Malaysia-Truly Asia!
In November 2015 within the framework of Mega Familiarization Program initiated by Malaysian Tourism Ministry, hosts of media representatives, social workers, tour agents, from approximately 15-16 countries- ranging from Australia to Russia, from South Africa to China-were granted with the chance to get first-hand experience with the tourism industry in Malaysia. Luckily, representatives from Azerbaijan also enjoyed this opportunity.
The main objectives of the aforementioned program is to generate closer relationship with members of the international media, to give them deep insight about Malaysian tourism, update them with information about major destinations, overall promote and illuminate Malaysian reality worldwide. Furthermore, the significance and specialty of current program was its coincidence with Deepavali Festival and end year sale in Malaysia.
“Mega Familiarization”
Before the tours through Malaysia began, all the guests from foreign media were welcomed by the deputy director general of Tourism Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin. In the session, the Deputy Director General briefed the guests about the tourism industry in the country so far, clarified the prospects which are considered for future development of this sector.
After the session we got a chance to have a brief conversation with the Deputy Director General about the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Malaysia in the tourism sector. Pointing to the increasing potential in the tourism sector between our countries, Mr Azizan Noordin underlined the importance of mutual visits by media representatives in this respect.
“In fact, our minister visited your country a couple of times. So, I believe that we can always do a lot of promotion between the two countries. The main point is that we can go to Azerbaijan to promote Malaysia and you can come to Malaysia to promote Azerbaijan”.
Following the first day in Malaysia a range of exciting tours through Kedah, Penang, Langkawi, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur were awaiting us.
Malaysia is a very big country, with lots of heavenly, interesting, historical, diverse places. Through these 10 days we had a chance to travel to the past, present and future of the country. The things that I am going to underline below are only 1 % of the beauty of this country.
Fast facts about Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the four constitutional federative monarchies in the world situated in the South Eastern part of Asia. As it is situated in the equatorial climate zone, hot and humid weather is dominant in the country. Malaysian Federation consists of two parts: the western part located in the Malay peninsular is called the Peninsular Malaysia and the eastern part in the Kalimantan Island is called Borneo. Official language of the country is the Malay language. However, English, Tamil, Chinese, Indian languages are also widely spread. Malaysia is a secular country. But Islam is the official religion. About 52 % of the populations are Moslems. The Malay people constitute about 50% of the overall population. The other 20% are the Chinese, and the rest are Hindus and other local ethnic groups. So, Malaysia is a multiethnic, multicultural, multi confessional country.
Rice-the main food of Malaysian people
Our tour started firstly from Alor Setar city of Kedah state situated in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. This is the city where the only rice museum in Malaysia is situated. In the entrance of the museum a huge rice particle appeared in front of us.
In the downstairs there are 3D art like paintings demonstrating the cultivation process of rice in Malaysia historically. However, there is no need to walk around the hall to follow the process. A slow spinning round floor allows the spectators to observe the whole process step by step. So, while the round floor was spinning around, slowly the process one by one appeared in the sight.
Additionally, there is an expo of ancient tools used in rice cultivation and several models reflecting those days’ life.
According to our tour guide, although Malaysia has a large amount of paddy fields, it still imports rice from neighboring countries.
While walking around the city we had a chance to get the view of the Zahir mosque -one of the most 10 beautiful mosques in the world. It is the place where Koran reading competitions are held annually.
The oldest civilization in South East Asia
The state of Kedah- is the very home of the oldest civilization in the South East Asia. Excavations conducted in the Sungai Batu archeological site revealed ships, jetty remains, iron smelting sites, administrative buildings dating back to 2nd century AD.
According to last excavations a circle monument, probably used for worship was found and supposedly, it is the oldest temple in the whole South East Asia.
As our tour guides told, remnants of iron smelting activities and riverside jetties indicate that this muddy place used to be a trading port in those days. Currently, excavations are underway in this area. And the reason of demolishing these areas probably served tsunamis. Nowadays young researchers are conducting work in the area and send their findings to the universities in order to identify the ages.
Festival of lights –Deepavali
Our next destination was Kulim city, where the traditional festival of Malaysian people-mainly Hindu population was held. Deepavali-the festival of lights, symbolizes “triumph of good over evil”.
Deepavali celebration was graced by Prime Minister of the country Datuk Seri Najib Razak, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Georgetown-the place of diversities
Consisting of island and peninsular parts, the state of Penang was the most diverse and colorful tourist destination during our Malaysia trip. The capital of the state is Georgetown and is named after the King George III of Britain by its founder captain Francis Light.
According to the history sir Light persuaded the sultan of Kedah to compromise this land to Ost Hind company of Great Britain. After the deal was reached, Light created a trading centre here. So, Penang became the first British colony in the South East Asia. As legacies tell, in order to clear the land for future Cornwallis fortress captain Light fired golden coins from canons into the rainforest to persuade the local people as if there were precious metals. Enticed local people flattened the area with hopes to get fortune. Obviously, the smart tactic by sir Light made easier to fulfill his intention.
