Sam Poh Tong Temple

Sam Poh Tong is a famous cave temple located in Gunung Rapat, about 5km south of Ipoh. It is said to be the biggest cave temple in the country, and is an impressive work of art with various statues of Buddha interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites.
According to legend, the cave was discovered in 1890 by a monk from China who was passing through Ipoh; he decided to make it his home and a place for meditation. He remained there for 20 years until his death. Till today, nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to Buddha still occupy the Sam Poh Tong.
The present temple facade dates back to the 1950s and a stiff climb of 246 steps will lead you to an open cave with an excellent view of Ipoh and its surroundings. Other attractions at the temple include a beautiful Japanese pond full of Japanese carps and tortoises, which are a symbols of longevity.
Within the temple, visitors can discover the artistic works of man and nature - beautifully carved statues of buddha in various forms sit amidst amazing stalacties and stalagmites.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary

Matang Mangrove Forest is the largest stand of mangrove ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia. These ecologically abundant mangrove habitats stretch along the west coast tidal mudflats of northern Perak for almost 50km plus another 40km along the shorelines of the sheltered river systems within the reserve's five estuaries.
During the migration season between August and April every year, more than 200,000 migratory birds representing some 50 species are estimated to stop over here.
There are also well-equipped and informative visitor centres where you can get detailed educational programmes and displays, which focus on the importance of safeguarding and preserving the mangrove ecosystems and the large numbers of resident and migrant bird species.
The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary has won the "Best Tourist Attraction (Natural Attraction)" category during the Malaysia Tourism Awards, a prestigious award presented to agencies and organisations which contribute to the development of tourism in Malaysia.

*Ket tips

• The best season for bird-watching is from September to March.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

The sprinkling of jade green islands that makes up Pulau Payar lies just 30km south-east of Langkawi. It's just a 1-hour boat ride out to the best marine park on Malaysia's West Coast, making it an ideal choice for a day outing.
This well-preserved, uninhabited marine park extends over a number of islands, with Pulau Payar being the largest. Your base out here is the floating platform moored off Pulau Payar. But the real attraction of this platform lies below sea level. Step into the underwater observation chamber to view the marine life surrounding a reef. Want to get even closer to the swirl of fishes that make these corals their home? Grab a mask, a snorkel and fins and join the spectacle!
Are you into scuba diving? The best diving is along the reef system that skirts the south, east and west of Pulau Payar. Please check with your dive operator what the visibility is like during that time. It can vary from time to time.
There is no accommodation in Pulau Payar as it is a marine park, but that's not really an issue since Langkawi, with all its fine resorts and restaurants, is just a quick boat-ride away.

Langkawi

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands with the best of many worlds; beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.
Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone in Langkawi about the tragic legend of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by the her for seven generations. Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi’s inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is not a pure coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Mausoleum) where the famous legendary figure is said to be buried.
Langkawi is not only geared towards tourism. Many of the islanders are farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and the peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island. You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi.
Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond. You can also visit the Field of Burnt Rice, the Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting, (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and the Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). And if you're more outdoorsy, why not go trekking through the pristine rainforest that blankets most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves, go diving, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, containing an underground tunnel that runs though a giant aquarium, that has gotten rave reviews.
Beautiful scenery, great adventures, five-star conveniences and an international airport make Langkawi a great place for a holiday.

The Tree Top Walk

The 950m-long Tree Top Walk in the Sedim River Recreation Park is the longest canopy walk in the world. And it's the spectacular view you get when you stroll through the jungle canopy that draws visitors from far and wide to this quiet, all-natural corner of Kedah.
Strolling high above the ground of this primeval rainforest affords visitors an unexpected and exciting perspective. Call it a 'monkey's eye view'. Visitors will enjoy the fabulous sight of rushing streams and truly fascinating flora and fauna - all from 50m up!

Tourism Malaysia Promotion 2007

Islamic Arts Museum

Interest in Islamic art has grown enormously in recent years. Reflecting this awareness, in December 1998 Malaysia became home to Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art. The building occupies 30,000 sq.m., situated amid the leafy surroundings of Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens.
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses more than seven thousand artefacts, as well as an exceptional library of Islamic-art books.
The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The aim is to create a collection that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Instead of concentrating on works from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, IAMM also puts the emphasis on Asia. China and Southeast Asia are especially well represented. The third component of the Malaysian melting pot is India, which is also given special status. India, China and the Malay world are in an exclusive category. Other parts of the collection are displayed according to type of artefact rather than geographical origins in the museum’s 12 galleries

Bintang Walk

For both shopaholics and coffee-sipping night owls, Bukit Bintang is one of the hippest streets in the city. It's a perfect place for people-watching over a latte between bouts of bargain-hunting.
A wide pedestrian walkway running the length of the street has transformed it into an exciting rendezvous point with open air cafes and restaurants.
The many shopping centres along Bukit Bintang ensure that you will never run out of options.

