch enormous fish, scale up Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, walk through dense, tricky forest pathways or swim in crystal clear pools.

Jerantut, a town in Pahang, is the entry point to Taman Negara and is a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Or you can take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut and then take a boat upstream, a ride which is an adventure in itself.

Within Taman Negara is a resort which was built in 1990 and occupies 15 acres. Malay style wooden chalets are also available within the resort area and come with balconies that offer a magnificent view of the surrounding jungle or river.

Alternatively, it's easy to hire camping equipment and set out to explore the many wonders of Taman Negara. Spend a night in one of the observation hideouts and spot a bear or any of the park's other animals as they quench their thirst at the salt licks just a few feet away.

You can visit the Orang Asli settlements or stay in Kampung Yong where you can get a better insight into one of Malaysia's peoples, the Bateki. Bird watching is a fascinating pastime too, for there are more than 350 species of birds.

If you thirst for more action, take a walk to the canopy walkway, the world's longest canopy bridge - about 30 metres high and stretching across 400 metres - and get a closer look at life at the top of the world's oldest tropical rainforest.

A great picnic and swimming location is Lata Berkoh surrounded by beautiful natural forest, or hop on a boat to the upper reaches of the Tahan or Kenyam rivers and throw a line to catch a 20 pound kelah, a fish that puts up a fight that even a seasoned fisherman will appreciate.

Jungle trekking is the best way to see some of the 10,000 species of flora, and because of the spectacular rock formations and the great variety of life within the numerous caves, cave exploration is a special treat in this jungle paradise. The most popular and awe-inspiring are Gua Telinga, Gua Kepayang and Gua Daun Menari caves. For the truly adventurous, experience a trip upstream from Kuala Tahan on Sungai Tembeling to the top of the rapids. From there it's an exhilarating 45 minutes as you and your boat navigator run seven sets of rapids.

Other popular places with visitors are the hill resorts at Fraser's Hill, Genting Highlands and The Cameron Highlands which are about 60 kilometres from Tapah off the Kaula Lumpur-Ipoh road. Some 1,500 metres high, the weather is beautifully cool and jungle walks provide the opportunity to see fantastic varieties of butterflies.

The hills around the Cameron highlands are dotted with tea plantations, some of which are open to visitors, as well as small villages. The main town in the highlands is Tanah Rata.