From natural wonders and splendid architecture to historical cities and spiritual centres, Asia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites should be at the top of your travel bucket list
MELAKA & GEORGE TOWN,
HISTORIC CITIES OF THE STRAITS OF MALACCA
Melaka and George Town have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca.
The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications,
Malacca demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century.
The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape found nowhere else in the region. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible.
EXPEDITION
INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Regular buses to Melaka depart from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, taking around 2.5 and 3.5 hours, respectively. Penang is an hour’s flight from KL and go minutes from Singapore. You can also fly in from Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Jakarta, among other cities in Asia.
WHEN TO GO
December to February is the best time to visit the west coast, including George Town and Melaka, when the northeast monsoon drenches the east side of Peninsula Malaysia.
WHERE TO STAY
Experience a Straits Settlement mansion from the 19205 with a stay at the Majestic Malacca (www.majesticmalacca.com), or kick back and relax at Casa del Rio Melaka (www. casadelrio-melaka.com), a luxury boutique hotel situated along the bank of the Melaka River. In George Town, head to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel (www.eohotels.com) for a touch of class and sophistication, or enjoy a charming stay at Cheong Fatt Tze (www.cheongfatttzemansion.com), an iconic architectural beauty otherwise known as “The Blue Mansion”.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF THE LENGGONG VALLEY
Situated in the lush Lenggong Valley, this property includes four archaeological sites in two clusters which span close to two million years, one of the longest records of early man in a single locality, and the oldest outside the African continent. It features open-air and cave sites with Palaeolithic tool workshops, which is evidence of early technology.
The number of sites found in the relatively contained area has cultural remains from the Palacolithic, Neolithic and Metal ages and suggests the presence of a fairly large, semi-sedentary population in the past.
EXPEDITION
INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Lenggong Valley is around 1.5 hours from Ipoh, which is well connected to other parts of Malaysia by bus and train. Ipoh’s Sultan Azlan Shah Airport has flight connections to Johor Bahru and Singapore. You can join a Lenggong Valley tour from Ipoh or even Kuala Lumpur.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit is the dry season, between November and February.
WHERE TO STAY
Combine your archaeological adventure with a luxury natural hot springs wellness experience at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat (www.sunwayhotels.com/the-banjaran), just outside Ipoh. If you’d prefer chic, modern comforts in the heart of the city, WEIL Hotel (www.weilhotel.com) is a top choice.
By Asian Geographic Magazine
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ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit will be held on 18-20 August 2023 at Sabah International Convention Center (SICC), Malaysia.
