[SIZE=4][COLOR=green]Why Malaysia is truly Asia[/COLOR] [/SIZE]
[I]Last year 10 million tourists from around the world — including 120,000 from India — heeded this fast-track nation’s siren call to savour its multiple charms. An explanation [/I]
img:44:Kuala Lumpur skyline: cosmopolitan mix There must be very few cable television connected homes in India which are unaware of the multiple charms of Malaysia as a tourism destination. This relatively parvenu nation’s sustained $57 million (Rs.251 crore) media campaign to attract international tourists to its sprawling shopping malls, pristine beaches and ancient rainforests is as remarkable for its dogged persistence as it is for its effectiveness. Last year (2003) over 120,000 tourists from India heeded this fast-track nation’s siren call, as did another 10 million from around the world.
The ‘Malaysia — truly Asia’ hard-selling campaign has raked in big bucks by way of foreign investment in the country’s hi-tech sectors and tourism industry. Simultaneously this tiny nation (pop. 24 million) has earned an enviable reputation among high-flyers across the world as a golfing (thanks to the nearly 200 world-class golf courses which dot the country) and Formula-racing destination.
Malaysia’s ‘truly Asia’ claim has some substance with the ethnic Malays (52 percent) holding political sway, the Chinese (40 percent) ever expanding their economic clout and Indians (7 percent) and indigenous people taking the middle path.
Like most South-east Asian nations Malaysia too experienced an economic crisis in 1997. But under the leadership of its tough, outspoken former prime minister Mahathir bin Mohammed who trans-formed the nation into an economic powerhouse, it was the first ASEAN country to bounce back. Late last year, Mahathir made way for trusted ally Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi, a moderate, cosmopolitan statesman who will continue to stoke Malaysia’s economic growth.
It’s hardly surprising that Malaysia’s ‘truly Asia’ media campaign has struck a resonant chord in middle class India. Two thousand years ago, Indian kings ruled this land. In the Bujang Valley in Kedah, one can study the sprawling ruins of an ancient Hindu kingdom dating back to 300 AD. Indian kings are believed to have sailed across the Bay of Bengal to establish kingdoms there.
By the 12th century, the strongest of these kingdoms, Srivijaya was lauded by Chinese, Arab and Indian traders as hosting the best trading port in the region. Soon however, other entrepots emerged and by 1400 AD, the region came to be known as Malacca, with Islam becoming the major religion and the rulers calling themselves sultans.
The first European colonisers were the Portuguese who arrived in 1511. Led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, they sailed into Malacca harbour, opened cannon fire and captured the city. The next to arrive in Malacca were the Dutch who captured the region in 1641. In the 18th century, the East India Company spread its tentacles as it had done in the Indian subcontinent and colonised the land making it a part of the British Empire and Somerset Maugham country of rubber plantations and Planters Punch. The Japanese Imperial Army overran most of the Malaysian peninsula during the Second World War but handed the conquered territories back to the British following the devastation of Nagasaki and Hiroshima and the surrender of Japan in 1945.
Malaysia achieved its independence a decade after India on August 31, 1957. The government established was a constitutional monarchy where the post of head of state is rotated among the hereditary sultans of its 13 states and federal territories. Over the years, this nation has evolved into a parliamentary democracy with a prime minister as the head of government and one of the sultans as the constitutional head of state.
Singapore was part of the Federation of Malaysia in the 1960s, but it broke off to carve itself a place in the sun in August 1965. To this day, the two countries compete fiercely for a share of the global economic pie. Contemporary Malaysia which is fast gaining a reputation for its balmy climate — 32 degrees in summer (March-June) and 21 degrees in winter (October-January) — comprises peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
[B][COLOR=purple]Kuala Lumpur [/COLOR] [/B]
Sited midway down the west coast of peninsular Malaysia at the confluence of the Klang and Gombek rivers, KL as it is universally known, is a thoroughly modern city of freeways, soaring flyovers, sprawling parks, plexi-glass and steel skyscrapers, museums, cultural hotspots, botanical and zoological gardens and a splendid, super-efficient metro system that connects the city with Kuala Lumpur International Airport, easily one of the finest international airports in Asia.
Despite this, KL retains its distinctive character and local flavour which is a distant memory in other boom cities of South-east Asia like Singapore and Hong Kong. Colonial buildings dot the city, with a vibrant Chinatown and a Little India adding to the cosmopolitan mix. The Petronas Twin Towers (1,453 ft), the world’s tallest buildings, soar towards the heavens and everywhere, whether in the new federal administrative centre of Putrajaya or the multimedia super-corridor of Cyberjaya, there seems a frenetic development mantra at work.
Watering holes, including globally recognisable hotel chain names abound but are mostly concentrated in the Golden Triangle — the area between Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang. For visitors local excursions to Bangsar and Sri Hatamas, the most popular areas with bars, discos, food courts and live music throbbing into the early hours of the morning are mandatory.
