beaches of Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur actually means 'muddy estuary' in Malay; this comes from the city's roots as a sleepy seaside shanty town. However, once you arrive in Kuala Lumpur, it is impossible to imagine anything but the large, modern and sprawling city that occupies this part of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is divided into several areas - the City Center is the obvious administrative and corporate region, and is home to the old Chinese commercial center (Chinatown). The Golden Triangle is located to the northeast of the city, and is home to shopping centers, many five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur and jumping nightlife. Tuanka Abdul Rahman is the vibrant shopping hub of the city, and is home to several traditional Malay festivals, including Hari Raya Puyasa and Deepvali. The central railway station is located in the Brickfields area, which is Kuala Lumpur's Little India.

Kuala Lumpur is known to have one of the highest concentrations of five-star hotels in the world - at some of the best prices. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is in the heart of the business and shopping districts, and only 45 minutes from the international airport. It takes advantage of the sultry tropical Malay climate to surround itself with gorgeous lush gardens, one of the chain's signature features. 

Of course, the impeccable Shangri-La service and a focus on quality through the basic facilities is evident also. The JW Marriott is the Marriott chain's flagship hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and pays homage to the local culture, art and sensibilities with its traditional Malay decor. The hotel is in good company, locality-wise - situated on Bintang walk, you can step out the front doors of your hotel and immediately find designer shopping and a vibrant dining and entertainment culture. If you are looking for a more authentic Malay experience, make your hotel reservation in Kuala Lumpur at the Marriott.

If you are looking to stay in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur for a longer period, the Prince is the solution for luxury serviced apartments. The complex is enormous, with a wide selection of shops, a health club, pool, spa, convenience store and a large selection of restaurants. It is conveniently located, yet far enough away from the action for a peaceful sleep.

If you are a seasoned traveller, you have no doubt found that it is difficult to find top-class restaurants that serve cuisine native to the area. The Top Hat Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur is a notable exception, with its traditional Malay fare, and also a mix of Malacca Portugese, Thai, Nonya and vegetarian recipes. The desserts at the restaurant are generously sized and decadent in flavour - great to share with a special friend!

Kuala Lumpur also spoils you for choice in rooftop bars. And why not, with such stunning luminous nightiime skylines as in Kuala Lumpur? The Skybar is a great place to break in your dancing shoes, and your cocktail-drinking shoes. The bar, set on thirty-third level of the Traders Hotel, has a central pool for hot summer nights and lovely plush sofas. Another one of Kuala Lumpur's rooftop favorites is the Luna Bar, which was recently renovated and now more chic than Paris itself. The bar has open areas for you to rise above the city air of Kuala Lumpur after 10pm, when the party starts kicking into gear. If you want to dine at Luna Bar, best to come early.

There are many bargains to be had in Kuala Lumpur, on all the travelling essentials like hotels in Kuala Lumpur, shopping, dining and entertainment in the city. Do a little research, and enjoy yourself!

Kuala Lumpur, or KL, as it is fondly known, is the capital as well as the largest city in Malaysia. Located midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the meeting points of two significant rivers such as the Klang and the Gombek, Kuala Lumpur is one of the Malaysia's three federal territories, others being Putrajaya and Labuan.

As a tourist spot, Kuala Lumpur presents an array of tourist attractions, from towering building, incredible mosques, and beautiful monuments to relaxing parks, spectacular gardens, and interesting museums. Few among many of the attractions in the city are Merdeka Square, also known as Independence Square; Petronas Towers, which is perhaps the greatest of all attractions in the city; Batu Caves, a sacred spot of Hindus; Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, a magnificent Moorish-style building; Masjid Jamek, also known as Friday Mosque; Masjid Negara - the largest mosque in South-East Asia; Chinatown, a bustling area in the city; and National Science Center.

Hence, Kuala Lumpur is visited by people from across the world throughout the world. In order to cater to the growing needs of the tourists, Kuala Lumpur comes with an array of accommodation options such as hotels and resorts. For well heeled and luxury lovers, the city has some excellent options in the form of five-star and three-star hotels. Usually, these hotels are within close proximity to some of the top tourist attractions in the city such as Petronas Tower, and provide visitors to choose from a number of accommodation choices such as standard rooms, suites, guest rooms, and apartments.

