Special Interest Holidays

EXCITING DISCOVERIES MADE EASY!SPECIAL INTEREST HOLIDAYS

KUCHING

B

Santubong

K

BeluruB

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PadawanSerian

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K. Baram

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LAUT CHINA SELATAN(SOUTH CHINA SEA)

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SELAT MELAKA

(STRAITS OF MALACCA)

THAILAND

Pulau Jarak

Pulau Talang

Pulau Perhentian

P. Batu Puteh

PulauDayangBunting

Pulau Lang Tengah Pulau Redang

Pulau Rawa

Pulau SibuPulau Aur

Pulau Aceh

Pulau Besar

Pulau Ketam

Pulau CareyPulau Sembilang

Pulau Kapas

Pulau TenggolPulau Nyirih

Pulau Rawa

Pulau Lang

Pulau Bidung Laut

Pulau Tinggi

Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Sepoi Pulau TulaiPulau Tioman

Pulau Dayang

Pulau Pemanggil

Tanjung LemanJetty

Mersing Jetty

PulauLangkawi

Kuala Kedah Jetty

KualaPerlisJetty

SINGAPORE

SUMATERA

TanahRata

Tapah

Bidor

KualaKangsar

TAMAN NEGARA

Jeli

SelamaBukit Mertajam

PULAU PINANG

Salak TinggiNilai

Rawang

Kuala LumpurInternationalAirport (KLIA)

Alor Gajah

SEMBILANNEGERI

Jasin

Segamat

Kajang

Telok Datok KualaPilah

BANDARMELAKA

Bukit Kayu Hitam

Pasir Mas Tanah Merah

Machang

Pulau Kukup

Pulau Pisang Lundu

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Butterworth

SEREMBANTampin

KUALA LUMPUR

TASIK MUDA

TASIK KENYIRTASIKBUKIT MERAH

TASIK PEDU

TASIKTEMENGOR

TASIKLABONG

TASIKCHENDEROH

Teluk Intan

Kuah JitraK. Nerang

Pokok SenaPendang

Gurun

Nibong TebalParit Buntar

Gerik

Tumpat

Bachok

SikBaling Pasir Puteh

Kg. Raja

Marang Kuala Berang

Kemaman

Chukai

BesutMerang

RantauAbang

Dungun

Taiping

Parit

Lumut

Sabak

Jerantut

KualaLipis

KluangMuar

Batu Pahat

Klang

Kuala Selangor

Rembau

Mersing

PekanK. KubuBaharuBentongTemerloh

Raub

Gua Musang

Port Dickson

Sungai Petani

Maran

Bera

Kota Tinggi

Rompin

Pontian

Kuala Krai Merang Jetty

Dungun Jetty

BatuGajah

TERENGGANU

KELANTAN

PERAK

KEDAH

PERLIS

MELAKA JOHOR

SELANGOR

PAHANG

PUTRAJAYA

JOHOR BAHRU

SHAH ALAM

IPOH

GEORGE TOWN

ALORSETAR

KOTA BHARU

KUALA TERENGGANU

KUANTAN

KANGAR

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MAP OF MALAYSIA

Pulau BalakPulau Malawali

PulauBanggi

Pulau Kanawi

Pulau Sakar

Timbun Mata

Pulau Tabawan

Pulau SipadanPulau Si Amil

Pulau LayangPulau Usukan

Pulau Mengalum

Selangau

Labis

Bekenu

Miri

Sibu

Sarikei

Betong

Belawai

Menumbok

BintuluSebauh

Tatau

Ba’ Kelalan

Long Buroi

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Kapit

Niah Beluru

Bario

Long Seridan

Long AkahLio Mato

Sri AmanP

Matu

Igan

DaroMukah

BalingianSangan Belaga

K. Baram

Lahad Datu

Kuamut

Sandakan

Beluran

Semporna

Bongawan

PaparPutatan

Kota Belud

Kudat

Pitas

Telaga

Tuaran

Ranau

Tambunan

Luasong

Tawau

Tenom

Melukut

Nabawan

Sepulut

KOTA KINABALU

SARAWAK

SABAH

BRUNEIDARUSSALAM

INDONESIA

PHILIPPINES

MAL AYSIAKuala Lumpur

SINGAPORE

BRUNEIDARUSSALAM

PHILIPPINESVIETNAM

CAMBODIA

LAOS

THAILAND

MYANMAR

South China Sea

Straits of Malacca

INDONESIA

Pulau

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LAUT SULU(SULU SEA)

