NEAR KUALA LUMPUR

tea plantation in Malaysia Around Kuala Lumpur are several interesting places to visit, such as the Batu Caves, a limestone formation north of the city. Templer Park (20 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur) is a superb park with jungle walks, waterfalls, swimming holes caves and limestone pinnacles. FRIM is also worth checking out. It contains an interesting catwalk through the trees which visitors can walk on. A little further afield are highlands with hill station and a somewhat cooler climate. Tours to visit local places of interest in the vicinity are available through the hotels.

Carey Island is famous for two things — great seafood and the indigenous Mah Meri (pronounced Mak Miri) people who have a reputation for some of the world's finest wooden masks. Located just off the mainland, they have assimilated into modern life, with jobs in the nearby plantations and farms, but they retain their unique culture and way of life. Apart from exhibitions of their traditional dances and music, the Mah Meri are also known for their evocative sculptures, fashioned from a kind of swamp hardwood known as "Nyireh Batu". Getting There By Road: Drive from Kuala Lumpur to Teluk Panglima Garang on the Kelang-Banting road. From Teluk Panglima Garang, a narrow road takes you past rustic Malay villages to Pulau Carey. A bridge links the mainland to the island. The entire drive takes approximately 11/2 hours. Contact: Tourism Info Line Tel: 1300 88 5050, Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my

The Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery (accessible from the KTM Komuter train) was first commissioned in 2002. The museum is a dedication of the ninth Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the present Selangor Sultan to honor his late father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. There are various royal collections depicting the reigning period of the late king, from his early childhood through his appointment as the eighth Sultan Selangor in 1960 and as the eleventh King in 1999. Among the collections include replicas of Selangor's crown jewels, royal seal of Sultan Sir Abdul Samad (fourth Selangor Sultan) and state sword decorated with silver and Burmese rubies used by the fifth Selangor Sultan. Visit this unique and interesting gallery to discover more of the history of Selangor's late illustrious Sultan and Malaysia's eleventh King. Getting There: By Train: Take the KTM Komuter to Port Klang. Get off at the Klang Station. Take a taxi or walk to the Royal Gallery. Contact: Tourism Info Line, Tel: 1300 88 5050. The gallery is opened everyday except Mondays from 10.00am to 5.00pm

Selangor

Selangor is the state of Malaysia that surrounds Kuala Lumpur. It has a population 5,411,324 and covers an area of 8,104 square kilometers and has a population density of 668 people per square kilometer. Occupying part of a coastal alluvial plain on the Strait of Malacca Selangor’s history and economic development have been closely linked with two rivers, the Kelang and the Langat, which were the main settlement routes for Malays and immigrant Chinese. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital, Port Kelang, Malaysia’s largest and busiest port and Malaysia’s Formula One race track are all situated in Selangor

According to britannica.com: “One of the original Negeri Sembilan (“Nine States”) under the rule of old Malacca, Selangor became an independent state (18th century) ruled by Buginese from Makasar in the Celebes. In the late 19th century Chinese tin miners, mainly from Singapore, arrived, and an ensuing civil war in their jungle camps led to British intervention, culminating in protectorate status (1874) and membership in the Federated Malay States (1896) and the Federation of Malaya (1948). Although Chinese and Indians outnumber Malays, Selangor has been the focus of Malay nationalist politics and attendant communal rivalries. [Source: britannica.com]

“A 20-mile (32-kilometer) railway built between Kuala Lumpur and Klang (the sultan’s residence) about 1890 was the beginning of an extensive series of rail and road links with Singapore and Pinang that were constructed to handle the increasing output of rubber and tin. Port Swettenham, now Port Kelang (q.v.), was developed beside a broad channel on the delta below Klang (now Kelang) to handle bulky commodities. Other important towns include Kuala Selangor, Kuala Kubu Baharu, and Kajang.

“The region’s modern economy is broad-based, with tin, coconuts, and rubber as major products. Subsistence paddy (rice) is grown in the upland valleys and at Tanjung Karang, a swampy northern coastal strip. Pineapples, coffee, rice, tea, cocoa, and palm products are significant crops. Coal is mined at Batu Arang. Industrial and commercial development is concentrated in a sector between Kuala Lumpur-Petaling Jaya and Port Kelang.”

Local Tourism Office: Pejabat Tourism Malaysia Negeri Selangor & Putrajaya, Tingkat 6, Wisma PKPS, Persiaran Perbandaran Seksyen 14, 40675 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Tel: 603-5510 9100. Selangor Tourist Information Centre, Low Cost Carrier Terminal-Sepang, International Arrival Hall, LCCT, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, Tel: 603-8775-2518

Batu Caves

Batu Caves (16 kilometers miles from Kuala Lumpur) is arguably the most interesting place to visit in the Kuala Lumpur after Petronas Twin Towers. A cave complex that has been turned into a Hindu temple, it consists of three large, dimly-lit caves and many smaller caves, rock formations, scenes from Indian mythology and monkeys that occasionally dart out from the shadows.

The best known cave, Temple Cave, has a 300-foot-high vaulted ceiling festooned with stalactites. Below Temple Cave is Dark Cave, a two-kilometer-long network of relatively untouched caverns with some species of animals found nowhere else in the world. Monkeys dart around the caves.. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave., The area is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts

Leading up to Temple cave are 272 steps which are climbed each year by Hindu pilgrimages. During the Hindu holiday of Thaipusam, up to a million people show up at Temple caves to climb the 272 steps and watch devotees parade by with large colorful metal frames, called kavadis, supported by skewers pierce through their skin.

Getting There: By Car or Taxi: Batu Caves is accessible by car or taxi as it is situated beside the main highway of MRR2 in Batu Caves area. KTM Komuter There is also the KTM Komuter train service from KL Sentral to Batu Caves. Monorail and Bus From KL Sentral, take the monorail service to Titiwangsa station. get off at here and take the bus to Batu Caves.

