Highlights van Maleisië

About the destination: Penang is a state of Malaysia located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca, compose it two parts, Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. Penang is one of the most developed and economically important states in the country, as well as a thriving tourist destination. George Town is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. MAIN ATTRACTIONS TOURIST - UNESCO World Heritage Zone & Armenian Street, old historical area in the heart of the UNESCO Heritage Zone in downtown Georgetown. - Penang Hill. Probably has the best view of Georgetown, especially at nighT. - Penang Botanic Gardens. The gardens were established by Charles Curtis of Britain way back in 1884; it's generally known as the Waterfall Gardens by the local community because of a little waterfall located within it. - Pulau Jerejak Resort, This tropical island, is located directly across the channel from the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, on the south eastern coast of Penang island. The island is now open to the public as a recreational resort. - Tropical Fruit Farm. - Penang Durian Farm. Snake Temple built in 1850 in memory of the renowned Chinese monk Chor Soo Kong. The Snake Temple is situated in the small town of Bayan Lepas on the edge of a highway and is famous for the fact that it has pit vipers living within the temple grounds.

About the destination: Perched in the misty hills of central Peninsular Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands offer a cool, refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Established as a British hill station in the 1920s, the region still carries a subtle colonial charm, with mock-Tudor guesthouses, cozy tea rooms, and manicured gardens. Temperatures hover between 14°C and 24°C year-round, making it an ideal destination for leisurely walks, scenic drives, and long afternoons over a hot pot of tea. The highlands are most famous for their emerald-green tea plantations, which ripple across the slopes in perfectly trimmed rows. Visit Boh or Cameron Valley Tea plantations to tour the factories, learn about tea processing, and enjoy a cup with sweeping views over the valley. Early mornings are particularly atmospheric, as low clouds drift through the hills and the light softens the landscape into a patchwork of greens. Beyond tea, Cameron Highlands is a haven for nature lovers. Mossy Forest, often cloaked in mist, is a highlight—an otherworldly ecosystem of gnarled trees, hanging moss, and rare orchids, best explored via guided tours along boardwalks or jungle trails. You can also hike through farmland and forest to waterfalls, visit strawberry farms where you can pick your own fruit, and wander through vibrant local markets selling fresh produce, honey, spices, and handmade souvenirs. The main towns—Tanah Rata, Brinchang, and Ringlet—serve as convenient bases, each offering a mix of budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and boutique stays. Getting around is easy by taxi, local tours, or rented car, though roads can be winding and often busy on weekends and holidays. For a more relaxed experience, plan your visit on weekdays outside peak school holidays, and bring a light jacket for the cool evenings among the clouds.

About the destination: Taman Negara, often described as the green heart of Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests—over 130 million years in the making. Spanning more than 4,300 square kilometers across three states, this national park offers a rare glimpse of a pristine ecosystem where dense jungle, winding rivers, and rugged mountains come together. It’s a destination for travelers who want to go beyond beaches and cities and immerse themselves in raw, unfiltered nature. Most visitors base themselves in Kuala Tahan, a small village that serves as the main gateway to the park. From here, longboats ferry guests across the Tembeling River to the park entrance, where well-marked trails, simple chalets, and a visitors’ center await. The journey to Taman Negara itself is part of the experience: many travelers choose to travel by boat from Kuala Tembeling, a scenic 2–3 hour ride that passes riverside villages and dense jungle along the way. Once inside the park, activities revolve around exploring the rainforest. The famous canopy walkway—suspended high above the forest floor—offers a bird’s-eye view of the treetops and a good chance to spot birds and monkeys. Jungle treks range from easy boardwalk strolls to challenging multi-day hikes, including overnight stays in basic wildlife observation hides. River cruises at dusk, visits to waterfalls, and night walks to spot insects, frogs, and nocturnal animals round out the experience. Taman Negara is also home to the indigenous Orang Asli communities, who offer a window into traditional forest life. Many organized tours include respectful visits to their villages, where you can learn about blowpipe hunting, survival skills, and local customs. Facilities are modest and the climate is hot and humid, so packing light, breathable clothing, insect repellent, and rain protection is essential. For travelers who value adventure and biodiversity over luxury, Taman Negara is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding jungle escapes.

About the destination: Kuala Lumpur is located at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers and is the capital city of Malaysia and the commercial, economic, financial and cultural center of the country. Kuala Lumpur is one of the emerging city in Asia and it is experiencing a fast paced development and is now a bustling metropolis. Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrast, a combination of modern, cosmopolitan and old world charm. Old colonial buildings, temples, minarets and domes blends well against a backdrop of skyscrapers. The Petronas Twin Towers, one of the world’s tallest buildings, dominates its skyline yet the feeling of old world charm still lingers at the older part of the city. The lush greenery everywhere make it a garden city and at night, its buildings and streets are lit brightly and turn Kuala Lumpur into a city of lights. Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city with a unique blend of customs, traditions, colorful festivals, cultures and a vast array of delicious food. This dynamic city has much to offer for every visitor.