LAUT SULAWESI(CELEBES SEA)

S

LEGEND

State Capital

Federal Capital Expressway

Major Road

Railway Line

International Border

State Border

Major Town

Airport

Airstrip

Jetty Ferry Terminal

* Map not drawn to scale

T

Lubok Antu

Long Danga

Marudi

Limbang Lawas

LABUAN

Wallace Bay

Pulau Gaya

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Pulau Mataking

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO ENJOYMALAYSIA Malaysia is an exciting destination, a beautiful nation blessed with a fascinatingdiversity of cultures and natural wonders. Visitors come to Malaysia for a varietyof reasons. Aside from the usual sightseeing, there are those who visit thiscountry for a specific purpose. A wide spectrum of specialised tours is availablethrough tour operators and travel agents. Choose from an endless variety oftravel packages – eco-adventures, golfing, homestays, angling, weddings,

honeymoons, health and wellness, or, betterstill, create your dream holiday. Whether youare in the mood for shopping, adventure orsome serious pampering, Malaysia boastsendless holiday options and offers uniqueexperiences all year round.

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Eco-Adventure Endowed with a wealth of natural wonders,Malaysia’s lush rainforests and rugged terrainsmake it one of the best places for eco-adventure. National parks are aplenty, eachendowed with an incredible diversity of floraand fauna as well as impressive naturallandscapes, providing the perfect platform for avariety of eco-adventure pursuits.

Malaysia’s nature reserves have hiking trails,perfect for jungle-trekking. The country’s riverscater for both river cruising and white-waterrafting activities, with varying grades of difficulty.There are also plenty of rocky crags and wallsto satisfy rock-climbers. Those craving for moreextreme adventure can scale up thechallenging peaks of Gunung Kinabalu, GunungTahan and Gunung Mulu.

The country’s rough, undulating terrains alsoprovide the perfect platforms for 4WDexpeditions and mountain biking. With theabundance of impressive and intriguinglimestone caves, caving or spelunking isbecoming an increasingly popular activity inMalaysia. Malaysia’s lush tropical rainforests andlocation on the Australasian cross-migratorypaths also provide great opportunities for birdwatching.

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Sarawak has the largest number of nationalparks in Malaysia, which includes Gunung MuluNational Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taman Negara, Malaysia’s premier park, is thecountry’s largest national park and one of theworld’s oldest rainforests.

Events and Festivals Malaysia plays host to a number ofworld-class events throughout the year.Highly-acclaimed international eventssuch as the Formula One Grand Prix,Moto GP, International Dragon BoatFestival, Langkawi International Maritie &Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) and LeTour de Langkawi place Malaysia on theworld map.

Religious events such as Hari RayaAidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavaliand Christmas are hugely celebratednationwide, with the long-standingtradition of open houses adding to thefestive cheer. Thaipusam is another huge-

scale religious event that garners a lot ofattention every year. Thousands ofdevotees and curious onlookers wouldthrong Batu Caves on this day, with acolourful procession of devotees bearingkavadi all the way up to Temple Cave ina vibrant display of unwavering faith anddevotion.

Other cultural festivals such asGawaiDayak Festival – a major harvestfestival celebrated by the indigenouspeople of Sabah and Sarawak –Mooncake Festival and Tadau Kaamatanare equally lively and much anticipated.

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Witness some of the world’s biggestmotorsporting events at the SepangInternational Circuit, such as the Formula OneGrand Prix and Moto GP.

HomestayMalaysian homestays offer an opportunity for visitors to stayat a kampung, or a traditional Malay village. Wake up to thesound of birds and cockerels, and have a pleasant day withyour friendly host family. Savour local food and participate inthe delightful activities that have been lined up – plucktropical fruits from an orchard or try your hand at playing atraditional musical instrument. Unlike an ordinary holiday, thehomestay programme whisks visitors off to an oasis oftranquility and rustic charm.

Given the varied locations and settings, everyhomestay village presents a different and enjoyableexperience. There is always something to do or learnin a homestay village. The simplicity of the kampungfolk, along with the engaging pastimes that are foundhere, will create a unique and memorable vacation.Experience genuine Malaysian warmth and let thehomespun hospitalitywork its charm!

