Clim the Giant Kinabalu

About Mount kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu’s specialty lies in its location at a renowned World Heritage Site—Kinabalu Park. Nature lovers will be delighted to be able to witness the many variations of flora and fauna that are to be found on the mountain at different altitudes.

Mount Kinabalu, along with other upland areas of the Crocker Range is well-known worldwide for its tremendous botanical and biological species biodiversity with plants of Himalayan, Australasian, and Indo-Malayan origin.

A recent botanical survey of the mountain estimated a staggering 5,000 to 6,000 plant species (excluding mosses and liverworts but including ferns), which is more than all of Europe and North America (excluding tropical regions of Mexico) combined. It is therefore one of the world’s most important biological sites.

Standing majestically at 4,095m (13,435 feet above sea level), Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Mount Kinabalu derives its name from the Kadazan word, ‘Aki Nabalu’, meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’. It is one of the safest and most conquerable peaks in the world—provided that you’re reasonably healthy and physically fit.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu was the highlight of my trip to Borneo. It was tough but it was worth each and every step towards the summit. I loved the way the scenery changed every few hundred meters and the sense of achievement when we reached the top was unbelievable. Watching the sunrise from above the clouds really does make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

We began the hike in the morning and reached our accommodation lodge by about 3pm. We had dinner and rested here for the evening before getting up at about 3am to continue the walk to the summit. The reason for the super early start is so you reach the summit in time for the sunrise when you have the best chance for clear skies and amazing views.

Equipment for climbing Mount Kinabalu

If you’re fit and healthy, you only need the basic equipment for climbing Mount Kinabalu.

·         A small rucksack – keep the total weight to about 6kg

·         A waterproof jacket – Make sure it’s the small type that folds up into a little bag

·         A head torch – You’ll need this for the morning when you hike in the dark

·         Water bottles – You can refill these along the way

·         High energy snacks

·         A packed lunch

·         Blister plasters – just in case

·         A few pairs of thick socks

·         Clean underwear and t-shirt for the following day

·         A small amount of money for food

·         Basic toiletries and medicine – particularly pain killers

·         Warm hat

·         Sunglasses – if you’re lucky

·         Sunblock

·         Camera

Don’t forget that Kota Kinabalu is home to loads of outdoor and hiking shops where you can pick up everything you need. I’m mostly saying this for anyone travelling to other destinations before they reach Borneo. I’d been travelling for 18 months by the time I got to Borneo and didn’t have any warm clothes, a day pack or even a torch. I found it all for a bargain price in Kota Kinabalu.

Some people will say a good set of hiking boots are necessary but I think it’s personal preference. It is possible to do it in comfortable trainers but hiking boots are obviously great for keeping your feet dry and the extra grip and support.

Take your time

Slow and steady certainly wins the race when it comes to ascending this mountain, especially given some of the slippery conditions you’re sure to encounter. Take it slow and watch your footing, the last thing you need is an injury to put you out of the game.

During your ascent try not to rest for long periods, keeping your breaks at around five minutes so your body doesn’t have time to cool down. Walking in zigzags is considered safer as you descend, helping to reduce joint pains and the chances of slipping.

Leave no trace

With an increase in visitors to the mountain, the risk of damaging the purity and beauty of Mount Kinabalu continues to grow, so it is essential to extend your respect for the area as far as humanly possible. Make sure you dispose of your waste properly, most notably with the ‘pack it in, pack it out’ philosophy. You should also leave behind what you find during the climb, so that means no souvenir rocks – they’ll only weigh you down as you climb anyway.

Post-climb recovery

It is highly likely that you’ll be feeling rather tired and achy after your successful climb and descent of Mount Kinabalu, and while the typical instinct is to instantly hit the hay, a post-climb trip to the wonderful Poring Hot Springs is the only antidote you’ll need. Soak yourself in the bubbling warmth enjoyed in the rock pools and relax your aching muscles and creaking joints. It’s the perfect way to end your climb.

Stunning Krabi

Towering limestone cliffs, soft white sand beaches, small coves and offshore islands. Krabi's beautiful coastline is one of the province's most attractive assets. Each each seems to outdo the last, with the crowning glory being fabulous Railay Beach with its otherworldy feel, a sort of coastal Jurassic Park, accessible only by sea. But the best thing about Krabi's beaches is that they're never crowded. You'll always find a patch of paradisical space for yourself here.

