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Showing posts with label Nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nature. Show all posts

My top 5 dream experiences on my bucket list for Malaysia (By Getsetandgo)

"Malaysia" - just the mention of this name is enough to conjure images of a country with a mix of everything – from a multitude of cultures to landscapes to experiences and as a tourist / traveler you are definitely spoilt for choices. Malaysia or “Truly Asia”, as its campaign says, has been on my bucket list for a while, but somehow a trip here has never materialized. Hence when MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest was announced by Blogadda, I saw a chance to finally visit this exotic destination and hence jumped on the participation bandwagon.

For this contest, we need to write a blog post about 5 things we would want to experience in Malaysia. Tough isn’t it? More so for me  since I am a budget off-beat traveler and Malaysia has numerous things for me to see and do. But I somehow managed to prioritize and create a mix of every thing   i.e. art, culture, nature, kiddy, etc to be a part of 5 dream experiences on my bucket list for Malaysia.

1. Heritage trails in George Town, Penang – This heritage walk (or rather my aimless wandering) through George Town in Penang is for the Art and Culture buff in me. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a 200 year history with well-preserved colonial buildings and historical architecture.It is said that the architecture here is unparalleled anywhere in East or South East Asia.  I have seen numerous pics of other fellow bloggers and feel that this should be on the travel list of every off beat traveler to Malaysia.


2. Scale the Kinabalu Park in Sabah – A visit here is a must for the Adventure Traveler in me and a way for me to train and challenge myself. This park is again a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia’s highest mountain and one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks) and  one of the most important biological sites in the world, with between 5000 and 6000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and more than 100 mammalian species identified. One of the most famous species found here is the gigantic Rafflesia (large parasitic plant).


3. Walking through the Mangrove swamps and meeting the orangutans in Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve, Sabah – I recently saw a travel documentary made on a walk through the mangrove swamps & meeting with orangutans in this nature reserve and the animal lover in me was completely sold on it. This Reserve has been named after two rivers that flow through it and has interesting and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation, various nature trails and the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre opened in 1964 as the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets. The orphaned orangutans are treated for injuries and then trained to survive in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. On many occasions I have even considered volunteering here.

 

4. Relaxing on the beaches of Tioman Island, Pahang – I recently heard from a friend about the beautiful beaches of Tioman Island and decided that these beautiful beaches would be an ideal place to relax and rewind after scaling Mount Kinabalu. The beaches here are picturesque with twin volcanic peaks, golden sands, lush tropical rainforest and clear waters with some amazing dive sites.  There is also a local legend according which Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess. While flying from China to meet her Prince Charming in Singapore, she stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea, was enraptured by the charms of the place and decided to discontinue her journey. She then took the form of an island and pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travelers.


5. Legoland and Hello Kitty Town, Johor 

For the kid in me who’s grown up with Lego blocks (smaller version) a chance to visit Legoland is like a kiddy dream come true. This international park is an out of world experience with thrilling rides, interactive displays, themed areas and Lego stores :). As a kid I used to ask my dad to always get me Hello Kitty stuff on every visit to Hong Kong and now a chance to see a world of Hello Kitty is just too good to resist.


Since I havent been to any of these places myself, detailed information about the locales is courtesy Malaysia Tourism and Wikipedia and the pictures are courtesy Wikipedia.

Now that the wish list is complete, day dreams are on and fingers are crossed. Hope to be one of the three lucky winners who get a chance to be in Malaysia this year :)

Getsetandgo
http://getsetandgo.wordpress.com

Jungle Tracking (Kelantan State)

1. Fishing Village


Fishing village a visit to one of Kelantan's quaint fishing villages should not be missed. Two well-known villages are Kuala Besar and Kampung Sabak, both only 15 km the capital. Fishermen normally put out to sea at dawn and return in the early afternoon to sell their catch on the beach. Haggling over prices and the sorting and weighing of the catch provide an interesting cacophony against the picturesque backdrop of gaily-painted boats lining the beach.

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2. Jelewang Waterfalls  


From Dabong you may return to Kota Bharu by train or, head to Jelawang for jungle trekking. Chalets are available and various jungle trails have been laid. A 1 1/2 hour trek will take you to the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls. Gua Musang is another alternative that can also be reached by train. Well known for its limestone caves, cave temple and the Lata Beringin waterfalls, Gua Musang is only a 2-hour drive from Taman Negara (The National Park).

