Travel Agent - August 18, 2008 - (Page M13)

T H E S E R E g i o n s c o m b i n e c u lt u r a l at t r a c t i o n s w i t h t h e A L LU R E of a b e a c h hol i day Ayer Keroh is a 790-acre rainforest park with hiking trails. There are tree houses in the park that afford a bird’s-eye view of the scenery, and chalets are available for overnight stays. The Taman Mini ASEAN theme park inside Ayer Keroh showcases the culture of Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia. Visitors can view handicrafts, costumes and replicas of traditional Malaysian houses, and those of other Southeast Asian countries as well. Tengku Zaharah (Floating) Mosque, Terengganu Corals in Redang Island, Terengganu Johor Johor is Peninsular Malaysia’s southernmost state. Once you’ve traveled this far, it’s actually possible to drive over to Singapore via a causeway and bridge. Johor attracts visitors intent on enjoying its beaches, golf courses and nature parks. Throughout Johor you’ll see plentiful rubber and oil palm plantations, evidence of its agricultural importance. Hikers should head to Mount Ophir, where they can test themselves with a two-day trek. Nature-lovers will enjoy the 197,000-acre Endau-Rompin National Park, which is one of the peninsula’s largest virgin lowland forests. For golfers, there are more than 30 courses to choose from, including the 36-hole Pulai Springs and Desaru Golf and County Resort. Paciﬁc.” Most people reach the island by boat or ferry from the ﬁshing village of Mersing in Johor. An airport on the island receives a daily ﬂight from Kuala Lumpur via Berjaya Air. Travelers can get their nature on at Taman Negara (the world’s oldest tropical rainforest), Kenong Rimba State Park, the Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, and the natural lakes of Bera and Chini. Kelantan Although the state of Kelantan shares a border with Thailand, it still has a strong Malay ambiance and heritage. If you’re staying a few nights in Kota Bharu, the capital, or just passing through, pencil in some time to visit the city’s prime attractions. These include the Royal Ceremonies Museum, with its displays of important rites carried out by the royals, including marriage and birth; Pasar Besar Siti Khatijah, Kota Bharu’s bustling central market; and the State Museum, where artifacts and exhibitions showcase the local culture of Kelantan. Kota Bharu is also known for the quality of its handicrafts, and visitors can ﬁnd ﬁne examples of silverware, textiles, kites and brass work. Kuantan has its own airport, the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (named after the current Sultan of Pahang), with daily ﬂights to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations within the country. Most visitors use Kuantan as a jumping off point to head out to the east coast’s beaches and resorts. lay culture and laid back atmosphere. The Perhentian Islands are a lure for divers and snorkelers. Access is via boat from the town of Kuala Besut. Kuala Terengganu is the capital of the state. Here you’ll ﬁnd a relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the city by trishaw. Standout sights include the State Museum and the Central Market. Climb the steep steps up Bukit Puteri for a good view of the city from on high. Kuala Terengganu is famous for the quality of its batik cloth, and songket weaving, which incorporates gold or silver threads. Kuala Terengganu’s airport receives daily ﬂights from Kuala Lumpur. EAST COASt MALAYSIA APPEALS TO Hikers and trekkers Beach lovers Wau Malaysia ON THE EAST COAST Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is renowned for the natural beauty of its beaches, highlands, lakes and caves. The capital city of Kuantan is known for its primo beach, Teluk Chempedak, where active travelers can sail, windsurf and water-ski. The limestone karst region containing the Gua Charas caves makes a intriguing day-trip from Kuantan, being 16 miles from the city. Here you’ll ﬁnd a steep stairway leading to the Sleeping Buddha Cave, containing Buddhist altars and a sculpture of the sleeping Buddha. The island of Pulau Tioman is known for its dive sites and jungle hikes. The island has a place in pop history, having been used as the setting for Bali Hai in the 1950s ﬁlm, “South Divers Ecotourists Terengganu Like other states along the east coast, Terengganu is known for its ﬁne beaches, Ma- www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my • www.tourismmalaysiausa.com Malaysia TRAVEL PLANNER 13 http://www.tourismmalaysiausa.com http://www.tourismmalaysiausa.com

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Travel Agent - April 18, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor Pacific/Asia: Visitors to Ubud will Discover the Essence of Balinese Art and Culture Special Supplement: Malaysia Travel Planner New Zealand: There is Plenty to See and Do Throughout the West Coast of the Southern Alps Europe: Beauty, History and Culture Combine in Valencia, Spain Caribbean: Scrub Island is the BVI’s First Development in 15 years The Wyndham Rio Mar’s $40 Million Makeover is Well Underway in Puerto Rico The Latest on Grenada, a Caribbean Up-and-Comer Mexico: Big Hotel Plans are in the Works for the Riviera Nayarit Florida: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel turns Orlando into Italy Las Vegas: Dinner at these Restaurants Can Get your Clients into Vegas’ Hottest Nightclubs Cover Story: Medical Tourism Special Supplement: Destination Weddings Specialist 3.0 Hotels: Everything Old is New Again at New York’s Algonquin Cruise: Short Cruises Keep your Clients on the Move for Less Group Travel: Disney makes Exotic Locales Friendly for Family Travel Car Rentals: How Much Insurance Does your Client Need for a Rental Car? Agency Profile: Corporate Travel Sales are Rising at MTravel.com, a Division of Montrose Luxury Travel Expo Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Hyatt comes to Curaçao New Hotels and Resorts in Asia CLIA Tightens Qualifications for ID Tripology Links Agents to Clients In the Spotlight Agent Access Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - August 18, 2008

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