“Rainforests, ancient cities, cuisine, and sports” – The 2014 Malaysia Tourism Year is set to kick off

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

According to statistics from the Ministry of Transport’s Tourism Bureau, the number of outbound travelers this year has reached a new high, and visitor numbers to Malaysia are also expected to exceed 250,000. The 2014 Malaysia Tourism Year will officially launch in January, bringing together green tourism, cultural experiences, and sports activities. With a full calendar of themed festivals and events throughout the year, Malaysia promises to offer the world a fresh travel experience.

▲ The “Rainforest World Music Festival,” rated the world’s best international music event for four consecutive years by the international music magazine, draws tens of thousands of music fans each year to enjoy raw, wild music in the tropical rainforest. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Malaysia, the same applies below)

Heading to the Amazon of the South – Green Tourism

Sabah and Sarawak are located on Borneo in Malaysia, with over half of their land area covered by tropical rainforests, making them one of the world’s most precious ecological treasures and earning them the nickname “Amazon of the South.”From the deep sea to the high mountains, they are home to precious natural ecosystems and offer a variety of unique ecological landscapes.These include Southeast Asia’s highest peak, “Mount Kinabalu”; one of the world’s top diving paradises, “Sipadan Island (Sipadan Island)”; the world’s largest flower, the “Rafflesia”; as well as Borneo’s famous orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and other rare flora and fauna.Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and is home to uniquely distinctive limestone caves, such as Malaysia’s first national park, “BAKO National Park (BAKO National Park)”; and “Mulu National Park (MULU National Park),” which boasts the world’s largest cave, the “Deer Cave.” In May and June of next year, the “Borneo Jazz Festival” and the “Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival” will be held. The most famous of these is the “Rainforest World Music Festival,” which has been rated the world’s best international music event for four consecutive years by the international music magazine Songlines. Each year, tens of thousands of music fans immerse themselves in the wild sounds of the rainforest, breaking free from the constraints of urban life.


▲ Dutch Square is one of the must-visit attractions in Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling through World Heritage Sites – A Gastronomic and Historical Adventure

Malacca and Penang are Malaysia’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage cities. Malacca was a crucial stop along East-West trade routes and became a colony of Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain during the era of Western expansion, leaving behind a wealth of European cultural heritage. These include the Malacca Cultural Museum (also known as the Sultan’s Palace), the Dutch Red Square (Stadhuys), and Christ Church, all built by the Dutch; the A’Famosa (Porta De Santiago) and St. Paul’s Church, built by the Portuguese; and the Queen Victoria’s Fountain, built by the British to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Meanwhile,Penang, located in northern Malaysia and also known as “Penang Island,” was jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Malacca in 2008. Over half of Penang’s residents are of Chinese descent, so Chinese signs are common on the streets. The most appealing aspects are the well-preserved old neighborhoods and century-old buildings scattered throughout.Whether it’s the British colonial-style Penang City Hall, the Nanyang-style Chinese shophouses, or mosques and Hindu temples, various ethnic groups and religions coexist peacefully, creating a unique Malaysian style. Riding a trishaw through the ancient city is a perfect activity for independent travelers. Every year on July 7th, the World Heritage Festival is celebrated in Malacca and Penang, featuring various cultural and artistic performances as the cities rejoice in their World Heritage status.

▲ Ride Penang’s unique trishaws through the charming, authentic historic sites.

One of the things Taiwanese visitors find most unforgettable about Malaysia is its rich and diverse cuisine.Influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, Malaysia boasts a diverse and unique food culture. Examples include Indian curries, Indian pastries, teh tarik (pulled tea), and roti jala; Malay dishes like nasi lemak, Malay kuih (cakes), and satay; Chinese-inspired dishes such as bak kut teh and Hainanese chicken rice; and the famous Peranakan dish, nyonya kuih. These are all iconic Malaysian snacks.The “Malaysia International Gourmet Festival,” held annually in October, offers refined multi-course meals designed by dozens of top restaurants across Malaysia, or you can visit the Petaling Street night market in Kuala Lumpur or the New Lane night market in Penang.


▲ Sample the most authentic Malaysian street food at Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street.

Exciting Sports Events Push the Limits of Human Sensation

Malaysia hosts numerous international sporting events each year, attracting sports enthusiasts from around the world. Events such as the “Ipoh International Marathon” in June, the “Mount Kinabalu Climbathon” in Sabah in October, and the “Penang Bridge Marathon” in November draw tens of thousands of marathon runners globally. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at over 200 world-class golf courses across Malaysia, and the “LPGA Malaysia Ladies Open” in October is not to be missed. The “F1 World Championship” and “MotoGP World Motorcycle Championship” will take place at the Sepang International Circuit in March and October, respectively. Additionally, there’s the “Pahang Royal Sailfish International Challenge” in August. Whatever your sport of choice, Malaysia has it all.

  ▲ The Mount Kinabalu Climbathon in Sabah attracts marathon runners from around the world to challenge their limits; every March, the world turns its eyes to the F1 Championship at Sepang International Circuit.

Mascot of Malaysia Tourism Year – The Proboscis Monkey Takes the Spotlight

The mascot for the 2014 Malaysia Tourism Year will be the endangered proboscis monkey, a protected species in Malaysia.The proboscis monkey is known as Proboscis Monkey in English and Monyet Belanda in Malay.This primate, native to Sabah in Malaysia, is famous for its unusually large nose and potbelly. The noses of adult male proboscis monkeys grow larger with age and can reach up to about 10 centimeters.Proboscis monkeys are social animals, living in groups led by a dominant male or consisting of multiple families. There are only around 3,000 wild proboscis monkeys left in the world. As the 2014 Malaysia Tourism Year approaches, these adorable creatures will welcome all visitors with their charming presence.

[Sabah Travel Information]
● Population: 28 million
● Climate: Equatorial rainy climate
● Flights: Malaysia Airlines (MAS), AirAsia (Air Asia) fly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
● Visa: Visa-free for stays up to 15 days upon entry
● Time difference: No time difference
● Exchange rate: Approximately 1 Malaysian Ringgit equals 10 Taiwanese Dollars