If you want to enjoy the cultural dynamism, variety of cuisines, mesmerizing beaches, peaceful islands, wildlife adventure in the protected equatorial rainforest and national parks then 30 million people of highly diversified ethnic composition are welcoming you with an open message of ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’.
The Southeast Asian nation, comprising two regions namely the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo separated by the South China Sea, is the perfect destination to explore Asian heritage as it really a potpourri of Asian cultures. With highly modern national capital Kuala Lumpur and administrative seat of the federal government in Putrajaya, Malaysia still has preserved forest resources making it one of 17 mega-diverse countries. With amazing nightlife and casino malaysia, you can have the best of all worlds.
Apart from the modern world charms of skyscrapers, malls, casinos the country is home of several UNESCO World Heritage sites to make your stay as vibrant as you could imagine. You have the freedom to go wild in the most natural rainforest and face the wildlife as close as you could reach. You experience the nature, culture and learn about the history of the nation as this destination offers you a chance to dive into the past and feel the connection. Let us explore a few of the historical attractions that will help you understand and enjoy your memorable stay.
- Batu Bersurat
BatuBersurat also is known as the Terengganu Inscription Stone is the earliest known proof of Jawi writing. Etched in 702 AH, equivalent to 1303 CE, this inscription in Jawi is earliest known messages establishing the proof of the arrival of Islam in this region. The stone basically urges people to embrace Islam. Terengganuruler, Seri Paduka Tuan, added ten fundamental Sharia Laws to guide followers of Islam.
The stone was found in 1887 CE on the bank of river Tersat in Kuala Berang. It remained at Bukit Puteri for 20 years and then moved to Singapore for analysis. The stone remained there for 37 years before moving to the National Museum of Malaysia in 1960. On petition of the Terengganu’s State Government, it reached its origin finally in 1991.
- Bukit Cina
Bukit Cina, popular as Chinese Hill, in Melacca, is a place of largest Chinese graveyard of over 13,000 graves. This oldest site comprising the hill was gifted daughter of the emperor, who was also the wife of sultan. She transported hundreds of Chinese people to build a house. These people stayed there and started using the site as a burial ground. There is a Kings’s Well which is traditionally known as wishing well.
- Fort Cornwallis
This 18th-century fort, oldest and largest standing site, located in George Town, Penang was built in the name of famous British Governor-general Charles Cornwallis. If you want to feel the old British charms then visit this site to see barracks, prison cell, and ammunition depot. An old cannon and lighthouse will definitely let you feel the pulse of colonial history.
- Lembah Bujang
Lembah Bujang, or The Bujang Valley, is the only archaeological museum in Malaysia. Located in Kedah, this museum offers you a window to see past through exhibits of religious remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Persians. This rich collection consists of ruins dating back to the 1st and 2nd century. Additionally, there are more than 50 well-preserved ancient temples built for tombs. This area has an ancient excavation site of man-made brick clay monument which dates back to 110 AD.
- Makam Mahsuri
This historical site is about a folk tale involving the infidelity and killing of Princess Mahsuri. Located in Kedah, this site has a tomb of the princess along with a museum which has a collection of her jewellery and the weapon used in the killing. According to folklore, while dying she cursed the island giving bad luck to the next seven generations. This site has a garden with a shrine built for her.
- Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan
This 25.5 tall three-story tower is tilted towards left, giving you feel of Leaning Tower of Pisa. Located in Teluk Intan, Perak, the clock tower was actually as a water storage tank. The beauty and architecture will surprise you. It has been declared a national monument.
- Kellie’s Castle
This semi-furnished ruined building is one of the most visited sites as people love to explore the “haunted” story. Located in Perak, Malaysia, visitors enjoy the “scariest” 24-hour comic challenge. As the folklore says a Spanish flu hit the area during the construction of the castle. A temple was also built and a statue of Smith along with other deities. There is a tunnel connecting the castle to the temple. If you love the thrill and have a passion for history then this site must be in your itinerary.
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
If you want to see the architectural glory, then visit this site to get the feeling of monumental mastery. The 19th-century building houses several government department offices. Currently, it is one of the major attractions in Malaysia. The 41-meter high clock-tower with a one-ton bell will shock you. Here you will find one of the highest flagpoles of the world of 95-meter height. All major government events are organised here.
- Kampung Kling Mosque
1748 built mosque is known for its intricate wooden architecture. Situated on Harmony Street, this masterpiece was rebuilt in 1872 with additional brickworks. This is a perfect blend of the architectural mingling of English, Portuguese and Victorian interior designing. If you want to explore history through the architect, this place has lots to offer.
- Cheng Hoon Teng
This Chinese Temple, located at the Harmony Street, in oldest such temple in Malaysia. This 4600 square meter temple is home where the Three Doctrinal Systems of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism are practiced.
Once you reach there, a magnificent main gate welcomes you with the glory of rich interiors and several halls to worship. The main hall is for Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
If you want to go deeper into architectural learning, then this is a live example where you could see the perfect application of principles of Feng Shui. If time permits you can see the opera theatre, which is a part of the temple. This temple received UNESCO award in 2003 for its outstanding architecture.
This is not an end; there are several other lesser-known sites which will give you the glimpse of the glory of Malaysian art and culture. If you want to relax and recharge after the long day of historical site travel, you can always enjoy the vibrancy of the city which has everything you can imagine with a vast range of cuisines to satiate your hunger.