Stroll along Ao Nang & Nopparat Thara Beach

Compared to the touristy Patong beach of Phuket, Ao Nang Beach and Nopparat Thara Beach are comparatively more peaceful. Both beaches boast beautiful emerald-green waters, a long coastline, soft caramel-hued sand, and cooling sea breezes. There are significantly less tourists on both beaches than Patong Beach.

Ao Nang Beach is flanked by towering limestone cliffs on one end and is the signature beach of Krabi. Nopparat Thara Beach is more popular with the locals, so you can expect to see many Thais frolicking in the waters here. The water at the beach is also shallower than Ao Nang Beach’s, so there will be more children playing in the sea.

Between the two, Nopparat Thara Beach is more peaceful but Ao Nang Beach is slightly more scenic (in our opinion). The two beaches are connected and within walking distance of each other.

Maya Bay

Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by 100-metre high cliffs on three sides. Inside the bay there are several beaches, most are small and some only exist at low tide. The main one is around 200 meters long with silky soft white sand, underwater colourful coral and exotic fish in exceptionally clear water; the whole bay is one big reef.

Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi since The Beach was filmed here in 1999. It was always very popular before the film but now people around the world who haven't even heard of Phi Phi have certainly heard of Maya Bay.

The best time to visit Maya Bay is between November and April during the high season when seas are calm and access to the bay is easy. Rough seas from May to October may hinder access but rarely deny entry.

The bad news; as it's so beautiful and so well known many boats are required to ferry all the visitors in and out. On any given day at any time there will be 30 + speedboats and longtail boats on the beach, with large ferry boats carrying hundreds of snorkelers and sightseers moored in deeper water. Beautiful it is, secluded it isn't – thousands of people visit each day. Try to visit early in the morning or after 17:00 and you'll avoid the crowds.

Phi Phi Island

The Phi Phi islands are some of the loveliest in Southeast Asia. Just a 45-minute speedboat jaunt and a 90-minute ferryboat ride from Phuket, these picture postcard islands offer the ultimate tropical getaway.

Classic beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life - it's paradise perfected.

There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The larger and inhabited, Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds of visitors to stay on its lovely shores.

Railay Beach

Now on every savvy traveller's list, Railay is nevertheless one of Thailand's most sought-after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a tranquil and extraordinary world.

In just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance!

At Railay there are no roads; only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just longtail boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang Peninsular is effectively cut off from the rest of Krabi by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys; the only access is by sea. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.

Fancy Restaurants

If you prefer to dine in a fancier setting, check out Lae Lay Grill or The Hilltop, located on a steep slope behind Ao Nang Beach. Since the restaurants are situated at such a high level, they provide splendid vantage points to watch the beautiful sunset of Krabi. Both restaurants provide free shuttle services between the restaurant and your hotel (Ao Nang area) so it’s really convenient! Menu presents a wide selection of Thai cuisine and seafood, so there’s definitely something that will appeal to your palates.

Krabi Town

Krabi Town is located about 18km up coast from Ao Nang Beach. Tourism has trail-blazed infrastructure development in many parts of Krabi. But despite this growth, Krabi Town has retained its rustic and laid-back allure. Therefore, it’s a great place to get deeper insights into local living. Below are some interesting attractions of Krabi Town.

Culture Heritage of Malaysia

Introduction

Having had an interesting past and being a part of the international spice route many hundreds of years ago, Malaysia has turned into a mosaic of cultures. Everything from its people to its architecture reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated culture. To understand Malaysian culture, you must first get to know its people.

Discover a Land of Intriguing Diversity

Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.

The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are a myriad of indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

Malay

Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population, although this drops to less than 25% in East Malaysia. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.

Chinese

The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor.

In Sarawak this 25% is made up of a mix of dialect groups including Foochow, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese and Puxian Min while in Sabah the population of Chinese drops to around 10% who predominantly speak the Hakka language.

Indian

The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colourful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.

Indigenous Ethnic Groups

Peninsula Malaysia

The general term used for any of the indigenous groups that are found in Peninsular Malaysia is ‘Orang Asli’ which literally translates as the ‘original people’. They are divided into three main tribal groups: Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. The Negrito usually live in the north, the Senoi in the middle and the Proto-Malay in the south. Each group or sub-group has its own language and culture. Some are fishermen, some farmers and some are semi-nomadic.

Sabah

The largest indigenous ethnic groups of Sabah's population are the Kadazan Dusun, the Bajau and the Murut.

Kadazan Dusun

The largest ethnic group of Sabah, the Kadazan Dusuns form about 30% of the state's population. Actually consisting of two tribes; the Kadazan and the Dusun, they were grouped together as they both share the same language and culture. However, the Kadazan are mainly inhabitants of flat valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the Dusun traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of interior Sabah.

