Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, a string of cool hill resorts, the world’s oldest rainforest—and even Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Add to this a delightful fusion.
Geographically, somewhat oddly, Malaysia comprises two distinct bodies of land, politically joined in 1963 after independence from Britain. The Malayan peninsula is the historic home of the Malay people, today’s heart and the population center of the dynamic modern nation. East Malaysia claims the northern edge of the huge, wild island of Borneo. Ethnically and culturally, Malaysia is a fundamentally Malay country overlaid with Chinese, Indian and British influences, and possessing several indigenous tribal peoples such as the Iban, Penan and Negrito.et it preserves many traditional cultural aspects—dress, religion, food and architecture—and retains great natural beauty in beaches, forests, rivers and mountains. Visiting Malaysia provides a step into a special and distinctive world that can be done with ease and comfort via high modern standards of transportation and accommodation.
Holidaymakers love to head for the beach first and forget their workday cares. Malaysia offers a huge range of seaside relaxation running from luxurious total-comfort resorts to deserted away-from-it-all beaches. On the northwest coast of the peninsula sits the holiday island of Langkawi, set on the Andaman Sea. In its myriad coves and inlets, beside palm-fringed golden sand beaches, Langkawi offers international-standard resort hotels and simple chalet accommodation. For a bit of action, there are water sports of all kinds, a fine golf course and duty-free shopping. Especially easy to access, Langkawi has its own international airport.
Farther down the coast lies Penang Island and Batu Ferringhi’s resort hotel-lined beach with little offshore islands ideal for snorkeling and diving, or cruising around. Penang has long been popular with international tourists, as the large island offers many attractions, including a hill resort, botanical gardens, rainforest, typical Malay villages and the historic port city of Georgetown. Farther south, in the Straits of Malacca, lies the island of Pangkor, a popular getaway for Malaysians with its many sandy bays and all kinds of accommodation and diversions.
On the east coast, in an archipelago of 64 volcanic islands, sits Tioman Island. Blessed with miles of soft white sand and swaying palms, with a forested, mountainous interior where wild flowers grow in profusion and cool waterfalls cascade down rocky slopes, Tioman affords a paradise for everything from nature walks to sea sports, or just plain lazing in the tropical sun. The states of Pahang, Terengganu.
East Malaysia also boasts beach resorts such as at Damai, near Kuching, with its brilliant white sands and the Sarawak Cultural Village—a museum of Sarawak’s ethnic cultures. The real highlight, however, comes from diving in the waters off Labuan Island, famous for underwater shipwrecks, and Sipadan Island, in the state of Sabah.
With its wealth of natural environments, Malaysia offers a plethora of adventure opportunities: jungle trekking, white-water rafting, mountain and rock climbing, great cave exploration, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking and more. Throughout the country the settings provide ideal adventure activities—dense forests, rapid rivers, craggy mountains, huge cave systems, bountiful seas and kaleidoscopic coral reefs—plus abundant wildlife and ancient indigenous peoples.
East Malaysia also boasts beach resorts such as at Damai, near Kuching, with its brilliant white sands and the Sarawak Cultural Village—a museum of Sarawak’s ethnic cultures. The real highlight, however, comes from diving in the waters off Labuan Island, famous for underwater shipwrecks, and Sipadan Island, in the state of Sabah.
With its wealth of natural environments, Malaysia offers a plethora of adventure opportunities: jungle trekking, white-water rafting, mountain and rock climbing, great cave exploration, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking and more. Throughout the country the settings provide ideal adventure activities—dense forests, rapid rivers, craggy mountains, huge cave systems, bountiful seas and kaleidoscopic coral reefs—plus abundant wildlife and ancient indigenous peoples.
Food in Malaysia
Malaysian cuisine is exotic with an exciting range of flavours and culinary styles offering the uninitiated an endless gastronomic adventure. It comprises three main groups - Malay, Chinese and Indian with each having its own distinct style of cooking. There are also cuisine that have evolved from the meeting of cultures notably those of the Nyonya and Indian Muslim communities. For the visitor who is interested in dining out, Kuala Lumpur boasts an extraordinary number of hawker stalls, coffee shops and restaurants, most of them offering a high standard of cuisine and often at very cheap prices.