Apart from these, majority of these hotels are coupled with two or more restaurants, serving everything from local cuisines to western dishes. There are also some hotels attached with superb bars with extensive selection of wines and other beverages. Likewise, if you are health conscious traveler or one seeking relaxation after a day's sightseeing, then go for such hotels attached with state of the art fitness centers, excellent spa providing spa treatments, sauna, and superb swimming pools.

Above all, a number of hotels in the city provide facilities in the form of several types of packages. Some hotels offer some kinds of discounts on certain types of packages when you make bookings within a stipulated time period. In some instances, packages cover overnight stay in suite with separate bedroom and living room, complimentary breakfast, free usage of broadband internet, discounted spa treatments, and free car parking.

There are also packages that are especially crafted for weary travelers, which include excellent spa and beauty treatments, apart from overnight stay in stylish rooms and daily breakfast. In addition, special packages are also available for shopping enthusiasts, inclusive of accommodation in elegantly appointed rooms, sumptuous breakfasts, and superb facilities for shopping. Likewise, exclusive packages are also made available for business travelers. Aside these, many of the top end hotels customize packages according to the unique requirements of travelers; no matter you are leisurely tourists, sightseers, or business travelers.

With the introduction of the internet, it has become quite easy to locate a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Since many of the hotels have their own websites with features such as room amenities, rates, and above all online booking facilities, this in turn enables tourists to choose the most appropriate accommodation option that goes with your requirements and to make bookings in advance.

Penang is a wonderful island destination in Southeast Asia, located in the straits of Malacca, on the north-west coast of Malaysia. Located just four-hour drive by air from Kuala Lumpur - the capital city of Malaysia, the city boasts of an enormous variety of attractions in the form of cultural spots, ancient shrines, beautiful beaches and islands, and several other natural landmarks including Penang Hill.

Equally interesting is the long history of Penang dating back to the mid 16th century when some of the Portuguese merchants from Goa (India) who cruised to the Far East in search of spice stopped on a small rocky isle on the northern coast of Penang in order to obtain fresh water from a river close by  the locals called these Portuguese traders ferringi. Later, this rocky islet came to be known as Batu Ferringhi, otherwise known as Lover's Isle. However, the Portuguese named the main island 'Pulo Pinaom', literally meaning Betel Nut Island. This later became Penang, which means 'palm tree.' Probably at that time there were areca nut palm trees in abundance in the area.

In the 17th century, Penang served as a natural harbor during the monsoon months for Arabian, Chinese, Dutch, French, and Indian ships. In meantime, Penang also became much popular among the pirates who plundered ships that traversed via the Straits of Malacca. By the 18th century, the spice as well as opium trade between the East and west became greatly popular.

At this time, the Dutch dominated the spice trade. Later, the British also took steps to enter the scenario to dominate spice trade. As a result, they sent Captain Francis Light to establish good trade relations in this region. But, during this time Penang was under the control of the Kingdom of Kedah. In 1771, the Sultan of Kedah handed over Penang to Captain Francis Light in return for protection against the threats of Burmese and Siamese.

After a year, Francis Light sailed to Junk Ceylon in order to form a business there, along with one of his friends, James Scott. This in turn allowed him to gain knowledge on the customs as well as the language of the people, thereby enabling him to win the trusts of the people. Later, in August 1786, Light landed at today's Esplanade in order to officially take possession of the island. This marked the propitious beginning of the first British settlement on Malaysian soil.

After this, the area was renamed 'Prince of Wales Island.' Later, Light founded a settlement on the northeast peninsula of the island, and named it George Town to honor George, the then Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. As a result, this uninhabited area's population rose to 10,000 by the end of the century. Prince of Wales Island soon flourished as a trading post for tea, cloves, pepper, nutmeg, and textiles.

Meanwhile, when Sultan Abdullah, the then ruler of Sultanate of Kedah, learned that the British is not willing to offer protection, he gathered an army to retake Penang. However, Kedah was defeated, and accordingly Sultan Abdullah entered a contract with the British to hand over Penang to the British. In return, Light agreed to pay the Sultan annually an amount of 6,000 Spanish dollars. This system still continues, and today Penang Government pays RM 18,800 to the Sultan of Kedah every year. When Francis Light died in 1794, his position was taken over by Martina Rozells and William Light.