Bajau

The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Bajaus make up about 15% of the state's population. Historically a nomadic sea-faring people that worshipped the Omboh Dilaut or God of the Sea, they are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies. Those who chose to leave their sea-faring ways became farmers and cattle-breeders. These land Bajaus are nicknamed 'Cowboys of the East' in tribute to their impressive equestrian skills, which are publicly displayed in the annual Tamu Besar festival at Kota Belud.

Murut

The third largest ethnic group in Sabah the Muruts make up about 3% of the state's population. Traditionally inhabiting the northern inland regions of Borneo, they were the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting. Now, they are mostly shifting cultivators of hill paddy and tapioca, supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and fishing. Like most indigenous tribes in Sabah, their traditional clothing is decorated with distinctive beadwork.

Sarawak

Collectively known as Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu are the major ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak. Typically, they live in longhouses, traditional community homes that can house 20 to 100 families.

Iban

The largest of Sarawak's ethnic groups, the Ibans form 30% of the State's population of 2.5 million. Sometimes erroneously referred to as the Sea Dayaks because of their skill with boats, they are actually an upriver tribe from the heart of Kalimantan. In the past, they were a fearsome warrior race renowned for headhunting and piracy. Traditionally, they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war. Although now mostly Christians, many traditional customs are still practised.

Bidayuh

Peace-loving and easy-going, the gentle Bidayuh are famous for their hospitality and tuak or rice wine. Making their homes in Sarawak's southern regions, they are mostly farmers and hunters. In their past headhunting days their prized skulls were stored in a 'baruk‘, a roundhouse that rises about 1.5 metres above the ground. Originally animists, now most of the 200,000 strong population have converted to Christianity.

Melanau

Some 130,000 or 6% of the population of Sarawak are Melanau, believed to be among the original people to settle in Sarawak. Their language has different origins to the other ethnic groups of the state and today they are found mainly along the rivers and coastal plains of central Sarawak. Originally animists most have converted to Islam although some of the inland communities are Christian.

Orang Ulu

27 of the inland tribal groups of Sarawak are collectively called Orang Ulu or upriver people. A total estimated population of around 100,000 people belong to tribes varied in size from 300 to 25,000 individuals.

Arguably Borneo's most artistic people, their large longhouses are ornately decorated with murals and superb woodcarvings; their utensils are embellished with intricate beadwork. Traditional tattoos are a very important part of their culture; aristocratic Orang Ulu ladies also cover their arms and legs with finely detailed tattoos.

The aboriginal Penan people are also included as Orang Ulu by government census but the Penan are traditionally nomadic people living in small family groups constantly moving from place to place within the rainforest. Today most of the estimated 16,000 Penan people have settled in longhouse communities where their children have the chance to go to school. Like the Iban and Bidayuh, most of the Orang Ulu have converted from animism to Christianity or Islam.

SPORTS & RECREATION UUM

GOLF

UUM was selected as a Center of Excellence by the Golf Sport Ministry of Higher Education. Now the upgrade process UUM Golf Course of 9 holes to 18 holes was conducted and funded by the Ministry of Higher Education. Currently there new program offered by UUM to athletes golf courses in theory and practice UUM campus. Among the facilities are 'buggy track' and 'drinking halfway hut'. The golf course also has a driving range and a clubhouse covered with a coffee house. '

Golf with buggy track 'and' drinking halfway hut '

GO KART

Go-Kart Circuit UUM is the first in the world built on campus. Uniquely, Go-Kart Circuit UUM built against the fourth round at a circuit constructed in such a world, and winning recognition from Malaysia Automobile Federation. All students can join for an RM5 fee for 5 rounds. People who are interested can also participate with charged RM30 for 5 rounds.

FIELD ARCHERY TARGET

Universiti Utara Malaysia also provides archery shooting range.

Located close to the center of extra-curricular

Among the other sports facilities are mini stadium, shooting, squash courts, Ragby, hockey, soccer, netball, basketball, and sepak takraw. Facilities are also provided in each student's stay. In addition, UUM recreational facilities such as bicycle track, jogging tracks, forest tracks, canoeing, camping, abseiling tower and ekuisterian.

Top 10 food need to try when come to Malaysia

In an age when the term "underrated" gets tossed about with impunity, it may be difficult to take us seriously when we say Malaysian food isn’t getting the global recognition it deserves.

But the fact is, this stuff is good. Damn good.

