Selangor

Selangor is centrally located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Selangor is also known as Darul Ehsan. With a population of over four million residents, Selangor is said to be the richest and most industrialised of all Malaysian states. Selangor is the country's premier state with its huge resources, well developed communications network, industrial estates, and skilled manpower. It was declared as a developed state in the year 2005.

Kuala Lumpur was the capital of Selangor until it was made the federal capital in 1974. The state's appeal lies in its wide range of attractions: natural, man-made, historical and cultural. Most of these attractions are within close proximity to KL and can be covered within a few days. Shah Alam, a well-planned city and the capital of Selangor, is home to the country's first agro-forestry park at Bukit Cahaya. The sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in the heart of Shah Alam is an architectural masterpiece.

With Port Klang, the largest port in Malaysia situated here, the state has since developed into a rapidly growing economy. The diverse economy is mainly based on tin, rubber, agriculture and tourism. As tin and rubber became prime commodities in the world market, Selangor's wealth grew, thus laying the foundation for activities, which thrusted the state into industrialization. Many of the country's largest industrial operations are found in the various industrial zones. They range from commercial activities to manufacturing, tourism, and industrial.

Once a prolific producer of tin-ore, Selangor today is renown for the world famous Royal Selangor Pewter. Pewter items are made from refined tin, antimony, and copper. Royal Selangor pewter is considered original and the best of its kind. Its factory, located in Setapak, is opened to public.

Selangor has a fascinating diversity of creeds, cultures, and races in its population. Malay, Chinese, and Indians mingle freely with other minorities such as the Eurasians. Home to more than 2.74 million, Selangor is also the most populated state in the country.

The Kuala Selangor Nature Park, a sanctuary for a myriad of migratory birds is the perfect place for bird-watching and outdoor activities like camping and jungle trekking. A few kilometres away at Kampung Kuantan one can watch the spectacular 'light' show of thousands of fireflies in a mangrove swamp at dusk. The Batu Caves, a well-known Hindu shrine located in a huge limestone outcrop outside KL, attracts a daily stream of visitors as well as thousands of devotees during the annual Thaipusam festival. The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia in Kepong provides the uninitiated an educational experience and a breathtaking view of a typical Malaysian forest from its canopy walkway amid the tree tops. Closer to KL, Selangor's premier theme park, the Sunway Lagoon, offers world-class recreational facilities for hours of family fun and excitement.

The climate of Selangor is tropical in nature with tepid, sunny days and cool nights all year round. The state receives irregular rainfall throughout the year with January and February receiving the most. The humidity levels are also high in this part of Malaysia.
Shopping in Selangor is an experience in itself. There are bustling "pasar malam" (night markets), bazaars, quaint little shops, department stores, and modern multifaceted shopping malls, each providing its own unique shopping experience.

Eating out will be no problem in Selangor. The state has evolved into a gourmet's paradise with its varied offerings of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisine. Selangor abounds with high classed restaurants of every imaginable cuisine. However, the cheapest and therefore most popular places are the roadside hawkers who offer a full range of local delicacies. The visitor may also find that coconut and sugarcane juices are great thirst quenchers, as well as easily available!

Penang

Penang is located in the Malay Peninsula. It is also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, although it actually means ‘island of a betel nut tree’. It is an island with a colourful history and eternal charm that will surely enthral any incentive traveller. With over one million inhabitants, Penang is the eighth most populated state in Malaysia.

Penang is characterised by an equatorial climate which is consistent throughout the year. The weather stays warm and clear with brief but abundant rainfall from June to September. The humidity is tempered by cool breezes with the surrounding sea influencing the climate to a great extent.

Penang's outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region. Resorts of international standards have mushroomed along its beaches offering full facilities for rest and recreation.

Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a unique blend of the East and West. It is one of the most competent economies of Malaysia with manufacturing as its major industry sector. Evidence of its glorious past can be seen in Fort Cornwallis, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi and Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram. Penang has religious attractions, museums and galleries, parks and gardens and the historical places, all are famous visiting sites in Malaysia .

