'Selamat Datang' is the traditional Malaysian greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and exotic country. Ethnically diverse cultures share the same lush landscape and create a fusion of cultural styles, cooking and religions that is distinctly Malaysian. Festivals throughout the year mark the Malay, Chinese and Indian holidays, as well as those of the indigenous Orang Asli and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak.

Malaysia is a country with two distinct parts. Peninsula Malaysia constitutes the long fringe of land, extending down from Asia, which borders Thailand and Singapore. The South China Sea separates the mainland from the less populated East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak. The dense jungles of Sabah and Sarawak support abundant plant and wildlife and Mt Kinabalu in Sabah stakes its claim as the highest peak in South East Asia.

It is the Peninsula that seems to attract the most visitors, probably because of the diversity it offers in the way of people, activities and climates. The highland regions offer cool relief from the clinging humidity of the mainland, while Langkawi is the popular choice for sand and surf enthusiasts. The east coast, particularly the northern Kelantan province, offers the chance for an interesting cultural exploration of traditional Malay life. The city of Kota Bharu and its surrounds is possibly the most fascinating part of the peninsula, and the least visited, with a remote beauty and rich culture. The west coast is favoured for historical interest, and is where Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is to be found, the icon of Asian prosperity and the meeting point for expats and city slickers who enjoy the energy of urban life. The city is a powerful mesh of tradition and technology, vying for equal status.

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Chinatown

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers

Address: City centre. Ticket Booth: Tower 2, Concourse Level Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Admission to the Skybridge is free, but tickets are limited per day. The Skybridge is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday 9am-7pm, but tickets go on sale at 8:30am.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2051 1320 or (0)3 2051 1744

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Address: Jalan Hishamuddin Kuala Lumpur

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2267 1200

Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)

Address: Jalan Tun Perak Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Free Saturday to Thursday 8:30am-12:30pm and 2:30pm-4pm. Friday 8:30am-11am and 2:30pm-4pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2691 2829

Lake Gardens

Address: Jalan Perdana Kuala Lumpur

Admission: There's a small admission fee for the Butterfly House, Bird Park, and Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens on weekends, free on weekdays. Butterfly House: daily 9am to 6pm; Bird Park: daily 9am to 6.30pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to 6pm

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2691 6011

National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Free Daily 9am-6pm, except Friday during prayers 2:45pm-6pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2693 7784

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Address: Jalan Damansara Kuala Lumpur

Admission: MYR 5 adults; MYR 2 children 6-12 Daily 9am-6pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)3 2282 6255

Batu Caves

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Admission: A small entrance fee is charged

Taman Negara National Park

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Admission: MYR 1 (park permit), MYR 5 (camera licence)

Telephone: +60 (0)3 905 2872 (National Parks Board KL)

Melaka (Historic City)

Address: Kuala Lumpur

Telephone: +60 (0)6 233 3333 or (0)6 281 4803 or (0)6 293 3913 (tourist information)

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Address: Sabah

Sipadan Island

Address: Sabah

Mount Kinabalu

Address: Sabah

Telephone: +60 88 486 430/2

Bako National Park

Address: Sarawak

Telephone: +60 (0)11 225 049

Niah National Park and Niah Caves

Address: Sarawak

Telephone: +60 (0)8 2246 575 / 775

Sepilok Forest Reserve and Orang-Utan Sanctuary

Address: Sabah

Admission: Orang-Utan Sanctuary: MYR 30 (adults), MYR 15 (children under 18). The use of cameras and video recorders is an extra MYR 10. Feeding times are at 10am and 3pm. The centre is open daily 9am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.

Telephone: +60 (0)89 531 180

Honeymoon and Wedding

Bon Ton

Address: R1 & R2 Lower Ground Floor Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan Ismail Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Asian

Bombay Palace

Address: 215 Jalan Tun Razak Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Indian

Eest

Address: Westin Hotel, 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Asian

Pacifica Grill and Bar

Address: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Seafood

Seri Melayu

Address: 1 Jalan Conlay Kuala Lumpur

Food Type: Local