- Staple Diet - Rice : Rice is the staple diet in any Malay meal. It is often served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper too. Most meals are eaten by using your fingers, and eating utensils are kept to a minimum. All dishes are served at the same time, accompanied by a refreshing drink. Fish is popular in Malay cooking, as with other seafood such as shrimps and cuttlefish. Beef and mutton are very popular choices but never pork as it is against their religious beliefs to eat pork. The other popular white meat is chicken.
- Dishes and Desserts : One of the most unique Malay dishes is the "roti jala" (lacy pancakes), which sometimes replaces the staple rice. Roti jala is an ideal accompaniment to any dish with lots of rich gravy and is often served during special occasions. It is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter. Desserts are a must for any Malay meal. Easily available at most local restaurants and roadside stalls, Malay desserts are invariably very sweet and include ingredients such as coconut milk, palm sugar, and flour.
- Nasi Dagang : The dish is made by cooking rice and glutinous rice together, to which coconut cream is added once it is cooked. Nasi Dagang is eaten with its own specially made side dishes of tuna fish curry and a light vegetable pickle.
- Keropok Lekor / Keping : A popular and the most visible fried snack in Terengganu, the keropok is made of fish meat, ground to a paste, and mixed with sago. Coming in two main different forms, the long chewy ones are called 'lekor', while the thin, crispy ones are called 'keping'. Keropok is best eaten hot with its special chili dip.
- Laksam : A delightful yet simple dish, the laksam is akin to the western pasta dish. Like the latter, it has both the flour dough and the gravy that goes with it. However, unlike the pasta, laksam is made using both wheat and rice flours, and the dough is steamed instead of boiled. Laksam's gravy is made of fish meat, which is boiled, pureed, and later mixed with coconut milk.
- Indian Food : Indian influence in Malaysian cuisine started in the 19th century when large arrivals of Indian migrants were brought into the country as contract laborers to work in rubber estates and on the railways. Some did take the opportunity to set up trade in the textile and food industry. Indian cuisine can be divided into two mainstreams, Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. In Malayasia, there is an abundant of Indian restaurants and food stalls to whet your appetite. They are traditionally served on a thali, a circular metal tray on which a number of small bowls called katori, also made from metal, are placed. Eaten with fingers, rice or bread are placed directly on the thali while curries and other dishes are served in the bowls. For South Indian cuisine, banana leaves are often used as plates where rice is served in the center, followed by various curries and accompaniments around it. These include dried fish, pappadams (lentil wafers), fresh chutneys made from herbs, coconut, and acid fruits among others.
Local Indian hawkers have created unique versions of local dishes, which are not found in India. For example, "mee goreng" is a combination of fresh Chinese yellow noodles, tofu, bean-sprouts, and dried shrimp paste. Malayasia also abounds with shops offering "Nasi Kandar", which is basically a combination of Malay and Indian cuisine - hence very Tandoori dishes are the most popular main courses in North Indian restaurants. Tandoori chicken is always a favorite, where a whole baby chicken or chicken quarters are roasted in the clay oven for several hours in advance and then finished off on the barbecue.
Shopping in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a shoppers paradise. There is a wide range of shopping establishments and modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, handicraft centres, duty-free shops, bazaars and night markets. Among the items high on the shopping list of tourists are pewter, batik, duty free items, electrical products, sportswear and handicrafts. For a very different experience visit the night markets or 'pasar malam' which begin their trading activities in the late afternoon. These open-air markets feature hawker stalls that sell a variety of local produce, foodstuff, clothing and cakes. Bargaining is a common practice. One can see a number of street artists and traditional medicine vendors.
