Kinabalu National Park

At 4,095 m, it is the tallest peak in Malaysia and proudly overlooks Kinabalu National Park. What makes the park unique is the range of climates, from subalpine flora at the summit of the mountain to tropical hardwood forest on the lowlands. This diversity has allowed more than 6,000 plant species to thrive, many of which can only be found in the Kinabalu. Therefore the park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2000. Photo by: spooneater

The most common park resident is the state flower of Sabah (rafflesia). It blooms just once every nine months, and only for a few days, but it is a sight worth waiting for. The rafflesia is the world’s largest flower, and its spotty orange-red blooms can measure nearly 1 m across. Although it is very attractive, the smell is not pleasant. Photo by: chin yee LAM

The summit trail up the granite slopes of the mountain is both a challenging and popular climb for hikers. It is recommended to tackle the slope over two days, pausing overnight at a rest house near the peak. Beginning in a forest of chestnut and oak trees the trail is lined with brightly colored rhododendron and exotic orchid plants. You will also see abundance of pitcher plants. Near the summit, few trees can tolerate the climate. Instead you will find mosses and hardy grasses covering the rocky slopes, and at the very top, the best views of Borneo. Photo by: Stoncel

Why you have to visit Malaysia...

You might be wondering where in the world a small country called Malaysia is once you heard it from your friends at work. Yeah, maybe pointing your cursor on the Google search might help, to give you a bit of information about us. But here is the solution. We give you 10 reasons why you should stop going to Singapore or Bali for your next summer vacation!

1. Malaysia is a truly Asia
- The first reason why you should come to Malaysia is you don’t have to travel far to see the whole asian cultures, as Malaysia is what we called the truly asia. Given three major races, the Malay, Chinese, and Indian, you will step in a country full of cultural diversity and colors! Go travel Malaysia now!

Citrawarna Celebration

2. Largest Sun tan saloon for free of charge

- Forget about the famous tan saloon in California, we have the most natural sources to get your body in full tan within a minute. Just kidding! With the average of 30 to 34 degree Celsius annually, grab your sunblock lotion now and let’s sunbathing!

3. Because of your slim and tough beach bodies

- Owh come on! Why would you spend hours everyday, working out in the gym if you can’t show anyone your perfectly toned beach body. Thus, we provide you our famous scenic beaches stretching widely from north to south.

Tanjung Aru beach, Langkawi, Malaysia

4. The underwater heaven you might never think of!

- Take our Redang Island for example. With our largest coral and reef reservation, you should never miss of our unforgettable scuba-driving experience. Feel the magic moment being surrounded by the Blue Damsels, the Clown fish and the striped Butterfly fish in our underwater heaven. Vacation Malaysia anyone??

Redang Island Fish

5. Even your office clerk has been here.

- You have no idea how cheap it is to travel to and around Malaysia. Here is the trick! If you are an American, you should use the 3.5 rule (*as USD$1 = MYR$3.5x). For instance, take $30 dollars and multiply it with 3.5, the answer is equivalence to one night-stay in a 4 star hotel in major cities! Or maybe spend 3 bucks for a complete lunch set in our local restaurants!

6. You won’t have to miss your tasty BigMac(R)

- List down all your American outlets and restaurants, and don’t be surprised to see that we have almost of them here. McDonald’s, KFC, BurgerKing, Starbucks, or you name it! If you are from Japan, we have your Sushi King here. In fact, the famous designer Jimmy Choo and the Bond lady, Michelle Yeoh were used to have their lunch here with us. Disclaimer: All trademarks are not related to vacationsmalaysia.net

7. Maybe you are not the only blonde in town

- According to our statistics, there are more than 10,000 Americans, 50,000 Europeans, and thousands from other Western countries are currently visiting and residing in Malaysia. Maybe you don’t realize that your parents are here too. Better call them now to confirm this!

KLCC and KL towers in background

8. Have your portrait in front of one of the world tallest towers

- With the height of 452 meters tall, our Petronas Twin Towers or simply called KLCC are our pride and the proof of our rapid development. Take another look at our communication tower, the KL Tower, and have someone from the street to take your picture with those towers in background.

9. Forget your NASCAR racing, we have it too here!

- Since 2001,we are proudly presenting the world our own International Formula One Circuit in Sepang.

Love the water sport race? Visit Terengganu for it’s Monsoon Cup yacht race, which has received worldwide participation and coverage. And guess what, we have the world number one squash and badminton player that we have grown locally with our own secret recipe!