During the beginning of the 19th century, the settlement of Penang was transformed into Presidency. By the middle of the 19th century, Penang witnessed a glorious trade, with the founding of rich deposits of tin in nearby state, namely, Perak.

Later, Penang was famed as an immigration port, serving immigrants from across the world, particularly from South India and South China. After some times, steps were taken to link Penang by ship to such destinations as Medan, Rangoon, and Singapore.

By the turn of the 20th century, Penang became an important center for trading rubber. In 1905, the first hydroelectric system in the region was completed. Soon after a year, the city's first electric tramway was developed. Gradually, other modes of transport were also introduced here, such as rickshaws.

During the1930s, Penang became an important center of entertainment, with an array of cabaret and cinema halls and gambling centers. This in turn paved way for the ruin of many rich families. Penang further suffered as a result of the Wall Street Crash. Soon after this, the Second World War broke out in 1941. During this time, the region was bombed. As a result, the British took off to Singapore. Then, came the fearful days, when Penang was dominated by the Japanese Kempettai. Eventually, the Japanese force surrendered to the English forces in 1945.

After long years of struggle for power between the democratic forces of Britain and Malaya and the communists, Malaysia attained independence in August 1957, and Penang became one of its 13 states. Penang is now officially known as Negeri Pulau Pinang.

Kuala Lumpur is the largest as well as the capital city of Malaysia, located halfway along the Peninsular Malaysia's west coast, at the convergence of the two prominent rivers, the Klang and the Gombek. Occupying an area of about 250 square kilometers, Kuala Lumpur is one of the three federal territories of Malaysia, others being Putrajaya and Labuan.

Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is fondly known, was a mining settlement during the 1800s. But, the destination now excels in all arenas including trade and commerce, finance and banking, transportation system, and manufacturing processes. In fact, Kula Lumpur has now become a modern thriving city, and serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the nation.

As one of the top tourist destinations of Asia, Kuala Lumpur offers visitors touring the city a plenty of things to see, from towering building, incredible mosques, and beautiful monuments to relaxing parks, spectacular gardens, and interesting museums. Probably the most popular among the attractions is Petronas Twin Tower or the twin towers, which is one of the world's tallest edifices.

Petronas Tower consists of two towers, both of which are connected at the 41st and 42nd levels by an elegant sky bridge. This architectural splendor is influenced by the Five Pillars of the Islam, and stand out from other buildings in the area. Among the highlights within the towers are Petrosains Discovery Centre and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and an array of shopping malls. Situated on the Bukit Nanas hill is another popular building in the city, namely, KL Tower, which is the world's tallest concrete tower as well as the fourth tallest telecommunication tower. Climbing atop this 425 meters high tower enables you to get a bird's eye view of the city.

All of the mosques seen in KL are unique and is noted for its architectural grandeur. One of most prominent mosques in the city is Masjid Jamek, which is the oldest of its kind in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1909, this amazing mosque is a blend of Moorish and North Indian Islamic architecture. However, the principal mosque in the area is the National Mosque, featuring an umbrella-shaped dome that represent royal patronage and a 75 meters tall minaret that takes after a flower bud.

For those who want to take a peep into the history, heritage, and culture of the region, one of the best ways would be to take a tour to some of the interesting museums in the region such as the National Museum, which exhibits archeological and historical artifacts, and Islamic Arts Museum, with Islamic artifacts that have been collected from across the globe.

A lot number of other options are also available for history buffs, in the form of National Monument, which is built to commemorate the nation's heroes who sacrificed their lives during the several phases of the nation's history; Merdeka Square, which is the spot where the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag was hoisted on August 31 1957 depicting the nation's independence from the British rule; and Old Railway Station, which stands as a fine example of the Moorish architecture. For nature and animal lovers, some of the not to miss attraction are the National Zoo and Aquarium and Lumpur Lake Gardens coupled with Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Deer Park, and Butterfly Park.