Synchronized Fireflies of Kuala Selnagor

Kuala Selangor (80 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur) is a small coastal village northwest of Kuala Lumpur renowned for fireflies that light up alongside the Selangor River that runs through the village. The fireflies are found around a mangrove tree species called berembang. It is said that this is one of the biggest firefly colonies in the world. The fireflies are viewed in Kampung Kuantan (nine kilometers from Kuala Selangor) in the beginning of the evening. There you can arrange hire a row boat and a local boatman as a guide between 8.00pm and 10.30pm daily (except for rainy days). There are a couple of nice restaurants that mainly serve fresh seafood. And hotels in in Kuala Selangor You can also stay at the chalets at Kuala Selangor Firefly Park,.

The firefly is a type of insect from the beetle family. The ‘Pteroptyx tener’ species is the most dominant in Kuala Selangor, measuring about 5mm in length. At night, these tiny insects congregate on berembang trees (Sonneratia caseolaris), a type of mangrove tree that grows naturally in the brackish waters along Selangor River’s banks. They usually become active at dusk (unless it rains) and while congregating, each firefly displays flashes emitted from its abdomen. The males’ flashes are brighter so as to attract the females, and in the case of the Pteroptyx tener, their flashing is synchronized, which is rare in other firefly species. They are only seen at night around 'Berembang' trees along the Selangor River. They do appear near palm trees or any other kinds of trees. When becomes sychronised, the overall effect is just like the sky and the area around you twinkling like a Christmas tree.

The best way to enjoy this spectacle of nature is by traveling along the river in a traditional sampan or an electrically powered fiberglass boat. The best time to experience Kuala Selangor’s fireflies is slightly after 8:00 pm on a clear, moonless night. Any later than that, and the fireflies may have found a mate, causing them to stop flashing. What to bring — Sport shoes or shoes with rubber soles are recommended when visiting. Also remember to pack plenty of mosquito repellent.

There are three places to catch this rare, natural phenomenon: 1) Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park Run by the district council, this is one of the most popular choices for visitors. Price: ±RM50.00 per sampan (max. 4 pax per sampan) Opening hours: 7:00pm — 11.30pm, Boat: Sampan. 2) Kampung Bukit Belimbing Firefly Park Resort, Chalet-style accommodation is available at this resort. Price: ~RM16.00 (Adult) ~RM9.00 (Child) per pax Kampung Bukit Belimbing Chalet: ~RM159.00 (Weekday), ~RM212.00 (Weekend), ~RM243.80 (Public Holiday) — each chalet sleeps up to 4 pax, Opening hours: 7:00pm — 10.30pm (last call 10.00pm) Boat: Electrically powered fiberglass boat. 3) Pasir Penambang Just 2.5 kilometers from Kuala Selangor Nature Park and Bukit Melawati, Pasir Penambang is an alternative starting point for firefly tours conducted by several tour companies. Price: ~RM20 for adults, ~RM15 for children (2-10 years). Boats for large groups (25-40 pax) available, Opening hours: 7.30pm — 9.30pm (last call 8:00pm), Boat: Speedboat

The Fireflies Park Resort operates the privately run fireflies tour in Bukit Belimbing. Every night people can do this tour, which cost RM15 per person for a 30/45 minute ride. The tours usually start around 7:00pm. The last tour is usually around 10:00pm, but sometimes they end at 8.30pm. In order not to disturb the fireflies you are not allowed to take any pictures. At first, there are not many fireflies, but as you travel down the river they appear in great numbers around almost every berembang tree. The electric boats here are completely silent and run on battery The boats are equipped with hard canopy and everyone on board gets a life jacket. Tourists are told not to make any unnecessary noises and not wear too much mosquito repellant.

Firefly Park Kuala Selangor,
Firefly Park Resort (Kuala Selangor) Sdn Bhd
Jalan Haji Omar, Kampung Bukit Belimbing,
45000 Kuala Selangor,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-3260 1208 / Fax: 603-3260 1234
Restaurant Mobile: 6019- 669 1398
GPS: 3.38119,101.281557

Getting to Kuala Selangor Driving is the best way to get here. Make your way towards the Sungai Buloh exit from the North-South Expressway and follow the road signs towards Kuala Selangor. If you’re leaving from Klang, drive towards Kapar and head from there to Kuala Selangor. For both routes, the journey should take less than 80 minutes. By Bus Board Selangor Omnibus number 100 from Medan Pasar bus stop (opposite HSBC) in downtown Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor. A one-way ticket costs RM9.00. Buses depart every 30 minutes from 6.30am to 7.30pm, and the journey takes about 2 hours. The last bus for the return trip from Kuala Selangor to Kuala Lumpur is at 7.00pm. Alternatively, board the Cityliner bus from Klang Sentral for the ±49 kilometers journey to Kuala Selangor. Buses leave every 30 minutes from 6.30am to 7.30pm. A one-way ticket costs RM4.30.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Sunway Lagoon (15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur) is home to five different theme parks — the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park and Scream Park — with more than 80 rides and attractions. Experience the world’s largest man-made sandy surf beach, world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Asia’s highest slingshot ride, Malaysia’s first interactive zoo and one of Asia’s longest flying fox trails. Sunway Lagoon has consistently been recognized as Asia’s Best Attraction by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). It is closed on Tuesdays, except during Malaysian public and school holidays.

The sandy Surf Beach, stretching over 13,000 square meters, whips up waves as high as 8 feet. Parents can soak up the sun while their children play in the sand. For those seeking more thrills, grab a board and hit the surf! Other highlights include paintball war games, mountain biking, wall climbing, bungee jumping, go-karting, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) rides, the Pontianak Theatre of Fear, and Terminator laser battle, to name just a few.

