Contact: Lauren Halley
Tel: 213-683-2120
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tourismmalaysiausa.com

Mystical Caves of Gunung Mulu National Park

To some people, the exodus of millions of bats from the cave may send chills down their spines but for nature lovers, it is a sight to behold. If that is not enough, how about a cave that is so big until it can accommodate forty Boeing 747 airplanes or five times the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral?

Yes, we are talking about the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park, renowned for their natural splendour and mystical charms. The Gunung Mulu National Park is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in East Malaysia. The Park, covering 338 square miles is the largest national park in Sarawak. It is also home to the world’s largest cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber), the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), Asia’s longest cave (Clearwater Cave) and a treasure trove of 2,000 varieties of plants and animals, from 8 types of hornbills, 170 species of orchids to 10 species of pitcher plants. The Gunung Mulu National Park also covers the world’s longest treebased walkway – a 480-metre rainforest canopy skywalk and the spectacular razor-sharp limestone Pinnacle.

Godzilla-sized caves. Spellbinding adventures.
Imagine forty Boeing 747 airplanes fitting into a cave chamber. That is what the Sarawak Chamber, measuring at 1,968 feet by 415-metre and 1,361 feet high can do. Located in the Good Luck Cave (Gua Nasib Bagus) of Gunung Mulu National Park, the Sarawak Chamber is the world’s largest underground cave chamber.

The interesting fact about the Sarawak Chamber is one must follow a river upstream from the cave entrance to reach the chamber. Taking a journey along the passage with a roof up to 196 feet is truly as adventurous as the cave itself!

Another fascinating huge creation of Mother Nature is the Deer Cave. It is the world’s largest cave passage – so huge to the extent that it can hold five times the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral!

This is also where you will find about 3 million bats forming clouds circling higher and higher up the cliff like a tornado, leaving the cave and spiraling into the rainforests in the evening. Best of all, you can catch this natural phenomenon at the bat observatory deck. It has been reported that there are twelve species of bats in the Deer Cave, including the colony of wrinkled-lipped bats. Other animals in the cave include swiftlets, earwigs, centipedes, crickets, spiders, white crabs and scorpions.

To further thrill visitors, it is not just in Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the United States that has the famous rock sculptures of four US Presidents. Be surprised to discover Deer Cave’s very own limestone shape has the side profile of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.

Primeval caves. Memorable experiences.

A stone’s throw away from the Deer Cave is Langs Cave. This cave is an intimate encounter as it is tiny and has walls adorned with long shawls, rim stone pools on the floor and fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. Here, you will get to see for yourself rare animals like the small white cave prawns hiding in the pool or a clearer picture of the bats.

Another fascination is the Clearwater Cave. Measuring at 31 miles long and 1,164 feet deep it is Asia’s longest and the world’s eight longest cave passage. As the name says it all, the cave is named after the crystal clear pool created by the subterranean river. The pool with water flowing out of the cave is the perfect spot for visitors to go for a little picnic while gazing in awe at the exquisite profiles of the cave. With plank walls, paths and small bridges, the place is perfect for photo opportunities.

Next is the Wind Cave, which was named after the cooling breeze along the cave. This is a small, tubular limestone cave formed during the Jurassic-Cretaceous era about 60 million years ago. A 3,280 foot long plank walk running through the cave makes it easy and safe to explore. The cave, featuring unique stalagmites, stalactites, pillars and conical cavities and blade-like pinnacles of limestones makes this cave awesome and picturesque. Wind Cave is also a favorite spot for nesting of swiftlets, known for producing saliva, which is well sought-after as nourishment.

The thrills of spelunking never end.

Apart from the number of caves mentioned, travel and tour agencies also offer cave tour packages, such as Garden of Eden Valley Walk, Racer Cave, Lagangs Cave, Clearwater and Wind Cave Connection, and Sarawak Chamber package.

The Garden of Eden Valley Walk enables visitors to enjoy the pool on the river, take a leisurely trail and watch the exodus of bats. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs on three directions. To the East, the steep ridge of Mount Mulu, from here a river flows into the “Garden” and passes through Deer Cave.

For the adventurous, Racer Cave is a challenging experience. Named after the racer snake, Racer Cave will test the endurance of visitors with rocks of odd sizes and shapes. From clambering up and down using ropes, sliding, crouching, turning of body to enter, the adventure awaits visitors. Some of the limestones are truly amazing, especially the curtain-shaped wall which provides a perfect backdrop for striking a pose. On the other hand, the Lagangs Cave is easy to explore. Considered ideal for beginners and family, the cave has a lot of stalactites, stalagmites and ancient river bed sediments.

Overall, with countless caves available throughout Malaysia, spelunking or caving activities are truly exciting. In fact, in some tour packages, you can even enjoy having “cocktails in the caves”. This subterranean cocktail will feature local entertainment by locals playing traditional instruments, such as the haunting lute-like sape.