The Kedasar Inn, located at Gua Musang old town can arrange visits to a goldmine, a deer park, an ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements as well as organising river rafting and cave explorations. A summer camp, complete with various obstacle and fitness courses, provides leadership and youth training programmes.

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3. Kuala Koh


Kuala Koh, two hours drive from Gua Musang is the northern entrance to Taman Negara and serves as the Park Headquarters in Kelantan. Chalets are available at Kuala Koh, and a small restaurant serves basic fare. Arrangement for guides, however, should be made through an accredited tour operator in Gua Musang, where transport can also be arranged to Kuala Koh, if required.

For bird watching enthusiasts, it is possible to see quite a variety of birds in a couple of days and for anglers, the pristine river offer some excellent sport fishing. The whole area offers superb opportunities for photographers, the diverse flora and fauna in the emerald forest providing perfect settings, colours and contrasts.


There are many river-based activities around Kuala Koh. Kayaks, bamboo raft and inflatable can be hired. However, anyone planning any serious river activities should check with the wildlife and National Parks Department at Kuala Koh on river conditions before setting off.

A new trail has also been laid to Gunung Tahan, the peninsula's highest peak, from Kuala Koh. It is actually a long and arduous trek rather than climbing as such, and is an excellent alternative to the more well known trails. There are, however many other jungle trails of varying distances and degrees of difficulty within the vicinity. And for those who wish to view life at the top of the jungle, a canopy walkway has recently been completed adjacent to Kuala Koh.

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4. Waterfalls


Waterfalls in Kelantan are major attractions for picnic and swimming. Jeram Pasu is just off the Kota Bharu-Pasir Putih road while Jeram Lenang is off the Pasir Putih-Machang road. Lata Beringin, with its 120-metre drop, cool waters and lush vegetation is most spectacular and is found off the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway.

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5. Gunung Stong


One of Kelantan's highest mountains, at 1,442 metres, it is reputed to hold hidden treasure in Gua Ikan (Fish cave), named after a solitary fish-shaped rock. The treasure is said to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

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Jungle Tracking (Kedah States)

1. Kota Kuala Kedah

Kota Kuala Kedah at the mouth of the Kedah River about 10 km from Alor Setar (capital state). Also known as Kota Kuala Bahang. Kota means fort and it has been reported that this was actually a fort that was built to ward Kedah’s enemies who came from the sea. Today it is a fishing village where you can watch fishing boats, returning to the harbour at sunset, an experience you will long remember. It is also famous for a variety of seafood that is served by numerous restaurant

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2. Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) Top View


Mount Jerai, the highest mountain in Kedah and peninsular Malaysia, which rises to height of 1206 m above sea level. You will get a panoramic view of the surrounding natural environment of forests, flower and waterfalls. On clear days, different vantage – points on the mountain offer spectacular views of the rolling rice fields strecthing up to Perlis in the north. Historical facts reveal that this was the area where the ancient kingdom of Sri Vijaya built its empire. Mount Jerai has well development tourist facilities such as chalets, recreational facilities and jungle trails for nature lovers.

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3. Bukit Pinang (Pinang Hill)

Its an orchard which becomes a haven for fruits lover during the fruits season, especially those who cannot resist the ‘durian’. Another interesting feature of Bukit Pinang is the fact that ‘tuntong’. A breed of river turtle, is found here. Folklore has it that eggs laid by these turtles were conducive to curing several disease, hence in those days only the Royalty had acces to these eggs.

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4. Batu Hampar


In the district of Yan, 32 km south of Alor Setar ia a favourite weekend retreat. Picnickers revel in the cool depths of rocky pools amidst the thundering roar of the waterfall.

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5. Puncak Janing (Janing Peak)


Other places where waterfalls are found is here. Located about 25 km north-east of Alor Setar, in the district of Padang Terap. This is also a fovourite spot for those who wish to retreat to the great outdoor.

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6. Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest


Lush with flora and fauna. Lacated in Baling, 120 km south-east of Alor Setar. Offers yet another park featuring a waterfall amidst lush greenery. Picnicking at its seven-tier crystal clear waterfall is a major attraction here.

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7. Lata Mengkuang and Sik Recreational Forest


Surrounded by the hills and mountains of Sik, 72 km south-east of Alor Setar offer the adventurous spirit a blissful retreat from the everyday world. This area is ideal for hiking and camping amidst surroundings.

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