Showing posts with label Experience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Experience. Show all posts

Saturday, 3 March 2007

Bako National Park

A visit to Malaysia’s natural reserves turned out to be a thrilling experience. Malaysia has kept no stone unturned to safeguard and protect its natural heritage. And for me a visit to the oldest national park in Sarawak, Bako National Park was an awesome adventure trip.

Being located to the east of the Bako River near Kuching, the capital of Sarawak the park is easily accessible from Kuching along a 37 km road and short ferry ride. I started with ample information on Bako with the reservation in place. The tourist information center which is an old 19th century court house near the riverside provides with all the necessary information. I visited the place in the month of April which is the best time as it’s a drier season and it’s not advisable to go there during the months of October until March as the sea gets rough due to the monsoon and access to the park may not be possible.

Malaysia has a wealth of natural reserves and parks but Bako stands out for its extraordinary variety and contrast in its natural scenery, habitats, plant life, and its wildlife. I would call it as a treasure chest of nature’s flora and fauna. It’s a striking coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands, and many stretches of sandy bays. The amazing sea arches and sea stacks caused by the erosion of left me awestruck. It’s beautiful sandstone formations featuring pink and iron patterns on the cliff faces is a great sight to the eyes.

As a nature enthusiast I was delighted to find a wide range of vegetation including the varieties of pitcher plants and wild orchids. The park's mangrove forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, peat swamp forest, and kerangas forest was perfect for trekking through its 16 well-maintained jungle trails, making it the most interesting experience. During a walk in the forest I encountered long-tailed Macaques and silver leaf monkeys along with giant monitor lizards, plantain squirrels, wild boars, and mouse deer. And the most rare long-nosed proboscis monkeys are found only here. With a great love for swimming, I enjoyed my stay along with beach combing at low tide, and watching the sunset along the sandy bays of the park made my day. For the eco minded travelers and nature lovers Bako National Park is truly an ideal place as it turned out to be for me.

Boka National Park is definitely worth a visit and I had one of the best, unforgettable and enjoyable times at the park, amidst its amazing beautiful sights.

A Worthwhile Shopping Experience

Visit to Malaysia will make you discover a new facet of the country and that is shopping. For a shopaholic it will be an amazing experience and return back with loads of stuff at really cool prices. With mega sales and flea markets, shopping was light on the wallet. Though Malaysia has a wide range of shopping establishments in air conditioned malls to duty free shops where one can get everything at very low prices but to me what appealed were the night markets.

Shopping in the night markets was a different experience altogether. These markets feature hawker stalls selling anything from local handicrafts to designer goods. But these goods were fakes but so genuine that one could easily believe it. The night markets are known locally as “thieves markets” on the island of Penang. The Thieves Market is ideal for anyone who wants cut-price anything, from hand-carved religious effigies to encyclopedias. Bargaining being a common practice one could really get the goods at half the prices what the hawkers ask for. You will get some great buys and the most are the compact discs which came at such attractive prices you couldn’t resist buying them. Even the stalls selling compact discs were a large crowd puller.

The mega sale carnival was really a turn on. The event is a thrice yearly event when the prices drop down to the lowest with a sale up to 70%. Visitors throng the malls and bazaars during the sale and get great buys. From haute couture and high-gloss brands to home grown fashion Malaysia has everything. It’s a shopping marathon where all you need is a credit card which is humming.

Malaysia was truly an experience and shopping there was much more!

Experience - Colors of Malaysia Festival

Visiting Malaysia would be an unforgettable cultural experience for me. The city hosts numerous international events and festivals throughout the year and my visit coincided with the Colors of Malaysia festival in July. During this month the capital of Malaysia is filled with a burst of colors and celebrations as it ushers in the annual Citrawarna Malaysia or Colours of Malaysia festival. The festival kicks off with a parade involving over 6000 performers dressed in a variety of traditional Malay costumes. It covers all varieties of performing arts, visual arts and crafts, involving all 13 states of Malaysia, plus the capital Kuala Lumpur, which present the best of their entertainment, art and food. The opening is marked by a major parade.

This spectacular event brings all the heritage and culture of Malaysians from all states into one place. The parade was held at the Dataran Merdeka and usually starts at 8.30 pm and I reached a bit earlier as advised and got a perfect seat to marvel at the performers. At street level, I watched as the performers spin and twirl before me. The array of colors and the graceful movements of the dancers bombard my eyes with a beauty unknown to me before. The parade extravaganza is of a magnitude rarely seen in most countries and it concluded with a display of breathtaking fireworks.

