Mount Kinabalu is a popular mountain in Malaysia and one of the most prominent tourist places in South East Asia. The mountain finds its place in the famous Kinabalu National Park which itself is a world heritage site. Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia.
The mountain is important for scientists as well as geologists for its biological diversity. It has hundreds of species of flora and fauna thriving in the surroundings. It is home to 600 species of plants, 100 species of mammals and over 325 species of birds. Hence Mount Kinabalu makes a great tourist attraction as you can scale the mountain and come across many species of flora and fauna mentioned above. The orangutan is the most popular mammal while the gigantic Rafflesia is very popular in the flora category.
A common man can easily climb up to the main peak without any special equipment and hence the mountain proves to offer a good trekking trail. There are some peaks such as the massif that require expertise and mountaineering equipment to climb.
As mentioned before, Mount Kinabalu is known worldwide for its biological and botanical diversity. There are some species that are found only in the national park and no where else in the world. The park has more flora than the entire African continent and about 50 of these species are found no where else in the world. The park is the richest place for the insectivorous plant called pitcher plants that thrive on eating insects. Then there is the parasitic plant called the Rafflesia which has the largest single flower in the world. Research suggests that the mountain and the park are home to 5,000 to 6,000 plant species which is more than the number of species in entire Europe and America put together.
You can scale of the mountain with the help of a guide. Accommodation is available round the year inside the park. You can then proceed towards the Timpohon gate by walking or by taking a minibus to start your climbing. The first phase includes reaching the Laban Rata hut at 10,800 feet. This task can be accomplished in about 4 to 6 hours. Your supplies are carried by porters who double up as guides as well. Each porter can carry about 30 kg of supplies. The last two kilometer from the hut are strenuous and they take about 2 to 4 hours to complete.
There are some people who may suffer from altitude sickness while climbing the mountain. If breathing or any other movement becomes difficult, it is advisable to return back immediately. The descent from the summit can be a little painful because of increased pressure of weight on the knees. However the view from the top is worth the climb. The descent will take a total of 5 to 6 hours,depending of weather. There is a lot of diversity in terms of climatic conditions during the year. You will find a lot of differences in soil and terrain as well in different areas of the mountain.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A FewThings to Do When You Visit Malaysia
Malaysia is a great place to go to if you are the kind of person who loves both the environment and the city. Amazingly, Malaysia can offer both for you - from its natural treasures, to its man-made architectural wonders. You will find Malaysia to be a country not only rich in resources but also in culture.
1.) Rafflesia, Pitcher Plant and other rare plant species
The list of plant species you can acquaint yourself with in Malaysia is very extensive. In fact, Malaysia is home to almost 8,000 flowering plant species, some of which are exclusively found only in Thailand. You can find the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, here in Thailand, and you can also find other rare plant species such as the Pitcher Plant.
2.) Malaysia's wildlife reserves and natural parks
But your trip with nature in Malaysia ought not to stop there. There are also wildlife reserves and natural parks in Malaysia, and only in Malaysia can you witness the gathering of so many animals. Orangutans, lizards, insects, bears, elephants, tapirs, rhinoceroses, and so many other endangered animals are well-protected in Malaysia.
3.) Wayang Kulit
Experience the richness of Malaysia's culture by watching the shadow-puppet theater that only professes too much how the Malaysians deal with each other. It also shows how remarkably well preserved their culture has been throughout time. There are also other unique forms of theater art in Malaysia.
4.) Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers was once the tallest skyscraper in the earth. Today, the glamour of the towers has not vanished at all, and you have the chance of seeing the towers firsthand by visiting Kuala Lumpur. The astounding command the Petronas Towers has over the sky will surely leave you breathless.
5.) Mount Kinabalu in Borneo
You should pay a visit to Mount Kinabula in Borneo. The mountain has the highest peak in the whole Malay Archipelago. It is also a good place to relax and have some quality time with your family in the comfort of nature.
6.) Convention Center in Putrajaya, Malaysia
The function of the convention center in Malaysia is similar to that of the White House. It is actually a place where important government issues and functions are placed. You may not know this, however, because of the architectural beauty of the place but something you will surely revel upon.
7.) Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque
Religion plays an invariable role in Malaysia. Sultan Ahmad is actually one of the recently built mosques, and yet, it has gained worldwide attention because of the beautiful dimensions of the place, a usual trait in mosques. Sultan Ahmad is one of the examples of classic yet modern Islam architecture.
8.) Longhouses in Sarawak
Longhouses are commonplace in Malaysia, but you might want to take a moment and visit these houses. These are houses built over rivers. You will surely marvel at how ingenious the houses' designs are, inasmuch as it has stood the test of time.
9.) Terengganu State Museum
A visit to Malaysia can never be complete without a visit to one of Malaysia' national museums. Before you think that Terengganu State Museum is just like any other museum, think again. It is actually one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia, and it houses diverse forms of art and archaeological finds exclusive to the place. The architectural structure and design of the place itself will mesmerize you.
10.) Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangsar
Istana Kenangan is a sort of transient house built exclusively for the sultan whenever he would visit the place. What is so unique about this place (aside from its being historic) is the fact that no nails were used to construct the building. This is truly an architectural wonder.
1.) Rafflesia, Pitcher Plant and other rare plant species
The list of plant species you can acquaint yourself with in Malaysia is very extensive. In fact, Malaysia is home to almost 8,000 flowering plant species, some of which are exclusively found only in Thailand. You can find the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, here in Thailand, and you can also find other rare plant species such as the Pitcher Plant.
