Malaysia Archives - Seek Your Trip

August 18, 2016 by Arlene

Exciting Sites to See and Activities to Do in Borneo

The island of Borneo is the biggest island in Asia and the 3rd largest on earth. Borneo is divided between three nations: Indonesia in the south, Brunei and Malaysia in the north. However, more than 73 percent of the island lies within Indonesian territory. Nearly 26 percent is in Malaysia while Brunei has just 1 percent. The island is blessed with a sprawling pristine rainforest, majestic mountains, parks, dive sites and unique wildlife and plant species. Here are some of the most exciting things to do and places to visit in Borneo.

1. Climb Mount Kinabalu

In the region of Sabah, you can find Mount Kinabalu – the largest mountain peak in Borneo. The peak of this mountain is about 4,095m above sea level. This famous mountain peak was originally part of an active volcano. At dawn, you will see the picturesque view of the sunrise. If you are really interested in climbing this mountain, you should prepare for a two-day journey.

2. Visit Danum Valley

Danum Valley is one of the best protected low land forests. It has an amazing diversity of wildlife species including flying squirrels, frogs, hyperactive gibbons and exotic species of birds. This rainforest is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. The cool atmosphere of the valley gives you a good opportunity to relax and refresh your body and soul.

3. Dive at Sipadan Island

This beautiful island located in Sabah on the east coast of Borneo is one of the best places to dive in Borneo. It is also frequently rated as one of the top dive sites in the whole of Asia. Sipadan is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. The extensive coral reefs and underwater creatures like sharks, barracuda fish, buffalo fish, groupers and turtles offer you an exciting experience each time you dive at Sipadan Island.

4. Walk through the Rainforest

Borneo’s pristine rainforest is acclaimed to be about 140 million years old, making it one of the most ancient forests in the world. It contains many rare and endangered wildlife species such as pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos, proboscis monkey, clouded leopards and orangutans. In addition, you will have a chance to see the largest flower on earth. This gigantic flower, known as Rafflesia Arnoldii, has a very repugnant smell which has made people call it the “corpse flower”.

5. Visit Heart of Borneo

Heart of Borneo is a unique location that contains some of the most impressive animal and plant species. The flora and fauna here has over 15,000 plant species. You can also watch orangutans – the largest mammals that have the ability to climb trees. You will see how these apes stretch their arms and swing effortlessly on the rainforest canopy as they search for fruits and edible leaves.

Borneo is filled with well-preserved parks and forests which offer you a rare opportunity to learn about the peculiar wildlife and plant species on this island. You can also enjoy a splendid diving experience here. As you prepare for your trip to Borneo, you should ask about the top-rated tour packages that will make your trip a more rewarding and fulfilling adventure.

November 22, 2012 by Arlene

Travel Bucket List: Climb The World’s 5 Tallest Buildings

Among the millions of brick and mortar buildings around the world, the skyscrapers are architectural marvels that rise hundreds of meters into the sky. Here is a list of world’s tallest buildings.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, known as Burj Dubai before it’s inauguration is the world’s tallest structure at 828 meters. Standing as a magnificent centerpiece of Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa is tangible proof of Dubai’s growing role in a changing world. Construction of this building began on September 2004, and was officially opened on January 4, 2010. The tower’s architecture was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) and the total cost of the project was about $1.5 million. Burj Khalifa has a rich variety of amenities that provide luxury residents and corporate suites. Tourists can start their Dubai sightseeing plan by visiting Burj Khalifa at the top.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101, formerly known as Taipei World Financial-Center is located in Xinyi-District, Taipei, Taiwan. The most proud achievement of this building is receiving the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification. Scaling at 508 meters, it can withstand earthquakes and typhoons that are common in its area of the Asia Pacific. Tourists can enjoy the night scenery of Taipei City from its top. Taipei 101 is considered as an advantageous location for multi national corporations located in Taiwan for its world class office environment.

Shanghai World-Financial Center

Shanghai World-Financial Center is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Pudong district of Shanghai, China. Soaring to a height of 492 meters, this super tall skyscraper consists of offices, hotels, conference centers and ground floor shopping malls. It acts as a global magnet attracting information and financial services, the two great currents shaping the 21st century world. With Park Hyatt Shanghai occupying the 79th to 93rd floors, every guest enjoys a magnificent view over the Huangpu River or the Shanghai skyline. Skywalk 97 makes visitors feel like walking in the sky and in Skywalk 100, you can experience Shanghai lying at your feet.

