Malaysia

Northwest Coast

Penang
Penang is known as 'the pearl of the orient' and was first established as a British trading post in 1786. Today it is a major commercial and trading centre, a bustling city with a unique blend of East and West.
Located on the north-western coast of Peninsula Malaysia, it consists of Penang Island and a strip of land on the mainland called Seberang Prai. The island is linked to the mainland by the Penang Bridge which is the longest bridge in Asia. However, if you prefer to take the ferry across the water, it departs from Butterworth and tickets can be purchased there.

The island is famed for its picturesque beaches and interesting sights, one of which, Fort Cornwallis, marks the spot where Francis Light, the founder of Penang landed. The fort was originally built as a wooden stockade and later replaced by a concrete structure built by convict labour in 1804. Today it's an open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery and a handicraft and souvenir centre. Also on site is a famous Dutch cannon presented to the Sultan of Johore by the Dutch. It found its way to Penang after being looted by the Portuguese.

St George's Church in Farquhar Street was built in 1818 and is the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia. It has lofty spires and white columns rising from a marble floor. In contrast is the Kuan Yuin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple built in 1800 by the first Chinese settlers on the island. The temple's roof is carved with ornamental dragons. The oldest place of worship is Kapitan Kling Mosque built in 1786 in Indian Moorish style.

Penang Bird Park is a sprawling five acre site in Seberang Jaya with more than 400 species of birds. The birds are viewed in specially designed aviaries on man-made islands with cascading waterfalls, gardens and ornamental plants.

Not to be missed is the Snake Temple, probably the only one of its kind in the world. Venomous pit vipers coil around the altars and other parts of the temple and are believed to be harmless due to the smoke of the burning incense in the temple.

For a panoramic view of Penang Island, take a trip by funicular train to Penang Hill. The train leaves the station at Air Itam at 6.30am and every half hour after that.

A treat for visitors is Penang Butterfly Farm located at Teluk Bahang, with more than 100 species of butterflies and insects, set amidst landscaped tropical gardens.

The Botanical Gardens, a lush array of tropical plants and vibrant colours have bold Rhesus monkeys in residence, so hold on to any loose items. The 30 hectare garden also features a waterfall created in 1884 by the British as a tribute to Charles Curtis, the first superintendent who collected botanical specimens from the surrounding hills, which have since become significant samples in the world's major herbariums.

Kek Lok Si is the largest and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temple complexes in South East Asia and consists of a mix of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. The temple is dominated by a seven-tier pagoda 30 metres in height which was started in 1890 and took two decades to complete.

Another beautiful building is the Khoo Kongsi built as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. It burned down in 1884 and a scaled-down version was rebuilt in 1902. What distinguishes it is the magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.

Langkawi

Langkawi is made up of 99 tropical islands lying off the north-west coast. Shrouded in myths about ogres, gigantic birds, warriors, fairy princesses, battles and romance, it is a natural paradise unmatched anywhere else in South East Asia.

Its geological history dates back 500 million years, for the islands contain many unique rock formations including numerous caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Fine beaches offer days of undisturbed relaxation and the clear, emerald waters around the islands are ideal for a host of water sports and recreation.

Nestling amidst the mist-covered hills, limestone outcrops and lush forests are fascinating waterfalls and dark, mysterious caves, plus a rich diversity of flora and fauna. For those who yearn for a holiday with a difference, go jungle trekking and take a boat trip up the rivers and around the many islands.
The significant ancient sites of Langkawi have been preserved. One is Makam Mahsuri which lies in a village about 12 kilometres from the capital, Kuah. This shrine is in honour of a fair maiden who lived on the main island, Pulau Langkawi, more than two hundred years ago. Accused unfairly of adultery, she was stabbed in the heart with a special kris (knife). According to legend she bled white blood and in her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would henceforth not prosper for seven generations. Fact or fiction, the seven generations are at an end and Langkawi now enjoys prosperity through tourism.

