The word Malaysia derives from the Sanskrit term Malaiur or Malayadvipa which can be translated as “Land of mountains”, the word used by ancient Indian traders when referring to the Malay.

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Geography & Facts:

Malaysia is the 43rd most populated country and the 66th largest country by total land area in the world, with a population of about 28 million and a land area of around 329,847 square kilometers .By land Malaysia borders in the west, and Indonesia and Brunei in the east. It is linked to Singapore by a narrow causeway. The land borders are now well established and defined in large part by geological features such as the Perlis River, Golok River and the Pagalayan Canal, whilst some of the maritime boundaries are the subject of ongoing contention. Tanjung Piai, located in the southern state of , is the southernmost tip of continental AsiaThe Strait of , lying between Sumatra and , is arguably the most important shipping lane in the world.

The two distinct parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape in that both West (Peninsula) and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to hills and mountains. Peninsula Malaysia extends 740 kilometers (460 mi) from north to south, and its maximum width is 322 kilometers .It is divided between its east and west coasts by the Titiwangsa Mountains. These mountains are heavily forested, and mainly composed of granite. The range is the origin of some of Peninsula Malaysia’s river systems.

East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, has a coastline of 2,607 kilometers. The state of Sabah is divided by the Crocker Range, which is the location of Mount Kinabalu. Mount Kinabalu at 4,095.2 meters (13,436 ft) is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and is protected as Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Malaysia contains numerous islands, the largest of which is Labuan. Its waters extend into the Coral Triangle. The local climate is equatorial and characterized by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons. The humidity is usually high, and the average rainfall is 250 centimeters. Malaysia is a mega diverse country, with a high number of species and high levels of endemism. Two thirds of Malaysia in forested, with a large amount of lowland forest present below an altitude of 760 meters (2,493 ft). East Malaysia, like most of Borneo, was traditionally covered with Borneo lowland rain forests although much has been cleared causing wildlife to retreat into the upland rain forests inland. Malaysia’s rainforest’s are made of a variety of types; although they are mainly dipterocarp forests. These forests contain the Rafflesia the largest flower in the world. Although the forests are in decline, some state governments have taken measures to halt this. Besides rain forests, over 1,425 square kilometers of mangroves in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is the official capital and largest city of Malaysia. Putrajaya is the federal administrative capital. Although many executive and judicial branches of the federal government have moved there (to ease growing congestion within ), Kuala Lumpur is still recognized as the legislative capital of Malaysia since it houses the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. It is also the main commercial and financial centre of the country.

Currency system: The only legal tender in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. Airports and Transportations: Malaysia has 118 airports, of which 38 are paved. The official airline of Malaysia is Malaysia Airlines, providing international and domestic air service alongside two other carriers. The railway system is state-run, and covers a total of 1,849 kilometers. Relatively inexpensive elevated Light Rail Transit systems are used in some cities, such as Kuala Lumpur. Dakkak Holidays is aware of the huge demand on Malaysia as a hotspot destination, being visited for honeymoons, summer and winter vacations for the exquisite land and nature this country can offer, as its best described as a heaven on earth, thus there are many suggested programs for those are interested to make tracks to Malaysia. One of those suggested “flexible programs are as described below: Malaysia

07 Nights / 08 Days

DAY 01 Arrival, Meet, Greet and proceed to Langkawi. Check-in at Sheraton Langkawi / Berjaya Langkawi

DAY 02 After Breakfast, Half day tour in Langkwi where will have a chance to see the main places of interest. The beautiful natural scenery of Langkawi will be part of the scene besides legendary places like the Mahsuri Tomb, Eagle Square , Bird Park , Crocodile Park , Galeria [erdana ., Air Hangat Village .

DAY 03 After Breakfast, Free at leisure.

DAY 04 After Breakfast , Check out , Transfer to the Aiprot , Departure to Kuala Lumpur , Meet and assist at Kual Lumpur Airport , Tranfser to the Hotel Jw Marriott / Royal Bintang.