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Each homestay offers a different experience.Learn how to tap the rubber tree or maketraditional delicacies.

Spa Malaysia is fast emerging as one of theworld’s top spa destinations. Rejuvenateyour body and calm your mind withtreatments as diverse as Malaysia’s cultures.Consisting primarily of ancient Malay, Indianand Chinese healing rituals, the treatmentsare a mixture of therapeutic, rejuvenatingand relaxing therapies. The country’s lushtropical rainforests are excellent sources ofnatural remedies, with thousands of plantspecies containing a myriad of beneficial andmedicinal properties. These botanicalwonders are used as main ingredients invarious alternative treatments and therapies.

Malaysia’s stunning tropical landscapesprovide an ideal backdrop for a total holisticexperience. Spa resorts with a view areaplenty, set amidst lush tropical greenery oron a beach overlooking the ocean, makingspa sessions a truly sensational affair. Manyof these spas are also winners of variousinternational awards for the quality of theirtreatments, ingredients and environment.With home-grown raw materials, age-oldknowledge and local expertise, Malaysia’sspas offer visitors a taste of ancient Asiantraditions and practices.

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The country’s lush tropical rainforests are excellent sourcesof natural remedies. These botanical wonders are used asmain ingredients in Malaysian spa treatments and therapies.

Theme ParksFor the young and the young-at-heart, Malaysia’s themeparks and waterparks promise hours of fun andexcitement. Set in different locations – on a highland, withina shopping mall, in a cultural village, within a hot spring areaor in the middle of the city – each offers its own specialattractions that make a theme park visit a fantastic andmemorable experience.

Since the theme parks are located in different parts ofMalaysia, a visit to the theme park is also an excellentopportunity to see the natural beauty of the country andthe many tourist attractions nearby.

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Bukit Merah Laketown Resort’s Orang Utan Islandis the only orang utan sanctuary in PeninsularMalaysia, while A’Famosa Resort’s boasts the onlyanimal safari in Malaysia.

Diving Being at the epicentre of the world’srichest underwater environment, Malaysiais blessed with an abundance of marineparks, each with excellent visibility and athriving underwater ecosystem. Some ofthe region’s best dive sites are locatedhere, particularly in the waters ofTerengganu and Sabah.

In Malaysia, the avid diver will find afascinating variety of underwaterattractions available nowhere else in theworld. Pulau Redang offers vast coralgardens of unimaginable variety. PulauTioman, acclaimed as one of the world’smost beautiful islands, has excellent wrecksand reefs to explore by boat or from

shore. Pulau Perhentian, with its sapphirewaters, soft white sand, and trendylifestyle, offers endless varieties of fish of allcolours and sizes.

Pulau Sipadan, located right in the heart ofthe Indo-Pacific basin – the world’s richestmarine habitat – is rated as one of theworld’s top dive sites with amazing sightsof turtles, reef sharks and a 680-metredeep drop-off. Nearby Mabul attracts keennaturalists and photographers with itswealth of macro life. In Miri, discover athriving new destination that unveils reefswith a breathtaking marine life. The LabuanMarine Park is famous for its wreck sites,including two from the World War II.

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Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park has the country’sfirst and only underwater observation chamber.

ShoppingWhen it comes to shopping, Malaysia isregarded as a paradise by some. Whether yourpreference is high-end or budget, you’re likely tofind whatever your heart desires here.Sprawling shopping complexes and lifestylemalls with everything under one roof can befound in the major cities, especially KualaLumpur. Areas such as Bukit Bintang, KLCC andBangsar are well-known shopping districtsoffering everything from designer labels tocomputer peripherals. These malls do not onlyoffer floors of retail therapy, but also a host ofdining and entertainment options from bowlingarena to cinema.

Duty-free shopping is available in the islands ofTioman, Langkawi and Labuan as well as along theThailand-Malaysia border and in the airports. Thoselooking for traditional handicrafts and ethnic souvenirscan find them in craft centres around the country.Local day and night markets – such as Chinatown andPasar Seni (Central Market) in Kuala Lumpur, and PasarPayang in Terengganu – are great places to find somefabulous bargains.

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Watch out for the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival,the 1Malaysia GP Sale and the 1Malaysia YearEnd Sale (M-YES) for fantastic bargains.

