Kuala lumpur
Kuala lumpur , called KL by most regular visitors, Kuala Lumpur proudly flaunts its East Meets West lifestyle with a little arrogance and oodles of attitude. This shining concrete paradise was once a humble tin-mining centre in the 1850s ravaged after the Selangor Civil War, and two World Wars.
The gleaming lights of Petronas Twin Towers with its museums, shops and eateries; the drowning vigour of Chinatown; sprawling Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana); the Central Market with its brimming handicraft stalls, artistry and colours; the National Museum, a perfect place to brush up on your history; and the beautiful depths of Batu Caves - Kuala Lumpur asks you to live and let live without pushing you to the limits.
Sight Seeing
The Petronas Towers rise above KLCC Park and are the second highest towers in the world. The city centre glistens below with its sprawling courtyard and spectacular shops for you to linger and explore. Famously known as 'the city within a city', the mall has restaurants, cinemas, an art gallery, a science discovery centre, an underwater aquarium and a park.
Genting and Cameron Highlands are popular short retreats from the city. Sunway Lagoon is one of the biggest amusement parks that families will love for a day visit. The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station which is a heritage 100 year old building, is also a good places to visit .
Things to do
The Petronas Towers, The Menara Kuala Lumpur Observation Deck and several heritage sites scattered around town can be covered during the day. Batu Caves, the Thean Hou Temple, the 100 year old Masjid Jamek and Masjid Negara mosques and the Sri Mariamman Temple are well worth your time.
There are plenty of trekking trails in Cameron Highlands that hikers will enjoy. It is also an opportunity to see some of Malaysia's native Orang Asli tribes along the highway. Sunway Lagoon is another popular amusement park, a hit with visitors here. The MINES resort city is known to be one of the seven wonders of Malaysia. This exciting township was once a tin mining area.
Chinese New Year is rife with dances and firecrackers as the Chinese Malay community observe the first day of the Lunar calendar. The Muslim community celebrates the Hari Raya, a celebration after the month of Ramadan. The small Hindu population celebrate Deepavali and the Thaipusam festivals. The Mid-Autumn Festival and Malaysia National Day are celebrated with equal fervour.
Shopping
Kuala Lumpur's is home to some of the largest malls found in South Asia and the city's streets have a riveting maze of vendors who make the best of the city's fashion obsession. One of the most visited shopping malls is Times Square in Bukit Bintang. The mall has not only over a thousand shops inside, but an indoor amusement park too! If you like alternative Chinese fashion, head to Bukit Bintang Plaza and Sungai Wang Plaza. The Mid Valley Megamall is one of the biggest in Asia and is a mind-blowing experience. Sunway Pyramid in the Klang Valley is right near the Sunway Lagoon Amusement Park and has an indoor ice skating rink along many entertainment venues. The Suria KLCC Mall is a fine mall nestled between the historic Petronas Towers.
Night markets are interesting to roam into for street shopping. Petaling Street and Jalan Bandar brim with colourful stalls selling clothing, shoes and souvenirs in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown. Remember, bargaining is the key here.
GENTING
Genting is known as a world of its own. At any turn you may come across a casino, a karaoke act or a rock concert. When you are tired, catch a rock show at entertainment areas like Arena of Stars or Genting International Convention Centre.
Aside from the gambling, Genting has a number of theme parks that invite people to enjoy leisure rides, adventure and fine dining. Feel the thrill of flying high in rides like the Space Shot. Set in the backdrop of lush hills, Genting makes for an exhilarating family experience. Brace yourself and enter the Dinosaur Land in the Genting Outdoor Theme Park, an exquisite time machine journey to the Lost World.
Sight Seeing
Genting is great fun to explore on foot. Though there is a good many signage and pointers, you may find it a tad difficult to reach from one point to another. It is surprising that more often than not you somehow end up in front of a casino. The Genting Skyway holds the world record of the fastest mono cable car. There are also colourful parks to enjoy a quiet time and viewpoints to get a bird's eye view of the entire city. Solitude is almost a lull after the hurricane.
Things to do
Genting, as the resort is a self proclaimed Asian Las Vegas. Even Somehow, no matter where you go in Genting it always seems to lead to a casino!
For a tourist who doesn't want to try his luck, visiting various theme parks is another alternative. The gondola cable car ride, which is known to be the longest in South Asia, is a must. Go wild at the Genting Water Theme Park.
Shopping
The First World Plaza in Genting is the most renowned shopping mall in Malaysia as it is the highest. The mall has numerous designer outlets that cater to the vibrant crowds that throng Genting. Not only does the mall have several retail stores that sell souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing and shoes, there is a fantastic theme park with full fledged entertainment centres inside.
The Cultural Village has an interesting array of Asian artefacts ranging from Japanese dolls to figurines. Children will love the Toy City which has both children’s entertainment as well as a huge collection of toys. For elegant gifts, try Gift Castle, set inside the Genting Hotel, near the indoor theme park. There are plenty of interesting items to buy here..
LANGKAWI
Langkawi will attract you with promises of duty-free shopping and wows you with its gorgeous beaches, mysterious caves and legends. This archipelago of over 90 islands is made up of legends.
Langkawi was left undiscovered by tourists for a long time. A long time ago Mahsuri was executed for adultery though she was not guilty and she cursed the island and said it would lie desolate for seven generations. Seven generations later the Malaysian government declared Langkawi as duty-free. Mahasuri's Tomb is still on the island and while you are visiting tombs, don't miss the Ancient Tomb that just popped out of nowhere.
Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok and Pantai Tengah are popular beaches with loads of water activities that keep you occupied from dawn to dusk. The bars and clubs are laidback with quite a few bars belting out reggae music.
Sight Seeing
The much loved Pantai Cenang is always bustling with activity with bars and restaurants and water sports. The Pantai Tengah and Pantai Kok, however, are more secluded.
After spending a quiet time at Pantai Kok, make a trip to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall which is just round the corner. Be prepared to climb up nearly 300 steps to reach the seven pools near the waterfall. You might just catch a flash of a wee fairy. Fairies are said to play in these pools. Or go to dizzying heights up in a cable car to Gunung Mat Cincang where a suspension bridge hangs. The lookout tower at the tallest peak in Langkawi, Gunung Raya, is a tad less exciting. If the fairy legend caught your attention, find out more of the local tales at the Lagenda Park. Stroll around the beautiful gardens as the stories sink in.