Malaysia is composed of a peninsula that runs south from Thailand to Singapore as well as the states of Sabah and Sarawak in northern Borneo. The highlands of peninsular Malaysia stretch from the island of Penang to Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah. Malaysia today is an ethnic mix of Chinese, Hindus, Polynesians and numerous indigenous peoples that still reside in the hills. From some of the most beautiful beaches in the world to the rainforest canopy of Borneo; From the mosques and temples to the restaurants and museums, Malaysia offers the traveler a distinctive collage of food, culture and nature.

Malaysia's modern capital city of Kuala Lumpur is a booming Eastern metropolis. A short distance from the countryside, Kuala Lumpur is quickly positioning itself as a major player in the Southeast Asian marketplace. Islamic architecture gives the city a sophisticated cosmopolitan blend of Eastern and Western styles. Visit Chinatown with its quaint family restaurants and wonderful night markets that show evidence of the dominating Chinese influence. Other points of interest include the National Mosque, the Central Market and the National Museum. Every January, the Batu Caves are the site of the annual Thaipusan Festival where an estimated 100,000 Hindu pilgrims converge upon this cliffside cavern and perform ritual acts of penance. Malacca is Malaysia's oldest town and at one time was considered to be the wealthiest seaport in the entire world. Christ Church is one the many fine examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Malacca.

Cool hideways north of Kuala Lumpur include Fraser's Hill where one can golf, ride bicycles, play tennis or relax in one of the many gardens that are scattered throughout the area. The Genting Highlands sport Malaysia's only casino. The rolling green hills and fresh mountain air in the Cameron Highlands entice visitors to spend a few days walking and relaxing among the gardens and tea plantations.

Penang is known as the "Pearl of the Orient", connected to the mainland by the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. The northern part of the island is mainly comprised of beautiful seaside resorts and quaint fishing villages. The bustling market center of Georgetown is good fun with its turn of the century shophouses and relaxed ambiance. To the north of Penang lies the scenic island of Langkawi. Actually comprised of a ninety nine island archipelago, Langkawi is one of the most picturesque islands in Malaysia and harbors numerous idyllic hideaways for days and nights that make dreams come reality!

The east coast of peninsular Malaysia features pristine beaches along the South China Sea. Visit Kota Bharu where you will find the largest selection of arts and crafts in all of Malaysia. North of Tanjung Jara is Rantau Abang, where five different turtle species make their annual pilgrimmage to lay their eggs in the sand. Off the southeast coast are a number of tropical islands, the largest being Tioman where one can sleep on the beach or live in the lap of luxury. Explore Malaysia's wildest national park, Taman Negara, which for the nature lover offers rare glimpses of one of the worlds oldest ecological systems.

Sarawak in northwestern Borneo is clearly an off the beaten path destination. Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and an excellent starting point for travel into the dense tropical jungle inhabited by the fascinating Iban tribes. Kuching's sights include the Sarawak Museum, one of the finest for tribal artifacts, the majestic ruins of Fort Margherita, and the lively markets that spill out on to the streets and alleys. North of Kuching lies Damai Beach where resorts now cater to distinguished travelers along this beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Numerous national parks exist in Sarawak, the most accessible being Bako National Park, two hours northeast of Kuching, home to monitor lizards, sambar deer, macaques, wild pigs and long-nosed monkeys. Visit the Niah National Park, outside the town of Miri, and take a boat ride to the Great Cave where one can follow a boardwalk to the spot where the ingredients for birdsnest soup are gathered high above the rock floor. Explore the vast underground waterways of Mulu National Park, Malaysia's most remote reserve. Skrang River safaris give the adventurer a chance to meet and stay with Iban tribes in communal longhouses along the river banks. Former headhunters, the Iban today practice slash and burn agriculture and sell and trade handicrafts in local markets. Journeys up the Rejang River give visitors access to the remote Kenyah and Kayan tribes that were once rivals of the Iban.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a fairly new city with a striking landscape on Borneo's northeastern coast. The Sabah State Museum, set upon a cliff with its fine collection of indigenous arts and crafts, commands a spectacular view of the city as well as the coral islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. After a visit to the State Mosque, cruise through the many water villages, including Mengkabong, built on stilts along the coast. The Sunday Market at Kota Belud has everything from water buffaloes to ethnic handicrafts. Dominated by mountains, Sabah's Mt. Kinabalu is Southeast Asia's highest peak. A welcome relief from the heat of the coast, Kinabalu National Park is famous for its flora and fauna, containing over one thousand species of orchids as well as the world's largest flower, the rafflesia. The more adventurous can climb Mt. Kinabalu, bathe in the Poring Hot Springs or take a canopy walk hundreds of feet above the jungle floor.