Thursday, February 28, 2008

Perak



Welcome to Perak

Perak

Ubudaih Mosque
Ubudiah Mosque Kuala Kangsar’s crowning glory, the mosque was constructed at the turn of the century and features Islamic architecture in its magnificent domes and minarets.

Teluk Intan Leaning Clock Tower

The town of Teluk Intan is mainly noted for its unusual leaning clock tower. This pagoda-like structure has a leftward slant and stands at 25.5m. It was built in 1885 and was originally used as a covered water tank.

Royal Belum

Covering a vast area of 117500ha, the Royal Belum state park ranks second after Taman Negara. A wildlife haven, it possesses an immense wealth of flora and fauna which includes large mammals such as elephants, rhinoceros, tapir and tigers.

Taiping Lake Gardens & Taiping Zoo

Taiping Lake Gardens is the oldest and among the most beautiful in the country. The large lake, lush greenery and diverse flowering plants are its major attractions. Located within the area is the Taiping Zoo which houses local andexotic wildlife species in excellent surroundings.

Bukit Larut

Visitors can enjoy the refreshing cool air and breathtaking view of the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia at the summit (1035m). A former tea plantation, Bukit Larut, also affectionately known as Maxwell Hill by locals, is the country’s oldest hill resort.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to over 160 species of birds, including the rare Milky Stork and several types of migratory birds as well as a good variety of land and sea mammals.



Gua Tempurung

These ancient caves stretch over a kilometre from the south of Sungai Siput to Kuala Dipang and comprise of five domes with ceilings that resemble coconut shells with various formations of stalactites and stalagmites.



Sungai Klah Hot Spring

Relax and rejuvenate at the family baths as well as swimming and therapeutic pools which are reputed to have healing properties. Also available here are a garden, pebbled reflexology path and water reflexology courses.



Pangkor Island

This popular island offers visitors the unique opportunity to live near fisher folk and observe their lifestyle, savour seafood delicacies, or simply enjoy the sun, sea and sand at the numerous beaches along its beautiful coastline. Located nearby is the exclusive Pangkor Laut Island, noted for its world-renowned resort.



Royal Museum

Built as the royal residence in 1926, it was originallynamed Istana Kenangan. A unique wooden building constructed without the use of nails, the museum showcases Perak’s royal regalia as well as pictures and history of the royal family.



Pasir Salak Historical Complex

Within the complex are memorials erected in honour of Malay warriors such as Dato' Maharaja Lela, Dato' Sagor and Si Puntum. Other interesting sights include Mr. Birch's memorial monument, the burial site of Si Puntum, Dato' Maharaja Lela's fortress and the Lela Tentaka cannons used against the British army.



Kellie’s Castle

In 1915, William Kellie Smith, an English rubber planter commissioned the construction of this mansion which was never completed. It is believed that this mysterious mansion has hidden rooms and a secret tunnel.



Ipoh Railway Station and City Hall

The Ipoh Railway Station was completed in 1917 and features a mixture of Moorish and Victorian architecture. It has one of the best station hotels in the country known as the Majestic Hotel. Just across the station is the Dewan Bandaraya or City Hall, a huge white neo-classical building.



Homestay

Come experience rural life in charming agricultural villages. Stay with the locals, take part in their daily activities and explore the scenic countryside. Homestays are available at villages in Bagan Datoh and Bukit Gantang.



Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

The Perak Tong Temple within one of the caves houses grottoes with statues and paintings of Buddha set into nooks as well as a 12.8 metre-high sitting Buddha. A passage leads to the cave’s 385 steps and opens onto a ledgewhich gives a view of the countryside. Another famous cave temple is the Sam Poh Tong Temple in Gunung Rapat which features various statues of Buddha set among natural stalactites and stalagmites.



Lost World of Tambun

This exciting water theme park features a wave pool, natural hot spring, children’s area as well as tube slides and speed coasters. Visitors can also take the opportunity to see the theme park’s tigers in action at the Tiger Valley.



Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

Within this fun-filled resort are a unique Orang Utan Island cum sanctuary, hotel, water theme park, an eco-park as well as water sports and entertainment facilities.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Penang






Welcome to Penang

Penang
Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is one of the grandest clan temples in the country. Clustered in its square are an elaborately embellished temple, association building, a traditional theatre as well as several 19th century row houses.

