Marvelous Malaysia

Original text by, executive summary by Darmansjah

The west cost of peninsular Malaysia is home to the majority of the country’s population, as well as its largest commercial and economic hubs, including Kuala Lumpur, the capital. While KL, as it is affectionately nicknamed, has bountiful cultural and culinary attractions, it’s also used as a gateway to explore the islands and towns that pepper the Strait of Malacca.

Just an hour’s drive south of KL, Port Dickson is a perennially popular beach destination. In addition to its accesibility, the quiet coastal town offers long swaths of White sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming. An important port ofr sea trade during the British colonial era, the town is also home to a splendid 1927 yacht club, which still offers dinghy sailing courses, runs regattas, and provides a modern marina for luxury cruisers.

North of the capital, is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist hot spots, Penang Island. Once a seat of British colonial power, George Town, the island’s capital, is a delightful melange of old shop houses and colonial villas, so well maintained they were granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Aside from its architecture, the island attracts gourmands from around the world with its heady fusion of Nyonya, Chines, Malay, and Indian fare served by both hawkers and upscale restaurants.

Father north in the Andaman Sea lies the Langkawi archipelago: 99 islands, the largest of which is Pulau Langkawi, recognized by UNESCO as a World Geopark for tis white-sand beaches, lush junggle, and abundant marine life. If you’re touring the island, be sure to visit Pantai Cenang, a long beach lined with coconut palms and casuarinas, as well as Pantai Kok, back dropped by limestone hills. Nature-lovers ar also in for a treat on Langkawi’s smaller isles. Charter a boat and make your way to Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Dayang Bunting-the jungles here are nothing short of a bird-watche’s dream, and the latter has a shimmering freshwater lake at its center.

Around 200 kilometers north of KL, the Cameron Highlands-name after William Cameron, a British surveyor who visited the plateau in 1885-is the largest yet most relaxed of Malaysia’s hill resorts. Set at an altitude of 1,500 meters amid the Titiwangsa mountain range, the area enjoys a fresh and pleasant climate, making it the ideal base for outdoor activities like golfing and hiking. Of the highlands’ four main township. Tanah Rata is the largest and best equipped for tourists: dozens of chalets and hotels, cafes and restaurants, and shops line the town’s streets. It’s also the starting point for most jungle treks and guided tours.

During colonial times, tea plantations carpeted the highland’s fertile mountain slopes, and a number of working estates still welcome visitors. You’ll learn everything you need to know about Malaysia’s largest tea growing area with a visit to the Sungai Palas Boh tea plantation, where you can enjoy a brew or two from a pleasant perch overlooking the leaves.

Around120 kilometers west of the Cameron Highlands is Ipoh, an administrative hub during the British colonial period, and one of Malaysia’s largest cities thanks to its abundant.