TOURIST ATTRACTION IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia has a wide range of tourist attractions. The sheer diversity of tourism destinations is astounding. These include the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur, tropical island of Langkawi, colonial hill stations of Genting and Cameron Highlands, numerous pristine beaches, National Parks, and the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Malaysia has the potential of catering to tourist of every hue and it truly lives up to its tag line of Malaysia Truly Asia.

Kuala Lumpur
To describe Kuala Lumpur is like opening a book that has various exciting chapters. Yes, this only global city of Malaysia appears blessed with colors of modernism along with rich heritage. Though formally KL spans over an area of 244 sq kms, its plush precincts virtually get bigger to embrace the entire world. Kuala Lumpur is situated at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang, and probably, that's how it got its name, which literally means 'muddy confluence' in Malay language.

Kelantan
Kelantan-literally meaning "Land of Lightning"-is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Located in the northeast corner of the peninsula, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Kelantan offers plenty of opportunities for tourists such as river cruises, river rafting, bird watching and jungle trekking.

Malacca
Malacca is a quiet seaside city located on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the Straits of Malacca, about 147 km from Kuala Lumpur. Malacca is a wonderful repository of its cultural heritage. Its colonial past is evident in its Portuguese architecture, where as on the streets, Chinese influence is most visible. Most of the businessmen here are Chinese. Over the centuries, the Chinese and local Malay cultures in Malacca intertwined, eventually producing a completely unique society-a mosaic of different cultures.

Negeri Sembilian
Negeri Sembilian literally means "Nine States". It is so called because it comprises a federation of nine states. Located on the southwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan encompasses an area of 6,645 sq km and a 48 km long coastline.

Penang
Penang, literally meaning Island of Betel Nut, is famous for its natural scenic beauty. Also known as the 'Pearl of Orient', Penang entices visitors with its warm seas, golden beaches, lush greenery and delicious cuisine.

Perlis
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. The state is famous for its serene unspoilt beauty, rustic rural scenes and verdant paddy fields. The expanse of verdant paddy fields makes the landscape appear like a huge canvas of brilliant green or gold, depending on the season.

Sabah
Sabah is a tropical paradise located at the northeast corner of Borneo. In ancient times it was known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, rugged landscape and cultural diversity.

Sarawak
Sarawak-the largest state of Malaysia-is better known as the land of fabled White Rajahs, the hornbill and the orangutan. Located on the northwestern shore of the island of Borneo, Sarawak is a preferred tourist destination for those seeking culture, nature and adventure tourism. The rainforests of Sarawak are home to the richest and most diverse ecosystem of the world.

Terengganu
Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. Terengganu is the repository of Malaysia's cultural heritage and is home to the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerizing "Ulek Mayang" dance. It is a serene state, with numerous small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches.

St. Paul’s Hill (A Famosa)

As you may know, the Portuguese came to Malacca in 1511 and ruled the place till 1641.  When they arrived at the shores of Melaka, the first thing they did was build a fort overlooking the river.  They named it A Famosa.  The A Famosa is one of the oldest European Architecture present in Southeast Asia.

A Famosa Malacca

Throughout the Portuguese rule, the fort was critical to their foothold of the island because the town was constantly under threats from other foreign bigwigs (i.e. the British and Dutch).  It was not only important for Melaka; the fort was also instrumental in maintaining the Portuguese stronghold across the Far East.  The fort consists of housing and food stores, a castle, a meeting room for the Portuguese Council and five churches.

In the late 17^th century, Malacca came under attack by the Dutch and was significantly damaged, leaving only the entrance façade and the structure of a church at the top of the hill.  In the early 19th century, the fortress was taken over by the British who decided to destroy it.  This destruction came about in the year 1806; all was demolished expect for a small part, what is found today, the last bit of the once active and important fortress.

Tips for Travelers

You can take a stroll up St. Paul’s Hill on a cool late afternoon and walk around the huge trees and whatever is left of the great fort.  Wandering around the place, you can well imagine the glorious days of the lives the Portuguese led right here centuries ago.  It is better if you head up after 3 pm when the sun is less hot and the sea breeze begins.

How should visitors get to St Paul’s Hill (A Famosa)?

Preferably by taxi if you are in Melaka for a short trip.  The taxi will cost you no more than RM 15.

If you have plenty of time then do look for a city bus.  You can get off near bus stop No. 7 or 8.  St. Paul’s Hill is within walking distance from both of the bus stops.

Approximate Touring Time

The approximate touring time for the St. Paul’s Hill is about an hour.  There are a couple of attractions nearby so you might want to spend more time or plan your itinerary accordingly.

Nearby Attractions

There are plenty of attractions near St. Paul’s Hill.  A few of them are:

• Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall
• Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall
• Menara Taming Sari (a revolving observation deck from a height of 80 meters)
• Istana Museum

There are also a couple of attractions within walking distance (about 15 – 20 minutes):

• The Stadthuys
• Christ Church
• Melaka River Cruise
• The Maritime Museum
• Jonker Walk
  

Visiting Hours

The place is open for the public 24 hours a day.  The recommended time to visit is early morning or late afternoon.

Admission Charges

Free!

MELAKA RIVER FESTIVAL 2011

 

The fiesta is back. Pesta Sungai Melaka 2011 or the Melaka River Festival 2011 will be held from 1st June to 30th June 2011. Easy to say the whole month of June is Melaka River Festival. There will be a lucky draw everyday in the River Festival month. Among the prizes are hotel vouchers, electrical items and many more. An expo / stall will be open through the month of June at Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Melaka. The official opening will be on the 5th of June at 7.30pm and there also will be Decorative Boat competition. Other interesting activities are :


*Dragon Boat, Melaka Parade and Lion dance at a pontoon
*Fun Sport at the River like catching the duck, pillow hitting, climbing a slippery post, sling shot a balloon, cross Melaka River

Will update the full activities shortly….

For more info please contact:perbadanan sungai dan pantai,ppspm
Perbadanan Sungai dan Pantai Melaka,
Tingkat 9, Bangunan Graha Maju,
75300 Melaka,
Tel: 06-2814322/23
Fax: 06-2814325