Petronas Philharmonic Hall

Strategically located at the Petronas Twin Towers, the Petronas Philharmonic Hall is Malaysia's first dedicated classical music hall. The beautiful hall is equipped with the latest facilities, plush seating and delights each visitor with superb acoustics.
It is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra comprising an impressive cast of local and international musicians.The hall regularly features regular concerts, recitals, chamber concerts and traditional cultural performances by the Petronas Cultural Troupe.
Since opening its doors in 1998, visitors have been treated to a host of world-renowned classical artists and orchestras, as well as international jazz musicians, traditional Malaysian music and dance productions.
As the first purpose-built concert hall in Malaysia, the Petronas Philharmonic Hall aims to be the focal point for enthusiastic classical music audiences, as well as those of other complementary musical styles such as jazz and world music.
The good news for you is this, even if you are planning to spend just a few days in Kuala Lumpur, you stand a very good chance of catching an amazing performance at the Philharmonic Hall.

KL Tower

Soaring to 421m, and considered a main feature of the city skyline, the KL Tower is the world's fourth tallest communications tower.
To experience the exhilarating view from the KL Tower, you can go to the 335-metre high observation deck on a high-speed lift. From here, the city's eccentric architecture and lush greenery will be laid out before you.
The Bukit Nanas Forest reserve, also known as the 'Green Lung' of KL City, is located just beside the KL Tower. This uniquely 'real' plot of ancient rainforest offers a walking trail and has flora and fauna indigenous to Malaysia. Here, you get the frankly surreal opportunity to see colourful butterflies, insects, monkeys, squirrels and exotic birds in their natural habitat - all within earshot of the hum of downtown traffic!
The latest attraction at KL Tower and Bukit Nanas is a reverse bungee called The G-Force. Not for the faint of heart, your ride will be recorded and given to you on a DVD.
On top of the KL Tower is the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant where you can sample an international buffet spread while watching a continuously revolving view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, otherwise known as KLCC the world's tallest twin structures. Located in the heart of the capital city, the crown of the Kuala Lumpur contains a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling park and an upmarket shopping complex.
Inspired by the geometric shape found in Islamic architecture, this gleaming mega-structure was designed by Argentinian-American architect Cesar Pelli.
Stretching out to one side of this architectural masterpiece is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park. Other attractions at KLCC are Suria Shopping Complex, Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petrosains Science Centre, Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where The Aquaria Oceanarium is situated.

Kinabalu Park

The Kinabalu Park covers an area of 754 sq km and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills. It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.
Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary is a fascinating place where visitors can observe trainers teaching orphaned or displaced Orang Utan apes to climb in their natural habitat. At this rehabilitation centre, captive animals are retrained for life in the jungle.The centre allows a close-up view of these arboreal creatures.
The best time to visit is at 10.00 am and again at 2.30 pm when the primates emerge from the forest for their daily ration of bananas and milk. You can see the orang utans being fed from a platform in the centre. Nicknamed the 'Wild Man of Borneo', the orang utans are returned to the forest when they can fend for themselves.
Aside from the orang utan, over 200 species of birds and a variety of wild plants can be found within the 5.666 hectares of forest reserve.

About Malaysia. Truly Asia.

Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly.
Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several metres away from ancient reefs.
For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

The 2007 Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (MMSC) is back with a BANG!

The Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival returns with

exciting events and activities, bargains, discounts and promotions for shopperholics.

And the sale this year promises to be bigger, better and certainly much longer than ever before. Why? Because Malaysia celebrates her 50th year of Independence, the date of which incidentally falls during the carnival period. So naturally, we’re looking at a grand shopping fiesta lasting 11 whole weeks! From 16th June till 2nd September 2007, shoppers can indulge in the great bargains, promotions, activities and contests, that guarantee a shopping spread to satisfy even the most seasoned of shoppers. So put on your most comfortable pair of shoes and gear up for our grand shopping carnival - have yourself a marvellous time shopping with us!