Malaysia conjures up images of the towering Petrona Towers, rich mangroves, vast stretches of beaches and blue sea. It’s famous for the twirl of sarongs-sarees-baju kebayas-cheongsam, the colourful attire of the many Muslims, Chinese and Indians who live there; and, the many charming structures influenced by the Arabian, Chinese, Indian, Dutch and Portuguese people.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s glittering capital city, has the world’s longest painting on the walls of its’ Pudu Jail. Other famous landmarks are the Merdeka or Independence Square, Chinatown, the King’s Palace – Istana Negara, Jamek Mosque, National Monument, and Sultan Abdul Samad building with fine Moorish architecture.

Cameron Highlands, a hill resort, has tea plantations, colourful-terraced flower gardens, orchards, vegetable gardens and strawberry farms. Taman Negara, one of the world’s oldest, pristine rainforests spread over a vast area with mountains and cascading waterfalls, affords exciting opportunities for rafting, boating, swimming, and a Canopy Walk. You can also meet the Orang Asli, the original nomads, here. Genting Highlands has a casino and several theme parks with thrilling and unique activities for the entire family. There are cave temples here, golfing greens and, vegetables and strawberry farms. Tourists walk through the clouds to the top of Mt Kinabalu and discover spectacular views at the peak.

Some of Malaysia’s waters are the most biodiverse with a vast variety of corals and fishes. Nature-lovers can see the orang-utans and leatherback turtles. Rafflesia, the world’s largest insect-devouring plant abounds here, so do exotic orchids. The mountain garden of Kinabalu and the lake garden of Taiping are a ‘must-see’. Highlights of Malaysia A Great Holiday Spots.