GolfingWith over 200 golf courses, Malaysia is truly a paradise for golfers. Spread over undulatingterrain and verdant greenery, the country’s golf courses are a sight to behold. For anunforgettable experience, tee off with the South China Sea in the background, or enjoy therewarding ambience of the cool highlands. Malaysia boasts numerous golf courses ofinternational standards. World-renowned golf course designers such as RobertTrent Jones Jr., Jack Niclaus, Ross Watson and GregNorman have added their personal touch to thefairways in Malaysia.

SailingMalaysia is one of the leading sailingdestinations in the region, offering sailingenthusiasts well-equipped marinas andyacht clubs. The country’s unique naturalenvironment provides a colourful backdropfor exciting sailing holidays. All marinas andyacht clubs offer a venue for those with anadventurous spirit to join with like-mindedmariners in facing the challenges presented

by the elements. Being surrounded bywater means that yachters and boaters cango sightseeing around Malaysia’s manycoastal attractions.

Langkawi is a great place to start a sailingholiday as the waters of the Andaman Seaare superb, the sailing infrastructure isexcellent and it is a resort island withabundant attractions. Alternatively, there aremany East Coast islands where safeanchorages are assured and along thebusier West Coast the main ports of callinclude Port Dickson, Port Klang, Lumut,Penang and Langkawi. East Malaysia offersmore adventurous sailing with excellentmarina facilities at Kota Kinabalu’s SuteraHarbour.

With Malaysia’s fair and balmy weather all yearround, it is easy to pick up the clubs and head to thegreens without wondering if the weather would bekind. Both serious golfers and amateurs can play inthe same flight, as the local golf courses are designedwith multiple tees. The clubhouses offer modernamenities and fine dining facilities. Endowed withundulating fairways, beautiful scenery and a host ofnatural attractions, Malaysia offers a memorablegolfing vacation for all.

There are more than 200 golf coursesavailable throughout Malaysia.

The country’s unique natural environment provides acolourful backdrop for exciting sailing holidays.

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Culinary DelightsOne interesting way to explore Malaysia isthrough its food. Known the world over for itsabundance of culinary delights, Malaysia is theultimate gastronomic paradise. Its multiculturalsocial landscape gives rise to an irresistiblearray of cuisine in a smorgasbord of cookingstyles, from time-tested recipes passed downthrough generations to fusion versions thatgive an interesting twist to traditional dishes.

Eating out is certainly a gastronomic adventure, as the food here ranges from aromatic Malaydishes, delectable Chinese delicacies, to spicy Indian fare. Malaysia offers some of Asia’s finestcuisine, given the wide variety of cooking styles and cultural influences. In major cities with acosmopolitan lifestyle such as Kuala Lumpur, visitors will find many restaurants servinginternational fare.

The passion for food has made Malaysia one of the best destinations for a culinaryadventure. With each state in Malaysia boasting its own specialty fare, there are new tastes tosavour and delightful surprises to be discovered in almost every part of the country.

AnglingEndowed with a wide variety of fish species,Malaysia offers a prime tropical paradise thatpresents the angler with an opportunity todiscover one of the world’s top game fishingdestinations. The rivers and lakes, surroundedby primeval tropical rainforest, provide abreathtaking backdrop to angling. Thesepristine rainforest waterways, although morelimited in the number of species extant, cannevertheless test an angler’s skills to the limit.There are many existing species to be foundin Malaysian waters, often not in the recordbook, while quite a number of species are

not even identifiable. The sheer fact of being able to catch fish intheir natural habitat on nature’s own termsmeans that your angling dreams couldbecome a reality in Malaysia. Coupled withthe potential of world record catches, anexcellent climate and a wealth of diversecultures, Malaysia provides an angling venue‘par excellence’ and the chance to possiblyhave new species named after you.

Malaysia offers some of Asia’s finest cuisine, given the widevariety of cooking styles and cultural influences.

The coasts of Sabah and Sarawak are home to some of thecountry’s finest bluewater species, while the island of Labuanis located close to the prime fishing areas.

Welcome Selamat datang

Good morning Selamat pagi

Good night Selamat malam

Thank you Terima kasih

You are welcome Sama sama

Goodbye Selamat jalan

How are you? Apa khabar?

