By Maryam Spahic
Named the tenth most-visited country by the United Nations World Tourism Organisations (UNWTO) as of 2013, Malaysia has a lot to offer to everyone around the globe. Malaysia is well-known for its diversity in all aspects, including tourist attractions.
On one end, Malaysia is home to the worlds tallest twin-tower, KLCC that is surrounded by other skyscrapers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. On the other end of the scale, the highest mountain in South-East Asia known as Mount Kinabalu proudly belongs to Malaysia.
A survey was conducted on students of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to help you start on your bucket list on things to do and see before you graduate and probably leave Malaysia. The students were asked to pick the best out of the best places in Malaysia that have been divided into five different categories. The results of the survey are as follows.
1)Â Â Â Beach: Langkawi
It is no surprise that Langkawi is voted as the best tropical getaway destination. An archipelago comprising of 99 islands on Malaysias west coast, Langkawi island has more to offer than just picturesque white sandy beaches and turqoise sea such as Pantai Tengah and Datai Bay. It is also known for the cable car and Sky Bridge that will give you an exhilarating experience overlooking the verdant rainforest, mountains, waterfalls and islands. There are many other interesting sites to visit in Langkawi such as the Eagle Square, Underwater World, Arts in Paradise 3D Museum and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. Apart from the green and blue nature, visitors locally and internationally visit Langkawi to shop as it is a duty-free island.
2)Â Â Â Nature & Adventure: Cameron Highlands
Located thousands of feet above sea level in the state of Pahang, Cameron Highlands offers wonderful cool weather from as low as about 17 degree celsius as opposed to the stuffy hot Kuala Lumpur air. The main attractions you cannot leave the highlands without visiting would be the tea plantations as well as the strawberry farms. The place is also famous for orchards, nurseries, waterfalls, lush green forest and wildlife; most of which cannot be found in humid, busy Kuala Lumpur.
3)Â Â Â Shopping Centre: KLCC
Short for Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Suria KLCC is a world renowned shopping centre with six levels of retail outlets and over 320 specialty stores. Clothing stores, bookstore, cinema, restaurants & cafes, park & playground, a science discovery centre; all your needs may be fulfilled under one roof. There are great sales all around the mall throughout the year, but keep an eye on the year end and mid-year sales. Set in the centre of the city, getting to the mall is far from complicated. You can take the train (LRT) which will lead you directly into the mall, or you can get a cab, bus or drive yourself straight to the malls parking lot.
4)Â Â Â Amusement Park: Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
œCome Feel the Fun “ the official slogan says it all; anyone and everyone who visits the theme park will definitely enjoy one way or another. With five different parks, there is fun for all. If you have a fear of roller coasters, thats okay. Skip the Amusement Park and head straight to the Water Park that is home to the worlds largest water ride known as the ˜Vuvuzela. The excitement does not stop here; save some energy and voice for the Scream Park as well as the Extreme Park. You may calm your adrenaline down by going through the Wildlife Park which houses over 140 species of animals such as tigers, bears and exotic birds. With over 80 attractions available for everyone at all ages, an entire day spent may not even suffice.
5)Â Â Â Animal Park: Zoo Negara
Located just a few kilometres from the city of Kuala Lumpur, Zoo Negara Malaysia is the first local zoo that is managed by a non-governmental organisation, the Malaysian Zoological Society. With over 400 species of animals, you will get to see and learn about various mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and birds living in their natural habitats. While you are there, be sure not to miss the multi-animal show where animals such as the orangutan and sea lion impress you with their intelligent moves and tricks. If you are too exhausted to walk around the zoo, just hop on the tram that will take you around the zoo as you are comfortably seated.
With millions of tourists travelling hundreds of miles by all forms of transportation just to experience beautiful Malaysia, we would be in great loss for missing out on all the gems this country has to offer. This list is just to name a few. There are many places to visit in Kuala Lumpur itself for a quick day off after long days of assignments and exams.
There are even more exciting places to visit around Malaysia if you have several days to spare. Your main purpose of coming to Malaysia may be educational, but take advantage of your temporary stay here and experience Malaysia as much as you can. You will have a lot of stories to tell and pictures to show your friends and family back home.***
Photo of Mentari Travel Services