Perlis - Northern Gateway

Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attractions, foremost

among which is its serene unspoilt beauty, rustic rural scenes and vast
padi fields.
Location
Bounded by Thailand in the north, and by Kedah to the
east and south, it measures approximately 759 sq. km
and has a population of 175,000. Kangar is the seat of
the State.
Kedah – Rice bowl of Malaysia
Kedah has the distinction of being the "Rice-bowl of Malaysia" -
a term that takes on aesthetic significance when one sees the
rice fields for themselves: the flat expanse of padi against a
backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that
lulls the senses.
Location
Kedah has an area of 9,425 sq km that consists mostly of
expansive padi fields and gently rolling hills. Kedah's
population of about one million is primarily Malay, though
there are significant Chinese and Indian minorities.
Perak – The Silver State of Malaysia
Perak is a state that is defined by the course of its namesake
river. Perak's population is about two million. Until the
nineteenth century, Perak's people were concentrated along
the Perak River, and the chief city was riverside Kuala
Kangsar. However, the discovery of wondrously rich tin
deposits in surrounding valleys lead to the establishment of
and transfer of the capital to Taiping and, later, Ipoh. Today,
Ipoh is one of Malaysia's larger cities, with a population of
about half a million people.
Penang – Pearl of the Orient
Penang needs little introduction to many
visitors to Malaysia, having long been known
as one of Southeast Asia's finest
destinations. Penang's outstanding beaches
and exotic sights have made it one of the
most popular destinations in the region.
Worthwhile stops are the delightful Penang
Bird Park, the romantic peak of Penang Hill,
Fort Cornwallis, the site of Light's first
landing, and the Pantai Acheh Forest
Reserve (crisscrossed with beautiful trails
leading to isolated beaches).
Kelantan – Timeless Culture
For most visitors, the charms of Kelantan are found in the
vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. The
traditional sports of giant kite-flying, top-spinning, silat,
wayang kulit, bird-singing competitions and the making of
exquisite handicrafts such as songket, batik, silverware
and mengkuang products still remain fixtures here,
offering a glimpse of tradtional Malay culture in truly
spectacular setting.
Terengganu – Land of Beautiful Coral Islands
Terengganu is the land of the lilting Gamelan and the
mesmerising "Ulek Mayang" dance--living testimony to
the state's centuries-old guardianship of Malaysia's
cultural heritage. It is a quiet state, with many small
villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and
beaches. The clear waters and teeming marine life of
Terengganu have made it an increasingly popular
destination for divers.
Pahang – Land of Famous Hill Resorts
The natural heart of Pahang is unquestionably
Taman Negara, Malaysia's oldest national park,
lovingly referred to as "The Green Heart." Within
the park is also the peninsula's highest point, the
forest encrusted Gunung Tahan. Also in the
interior are many of Malaysia's hill stations,
mountain resorts where the tropical heat is kept at
bay by the altitude. On the coast of Pahang, the
jungle gives way to clean, palm-lined beaches,
fishing villages, and the multicultural state capital,
Kuantan.
Selangor - Land of Opportunities
All roads away from Kuala Lumpur lead to the state
of Selangor, Malaysia's most populated and
prosperous state. Selangor surrounds the
burgeoning capital with green suburban arms and
industrial tracks, but as the city is left behind, a
different, older and more natural order quickly
unfolds. To the west is the Klang Valley, whose tin
mines were inextricably linked to the history and
development of modern Malaysia.
Negeri Sembilan – Land of Nine States
Negeri Sembilan translated literally means "Nine
States," so named because it comprises a federation
of nine states. It is located on the south-west corner of
Seremban, the capital of Negeri Sembilan, is 64 km
south of Kuala Lumpur. Negeri Sembilan is noted for
its Minangkabau-styled architecture, reflecting the
influence of the State's first inhabitants from Sumatra.
Melaka – Historical State
The city was so coveted by the European powers that the
Portuguese writer Barbarosa wrote "Whoever is Lord in
Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice." It was a
major port along the spice-route, and its harbor bristled
with the sails and masts of Chinese junks and spice-
laden vessels from all over the hemisphere. Because the
city was originally built of wood, there are no crumbling
and stately reminders of the power once wielded by the
Malaccan Sultanate, but along shores of the Malacca
River the scene has probably changed little.
Johore – The Southern Gateway
Johor is the third largest (19,984 sq km) and one
of the most developed states in Peninsular
Malaysia. It is situated at the southern tip of the
peninsula, just across the Straits of Johor from
Singapore (with which it is connected by a road
and rail causeway). Johor's population exceeds
two million people, comprising an ethnic mix of
Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other groups. Its
capital is Johor Bahru.
Sarawak – The land of the Hornbills
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
form the vast state's transportational backbone.
Sabah – The Land Below the Wind
Located at the northeast corner of Borneo,
Sabah was known in ancient times as the
"Land Below The Wind" because it lies below
the typhoon belt. Sabah's terrain is rugged,
with Mt. Kinabalu, at 4,101 metres,
dominating the surrounding landscape. It has
a wide diversity of flora and fauna, as well as
one of the world's largest rainforests. Sabah's
people comprise 31 different indigenous
groups, including the Kadazans, Muruts,
Bajaus, Kedayans, Sulu, Bisaya, Rumanau,
Minokok, and Rungus.