Make it Malaysia in 2006
By Patricia Earnest
Located in the South China Sea, Malaysia is formed in two distinct and separate parts: one a deep peninsula situated to the south of Thailand with Singapore at its foot, while the other is separated by a two-hour flight to the east across the South China Sea and consists of the northwestern part of the island of Borneo. Because of its colonial past, English is widely spoken here.
The capital city Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it is known locally) began as a tiny mining community in the 1800s. Today itís a city of beautiful contrasts with an architectural heritage that reveals its British roots. Over two-and-a-half million people call it home. The British left administrative buildings and well-kept gardens that contrast interestingly with the many modern skyscrapers dominating the skyline. Many of the more upscale hotels are located in the central Golden Triangle area surrounded with shopping malls, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
A good starting point from which to explore the city is Merdeka (Independence) Square where independence is celebrated every year. In years gone by cricket, hockey, tennis and rugby football games were played here and the grass is still smooth and beautifully tended.
Fronting the square is the impressive Sultan Abdul Samad Building, built by the Brits in 1897 with Moorish features and copper-domed roofs illuminated at night. It is used for the Malaysian Supreme and High Courts.
Be sure to visit the Menara Kuala tower for a panoramic view of KL. Built as a communications tower, visitors can visit the top for a 360 degree panoramic view of the city, with a multi-lingual audio tour of the sights from the observation deck. Amenities include restaurants and cafes, shops and a nature trail through the forest that surrounds the tower. Entrance to the Observation Deck is approximately $2.50 for adults.
Other interesting landmarks include the Railway Station, the Central Bus Station, the National Mosque and the National Monument with its dramatic fountains, erected to honor Malaysia’s fallen heroes. Don’t miss the many gardens, still wonderfully immaculate with over 300 species of birds, deer, hibiscus flowers (the national flower) and orchid gardens.
Forward thinking city planners, realizing that Kuala Lumpur was rapidly becoming congested, envisioned a totally new capital, near the city and yet separate from it. Planners studied other completely new capitals and Putrajaya is the result. It’s about midway between Kuala Lumpur and the new International Airport and is the new site for all government buildings. Malaysia’s finest architects have collaborated to design a city that combines the best architectural ideas from around the globe and yet the feel of the place is uniquely Malaysian. A wide central boulevard is reminiscent of the Champs Elysees. Ringed with stately offices and mosques, man-made lakes and parks wind around the central area. A convention center crowns the end of the boulevard.
Everything will be linked with a monorail system that is currently under construction. Sitting midway between Kuala Lumpur and the new International Airport, there will also be easy access for incoming visitors. Construction started in 1993 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.
Next door to Putrajaya is Cyberjaya which will be home to R&D facilities for the high-tech industries that make Malaysia their home.
Sabah “Land Below the Wind” is a haven of biodiversity with rare orangutans and the elusive Proboscis monkey, so-named for its distinctive nose. Sabah also has a rich cultural diversity with about 32 ethnic communities speaking some 100 dialects. Kota Kinabalu (or KK) is the state capital and it is conveniently centrally located with easy access to the Kinabalu Park, jungle trekking, climbing, white water rafting, golf and other attractions.
Kota Kinabalu was almost destroyed in WWII fighting; only three buildings were left standing after the debacle. Today, Kota Kinabalu sports skyscrapers along with pleasant streets and an active waterfront with great shopping for local goods and crafts. Accommodations range from luxury five-star resorts to boarding houses and hostels. Development has brought roads, electricity, schools and hospital facilities to outlying areas but there are still untouched places only accessible by small aircraft or narrow gauge railroad.
In Kota Kinabalu, be sure to take a trip on the North Borneo Railway for a three-and-a-half hour ride into the surrounding countryside. This steam powered, charcoal burning train is a delight. A delicious lunch is served in a compartmentalized pail as used by the train crews. The train runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visit www.northborneorailway.com.
Where to Stay& How to Get There
Le Meridien opened in September, 2005 in Kota Kinabalu. Located on the waterfront, just 15 minutes from the airport, Le Meridien offers every comfort and excellent food. An outside pool on the second floor, spa, pool bar, business center and conference facilities are also offered. Visit: www.lemeridien.com for further information.
Other options include nearby Sutera Harbour Resort, www.suteraharbour.com and TanjungAru Resort, www.shangri-la.com.
Fly to Malaysia on friendly Malaysia Airlines, www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Contact Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board at 212-754-1113 or visit: www.tourism.gov.my.