PENANG:..
Pearl of the Orient
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.
As fabulous as its beaches are, some of Penang's
deeper mysteries should also be experienced. According
to local folklore, the Snake Temple, dedicated to
a Buddhist healer-priest, was inhabited by snakes
who crawled out of the jungle on the night of the
temple's completion. The snakes are still there
today. The Kek Lok Si temple, at Air Itam, is reputed
to be the most beautiful and largest temple complex
in Southeast Asia. Its seven-story pagoda, over
90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese,
Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship.
Other worthwhile stops are the delightful Penang
Bird Park, the romantic peak of Penang Hill, Fort
Cornwallis, the site of Light's first landing, and
the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve (crisscrossed with
beautiful trails leading to isolated beaches). A
trek through the reserve's interior reveals rare
flora, monkeys chattering in the trees, sea eagles
surveying their prey, and maybe a glimpse of a Hawksbill
turtle heading for the sea. Some hotels organize
early morning treks through the forest.
SABAH:..
BORNEO'S PARADISE
For many visitors, the primary attractions of Sabah
are its outstanding national parks, which include
Kinabalu National Park, the Crocker Range Park,
and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. Others come
to enjoy the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National
Park and the diver's paradise of Pulau Sipadan.
However, Sabah possesses a number of other attractions
as well, all of which are worth exploring.
JOHOR:..
The Southern Gateway
Johor possesses a wide range of attractions, from
the exciting metropolitan atmosphere of Johor Bahru
to the forests of Endau-Rompin Park. The village
of Desaru and the remote and beautiful islands in
the South China Sea are favored by vacationers seeking
a relaxed and natural holiday environment, while
the state's commercial centres attract businessmen
from all over the world