Kek Lok Si Temple
Reputed to be the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, the temple stands majestically on a hill in Air Itam. It boasts the beautiful “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” which blends Chinese, Myanmarese and Thai architecture.

Snake Temple
Built in 1850 and dedicated to the deity, Chor Soo Kong, the temple is a sanctuary for pit vipers said to be “servants” of the deity. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Featuring 18th and 19th century Chinese architecture, this stately mansion comprises beautiful bedrooms, libraries, ceremonial halls, courtyards and gardens. It also houses a rare porcelain collection, sculptures, carvings, tapestries, embroideries and antiques.

Fort Cornwallis
The fort was built on the site of Sir Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it is now a concrete structure and currently houses cannons, a history gallery, café, handicraft and souvenir centre as well as an open-air amphitheatre.

War Museum
Built around the remnants of a British fort, this 20-acre museum contains several installations above and below ground where old war relics are stored. Visitors can weave through a complex to view barracks, old cookhouses, lock-ups, tunnels and ventilation shafts.

Penang Museum
Hundreds of old prints, paintings, clay, stone and porcelain ware as well as other historical artefacts that highlight the important periods in Penang’s development can be found here.

Kapitan Keling Mosque
Built in early 19th century, the mosque features an ochre yellow façade and a dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. It was named after the Indian Muslim merchant, the Kapitan Keling (headman), Caudeer Mohudeen. Acheen Street Malay Mosque Built in 1820 on land donated by SyedSheriff Tengku Syed Hussain Aidid, the vernacular-style mosque, also known as Masjid Melayu, features an octagonal minaret and a Moorish arcade.

Chinatown
Large and well-preserved, its numerous clan houses, shophouses and temples provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of early Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s.

Little India
This quaint Indian town dates back over two centuries and boasts the 167 years old Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Worth browsing here are the pre-war terrace buildings which house restaurants, jewellery and textile shops, dress retailers, music stores, barbers as well as shops selling spices, sundries and cutlery.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Contained in this mansion are elaborate traditional costumes and accessories, lovely porcelain pieces, furniture, orks of art brought in from China and Europe as well as artefacts elated to the history and colourful lifestyle of the Baba Nyonya people of Penang.

St. George’s Church
The church is one of the oldest landmarks in the city and was named after the patron saint of England. It features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram
A unique Buddhist temple with Thai, Myanmarese and Chinese architecture, it houses a 33-metre gold-plated reclining Buddha said to be one of the longest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns contain the ashes ofdevotees.

P. Ramlee’s House
Originally built in 1926 to commemorate the late P. Ramlee, Malaysia’s foremost entertainer, the house features the life history of the late singer, actor, composer and film director. The various exhibits include his personal memorabilia and also items belonging to his family.

Penang Hill
Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill is 830m above sealevel. Ascend to the top by hiking up or by travelling in the funicular trainwhich has been operational since 1922 and enjoy the cool climate aswell as the fantastic view at the summit.

Penang National Park
The park offers excellent hiking trails which lead to secluded beaches at Teluk Duyung, Muka Head and Pantai Kerachut. It also has a turtle nesting site as well as a unique meromictic lake.

Tropical Spice Garden
Visitors can get a feel of plants, birds and insects in a tropical environment at this eight-acre garden which has over 500 exotic varieties of plants.

Tropical Fruit Farm
Spread over 25 acres of hilly terrain, the farm produces over 200 tropical and subtropical fruits including durians, lychees, mangoes, guavas and several lesser known varieties.

Penang Butterfly Farm
The farm spans 0.8ha and is home to 3,000 living specimens from over 50 species of colourful butterflies, frogs, scorpions and other insects.

Penang Bird Park
The park spans 5 acres and houses some 800 birds from all over the world. It is beautifully landscaped and features a walk-in aviary, ponds and ornamental plants.

Gurney Drive
A favourite haunt for food enthusiasts, this coastal road is famous for hawker foodstalls and restaurants offering a mouth-watering selection of Penang specialities such as asam laksa, hokkien mee, chee cheong fun, pasembor, rojak and various other delicious local delicacies.

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