Experience Multi-Faceted MalaysiaBy Donna Yuen
The “wild man of Borneo” also known as orangutans are occasionally seen in the wild in the Sukau area. To increase the chances of seeing orangutans visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center at feeding time. Located approximately 25 kilometers north of Sandakan, the sanctuary rehabilitates injured, abandoned and formerly captive orangutans. The adorable hairy infants occupy the nursery while rehabilitated orangutans supplement their diet with fruit from the feeding platforms in the sanctuary. In nearby Sandakan is the site of a Japanese prisoner of war camp. For history buffs, a visit to the site is a moving and enlightening experience. In September 1944, over 2400 British and Australian troops were interned here. Many prisoners perished in the camp due to disease and lack of food. The remainder of the prisoners died in a series of three death marches to Ranau. By the summer of 1945 even the prisoners who had survived the death marches had died except for six Australian prisoners who managed to escape. For the athletically inclined, a different type of march to the peak of Mt. Kinabalu is the most popular tourist attraction in Sabah. Reaching a height of 4100 meters, the peak is shrouded by mist and legend. The name itself is derived from a legend concerning the Chinese emperor’s three sons. The sons sought a pearl that was rumored to be guarded by a dragon on the mountain. The person who could provide the pearl to the emperor would be crowned as his successor. One son managed to obtain the pearl and hide in the jungle while the other two brothers were fleeing the dragon. After hiding in the jungle for a number of years, the son returned to China with the pearl leaving his wife and family with a promise of his return. When he failed to come back, the wife attempted to climb the mountain to pray, and died as a result. Accordingly, the name Mt. Kinabalu is derived from Kina (China) and balu (widow). Malaysia is easily accessible with daily flights to Kuala Lumpur from L.A. on Malaysia Airlines. After a short flight from Kota Kinabalu we arrive safely in the modern, vibrant city of Kula Lumpur. The city appears in direct contrast to the rustic pristine jungle areas of Sabah. Like many lively modern cities the activities here are endless. The shopping districts in K.L. rival those found in Hong Kong and Thailand. Clothing, accessories and food are available in bountiful amounts as the shopkeepers man their stalls offering cut-rate negotiable prices. Shop around the open-air markets to determine what a fair price is for the never-ending goods available. Many stall-owners sell similar products in varying quality and price. For a complete shopping experience visit K.L during the annual shopping carnival in October/November. After a long spending spree, I return to my room at the Mutiara Kuala Lumpur (formerly known as the Hilton Kuala Lumpur). The sumptuous king sized bed beckons my exhausted body after a leisurely soak in the luxurious bathtub. The hotel offers ultra modern facilities for tourists and business travelers alike. Recent renovations have upgraded the hotel to include large conference rooms and Internet service.
Malaysia has something to offer every visitor. From jungle adventures to luxury hotels, history, culture, and friendly locals make the Malaysian experience a multi-faceted one. Contact Information:WILDLIFE EXPEDITIONS SDN. BHD. MUTIARA KUALA LUMPUR TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIAN AIRLINES |
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Deep in the jungles of Sabah (the land below the wind), in Malaysian Borneo, wildlife abounds as we attempt to spot the hidden occupants in the trees. Actually, the Lower Kinabatangan River is estimated to have the highest concentration of wildlife in all of Malaysia. It is a paradise for both bird watchers and adventurous animal lovers. It is home to all eight species of hornbills found in Borneo and to the endangered Proboscis monkey. The Proboscis monkey is one of the world’s largest monkeys weighing up to 20 kilograms. They are only found living in Borneo’s mangrove swamps and they live in large social groups of up to 30 members. The area is also occupied by two different species of macaques that do not shy away from grabbing any unattended food or belongings.
Our knowledgeable guide from Wildlife Expeditions informs us that crocodiles are also prevalent along the 560 km river. I peer into the muddy water looking for the unwelcome visitors as we slowly cruise up the river to the infamous oxbow lakes. Rhinos and groups of elephants are also known to frequent the area. To see wildlife of a smaller variety, go to the nearby Gomantong Cave. The limestone cave reaches 90 meters in height and is the primary source of the swiftlets’ nests used for bird’s nests soup. In the nesting season, visitors can watch the nests being collected by the courageous men who climb the bamboo ladders snaking their way up the precipitous cave walls. The floor of the cave is comprised of guano and insects including an unimaginable number of cockroaches. The millions of bats and birds who make the cave their home, cling precariously to the walls and ceiling. Our guide informs us that on any given evening, watching the mass exodus of millions of bats from the cave is both a frightening and exhilarating experience. 
The over 1.8 million residents of K.L. have created a clean, vibrant, welcoming city for themselves and the foreign visitor alike. In addition to the high-energy nightlife available, the city hosts numerous international events and festivals throughout the year. Two notable festivals, the Colors of Malaysia and Malaysia Fest take place in the spring and fall respectively. The month long Colors of Malaysia festival kicks off with a parade involving over 6000 performers dressed in a variety of traditional Malay costumes. At street level, I watch as the performers spin and twirl before me. The array of colors and the graceful movements of the dancers bombard my eyes with a beauty unknown to me before. The parade extravaganza is of a magnitude rarely seen in most countries and it concludes with a display of breathtaking fireworks.
Before my imminent departure, I take a brief visit to the Petronas Twin Towers for one last glimpse of K.L. The towers were officially opened in 1999 after the construction work took six years. At a height of 452 meters, the Petronas towers hold the record for being the tallest twin buildings in the world. The sky bridge connecting them offers spectacular views of the city, whereby the visitor can appreciate the large amount of green space available throughout Kuala Lumpur.