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Malaysia: High flying to oasis of palm trees
By Tania Fernando
Malaysia as a holiday destination has many facets as we soon discovered on a trip there for the 'Colours of Malaysia' festival last month. The most exciting way to get to Genting Highlands, one of the country's most famous resorts is on the Genting skyway. We were given a choice of going by road or taking the skyway. Although I have a fear of heights, I chose to brave the skyway. After all, how often do you get a chance to ride on the longest cable car system in South East Asia?

When we arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport our guide, Krishna informed us that we were to proceed directly to Genting Highlands. The resort is 1200 metres above sea level. After a two-hour drive from the airport, we arrived at Genting Highlands totally famished. We were served Nasi Goreng, a traditional Malaysian meal after which we were ready to take on the world.

To get to the hotel we had to ride the cable car. It took us around 11 minutes to make the 3.38 km journey. The breathtaking view of tropical forests and mountains, where sculptured animals are built-in, makes it worthwhile taking the ride even if you are afraid of heights.

After a sumptuous dinner, we were treated to a spectacular magic show, which was actually a show of illusions. There were tigers and lions on stage along with the magician and his assistants. A girl would be put in a cage, which was barely 4x4 and out would come a tiger.

There is also a casino and an indoor and outdoor theme park at the hotel complex. We visited the outdoor theme park and managed to go on a few rides, before it was time to leave for Kuala Lumpur (KL). Our visit to KL for the launch of 'Colours of Malaysia' was at the invitation of the Malaysian Government and was sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines. During the launch the King declared open a colourful parade in which the various states of Malaysia took part.

Putrajaya, 25 km from KL, our next stop, is being planned as the Federal Government administrative centre for Malaysia. This city has been built to be in harmony with nature. As such, gardens and parks feature prominently. The official residence of the Prime Minister, his office and those of all the Ministers are being moved there. Putra Mosque, which is still under construction, is to be one of the main highlights.

After returning to KL, we travelled to Penang, also called the "Pearl of the Orient", which is also the main international gateway to northern Malaysia. It was the natural harbour that first attracted the British to Penang in the late 18th century, and the port is still one of the most important in the country today.

Batu Ferringgi, is where you will find the most number of resorts in Penang, but it is also a bustling city, a unique blend of East and West.

A characteristic sight in Penang is the gaily-decorated trishaws, a fun way of taking in the sights of Penang at a leisurely pace.

For those who are culturally inclined, the largest reclining Buddha statue is found at Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, a Thai Buddhist Temple. This gold plated Buddha statue is 33 metres long and is believed to be the third largest in the world. The temple was built in 1900. Right in front of this is the Burmese Buddhist Temple, which was founded in 1803 and is the only Burmese Temple in Malaysia.

There is a wishing well in the temple premises, where pots rotate around a statue. You throw coins into them while making a wish. I tried my luck, but unfortunately the coins kept falling outside.

Our next stop was Fort Cornwallis, an 18th century fortress which is where the founder of Penang landed. The fortress was constructed in 1786, to defend themselves from the French and the pirates.

The Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas is found at a Chinese Temple in Penang. This temple has different types of Buddhist statues from around the world. The pagoda is 30 metres in height, has seven floors and different styles of architecture consisting of Chinese, Thai and Burmese.

At night we paid a visit to Fringgee Chinatown, a good place for bargain shopping. There are souvenir and clothes stalls lining one side of the road and on the other side are sidewalk cafes.

Malaysia boasts of having Asia's tallest building, longest and fastest cable car system and the longest bridge, which is also the third longest in the world. This is the 13.5 km bridge that connects Penang to the mainland.

Penang, although moving at a fast pace with high rise buildings shooting up, is still a tropical oasis of palm trees swaying on sandy beaches.

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