A characteristics sight in Penang is its gailly decorated trishaws which offer tourists a fun way of taking in the island's sights at a leisurely pace. For an exhilirating experience, cross over to teh mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of Asia's longest or experience the romance of travelling on its famous ferry, once the only link with the mainland. Take a refreshing drive up forest clad hills to enjoy the scenic beauty of the island.

Other worthwhile tourist spots on the island are
The Penang Hill -The romantic peak of Penang Hill includes the Western Hill, Tiger Hill, Strawberry Hill , and others of dense tropical forests gives a broad panoramic scenic view of the city below.

Kek Lok Si -temple, at Air Itam, is reputed to be largest Buddha temple complex in Southeast Asia know for its beautiful design . Its seven-story pagoda, over 90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship.

Penang Bird Park -Other worthwhile stops are the delightful Penang Bird Park. It is a bird's paradise. This man-made island holds within its beautifully-designed aviaries over four hundred species of birds from all over the world..

The Botanical Gardens at Penang offer peace and tranquility among lush green surroundings, tropical plants, waterfalls and the vibrant colours of its flora and the well-known bold Rhesus monkeys. The intimate Orchid and Hibiscus Garden and a Reptile Farm include an ornamental Japanese pond, a cacti garden, a pottery corner, a deer park, and cascades . The Park covers a wide area of hilly terrain, ferns, ephiphytes and wild flowers, exotic butterflies, birds and insects.
The Snake Temple -According to local folklore, the Snake Temple, dedicated to a Buddhist healer-priest, was inhabited by snakes who crawled out of the jungle on the night of the temple's completion. The snakes are still there today. It is the only temple of its kind in the world has large number of pit vipers coiled around objects on the altar.

Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple , the famous Buddhist temple of Thai architecture, holds a magnificent gold-plated reclining Buddha that is said to be the third largest in the world and the urns behind the statue contains the ashes of devotees.

St George's Church is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. It was built with convict labour in 1818.

The Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, built in the late 19 th century , features an ornately decorated priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam , embellished with gold, silver, diamonds, and emeralds.

Penang Museum and Art Gallery located at Lebuh Farquhar houses old photographs, maps, charts and historical relics of the place.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the focal point of new Malaysia. It is a amazing place for one to visit. Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital of Malaysia and is the principal centre of commerce, politics, entertainment and international activities. The city, defined by its colourful culture and rich natural reserves, is also Malaysia’s largest city. Having achieved its city status in 1972, Kuala Lumpur is now a prosperous city housing about two million people. Also, it is the only city in the world which has a million-year-old forest area within the core of its existence. This city of paradise with its rich cultural heritage offers lot of places to visit in Malaysia which is listed below:

The National Zoo

The first place that you should visit is the National Zoo and Aquarium. The National Zoo is located 13 kilometers north-east of Kuala Lumpur. which has many different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The aquarium too is impressive with its enormous collection of marine life and other and freshwater species. The Zoo and Aquarium are both open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
This is another place you must visit, which is located at Jalan Hishamuddin. Built in 1910, this Moorish-style terminal was designed by architect A.B. Hubbock . The building was last renovated on 1986. It has the modern facilities that travelers find a convenience.

Central Market
The central market in Kuala Lumpur is also another place to check out for its beauty. The market is known for the traditional handicrafts, antique items and artworks that make great souvenirs. This heritage building houses shops selling diverse offerings like gems, woodcarvings, antique clocks and batik. It is an excellent hunting ground for shopping buffs. The market is not simply a place where things are bought and sold, but is in fact a major location where demonstrations and activities take place, such as painting, fortune telling, shadow puppet plays, glass blowing, dance classes, and art classes. This is so well known for its activities and designs that it was awarded the Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953. It used to be a wet market more than 50 years ago, and today it is an emblem of Malaysian culture.