About the destination: Malacca, also spelled Melaka, is one of Malaysia’s most historic and atmospheric cities, where centuries of Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence blend into a unique cultural tapestry. Located along the Straits of Malacca, this former trading hub invites visitors to slow down and soak in its colonial architecture, colorful shophouses, and riverside charm. The compact historic center is easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for a weekend escape from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Start your visit at Dutch Square, where the iconic red buildings of Stadthuys and Christ Church anchor the old town. Climb St. Paul’s Hill to wander among the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and enjoy sweeping views of the city, then continue to A Famosa, the remains of a 16th‑century Portuguese fortress. As you stroll through Jonker Street and its surrounding lanes, you’ll find antiques shops, boutique galleries, vibrant murals, and traditional Baba-Nyonya (Peranakan) homes that tell the story of Malacca’s multicultural heritage. Food is a highlight here, and Malacca’s cuisine reflects its diverse past. Don’t miss chicken rice balls, satay celup (skewers dipped into a communal pot of bubbling satay sauce), and Nyonya dishes like ayam pongteh and laksa Nyonya. In the evenings, the Jonker Walk Night Market (Friday to Sunday) comes alive with street food stalls, live music, and souvenir stands, creating a lively atmosphere that contrasts with the city’s daytime tranquility. To experience Malacca from a different angle, take a river cruise at sunset and watch the shophouses, bridges, and street art glow in the fading light. Explore nearby Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village, to see wooden houses on stilts preserved amid the modern city. Whether you’re drawn by history, food, or photography, Malacca offers a charming blend of old and new that rewards slow, unhurried exploration.

About the destination: Singapore is a city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia and is a spotlessly clean, efficient, regulated, modern city. The city has an interesting mix of old and new cultures, combining the skyscrapers of the Business District with a very interesting blend of ancient cultures in some of its districts. Singapore is one of the greenest cities so much so that the city is dubbed the Garden City. One of the main attractions are the Botanic Gardens, which includes the superb Orchid garden that is beautifully landscaped and has a great variety of orchids. The Merlion is probably Singapore's most famous landmark. This Merlion structure is located at Merlion Park, which is located in the Central Business District. There are some fascinating ethnic areas such as Little India, Arab Street, Chinatown and Geylang. These areas are definitely worth visiting if you want to experience some real Singaporean culture. Other attractions include world class museums, stunning colourful shops, Marina bay and lush parks. Besides the shopping, Singapore has great food. Being home to various ethnic groups, Singapore has created a wonderful mix of flavors and textures in their cuisine. Singapore is one of the most vibrant and modern cites in Asia with a tropical climate, with delicious food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene it has become one top destination on its own right.

About the destination: "Kuching, officially the City of Kuching, is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. It is also the capital of Kuching Division. The city is situated on the Sarawak River at the southwest tip of the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Kuching is a major food destination for tourists and the main gateway for travellers visiting Sarawak and Borneo. Kuching Wetlands National Park is located about 30 kilometres from the city and there are many other tourist attractions in and around Kuching such as Bako National Park, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Rainforest World Music Festival, state assembly building, The Astana, Fort Margherita, Kuching Cat Museum, and Sarawak State Museum. The city has become one of the major industrial and commercial centres in East Malaysia. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Tua Pek Kong Temple, Jl. Padungan. This temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching and located strategically at the heart of Kuching. • Sultan Iskandar Planetarium. This first planetarium ever built in Malaysia is in the Kuching Civic Centre complex. • Kuching Civic Centre. This is the best place to get a 360° aerial view of Kuching City. • Kuching City Mosque. It was previously the main mosque for Kuchingites and known as the Sarawak State Mosque, later it was re-designated as the Kuching Divisional Mosque. • Kuching Waterfront. • Friendship Garden. The garden is developed to mark the symbol of friendship between China and Malaysia."

About the destination: Bintulu is a coastal town in the central region of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is located northeast of Kuching. The town is also a gateway to Samalajau Industrial Park. Among the tourist attractions in Bintulu are Similajau National Park, Tumbina park, Tanjung Batu beach, Jepak village, Kuan Yin Tong temple, Assyakirin mosque, Council Negri monument, Tamu Bintulu, and Pasar Utama markets. Borneo International Kite Festival is held annually in the town.

About the destination: "Kota Kinabalu known as Jesselton is the capital of the state of Sabah, located in East Malaysia. It is also the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. The city is located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea. The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park lies to its west and Mount Kinabalu, which gave the city its name, is located to its east. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Atkinson Clock Tower. • The Signal Hill Observatory. • The Green Connection Aquarium. The best place to see Borneo's aquatic wildlife without leaving the city. • Tanjung Aru Beach. Kota Kinabalu's most popular beach. • Likas Bay Beach • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. A collection of 5 islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik) just of the coast of the city. • Double Six Monument. It is a memorial site on the location of a the 1976 plane crash which killed the state chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens and other state cabinet members. • The northern coast of Kota Kinabalu contains undisturbed scenic geographical features including Karambunai and Dalit Beach and behind these beaches is a lagoon-type estuary containing Mengkabong and Salut rivers. "

About the destination: Kinabalu National Park or Taman Negara Kinabalu, located 88 km from the city of Kota Kinabalu, in the federal state of Sabah, on the west coast of the island of Borneo, Malaysia.