Whoever is lord in Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice, wrote Barbarosa  a Portuguese writer about Malacca. A look at the place is like reaffirming the statement made centuries ago. If modern architecture and cosmopolitan feel of Kuala Lumpur symbolise the growth of Malaysia, the city of Malacca is the custodian responsible for preserving its past.
 Along the shores of the Malacca river the scene has probably changed a little. Slopping rooftops of traditional Malay houses still hang over the water as if calling out from the past. The Portuguese influence is visible in the city's architecture. On the streets it is the Chinese influence that is felt paramount.
Over the centuries the Chinese and local Malay culture in Malacca have intermixed, eventually giving way to a unique society came to be known as Baba Nyona. The fascinating microculture reached its height around the turn of the century and Malacca's Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum preserves typical Baba Nyona household.
A sound & light show at Malacca recreates the history of Malacca of the past six hundred years and for the visitors there are options to go on a forest trail at Air Kerah recreational forest which is 15 kms east of Malacca. Mini Malaysia, Crocodile farm, and the open habitat Malacca zoo are other outstanding attractions.
Malacca promises an eyeful for the visitors, it is the place where those who are hunting for treasures of the past will be rewarded if they look deep into its quaint shops for curios and antiques.
The city can be reached through KL by road which takes approximately 2 hours. Taxis and Express bus services are also available. As one stops to look at the relics of the past, one gets a sampling of the local cuisine that is distinctively different and worth savouring.

A tryst with Orangutans
    
The world's largest Orang Utan Rehabilitation centre is located at Sepilok, a 20- minute drive from Sandakan. Here, one can observe first hand, these primeval apes (in their natural habitat) roam and play in non-captive breeding. Further south, in the interior of the state, lies the Danum Valley Conservation area, a lowland tropical forest endowed with an abundance of flora and fauna.
Several hours away into the hinterland of Sandakan at Sukau, nature lovers will have a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience of sighting the unique proboscis monkey in its natural habitat, a variety of wildlife and perhaps, the rare clouded leopard.
Sabah is an enchanting mosaic of culture diversity with at least 31 indigenous group with their rich cultures and interesting traditions. The tamu, a weekly open bazzar, offers a vivid glimpse into the colourful blend of local cultures. The tamu is where native gather to trade in farm produce, local curios, handicraft, food and even buffaloes. Kota Belud is a favourite spot for tourists to capture this exotic occasion.
For those who are keen to taste the thrill of white rafting, Sabah is the perfect destination. Its fast flowing rivers and turbulent rapids have attracted an increasing number of rafting enthusiasts. The Padas River is also another popular spot for whitewater rafting as well as wholesome family fun.

Fascinating Sarawak
     
Like Sabah, Sarawak is known to international visitors primarily because of the extraordinary natural wonders of its national parks, including Gunung Mulu, the Niah Caves, and Bako. Sarawak's cultural treasures are also fascinating, reflecting the influence not only of the state's many ethnic peoples, but also the odd western influence of Sarawak's “White Rajahs.”
Sarawak's endless rivers from the vast state's transportational backbone. The most common crafts used along the rivers are called perahus; they are low-lying pencil thin canoes equipped with outboard motors, and they curl along with surprising speed and agility. The experience of riding in one, while the impossible dense jungle wall breeze past, is unforgettable.
Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, an outback of sheer beauty rich in resources such as pepper, cocoa, palm oil, timber and oil. With an area of 124,450 sq. km, it is a region of endless fascination, possessing the largest cave chamber in the world, verdant jungles, unique fauna and flora, white beaches, and remote islands. Its population of 1.5 million people is as rich and varied as the land.