Normal
Running normal services
The spirit of patriotism is high among the people as Malaysia celebrates its 64th National Day on 31 August 2021 and Malaysia Day on 16 September 2021. And the best way to show your patriotic spirit (other than flying your Jalur Gemilang!) to this country we call home is by visiting some of its most iconic historical and heritage sites.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang
Known as the Blue Mansion because of its indigo-coloured façade, it was built in the 1880s by Cheong Fatt Tze, a Chinese tycoon, as his family home. The mansion is a stunning example of a type of architectural style known as Straits Eclectic. Despite the various Western style details, the layout and design follows the principle of Feng Shui. The mansion now houses a boutique hotel, a restaurant and a bar. There are also daily tours for visitors to immerse themselves in the Blue Mansion’s beautiful architecture, history and heritage.
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
Gunung Mulu National Park is listed as a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Tucked away in the park is the largest cave chamber in the world known as the Sarawak Chamber. It measures roughly 700 metres by 400 metres and has a staggering height of approximately 70 metres. Another distinctive feature of this park is the white and upright limestone pinnacles at Mount Api. Various species of flora and fauna can also be found while exploring the park.
Lenggong Valley, Perak
If you have an interest in archaeology, Lenggong Valley is a must-visit. It was here where South East Asia’s oldest complete human skeleton, the 11,000-year-old Perak Man, was discovered. The Lenggong Archaeology Museum is an open air museum which houses numerous historical artefacts dating some 1.3 million years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located along the Perak River valley and is still a rich site of archaeological investigations till today.
Istana Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan
This magnificent five-storey palace was constructed between 1902 and 1908 as a royal palace. It was built and designed by two highly skilled local craftsmen known as Tukang Kahar and Tukang Taib. Currently serving as a museum, this building’s main uniqueness is that it was constructed without using a single piece of metal, nail or screw.
Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum, Malacca
The Baba-Nyonya, or Peranakan Chinese, are the descendants of Chinese traders who migrated to Malacca and then adopted some of the local Malay customs into their culture. This ancestral home is still managed by the same family who converted it into a living museum. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in this unique culture and life of the Peranakans as they wander around the tastefully decorated townhouse.
The recent easing of travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals is certainly good news. However, please continue to practise good personal hygiene and adhere to the SOPs in place wherever you are. Let’s unite and work together towards a safer Malaysia.
Use the #CutiCutiMalaysia hashtag and share with us your happy travel memories!