Getting There: By Road or Car Sunway Lagoon is located in the township of Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya. It is accessible via a network of expressways (Federal Highway, Damansara-Puchong Expressway, New Pantai Express Way and KESAS Highway) and is a mere 15-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. There is ample parking space for cars. By Bus: If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral/Central Market), take the Rapid KL buses U63 or U67 and stop at Sunway Pyramid. There are many public buses coming from other directions as well — just ask your hotel for details. Free Shuttle Bus A free shuttle bus service around the Bandar Sunway township runs every 25 minutes (subject to traffic conditions) between 7:00am– 9.30pm daily. On weekends and public holidays, it runs from 9am– 9.30pm. Pick-up areas include Sunway Pyramid Hotel, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Sunway Pyramid Mall, Sunway Lagoon entrance and Sunway Medical Centre. Contact: Sunway Lagoon: Address: Sunway Lagoon 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, Tel: 603-5639 0000, Fax: 603-5637 0050 Careline : 1 300 88 KIDZ (5439) — 9:00am to 8:00pm (Mondays to Sundays)

Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall

Sunway Pyramid (near Sunway Lagoon Theme Park) is, a unique shopping experience for visitors. With an Egyptian motif, the shopping mall is housed in a large pyramid, with a monumental sphinx welcoming visitors at its entrance. The first themed entertainment and shopping mall in Malaysia, Sunway Pyramid is one of the most comprehensive places in Malaysia for retail therapy. The Asian Avenue on the first floor allows one to indulge in the latest Asian fashion and kitsch. The Digital Centre is where you can safely geek out, while the many restaurants and fast food outlets ensure that energy levels can be readily recharged for yet another round of shopping.

For a break, shoppers can catch a movie at the TGV cineplex, take to the Sunway Mega Lanes bowling alley, try some indoor archery or don a pair of skates to glide on Malaysia’s first indoor ice- skating rink. Contact: Sunway Pyramid Concierge Counter, Tel: 603-7494 3100

Getting There: By Road or Car: Sunway Pyramid is located in the township of Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya. It is accessible via a network of expressways (Federal Highway, Damansara-Puchong Expressway, New Pantai Express Way and KESAS Highway) and is a mere 15-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. There is ample parking space for cars. By Bus: If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral/Central Market), take the Rapid KL buses U63 or U67 and stop at Sunway Pyramid. There are many public buses coming from other directions as well — just ask your hotel for details. Free Shuttle Bus A free shuttle bus service around the Bandar Sunway township runs every 25 minutes (subject to traffic conditions) between 7:00am– 9.30pm daily. On weekends and public holidays, it runs from 9am– 9.30pm. Pick-up areas include Sunway Pyramid Hotel, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Sunway Pyramid Mall, Sunway Lagoon entrance and Sunway Medical Centre. By Rail or Train Take the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) commuter train and stop at the Subang Jaya station. From there, a taxi ride to Sunway Pyramid takes approximately 15 minutes. Light Rapid Transit (LRT): Take the Kelana Jaya Rail Line and stop at the Kelana Jaya station. From there, catch a feeder bus to the Sunway Pyramid stop.

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque (in Shah Alam, 27 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur) is one of the most stunning structures in Malaysia. Commonly referred to as the 'Blue Mosque', it boasts the tallest minarets in the world. As visitors approach the mosque, the awe-inspiring blue dome welcomes them. Also known as the State Mosque, it has a huge blue aluminum dome, supposedly the largest of it kind in the world.

Decorative Islamic calligraphy dominates the edges surrounding the dome and main prayer hall, while the interior architecture exhibits ethnic Malay design elements. Sunlight filtering through the blue stained glass of the mosque renders a bluish ambience to its interior, evoking a sense of peace and serenity.

The Blue Mosque overlooks the Garden of Islamic Arts, a beautifully landscaped park inspired by the Quranic Garden of Paradise. Covering 14 hectares, this spiritual sanctuary houses nine galleries that exhibit a rich array of Islamic arts such as calligraphy, sculptures, paintings and architecture. Occasionally, traditional Islamic performances are held here.

Getting There: By Train and Taxi Get the frequent Komuter train from KL to Shah Alam station. From there, get a taxi for the short ride to the Blue Mosque, locally known as Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya (25 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur) is the new administrative capital of Malaysia. Built on a site once occupied by rubber and palm oil plantations at cost of $5.3 billion, roughly half of the government total annual budget at the time it was being constructed, it is the home of the offices of the prime minister and his cabinet and is one of the largest construction projects ever in construction-happy Southeast Asia.

Putrajaya was completed in the early 2010s and occupies 4,581 hectares of land, provides homes for 330,000 people and contains offices for almost every federal government agency. It has dozens of block-size modern office buildings with Islamic touches, wide boulevards lined with apartment blocks, a modern phone system, the latest sewage infrastructure, and satellite residences. Surrounding the city center is one the world’s largest man-made lake with a floating mosque and two-tiered concrete bridge.

Touted as an urban utopia, it has been carefully planned. landscaped and filled with architectural marvels About 38 percent of the land is earmarked for green areas such as parks, forests and wetlands.. Another 10 percent of the land is covered the seven-kilometer-long artificial lake. Fiber optic cables are connected to every house, providing all residents with quality Internet access. Fences and television antenna are banned as unsightly eyesores. Private cars are discouraged. People are encouraged to use "environmentally benign" system of buses, metros and ferries

Putrajaya is named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj and incorporates the Malay word for success (“jaya”). It was one of the pet projects of Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad who said, “Putrajaya will symbolize the nation’s aspirations: and “be a city that characterizes the spirit of Malaysia in its fullest sense in the 21st century.” Construction of began in 1996. The project was slowed by Asian economic crisis in 1997-98 but construction continued even when the government was posting record deficits. The first phase of the project cost $1.3 billion and was built largely by foreign workers from Bangladesh and Indonesia. It opened in 1999 when a handful of bureaucrats moved into their new offices there.

Putrajaya has a population of about 67,964 and covers an area of 49 square kilometers. As Putrajaya filled with Malay bureaucrats, many said the new capital would be dominated by the Malay government elite and Kuala Lumpur would be dominated by the Chinese business elite. Some think that will never happen and Putrajaya could end like Brasilia: a ghost town in the jungle full of modern buildings that nobody wants to live or work in.