However, this smartness led to even heavier ramifications in 2004 tsunami. So, as the coastline trees, were cut down, heavy tsunami of 2004 battered the coasts of Georgetown heavily, leaving behind dead people, demolished houses and lost happiness. Even one family lost 5 of their 7 children during the tragedy.
Nowadays, Malaysian government has launched a mangrove rehabilitation program in the coastline areas of state of Penang. Note that, mangrove is a kind of shrub in the tropical zones and its massive root system is efficient at dissipating the wave energy. As for Sir Francis Light, he died of malaria and buried in the protestant cemetery of Georgetown and still remains there intact.
What we learned about the cemetery was quite shocking for all of us. Interestingly, this cemetery has become a favorite place for newly wed couples to shot their wedding albums. In other words, it became a trend to have wedding photography in the cemetery. However, it is mainly popular among Chinese couples.
The uniqueness about Georgetown is its Harmony street. Interesting name.. interesting place… worthwhile to visit at least once in a lifetime. So, 4 major confessions are located in the same lane of Harmony street in Georgetown. Mosque, church, buddist, hindu temples are located in the same lane of the city.
“Little India”, street arts in Georgetown and Fashion week
Longing for India? You can find it within Georgetown. Stepping into this ethnic Indian enclave you will feel like in India. Shops, restaurants, booths, music so much reminded Indian films.
Georgetown is also famous for both professional and amateur street arts.
As the year comes to end Malaysia becomes an authentic heaven for shopaholics. Annual end year sales attract tourists from neighboring countries. So, if you are planning to visit Malaysia for shopping purpose, better to plan your trip exactly in these months. Launched by Government the main objective of the program is to transform Malaysia the global tourism hub globally.
Next destination-jewel of Andaman
After a tour in Georgetown, one of most beautiful resort places in Malaysia-Langkawi was awaiting for us. Today’s prosperous resort for many centuries has been cursed lands, as legends tell.
According to the legends, a girl named Mahsuri, who was unjustly accused of committing adultery and stabbed, cursed this lands with her death. After her death for many centuries Langkawi did not prospered, invasions, attacks followed one by one. Only in the end of XX century, Langkawi turned into a touristic resort and began to flourish.
Currently, it is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. Langkawi consists of tiny pieces of islands. In order to get the perfect view of it, we took a tour in Langkawi Skycab.
In order to experience the nature the next day we started the tour from Kilim Karst Geopark.
Firstly, we started with mangrove tour. It was a good trip through the jungles of the park and an excellent opportunity to see the mangroves and wildlife living in them.
Shoe shape Island
This eagle is the symbol of Langkawi
Langkawi Eagle Square
Moreover, Langkawi is a duty free heaven for shopaholics
Muddy estuary-Kuala Lumpur
Our last destination was planned to be the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city and one of 3 federal territories of Malaysia within Selangor state. Modern city with lots of green all around, hosts the highest twin towers in the world. Petronas twin towers are in the heart of the city.
Kuala Lumpur literally means “muddy estuary”. It is founded at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers.
All the administrative centers in Kuala Lumpur, except several ones and parliament have been removed to newly constructed Putrajaya. However, king of Malaysia still lives in Kuala Lumpur and it still remains the largest financial and commercial center of the country.
Incumbent king of Malaysia The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is one of the few elected monarchs in the world. The head of the states-sultans elect the king of Malaysia every five years.
The National Square of Kuala Lumpur is the place where the Union Jack flag was lowered for the first time and Malayan flag was hoisted in 1957. Here are the portraits of current and past prime ministers of Malaysia.
Opposite the square is the famous Royal Selangor Club Complex, a meeting place for high ranking members of the British colonial society.
Next to National Square is the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, which tells the story of Kuala Lumpur through miniature models and the Spectacular City Model Show.
Interestingly, there is a village called Kampung Baru in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur. Notwithstanding the development all around, villagers prefer to remain intact and they do not change their way of living. People of Kampung Baru so many times have turned the entrepreneurs away, saying that they want to preserve their ethnic Malay lifestyle.
Putrajaya- the newly constructed administrative centre and one of three federal territories in Malaysia is where the Prime Minister seated.
So, with Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya we ended our tour in Malaysia. Although we experienced lots of things, however I am sure, even more places, interesting destinations remained undiscovered. Malaysia is a country where you can discover Asia. For that reason I chose the official tourism slogan as caption to my writing. By traveling through Malaysia you visit China, India, and so many South Asian communities. Last and the least, the thing that we appreciated mostly was that, everything in the enclave territories was natural and you cannot find a single sign of artificiality in every corner you visit. Every state, every city, even streets and certain shops preserve their own story, embrace you with their realities.
In a nutshell, this country of colorful diversities managed to keep so many varieties intact and transform them into a national wealth of a great nation.
Turbat Baghirova
Baku-Kuala Lumpur-Baku
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