In 1988, Malaysia has hosted to the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage wherein five sites in the country has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And this fact has become an honer to all Malaysians, who wouldn’t be proud of it, anyway?
Let us get to know these amazing and world-class sites our country boasts for.
Natural heritage: Kinabalu National Park
Located in Sabah, Kinabalu National Park was established in 1964 and is the first national park in the country. With the fact that it is one of the most important biological sites in Malaysia having more than 4,000 flora and fauna species, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage in 2000.
With its natural beauty, many tourist – of both domestic and foreign countries – have been attracted to Kinabalu National Park.
Natural Heritage: Gunung Mulu National Park
One of the two national parks in Malaysia to be included in the World Natural Heritage Sites in 2000, following the Bahrain National Park. Gunung Mulu National Park is famous for its tropical forest, natural cave, knife stone landscape and wild bats. In addition, the park has also over 1500 flower plants.
Cultural Heritage: Malacca Strait Historic City
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia includes two historical cities in the country: Malacca and George Town. These towns has 500 years of cultural and trade exchange between the East and West. It is notable that the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca has a rich and diverse cultural traditions especially in terms of food. From Portuguese meal, Nyonya meal down to chicken rice and local taste of Ice Kacang, these towns won’t never disappoint you.
In addition, based on the historical records of the Ming Dynasty, Cheng Ho has visited Malacca five times during his popular seven voyages to the Western Ocean. That is why, the famous Ming Dynasty Admiral has numbers of cultural relics in Malacca.
Another tourist attraction in this town is where you can taste the different flavors of Malacca: Jonker Walk.
Let us also give credits to the integration of a multi-ethnic culture of George Town that leads the town to be included in the list of World Heritage Sites. There are local buildings that represent the coexistence of Chinese, Malay, Indians, England, Holland, Portugal and other cultures.
Cultural heritage: Lenggong Valley
Considered as one of the Peninsular Malaysia’s most valuable archaeological site where one of the oldest human bones – Perak bones – was found. In addition, archeologists have also found prehistoric human remains with over 180 millions years of history. This is one of the largest prehistoric human records in the continent.
After the discovery of bones in Perak, the authorities have built the Lenggong Valley Museum where visitors can have a deeper understanding about the historical background of the museum.
Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan
Last but definitely not the least, Leaning Tower Teluk Intan! Seems like our country is indeed rich in cultural and natural heritage that made these five places to be included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites!
