Introduction

Fascinating Malaysia beckons all: the seasoned traveller as well as the uninitiated seeking to discover for the first time, its much publicised charms. Selamat Datang! It means 'welcome' in Bahasa Melayu, the national language. This greeting that's written on the faces, expressed in the gestures and exhibited in the unrestrained friendliness of its people reflect the heartwarming charm and genuine hospitality of the country.

This is merely a prologue to its more alluring attractions. Malaysia is steeped in interesting cultural traditions - the elaborate festivities, the sartorial splendours, unique arts and crafts, dance forms, food and architecture. Beyond this captivating facade of her multiracial make-up, Malaysia is also endowed with an abundance of other assets that have attracted an increasing number of tourists to its shores.

Be ready to step back millions of years in time or usher yourself into her heightening modernity. Shutterbugs and nature freaks can seek refuge in its natural paradise of lush tropical greenery, wooded mountain ridges, cascading rapids and icy cold waterfalls. The primeval rainforests, untouched for about 130 million years, are home to numerous species of birds and wildlife. The flora is rich.And it really is a mesmerising sight taking in the views of virgin forests and their somnolent canopies stretching seamlessly to misty tops of fabled mountains. The setting is perfect for bird-watching, trekking, white-water rafting, cave exploration,mountain climbing and camping.

Lovers of the sun, sea and underwater adventure will find their dream holiday in Malaysia fulfilled. Both the western and eastern shores of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak offer endless stretches of beaches. Of Malaysia’s one thousand and seven islands, 38 of them have been declared as marine parks. The islands and the surrounding seas are ideal for diving, snorkelling, swimming, yachting, wind-surfing, boating, game fishing and underwater photography.

Malaysia presents an exotic blend of the old and new. In the cities, the signs of modernity and technological progress is evident in the intelligent skyscrapers, high speed urban transportation, advanced telecommunication systems anJ information technology revolution. Yet, a short drive away from the cities brings one to see the country at its rustic best.

Visualise scattered wooden houses with smoke seeping out and engulfing the air with a whiff of the lazy fragrance of wood-fire and the aroma of local home cooking. The lush carpets of padi fields, local children reeling or scooping up fish for the day from the canals, the rolling plains of rubber estates and the pleasant green plantations of oil palm are all simply breathtaking.

When it comes to accommodation visitors are spoilt for choice as there is a wide range of hotels, chalets, resorts and homestay facilities catering to various tastes and budgets. In the cities, Malaysia’s rich array of local, oriental, as well as western and continental foods is available throughout the day. Entertainment and recreational activities such as golfing are easily available. Or immerse yourself in a shopping adventure. Malaysia’s relatively low cost of living and the wide array of choices for shopping have made it a shoppers’ haven and value for money destination.

Let your dream holiday come true in Fascinating Malaysia.