Malaysian States Sarawak and Sabah

one of the many caves in Gunung Mulu National Park

executive summary by darmansjah

Natural resources. It’s wonderful place to get a feel for the country’s colonial architecture. If you arrive by train, you’ll have the pleasure of disembarking at the Ipoh Railway Station, a handsome 1935 building that has garnered a local reputation as the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh.” Other highlights can be found in the city’s old town: be sure to visit Ipoh Field, a manicured green hemmed by a number of grand, whitewashed buildings. In addition to tis architectural attractions. Ipoh is a must-visit for its dramatic karst scenery. The landscape surrounding the town is dotted with forested limestone hills, many of which feature hidden caves where you’ll discover shrines like the Chines Sam Po Tong temple.

ipoh railway station

Across the South China Sea, on the northeastern side of Borneo, lie the Malaysian states Sarawak and Sabah. These regions are rife with natural wonders, with a total of 19 national parks and wildlife centers. Some 30 kilometers inland and poised on the edge of the Sarawak River is Kuching, the architecturally rich capital of Sarawak. The charming icty is replete with colonial-era buildings like Fort Margherita and the Stately Astana palace, built in the days of British rule as the home of the first White Rajah, James Brookes.

forth margherita

stately astana palace

ipoh field 

To experience ethnic society, you can go to the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in nearby Damai to help you limber up for the river journey to the secluded highland villages of the Dayak people. The SCV is also home to the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, which brings together a melting pot of local musicians and international extravaganzas of the year.

sarawak cultural village

Travel northward to discover rich biodiversity at Gunung Mulu National Park. Home to one of the biggest cave systems in the world and a landscape of abrupt cliffs and gorges, this is yet another natural wonder in a country full of marvels.