Cultural
Handicraft Complex: The Complex, which has
been modeled like a traditional Minangkabau dwelling,
is located on a four-hectare site along Jalan Labu.
Various examples of the state's handicraft and historical
artifacts are on display in this Complex which preserves
Negeri Sembilan's rich cultural traditions.
Taman Lagenda:
This scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local
blooms, plants and fruit trees. It is a 50-acre park
with 17 story-telling monuments, 4 artificial lakes
and a man-made beach which provide a picturesque and
fitting backdrop for buildings showcasing Malaysia's
rich cultural heritage. Within the park, there are
also some fine examples of traditional Malaysian handicraft
and cultural objects.
Dataran Lang: Dataran
Lang (Eagle Square) is Langkawi's most prominent landmark
for visitors arriving by sea.
Situated near the Kuah jetty, the main attraction of
the square is the magnificent statue of the reddish
brown eagle majestically poised for flight. According
to local
folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle
or "helang".
In old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown,
hence, Langkawi means reddish brown eagle!
The square is beautifully landscaped and features scenic
ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel
vaults made of bricks. Its close proximity to the sea
and the soft breezes make it an ideal spot for leisurely
walks and a tranquil setting for dining in the cool
evenings. The square is beautifully illuminated at
night and presents
a dramatic scene as you approach the island by sea.
Indeed, the majestic eagle is strategically positioned
to welcome
visitors to Langkawi.
Penang Museum and
Art Gallery Lubus Farquhar: Built in 1821,
the Museum houses a fine collection of old photographs,
maps, charts and other historical relics. There are
also Malay daggers (Keris), Chinese furniture, embroidery
and paintings of old Penang. The Art Gallery on the
first floor displays the works of local artists and
is the venue for special exhibitions. The statue of
Captain Francis Light graces the grounds in front of
the buildings.
Perak Tong & Sam
Poh Tong: Within
the huge limestone caves of Gunung Tasek, 6 km to the
north of lpoh, nestles the Perak Tong temple. Built in
1926 by a Buddhist priest from China, the temple houses
over 40 Buddha. Beyond the main altar, a passage leads
into the cave's interior. After a steep climb of 385
steps, the cave opens again to reveal a wonderful view
of the surrounding countryside.
Another famous cave temple is the Sam Poh Tong temple,
located in Gunung Rapat, 5 km south of lpoh. The temple
is an impressive work of art and faith, with various
statues of Buddha among natural stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a pond where visitors can feed tortoise,
(symbol of longevity) with stalks of vegetables and a
wishing well for those seeking better fortunes. Outside
the temple is a vegetarian restaurant.
Kellie's Castle:About
30 minutes drive from lpoh, it is believed that Kellie's
Castle has hidden rooms and a secret tunnel. The road
which leads to the Castle follows the contours of the
land in a dizzying, maze-like fashion, adding to the
mystery and romance of the place.
Royal Museum:
Previously known as Istana Kenangan, Istana Tepas and
Istana Lembah, the Perak Royal Museum is an amazing
achievement in architecture. It was built without any
architectural plans and without using a single nail.
Situated near the Istana Iskandariah, the Sultan of
Perak's official palace at Kuala Kangsar.
Gua Kelam Recreational
Park: The peaceful town of Kaki Bukit is home
to Gua Kelam, literally translated as the 'Dark Caves'.
The 370- meter long cave passage is well-lighted and
is believed to have been hollowed out from the limestone
massif by an underground stream over many eons. A wooden
walkway suspended along the entire length of the cave
allows visitors to view the magnificent stalagmite
and stalagmite formations. The original cave was enlarged
in 1935 by a resident Englishman to serve as a route
for the transportation of tin ore. It is now a convenient
way for local folk travelling on motor cycles to get
from Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley and vice versa.
Istana Jahar:
Built in 1887 by Sultan Mohamad II for his grandson,
Long Kundur, the Istana Jahar has been transformed
into a museum featuring Kelantan's cultural heritage.
Photographs and a great variety of artefacts bear testimony
to the rich Kelantanese cultural legacy. The building
itself is laced with intricate wood carvings, serving
as an example of the fine craftsmanship of local artisans.
The Masjid Tengku
Tengah Zaharah: located outside Kuala Terengganu
is just 4.5km away. This is no ordinary mosque but
said to be the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Combining
modern and traditional architectural desighs, the mosque
creates an illusion of itself as floating on water.
Kinabalu Park And
Mt Kinabalu: the journey by road to the
Kinabalu Park takes some 11 and half hours. It is
a natural
haven for a variety of plant and animal species and
a must for nature lovers. The mighty Mount Kinabalu
at 4095.2 meters is within the park. This is the
biggest tourist attraction in Sabah, luring flocks
of mountaineers
to scale to the summit. There is a thermal —pool
system at Poring Hot Springs to offer a Japanese-
style hot spring bath in the open air.
Sarawak Museum:The
Sarawak Museum, located in Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg,
is one of Asia's finest. It houses a collection of Bornean
ethnological and archaeological items and an exhibition
featuring a reconstruction of the great Niah Caves, with
remains of the Neolithic people who lived in the Caves.
Closed on Fridays and public holidays.