Tourism Malaysia Destination Kuala Lumpur

NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located on the fringe of the Kuala Lumpur lake Gardens, the National Museum serves as the principal museum in the country. The design of this palatial building is based on the classical Malay architecture. The various galleries in the Museum provide interesting insights into the history, political development, culture, economy, arts, and flora and fauna of the country. Located on the museum's grounds are static displays including old locomotives, vintage cars and a replica of an ancient Malay palace. open: 9am-6pm (Daily) ,Admission: RM1, Children below 12 years: Free.


ISTANA NEGARA
The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It is located on a hillock at Jalan Istana, just outside the city center. The extensive grounds is enhanced by immaculate lawns and colorful gardens. The palace is also the venue for official and ceremonies. Visitors can witness the changing of the guards daily.


PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
Currently the world's tallest two freestanding towers, the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers soars to a dizzying height of 452m above the city skyline, This gleaming architectural delight inspired by the Five Pillars of Islam is the centerpiece of the ultra-modern Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Situated within the towers is the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Petronas Performing Arts Group.





GALERI PETRONAS
The PETRONAS Art Gallery, an elegant International class fine art gallery located at Suria KLCC is the realisation of PETRONAS' aspiration of a world class art venue, complementing the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS and PETOSAINS, Designed as a multifunctional and flexible space, the Galeri is divided into three galleries, namely the Main Gallery, the Annexe gallery and the Experimental Gallery which allow a number of exhibitions to be displayed simultaneously. Opening Hours: 10am-8pm (Monday-Sunday), Close: Friday, Tel: 03-207 7770.


MALAYSIA TOURIST INFORMATION COMPLEX (MATIC)
Built in 1935 as the residence of Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy tin miner, this historical landmark served as the war office of the British Army and the headquarters of the Japanese Army during World War ll. It was also the venue for the first sitting of Malaysia's parliament and the installation ceremonies of several kings of the country. It was renovated in 1988 for its present use as a one-stop tourist information complex. The complex houses other facilities including an auditorium, a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Open: Sunday, From 3.30pm-4.15pm, Admission:RM2


NATIONAL ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Located 13km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, the National Zoo houses some 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles while the aquarium has 80 species of marine and fresh-water life. Within the extensive grounds is an area for sea lions where visitors can see them being most active during feeding time. There are also train rides for children. Open: 9am-6pm Daily, Admission: RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children).


CENTRAL MARKET
Spend a morning wandering through what was once a busy 'wet market'! The many shops housed in this heritage building will enchant tourists with their offerings such as antique clocks, jewellery, gems, woodcarvings, batik and pewterware. Those with an eye for the unusual will enjoy buying or browsing through the market's extensive range of novelty items such as jade trees and blown glass souvenirs.
The visitor will be able to see portrait artists, glass blowers in action, batik painters transforming a white material into vivid colours. Or simply relax at one of the many restaurants here and sample local or western food. During the weekends, at 7.30pm, cultural performances are held. Admission: Free, Enquiries: 03-2274 6542 (10am - 10pm).

JALAN MASJID INDIA
Anther colourful street of sidewalk artists, street trades and shops. The street takes it name from the Indian Muslim mosque here. Along this road are shops selling Indian brass oil lamps, silver tableware, glass bangles and gold jewellery.


MASJID JAMEK
Situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, the mosque forms a startling contrast against the modern buildings behind it. It was built in 1909, making it the oldest mosque in the city. It features graceful arches and domes, reminiscent of the Moorish era.




MENARA KUALA LUMPUR
Situated atop Bukit Nanas in the vicinity of KL's hotel district, this 421m high concrete tower is Asia's tallest and the fourth tallest of the city from its observation deck as well as the revolving restaurant. The tower also serves as a transmission station for telecommunications, radio and television. Admission: RM8 (Adults), RM3 (Child from 4 to 12 years), Open: Daily from 9.00am-10pm, Tel:03-208 5448.


KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTER PARK
The 20 hectare Park a beautiful mosaic of a peaceful garden offers visitors a reprieve. Designed by the late Roberto Burl Marx, the park is planned as a haven for flora and fauna. About 1900 indigenous trees and palms have been planted to provide biodiversity for the park. Aesthetically pleasing to the senses are the sculptures, murals and striking 'Lake Symphony' which comprises of two fountains located at the esplanade outside the Suria LKCC Shopping Complex.


DEWAN FILHARMONIK PETRONAS
Malaysia's first classical concet venue, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, takes its inspiration from the traditional shoe-box shape of the great 19th Century European concert halls. The Dewan Filharmonik combines modern and traditional values of Malaysian culture seating an audience of 885 which includes box seating at stalls level and 20 luxury suites at Circle and Upper Circle levels. A magnificent klais pipe organ provides the backdrop for this intimate yet stunning venue.


NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER
Perched atop a hill on 8 hectares of landscaped grounds at Bukit Kiara on the northwestern fringes of the city, the National Science Centre was established in 1996 to promote greater understanding and interest in science and technology. The building resembles a truncated cone capped with a geodesic dome. Among the fascinating themes featured in the exhibition galleries are an environmental odyssey, pathways to discovery, future world and thinking machines. Open: 10am-5pm. Friday Closed, Admission: RM6.00(Adults) RM3.00(Children), Enquiries: 03-252 1150


ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia located at Jalan Lembah Perdana houses various themed galleries. Among the galleries found here is the Islamic Architecture Gallery which showcases miniature replicas of renowned buildings such as the Taj Mahal, Iman Ismail Albukhary mosque and museum and the Amir Timur Mausoleum. Apart from this gallery is the Standard Chartered Ottoman Room which displays objects from the reign of the Ottoman Empire of Turkey and Syria. In the Al-Quran and Manuscript Gallery is a collection of more than 200 rare Islamic manuscripts which include a 30-Judz' Al-Quran from the Ming Dynasty. Tel:03-2071 2020.


PETALING STREET
Petaling Street (known as KL's Chinatown) is endowed with a distinct character of its own. This colorful street of shops, restaurants and hawker stalls bustles with vitality. Walk, linger or browse as the sights and sounds capture one's imagination. Flanking both sides of this street are shops selling anything from textiles to Chinese herbal medicines. There are also a number of restaurants serving authentic regional Chinese cuisine.


KOMPLEX BUDAYA KRAF
This handicraft complex located at Jalan Conlay houses top names in local handicrafts. Here, one can look out for chic batik outfit, ponder over the variety of home decor items or delight in finding the perfect gift to take back home!
On the ground floor of the complex, visitors can dabble in some paints and wax to create their own batik pieces. At the far end of the its landscaped grounds is the artists colony where one can watch artists at work. Paintings are available for sale.
The complex is equipped with visitor facilities, including a restaurant.

Visit Malaysia Destination Langkawi

LANGKAWI, which has been nicknamed as the "Caribbean of The East", is a cluster of isles basking languidly in glistening waters. Not many island resorts in the region can boast of such pearls of exotic beauty but Langkawi is an enchantingly white stretches of palm-fringed beaches. It has often been said that many locations within the group of 104 islands make idle settings for a romance novel or swashbuckling movie. it is hard to imagine that only a decade ago Langkawi is a cluster of fishing villages surrounded by coconut trees, but this is something the visitors must see for themselves.

Kuah
The main town located on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Langkawi. It is the take-off point to the neighboring islands. The name "Kuah" is a Malay word meaning "gravy" and is associated with an ancient legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands



Tanjung Rhu
Tanjung Rhu lies on the northern cape of Pulau Langkawi. Aptly named for its abundance of casuarinas, its enchanting beach affords magnificent views of nearby islands which can be reached at low tide on foot, an experience that is not to be missed





Tasik Dayang Bunting
Nestled amidst lush forested hill on an island south of Pulau Langkawi is Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), the largest lake in Langkawi. The outline of hills and rocky outcrops on one side of the lake resembles the shape of a pregnant maiden lying on her back. However, the name of both the island and lake is attributed to the legend of a lovely fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died shortly after birth. She was so sad and depressed that she buried the child in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Before she returned to her celestial abode, she blessed the waters so that any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter.

Underwater World Langkawi
The Underwater World Langkawi, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and salt water fish and other forms of marine life, is a must-see attraction. Located at Pantai Cenang, a popular beach on the island, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of marine life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes.
The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, groupers and green turtles, with a 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through and enjoy a spectacular view of the exhibits. Underwater gardens of weeds and sea plants together with exotic fishes and exhibits or fossils and shells add to the range of interesting sights.

Open: 10:00am to 6:00pm (daily)
Admission: RM15.00 (adult) RM10.00 (child)

Pulau Payar Marine Park
The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation.

Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2km long and 1/4km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.

There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbeque pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park.

Visit Malaysia Destination Kelantan

Kelantan-literally meaning "Land of Lightning"-is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Located in the northeast corner of the peninsula, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Kelantan offers plenty of opportunities for tourists such as river cruises, river rafting, bird watching and jungle trekking.

History
Though not much is known about Kelantan's early history, Chinese historical documents date back the history of Kelantan between 8000 and 3000 BC. These documents chronicle the existence of a government, which maintained links with China. Kelantan was subsequently referred to as "Ho-lo-tan", "Chih-Tu" and "Tan-Tan" in these records.

The territories of Kelantan and Patani came under Siam in the 14th century. Around 1411, Raja Kumar, the ruler of Kelantan, became independent of Siam and Kelantan became an important centre of trade by the end of the 15th century.

