Sightseeing of Malaysia

There are plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages in Malaysia, with a diversity that spans beautiful beaches and jungle-clad mountains. The country’s mixture of ethnic groups and religions means it is rich in cultural sights, which are spread throughout the country. Highlights include multicultural Kuala Lumpur, colonial Penang and the picturesque beaches of Langkawi.

Malaysia Tourist Center

At MTC you’ll find an exhibit hall, tourist information services for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, and other travel-planning services. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays there are cultural shows at 3pm, featuring Malaysian dance and music. Shows are RM5 ($1.30) for adults, free for children.

Menara Kuala LumpurStanding 421m (1,389 ft.) tall, this concrete structure is the third tallest tower in the world, and the views from the top reach to the far corners of the city and beyond. At the top, the glass windows are fashioned after the Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran.

National Art Gallery

The building that now houses the National Art Gallery was built as the Majestic Hotel in 1932 and has been restored to display contemporary works by Malaysian artists. There are also international exhibits.

National MuseumLocated at Lake Gardens, the museum has more than 1,000 items of historic, cultural, and traditional significance, including art, weapons, musical instruments, and costumes.

National PlanetariumThe National Planetarium has a Space Hall with touch-screen interactive computers and hands-on experiments, a Viewing Gallery with binoculars for a panoramic view of the city, and an Ancient Observatory Park with models of Chinese and Indian astronomy systems. The Space Theatre has two different outer-space shows at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm for an extra charge of RM3 (80¢) for adults and RM2 (55¢) for children.

Cameron Highlands

Malaysia’s mountains and jungles are ideal for those who don’t like the beach, and there is nowhere better than the Cameron Highlands. The towns of Tanah Rata, Ringlet and Brinchang provide top quality hotels and amenities for both local and foreign visitors. At 6773ft, Gunung Brinchang is the highest inhabited point on the Malay peninsular and provides some stunning views.

Langkawi:

Langkawi Island is nestled among more than 100 islands, most of which are tiny and uninhabited. There are several resorts and international hotel chains that have transformed Langkawi into Malaysia’s premier beach destination. Apart from the wonderful scenery and sandy beaches, there are plenty of activities such as jet-skiing, golf, horseback riding, scuba diving, sailing and fishing.

Penang:

Enjoy the tropical beaches on the island’s north coast and the national parks in theinterior. Georgetown is a melting pot of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Thai and European cultures giving it a special charm. Elsewhere on Penang, there are over 100 species of butterflies and insects at the Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang. Penang Hill has a cable car that takes you to the summit for some excellent views and jungle walks.