"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