Points of interest in Kuala Lumpur also include the National Planetarium, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC), Golden Triangle, and Batu Caves, which is a sacred place of Hindus. In addition, KL is a shopper's paradise, with an array of shops and boutiques in such areas as Central Market, where you can buy artifacts related to Malaysia's folk arts; and Petaling Street, which is a great place to shop leather items and perfumes.

No matter you are business traveler, family vacationers, or honeymooners, Kuala Lumpur renders an array of accommodation options in order to ensure your stay at the city memorable as well as enjoyable. Many of the luxury hotels in the area allow you to choose from a number of accommodation choices such as deluxe rooms, executive rooms, and premier studios.

Mostly, the rooms are replete with almost all amenities such as television, tea/coffee making facilities, mini bar, security system, internet access, and much more. Further, majority of the hotels provide a range of facilities including restaurants, fitness center, spa facilities, conference and banquet facilities, and parking facilities. Above all, many of them are within easy access to top attractions in the city.

In a word, Penang food is both famous and fabulous. When people mention Penang food, they are more often than not referring to hawker food and coffee shop dining. It's true that some of the hype is overblown but it cannot be denied that Penang is home to many uniquely delicious chow. Ironically, hawkers in other states or towns have been known to pull the crowd by simply advertising their food as hailing from Penang, regardless of its authenticity or quality.

In short, an infinite variety of dishes are yours to savor - all you need do is pick and choose. Thanks to early Chinese migrants, Chinese cuisine ranges from Cantonese to Teochew to Hokkien to Hainanese to Szechuan cooking. There's also Penang Nyonya food, which is a combination of Chinese, Malay and some Thai. The Penang variety of Nyonya food, apparently, is different from the Malaccan or even Singaporean versions. For a touch of luxury, try a five or ten-course Chinese meal at one of the restaurants or hotels in town.

Definition of Penang Laksa: A rice noodle dish in a spicy fish mackerel broth soup . Unlike the ghastly rich coconut version that you can find in Singapore ( Katong Laksa ), this dish is almost plebian in comparison as the main ingredient in the broth is mackeral (ikan kembung) and "asam" or sour tamarind. Besides these two, there are ingredients that give Penang laksa its distinctive scent and they include herbs like the lemongrass, ginger flower (bunga kantang), blue ginger (lengkuas) .

Typical garnishes include mint, pineapple slices, thinly sliced onion and a dollop of hai-ko, a thick sweet prawn ketchup. This dish is iconic to Penang and is well-loved by the locals who eat it at all times of the day!Nasi kandar is famously popular with Penangites, and many restaurants selling it are well known not only to those on the island but those in other states as well. It is quite common to find people from other states detouring to Penang just to stop for a meal of nasi kandar before proceeding on their journey elsewhere...With fishing being a major economic activity on the island, Penang is naturally a haven for sea food, and a handful of restaurants have already achieved legendary status among locals and foreigners.

Being home to a mix of ethnicities, there is always something happening in Penang. The colourful events and elaborate festivals occurring all year round make this city a much sought after travel destination at anytime of the year. There are plenty of that offer discounts and cheap stay depending on the time of the year.

1.    January in Penang brings with it the Chinese New Year, which is one of the most colourful festivals of the city with its lion dance and parades and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals.

2.    The unusual festival of Chap Goh Meh takes place in February, which is important for unmarried women and is considered the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day.

3.    In April, Penang celebrates Songkran, honouring the Thai New Year. Many festivities are hosted in the Thai temples to mark the occasion.

4.    May is the month for the Penang International Triathlon and attracts athletes from all over the world, making it one of the most popular international events taking place in the city.

5.    June hosts the famous International Dragon Boat Festival, which is held near Batu Uban, and is again a famous international event, with foreign teams as well as local teams competing.

6.    The month of July hosts the colourful Penang Beach Carnival which continues for a week in Batu Ferringhi. This is ideal for visitors to get a complete idea of the culture of Penang highlighted by the shows, fashion parades, music performances and culinary competitions taking place making it a complete family package.

7.    Another comprehensive and fun representation of Penang culture takes place in the form of the Penang Cultural Festival, in the month of August. This festival is packed with performances and events throughout the month showcasing Penang's rich and diverse heritage.