Khabar baik

I’m sorry Minta maaf

Rice Nasi

Vegetables Sayur

Meat Daging

Fish Ikan

Beach Pantai

Sea Laut

Mountain Gunung

Hill Bukit

Cave Gua

Lake Tasik

Road Jalan

Tips For Tourists

Local Information

Saying it in Malay

Bus Bas

Taxi Teksi

Train Keretapi / Tren

Flight Kapal terbang

Please Sila / Tolong

Help Tolong

Caution Awas

Entrance Masuk

Exit Keluar

Restroom Tandas

Shoes must always be removed when entering homes or places of worship such as mosques and temples. Most mosques provide robes and scarves for ladies. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but it’s best to ask for permission first.

While visiting a homestay village, please be respectful of local customs and traditions.

When sitting on the floor, men sit cross-legged while women normally sit with their legs tucked to the side.

When pointing, it is preferable to use the thumb with the four fingers folded under, rather than the forefinger.

To give or receive something, try to use the right hand.

Always ask for permission before taking photographs when you are in someone’s home.

The country’s large Muslim population does not consume liquor or alcoholic beverages.

The weather is generally warm with occasional torrential showers. Cotton clothes, rubber shoes and sun hats are the best.

Be respectful when you are at public ceremonies.

When taking a taxi, it is always best to determine the rate beforehand.

National parks are protected areas and visitors are advised to take note of the strict laws that govern these areas. Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints. A national park conservation fee will be imposed upon entry.

The sea can be rough during the monsoon season between October and February. Visitors are advised to practice caution while at the beach, especially if there are children. Established beach resorts continue to operate during this season but smaller chalets on the islands may be closed.

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TOURISM MALAYSIA HEAD OFFICE Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia) 9th Floor, No. 2, Tower 1, Jalan P5/6, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya Tel: 03-8891 8000 Tourism Infoline: 1 300 88 5050 (within Malaysia only) Fax: 03-8891 8999 E-mail: [email protected]: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

JOHORBangunan Sultan IskandarJohor Bahru, JohorTel: 07-227 0822 / 1822

JB SentralJohor Bahru, JohorTel: 07-224 4133 / 218 8070

Tanjung BelungkorKota Tinggi, JohorTel: 07-827 6500

Johor Premium Outlets Kulai Jaya, JohorTel: 07-590 9140

KEDAH Bukit Kayu Hitam KedahTel: 04-922 2078 / 1249

LangkawiLangkawi International AirportKedahTel: 04-955 7155

Kuah, LangkawiKedahTel: 04-966 7789 / 9416

Jetty Point, LangkawiKedahTel: 04-966 0494

KUALA LUMPURKL Sentral Station, Kuala LumpurTel: 03-2272 5823

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MATIC)Kuala LumpurTel: 03-9235 4848 / 4900

MELAKATaming Sari TowerMelakaTel: 06-283 6220 / 6230

NEGERI SEMBILANR&R Seremban - Port DicksonPLUS HighwayNegeri Sembilan Tel: 06-672 2726

PERAK LumutPerakTel: 05-683 4057

PENANGGeorge Town Penang Tel: 04-262 2093

Penang International AirportPenang Tel: 04-643 0501

SABAHTerminal 1Kota Kinabalu International Airport SabahTel: 088-413 359

Terminal 2Kota Kinabalu International Airport SabahTel: 088-447 075

LabuanLabuanTel: 087-423 445

SARAWAK Kuching International AirportSarawakTel: 082-627 741 / 742

SELANGORLow Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)SelangorTel: 03-8775 2518

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)SelangorTel: 03-8776 5647

TERENGGANU Kuala BesutBesut, TerengganuTel: 09-697 3166

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SIH (English) / IH / PSMarch 2013 (0313)

(TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL DRUGS CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY)

Published by Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Tourism Malaysia Published by

, Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

(TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL DRUGS CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY)

March 2013 (0313)SIH (English) / IH / PS

.inaccuracies which may occurourism Malaysia shall n publication, T Tourism Malaysia shall not be held liable for any err

matio e that the informade to ensurmissio or part without the written per

VED. No portion of ALL RIGHTS RESER

GS CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY)

ors, omissions or not be held liable for any errect at the time of ein is corrn contained her

fort has been . While every efon of the publisheroduced in whole epr f this publication may be r

Your Free Copy y