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Colourful encounters: multicultural Malaysia

Malaysia is divided in two by the South China Sea. West Malaysia includes areas such as Malacca and Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysia is the part with Sarawak and Sabah. Visiting Malaysia opens your mind, relaxes your soul and excites your senses.

West Malaysia – leisure time in Kuala Lumpur

It takes around three hours to drive from the Kuala Lumpur international airport to Port Dickson. A sarong, a sip of coconut water and a symphony of wind and waves offers a refreshing experience from the balcony of a stilt house overlooking the Strait of Malacca. The sky above and crystal sea are a magnificent blue, and a colourful sarong matches the scene and adds vibrant hues to the quiet, simple environment.

Dancing butterflies in Malacca

The Butterfly Park in Malacca is well known by photography enthusiasts and is home to over 1,000 species of tropical butterflies and insects, including many rare in the country. The insects and hundreds of lovebirds fly and dance in the forests in a paradise of colours. Lovebirds are known for bonding with one another and always fly in pairs showing affection. Gliding among green hills and the enchanting environment, they make this a land of pure love!

Christ Church is a 'must-see' attraction in Malacca because of its grand appearance. It withstood wars and fire in the days of Dutch colonization and the magnificent ruins contribute to the surrounding views by enlivening the blue sky with their red iconic structure. The cylindrical Victorian monument surrounded by flowers is like something by Van Gogh. The South North seafood restaurant between Malacca and Kuala Lumpur serves a signature dish of curry chicken in bread, which has a great aroma and taste. It’s such a huge temptation that you may want to postpone your diet till later!

East Malaysia – be enchanted by Sabah

Sabah with its many islands is suitable for holidays and especially popular with water sport lovers. The Mermaid Islands (Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil and Linggisan) are famous for wonderful, relaxing environments. Mantanani Besar resembles an elegant young lady under the brilliant sun oblivious to the world. Walking along the two-kilometre beach in the smooth sand evokes images of ancient shipwrecks deep in the crystal water and the variety of marine life. Both diving enthusiasts and sightseers who just want to enjoy the quiet shore breeze will feel the tropical tranquility. What could be more stunning?

The wild children of the mangroves

The Weston mangroves are a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu airport and an ideal destination for city-dwellers with a hectic lifestyle to revitalize their spirit! You can use binoculars to watch proboscis monkeys living in the mangroves during the day and be amazed by the evening sky with flaming-red sunset clouds, and then before you know it fireflies come out to greet you. All these abounding delights make a visitor from the big city wonder if they are still in the same world. And honestly, being young at heart is the only way to eternal happiness.

(by Andy Iong)

Travel tips
Transport: It takes three to four hours to fly from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur.
Currency: US dollars can be exchanged for Malaysian ringgit at the Kuala Lumpur airport.
Climate: Hot and humid. February to March temperatures range from 22 to 33°C.
Tourism Malaysia website: www.tourism.gov.my

Love birds are well-known for lifelong companionship
Dancing butterflies in Butterfly Park
Famous Malacca landmark Christ Church
The Batu Caves Hindu temple is one of the most popular attractions in Malaysia
World-famous Petronas Twin Towers in the sunset from afar
A close-up of the grand Petronas Twin Towers
Aromatic curry chicken in bread is not to be missed
Proboscis monkeys are well-known for their agility
Boat ride through the mangroves
Mangroves