8.    Also celebrated in the month of August is the Malaysia National Day, where locals celebrate their independence day through parades, performances and shows.

9.    In September, the Malaysia Fest takes place, developed specifically keeping the tourists and visitors in mind. It involves some of the teaming up with shopping complexes to provide tourists with a complete picture of Malaysian culture, cuisine and handicrafts.

10.    October is the month of the Shopping Carnival. For those with a penchant for shopping, this is the ideal time to visit Penang. The Shopping Carnival is an extension of the Malaysia Fest and offers shoppers with great discounts and varieties to choose from.

11.    November hosts the Pesta Pulau Festival, serving as a reminder to locals about their multi-cultural heritage.

12.    December rounds up the year long festivities with Christmas being celebrated with a balance of religious and entertainment activities.

An island off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is one of the nation’s premier tourist destinations. Offering pristine beaches and a diverse multicultural legacy, Penang attracts a multitude of foreign visitors each year. The island is also renowned for its delicious and varied cuisine, and is considered Malaysia’s food capital. Presently Georgetown is Penang’s largest city. Notably Penang is the only Malaysian state where the ethnic Chinese form the majority.

Penang belonged to the Malay kingdom of Kedah, and was acquired by Francis Light for the British East India Company in 1786. Penang has historically been known by several different names – originally called ‘Pulau Ka-satu’, or ‘First Island’, it was renamed ‘Prince of Wales Island’ in 1786 and was also known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ in the last century. Today Penang is a thriving economy, sustained largely by tourism and electronics manufacturing, with an array of multinational companies having invested in local facilities. However the western side of the island is still comparatively tranquil and leisurely with the atmosphere of a typical tropical retreat.

A night tour to Penang Hill is one of the most memorable and enchanting experiences to indulge in. The tour takes the visitor up into the delightful cool environment of the hills leaving behind the heat of the tropical lowland. The night view of Penang Bridge and Georgetown is a panoramic vista that delights the beholder and can be considered one of the world’s most unique experiences.  The visitor is taken to the summit by the Penang Hill Funicular, a charming cable train but there is also the option of trekking up the hill for the more energetic.

If you choose to ascend via the cable train, you will enjoy a fascinating view of 1920s period bungalows and the surrounding highland scenery. At the summit you can enjoy an excursion to the flower garden or explore the miniature bird park before retiring to an open air dinner with the spectacular view in the background. If you are searching for a Penang hotel, there is no better choice than the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang. Situated in a wonderful location by the ocean and the pristine highlands, the hotel promises a truly memorable experience for the traveller.

With a literal translation from the local language to mean ‘Isle of the Betel Nut’, Penang is an island located on the north-western coast of Malaysia. Penang is home to many towns and cities that come together to give this island a character of its own; from the World Heritage Site, Georgetown to one of the most popular beach locations in Malaysia, Batu Feringgi. No matter what you want to do, be it a historic cultural explorer, a pampered individual or die hard water sport enthusiast, Penang offers a bevy of things to do and appreciate.

Beyond frolicking on the beaches and trekking through its vast jungles, there are many things to do while in Penang. Trishaw tours through historic Georgetown is a popular activity to do while on holiday, these cute peddle powered vehicles will carry you through the smaller lanes of the city streets, allowing you to rub elbows with the locals and get a good grasp of the cultural significance of this town. Whilst strolling alongside the streets of Penang, it would be a shame not to sample some of the local fare from the hawkers you can find along the wayside. With a combination of Indian, Chinese and Malaysian cuisine, there is a delectable range of food to sample from.

For the scenic and romantic aspects of Penang, head over to Batu Feringgi beaches, where the waves lapping on the shore and the vast open spaces will lull you in to a serenity that you never knew you possessed. Take a cable car ride up Penang Hill and get a bird’s eye view of the entire island. For some shopping, head over to the local flea markets, such as Pasar Malam, Lorong Kulit, Rope Walk, Campbell Street and Little India. Penang also hosts a wide selection of malls that are home to both local and international brands offering a vast range of commodities.