Karrie Jacobs wrote in ravel & Leisure: Putrajaya “is the world's most recent example of the planned city. This 19-square-mile development...was the particular obsession of Malaysia's former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad. During his 22 years in office, Dr. Mahathir used major building projects — most notably the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur — to establish his vision of Malaysia as a technologically advanced Islamic state, at once aggressively modern and rooted in tradition. Though elected to office, Dr. Mahathir held the kind of centralized power generally associated with dictators, and his dream of a Multimedia Super Corridor with Putrajaya as its nucleus was driven by his need to build something grander, more advanced, than Singapore, the famously technocratic city-state that sits at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Dr. meters, as the prime minister was popularly known, closely supervised the construction of his $5 billion-plus city of the future — largely underwritten by the state-owned oil company Petronas — from a helicopter or on horseback. [Source: Karrie Jacobs, Travel & Leisure, January 2005]

Getting There: Putrajaya can be reached by KLIA transit trains from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Sentral station near downtown Kuala Lumpur. It's about a 20-minute ride from either location. By Car/ Taxi or Bus: Putrajaya is located 25 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur and 20 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). It can be reached by expressways, urban highways and railways. The most convenient way to get there is to hire a car or a taxi for the day to better explore Putrajaya. By Bus: Parkmay (Cityliner No. 868) comes every 20 minutes. The route is Sinar Kota-Komuter Serdang-Putrajaya-Cyberjaya. Sepang Omnibus (No. 536B) goes through Sepang-Banting- Dengkil-Cyberjaya-Putrajaya every 3 hours. Kelang-Banting Bus (No.131) follows Kelang-Banting- Dengkil-Cyberjaya-Putrajaya route every 2 hours. Sum Omnibus (No. 186) from Kajang Terminal Bus, UNITEN- Putrajaya and Cyberjaya runs every 1-2 hours. (Putrajaya Internal Nadi Putra bus services are available at 50 sen per ride). By Train: Catch the ERL train towards the KLIA airport from KL's Sentral station. Express Rail Link (ERL) Route: KL Sentral/Bandar Tasik Putrajaya/Cyberjaya/Salak Tinggi/KLIA Frequency : every half hour (peak hours), every hour (off peak hours).

Buildings and Infrastructure at Putrajaya

One of the first buildings to be completed was office of the prime minister. Situated on top of a bluff, it has green domes and moats on three sides. The Botanical Gardens contains more than 700 plant species from across Asia and Africa and welcomes visitors with a giant mechanical praying mantis and 170-meter-long bridge spanning a valley planted with tropical plants and set up to resemble a rain forest.

The palace that was lived in by Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad during the last years of his long reign as prime minister cost $53 million and is now occupied by Malaysia’s current prime minister. Built on 16-hectare hill overlooking a lake, it is a brown structure with a green Moorish-style dome and is part of a complex that includes state rooms, a banquet hall, meeting rooms and guest rooms.. The Putra mosque is another onion-domed building. Built of rose-colored granite, it boasts a 116-meter minaret and a collection of rare Korans and can accommodate 15,000 worshipers.

Putrajaya is connected by high-speed railroad to the newish Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Guided tours that cost only 25 cents leave daily from the arrival hall in the airport at 1:00pm. The tour takes about four hours and includes stop at all the major buildings. Visitors get to enter parts of the prime minister’s residence, including the chandelier-lit-up banquet hall, a prayer chamber with walls carved with Muslim calligraphy and a meeting room and guest lounge and the bougainvillea-filled garden.

In the mid 2000s, there are plans to construct a huge shopping mall, an artificial picnic beach, water theme park and maritime museum. About 200,000 tourists visit Putrajaya every year, The government hopes that many more than that will show up in the not too distant future. Website: ppj.gov.my

Putra Perdana is the Prime Minister's Department Complex housing several government buildings and agencies. It is located on the main hill in Putrajaya, and was built in 1997. The buildings in the complex are incluenced by Malay, Islamic and European architecture, hence its unique look. This building has also become the icon for Putrajaya, with its distinctive green dome and clay like colored buildings. Besides the government complexes, are also the Putra Mosque, the Dataran Putra, and Perdana Walk. Contact: Kuala Lumpur Tourist Office, Tel: 603-2615 8188, Tourism Info Line, Tel: 1-300-88-5776

The Istana Kehakiman or Palace of Justice is a majestic looking building, and houses the judicial department and courts. The complex comprises five- storey building for the judiciary and a two-storey building to house the courts and offices. Since the area has a large courtyard, it is often used as a venue for national level events such as Colors of Malaysia fest, and many more. A great place for outdoor photography, with the impressive domed minarets as a focal viewpoint.

Visiting Putrajaya

Karrie Jacobs wrote in Travel & Leisure: “On my first morning in Putrajaya...I try to walk to the surreal urban landscape — a kind of Southeast Asian Epcot — that I see from my hotel balcony. The temperature is already in the nineties as I slip out the back door of the Shangri-La, a swank hilltop hotel that bears a passing resemblance to the Arizona Biltmore, and make my way through a lush, meticulously landscaped public garden and past the Putrajaya Landmark, a soaring tepee-shaped stainless-steel spire reminiscent of the former Soviet Union. Ultimately, I discover that the path I'm on doesn't lead into town but instead circles back to the hotel. To get to Putrajaya Square and the 250-foot-tall, buttercream pink-domed Putra Mosque, as well as the massive Moghul-style Perdana Putra — the prime minister's office building — I would have to scramble across the grass and over a drainage ditch and tackle a four-lane roadway without benefit of a crosswalk. As an American in a predominantly Islamic country at this dicey moment in geopolitical history, I'm not eager to break rules; I don't even want to jaywalk. So, sweat-soaked and puzzled, I climb the hill back to the hotel and my air-conditioned room.” [Source: Karrie Jacobs, Travel & Leisure, January 2005]

Eventually, I find a way to walk to the center of town and stroll the 2 1/2-mile Boulevard, a straight shot from the green onion domes of the Perdana Putra to the assertively Modernist, bowl-shaped convention center. The Boulevard is outfitted with wide sidewalks and spacious public plazas. It is the perfect pedestrian promenade — except that I'm the only pedestrian. As I walk, I begin thinking that Putrajaya is like a compendium of every utopian planning idea that's come before it. This central spine, for instance, bookended by two monumental buildings, could have come directly from Pierre L'Enfant's 1792 plan for Washington, D.C., or Albert Speer's unrealized 1930's plan for Berlin.

“Putrajaya is a crazy mix of architectural styles. Some structures, such as the "vision" bridge, a composition of cables strung from an angled steel wishbone, look toward the future. Others, like the Ministry of Justice, a variation on the Taj Mahal, look to the past. The government buildings that line the Boulevard, however, are mostly a jarring fusion of extremely modern materials and methods with traditional Islamic decorative touches. One, for instance, features a dramatic 12-story Persian-style arch made of a prickly stainless-steel mesh. It's as if the postmodern movement that gripped America in the 1980's had mined the Middle East, instead of Greece and Rome, for its historical references.