The sum of many delicious parts, Malaysian cuisine’s influences include Chinese, Indian and Malay. In some ways it's similar to Indonesian food, with the two nations sharing many of the same dishes. 

Regardless, once you’re in Malaysia and eating, you'll quickly dispanse with historical concerns and wonder instead where your next meal is coming from and how you can you get to it sooner.

To help narrow your choices here are some of Malaysia's top dishes, in no particular order.  

Nasi lemak

Some call nasi lemak Malaysia’s unofficial national dish. Everyone else calls it delicious.

Nasi lemak is basically rice cooked in coconut milk.

It’s the sides that matter.

Depending on where you are in Malaysia, it comes with a variety of accompaniments such as hard-boiled egg, peanuts, vegetables, lamb/chicken/or beef curry, seafood and sambal (chili-based sauce).

Nasi lemak is traditionally eaten for breakfast but these days people are ordering it any time of day.

Nasi kerabu

If the blue rice doesn’t spark your curiosity, the lines of people around the country waiting to order this favorite Kelantanese dish should.

From the state of Kelantan in northern peninsular Malaysia, nasi kerabu gets its eye-grabbing color from telang flowers, which are crushed and mixed into flour.

The aquamarine dish is topped with bean sprouts and fried coconut, then drenched in spicy budu, a fermented fish sauce.

In true Kelantan style, you use your hands to dig into this one.

Laksa

A staple of Malaysian cuisine, laksa eateries have been migrating abroad in recent years, making appearances in Bangkok, Shanghai and further afield.

There are multiple variations. For anyone who enjoys a taste of the volcanic kind, this spicy noodle soup can get you there in its curry form.

Some like it with fish, others prawns.

Our favorite is Penang's asam laksa, in which tamarind features heavily ("asam" is Malay for tamarind) to create a spicy-sour fish broth.

Satay

Though considered by many to be a dish native to Thailand, satay is actually believed to have originated in Indonesia.

Origins aside, can we all just agree that meat on a stick is good?

Malaysia has its own variations of the grilled skewers, served nationwide in chicken, beef or pork forms (the latter in non-Muslim venues only).

Sauces vary from region to region, including the peanut sauce that’s loved the world over.

Ketupat

It would be a crime against the dumpling gods to leave this fancy little package off a list of Malaysia's top foods.

More of a side than a main dish, ketupat comes in several varieties. Basically, it involves weaving a pouch made of palm leaves around a handful of rice. The rice expands and compresses, resulting in a neat little bundle you can dip in your curry or rendang.

Ais kachang

Shaved ice desserts are always a popular treat in the tropics.

Ice kachang (ice with beans) evolved from the humble ice ball drenched with syrup to be the little ice mountain served in a bowl, drizzled with creamed corn, condensed milk, gula melaka and brightly colored syrups.

Dig into it and you’ll discover other goodies hidden within -- red beans, palm seeds and cubed jellies.

Kuih-Muih

Variety, variety, variety -- that's way to explore kuih, or Malay-style pastries. Small enough to snap up in a gulp and sugary enough to give you a modest jitter, kuih vendors are the most colorful stalls of all.

This kaleidoscope of soft, sugary morsels goes quickly -- few pieces are left by the time daylight begins to fade.

Rojak

Rojak ("mixture" in Malay) is essentially a fried dough fritter with fruits and veggies, though there are regional variations.

But vegetarians shouldn't get their hopes up. The whole mixture is combined with Malaysia's ever-popular shrimp paste. 

It's the perfect combination of sweet, spicy and sour.

Rendang (beef, chicken or lamb)

Though sometimes erroneously called a curry, Malaysian food aficionados point out that this chunky cauldron of coconut milk and spices is nothing of the sort.

The difference is in how it’s prepared: slowly simmered (to let the meat absorb the spices) until the rosy liquid completely evaporates.

A favorite, especially during festive seasons, rendang is found across Malaysia.

Asam pedas

Nazlina Hussin, founder of the popular Penang cooking school Nazlina Spice Station, says it'd be outrageous not to include asam pedas on any short list of her country's best foods.

A fish curry popular throughout peninsular Malaysia, it's commonly made with freshwater fish or stingray.

Asam, which means tamarind, features heavily, along with ginger, shrimp paste, garlic, chilies and other herbs.

Discover the beauty of Malaysia

At any time of the day, there’s always something happening around Malaysia. Places to explore, food to feast on, shopping to indulge in, or festivals to celebrate – it’s a non-stop adventure for everyone.