Nigh time at Penang is equally exotic, with a good selection of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes; there is much to do once the sun goes down in this paradise isle. And as with all Asian countries, the massages and spas are truly worth experiencing. When looking for your ideal Penang hotel to spend your blissful honeymoon getaway, look no further than Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang. Conveniently located close to the historic Georgetown, Penang Butterfly Farm, Fort Cornwalls, Sleeping Buddha and major tourist attractions, this popular hotel, will be an ideal retreat.

Cameron Highlands is one of the most wonderful destinations in Malaysia, and is a great way to escape from the hustles and bustles of Kuala Lumpur. Perched at an altitude of about 1822 meters, Cameron Highlands is the largest as well as the most serene of all the hill resorts in the country.

Apart from being one of the most prominent tourist spots, Cameron Highlands is also credited to be leading producer of flowers as well as agricultural produces such as tomatoes and lettuce in the country. No wonder why Cameron Highlands is sometimes referred to as the 'Green Bowl of Malaysia.' Located in the northwest corner in the state of Penang, about 300 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands is much favored for its breathtaking scenery, comprising majestic mountain peaks, soothing mountain air, stunning waterfalls, incredible tea plantations, miles of strawberry and other fruit farms, and beautiful flower gardens.

The charm of this hill resort was first discovered by a British surveyor, William Cameron, in 1885. As a result, Cameron Highlands became one of the South-East Asia's most popular hill resorts during the colonial period. Later, on realizing the healthy climate and the richness and fertility of the mountain slopes, the British planters choose this area to grow tea and agricultural produce. Even today, the hill resort retains its charm and glory of an English Village.

Among the key attractions in Cameron Highlands are:

Rose Center and Rose Valley - Rose center is the biggest of its kind in the country, with a great selection of roses. When comes to the Rose Valley, it boasts of about 500 varieties of roses, such as, thorn less rose, green rose, and black rose. Additionally, a good number of other flowers including gerberas, lily, camellia, honeysuckle, gypsy flower, and much more, can be seen here. Above all, don't forget to climb atop the peak of the Rose Center to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kea Farm valley coupled with terraced farms.

Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Farm - Both of them are located within easy reach of the Kea Farm. They are a great place to view such rare species of butterflies as the Raja Brooke butterfly, which in turn is regarded as the national butterfly of the country.

Cactus Valley: It boasts of a great variety of rare cactus, among which some are more than 50 years old. A variety of other crops are also cultivated here adopting hydroponics technique, such as strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Honey Bee Apiary Farms: Cameron Highlands is home to a number of apiary farms, of which perhaps the most popular ones are Ee Feng Gu honey bee farm and Habu Bee Farm.

Agrotechnology Park: Sprawling over an area of about 45 hectares, Agrotechnology Park is a botanical garden, with a large species of temperate plants and crops. Modeled on the basis of the British Kew Garden and Agro Dome in New Zealand, the park is worth a visit. It is categorized into several sections such as English Garden, Orchid Garden, Herb Garden, Rose Garden, and Research Center. Multicrops Central Market: This is a one-stop center to shop all such items as pots, flowers, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Cameron Highlands Golf Course: Situated between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, this is an 18-hole par - 71 golf course. With rolling fairways, delicate greens, and meandering streams, the course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. Boh Tea Plantation: Founded by J.A. Russel, a British merchant, in 1929, Boh Tea Plantation holds the distinction of being the largest manufacturer of black tea in Malaysia.

Sam Poh Temple: Erected in 1972, Sam Poh is one of the largest temples in the country. The temple is dedicated to the Chinese Muslim eunuch as well as the admiral of the Chinese fleet, Zheng He.

List of attractions in Cameron Highlands also include a number of strawberry firms such as Kasimani's Strawberry Farm and Healthy Strawberry Farm; Parit Falls, Lata Iskandar Waterfalls, Robinson Falls, Taman Unc Sam, Time Tunnel, Kuala Who hot springs, and Night Market. Additionally, people touring the destination can engage in a number of activities such as jungle trekking, mountain hiking, shopping, camping, and golf.