So come unlock the mystical caves in Gunung Mulu National Park and be truly fascinated by its alluring beauty and adventures.  

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For more information, please contact Lauren Halley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board or Tourism Malaysia is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination and aims to showcase Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures. In 2014, Malaysia will celebrate its fourth Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” The VMY 2014 promotional campaign has started this year with a series of year-­long special events and activities.

Contact: Lauren Halley
Tel: 213-683-2120
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tourismmalaysiausa.com or www.tourismmalaysia.ca

MALAYSIAʼS TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS—SEPTEMBER 2014

LOS ANGELES, August 28, 2014 – A mix of art, cultural, sports, nature and international fashion events wraps up the third quarter of 2014. Here are some of the highlights of September 2014:

MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur

Witness the story of Kuala Lumpur unfold on stage as three best friends – Mamat, Meng and Muthiah head to the capital city to seek their fortune during the 1880s. The show promises to be a colourful and entertaining multi-cultural experience for all – a lively musical showcasing the rich diversity of the people who built Kuala Lumpur. It is an inspiring tale of friendship, perseverance and finding joys in a simple cup of teh tarik.

Organizer: Enfiniti Vision Media
Date: Ongoing
Time: Twice Daily: 3pm – 6pm and 8.30pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur
Price: $14 – $19
Contact: +6 03 6142 9877
Website: mudkl.com

Sarawak Regatta 2014

The renowned Sarawak Regatta 2014 is back in Kuching! Started from the Brooke era, the traditional longboats race aimed to stop racial wars among local tribes where headhunting was largely practiced. The colorfully designed and decorated longboats can accommodate up to 30 paddlers on the boat. Aside from boat races, highlights of the event include “Brooke Swim”, kayaking and duck catching competitions.

Organizer: Resident Office Kuching
Division Date: September 4-7 2014
Venue: Kuching Waterfront, Kuching, Sarawak
Contact: +6 082 507 051/ 055
Website: www.sarawaktourism.com

Media for 21st Century Children!

For the first time, a global summit on media in the development, education and wellbeing of children is taking place in Asia!
The 7th World Summit on Media for Children (WSMC) 2014 aims to improve the quality of media for children through networking, debates and workshops on content creation from more than 2,000 producers, broadcasters, media regulators, educators and community leaders.
If you are someone who works in the field of childhood development with an interest in media, this Summit is for you!

Organizer: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)
Date: September 8-10 2014
Venue: The Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6 03 2282 3592
Website: www.wsmc2014.org

Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2014

The largest fishing competition in Malaysia is here! The Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge (RPBIC) 2014 is an annual offshore fishing competition that practices the “Catch and Release” method.
RPBIC takes advantage of the active migration season of the billfish, such as marlin and sailfish which pass through the Rompin area from the northern hemisphere to Australia, between March and September.
Loaded with dynamic bursts of excitement for the experienced angler, it is a highly anticipated event especially for those who seek adventure and eco-friendly sports.
Organizer: Pahang State Government, Tioman Development Authority & Pahang Tourism
Date: September 12-14, 2014
Venue: Pantai Lanjut, Rompin, Pahang
Contact: +6 09 514 1206
Website: www.rpbic.com.my

Watch World-Class Tennis Live in KL

The ʻMalaysia Open, Kuala Lumpur 2014ʼ will play host to the best line up of players in its young history. Nick Kyrgios, the 19-year-old Australian player who won the 2013 Australian Open Boysʼ Singles event will be making his Malaysian professional debut this year. Other than world-class tennis action, highlights of the event include the signature catch-theball promotions with prizes, the on-court coin toss and also daily autograph sessions with the players. Come and support them!

Organizer: Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia
Date: Qualifying Weekend, September 20-21 2014 Main Draw, September 22-28, 2014
Venue: Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6 03 9222 8881
Website: www.malaysianopentennis.com

It is now bigger and better!

Kite enthusiasts from all across the globe will bring their new creations and fly these magnificent art pieces at the 10th Borneo International Kite Festival 2014! Highlights of the festival include the Stunt Kite/ Revolution Kite performances, the 1st Asia Pacific Sport Kite (dual-line) Championship, Creative Kites Display, ʻwauʼ-making workshop, and cultural night performances.

Organizer: Borneo International Kite Festival Secretariat, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA)
Date: September 24-28, 2014
Venue: Old Bintulu Airport, Bintulu, Sarawak
Contact: +6 086 332 011
Website: www.borneokite.com

Africa-Malaysia International Fashion Show 2014

Nineteen celebrated fashion designers from across the Africa continent including Tina Lobondi, Taibo Bacar and Mina Evans are invited to present their “Fall 2014” collections in Malaysia.

AMIFS 2014 is a platform to celebrate the work of Africans and African inspired designers by promoting their rich cultural heritage especially in the Asia Pacific continent.

