Kuala Lumpur
The bustling capital of Malaysia attracts Malays, Chinese, Indians and European settlers, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region. There's no shortage of sights, with old temples nestled at the foot of gleaming skyscrapers. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building can be found in Merdeka Square and is an interesting blend of Victorian and Moorish architectural styles. The National Monument, a brass sculpture located in the beautiful Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens, is a popular place for locals to picnic and relax. Near to the railway station is the huge National Mosque, which can hold 10,000 worshippers in the main prayer hall. The Petronas Twin Towers stand at 1,453ft high making them among the tallest buildings in the world.

Langkawi
Langkawi Island is nestled among more than 100 islands, most of which are tiny and uninhabited. There are several resorts and international hotel chains that have transformed Langkawi into Malaysia's premier beach destination. Apart from the wonderful scenery and sandy beaches, there are plenty of activities such as jet-skiing, golf, horseback riding, scuba diving, sailing and fishing.

Malacca
Although predominantly a Chinese community, Malacca has been influenced over the years by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. It has a unique and unhurried atmosphere, with many sites and attractions that act as reminders of the city’s interesting past. Among the highlights are the Tranquerah Mosque, St Paul’s Church with the grave of St Xavier, Dutch Christ Church and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.

Penang
The British arrived in Penang in the late 18th century and helped transform the port into one of the most important in the region. Today, Penang is popular with tourists who enjoy the tropical beaches on the island’s north coast and the national parks in the interior. Georgetown is a melting pot of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Thai and European cultures giving it a special charm. Elsewhere on Penang, there are over 100 species of butterflies and insects at the Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang. Penang Hill has a cable car that takes you to the summit for some excellent views and jungle walks.

Perhentian Islands
The pristine sandy beaches and clear warm waters of the Perhentian Islands are considered to be the most beautiful in the country. They are less developed than other parts of Malaysia and perfect for diving and snorkelling. The residents here have strict Muslim beliefs and alcohol is not permitted.

TOP THINGS TO DO

Charter a yacht. Langkawi Island is the perfect place to charter a yacht and explore the island’s coastline. Crews are available for hire and trips can be arranged to any port in Malaysia or southern Thailand.

Climb to the top of Mount Kinabulu. At 13,452ft, Mount Kinabulu is Southeast Asia’s highest peak and attracts plenty of tourists eager to reach the summit. Climbing skills are not required for this activity, and most people with a reasonable level of fitness will find the climb manageable. Altitude sickness is a common problem among climbers and a guide is mandatory.

Discover the oceans. Malaysia's coastline provides scuba divers with an ideal playground and some of the best marine life found anywhere. The crystal clear waters contain an amazing array of corals, underwater cliffs, shipwrecks and canyons.

Explore the Batu Caves. The spectacular caves located near to Kuala Lumpur are home to hundreds of monkeys that regularly scale the steep cliff faces. Every year, up to a million pilgrims pay their respects to the enormous golden statue of Muruga during the three-day Thaipusam festival.

Go mountain biking among impressive scenery. There are scores of great biking trails to choose from in Malaysia, from flat coastal roads that pass through quaint fishing villages, to rugged paths on the mountains of Sarawak and Sabah.

Learn about the Orang Asli. The Orang Asli people are made up of 18 different ethnicities, some of which a semi nomadic lifestyle in forest or by rivers. To learn about these fascinating tribes, visit the Orang Asli Museum near Kuala Lumpur.

Take a jungle train ride. Jump onboard a train at Kota Bahru and travel through dense jungle on your way to Kuala Krai, Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis and Jerantut.

Visit the orang-utans. Sabah is home to one of only four orang-utan sanctuaries in the world. Although it can get crowded with tourists here, a trip to see these endangered and impressive creatures is a worthwhile experience.

Cameron Highlands

Malaysia's mountains and jungles are ideal for those who don't like the beach, and there is nowhere better than the Cameron Highlands. The towns of Tanah Rata, Ringlet and Brinchang provide top quality hotels and amenities for both local and foreign visitors. At 6773ft, Gunung Brinchang is the highest inhabited point on the Malay peninsular and provides some stunning views.

MALAYSIA