Putra Mosque

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

The mosque consists of three main functional areas - the prayer hall, the Sahn, or courtyard, and various learning facilities and function rooms. The prayer hall is simple and elegant, supported by 12 columns. The highest point below the dome is 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.

Its impressive minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. At 116m, it is one of the tallest minarets in the region and has five tiers, representing the Five Pillars of Islam

Selecting Malaysia’s Best Beaches

Malaysia has a vastly varied shoreline, from the palm shaded nature-rich islands of Sabah and Sarawak off Borneo, to the vibrant and stylish coastal resort towns facing the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca on its Peninsula.

To make the search for your ideal Malaysian beach destination simple and easy, we have carefully researched and reviewed the best of the best beaches across every federal state of Malaysia, beach by beach. Here, 15 beaches are reviewed in detail according to sound criteria and thorough inspections and surveys.

But these destination winners will only whet your appetite to visit more Malaysian beaches, to experience the extraordinary diversity of cultures, coastline, and foods Malaysia is famous for. Malaysia’s renowned fresh seafood is best enjoyed fresh from the markets at any one of hundreds of beachside restaurants, picnic spots or resorts.

The varied locations of this final winning showcase of the Best Beaches of Malaysia offer everything from eco-nature exploring, world-renowned diving and snorkelling, hassle-free relaxing and beach and resort pool swimming, to water sports and simply the opportunity to slow down and make the best of your holiday. You could find yourself mesmerised by the enormity of the universe under a star-filled night sky as a fire crackles away on a deserted beach, or luxuriating poolside with a cocktail, or fine dining at a world-class resort of pure indulgence.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Mulu Caves National Park is home to one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Here lies the worlds largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber, capable of accommodating forty Boeing 747 airplanes.

In Mulu, you will also find one of the worlds biggest cave passage, Deer Cave, which can fit five cathedrals the size of Saint Pauls in London. Another key attraction is Clear Water Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia. The massive caves here are home to millions of bats and cave swift-lets that swarm out into the jungle in great clouds every evening at dusk!

The outdoorsy type will be pleasantly surprised by some of the best examples of tropical limestone weathering in the world, including enormous razor-sharp pinnacles, deep-cut canyons, appropriately named The Pinnacles. There are tough but rewarding multi-day hikes available from the resort. A guide and porter are recommended.

Kenyir Lake

Tasik Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, spanning 260,000 hectares. It is also Malaysia's largest rock filled hydroelectric dam. When the area was flooded, most of the hills were above the water level, thus creating about 340 man-made islands.

The rainforest that cradles the area furnishes the lake with an incredible assortment of flora and fauna. These include rare ferns, exotic orchids, hornbills, elephants, and panthers. It is also home to more than 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 species of plants and trees, 800 species of orchids, and 300 species of fungus. It is a popular retreat for nature lovers as it is surrounded by lush tropical rain-forest.

It is also an anglers haven as the lake is home to hundreds of species of freshwater fish like Baung, Toman, Kelisa, Lampam and Kelah. Surounded by a vast tropical jungle, the lake area is a popular spot for angling, boating, canoeing, jungle- trekking, 4WD driving and golfing.

Accommodation varies from a 3 star resort, chalets on the islands, floating resort or houseboats where rooms and meals are provided. The houseboat travels to waterfalls and fishing sites providing an exhilarating adventure for nature lovers. Tasik Kenyir is also a gateway to Taman Negara through Tanjung Mentong.

Siti Khadijah Market

A good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to visit its markets, the economic centre of the community. The Siti Khadijah Market is named after Prophet Muhammad's entrepreneurial wife – a fitting name for a market mostly run by women.

This market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. It is also a slice of life in Kelantan, abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.

Cameron Highlands

There are many things to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's largest highland resort. Walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and sprawling tea plantations or meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns, are all pleasurable and relaxing activities to be experienced here. You can't beat the weather up here. A few days out of the sweltering lowland heat will surely recharge your batteries.

One other popular activity in Cameron Highlands, actually more of a tradition, is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hilly location as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands. Bird-watching and trekking are also popular activities here.

Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, 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.

Stadthuys

Built in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch Governor and his officers, The Stadthuys is a fine example of Dutch architecture of that period. It is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East.

An outstanding example of colonial Dutch architecture, this edifice now houses the History Museum and Ethnography Museum.

On display are traditional bridal costumes and relics from Melaka's over 400-year history. Both museums are well-laid out and offer detailed explanations of how these costumes and relics played their part in Melaka's glorious past.