The Shopping Carnival, an annual sale held in March/April in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia is an opportunity time to pick up great bargains. Kuala Lumpur, the national capital, has a number of shopping districts. The most popular is the Bukit Bintang area, which is bounded by Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi. This is the oldest shopping center. This place has local and international goods such as clothes, fashion accessories, footwear, sports goods, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical products, computers and furniture. Other popular areas are Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Petaling Street, and Jalan H.S. Lee. Sungei Wang Plaza, which is integrated with the adjacent Bukit Bintang Plaza, is a magnet for all shoppers. Its retail outlets offer an incredible assortment of goods catering to all tastes and budgets. Most shops are open 0900-1700 daily, with the malls open later 1000-2200. Some shops close on Sundays, but all of the malls are open.
It would be difficult to overstate the attraction of Malaysia for anyone who appreciates the natural world. Its primal forests, ranging from shoreline mangrove to mountaintop oak, are of the sort that most of the world now knows only in myth. Although Malaysia's size is similar to that of Norway, natural trees and forests cover almost three quarters of the land, an area equivalent to almost the entire United Kingdom. One can walk for hundreds of miles in Malaysia under a continuous canopy of green, marveling at an abundance of plant and animal species equaled by no other location in the entire world.
Malaysia Holidays
Malaysians are enthusiastic sportsmen and many international sports are played in the country. The bright, tropical climate ensures that most sports. can be enjoyed throughout the year. Popular national sports include soccer, badminton, hockey, tennis and squash. Other favourites are biking, cricket, bowling, rugby, table-tennis, softball and grand prix racing.
Malaysia has a long coastline with several offshore islands Oki and sea sports are coming to the fore. There are plenty of opportunities to water-ski and wind-surf or snorkel and dive in the many islands and marine parks found throughout the country. The country's large river system has made canoeing and white-water rafting popular adventure sports.
On a national level soccer is played at school right up to international level. Soccer matches and competitions such as the Semi-Pro League and the Malaysian -Cup are two popular matches. Badminton is another favourite sport with international competitions held from time to time.
On a national level soccer is played at school right up to international level. Soccer matches and competitions such as the Semi-Pro League and the Malaysian -Cup are two popular matches. Badminton is another favourite sport with international competitions held from time to time.
- Golf Activities in Malaysia : Malaysia also has a great variety of excellent golf courses scattered around the country. Golfing holidays are becoming trendy and combine splendid golf courses to play in with the country's many other attractions. Motor sports are becoming increasingly popular and the country now has a challenging Formula I circuit just outside the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. The Sepang Ft Circuit has a double-frontage main grandstand for 30,000 spectators and natural stands able to accommodate 100,000 spectators. The course is a 5542krn circuit which features 15 turns and 9 straights. The Malaysia Grand Prix Formula I in October 1999 brought the world's top drivers together on this latest Ft circuit.
- Diving in Malaysia : Located in the heart of the Indopacific Basin in the centre of the area famed for the greatest marine bio-diversity in the world, Malaysia's marine parks offer diving enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful marine sights in the world. Since Malaysia hosted the inaugural Asian DEMA (Diving and Equipment Manufacturing Association) Show in 1996 and 1997, more professional and recreational divers are discovering the enchantment of its waters. With sites catering to every level of expertise, Malaysia is a true divers paradise. Accredited dive operators offer packages for every need and budget. Premium packages include pickup at the airport, transfer to the dive sites, food, accommodation and dives. Alternatively, one can opt for a dive only package by making arrangements with a dive shop or operator. The holiday diver stays for an average of 12 days which allows for a week's worth of diving.
- Whitewater Rafting in Malaysia : Rivers have long been the life blood of the indigenous people of Malaysia. They have served as a means of transport, a source of food and now, a resource for eco-tourism. The native groups of Sabah have been using rafts for centuries but white water rafting has only been a recreational activity since the 1980s. The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah are the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2 respectively in the international white water rafting grading system.