Kuah, located on the south-eastern side of Pulau Langkawi is the entry point to the islands by ferry. The name Kuah is a Malay word meaning 'gravy' and involves an old legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands. Today Kuah is a thriving centre of modern hotels and because of its duty-free status, a shopper's haven.

Air Hangat village, 14 kilometres from Kuah, is built on four acres of land around Telaga Air Hangat hot springs and is a modern complex with a three-tier spring fountain and an 18 metre long handcarved riverstone mural depicting the legends of the area. Daily demonstrations of local crafts and cultural dances are held in the village and shops sell traditional crafts.

The Underwater World Langkawi is a marine complex featuring both fresh and seawater fish and marine life. Situated at Pantai Cenang beach, it has 5,000 types of marine life exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes including a giant tank housing sharks, stingrays, gropers and green turtles. The crocodile farm at Kubang Badak, 32 kilometres from Kuah, covers some 20 acres and holds more than 1,000 crocodiles of various species. Here visitors can witness crocodiles and alligators play and feed in a controlled environment that resembles their natural habitat.

At the Pulau Singa Besar wildlife sanctuary there are monkeys, mousedeer, iguanas and peacocks which roam freely amongst the visitors. Picnic on the idyllic beaches and enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the surrounding waters which are also a wildlife sanctuary. To conserve the natural habitat of the island, no hotels or chalets have been built, but you can camp and equipment is available for hire at reasonable rates.

Kuala Perlis

Kuala Perlis is a small port town in the extreme north-west of the peninsula and is visited mainly as a departure point for Langkawi. Visitors can also use Perlis as a gateway into Thailand.

Ipoh
Ipoh is known as the 'city of millionaires' because its people make their money from tin mining. It is a thriving Chinese town with some of the best Chinese food in Malaysia. There are interesting cave temples that are well worth a visit on the outskirts of the town.

Pangkor
Pangkor has enthralled visitors for years with her natural beauty. Situated just off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia it is one of the most enchanting islands you'll discover in this region.
Lumut is the gateway to Pangkor and is a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is a quaint town with elegant old buildings still housing some of the town's administrative offices. From Lumut Pangkor Island is a 40-minute ferry ride, or you can take a scheduled flight from Kuala Lumpur on Pelangi Air .

In olden times, Pangkor was a refuge for seamen who sailed through the Straits of Malacca. The island's many bays were also perfect stopovers for pirates, adventurers, merchants and soldiers of fortune, seeking to recuperate in its peace and tranquillity.

Pangkor remains an old world haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can soak up the sun on her golden beaches, relax within sight of fishing boats rocking gently on calm blue waters, get close to nature trekking through virgin jungles or experience the warm, friendly hospitality of the people.

Pangkor is a thriving tourist destination and visitors are charmed by the serenity of the fishing villages, the small but bustling towns and the splendid selection of world-class holiday resorts as well as restaurants and eateries, many specialising in seafood.

There's lots to do in Pangkor. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in their favourite activities at Pantai Puteri Dewi (Golden Sands Beach), while beach lovers are free to relax beneath the shade of the casuarina trees which rim the shoreline.

The perfect place to stay for travellers who prefer rugged accommodation is Pantai Pasir Bogak where A-frame shelters house up to four people at a moderate rate.

Teluk Nipah is one of Pangkor's sea parks and is blessed with a vast coral reef and spectacular marine life which makes it a perfect place for snorkellers to view the marine life below in the crystal clear waters.

The fishing villages are well worth a visit for they are quaint in construction and give visitors a chance to get a closer look at the lives of the fishermen and their families.

Kota Belanda is a Dutch fort built 300 years ago as a stronghold against pirates and local Malays. A ferocious attack by the Malays forced the Dutch out of Pangkor, but in 1743 the fort was rebuilt and made a garrison for 60 Dutch soldiers.

Pangkor Laut is dubbed by many 'fantasy island' because this satellite island has Emerald Bay, without any doubt the finest beach in the Straits of Malacca. Snorkellers and divers can discover an underwater paradise off Coral Beach, while sailors and windsurfing enthusiasts will get lots of action at Royal Beach.