The festival witnesses participants from all over Malaysia and spectators from all over the world for a joyous time. Even the king and queen become a part of this. The yearly festival has become popular among thousands of visitors, including journalists and travel professionals who come and become awe with this exotic land. Malaysia’s stands out with its wonderful way, many cultures live together and celebrate together.

Kuala Lumpur Nightlife is Fun

Kuala Lumpur did not disappoint me on my vacation to the city as to various other visitors. The city that never sleeps is alive and pulsating with its many magnetic nightspots from karaoke lounges, jazz bars, pool halls, pubs, discos, dance clubs and wine bars. The city waits for the sun to go down and it rocks to the rhythms of the nightspots. The pubs are open up to 11.00 pm, whereas the nightclubs are open late night.

My night out to the city’s heart throb of KL’s nightlife in Bangsar is amazing. Bangsar is located in the suburbs of KL. A single night out to the place left me craving for more and I made it a point to try each and every nightspot in town while I was here. Bangsar area has been dubbed as the Picadilly Circus of KL. The pubs, karaokes, and other night life and entertainment are abundant and packed even on weekdays.

For those who love to socialize and having fun, this is one THE place to be. A whole selection of cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants like Alexis, Red Chamber, Dome, etc. The whole atmosphere is great as there're many people chilling out at the bars and cafes. One can hear music from almost every corner of the streets.

Genting Highlands: Relaxes the Mind

Everyone, sometime or the other feels like being in the lap of nature away from the noise, pollution, hustle and bustle of the city. Someone who is living in Malaysia is quite fortunate to have so many options to fulfill his or her desire. Genting Highlands in one of the places in the country where one can have that elusive peace and relaxation of mind under the nature of mountains and majestic scenery.

Genting Highlands is 2,000 meters above the sea level. A magnificent city on the hilltop is only 50 kilometers from the capital city Kuala Lumpur. The majestic nature in form of crispy mountains and excellent scenery soothes your eyes. You will hardly believe that you are only a few kilometers from a place which never let you be with yourself. Genting Highlands’ specialties are its green forests, Lush green tropical rainforest shrouded in a veil of perpetual mist and excellent climate. The temperature normally ranges from 16 to 23 degrees.

The bountiful harvest of nature aided with International facilities. Many fabulous amenities for entertainment complement the scenic surroundings of this beautiful hilltop city. It houses the one and only casino of the country. It also features a theme park that offers tremendous opportunities to enjoy the natural assets of this place. People having a liking for bird watching, Genting Highland proves to be a great place. Altogether Genting Malaysia is a complete destination in itself.

Niraj Singh is working as Sr. SEO in Binary Semantics Ltd. Gurgaon, India. He has 5+ yrs. of experience in the field of Search Engine Optimisation. His expertise is in the travel domain making him a specialist in the field of websites related to Travels.

Cameron Highlands: In the Lap of Nature

Famous as the “Green Bowl” of Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands is an attractive sight located at 1,829 meters from the sea level. It was first discovered by British Surveyor William Cameron in 1885. It is the biggest producer of Cabbages, tomatoes, lettuces and green peppers. These products are supplied to most of the cities in Malaysia. For Malaysian city dwellers it is the best place to relax in the cool and fresh air of Highlands. Here they get a great respite from the noise and pollution of the city.

The hillside is planted with tea plants which greet you as you enter the region. During the British Colonial rule, the Cameron Highlands resembled England. Hence it has been a popular destination amongst Englishmen. Old English country inns, chalets, and government rest-houses in the form of quaint bungalows are the hallmarks of this Highlands. Green terraced slopes and mist covered mountains impart it the status of an ideal holiday resort.

You can reach there by road. The interesting features of Cameron Highlands are mainly Tea Plantation, Nature Hiking and Strawberry Farm. The cultivation of tea is most important factor behind the good economy of Cameron Highlands. While visiting the tea factories you can please your taste buds with freshly brewed tea. For Nature lover this place is like a heaven. Unspoiled natural beauty, attractive flora and fauna and impressive waterfalls make this place perfect for hiking. Strawberry farms are other attractions for the visitors over here. Cameron Highlands Hotels offers great amenities to get you relaxed and energetic for sightseeing.


Niraj Singh is working as Sr. SEO in Binary Semantics Ltd. Gurgaon, India. He has 5+ yrs. of experience in the field of Search Engine Optimisation. His expertise is in the travel domain make him specialist in the field of Websites related to Travels.

