Malaysia: A country in rapid transition

by Rosanne Koelmeyer Anderson

Malaysia, dynamic and wealthy, yet friendly and welcoming is truly Asian, a country in rapid transition that has managed to combine technology and tradition, religion, romance and royalty with aplomb.

Malaysia, known as one of the most mellowed countries in South East Asia is an admirable melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours and cultures, and nowhere is Malaysia's contrast of modern and traditional more evident than in its capital, Kuala Lumpur, dominated by the soaring Petronas Twin Towers (currently the second tallest skyscrapers after Taipei) which overlooks a bustling city that remains home to a colourful mix of age old architectural styles and thriving ethnic markets.

Conservative by tradition, Malaysia is captivating, gay, spontaneous and extravagantly hospitable. Multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual, Malaysia could be considered a prosperous nation with fresh, shimmering green flamboyance of many palms, hibiscus ferns and papaya trees in abundance.

Arriving at the Kuala Lumpur, International Airport (KLIA) Malaysia looked beautiful and green. Driving towards the hotel was exciting and good.

Kuala Lumpur looked impressive to me, a city on the move, a well-planned city with elevated motorways and light rail options. It's young metropolis was bristling with energy, a city of Kaleidoscopic contrasts.

I was glad I visited Malaysia, a country where people seemed to be so carefree especially in the dress sense which certainly did not depict any religious restrictions in my view.

Hardly any noise pollution, and considerably clean, Malaysia had much to offer the visitor, from mouth-watering gormet available even along the wayside, to clothing, electronic goods and entertainment unlimited.

More spectacular than KL's many elegant skyscrapers was the national mosque, Malaysia's most revered shrine, the 13 marbled acres of Masjid Negara.

For a taste of mystery and natural beauty you should visit the nearby. Batu Caves, it is a good day trip from the capital, where many Hindus flock to and is believed to be very colourful on festival days.

Moving on, Penang Island and its capital city Georgetown was more interesting as it offered an impressive mix of culinary delights and fabulous beaches. Here, tourists stand gaping at Penang's 108 foot long reclining Buddha statue Quite a crowd to see this too.

If you are looking for adventure why not move on to the Taman Negara National Park, one of Malaysia's handful of protected preserves, which offers a complete adventure, a lovely riverboat trip, jungle safaris and many attractions. It is beautiful.

Moving down to sleepy Malacca, a town with a proud history going back more than 600 years is the 18th century Dutch Square and Cheng Hoon teng said to be the oldest and loveliest Chinese temple in all Malaysia, a sublime example of all that's most exquisite in Chinese architecture, if you are interested in history, architectural heritage and the old.

Moorish mosques coexist with British Colonial monuments and Chinese signboards and Indian curry shops frame, some of the most imaginative modern architecture in Asia.

Moving Northeast, if you care to keep looking out of the window of your vehicle you would see the mighty plantations, lushes of green, on one side the rubber trees extend as far as the eye can see while across the road stands stretches of massive oil palms, the most prolific and profitable plant which when crushed and pounded yields protein rich oil which is used for everything from soap to margarine.

The most interesting thing to do at the end of the day if you are a music lover and a dance addict and are looking for some nightlife is a visit to Heritage Row, a district of converted shophouses with bars and restaurants, if you are thinking of spending even later nights, there's the twinkling lights of club fever like Bintang Palace or Kelab de Vegas which will keep you in high spirits.

If you are shopperholic, last but not least Malaysia is one of the best places to visit, shopping is wonderful and affordable. So, why not visit Malaysia if you haven't it is a great place.

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