“The only thing that I'm sure of as I explore this meticulously planned place, with its numbered precincts, its eight "signature" bridges, and a special style of streetlamp for each neighborhood, is that the urban renewal bug that infected the Europeans and the Americans in the 20th century has been passed along to the Asians.”

“My arrival in Putrajaya coincides with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The holiday only adds another layer to the native strangeness of Putrajaya. On the first day of Ramadan, every place Captain Halim takes me on a three-hour drive around the city is totally depopulated.The prime minister's residence, normally open to the public, is shuttered. Only the mosque, where I have to don a long, neon pink visitor's gown to gain admission, seems even a little bit busy.

“But I'm not sure that Ramadan was the only problem. As with many planned cities, there is something inherently artificial about Putrajaya. While disorganized, chaotic Kuala Lumpur — a city that makes few concessions to the needs of pedestrians — is teeming with people, Putrajaya, with its plethora of formal plazas and really big buildings, seems to offer few incentives for anyone to actually come out in public.

“Everyone I meet during my visit tells me that I must go to Alamanda, the newly opened shopping mall. Strange: Here I am in the Emerald City, and people keep directing me to Paramus, New Jersey. I shrug off the suggestion until, finally — why not? — I go. Anchored by a Carrefour department store, the mall has a Starbucks, a Levi's store, and a boutique called Al-Ikhsan that features traditionally modest clothing, like the shalwar kameez, in psychedelic colors and sheer fabrics. But the Malaysian-style food court is where the action is. The indoor plaza lined with stalls selling chicken and rice, dim sum, curry, noodles, and more chicken and rice is where non-Muslims can eat lunch during Ramadan without feeling rude or out of place. For the first time in days, I relax.

“Maybe it's just that the mall is air-conditioned. Or maybe it's because it is comfortably unmonumental. I mean, as malls go, Alamanda is architecturally ambitious, with high, curved airplane-hangar ceilings and whimsical towers marking the main entrance. But by Putrajaya standards, it's low-key. My guess is that people congregate here because it's the most normal place in town. So for an hour or two I forget all about Pierre L'Enfant, Albert Speer, Le Corbusier, and Ebenezer Howard. I even forget about Walt Disney. I decide that the most inspired planner, the real genius behind Putrajaya, is Victor Gruen, inventor of the shopping mall.”

Melawati Palace

Melawati Palace (in Precinct 1, Putrajaya) has a resort concept and serves as a retreat for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Melawati literally means guard’s tower. Designed by YM Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin, the palace comprises four components: Royal Wing, Arrival Wing, Meetings Wing and the Administration Block. Three guard’s towers form a prominent structure at the side and center of the palace. Inside the palace at the main staircase of the Meeting Wing, is a Melawati which is made from chengal wood topped with golden roof.

The Royal Wing consists the following components: 1) Royal Bedroom; 2) Royal Resting Room; 3) Royal Banquet Room; 4) Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong; 5) Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong; 6) Royal Bath (Royal Swimming Pool); 7) Royal Kitchen; 8) Royal Guest House; 9) Royal Gallery; 10 ) Main Meeting Room.

Putra Mosque

Putra Mosque (in Putrajaya) is a pink-domed mosque constructed with rose-tinted granite. It can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any one time. The basement wall of the mosque resembles a wall of the King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco.

The mosque consists of three main functional areas — 1) the prayer hall, 2) the Sahn, or courtyard, and 3) various learning facilities and function rooms. The prayer hall is simple and elegant, supported by 12 columns. The highest point below the dome is 80 meters (250 feet) above ground level. The Sahn, landscaped with several decorative water features and bordered by colonnades, provides a huge yet welcoming and beautiful prayer space. The mosque’s impressive minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. At 116 meters, it is one of the tallest minarets in the region and has five tiers, representing the Five Pillars of Islam.

Getting There: By Bus: Parkmay (Cityliner No. 868) comes every 20 minutes. The route is Sinar Kota-Komuter Serdang-Putrajaya-Cyberjaya. Sepang Omnibus (No. 536B) goes through Sepang-Banting- Dengkil-Cyberjaya-Putrajaya every 3 hours. Kelang-Banting Bus (No.131) follows Kelang-Banting- Dengkil-Cyberjaya-Putrajaya route every 2 hours. Sum Omnibus (No. 186) from Kajang Terminal Bus, UNITEN- Putrajaya and Cyberjaya runs every 1-2 hours. (Putrajaya Internal Nadi Putra bus services are available at 50 sen per ride). By Train: Catch the ERL train towards the KLIA airport from KL's Sentral station. Express Rail Link (ERL) Route: KL Sentral/Bandar Tasik Putrajaya/Cyberjaya/Salak Tinggi/KLIA Frequency : every half hour (peak hours) every hour (off peak hours). By Car: The most convenient way to get there is to hire a car or a taxi for the day to better explore Putrajaya.

Putrajaya Bridge and Cruise

Putrajaya lake is in the heart of the administration city, and visitors can take a leisure cruise on the lake. One can view stunning vistas of the surrounding area from the cruise, including the Putrajaya Mosque, Putrajaya Bridge as well as several government administrative buildings. Visitors can opt to sail the lake on a passenger cruise boat day or, spectacularly, at night! The air-conditioned cruise boat seats 76 persons comfortably, and one can see the landmarks of Putrajaya via its wrap-around glass windows. There are also open air boats (perahu) that can be used for small groups of people.

Deemed to be the most important of the bridges in Putrajaya, the 435-m concrete bridge connects the Government Precinct to the Mixed Development Precinct, with the upper level of the bridge forming part of the Boulevard, the main street in the capital.

The three-tier bridge is inspired by the Islamic architecture of the famous Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran. Its magnificent attractions are the four minaret-type piers, complete with observation decks, overlooking the Putrajaya Lake. This unique bridge provides access to pedestrians, vehicles and a monorail, while its pier will be developed into a fine dining area with a place for boats to berth.