In 1499, Kelantan was conquered by forces of the Malacca Empire and became its vassal state. With the fall of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains. With the conquest by the Siamese in 1603, most of the Kelantan chiefs became subject to Patani. Around 1760, a petty chieftain of Kubang Labu in Kelantan succeeded in unifying the territory of the present Kelantan. Soon after in 1764, Long Yunos seized the throne and proclaimed himself Raja of Kelantan. With his death, Kelantan came under the influence of Terengganu.

In 1800, Raja Muhammad declared himself as the first Sultan of Kelantan. In 1812, he broke from Terengganu's influence and became a separate tributary state of Siam. In 1831, Siam divided up the old Malay Kingdom of Patani into 7 provinces each under a Siamese Governor. Siam played an important role in Kelantan throughout the 19th century.

In the 1909 Anglo-Siamese treaty, Siam surrendered its claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis in exchange with the British government for territorial claims in Siam. Kelantan thus came under the control of the Straits Settlements as one of the Unfederated Malay States.

Kelantan was occupied by the Japanese on 8th December, 1941. After the defeat of Japan in August 1945, Kelantan and the rest of Malaya came under the British Military Administration in September 1945. Kelantan became part of the Federation of Malaya on 1st February, 1948 and together with other states attained independence on 31st August, 1957. On 16th September 1963, Kelantan became one of the component states of Malaysia.


Climate
Kelantan enjoys a pleasant tropical climate. It is almost summer all year round with refreshing intermittent rain. Longer and heavier rainfall is observed in November, December and January. Daily temperature ranges from 21°C to 32°C.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kelantan is between February and May as rainfall is relatively less at this time of the year. The July festival that is held here also attracts lots of tourists.


Tourist Attractions/Places to See

Kota Bahru: Kota Bahru, the capital of Kelantan is a bustling town famous for its ornately decorated trishaws. It is the best place to appreciate Kelantanese culture and crafts and offers numerous attractions for visitors.

Cultural Centre: Located on Jalan Mahmud close to the Perdana Hotel, the cultural centre is a veritable showcase of the living heritage of Kelantan.

Istana Batu (Royal Museum): Istana Batu was designed and built in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail I. It was used as a venue for royal weddings as well as to house royal guests. Today, it has been converted into the Royal Museum where regalia and palace items belonging to former Sultans are on display. These include silverware, bedroom items and furniture from the royal household.

War Museum: The War Museum occupies the oldest brick building in Kelantan, dating back to 1912. This historic building now houses Japanese memorabilia and documents relating to World War II.

Islamic Museum/Syura Hall: The history of Islam in Kelantan is well documented in the artifacts and inscriptions exhibited here.

Istana Balai Besar: Built by Sultan Muhammad II in 1840, the Istana Balai Besar was formerly the residence of past Sultans. However, it is now used solely as a venue for official state functions.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum: Kelantan's exquisite range of handicrafts is on display here. Silverware, "songket", batik and woodcarvings are exhibited and are for sale as well.

Gunung Stong: Kelantan's highest mountain, it is home to Fish Cave or Gua Ikan, a lone rock that looks like a fish.

Merdeka Square: Once known as Padang Kelupang, it is one of the many central open and civic spaces in Malaysia built by the British.

Masjid Kampung Laut: One of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was built entirely without the use of nails.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan: This lovely stretch of shimmering is Kelantan's most famous beach. Fringed by swaying casuarinas and coconut palms, the beach is a big hit with the tourists.

Pantai Irama (Beach of Melody): Situated in the district of Bachok about 25 km south of Kota Bharu, Pantai Irama is believed to be the most beautiful beaches along the entire east coast.

Pantai Seri Tujuh (Beach of Seven Lagoons): Venue of the International Kite Festival, this beach lies on the border of Thailand and Kelantan at Kampung Tujuh in Tumpat, about 7 km from Kota Bharu.

Shopping
Kelantan offers a great variety of local handicrafts. This is supplemented by merchandise from Thailand, which is available at the Malaysian border towns of Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur. In the shops, richly coloured silks are displayed alongside batik scarves, prints and songket textiles.

Some of the famous shopping places in Kelantan are Bazaar Buluh Kubu and Jalan Temenggong. Bazaar Buluh Kubu is a three-storey shopping complex and contains great variety of locally made souvenirs, knick-knacks, batik, gold and silver songket, fine silverware and imported Thai goods.

Jalan Temenggong is a street lined with craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brassware and woodcarvings.


How to Reach Kelantan
By Road: There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsula Malaysia to Kelantan. There are regular air-conditioned busses operating from
Kuala Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.

By Rail: Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat. From these two points, one can get to Kota Bharu either by taxi or bus. Stop over points en-route include Gua Musang, Kulal Krai, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas.

By Air: Malaysian Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.