Malaysia, Truly Asia
MALAYSIA
Malaysia is located just north of the equator in Southeast Asia. The country is divided in two major areas, the Malaysian Peninsula and the Island of Borneo. The weather is tropical and mild all year long, with seasonal rains. Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures mix with influences from Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization creating a destination that mesmerizes all. The country is geared for tourism and as such has become the ninth most visited country in the world with almost as many tourist visitors every year as residents. Ancient rainforests, five-star hotels, glistening shopping malls, skyscrapers, and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of things that make this a once-in-a-lifetime destination. With almost daily flights from Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines is the airline that services the destination with impeccable service, luxurious aircraft and amenity-filled lounges.
KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most unique and affordable cities in the world. The past and the future sit by side in perfect harmony. The Petronas Twin Towers, at one time the tallest buildings in the world, reach 1,483 feet above the bustling streets and are connected by a Skybridge halfway up making for a thrilling walk. An amazing variety of street markets and malls makes Kuala Lumpur the best shopping city in Southeast Asia. Though these modern influences have resulted from this country’s oil wealth, the culture and religions remaining an important element of daily life. An example of the religious presence in the country is Batu Caves, a Hindu Shrine just outside the city, one of the most visited in the world
PENANG
Penang, an island originally settled by the British in 1786, was once one of the busiest ports in Asia creating much wealth and ethnic diversity. The densely populated city is home to George Town, named after King George, and awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2008. The diversity is seen in the religions and foods throughout the country. Amazing Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and European cuisine is served everywhere from countless street vendors to the most elegant hotel buffets and world-class restaurants. Chicken, meats, seafood – many with spicy curries and chilies- as well as countless vegetables and fruits, make for meals throughout Malaysia to be an unforgettable experience.
LANGKAWI
An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is a pristine destination at the northern tip of Malaysia. A tropical paradise of lush foliage and dramatic cliffs with uninhabited islands, white sand beaches and jungle wildlife are the perfect backdrop for luxurious five star hotels. Kilim Geoforest Park is home to towering rock formations, river estuaries and mangroves with monitor lizards, moneys, bat caves, and eagles. A stunning overview of the island can be seen from the Panorama Skycab, the world’s steepest cable car with views of the island and neighboring Thailand.
WILDLIFE
Malaysia is home to the oldest jungle in the world; at 130 million years, it has survived ice ages, volcanoes and even human development unscathed. This has allowed for one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world and the boom of eco-tourism. With animals such as tigers, rhinoceros, tapir, pangolin, slow loris, elephants and orangutans, nature lovers will delight in the variety and proximity to an untouched paradise. If you think it looks familiar, fans may recognize the area as the location for the original Survivor television series.
Malaysia
Tourism Malaysia
(213) 689-9702 (Los Angeles)
Malaysia Airlines
Kulala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers
The Garden Hotel and Residences
Penang
Penang Hill Railway
Hard Rock Hotel
Langkawi
Panorama Skycab
Four Season Resort
Borneo
Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort
www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort
