Kelantan: Shop Till You Drop

One of the northernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan Darul Naim borders Thailand in the north, Perak in the west, Terengganu in the south-east, the South China Sea to the east and Pahang in the south.

As the state shares a border with Thailand, and, indeed, was once under Thai rule, it's not surprising to find a strong Thai influence here in the local cuisine, architecture, and, of course, among the local population. The capital, Kota Bharu, is a good place to sample this culture and cuisine, and also makes a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Kelantan is a unique travel destination because of its splendid beaches, rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings.

Women have always played a major part in the economy of the state. The handicrafts they produce, from Kelantan silver to baskets and cloth, are are some of the best in Peninsular Malaysia and are much sought after by both foreigners and Malaysians themselves. The Kelantanese seem to favour huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.

Several attraction you can find in Kelantan is Siti Khadijah Market, Jalan Temenggong and Pantai Bisikan Bayu. You also can stay at Renaissance Hotel, Kota Bharu while u at it.

For more information, please visit: http://www.tourism.gov.my

Terengganu Beach Wonders

Holiday in Terengganu, u can't escape going to beach. Any beach either in mainland or at the island such as Rantau Abang. Its beautiful and with lush green scenery makes me love to visit this place anytime. I haven't visited any island except Langkawi but i would say that their mainland beach is excellent. If you want better privacy, island is the best choice. Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas is the example for island available in Terengganu. One thing about the island is their price. Either food or hotel, their price would be higher but in return you will get first class treatment rather the mainland counterpart.

There's one spot to be visit other than the beach, its the popular Pasar Payang. The Central Market, locally known as Pasar Payang, is located by the Terengganu River and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Housed in a modern building, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, as well as fresh produce.

Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping for local products at reasonable prices. It is also a great place to experience the culture as locals do their daily shopping there too. While there, try a special local delicacy called Keropok Lekor, which is a crispy wafer made from a mixture of fish and sago. It is meant to be dipped in a chilli based sauce. Delicious!

For more information please visit : http://www.tourism.gov.my

Cameron Highland

Cameron Highland is one of the spot that i love going there again. Although its far from my area but its worth every penny. This is among place in Malaysia that for people who want some rest and like cool highland climate. Never i could believe there is such a cold place in Malaysia but there i was enjoying myself without to turn on any aircond (its unavailable anyway) and i could sleep with my sweater on. I have health problem and to be precise "eczema" which is skin irritation or allergy reaction on skin. I'm not easily feel comfortable so if i could sleep with my sweater jacket on, its really a prove that its one fully comfortable place.

While i was there, there are some interesting spot that u could visit. Such as tea farm, flower farm and several markets that sell lots of flowers and some other stuff that i don't remember. I enjoy visiting tea farm although getting there is a challenge of its own. The route to take you there is one very narrow road, only possible two vechicle past each other and for some place 1 vehicle at a time. The scenery is beautiful with the green lush everywhere and hilltop fog enhancing the view. The tea farm have a factory that visitor could enter and see how the tea leaves are process and what the step taken up close. The visitor also can view a short documentary from factory owner explain their activity and tea leaves process taken from beginning to the end. After that they can take a breath at the near cafe located in their premise with balcony gives outdoor view from a hill towards the farm.

I highly recommend this destination to everybody that comes to Malaysia to relax with their family and friends. Its enjoyable and getaway destination from all those hectic schedule of city life. Lets have a good time there.

More information can by visiting http://www.tourism.gov.my

Kinabalu Park

Soaring at 4095 metres and growing about 5mm a year, Mount Kinabalu is indisputably the highest peak in South East Asia.

The Kinabalu Park covers an area of 754 sq km and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills. It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.

Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

Key Tips

If you plan to climb the mountain, be sure to bring a head torch for the early morning climb to the summit which starts in utter darkness and cold weather gear. The summit temperatures have been known to dip to below freezing!

How to get there

By Taxi
Car rentals can be arranged through major hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Taxis go to Park HQ at Ranau and take a maximum of four passengers. You can negotiate for the taxi to pick you up from Park HQ for your return if you hire the whole taxi.

By Bus
All express and minibuses between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau or Sandakan pass the park turn-off, from where it is just 100m to the Park HQ.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation Overview
Accommodation at Kinabalu Park range from hostels to resorts.

You can view more information by visiting http://www.tourism.gov.my/