Putrajaya Parks

Putrajaya Botanical Garden (Taman Botani) is the biggest botanical garden in Malaysia. Covering an area over 92 hectares, the park is divided into three sections — flowers, ornamental plants and preservation/research purposes. The flower garden currently has more than 700 species of flowering plants, local plants as well as plants from the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. The area also serves as a research centre, with its multi-purpose collection. Kids will be delighted with the huge collection and exotic flowers, and educationists will be able to see many species of plants at the research centre. There is also a Visitors' Interpretative Centre (VIC), explorer's trail, palm hill, sun and floral gardens for visitors wishing to experience more from the Botanical Garden.

The Putrajaya wetlands is also the first man-made wetland in Malaysia. The Wetland Park includes the Wetland Park (138 hectares) and the wetland areas (1977 hectares). The Wetland has an 18 meter lookout tower, plant nursery, nature trails, flamingo pond, picnic areas as well as other interesting attractions. Visitors can also get information on the conservation of the wetland and its importance to the ecosystem of Putrajaya.

The Agriculture Heritage Park, located at Precinct 16, emphasizes Malaysia’s agricultural products that have commercial values. Visitors can sample fresh fruits and observe activities such as rubber tapping, latex collection, crop maintenance, fruits preservation and many others. Among the attractions here include the visitors' complex, an orchard, a herbs and spices track, clonal rubber plot and viewing deck. The park also offers many agro-products for sale, while various agro-based activities and programs are arranged for visitors all-year round.

Contact: Taman Warisan Pertanian Putrajaya: Address: No 7, Jalan P16, Presint 16, 62150 Putrajaya., Tel: 603-8887 7772, Fax: 603-8887 5038, Email: twp@ppj.gov.my

Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands (50 kilometers northeast of Kuala Lumpur) is a developed resort and 2,000-meter-high hill station with expensive hotels, a casino, 18-hole golf courses and an indoor an outdoor theme park. In the evening, there is usually entertainment such as a magic or ice-skating show at the Genting International Showroom or Pavilion, There are also opportunities to go shopping at First World Plaza, visit the indoor and outdoor theme parks and feast on a wide range of delicious food at the many restaurants.

Getting There: By Road About 45 minutes' drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway. By Bus or Taxi: The Kuala Lumpur-Genting direct coach service is available from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station, Gombak LRT Station.

According to ASIRT: “Some roads in the Genting Highlands are narrow, winding and steep with many blind curves. Most road crashes involve vehicles speeding on downhill sections or passing on blind curves. Sound horn when going around sharp curves to alert oncoming drivers to your presence. [Source: Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), 2007]

Fraser Hill

Fraser Hill (100 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur and 2½ hours away by car) is a pretty resort in the Malaysian highland. Somewhat over developed, it is famous for it golf courses, cream teas, roses and strawberries. For information on its history read Barbara Crossete's “Great Hill Stations of Asia.” Access to Fraser's Hill is only possible by road via The Gap at the base of the resort. Once through The Gap and into Fraser's Hill, you will feel as though you have gone back in time.

Beautiful situated amidst the Pahang rainforest at 1,524 meters above sea level, this highlands resort is a naturalist's paradise that boasts innumerable plant, bird and animal species. This place is popular for those who are interested in nature-based pursuits such as trekking, bird watching, horse riding, fishing and camping.

Fraser's Hill is akin to a little Scottish village with granite colored mock Tudor buildings dotting the landscape. The town is relatively small, with much of the activity centred on a market square dominated by a little clock tower. Most of the town's amenities are housed in colonial styled buildings. There a few tennis courts, squash courts, and walking paths through the jungle. The weather is refreshingly cool despite high humidity and intense sunlight during the daytime. Sweaters or light jackets should be worn at night.

Considered one of Malaysia's premier locations for bird-watching, this hill resort hosts the annual Fraser's Hill International Bird Race. This bird-watching competition requires watchers to race against time in spotting as many bird species as possible within the resort's routes. You can indulge in many relaxing activities at Fraser's Hill. Play a game of golf at the Fraser's Hill Golf Club or go fishing (only for catch and release) and boating at Allans' Water, stroll along the many beautiful flower gardens and parks or have an splash in the icy cold Jeriau Waterfalls.

Accommodation and Getting to Fraser Hill

Besides accommodations at a new hotel, the resort rents numerous houses and bungalows, each with full furnishings and its own staff. Make reservations at least three weeks in advance for the hotel and six months in advance for bungalows. For major holidays, some families book a year in advance. Contact: Tourism Malaysia Pahang: Address: Lot G01, Bangunan Mahkota Square, Jalan Mahkota, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang, Tel: 609-517 7111 / 112, Fax: 609-517 7114

Getting There: By Rail Commuter train services are available from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kubu Bharu. From Kuala Kubu Baru take taxi to go to Fraser's Hill. By Road: From Jalan Kuala Kubu Baru (Kuala Kubu Baru Road), there's a one-way road leading up to the hill. The eight-kilometer drive up the hill is a winding one but traffic is controlled from 6.30am to 7 pm for visitors' safety. Self drive via Bentong-Tranum-Tras-Bukit Fraser. Through this route, you will see many durian stalls (seasonal) along the way and may experience the delicacy of the famous Durian Raub.

According to ASIRT: “Roads are poorly maintained and lack warning signs for sharp curves. Road crash rate is high. Roads are narrow, winding, steep and landslide-prone. For information on road conditions, call the Fraser's Hill police station. (Tel: 609 3622222). Fill your tank before starting uphill, as there are no gas stations. Until 2001,“The Gap,” a one-lane, one-way road provided the only road access toFraser’s Hill. Traffic alternated, moving only uphill for 1 hour and then onlydownhill for the next hour. A separate one-lane road was built for uphill traffic. “The Gap” carries only downhill traffic.” [Source: Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), 2007]

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands (240 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, five hours by car) is Malaysia's most well known and delightful hill station. Situated at a relatively cool elevation of 1,430 meters (4700 feet), it is comprised of rolling green hills, and has a pleasant year round climate. Many people like to come here to play golf. Among the Cameron Highlands attractions are jungle walks, tea plantations waterfalls and mountain lakes and streams. Most of the walks can be done in a few hours although there are some longer ones. Because of the elevation you are unlikely to see much wildlife, but there are lots of butterflies.

