We had an International tour last year around this time and believe me it was the best thing that happened the previous year. Not only it was worth travelling with a bunch of your classmates and friends alike, the locations and travel had its own joy attached to it. We had a three-nation tour consisting of Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore. Although each of them had it’s own distinct flavor, yet for me Malaysia was the best of the three. There were quite a few places we travelled, of course on a very strict schedule, yet almost having non-stop fun in whichever opportunity we could get.
Having said that, there were many places which we couldn’t touch upon, or rather the tour schedule didn’t permit us. But believe you me, given a chance there are some amazing places that I’d like to visit. So, for now I’ll just give out the top5 places that are a Must visit.
1. First on the list is the beautiful Langkawi Island in Kedah.
It is a cluster of 99 islands scattered among them are beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna. Not just this, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs, which actually gives a unique culture experience.
Lankawi island
One can enjoy the country side with the calm paddy field by just simply renting away a car. From experiencing the village life by not just passing along but even by Heading up to the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang, which will give the entire island’s ultimate view. One can even enjoy trekking through the rain-forest.
2. The next stop should be the nearby Dayang Bunting Lake or ‘Tasik Dayang Bunting’, Langkawi, Kedah
One can come here on a boat tour from the Lankawi Island, Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant lady), which has legends attached to it.
The island, which is about 20 kilometres from Kuah town, is modestly populated on one side and virtually uninhabited on the other where the lake is situated.
3. Mosques in Malaysia: Malaysia has some of the most beautiful mosques, and the architecture speaks for itself. Understanding a country’s cultural fabric requires understanding the value system on which it is based on. The mosques in Malaysia are a perfect example of how co-existence of religious teachings coincides with the development which the country has achieved. Some of the notable mosques include the National mosque or the previous national mosque which is also called the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, this mosque was Built in 1909. The Masjid Jamek, as is called among the locals is the oldest mosque in the city. The mosque sits at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers, which is also the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. Its architecture is inspired by Mogul influences of northern India. In 1965, it was officially declared as the National Mosque.
Blue mosque
Blue mosque
Another beautiful mosque is the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam is one of the most stunning structures in the country. This mosque is commonly referred to as the ‘Blue Mosque’. This mosque has one of the tallest minarets, while also showcasing its beautiful blue dome as the visitors approach towards it.
Decorative Islamic calligraphy in the dome and prayer halls and the interior architecture exhibits ethnic Malay design elements. Sunlight filtering through the blue stained glass of the mosque renders a bluish ambiance to its interior evokes a sense of peace and serenity.
They not only provide a place of worship but also as symbols of maintained peace and harmony through their presence.
4. The next stop should be the famous Batu Caves
Even though, Malaysia happens to be an Islamic nation, it supports the minority religions and their beliefs, and that is something which is ingrained in the cultural fabric of the nation. The batu caves, and even the annual Hindu festivals, where it is said that roads are kept blocked just so as to let the processions pass, all of this in a country with a minority Hindu population.
Batu Caves is no doubt an iconic and popular tourist attraction, which attracts a huge inflow of tourists especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam.
A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines.
As you may have noticed from the pictures, it has a large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre. Of course the climb up the stairs is going to make you sweat a lot. But don’t worry, you’ll have monkeys to give you company. But beware of carrying valuables just inviting them to be at their mischievous best. It is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.
5. Gunung Mulu National Park
A huge underground chamber and one of the largest networks of caves, which are apart from being immense in size, are a scenic beauty. It also houses the world’s biggest cave passage, Deer Cave. Another key attraction is Clear Water Cave which is the longest cave in Southeast Asia. The caves are filled with a number of bats, which come alive post-dusk.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Razor-sharp pinnacles, deep-cut canyons, appropriately named The Pinnacles, is what is formed as a result of weathering. If one is interested in hiking, one can even do so.
Nearby, one can even go to the Gunung Gading National Park, which has the famous mountainous rainforest. This place has spectacular Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world that can grow up to one metre in diameter.
Initially, the park was a closed conservation zone, but now is open for the world to see the treasure. Jungle trails lead to streams, cascading waterfalls and the mountains, with one path taking trekkers to the summit of Gunung Gading (906m). The rugged mountains within the Park provide a scenic backdrop to the nearby town of Lundu, and the beaches at Pandan and Siar, which are just amazing sights to be a part of.
And with it, I end my Wishlist of 5 places to visit in Malaysia.
Feeling excited and want to know more about the events happening in Malaysia and planning to book a trip , visit Tourism Malaysia website for more information or the Malaysia Tourism’s contest.
I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com