Desaru Beach

Desaru's beaches are among the best in Johor. It was much hyped in the 80s with quite a few mega projects aimed at attracting foreign investment and visitors, which have since been abandoned. 

Today, it's strictly a local affair with the occasional Singaporeans thrown in: there are no chic boutique, fancy restaurants or hip nightlife spots, just 22 kilometers of beach and a few aging resorts. After a period of neglect, recently Desaru has become popular with tourists wishing to see a true Malay resort without for-tourists frills, and it's likely to get a major fillip in 2010 once the much-delayed expressway from Johor Bahru is completed. 

Many returning visitors agree that its white sandy beaches are a sight to behold. The beaches are clean, lined with casuarina trees and stretch 25 kilometres long. Here, visitors can enjoy fun- filled activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking as well as other outdoor activities. 

Take the opportunity to relax or get that sexy tan, while listening to rushing waves and enjoying the cool breeze. 

Numerous hotels, resorts and chalets line the area, making accommodation simple and convenient.

Watch our video on Surfing Desaru here. 

Top 5 Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur

1. Aquaria, KLCC

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Golden Triangle and within walking distance from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art aquarium showcasing over 5,000 different exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures over a sprawling multi-level space in the Concourse Level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

From the tropical waters of the Asian region to the rainforests of the world, Aquaria KLCC takes you on a journey to discover the fascinating nature of aquatic life as well as the unique behaviour of animals and crawly creatures above water. 

Immerse in an absorbing aquatic experience (without getting your feet wet!) from the moment you enter Aquaria KLCC. An educational study charting the course of natural waters flowing from the highlands to the streams and deep sea is devised to help visitors appreciate water as a habitat and ecosystem.

Highlights include a 90-metre tunnel tank with a moving travelator where you can marvel at Sand Tiger sharks, stingrays, marine turtles and other sea creatures swimming around unhindered in the vast oceanarium, a spectacular live show of divers feeding these creatures at meal times and a rare opportunity to come into contact with live starfish and bamboo shark at the Touchpool area. 

Watch Aquaria KLCC video here. 

2. Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, a few minutes away from Petaling Street, Central Market is a famous landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage. 

The building was built in 1888 and originally functioned as a wet market and was built by Yap Ah Loy, the city’s Chinese Kapitan. It has since been classified as a Heritage Site. 

It served as a prominent landmark in colonial and modern-day Kuala Lumpur. When it was relocated in the 1980s, the Malaysian Heritage Society successfully petitioned against the demolition of the building, and it was subsequently declared a centre for Malaysian arts, culture and handicraft.

Tourists flock to Central Market for its variety of handicrafts, art, kebaya, songket, batik and authentic Malaysian souvenirs. A Batik Emporium houses well-known designer labels, with the best Malaysian-made batik items ranging from clothes, shoes, bags to home furnishing. 

The Central Market Outdoor Stage is where visitors can catch colourful arts and cultural events. During the country’s main festivals, the area will be lit up in theme, reflecting the multiracial diversity of Malaysians. 

For a more contemporary take on the local arts scene, The Annexe Gallery, located at the back of Central Market, is a popular venue for events such as film screenings, art exhibitions and public discourses. 

Watch Central Market video here. 

3. Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Alor is the well-known food street unique food destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Every local and tourist will eventually end up here having feast of good food in one of the many many restaurants and stalls. During the day, there is not much activity but when the sun goes down, the street will be hustling and bustling with activity.

On Jalan Alor, the stalls are parked all along the street and will take up both sides of the road selling food that best represents Malaysia. It is quite an overwhelming experience for whom may have some difficulty on deciding where to eat.

Jalan Alor is synonymous with good food, so much that there were much protests when the local authorities renamed the road. Jalan Alor indeed has a lot to offer for local visitors as well as those coming from abroad, so head there and experience it for yourself.

While most of the menus are in Chinese characters, there are some who also provide English translation in order to cater to tourists and a growing number of locals who are not Chinese-educated.

