Sights in Malaysia
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Langkawi Crocodile Farm
On the way to Teluk Datai is Langkawi Crocodile Farm. If you’re not a kid or sympathetic to reptiles you may enjoy the twice-daily ‘stunt’ shows and hourly feedings, but the small, dirty pools and the fact that many of the farm’s residents are turned into meat is a turn-off for many.
reviewed
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Nattukotai Chettiar Temple
The Nattukotai Chettiar Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Penang and is dedicated to Bala Subramaniam. Nearby, further along Waterfall Rd, on the left side, is a gate leading up to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, the destination of the Thaipusam procession from Little India's Sri Mariamman Temple.
reviewed
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Kompleks Kraf Langkawi
The Kompleks Kraf Langkawi is an enormous handicrafts centre where you can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and buy any traditional Malaysian product or craft you can imagine. There are also a couple of on-site exhibitions devoted to local legends and wedding ceremonies.
reviewed
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Poring Hot Springs
One of the few positive contributions the Japanese made to Borneo during WWII, Poring Hot Springs has become a popular weekend retreat for locals. The complex is actually part of the Kinabalu National Park, but it’s 43km away from the park headquarters, on the other side of Ranau.
reviewed
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Sandakan Memorial Park
Now just a quiet patch of woods, Sandakan Memorial Park was the site of a Japanese POW camp and starting point for the infamous ‘death marches’ to Ranau. Of the 1800 Australian and 600 British troops imprisoned here, the only survivors by July 1945 were six Australian escapees.
reviewed
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Tabung Haji
One of Hijas Kasturi's creations, this striking tower houses the Haj pilgrimage funding body. The five main exterior columns represent the five pillars of Islam while the overall structure recalls the drum used to summon pilgrims to the Haj and the shape of a traditional Arabic perfume vessel.
reviewed
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Kampung Kraftangan
Kampung Kraftangan, a touristy affair opposite Istana Batu, has a one-room museum with displays of woodcarving, batik-making and other crafts. The complex includes souvenir shops and (why not?) a good-value lunchtime buffet. Batik classes also take place here.
reviewed
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St Mary's Cathedral
At the far end of the Merdeka Square is St Mary's Cathedral, looking every inch the white-washed English country church. The church was built in 1894 by the colonial administration and it still maintains a small Anglican congregation. The best time to visit is during the 17:00 Sunday service.
reviewed
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Muzium Islam
Muzium Islam occupies an old villa once known as Serambi Mekah (Verandah to Mecca) – a reference to its days as Kelantan’s first school of Islamic instruction. Nowadays it displays a small collection of photographs and artefacts relating to the history of Islam in the state.
reviewed
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Muzium Diraja Abu Bakar
Once the Johor royal family’s principal palace, the marvellous Istana Besar was built in Victorian style by Anglophile sultan Abu Bakar in 1866, and is open to the public as the Muzium Diraja Abu Bakar. The admission fee is also payable in ringgit (at a bad exchange rate).
reviewed
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Telok Pandan Kecil Beach
Telok Pandan Kecil Beach is gorgeous, surrounded by spectacular sandstone rock formations. Around the point is the famous Bako Sea Stack.
If you're thinking of hitching a boat ride to or from a beach, boats to beaches near park headquarters will cost around RM25 (one way or return).
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Teochew Temple
The Teochew Temple is a peaceful refuge. Browse the diorama explaining the impressive restoration of this 1870 building that was built by Penang's Teochew (Chaozhou) community, which orginated from southern China. Ask the attendant if any Teochew opera or music performances are scheduled.
reviewed
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Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve
As you descend towards the north coast you’ll pass the new dam and come upon the Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve. Several kilometres south of Teluk Bahang, it has gentle trails through the jungle, a few waterfall pools and a small, specialist Forestry Museum.
reviewed
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Muzium Telekom
A few blocks north of the Numismatic Museum, in a striking colonial building housing the Telekom Malaysia office, the reasonably diverting Muzium Telekom has exhibits on the history of telecommunications in Malaysia, with an English or Bahasa commentary on old-fashioned phone handsets.
reviewed
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Sarawak Museum
Established in 1891 the Sarawak Museum has a fascinating collection of cultural artefacts and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the region’s indigenous peoples and natural environment. It consists of two wings connected by an ornate footbridge.
reviewed
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Istana Negara
On the far side of the river, off Jln Istana, is the Istana Negara, the official residence of the Sultan of Malaysia. The palace itself is only distantly visible through the trees, but locals flock here to see the hourly changing of the palace guard (from 08:00 to 16:00 weekdays).
reviewed
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Cheah Kongsi
Cheah Kongsi is home to the oldest Straits Chinese clan association in Penang. It's a down-home sort of place, simple but welcoming, with some displays of old newspaper clippings and photos and a re-creation of a Nonya kitchen c 1910-50. It certainly retains its community feel.
reviewed
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Pulau Duyung
From the jetty near the Seri Malaysia Hotel you can take a 60-sen ferry ride to Pulau Duyung, the largest island in the estuary. Fishing boats are built here, for both local and international clients, using age-old techniques and tools, and visitors are welcome to look around.
reviewed
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Bukit Puteri
Across the road from the market, look for a steep flight of steps leading up to Bukit Puteri, a 200m-high hill with good views of the city. On top are the scant remains of a mid-19th-century fort (the legacy of intersultanate warfare), some cannons and a bell.
reviewed
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Kiansom Waterfall
A small chute – Kiansom Waterfall – about 400m beyond the cultural village, which is easily accessible by private transport or on foot. The area around the cascade lends itself well to swimming and it’s a great place to cool off after a visit to Mari Mari.
reviewed
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Church of the Immaculate Conception
The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception provides refreshing relief from Johor’s searing streets. Try to get here for the Tamil feast of Pongal in mid-January, when a colourful harvest festival service is held within the church.
reviewed
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Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery
Yet to open at the time of research but looking very promising is the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery, located in a futuristically designed metal-clad complex west of Jln Kuching and within walking distance of Bank Negara train station.
reviewed
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Sam Poh Tong
A few kilometres south of Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong is the largest cave temple in Malaysia, although it’s less popular than Perak Tong. The main attraction here is the turtle pond, where locals bring turtles to release in the hope of balancing their karma.
reviewed
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Chinese Street Market
On Sunday a very lively Chinese street market takes over the entire length of Jln Gaya, with all kinds of food and goods (including some great pancakes) on offer. On Chinese New Year it goes completely crazy - you'll hear the gongs and dances starting around 07:00!
reviewed
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St Michael’s & All Angels Church
The 19th-century St Michael’s & All Angels Church is one of the few stone buildings in Malaysian Borneo. Prison labourers lugged the stones across the jungle during the church’s construction – perhaps not the best example of Christian charity!
reviewed