Interesting Facts

- The Malays hold political power in Malaysia while the Chinese control the economy and want to increase their political power.

- Peninsular Malaysia has more tree species per 125 acres of Tropical Forest than in the entire North America.

- Recently, Malaysia made the decision to move the capital from Kuala Lumpur to a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, called Putrajaya, a highly developed technological area, part of a regional multimedia super corridor, just south of Kuala Lumpur.

- The biggest pencil ever made is 20m high and is located in Malaysia. The pencil is part of the Faber-Castell Malaysia production site.

II. Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Petronas Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers currently stand at an enormous height of 452 meters or 1483 feet above Kuala Lumpur. Designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, the tower is an eighty-eight storey building and was completed in 1998. The total cost of the project was estimated at $U.S. 1.9 billion. The development also includes a 50-acre (20 hectare) park planned by the late Brazilian landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx, a retail complex and an entertainment center. The towers' floor plan is based on an eight-sided star that reflects the arabesque patterns of Islamic art. A 58-meter Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors connects the towers. Entrance to the tower is free but visitors need to purchase a ticket and only a limited number of tickets are issued daily.

Address: Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: (603) 2051 5000. Fax: (603) 2051 5050.

B. Masjid Jamek / Sunset Mosque

Set in a grove of palm trees, the Masjid Jamek is Kuala Lumpur's most revered mosque. Constructed in 1907, the mosque is a serene creation of onion domes and minarets of layered pink and cream bricks. Designed by British architect A.B. Hubbock, the mosque is particularly picturesque at sunset. A.B. Hubbock was inspired by the Moghul mosques in India and built this marvelous imitation at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers.

Address: Merdeka Square Area

Jl Tun Perak

Open: 08:30 am -12:30 pm, 02:30 pm-04:00 pm except closed Fri 11:00 am-02: 30 pm.

C. Islamic Arts Museum

This spacious, sparkling white building of Islamic Arts Museum incorporates a dome and other Islamic architectural features. A large number of exhibits at the museum showcase the cultural heritage of the Malaysian Islamic community. The extensive collection of artifacts is well labeled with detailed descriptions. On the third level are scale models of the world's most renowned mosques and a full-scale interior reproduction of a typical Muslim room of the Ottoman Empire.

Price: full $2.25

Address: Jl Lembah Perdana

Lake Gardens Area

50480

Tel: 2274 2020

Email: info@iamm.org.my

Website: www.iamm.com.my

Open: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00

D. Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Fronted by a spectacular gate-tower, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is Kuala Lumpur's principal Hindu temple, a large and ornate South-Indian Hindu shrine dating back to 1873. Vibrantly colorful, the temple is home to a large silver chariot that is taken out and paraded to the Batu Caves during the annual Thaipusam festival. Admission to the temple is free.

Address: Jl Tun HS Lee, Chinatown.

E. Lake Gardens

These 92 hectares (227acres) manicured gardens are located west of Merdeka Square and were once home to the high-ranking British officials. Lake gardens have a lot to offer to tourists, including a butterfly park, planetarium, insect museum, walk-in aviary, orchid garden and hibiscus garden. The garden overlooks the Tasik Perdana (Premier Lake) where you can enjoy a boat ride. Visitors do not need to pay any entry fee but attractions at the Lake Gardens may require payment of a small fee.

Address: JI Parlimen, Lake Gardens district.

F. Stadthuys

The Stadthuys is the most impressive relic of the Dutch period in Melaka. It is a massive red town hall and governors' residence, constructed between 1641 and 1660 and is considered to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. This Dutch marvel clearly displays all the typical features of the country's colonial architecture. Today the Stadthuys houses a didactic History and Ethnography Museum.

Address: Jalan Kota, Melaka

Open: Sat-Mon, Wed & Thu 10:00-18:00, Fri 10:00-12:15, 14:45-18:00m

G. Taman Negara National Park

The Taman Negara National Park is located 40km north of Kuala Tembeling. Taman Negara is referred, perhaps wrongly, to as a wildlife park. Certainly this wonderful wilderness area is a haven for endangered species such as elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos, but numbers are low and sightings of anything more exotic than snakes, lizards, monkeys, small deer, and perhaps tapir, are uncommon.

The bird life is abundant however, and chances are you will see more insects than you have ever seen in your life. Conventionally, the park was only accessible by river. These days there are roads, but the boat trip is still suggested for the full Taman Negara experience.

H. Batu Caves

The renowned Batu Caves are located 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur. This mesmerizing limestone cave is filled with statues of Hindu deities and mythological arts. The caves have close to 275 steps and have a large number of fascinating statues. You will see several monkeys at the cave always searching for peanuts. Local vendors at the entrance will approach you with small peanut packets. The caves are popular spots for Hindus during festivals.

Phone: +60 3 2287 9422

Directions: 13km north of Kuala Lumpur

Other Contact: +602 6935188.

I. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Prior to the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers, the Sultan Abdul Samad building was for long a renowned landmark in Malaysia. Designed by the British architect A.C Norman, it was built in 1897 with a distinct Moorish-style design. The Moorish inspired design of the building is based on some of the features of the buildings in Islamic countries that suitably portray the cultural background of Malaysia. The building was originally the Colonial Secretariat office, but now houses the Supreme and High Courts. The center of attraction is its clock tower in the middle and is Kuala Lumpur's answer to London's 'Big Ben'. The clock tower is significant to many major events, from the lowering of the Union Jack at the stroke of midnight when Malaysia gained independence to the numerous New Year eve celebrations.