There are many natural and manmade tourist attractions in Malaysia. In 2010, the UN’s World Tourism Organization ranked Malaysia among the Top Ten tourist destinations in the world. This Southeast Asian tiger is definitely one of the rock stars in the region when it comes to tourism. Travelling around Malaysia can be compared to reading a page-turning Bestseller: you’ve first got the history and background of it being one of the most popular trade routes used by spice merchants in the hey-days of the Malacca Sultanate during the 15th century, then you’ve got the beautiful sub-plots in the many historical, cultural and natural wonders dotting the landscape. And finally toss in Malaysia’s culinary credentials, widely regarded to be among Asia’s finest, and you’ve got your tantalizing blurbs.

The word-famous Twin Towers, gleaming in the day, amazingly breath-taking when lit up at night, stands towering above all other against a modern urban skyline. Whereas in other parts of the country, like in Georgetown, Penang, old colonial buildings and townhouses still proudly stand where they’ve always stood, a testament to the economic power of the Malacca Straits several nearly 600 years ago. Old and new stand side-by-side, an intriguing fusion that promises to enchant both new and long-time travelers to Malaysia’s shores.

Before you start thinking that the country only has historical buildings and silver skyscrapers to offer, travel out of the city centers and soon you’ll find yourself marveling at gems of nature untouched by development and urban progress. Feel the grains of pristine white sand crunch beneath your feet as you stroll across the beaches of Langkawi and Redang. Take a walk on the wild side and head for the canopy walk of the 130 million year old virgin rainforest in Taman Negara National Park. Head over to the peaceful and serene highland regions to enjoy cooler temperatures and a peek at how tea is produced.

Wait, those are just the attractions in Peninsula Malaysia. Fly across the South China Sea and you’ll have the whole of East Malaysia to explore. Go spelunking in the Gunung Mulu National Park (declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Sarawak, and be ready to be held spellbound by the majestic caves, ancient limestone formations and the old-as-time surrounding rainforest. If you’re a fan of sun and surf, and want to dive in what must surely be one of the world’s best diving spots, head over to Sipadan Island in Sabah, Malaysia’s one and only oceanic island. If you’re a daredevil who loves challenges, strap on your climbing boots and head over to Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain.

If Malaysia was a best-selling book, it would be a very open-ended book, one where you can take your time enjoying the many sub-plots and you can interpret in so many ways. So whether you’re a culture-buff who gets all excited about the studying the architectural wonders of the British and Portuguese colonial buildings in Penang and Malacca, or a nature-loving adrenaline junkie keen to set off into the greenery of ancient rainforests to discover the many secrets that lie within, Malaysia has an adventure that’s tailor-made for you.