DAY 05 After Breakfast, for first-timers to the city, this tour introduces you to the beauty of old and modern Kuala Lumpur. The first stop will be an opportunity of photographing the famous Petronas Twin Towers; the world’s tallest, as it stands majestically in the city center. Next is a visit to Handicraft Centre, which offers a host of colorful and beautiful handicrafts from states of Malaysia.

After that you will stop at the breathtaking Royal King Palace, which provides excellent photographic opportunities. This is followed by a visit to the Historical Museum for an insight into Malaysian history and heritage. Our next stop is the National Monument, erected in 1966 in memory of fallen soldiers who fought in the guerilla’s war against communism in defense of the country. Drive pass the National Mosque and the Railway Administrative building before coming to the Independence Square where the country first national flag was hoisted to mark the achievement of independent from the British in 1957. Here at this spot, you will be also able to photograph the scenic Sultan Abdul Samad building with its intricate Moorish architecture.

DAY 06 After Breakfast, Full Day tour to Genting Highland, KL is surrounded by hills and the most famous of these is the . A 90 minutes drive passing through the rolling hills and greenery, amidst the freshness of cool, crisp mountain air about 6,000 feet above sea level, lies Malaysia’s only casino resort. Stop at cable car station and take a skyway cable car ride, with a sky above you and a tropical rainforest below, ride up to the hilltop on the longest and fastest cable car in Southeast Asia. Fringed by on of the oldest tropical jungles in the world, you can try your luck at Blackjack, Keno, Roulette or a host of other casino games. If this is not your cup of tea, then, take time off to enjoy the numerous recreational facilities at the indoor and outdoor Theme Park. There is Corkscrew, Euro Express Roller Coaster, Turbo Drop, Super Tobonggan & Sky Venture 0 the on and only sky diving simulator in Asia.For the casino entrance, dress attire must be t-shirt with collar. No torn jeans, shorts, or slippers & cameras allowed inside the casino.

DAY 07 After Breakfast, Free for leisure and Shopping.

DAY 08 After breakfast proceed to Airport for departure.

For more inquiries please contact Dakkak Holidays Jordan Section Lawrence of Arabia “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in Day 04 (Amman - Desert Castles - Azraq Oasis - Petra) the dusty recesses of their minds, wake up in the day to find Set out northward toward the Syrian border. The midst of the that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous dramatic sun baked men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it landscape of northern possible.” – T.E. LAWRENCE Jordan lays the black- basalt city of Umm Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence was born on August 16, 1888 Al-Jimal. It was from at Tremadoc in North Wales. He was the second of five sons of these ancient ruins Sir Thomas Chapman and Sarah Junner. Popularly known as that archeologist- Lawrence of Arabia, Lawrence became famous for his exploits as cum-solider T.E. a British Military Liaison to the Arab Revolt during the First World Lawrence staged his War. While supporting the Arab Revolt Armies lead by Prince first attack on the Faisal during the First World War. Ottoman Stronghold Referring to his autobiography book “SEVEN PILLARS OF of Damascus. After WISDOM” Lawrence had a genuine and unique experience exploring the Ruins, drive to Qal’at al –Azraq, a partially intact wandering in the exotic deserts of the Arabian Lands and Jordan. fortress originally built by the Romans. Azraq Wetland Reserve a former British Military Hospital. Enjoy a nice sunset cocktail before Dakkak Tours International wanted to dedicate to fans of continuing to Petra. Lawrence of Arabia from all over the world a real unique experience to follow his footsteps in the Land of Arabia giving Gala Dinner them the chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Arabian The Secret Realm of Little Petra Escaping the crowds at Petra, deserts, living authentic life of Bedouins, riding camels, sand your clients arrive at night in Beidha, a nearby Nabatean site, trekking, stars gazing and the most important, riding the 100 also known as Little Petra Following a guide through the pitch years steam engine train that was used by Lawrence. Visitors darkness, they enter a short, narrow passageway (siq) into the will be given the chance to visit Lawrence battle sites and see center of Beidha, where plush carpets and tapestries decorate weapons and artifacts of battlefields besides lectures about his the walls of surrounding caves. achievements in the region. This authentic and unique experience well based on his autobiography “SEVEN PILLARS OF Day 05 (Petra to Wadi Rum – Where Lawrence of Arabia made WISDOM” where tourists will go in the same order that Lawrence his Home) had, starting from the Red Sea Resort of Aqaba, while doing his After Breakfast we head to travel south through the desert, past military tasks in the Arabian Lands. Also tourists will have the Jafer, Maa’an City and Naqab. This is the path to Wadi Rum, a option to start their tour from Amman, taking the journey in a valley caught into the sandstone and granite rock. Explore the reverse way. sculptural rock formations and the Petroglyphs left behind by ancient Nabatean camel caravans. As evening falls, return to your Dakkak Tours International LAWRENCE OF ARABIA special Bedouin style desert for your first night’s sleep in the desert. trail Day 06 (Wadi Rum - Aqaba) 9 Days / 8 Nights In the bright glare of the morning sun, climb back into your 4x4 to travel further into the heart of the desert or if you are in favor of a Day 01 (Amman) riding a camel and discover for yourself why these hardy creatures Arrival to Queen Alia International Airport, Airport pick up in a earn their nickname “the ships of the desert”. Visit the Three private car to the hotel. Arrival to hotel to check in. Arches, an ancient resting and watering stop of desert travelers…. Explore the area and discover rock carvings that depict life in Day 02 (Amman - Jerash - Ajlum - Um Qais) ancient times. Visit the awesome moonscape of the Wadi Rum, After breakfast, city tour of the old and the new city of Amman, covering some of the ground where “Lawrence of Arabia” was continue north to visit the Roman City of Jerash, Ajlun and Um filmed. Then head south to Aqaba fort on the shores of the Red Qais. Back to Amman for an overnight. Sea Coast. Enjoy water activities and stay there till the morning.

