Malaysia: Land of Spice and Tropical Splendor

Malaysia is a land of astonishing variety, for each historical era has left its imprint. With its potpourri of Malays, Chinese, Indians and countless native tribes, the country is an anthropologist's delight. The landscape is also a kaleidoscope of ever-changing images - from the dappled light of a Sarawak rain forest to the lime-green of a Kedah paddy-field; from sleepy East Coast fishing villages to ultramodern Kuala Lumpur; From the peace of an idyllic deserted island to a crowded smoke-filled temple at a Malacca street festival. Until reltively recently the country was little known to the outside world and little touched by tourism. But today, highways link all the major towns, express boats roar upriver to the most remote longhouses, and hotels and resorts fringe the countless islands and miles of untouched beaches. This guide takes you to all these places, both the remote and accessible, and provides a wealth of cultural background and practical information. The many features of this book include: * What to do and see * Maps of principal places of interest * Superb color photography * Historical and cultural information * Latest hotel and travel information * Recommended restaurants * Practical tips on what to pack and where to shop * Recommended reading and a complete index of places