Johor Johor, the southern gateway to Peninsular Malaysia, is linked to Singapore by a causeway and a bridge. Its unspoilt beaches, pristine nature and championship golf courses make it a sheer delight for visitors. The vast wilderness of the Endau-Rompin National Park is ideal for hiking and other adventure sports. For nature lovers, the legendary Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir provides a two-day return trek, passing through waterfalls and forests. Like diamonds in the South China Sea, the islands of Rawa, Sibu, Besar and Pemanggil offer excellent snorkelling, windsurfing and other water sports. Experience the thrill of standing at land’s end at Tanjung Piai, the southernmost tip of the Asian continent. Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang make up the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia. The largest state in the peninsula, Pahang is endowed with natural attractions. It is home to Taman Negara, the country’s premier national park and Tioman Island, hailed as one of the best island retreats in the region. Genting Highlands, dubbed as the ‘City of Entertainment’ , is a major tourist attraction featuring heart-stopping rides, a casino, golf course and cable cars. The charming hill resorts of Cameron Highlands and Berjaya Hills make for refreshing vacations. In Terengganu, the captivating islands of Redang, Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Kapas and Tenggol offer incredibly azure waters teeming with marine life. Kelantan is best known for its laid-back charm, traditional pastimes and cottage industries. Sabah and Sarawak The states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo offer visitors a unique experience in the midst of diverse ethnic communities, primeval rainforests and unique flora and fauna. Famed as the ‘Land Below the Wind’ , Sabah boasts 32 ethnic communities speaking nearly 80 dialects. Its capital of Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to eco-adventures like mountain-climbing, white water rafting, diving and river cruising. Comprising five islands, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a veritable playground for water sports.
EDUCATION TOURISM
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Students should not miss an opportunity to conquer Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks. For an adrenalin-pumping experience, go white water rafting in the Padas or Kiulu Rivers. The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre offers the fascinating experience of standing close to these primates, touted as ‘the Wild Man of Borneo’. For a leisurely time, enjoy a ride on the antique train from Tanjung Aru to Tenom through the picturesque Padas Gorge or take the North Borneo steam train to Papar. Experienced divers can visit the world-famous Sipadan Island, well-known for its sea turtles, reef sharks and a thrilling drop-off. Located off the west coast of Sabah, Labuan Island is a paradise for wreck diving, deep sea fishing and several World War II memorials. Sarawak or the ‘Land of the Hornbills’, beckons visitors with exciting eco-adventures. Endowed with one of the world’s richest and most diverse eco-systems, Sarawak is a perfect destination for activities such as trekking, caving, mountain climbing, kayaking, biking, rafting and diving. The state boasts a rich tapestry of cultures. Kuching, the vibrant capital, is located along the banks of the Sarawak River. It lays claim to many museums, including the Sarawak Museum which contains one of the region’s best ethnographic collections. Damai Beach, a short drive from Kuching, is a pleasant getaway with scenic beaches, sprawling golf courses and international-standard beach resorts. Students who are interested in culture should not miss the Sarawak Cultural Village, an award-winning attraction showcasing the diverse lifestyles of the ethnic groups in the state. Sarawak has a large number of national parks that are paradise for nature lovers. Visitors will be amazed by the razor-sharp limestone pinnacles in Mulu National Park, a world heritage site. A visit to the national parks will reward visitors with exciting attractions such as the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower as well as rare and interesting animals such as the pendulous-nosed proboscis monkey, silverleaf monkey, bearded pigs and banded langurs.