Malaysia

Penang needs little introduction to many visitors to Malaysia, having long been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations. Penang's outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region.

Located at the northeast corner of Borneo, Sabah was known in ancient times as the "Land Below The Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah's terrain is rugged, with Mt. Kinabalu, at 4,101 metres,  dominating the surrounding landscape. It has a wide diversity of flora and fauna, as well as one of the world's largest rainforests. Sabah's people comprise 31 different indigenous groups, including the Kadazans, Muruts, Bajaus, Kedayans, Sulu, Bisaya, Rumanau, Minokok, and Rungus.

 The capital of Sarawak is Kuching. Kuching is also known as the "Cat City". Kuching's landmarks is a giant plaster cat sitting at the end of Jalan Padungan with one front paw raised and its backside turned toward the city. More to the point, Kuching is believed to have the world's only cat museum, in suburban Petra Jaya.

The main city, on the western side, has markets, hotels, nightclubs and the waterfront. A newish waterside promenade runs along the river to the clean white lines of the Kuching Hilton at the southern end, with other major hotels clustered nearby.

The broad waterfront promenade is the city's most popular meeting place now, with cafes and live entertainment, benches for watching the passing parade and restored old buildings including the Square Tower, which is now a tourist information centre.

Behind the waterfront are the main bazaar with everything from good tour operators to antique shops, a clock tower and the court house, with its obelisk remembering Charles, the second of three of English Brookes - the White Rajahs - who ruled Sarawak for for more than 100 years.
 

Langkawi
Monkeys, deer, iguanas and peacocks roam about freely on Pulau Singa Besar which is being develop as a wildlife sanctuary. Picnic on the idyllic beaches and enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the surrounding waters.

To conserves the island's natural habitat, no hotels or chalets have been built. Instead, camping is encouraged. Camping equipment is available for rent at reasonable rates while showers and toilets are for the use of campers and daytrippers alike. This back to nature experience is enjoyable and educational.

Learn more about Malaysia at www.interknowledge.com/malaysia/