The Cameron Highlands are named after William Cameron, a Scotsman who discovered the high-altitude plateau where the town is located in 1885 and later helped develop it into a “hill station” for British colonial planters an administrators who used the highlands as a retreat from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. The most famous person associated with the Cameron Highlands is Jim Thompson, a wealthy Bangkok-based businessman who disappeared mysteriously here in 1967.

The Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's largest highland resort. There are hotels, resorts, bungalows and restaurants whose prices are generally in accordance with quality of service. There are also several hiking trails through the mountain forest. Flowers and excellent local produce, such as strawberries, can be purchased in the area, which is also known for numerous tea plantations that dot the hillsides. Having tea and scones is a popular activity (See Below).

Destinations for walks include lovely little villages, butterfly haunts, strawberry patches, honey bee farms, sprawling tea plantations and meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns. Bird-watching and trekking are also popular activities here. Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little townships that include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. What's more, it's easy to get to. Cameron Highlands lies less than an hour off the main North-South Highway, and is a pleasant, easy 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Contact: Cameron Highlands District Council, Tel: 605-4911455 / 49120

Getting There: By Car: Cameron Highlands is accessible via Tapah or the new highway at Simpang Pulai. If you are driving up from Kuala Lumpur, the Simpang Pulai exit takes an additional 45 minutes to reach the north of Tapah using the North-South Expressway. The ascent along this route is much smoother and less precarious than the route from Tapah. By Bus or Taxi Bus and Taxi services are available from the Puduraya Terminal in Kuala Lumpur and the journey will take you to Tanah Rata. Alternatively, take a train to Tapah and then continue your journey in a taxi or a bus.

1) Older Road to Cameron Highlands: According to ASIRT: “ The older, two-lane road to Cameron Highlands is narrow. Some sections are steep and winding with many blind curves. Sometimes fog reduces visibility. Avoid traveling on it at night.Road exits from the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh Highway at Tapah. Taxis and buses in Tapah provide transport to the Highlands. 2) Simpang Pulai Highway, New Road to Cameron Highlands According to ASIRT: “Road is wider and less winding than the older road from Tapah. Some sections are steep. Be alert for sharp curves. Road exits the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh Highway at Simpang Pulai. Truck traffic is often heavy for the first few kilometers; road surface may be rough in this section. Sometimes fog reduces visibility. [Source: Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), 2007]

Tea and Scones in the Cameron Highlands

One popular activity and tradition in the Cameron Highlands is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hill station as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands and brought their English customs with them. Marion Hume wrote in Time Magazine: “An employee of the Cameron Highlands Resort prepares a table for classic high tea service. The hotel also offers guided walks of the plantation and a includes a cold tea bath as part of its spa menu. [Source: Marion Hume, Time Magazine, April 7, 2008]

“It's 3.30pm in the Cameron Highlands, which rise some 5000 ft above sea level and are reached by a vertiginous four-hour drive winding up through the jungle from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. The landscape up here seems otherworldly; with high ridges as far as the eye can see covered in strangely vivid, clipped bushes which at first resemble either a vast art installation by the likes of sculptor-in-nature Andy Goldsworthy or maybe a place J.R.R. Tolkien might have imagined for his orcs and elves.

Then the eye is drawn to a different silhouette atop one of the bright green slopes, which, as one gets closer, is revealed to be a table shaded by a vast parasol. Beneath it stands a waiter in a starched white uniform. Laid out on a damask cloth are bone china cups along with finger sandwiches and home-baked scones; all in all a spread that would not look out of place at the London Ritz. Behold the "afternoon tea picnic" prepared by the Cameron Highlands Resort Hotel and served on a working tea plantation. The hotel also offers tea planter guided walks and, before every treatment on its spa menu, a detoxifying, skin-softening bath in cold tea.”

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM): World’s First Artificially Recreated Rain Forest

The FRIM Selangor Forest Park (FRIM-SFP) is a 544 hectare park consisting of man-made tropical rain forest, a meandering stream (the River Kroh), waterfalls, arboreta, botanic gardens and the remains of an old Orang Asli settlement. There are four jungle tracks: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh Trail, all of which will take visitors through some spectacular secondary jungle. The Canopy Walk, which is located 30 meters above the ground, offers the perfect vantage point from which to observe birds and tropical canopy flora. Those interested in experiencing the canopy walk should make prior arrangement because the number of people allowed on the canopy walk per day, is limited to 250 people. At FRIM, camping is available for those wanting to experience a night in the wilderness but prior permission is required.

FRIM-SFP was nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. According to a report submitted to UNESCO: “ FRIM-SFP is the world’s oldest and largest re-created tropical rain forest and a model of successful re-creation of forest on what was totally deforested and degraded land. Much of the land had been devastated by tin-mining on the low ground, vegetable farming on the high ground or covered with scrubby vegetation because it was too infertile for anything else. FRIM-SFP’s mined area presented the greatest possible challenge for reforestation but this was not considered an impediment. Once the site was secured, 100 species of tropical timber trees, mainly of the timber family Dipterocarpaceae were planted in 1927. No other ex-mining site in the world has been successfully converted into high forest. The original planted trees are now big trees 70-90 years old. [Source: Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to UNESCO]

“ Today, this verdant man-made forest stands as a result of FRIM-SFP’s succesful reforestation efforts that were initiated back in the 1920s. Among the most famous attractions of FRIM-SFP are the unique crown shyness phenomenon of Dryobalanops aromatica, the forest canopy walkway, the hiking and cycling trails under the shade of the giant canopy trees. The property occupies 170 hectare or one third of the total area of FRIM-SFP. The property is protected by approximately 262 hectare of buffer zone, and 112 hectare of tertiary zone.