International Commerce Center

International Commerce Center is a 484 meter modern skyscraper located in West Kowloon, Hong Kong. Other than providing a business address, it also boasts of featuring luxury residents, retail stores and hotels. Sky Dining 101, on its 101st floor offer visitors aerial view of Hong Kong’s stunning landscape by day and night. The Ritz-Carlton hotel occupying from the 102nd floor to the 118th floor gives a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbor and OZONE, the world’s highest swimming pool and bar can be found on the top 118th floor.

Petronas Towers 1 & 2

A crowning jewel of Malaysia’s past and future; the Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia reaching 452 meters. A double-decker sky bridge connects the two-towers on the 41st and 42nd floors to avoid it from breaking, as the two towers sway some feet in towards and away from each other during high winds. It also serves as a safety-device, so that in case of fire or any other emergencies in one tower, the tenants could evacuate by simply crossing the sky-bridge to the other tower. On level 86, visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of Kuala Lumpur.

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Photo by Francisco Diez on Flickr.

August 30, 2012 by Arlene

5 Must-Visit Theme Parks In Asia

Asia is recently proving itself to being home to some of the best theme parks in the world. Here are my five top picks for you to visit…

1. Tokyo Disneyland Japan – Everything Walt Disney

The theme park is based on the films produced by Walt Disney. Opened in 1983, the park consists of seven themed lands and features which are a must see. They include the World Bazaar; which is a shopping arcade lined by shops and restaurants, Western Land, Adventure Land, Classic Land and Tommorow Land.

There are also two mini-lands: Critter Country, based on the Disney film Song of the South, and Mickey’s Toon Town, which is a neighborhood where cartoon characters work, play and live.

Seasonal decorations and parades make the visit more lively as the park comes to life. For any Walt Disney lover, this park just does it for them.

2. Ocean Park – Unlimited marine life

Located on the southern side of Hong Kong island, this is a marine themed park. Its standards, safe to say, are just out of this world. The park features animal exhibits, thrill rides, and shows that give the visitor a combined taste of entertainment, education and conservation.

The park gives you the chance to explore the north and south poles from the comfort of a bob sled ride in their breath taking adventure known as the Polar Adventure. Thrill Mountain in the Ocean Park allows you to have the blood rush of dangling off a cliff on the floorless roller coaster, or get to hang upside down while swinging on the flash.

Enjoy the Aqua City which is a marine themed area, giving you a whole new definition of underwater experience. Finally get to relax at the outstanding Asian animals exhibit where you get to learn of Asia’s most precious native animals as well as behold the beautiful display of goldfish at the Goldfish Treasures exhibit. Visit the Panda Village and get to watch a dazzling number of colorful birds.

The list of amazing things to see in the park is endless.

3. China’s Dinosaur Park – Prehistoric treat

Located in Changzou, an ancient city with a history of 2500 years, the China Dinosaur Park is quite a sight to behold.

Amusement attractions are found in this park alternating the dinosaur attraction. The extensive halls exhibiting fossils found all over China make quite a sight. The park boasts of grand and unique structures such as dinosaurs reconstructed in their original sizes. The China dinosaur hall hosts lots of attractions in it such as the man made surroundings like waterfalls, rocks, cliffs, seas and jungles.

4. Genting Highlands – Where gambling is legal

Genting Highlands are located in Malaysia and happens to be the only legalized gambling area in the country. The park is comprised of casinos, hotels, theme park rides and a theme park in Pahang.

A visit to Genting Highlands is an amazing way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Outdoor amusement rides are a major attraction. They include the Space Shot, Mine Train, Rolling Thunder, Spinner, Cyclone and a Pirate Ship.

Get to experience the Flying Coaster which is Asia’s first hang-gliding rollercoaster.

5. Universal Studios Singapore – For the movie lovers

Built on Sentosa Islands, Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park which features several Dreamworks Animation themed attractions. The attractions include: Hollywood, Si-Fi and Madagascar, among many others.

The 24 movie-themed rides on offer will just blow you away as well as the show hosted by Steven Spielberg. Get to learn how special effects have the ability to transform a normal stage setup into practically anything. This park is a must visit.