- River Safaris and Cruises in Malaysia : River safaris and cruises are becoming increasingly popular among visitors to Malaysia. Well organised and with expert guides, they provide an interesting, exciting way to explore the country's interior. River safaris and cruises are available in Melaka, Kuala Berang in Terengganu and Taman Negara and Lake Chini in Pahang and Sarawak, also offer scenic river safaris and cruises.
- Cave Exploring in Malaysia : There is a great network of caves in Malaysia for carving enthusiasts. it has been found that most caves date back to the Stone Age and some caves in Sarawak are 60 million years old. The majority of caves are limestone and are above ground level. These include Gua Kolam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, Batu Caves in Selangor and Gua ikan in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. The appearances of caves can change within months as the humid Malaysian weather affects stalagmite and stalactite formation. Adventure caves like Drunken Forest Cave and Loagan's Cave remain close to their natural state. Show caves such as Deer Lang and Clear Water Caves in Mulu National Park, Sarawak, are those which have been opened up for public viewing with guides, lights and walkways.
- Mountain Climbing and Abseiling in Malaysia : Mountain climbing is a wonderful way to discover the diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia's natural landscape ranging from the dense tropical rainforest in the lowlands to the montane vegetation in the highlands, From easy walks in the cool comfort of the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia to the more challenging mountains of Sabah and Sarawak, there are mountains to tempt every class of climber. Abseiling is also offered in certain locations. Beginners can start with the well marked trials in Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Gunung Korbu'in Perak and Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan. For those wanting bigger challenges through rainforest, rivers and mountain ridges, there is Gunung Gagau in Taman Negara and Gunung Tahan, the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. Then there is Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia at 4093metres.
- Angling in Malaysia : Malaysia, a prime tropical retreat, is also a relatively undiscovered fishing destination. Its sun drenched beaches, sparkling islands, profusion of flora and fauna and magnificent mountains provide a diverse array of activities for the holiday maker, diver, eco-tourist and angler. Malaysia is endowed with quality freshwater and marine game fishing. The Prime Malaysian freshwater sport fish include the ferocious Giant Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle Perch, the GiantFeather back and the elusive but powerful Malaysian Mahseer.The seas host the king of the game fish, the Black Marlin. Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna and Dogtooth Tuna can be found in the Malaysian seas along with Wahoo, Narrowbarred Mackerel, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Barracuda and Rainbow Runner, to name a few.
- Bird Watching in Malaysia : For an adventure that is a little more refined and certainly less strenuous, try bird watching. Malaysia's vast expanses of rainforests are home to more than 700 species of exotic bird-life, including some extremely rare ones. Due to its location on the cross-migratory path of certain bird species, Malaysia has emerged as a bird watching haven. This avian extravaganza is one to behold. Scan the treetops, listen for the telltale calls. Look hard. If you manage to see a Mountain Peacock Pheasant or a Malayan Whistling Thrush, you are one of the privileged few, as they are the rarest of birds to be found.
- Paragliding in Malaysia : The latest sport to take hold of enthusiasts is Paragliding with the use of Para motors. Para gliders can reach speed of up to 45kph and climb to heights of 150 to 200 meters. This sport is becoming popular in the wind swept states of the East Coast and along beach areas.