In particular Bangsar is a pub lover and foodie’s delight. Indulge in the Irish ambience of Finnegan’s, the Spanish flavour of La Bodega’s or the Cuban flamboyance of Q-ba. There is also a wide variety of food complexes that serve Vietnamese, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese and Continental fare.
A visit to KL is incomplete without spending a night on Petaling Street, KL’s original Chinatown, where roast duck and other victuals simmer in their juices in hand-drawn carts and tents. Vendors also display and sell gems, incense and toys.
Restaurants. Unlike many cities in South-east Asia, KL offers delectable and authentic Indian food with restaurants like Bombay Palace and The Chutneys in Petaling Jaya being regularly featured in food guides and newspaper columns. There’s also SOULed OUT in Sri Hartamas offering Chinese, Malay and Continental fare and the Lotus chain of restaurants which serve satay, roti canai (rotis coated with egg and onions) and nasi goring, Malaysia’s most popular dish — fried rice tossed with meat, prawns, eggs and vegetables.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Accommodation. [/COLOR] [/B] Top-end: The Legend Hotel (Average price: RM 530 plus or Rs.6,360 per night); Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur (RM 600); Mid-range: Impiana Hotels (RM 368); Budget : Swiss Inn (RM 80).
[B][COLOR=purple]Excursions[/COLOR] [/B]
[B][COLOR=darkred]Petronas Dewan Filharmonik. [/COLOR] [/B] Located on the ground floor of the Petronas Towers, this is a fabulous opera house where the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the KL Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles, musicians and singers from around the world perform. You can purchase CDs of recordings as well as tickets for the shows. Prices vary, the minimum being RM 40 (Rs.480).
[B][COLOR=darkred]National Library. [/COLOR] [/B] Located on Jalan Tun Razak, this blue-roofed building has been inspired by the tengkolok, the traditional Malaysian headgear and songtet, the rich brocaded fabric that goes with it. Set up in 1992 it has on display a treasure trove of Malay literature and rare manuscripts.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Central Market. [/COLOR] [/B] In the heart of KL, this art-deco structure won the Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953. It is a throbbing centre for the display and development of Malaysian culture. One can learn the art of batik painting or catch the performance of a shadow puppet play.
[B][COLOR=darkred]National Zoo & Aquarium. [/COLOR] [/B] Thirteen km north east of KL, the zoo showcases exotic species of tropical animals, birds, reptiles and fish. Entry fee RM 5 (adults), RM 2 (children).
[B][COLOR=purple]Genting Highlands[/COLOR] [/B]
An hour’s drive north of Kuala Lumpur, situated on the border of the Pahang and Selangor states are the awesome Genting Highlands — 12,000 acres of wooded and mountainous terrain converted in 1978 into a Las Vegas-style resort and casino complex.
Genting is a must on every tourist itinerary, even if one isn’t inclined to play the tables. It’s a little city in itself with four multistoried hotels offering 2,193 rooms and suites, VIP floors, restaurants, coffee houses, bars, discos, indoor and outdoor swimming pools galore.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Accomodation. [/COLOR] [/B] From a Top-end average of RM 600 plus (Rs.7,200) to budget of around RM 100 (Rs.1,200).
[B][COLOR=green]Penang[/COLOR] [/B]
img:65:Penang link with mainland: major draw The 285 sq km island of Penang, traditionally known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, floating off peninsular Malaysia’s north-western coast was one of the first settlements of the British. Though its beaches are touted as a major draw, they suffer in comparison with the golden sands of Goa and Kerala. Yet the unique selling proposition of Penang is the vibrant and intriguing city of Georgetown (pop. 400,000) on the island’s north eastern coast. This city has a greater Chinese flavour than either Singapore or Hong Kong and in its older neighbourhoods, time seems to have stopped in the 1950s.
One can gaze at the imposing walls of Fort Cornwallis where the first Briton, Captain Light set foot in 1786 and established a free port. A huge cannon, Seri Rambai dating back to 1600 graces the park in the courtyard and is famed for its procreative powers. Barren women are encouraged to place flowers in the barrel of ‘the big one’ and offer prayers.
Penang has many kongsis (clan houses) which double as temples and meeting halls. The Khoo Kongsi with its dazzling mix of dragons, paintings, lamps, coloured tiles and carvings is a visual delight. So too is the Kuan Yin Teng temple, where worshippers burn paper money in the furnaces. Also check out the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, a Buddhist Temple with one of the world’s longest reclining Buddhas.
For the best view of the city, take the funicular railway up Penang Hill (830 m) — a panorama guaranteed to take your breath away.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Accommodation. [/COLOR] [/B] Top-end: Sheraton Penang (RM 600 or Rs.7,200), Eastern & Oriental Hotel (RM 398-510); Mid-range: Sunway Hotel (RM 130); Budget: Oriental Hotel (RM 69).