A Story of Evolvement

One of the vibrant and happening countries of Southeast Asia, Malaysia, has an impressive historical background. The warm tropical climate and natural prosperity of this country has invited many immigrants since it was discovered. Almost 5,000 years ago, the ancestors of Oranf Asli who are the locals of Peninsular Malaysia, settled here. They were the pioneers of general movement from China and Tibet. Malays followed them around the first century BC and they established a strong trading links with China and India. Their arrival brought about major cultural and social changes in the country. Along with Hindu and Buddhist culture, Islam also spread. Melaka Sultanate ruled both straits of Malaka over a hundred years.

Malaysian history is full of ruling and dethroning of several foreign kingdoms. A dramatic change was noticed when Europeans arrived there in 1511. Portuguese captured Maleka and they had to escape to Johor where they tried to establish a new kingdom. Resistance from the Europeans, Acehnese, Minangkabau and the Bugis resulted in sovereign units of the present-day states of Peninsular Malaysia. In 1641, the Portuguese tasted a defeat by the Dutch who colonized Melaka. British people acquired Melaka from the Dutch in 1824. Thereafter the influence of British kingdom reflected throughout the region and political integration of Malay states of Peninsular Malaysia started taking place.

When the World War II got over in 1945, the British created the Malayan Union which was abandoned in 148 and Malaya Federation emerged in its place. This federation got freedom from British rule in September 1963 and Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and initially Singapore came together to form Malaysia—a country with diverse culture, traditions and people.

Niraj Singh is working as Sr. SEO in Binary Semantics Ltd. Gurgaon, India. He has 5+ yrs. of experience in the field of Search Engine Optimisation. His expertise is in the travel domain make him specialist in the field of Websites related to Travels.

The Pleasant Asian Dragon

A rapidly growing economy and the so called Asian Dragon, Malaysia is located in the south-east Asia. Two parts form the entire region of this country. The very first one is Peninsular Malaysia which borders Thailand in North and Singapore in south. The second part is East Malaysia which features the states of Sarawak and Sabah that share the Island of Borneo with Indonesia. This country is popular as one of the most happening, pleasant and hassle-free destination in the world.

Diversified societies pervade throughout the region of Malaysia. Malay, Chinese and Indians constitute the social establishments. This country is an interesting fusion of vibrant and interesting culture and customs because of the presence of these diverse societies. You will find Chinese mostly in trade and Malays in government. As for visiting destinations in Malaysia, the Peninsular part of the country is more popular amongst the tourists. Divided into the East Coast and West Coast, by the Titiwangsa mountain range, both the regions have charming attractions. However west coast is more developed whereas East coast has a rustic charm.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of the country and located on the west coast. It proves to be an ideal point to start the tour. It is a bustling city with lots of activities, shopping arcades and pleasant surprises. You can have a relaxing period in Cameron Highlands away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place has maintained the charming and cool character of it since its inception. Many other islands and historical places like Langkawi Island, Melaka and Penang have excellent features to stun you. Visitors with adventurous attitude can turn towards the Sarawak or Sabah region which offers great wildlife adventures. As for staying in any part of Malaysia, you do not need to worry about this aspect at all. Malaysian Hotel have all the facilities to make your stay quite comfortable.

Malaysia Travel: Rich Experience

This beautiful Southeast Asian country welcomes you with a lovely traditional and touching statement “Selmat Datang.” Malaysia is a vibrant and exotic country which has abundance of cultural and technological prosperity. The diverse cultural heritage is complemented by the lush landscape, delicious foods and variety of modern and ancient festivals. Several Indian, Chinese and Malay festivals share the list of holidays in the country.

Traveling Malaysia will give an altogether different experience. The two distinct parts of Malaysia can be explored separately. The Peninsular part constitutes the land that touches the border of Thailand and Singapore in Asian continent. The least populated East Malaysian province Sabah and Sarawak are separated from the mainland by the South China Sea. You will encounter the dense jungles of Sabah and Sarawak with plethora of plants and Wildlife. Do visit the Mt. Kinabalu that stakes its claim as the highest peak in South East Asia.

The Peninsula Malaysia attracts most of the visitors in Malaysia. And it is all because of the diversity in terms of people, culture and activities. Visitors like to travel Malaysia because it offers a comprehensive platform of modernity and history to be explored. If you wish to spend your days in cooler climate, you can head towards the Highland regions. For beach and sand freaks, Langkawi is the popular choice. Eastern coast feature many places like Kelantan province that offers you a nice opportunity for exploring the Malay life. Kota Bahru comprises of best of artistic values. For quenching the historical interest, one can turn towards the western coast which features the capital city Kuala Lumpur.

Niraj Singh is working as Sr. SEO in Binary Semantics Ltd. Gurgaon, India. He has 5+ yrs. of experience in the field of Search Engine Optimisation. His expertise is in the travel domain make him specialist in the field of Websites related to Travels.

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