Petaling Street

Petaling Street is often described as Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown and is situated in one of the busiest area in KL. It still maintains the traditional atmosphere it had in its genuine form. The night market holds a treasure of the visitor that does not cost anything. A line of stalls come to live in front of the pre-war shops, offering products of every description, from fake leather goods to the obligatory "Dunhill" watches. The Petaling Street is situated at a short walking distance from the central bus station in the city. The area attracts many locals and visitors in search of bargain items, including inexpensive dresses, shoes, fabrics and souvenirs. It transforms itself into a bustling and lively night market when part of the road is closed to traffic at about 6pm.

Garden City

It has much to offer to visitors from modern shopping complexes to the colourful bazaars at Chinatown and Central Market. More conspicuous is its 'Garden City' ambience, apparent the moment one lands in the city. At night, the streets adorned with trees and decorative shrubs, as well as the buildings are colourfully lit to give the city a unique dazzle.

National Library:
This library is located at Jalan Tun Razak.It is a blue roofed library having a wide range of collection about Malaysia by Malaysian authors in addition to historic Malay manuscripts. The library is a recent structure in Kuala Lumpur; it opened in 1982. The tengkolok-shaped roofs cap an open-air amphitheatre space; symbolizing the unity of our country. Symbolizing pride and respect of nation’s culture .

KL Tower
Another important palce to visit is the KL Tower. It is the third highest telecommunications tower in the world. It was completed in 1995. It is Malaysia's top tourist destination, which will provide breathtaking view of the entire city. Menara KL has developed an exciting program where people may dine, shop as well as have a bird's eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city.

Merdeka Square

Dataran Merdeka occupies a very significant place in Malaysian history. It is in the heart of downtown KL. Giving the place its due respect, it has the tallest flagpole in the country with the Malaysian flag hoisted on it. . Surrounding the square are many interesting and buildings of historical interest, including the Royal Selangor Club where KL's elite meet, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, the National History Museum and and the modern Dayabumi Complex. .

Masjid Jamek

The Masjid Jamek is situated at the point where both rivers the Sungei Klang and the Sungei Gombak converge. Right at this very place has the history of Kuala Lumpur started. The mosque was built in 1907 and officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor on 23rd of December in 1909. The Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur is the oldest mosque in KL. It has a striking redbrick and marble exterior, a beautiful example of north Indian Islamic architecture. Located at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers, this historical mosque sits on the land in which miners were in search of tin long ago. Masjid Jamek was the main mosque of Kuala Lumpur until the National Mosque was built in 1965 .

Malaysia-Overview

Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, covering an area of 330,200 sq. km , Malaysia is at one of the world's major crossroads, With different places to visit. Malaysia is a country rich in colour and contrasts and multi-faceted charm. Tourists are vehemently attracted to this land of fascinating sights and intrigued to the point of being spellbound. Be drawn to a nation so peaceful and safe. A country made up of the Malays, Chinese and Indian.

Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage is apparent. Besides this, Malaysia boasts of fine beaches with crystal clear waters, the world's oldest tropical rainforest, spectacular cave systems and the tallest twin towers in the world. Its warm tropical climate and abundant natural blessings made it a congenial destination for immigrants as early as 5,000 years ago when the ancestors of the Orang Asli, the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, settled here, probably the pioneers of a general movement from China and Tibet.

Malaysia is served by an excellent transport system. Once you are in the country there is always transport available to you to even remote areas. Getting around the country poses little difficulty. There are various modes of travel - air, rail, or road. Each mode is efficient, convenient, and affordable. Travelling by road in peninsula Malaysia is popular as it has well-developed network of roads. Visiting Malaysia is a gastronomic experience.

With the diversity of races living here, as well as the number of expatriates and foreign visitors, many varieties of foods including Malay, Chinese, Indian, European, Arabian, Asian and many others can be found. Lose yourself in captivating sights and let the sounds and smells entice your senses.