FROM the screeches of Formula One engines in Kuala Lumpur to the squeals of thrill-seekers in Genting Highlands; from the charming Dutch-inspired architecture of Malacca to the rustic simplicity of Penang; and all the way to the eco-adventure in Kota Kinabalu ? Malaysia inches its way to become one of Asia?s top destinations.

The ultimate experience in speed is both a sight to witness and an ear-shattering encounter with sleek machines. As one has to wear sunscreen on the beach, earplugs are a must if one intends to go home with zero ear damage.

Drawing nearly two million visitors and earning some $100 million revenues, the annual F1 Petronas Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit is still one of Malaysia?s most celebrated events, says Zulkifly MD Said, Tourism Malaysia director for research and industry development.

?Malaysians have a love affair with fast cars and speed, so the city of Kuala Lumpur gets a hefty chunk of local tourists, too,? he says.

Entertainment in Genting Highlands

While KL already has a lot to offer with its row of happening bars and street restaurants, the Genting Highlands is the pinnacle of fun and entertainment the family can enjoy.

Just 45 minutes from the city, Genting Highlands, known as the City of Entertainment, offers exhilarating ride attractions for thrill-seekers. There are also kiddie rides and gaming for adults.

Want to learn how to fly? Get a heart-pumping ride up, down, upside down while strapped to a coaster ? horizontally ? in Flying Coaster.

Want to feel snow? Enter the Wintry Snow World.

Want to go several stories up and be dropped without warning like a hot potato? Space Shot is for you.

Conceptualized as retirement homes in the 1960s, Genting Highlands is now Asia?s leading integrated resort, with six hotels of 10,000 guest rooms, fully booked most days; 90 dining experiences; 80 shops; indoor and outdoor theme parks featuring 50 rides and casino gaming.

The resort operates the longest cable car rails in Southeast Asia ? a 3.38-kilometer ride from midhill Gohtong Jaya to Highlands Hotel peak.

History in Malacca

A trip to Malacca is a charming walk through history. With the town?s architectural landscape influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese and British, a lazy stroll around street shops is an experience.

Windows, for instance, are notably larger than doors. A guide explains that centuries ago people?s taxes were based on how large their front doors were. Bigger doors meant more goods entered the house, hence, bigger taxes.

As people are always creative at skirting their way around unpleasant situations, windows were crafted so that goods brought into the house had to go through them instead.

One of the most visited spots in the country, Malacca was once called the Venice of the East, with its port on the Straits of Malacca, the center of spice trade in the region then.

Must-sees are the Stadthuys, Christ Church, St. Paul?s Church and the 1511 Portuguese-built A?Famosa fortress. Quaint antique stores, art galleries, souvenir shops and cafés are on Jonker St (Jalang Hang Jebat).

Culture in Penang

A plane ride away is Penang, one of three islands comprising Malaysia?s Pearl of the Orient. At 285 sq km, Penang, for over 100 years, was under British colonial rule until 1957, when it became a part of the Federation of Malaya.

Home of shoe cobbler Jimmy Choo and actress Michelle Yeoh, it is the city to go to for culture and heritage. The finest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, for instance, is located atop Ayer Itam hill.

It takes about 30-45 min to trek from the foot of the hill to the temple. Named Kek Lok Si Temple, it took over 20 years to build. It houses the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

Historical buildings line the streets of Penang, including the City Hall, its architecture reflecting the influence of the British Empire; the Anglican St. George Church, built by convicts in 1818; the 60-ft Victorian Memorial Clock Tower; Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, in 18th- and 19th-century Chinese architecture, honored as the Most Excellent Project by the Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation; the well-preserved Chinatown; Little India, with its 167-year-old Sri Mahamariamman Temple; and the stilt homes at Weld Quay, attracting tourists who want something different.

Adventure in Sabah

Adventure, adrenaline rush and beach fun can be had in Sabah, one of Malaysia?s top spots for eco-adventure tourism and fast becoming Southeast Asia?s destination for extreme-sports adventure. With natural parks all over the region, it is a one-stop destination.

The botanical paradise in Mt. Kinabalu Park, rising 12,455 feet above sea level, is one of the world?s most prominent mountains. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, both zoological and botanical, will soon be ideal for family adventure trips with its inclusion of a children?s zoo.

The Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of six islets a 20-minute speedboat-ride away from Kota Kinabalu, is perfect for diving.

There?s a hot spring, too, Poring Hot Spring, believed to have therapeutic effects on muscle tension and aches. Poring has a butterfly farm, an orchid conservation center, a breathtaking canopy walkway.

While nature-tripping, don?t forget to try the famous fish massage spa. Yes, let the fish nibble on that dead skin, a massage that?s completely unique.

Uncomfortable with the idea? Then go jungle trekking, camping, or do a river cruise on Klias wetlands.

The Malaysia Mega Familiarization Program was sponsored by Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines. Affordable tour packages are available, starting at $138 (inclusive of round-trip airline tickets and hotel accommodation with breakfast).

Call Wintrex Travel Corp. at 4264492 to 93 and 7091113/37 and Skynet Travel Corp. at 4000509 to 510 and 5217596 for more info.