THINGS TO DO IN

KL & SABAH

(Revealed by TripAdvisor’s travelers)

(Simmonette, Aug 2012)

Wildlife

Danum Valley

Want to go where the royal couple has trekked? Ranked #4 in Sabah on TripAdvisor, Danum Valley is a vast tropical forest, covering close to 44,000 hectares of lush flora and fauna. Often recognised as one of the most complex ecosystems in the world, it is a wonderful retreat for those looking to be at one with nature.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "The Danum Valley without a fraction of a doubt is one of the best places I have ever visited. Its unspoilt beauty and rich flora and fauna coupled with its diverse animal life make it a treasure to visit time and time again."

Turtle Island Park

Another wildlife park not to be missed is Turtle Island ranked #2 in Sandakan. Turtle Island provides an opportunity for animal-lovers to watch endangered green and hawksbill turtle landings. It consists of Selingan which is home to a turtle hatchery, as well as Bakumgan Kecil and Gulisan islands which have conservation activities. Plan an overnight stay to watch the turtles come ashore after dusk to lay their eggs.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "Saw turtles in their natural environment and the island was good to stay on. The food was good and the rangers informative.”

Note: The ranking of attractions is according to the Popularity Index and was taken from the TripAdvisor site on 10 September 2012. More information on these attractions can be found at www.tripadvisor.com.my. Water Sports

Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures

Learn scuba diving with Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures ranked #2 for tours in Kota Kinabalu on TripAdvisor.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures are fantastic to dive with.

Their instructors are friendly and great fun to be around."

Mountain Trekking

Mount Kinabalu

One of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu which ranks #2 in Kota Kinabalu, stands at 4,095 metres and is situated at the Kinabalu National park, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can have hikes lasting for a day or more than two days with certified guides.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "The fantastic view of the surrounding valleys, the flora and fauna and being rewarded with the sight of Mount Kinabalu as you reach the top of the route is enough to take

your breath away."

History Museum

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Ranked #5 in Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari Cultural Village transports you to ancient Borneo with its indigenous architecture and rituals. From blow pipe making demonstrations to sampling traditional delicacies, travellers will be able to experience Sabah's culture then and now.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "Very entertaining - well worth a visit. The staffs were excellent - they took much pride in their job and willingly explain anything to us inquisitive tourists."

Art Museum

Islamic Arts Museum

The Islamic Arts Museum is ranked #2 in on TripAdvisor. With over 7,000 artifacts ranging from the smallest piece of jewellery to one of the world's largest scale models of the Masjid al- Haramin in Mecca, the Islamic Arts Museum is Southeast Asia's largest museum of Islamic Art.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "This museum contained one of the best collections of Islamic art I have ever seen."

Note: The ranking of attractions is according to the Popularity Index and was taken from the TripAdvisor site on 10 September 2012. More information on these attractions can be found at www.tripadvisor.com.my. Architectural Building

Petronas Twin Towers

Ranked #4, the Petronas Twin Towers are impressive icons in Kuala Lumpur's city skyline. The infamous Skybridge which connects the 2 towers was featured in the film 'Entrapment' starring Hollywood actors, Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Go on the Skybridge and admire Kuala Lumpur at 170 metres above ground.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "A must see if you're into buildings and structures, this place at night is a photographer's dream come true."

Aquarium

Aquaria KLCC

Ranked #7, Aquaria KLCC is a world-class oceanarium showcasing over 5,000 aquatic and land-bound creatures from Malaysia and around the world in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, taking up 60,000 square feet.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "This is fantastic for all ages - I and my son had a wonderful couple of hours here, so much to see."

Wildlife

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Ranked #8, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is the world's largest free-flight, walk-in . Set in a sprawling valley, this renowned eco-tourism park is home to more than 3,000 birds of approximately 200 species of local and foreign birds.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "This is a must for visitors to KL. It's amazing to have storks and pelicans flying over your head and to be up close and personal with so many birds not in cages."

Factory Tour

Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Visitor Centre

Ranked #10, the Royal Selangor has grown from a small family-run business to one of the best known pewter brands. Its factory and visitor centre allows you to see, hear and touch pewter through interactive exhibits. You can make your own pewter bowl using traditional tools or craft your own pewter accessory.

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "Our group of six visited the Royal Selangor pewter factory, and we absolutely loved it, especially the wonderful School of Hard Knocks class in making a pewter bowl."

Note: The ranking of attractions is according to the Popularity Index and was taken from the TripAdvisor site on 10 September 2012. More information on these attractions can be found at www.tripadvisor.com.my.