Malaysia Tours
- George Town
The financial Heart of Penang : George Town, the capital of the island of Penang was named by the British after King George III. It was established by Capt Francis Light in 1786. Penang is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. The government centre and its financial heart, George Town is an interesting and bustling city with modern high rise buildings, cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes. One must visit the older part of the town that has narrow lanes and alleyways, which makes it a pleasure to walk. The most interesting place to visit is Fort Cornwallis is situated at the spot where Captain Francis Light was supposed to have landed in 1786. Originally a wooden structure, the fort was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 with convict labour. - Langkawi
A Tropical Paradise : Langkawi is situated in the state of Kedah, consists of 104 islands, stretching out over 362 sq km. The capital of Langkawi is at Kuah. Out of the 104 islands Langkawi is the largest, with a sizeable population, mainly of Malay origin. And only three of the other islands. Unspoilt and rustic, it is a tropical paradise spectacularly endowed by nature, one where crystal clear emerald waters, azure skies, dense tropical rainforests, and fantastic limestone formations can be found. Langkawi has been called the 'Island of legends’ because a number of folklore, myth and legend can be heard about the place. - Pangkor
Nature's Private Island : Pangkor lies off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia. For thousands of years, it was the refuge of seamen who sailed though the Straits of Malacca, thanks to its many idyllic bays. Pirates, adventurers, merchants and soldiers of fortune alike were mesmerized by her charming beauty. Today, despite Malaysia’s fast-paced progress, Pangkor remains a haven for visitors seeking a return to nature. Bask in glorious sunshine on her golden beaches. Catch sight of fishing boats rocking gently on her calm waters. Get close to nature when you trek through her virgin jungles. Or experience the warm, friendly hospitality of her people. Whichever you choose, Pangkor will thrill you. - Penang
The Pearl of the Orient : Penang is located on the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It comprises the Penang island and a strip on the mainland named Province Wellesley Seberang Perai) which are linked by the Penang Bridge, the third longest in the world. Penang island measures a modest 285sq.km and is inhabited by slightly over a million people who hail from a diverse mix of cultures and religions. Penang is blessed with such a great variety of food that it is often said that Penangites don't eat to live, they live to eat. Hawker stalls offering a diverse selection of local fare are in abundance everywhere you go. Nasi Kandar, Satay (skewered marinated meat pieces), Laksa (noodles in spicy sour soup), Hainanese Chicken Rice, Popiah and Rojak are just some of Penang’s sumptuous treats you can't afford to miss. Penang possesses a unique charm of old and new perfectly blended. Take to its streets and you will see small time pedlars exhibiting their wares within view of larger, more modern business establishments. Vintage trishaws share the roads with modern automobiles. Quaint, old buildings stang proud next to taller, more sophisticated ones. It is an island in full bloom. And it beckons you to harvest your dream of a wonderful holiday. - Sarawak
Land of the Hornbills : Sarawak is the largest of the 13 states that make up Malaysia. It is located on Borneo (the third largest island in the world) and covers an area of about 124,000sq.km, flanked by Sabah, Brunei and Kalimatan, Sarawak is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea. The land is a premier tourist destination owing to its bountiful wealth of natural wonders. This oil-rich state is also a living museum of 23 ethnic tribes who still observe ancient rites and celebrations. They live in peaceful and harmonious co-existence with one another and with the rest of the population. Welcome to a land of endless enchantment. - Kinabalu
Land Below the Wind : The Kinabalu region is on the west coast of Sabah, 'The Land Below the Wind'. Here sits South-East Asia's highest peak, the mystical Mount Kinabalu, rising a 4,101 meters above sea level. Kinabalu holds the promise of many exhilarating moments for its visitors. Tour Kota Kinabalu, the bustling capital city of Sabah, or retreat to Kinabalu Park, a paradise for naturalists, botanists, bird watchers, mountaineers or just about anyone who wants to be close to nature. The park is home to an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna including the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. Scale the ‘home of a dragon’, Mount Kinabalu or indulge in some thrilling white-water rafting action down fast-flowing turbulent rivers. Whatever you choose, excitement awaits you right here in Kinabalu. - Taman Negara
Mother Nature's Treasure Trove : Spread across 4,343sq.km, of the formidable Titiwangsa Mountain Range is Tanam Negara- the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. A sanctuary to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, insects, fish and plants. Home to Malaysia’s friendly aborigines, the Orang Asli. Come discover the living treasures Mother Nature has to offer. Whether it’s shooting thrilling rapids, exploring specula caves, tackling a 20-pound fish, scaling Peninsular Malaysia’s highest mountain, trekking through dense, tricky forest pathways or swimming in crystal clear pools, Malaysia’s National Park is a natural paradise you must experience. An adventure of a lifetime awaits you here.