Monsoon Cup, Terengganu, Malaysia

10. Historical places and monuments that will capture the moment

- For over centuries, we have done a good job in maintaining the heritages and the monuments of the past. Step into Malacca for instances to witness the great Portuguese historical landmark, the A’Famosa which used to be a military fortress against the enemies and pirates. Or take a ferry to Penang for a trip to the British colonial era by visiting the famous Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia.

A'Famosa Malacca (Porta de Santiago)

Taman Negara National Park

Malaysia is naturally proud of its national park, Taman Negara, 4,343 square kilometers of virgin forest and home to over 200 varieties of animals and just as many species of plants, trees and blooms.

A paradise, not just for botanists and entomologists, it is a heavenly haven for all who wish to get away from the concrete jungle, and experience the real jungle.

The journey to Taman Negara is an adventure in itself, and as you skim over rivers in narrow boats or motorized sampans, through lowland and cloud forests, you will be serenaded by the music of nature - the chirping crickets, the calls of the birds and the rustling of the wind among the leaves of the trees that are said to be more than 130 million years old. This two-hour journey will take you to the park headquarters in Kuala Tahan, where you'll start your activities.

Taman Negara is a magical place of lush greenery, and its serene tranquility will weave its spell over you as you make your way through the park, be it on a single night safari or a nine-day trek up Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain on Peninsular Malaysia. Walk amongst the tall giants of old - the meranti hardwood trees, and look around in wonder at the seeming ease with which they touch the heavens.

Be discreet and you'll catch a glimpse of the gentle giants of Taman Negara - the elephants. Be still and you'll see deer and other animals lapping it up at the salt licks. Hear the roar of the giant cat - the Malaysian tiger and be in awe of its majestic dignity.

Drift silently down the meandering rivers, and see the kingfishers, monkeys, hornbills, and other exotic birds and animals as they watch you from the water's edge or from the treetops. Take a walk in the clouds and join the birds, 25 metres above the ground, on the canopy walkway. Take a hike and take the plunge, into waters crystal clear and cool, rejuvenated by the spray of waterfalls crisp mountain air.

A'Famosa Water World

This is the southern region's playground for water lovers. Designed for families it offers water-based attractions with safe bathing and water activities for children. Among its novelty rides are high speed slides, body slides and jet skis which enable older children to enjoy action-based thrills on water.

For the younger ones, there is the 'Arabian Village', a brightly-coloured playground structure inspired by Moorish architecture. Topped by onion-shaped domes and minarets, the Arabian Village offers unlimited fun for younger children as they climb the steps, go through water tunnels or slide down water tubes and slides.

The Lazy River, 504m long and 3 - 9m wide is the longest and widest theme park river in the country and here families can enjoy a leisure ride together aboard a family raft. If you think there is no fun without waves, just head towards the Wave Pool where swelling waves are simulated artificially and recreate the 'seaside atmosphere'. You can experience getting splashed about by waves - but without fear of getting into the 'deep end'.

Genting Theme Park

First on the scene in the world of Malaysia theme park entertainment was Genting, a highland resort about 51 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Carved out of the Ulu Kali mountain range at 2000 metres above sea level the hill resort soon acquired the tag 'City of Entertainment' because of the range of entertainment activities. Cool mountain air further added to its lure as a place to get away from it all and be transported into a world of excitement.

The Genting Theme Park is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. Indoors, the theme park contains skill games, computerised as well as coin-operated, and an opportunity to go into mysterious landscapes, or experience double action. Space Odyssey 20 zaps you through the darkness of space on a terrifying roller coaster ride.

If you want to get a quick glimpse of the attractions of the world, take the Around the World Train Ride where animated figures dressed in their national costumes will greet you as you pass each country's landmarks.

Genting is also well-known for its casino which offers Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Keno, French Bull and Tai Sai among its range of games.

A World of Fantasy, Excitement and Adventure.

Fascinating Malaysia beckons all - especially those who are traveling with their families and young children. Malaysia has a string of thrilling theme parks and fun resorts that will transport one into a world of fantasy, excitement and adventure. In theme parks, heroes and villains come alive in thrilling games. Roller-coasters loop and twirl at terrifying speed as thrill-seekers find themselves free from the daily routine of life and transported into a world of make-believe. Malaysia's range of theme parks generally combine a mixture of water activities, adventure, futuristic experiences, games and rides, while resorts are just the place for relaxation and sightseeing.