“FRIM-SFP has 184 species of birds which is quarter of the total birds recorded in Malaysia. A total of 58 species of mammals have been recorded. Several mammals found in FRIM-SFP are fully protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010; these are the Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang), Black Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus variegatus), Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica), Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), Malayan Porcupine (Hystrix brachura), Mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) and Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrima). The number of reptiles recorded in FRIM-SFP is 75 species including Green Crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella), Common Flying Lizard (Draco sumatranus), Marbled Slender-toad Gecko (Cyrtodactylus quadivirgatus), Spotted Forest Skink (Sphenomorphus maculatus), Spotted Coral Snake (Calliophis gracilis), Wagler’s Pit-viper (Tropiodolaemus wagleri), Puff Faced Water Snake (Homalopsis buccata), and Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus). 35 species of frogs and toads have been recorded. The species diversity of frogs and toads in FRIM-SFP is higher compared to the virgin forest areas due to the high diversity of flora and greater variety of different habitats. A total of 21 species of fresh water fish have been recorded, in the streams, lakes and swamps of FRIM-SFP, including the Forest Snakehead (Channa lucius), Silver Sharkminnow (Osteochilus hasseltii), Trenchant Belly (Oxygaster anomalura), Three Spot Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus), Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilla marmorata), Asian Bonytongue (Scleropages formosus). FRIM-SFP also has high diversity of insects including Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus thomsonii), Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus malayanus) Giant ant (Camponatus gigas), and Cicada (Cryptotympana aquilla). 204 species of butterflies share habitats with beetles, while dragonflies are commonly found in the wet areas.

Getting There: By Road Frim is situated along the Selayang-Kepong Highway 16 kilometers northwest of Kuala Lumpur. By Train: There are two ways to get to FRIM by public transportation. First, you may take the KTM Commuter bound for Rawang from the KL railway station and exit at Kepong. You can easily get a taxi to FRIM at the KTM train station in Kepong. By Bus: The other option is taking a bus from the Central Market bus stop, directly heading to FRIM. Contact: For more information, please contact FRIM Address: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52110 Kepong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Tel: 603-6279 7000

Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge (northeast of Kuala Lumpur, part of which is near the National Zoo) is a quartz dyke that runs through and the state of Selangor in the Bukit Lagong-Kanching-Klang Gates region. More than 14 kilometers long and 200 meters wide, it is the longest quartz formation in the world. The other major quartz vein in Kuala Lumpur is along Kajang-Cheras road, which is about eight kilometers kilometers long, however the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is one-of-its-kind because it has four types of quartz formation. The area has five endemic plants species among 265 species, found nowhere else in the world. A rare animal, the serow is found here as well. Despite being one of the most unusual geological formations in Malaysia, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge has little conservation and currently being threatened by urban development. More recently, the proposed East Klang Valley Expressway became the latest threat towards the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, as the expressway alignment may pass through the quartz strip. [Source: Wikipedia]

Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge was nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. According to a report submitted to UNESCO: “In the early 20th century the quartz ridge was called the Klang Gates Ridge. This informal geographical named remained until the 1980s when the quartz ridge was then better known as the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge or Permatang Kuarza Genting Kelang. On 24 June 2015 the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge was formally named the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge or Permatang Kuarza Gombak Selangor (PKGS) by the Selangor State Government. The nominated site is built entirely of quartz, a natural mineral with chemical composition of silicon dioxide (SiO2), formed when residual magma crystallized and consolidated within vertical slab of dyke as the magma forced themselves through large linear fissures within massive granitic rock known as Kuala Lumpur Granite about 200 million years ago. [Source: Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to UNESCO]

“The most spectacular part of the quartz ridge is its protruding mid-section, which encompasses Taman Melawati, National Zoo (Zoo Negara) in the Ampang Jaya area and part of Selayang Municipal Area. From a distance, this section is said to resemble the guling ayam (cocks combs) or more dramatically, the spine of a dragon. Pseudo-karst morphology comprising at least four shapes; the dome, table, ramp and tower may be observed on the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge. The Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge is unique not only due to its size, but also the outstanding beauty of its landscape, which comprises elongated craggy rocks in the midst of a green tropical forest.

Sungai Buloh Leprosarium

Sungai Buloh Leprosarium (25 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur) is officially known as the National Leprosy Control Centre (NLCC). Completed in 1930, it is located at the valley of Bukit Lagong was nominated to be come a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. According to a report submitted to UNESCO: “The Sungai Buloh Leprosarium has been known as one of the exceptional models in the liberation of leprosy institutions in the 20th century and also one of best treatment centers for leprosy. On top of this, the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium was also one of the key leprosy research center in the globe where some of its research, trials and experiments have greatly contributed to the treatment of the disease. The Leprosarium originally covered an area of over 562 acres, comprising more than 600 buildings in three sections. At its peak period, the patients numbered 2,440. Hence, the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium is the biggest leprosarium in the British Empire in terms of the number of patients and empirically, it was deemed as the second biggest in the world after the Culion Leprosarium in the Philippines. [Source: Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to UNESCO]

“The multi-racial living environment distinguished the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium from other leprosaria around the world. The Sungai Buloh Leprosarium signifies a small republic with a population from different backgrounds — Chinese, Malays, Indians, Javanese, Eurasians and a sprinkling of other nationalities. These are vividly reflected on the Leprosarium's diverse cultural landscape from places of worship such as mosques, Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, Taoist Temples, Christian churches and Catholic churches. The graveyard compounds comprising various tombstones from different religious backgrounds also witness the harmonious multi-racial interactions in the Leprosarium. Besides, there were other social and welfare clubs such as the Chinese Rehabilitation Club and the Chinese clan societies, the Eurasian community's Green Club and Ryrie Club, the India Mutual Aid Society, the Malay Club, the Indian Muslim Club, and etc.

“The Central Park is where administrative buildings such as the administration office, the reception building, the post office and other premises are located. The Central Garden is similar to the Garden City's Grand Avenue where social facilities, such as a school, community clubs and a recreation park for the residents to enjoy open spaces and leisure activities, are situated. The residential areas are divided into two parts: residential enclaves where small domestic houses are built to house able-bodied patients and hospital enclaves with medical facilities such as the treatment center, the research unit and hospital wards to accommodate old and disabled patients. Behind the residential areas is the green belt, a huge farmland for the patients to cultivate vegetables, fruits and farm poultry on a larger scale. One of the most significant agricultural legacies is the horticulture industry which has been the core economic activity and the identity of the Leprosarium over the last few decades.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: Malaysia Tourism websites, Malaysia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.

Updated in August 2020