Organizer: Standard Pacific Global Sdn. Bhd. & Astral Skyline (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Date: September 24-28, 2014
Venue: Avenue K Shopping Mall
Contact: +6 017 6434 912 (Puan Zainun)
Website: http://www.africa-malaysiafashionshow.com/

6th Borneo Bird Festival 2014

Calling all birding enthusiasts; grab the chance to see vibrant-colored birds from Kingfishers to the elusive Borneo Bristlehead at the 6th Borneo Bird Festival 2014! Spread over 3 days, the event offers various activities such as bird photography, guided bird walks, a bird race and a bird watching competition. The event aims to raise awareness of over 568 bird species in Sabah, four of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Organizer: Sabah Tourism Board
Date: September 26-28, 2014
Venue: Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) Sandakan, Sabah
Contact: +6 088 212 121 (Noredah Othman)
Website: www.borneobirdfestival.com

Asia Pacific Ironman Langkawi 2014

Missed the 3-in-1 sports challenge in Desaru? Upcoming is the Asia Pacific Ironman Langkawi 2014 for you to prove your mettle as a triathlete again!

Ironman is triathlonʼs marquee challenge and this ultimate endurance race requires the completion of 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling and 42.2 km of running, all three in a single day. Take a truly Malaysian cultural journey through tropical, hilly and demanding terrain!

Organizer: Ironman Malaysia
Date: September 27, 2014
Venue: Langkawi, Kedah
Contact: +6 03 7491 0505
Website: http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman/malaysia  

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For more information, please contact Lauren Halley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board or Tourism Malaysia is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination and aims to showcase Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures. In 2014, Malaysia will celebrate its fourth Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” The VMY 2014 promotional campaign has started this year with a series of year-­long special events and activities.

Contact: Lauren Halley
Tel: 213-683-2120
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.ca

Winning the Hearts of the World with Malaysian Cuisines

Malaysia has become known as a foodie hotspot in recent years. Within Malaysia you are able to find a blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Food is incredibly important to Malaysian culture and hospitality. When a Malaysian meets a friend, the first thing he or she will ask is “Have you eaten yet?”. This is our Malaysian way to say “How are you?”

Winning awards and accolades in cuisines.
Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world, has listed Penang as the world’s number #1 foodies for 2014. Penang bagged the top spot beating other culinary spots like Australia, Spain, Italy and the United States. According to Lonely Planet’s editor Robin Barton, “Penang’s food reflects the intermingling of the many cultures that arrived after it was setup as a trading port in 1786, from Malays to Indians, Acehnese to Chinese, Burmese to Thais.”

Barton suggested readers try Penang’s famous street food - Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee and Assam Laksa. As a matter of fact, Penang Assam Laksa was voted seventh out of 50 most delicious foods in the world by CNN. Penang Assam Laksa is a tangy fish-based soup made from tamarind, dried slices of sour mangosteen, shredded fish (mackerel) and sliced vegetables, such as cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, mint and ginger.

Satay, the king of all Malaysian cuisines
Satay is staple dish in Malaysia and a favorite of many visitors. Satay is marinated and skewered grilled meats on sticks and served with tasty peanut sauce. The commonly used barbecued meats are beef, chicken and mutton but today, Satay has evolved to include more varieties, such as fish, rabbit, venison and pork. In Malaysia, the well-known places to have a tasty bite of Satay is in Kajang town.

More Malaysia Truly Asia cuisines
Malaysia has other exciting cuisines that reflect its diverse communities and cultures. The ethnic Indians have the popular Banana Leaf Rice, Tandoori Chicken and Roti Canai (Prata). The Peranakan dishes are a unique mix of Chinese and Malay cooking styles and among them are Otak-Otak (Steamed Fish Paste), Perut Ikan (Fish Stomach), Enche Kabin (Fried Chicken with tangy dip) and Jiu Hu Char (Stir-fried jicama, cuttlefish and mushrooms wrapped in lettuce).

For Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia, the popular cuisines are created by the diverse tribes and indigenous communities. Many of their specialties are made from wild plants, herbs and fruits as well as seafood and freshwater fishes. Among the popular dishes are Jaruk (Wild boar or fish cooked with rice in bamboo shoots), Hinava (fermented dish of fish, ginger shallots, chillies in lime juice) and Manok Pansoh (Chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass and tapioca leaves in bamboo shoots).

The best time to enjoy a taste of Malaysia is during Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, a three-month food festival held nationwide since 2009. This year, Fabulous Food 1Malaysia will be held from August to October, so make a trip this Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and indulge in a fabulously delicious food adventure here. 

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For more information, please contact Lauren Halley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board or Tourism Malaysia is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination and aims to showcase Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures. In 2014, Malaysia will celebrate its fourth Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” The VMY 2014 promotional campaign has started this year with a series of year-­‐long special events and activities.