SELAMAT DATANG KE MALAYSIA !

    If you were to ask me how does your country look like.  Then this could be the answer that I want to tell you.  A gentle breeze caresses the shore, prompting the coconut fronds to rustle gently. The sun shines brilliantly and the crystal clear sea tempts holiday makers - making it an ideal ambience for the perfect vacation.
    In the north, Langkawi and  Penang  are the main draws.  The former, steeped in myths and legends, is laso a shopping haven because of its duty-free status.  The latter, founded by Captain Francis Light in the 18th century, epitomises Malaysia's multi-cultitural society with its blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian, and British architecture, cuisines and lifestyles.
    The capital, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor also have much to offer.  The National Mosque, State Museum, National Monument, Dataran Merdeka, Parliament Buildeing are all worth visiting.  Tourists should not miss exploring Batu Caves, the National Zoo and Aquarium as well as the many parks such as Sunway Lagoon Waterpark and Mines Wonderland.  Taman Pertanian Malaysia at Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam, is the world's only agro-forestry park.
    Moving south, the historical town of Malacca is steeped in history .  Fonded by Sumateran prince Parameswara, Mlacca was also colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in turn.  remnants of the early Malay Sultanate and Western colonists - Bukit China, A Famosa, St Paul's Hill - can still be seen.
    Johor, the southernmost state( my homestate), offers a lot of fascinating palces to visit. Johor Bahru, the capital, has a number of interesting historical buildings and handicraft centres while smaller towns and villages offer picturesque rural views.  There are famous beach resort at Desaru and unspoilt islands such as Pulau Rawa, Pualu Sibu, Pulau Tengah and Pulau
Besar.
    For more sea and sand, head for the east coast state of Terengganu.  The waterfront of Kuala Terengganu gives the visitor a glimpse of the daily life where customers and fishmongers haggle over the day's fresh catch. Tourists can take a boat to Seberang Takir, where the most incredible view of the South China Sea can be seen.  Other intersting spots include Bukit Puteri, Marang, Kenyir Lake and Rantau Abang, renowned for its leatherback turtle sanctuary.
    Across the South China Sea lie Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.  Perhaps the most well-known site in Sabah in Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Southeast Asia.  Standing majestically at 4102m above sea level, it covers a distance of about 21km. The Orang Utan Sanctuary in Sepilok, also in Sabah, is another nature lover's destination.
    Sarawak, with its rain forests covering fully two-thirds of the state's total land area, is a naturalist' paradise.  Its start attractions include Gunung Mulu National Park, Bako National Park, the historic Niah Cave and Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Cntre. Also worthy of mention are the rivers safaris of Sarawak - the Skrang and Lemanak Rivers Safaris.
    To top it all, exciting events, a reflection of Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-cultural community, are held all yaer round.  In the beginning of the year, festivals celebrated on a big sclae include Tahipusam (which marks the victory of Lord Subramaniam over evil), Chinese New Year ( which signals the start of the Lunar calendar) and Hari Raya Puasa ( which celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan), and Hari raya Haji. Towards the end of the year, Deepavali and Christmas are celebrated. In Sarawak, the main culture-based selebration is the Gawai Dyak, held at the beginning of June each year, to mark the gathering of the harvest and also the Iban New Year.
    Each time an ethnic or religious celebration is held, the entire nation is filled with an air of festivity. One uniquely Malaysian feature is the practice of holding "open houses" where family and friends of all races visit one another.
    Because of its diverse cultures and customs, Malaysia is famous for its food.  Malay, Chinese, Indian, Siamese and western cuisine are available and laksa asam, nasi lemak, roti canai, char kuoy teow, satay are just some of the more popular offerings.  Many local dishes are actually a happy marriage of two or more cuisines, like for instance Nyonya food, which combines the best of Chinese and Malay cooking.
    Sports related tourism is slowly emerging in the country and Malaysia has played host to the SEA Games several times. It is now concentrating on a much bigger sporting event - the 16th Commonwealth Games in September this year (1998).  The various events are expected to attract a projected 7.8 million visitors.
    Other sporting events that are making waves among tourists include the Tour de Langkawi, the Castrol Malaysia Motor Cross Championship in Perlis, the Malaysia World Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Shah Alam Circuit, the Penang Dragon Boat Race, the Malaysia Internatioanl Kite Festival and the Kuala Tahan Fest.
    As the saying goes, seeing is believing. You've got to be here in Malaysia where everything is happening to truly enjoy the Malaysian hospitality.  Jumpa Lagi!