[B][COLOR=darkred]Excursions. [/COLOR] [/B] Penang is an island that parties all day and night. This is a destination designed for party animals with a joie de vivre bordering Roman decadence. Money will get you anything here especially in the Pulau Tikus or Rat Isle area north of the island. Upmarket pubs and restaurants are located along Belissa Row. Head out to Songbird Karaoke at 1-Stop Midlands Plaza or check out Cititel Penang’s Crystal KTV Karaoke Lounge with private rooms and sing your heart out with your friends.
The VOR Amphitheatre is a must-go with its cabaret shows featuring lissom dancers and hilarious stand-up comics. It also happens to be the largest dance club on the island with a seating capacity of 1,200 on three levels.
[B][COLOR=purple]Sarawak[/COLOR] [/B]
img:50:r:River safari in Sarawak: unique flora and fauna Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state is located on the southwestern corner of Borneo. It’s an area of vast primeval rainforests, majestic mountains, unique flora and fauna and diverse ethnic communities. Malaysian Airlines flies daily to the capital Kuching from where one travels by road, river or sea.
A must-see in Sarawak are the Mulu caves located in Mulu National Park. These enormous caverns contain South-east Asia’s largest cave system including the spectacular Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest. This cave could easily accommodate 40 Boeing 747 aircraft, if you could gather that many for the purpose. The state also boasts the Niah National Park, an area of major archaeological significance, where the oldest human remains in South-east Asia, dating back 40,000 years were found. The caves swarm with millions of bats and swiftlets and witnessing the collection of guano and the harvesting of birds’ nests for the famous soup is a unique experience.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Accommodation. [/COLOR] [/B] A wide range of hotels. Top-end: Kuching Hilton (RM 600 or Rs.7,200); Mid-range: Royal Mulu Resort (RM 400); Budget: Small mom and pop guesthouses (RM 80-100).
[B][COLOR=darkred]Excursions. [/COLOR] [/B] Sarawak Museum on Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg has a mind-boggling collection of Bornean ethno-logical and archeological items. Kuching Skrang river safari. Fabulous four hours of riding the river including the rapids at RM 200-300 (Rs.2,400-3,600).
[B][COLOR=purple]Sabah[/COLOR] [/B]
img:49:Orangutans and turtles of Sabah: endearing inhabitants Located in the northeastern tier of the island of Borneo, Sabah is famous for Mount Kinabalu which soars to a height of 4,095 metres and offers a panoramic view of land and ocean. Sabah means Land Below the Wind, as it falls within the typhoon belt. It contains one of the world’s largest rainforests inhabited by 31 indigenous groups including Kadazans, Maruts, Bajaus and Kedayans.
Malaysian Airlines operates regular flights to the capital Kota Kinabalu. If you’re travelling with children, check out the world’s largest Orangutan Rehabili-tation Centre located at Sepilok, a 20-minute drive from the town of Sandakan. The people-friendly orangutans are endearing.
Further south, in the interior of the state lies the Danum Valley Conservation, a lowland tropical forest endowed with an abundance of flora and fauna including the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia which measures one metre across and a variety of hornbills, the proboscis monkey and the rare clouded leopard.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Accommodation. [/COLOR] [/B] Top-end: Shangri-La (RM 650); Mid-range: The Executive Hotel (RM 400 or Rs.4,800); Budget: Sabandar Bar Resort (RM 100).
[B]Excursions. [/B] Pulau Sipadan, easily the world’s finest diving paradise, where the water is calm and crystal clear. Coral reefs, swaying weeds, multi-coloured fish and every facility to help you take a leap into the waters (RM 500-1,000).
[B][COLOR=purple]Langkawi[/COLOR] [/B]
img:38:r:A resort on Langkawi: intriguing heritage Langkawi comprises a group of 99 tropical islands off the north-western coast of peninsular Malaysia. The islands are famed for their intriguing heritage of myths and legends of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance. As a natural paradise, Langkawi is unmatched in the region.
Access to the islands is by ferry from Kuala Perlis after a seven-hour drive from KL. There are also direct flights from KL, but it’s the road and the ride on the waters that creates a sense of adventure.
[B][COLOR=darkred]Accommodation. [/COLOR] [/B] Top-end: Berjaya Beach & Spa Resort (RM 700 or Rs.8,400); Mid-range: Casa Del Mar (RM 250); Budget: Sunrise Beach Homestay (RM 100).
For more information write to Tourism Malaysia Head Office, 17th Floor, Menaro Dato’ Onn, Putra World Trade Centre, 45, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur; Tel: 03-26935188; E-mail: tourism@tourism.gov.my; Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.
[B]Allen Mendonca [/B]