In order to cater to the needs of the growing number of tourists to the destination, Cameron Highlands has a number of accommodation options to choose from such as hotels and resorts to apartments and chalets. Let it be of any type, an accommodation choice in the area is replete with almost all that are required to make your vacation enjoyable as well as unforgettable.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital as well as the largest city in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is fondly known, is located in a valley enclosed by jagged hills, on the west coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. Occupying an area of about 250 square kilometers, Kuala Lumpur is an enclave in Selangor - a state of Malaysia, and is one among the three Malaysian Federal Territories, others being Putrajaya and Labuan.

A mining settlement during the late 1800s, Kuala Lumpur has now become a bustling metropolis, and serves not only as the capital but also the cultural as well as legislative center, since it is the seat of the parliament of the country. In addition, the city leads the country's fast-paced growth in sectors such as finance and banking, trade and commerce, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and information technology.

When comes to attractions, Kuala Lumpur has aplenty to offer. Among which, not to miss ten attractions in the city are:

Merdeka Square - Also known as Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square, Merdeka Square stands as the old colonial core of the city. The focal point of Merdeka Square is the flagpole of 328ft, which is the tallest of its kind in the world. It is also the place where the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time during the midnight on August 31, 1957 when Malaysia attained independence. Highlights in Merdeka Square also include the National History Museum, Royal Selangor Club, and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, reflecting Moorish architectural style.

Petronas Towers - Probably, the greatest among the attractions of the city is the Petronas Twin Tower, which is truly a modern architectural splendor. They are one of the tallest in the world, and consist of 88 floors. Both the towers are joined at its 41st and 42nd floor by a sky bridge. Entry to the tower is free. Found within the buildings are concert and conference halls, prayer room for Muslims, and a museum of the Petronas Oil Company. Further, at the foot of this 452 meters tall building is Suria KLCC, a trendy shopping mall selling branded items, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Petrosains Discovery Center.

Batu Caves - Situated about 12 km north of the city, Batu Caves are a must-see attraction. A sacred spot for Hindus - Batu Caves include three main caves, apart from several small caves. Of the caves here, the biggest as well as the most popular is the Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, which as the name suggests, has a myriad of shrines, Sri Subramania Swamy Temple being the significant. Further, the area is thronged by a large number of devotees during the annual event, Thaipusam, which falls in every January.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - Erected in 1910, Kuala Lumpur is a magnificent Moorish-style building built during the period of British rule. Its minarets, arches, and spires are truly incredible.

Masjid Jamek - Otherwise known as Friday Mosque, Masjid Jamek is a historic structure located at the confluence of the Sungei Klang and the Sungei Gombak rivers. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback and opened in 1909 - it is a tranquil area set among shady palm trees.

Masjid Negara - Masjid Negara or National Mosque is the largest mosque in South-east Asia. Completed in 1965, the main prayer hall within the mosque can accommodate up to 10000 people. The centerpiece of the mosque is the splendid 18-point dome resembling a star. Each of the points represents 13 states of the country as well as the five pillars of the Islam.

Chinatown - A stroll along the vibrant area of Chinatown would be a great experience, and allows you to come through a variety of temples, vendors selling traditional medicines, and several pet shops.

Taman Negara - A visit to the city would not be complete without taking a tour to Taman Negara or National Park, boasting of some of the world's oldest rainforest. The area is especially noted for its diverse flora and fauna. A great way to explore the area via a trekking along the trails found here. Apart from this, the park also has excellent options for activities like climbing, river rafting, fishing, and bird watching. Also, a unique thing is that some of the areas within the Taman Negara are inhabited by nomadic Orang Asli people.

Lake Gardens - Sprawling over an area of about 200 acres, Lake Gardens is a beautiful tourist spot developed more than 100 years ago. Attractions found here, among many others, are the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens, the Butterfly Park, and the Bird Park.

National Science Center - This is an exceptional spot with a number of galleries exhibiting important as well as interesting items. A blend of old and new worlds, Kuala Lumpur's attractions also covers a number of interesting museums such as the National Museum, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial, the Police Museum, the KL Natural History Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum. Above all, KL is a shoppers' paradise, with an array of shopping malls selling everything from electronic and apparels to antique and handicraft items.

The growing number of tourists to the city has led to tremendous increase in the number of high-end hotels and resorts. Since many of them have their own websites, this allows for easy bookings of hotels online.