2.) Malaysia's wildlife reserves and natural parks
But your trip with nature in Malaysia ought not to stop there. There are also wildlife reserves and natural parks in Malaysia, and only in Malaysia can you witness the gathering of so many animals. Orangutans, lizards, insects, bears, elephants, tapirs, rhinoceroses, and so many other endangered animals are well-protected in Malaysia.
3.) Wayang Kulit
Experience the richness of Malaysia's culture by watching the shadow-puppet theater that only professes too much how the Malaysians deal with each other. It also shows how remarkably well preserved their culture has been throughout time. There are also other unique forms of theater art in Malaysia.
4.) Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers was once the tallest skyscraper in the earth. Today, the glamour of the towers has not vanished at all, and you have the chance of seeing the towers firsthand by visiting Kuala Lumpur. The astounding command the Petronas Towers has over the sky will surely leave you breathless.
5.) Mount Kinabalu in Borneo
You should pay a visit to Mount Kinabula in Borneo. The mountain has the highest peak in the whole Malay Archipelago. It is also a good place to relax and have some quality time with your family in the comfort of nature.
6.) Convention Center in Putrajaya, Malaysia
The function of the convention center in Malaysia is similar to that of the White House. It is actually a place where important government issues and functions are placed. You may not know this, however, because of the architectural beauty of the place but something you will surely revel upon.
7.) Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque
Religion plays an invariable role in Malaysia. Sultan Ahmad is actually one of the recently built mosques, and yet, it has gained worldwide attention because of the beautiful dimensions of the place, a usual trait in mosques. Sultan Ahmad is one of the examples of classic yet modern Islam architecture.
8.) Longhouses in Sarawak
Longhouses are commonplace in Malaysia, but you might want to take a moment and visit these houses. These are houses built over rivers. You will surely marvel at how ingenious the houses' designs are, inasmuch as it has stood the test of time.
9.) Terengganu State Museum
A visit to Malaysia can never be complete without a visit to one of Malaysia' national museums. Before you think that Terengganu State Museum is just like any other museum, think again. It is actually one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia, and it houses diverse forms of art and archaeological finds exclusive to the place. The architectural structure and design of the place itself will mesmerize you.
10.) Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangsar
Istana Kenangan is a sort of transient house built exclusively for the sultan whenever he would visit the place. What is so unique about this place (aside from its being historic) is the fact that no nails were used to construct the building. This is truly an architectural wonder.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Malaysia Travel Guide-Kuala Lumpur
Every tourist who had a chance to visit Kuala Lumpur would certainly be amazed by unique and remarkable architectural features of the “Petronas Twin Towers” or the “Twin Towers”. After holding the world's tallest buildings record for almost 6 years (from 1998 to 2004), before being surpassed by Taipei 101, the towers are still the tallest twin buildings in the world. It beats the Sears Tower in Chicago, United States by 10m height (Although the Sears Tower has more floors with occupied office space at a higher level).
The stunning silver centerpiece(s) of Kuala Lumpur rise 1482 feet above the capital city, casting long shadows over this increasingly popular Asian destination. A culturally diverse city, Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its food, nightlife, shopping and of course, those towers. The city's extensive mix of cultures and ethnicities create the best of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Pakistani flavors (just to name a few). Shopaholics salivate at the choices available on Bintang Walk (in Bukit Bintang), an uber-cool area loaded with shops, restaurants and chic cafes.
The two towers are connected by a sky bridge. When you want to visit the towers, then the sky bridge is the highest point you can get. Situated on the 41st floor at a dizzying height of 170m above the ground, the bridge provides the best views of Kuala Lumpur City Center and definitely is regarding as one of the big tourist attractions. You can grab a free ticket at the ticket counter but with limited 1,300 tickets distribution per day, you will probably need to stand in line 30-60 minutes especially during weekends.
If you fancy some nightlife activities, you can certainly enjoy this area. At night, Kuala Lumpur lights up, mostly due to the two massive glowing Petronas spires and the buzzing nightlife of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is becoming legendary in South East Asia for its trendy bars and pubs, offering great choices for nonstop parties. It's true the towers lure in the tourists, but it's the amazing culture and excitement of Kuala Lumpur that keeps them coming back.
The stunning silver centerpiece(s) of Kuala Lumpur rise 1482 feet above the capital city, casting long shadows over this increasingly popular Asian destination. A culturally diverse city, Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its food, nightlife, shopping and of course, those towers. The city's extensive mix of cultures and ethnicities create the best of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Pakistani flavors (just to name a few). Shopaholics salivate at the choices available on Bintang Walk (in Bukit Bintang), an uber-cool area loaded with shops, restaurants and chic cafes.
The two towers are connected by a sky bridge. When you want to visit the towers, then the sky bridge is the highest point you can get. Situated on the 41st floor at a dizzying height of 170m above the ground, the bridge provides the best views of Kuala Lumpur City Center and definitely is regarding as one of the big tourist attractions. You can grab a free ticket at the ticket counter but with limited 1,300 tickets distribution per day, you will probably need to stand in line 30-60 minutes especially during weekends.
If you fancy some nightlife activities, you can certainly enjoy this area. At night, Kuala Lumpur lights up, mostly due to the two massive glowing Petronas spires and the buzzing nightlife of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is becoming legendary in South East Asia for its trendy bars and pubs, offering great choices for nonstop parties. It's true the towers lure in the tourists, but it's the amazing culture and excitement of Kuala Lumpur that keeps them coming back.
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