Saturday, October 3, 2009

Perak – Historical City And Resort Island

Ipoh and Taiping are the two cities in Perak that grew rapidly after the discovery of tin in the 19th century. At that time, Malaysia was the largest producer of tin and rubber in the world.



Around Taiping Lake Garden, located at the foot of Bukit Larut or Maxwell Hill is the old tin mines, golf courses and a zoo - that gives a touch of refreshing atmosphere in this town. The existence of colonial buildings, churches and the World War II burial ground in this peaceful town is recalling the memories of British era. Maxwell Hill is the most ideal place of solace for those who appreciate peaceful environment in a cute and fascinating rest house.


Visit Ipoh, the historic city of the former colonial centre and learn tin enriched the city. See the classic and beautiful colonial architecture - the Ipoh Railway Station, HSBC Building and St.Michael School. See also the various architectural styles around the city of Ipoh, such as the Royal Ipoh Club, City Hall and Masjid India. Another attraction of this city is the Sam Poh Tong Buddhist Temple which was built in the slit-gap limestone hills. Ipoh is also well-known as the place to try Chinese delicacy.


To the north of Ipoh is the Royal City of Kuala Kangsar, where the official residence of the Sultan of Perak is located - the Iskandariah Castle. Other attractions here include the Ubudiah Mosque and Istana Kenangan which houses the Royal Museum.

A small port town of Lumut which is located 80km from Ipoh is the entrance to the Pangkor Island. Both Pangkor Island and Pangkor Laut Island offer many good beaches of golden sand lapped by tropical waters. Pangkor Laut Island is privately owned island and run as the Pangkor Laut Resort that highlight the spa village of Emerald Bay, one of the best beaches in Malaysia.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Holiday In Sarawak.

Sarawak is known as 'The Land of the Hornbills' is a must visit tourist destination - with the winding rivers, thick rain forest with various flora and fauna and diverse lifestyles of its aboriginal people.

Boats still be the only means of transport, particularly to remote locations and this is one of the thing that Sarawak so special. It differs from Peninsular Malaysia and attract those who want an adventure full of challenges.

The longhouses along Skrang, Belaga, Batang Ai, Rejang and Baram river offers a beautiful scenery with amazing cultural and natural heritage. Explore the ancient rainforest by boat or cross-country activities such as jungle trekking, rafting and climbing.

Longhouse is very interesting to visit. A lot of crafts such as wood carvings, beads making and 'kain pua' weaving are still made in a group along the longhouse balcony.

Visit the Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah Caves which have archaeological importance. Most of the attractions are the National Parks with its natural features such as the caves, the exotic Refflesia flowers, the beaches, the rivers and various species of flora and fauna.

Know the people of Sarawak and cultural life in the Sarawak Cultural Village in the area of 15 acre which become the site of a traditional longhouses inhabited by the ethnic groups of Sarawak. Crafts, Cultural and Dances performance can be seen here.

The state capital, Kuching is the main entrance to Sarawak. Miri which is located in the northern part, operating as a regional center for air services to the remote areas of Sarawak.

The dry season in Sarawak is between March and October and this is the best time to visit. Accommodation should not be a problem because there are many hotels available - from Luxury Hotels to Budget Hotels.