Located within the Bukit Bintang area, it can be easily found. It will takes 5 minutes walk to Jalan Alor from metro's Bukit Bintang Station.

Watch Jalan Alor video here.

4. ATV Adventure

If you are an adrenaline junkie and seeking for adventures activities while visiting Kuala Lumpur, you might want to try riding an ATV at ATV Adventure Park.

Only a 15 minutes drive away from Kuala Lumpur, located at Hulu Kelang, this ATV adventure park is the largest of its kind in Malaysia and offers various jungle trails for outdoor enthusiasts and all-terrain vehicle riders.

ATV Adventure Park is incorporated on 24th July 2006 by En. Mas Fadzillah Khan bin Ali.  Having more than 20 years motoring experience, set up the ougn tourists, increased to 36 units in early 2009.

You can choose out of five packages which suits you the most. Be thrilled to ride the bike while enjoying the magnificent view and sounds of nature.

The journey of the ride will take you to a stunning waterfall called Sofea Jane Waterfall as well an off road ride to Bukit Tabur, Klang Gate Dam, Sungai Liza, Bukit Lalang and Dataran Mas.

Do not miss out a chance to take a deep fresh air while having this adventure activity during your visit in Kuala Lumpur.  The ATV Adventure Park open everyday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Watch ATV Adventure video here.

5. Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

The magnificent Batu Caves are one of the top tourist attractions in Malaysia, partly because they are located only 13km from downtown Kuala Lumpur and easy to get to.

Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam.

A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. The caves are Cathedral Cave, Dark Cave and Cave Villa. 

Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.

Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.

Batu Caves is a place where you should not miss on your next visit to Malaysia! 

Watch Batu Caves video here.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. 

While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros.

Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea. 

For the more adventurous, there is trekking through mangrove forest. As this is under the Forestry Department, you will have to get a permit from them before trekking the 5km trail which runs through Sepilok Laut. You can also arrange for a boat return or accommodation in chalets in the forest. 

Watch our video on Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Rawa Island

Rawa Island is a coral island off the east coast of Johor, Malaysia, 16 km by boat from Mersing town. The island is famed for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and coral reefs with neon-coloured fish and other exotic marine life. 

"Rawa" is the local term for white doves, which are abundant in the island. One side of the island is a beach covered with white sand, while the other side has a rocky vertical cliff. Sharks Blacktip reef sharks can be found feeding in the sea off Rawa. 

This quiet island only has two choices of accommodation on it. There are 2 resorts on the island (Rawa Safaris and Alang's Rawa).

The wooden chalets nestled amongst coconut groves complement the island's reputation as a quaint hideaway, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Other than relaxing on the beach, some prefer to relax in a different method with activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and spear fishing. Utilities and equipment for such activities are available at certain booths on the island.

Watch our video on Rawa Island.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Pangkor Island

Pangkor, with its charming mix of fishing settlements and resorts, is a fascinating and convenient holiday destination. It presents the visitor with a rare chance to live near fishermen and observe their lifestyle and also to simply enjoy the fine beaches and resort amenities. 

The fishermen live in scattered settlements on the eastern side, facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik. Visitors get a chance to see some of them on the 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut as the ferry stops at the main settlements of Sungai Pinang Kecil and Sungai Pinang Besar before landing at Pangkor Town. 

Pangkor's two popular beach areas of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah offer sun and sea enthusiasts activities like scuba-diving, snorkelling, wind-surfing and fishing. While Pasir Bogak is quite developed, Teluk Nipah still retains its kampung or village atmosphere. Teluk Ketapang or Turtle Bay still receives turtles on their egg-laying pilgrimages. Some of the resorts on the island also have excellent golf courses on their property.

Watch our video on Pangkor Island Part 1 and also Part 2.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Perhentian Island

Pulau Perhentian, meaning 'stopover island', is not to be missed. Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday- makers. 

Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving. 

Arrangements can also be made for island cruises, and boats can be hired to go exploring for private bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.

Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you'll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation.  

Pulau Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.  

Watch our video on Perhentian Island Part 1 and also Part 2.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/