Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the country’s showpiece, is a city of skyscrapers, contrasting vividly with historic Malacca, the ancient heart of the Malay culture. Old colonial hill resorts offer refuge from summer heat, while exotic Penang Island offers a heady mix of traditional culture and resort fun. Beyond peninsular Malaysia, yet more delights await on the stunning Langkawi islands and with the unique tribal cultures of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia’s provinces on Borneo. 

Year-round sunshine, superb scenery and a relaxed atmosphere ensure Malaysia’s continued reputation as a first-class beach destination. Recent promotions of the country as a shopping paradise and eco-tourism centre will doubtless draw many more people to discover the fabulous diversity of this beautiful country.

The Batu Caves lie a few miles to the north of the city. These large natural caves, reached by 272 steps, house the Hindu shrine of Lord Subramaniam. Nearby is the Museum Cave, a fascinating display of brightly coloured statues and murals from Hindu mythology. Templar Park, 22km (14 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, is a well-preserved tract of primary rainforest, which is rich in scenic beauty. Jungle paths, swimming lagoons and waterfalls all lie within the park boundaries. Malaysia’s latest agricultural park, located at Cherakah in Shah Alam, Selangor, has a large playing area with facilities for skateboarders and rollerskaters. The Forestry Research Institute, 15km northwest of KL, is a genuine example of ecotourism in that it is a stretch of jungle that has been protected and is now being used to study how this unique eco-system works. The centre also looks at ways of sustainable development and at ways of protecting this environment. There are a number of low eco impact trails that visitors can explore.