Day 03 (Steam Engine Adventure and Lawrence of Arabia Day 07 (Aqaba) attack!) Free day on the Red Sea with water activities, shopping Aqaba After breakfast, the group will be driving to The Hejaz Railway Duty Free and dinner Cruise in Aqaba. which was a 1050mm gauge railway originally built to transport pilgrims from the city of Damascus in Syria to the city of Madina in Saudi Arabia. It was completed in 1908, but was severely Day 08 (Aqaba - Kerak - Madaba - Mt Nebo -Baptism Site - damaged during the First World War (1914-1918) by Lawrence of Dead Sea) Arabia and the Arab Revolt. Parts of the Hejaz Railway survived After breakfast, the morning drive thru the magnificent scenery of and some of the sections are still functioning today. The track Wadi Mujib to Kerak the ancient Crusader city of Kerak, dominated of the Hejaz railway became the theater of a critical military by the castle built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1142 AD, greatly engagement led by Lawrence of Arabia. The subject of an epic impressed Lawrence on his study tour. He spent many days here film by the same name in the mid-1960s, Lawrence of Arabia exploring tunnels, dungeons and sketching the castle. became a British intelligence officer in 1914 and spent much of his energies in 1917 and 1918 blowing up sections of this rail. Lunch in the Crusader Castle of Kerak Descend deep into 12th century Kerak Castle to the vaulted A day trip aboard the historic Hejaz Railway starts off gaily in underground Great Hall for a memorable meal. Candles flicker, Amman, with live music and cocktails on the train, shattered musicians play and guests can imagine what it was to live the by a heart-stopping kidnapping of one guest Bedouin on days of the Crusades. horseback. Survivors disembark and plot how to rescue him over spiced coffee in Lawrence of Arabia tent. Continuing Then continue to the mosaic towns of Madaba & Mt Nebo & visit aboard the train to an old Ottoman fortress, suspense builds the baptism site. Then end 1,200 below sea level at Dead Sea. until a splendid lunch is served and the mystery is solved. Then Drive back to the hotel. Day 09 (Day of Departure)

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