8 March 2016 - MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA

G'day folks,

Here is another country I'm posting in my series on countries worth visiting, courtesy of Travelfish. Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying the Malaysian Peninsula and part of the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rain forests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. The sprawling capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers including the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.

Stunning, ethnically diverse Malaysia is Southeast Asia's unsung holiday hero, offering travellers a huge range of attractions to choose from. Mix and match a trip that includes lush jungle trekking, chilling out on white-sand beaches, amazing snorkelling and diving, gastronomic adventuring and immersing yourself in a colourful cultural heritage.

With the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur midway between the UNESCO-listed towns of Penang and Melaka, and also just a few hours by bus from the sprawling Taman Negara National Park, many of Malaysia's highlights are both affordable and easy to reach.

Whether you're a budget-minded independent backpacker or a tourist with cash to flash, Malaysia satisfies against an exotic backdrop of wafting call-to-prayers, eye-watering spicy street foods and the chatter of a friendly, cosmopolitan people. The Malaysian calendar is packed with festivals, so do your research and try to get here when one that appeals to your interests takes place.
 

Malaysia tends to get unfairly shortthrifted by travellers to Southeast Asia. Backpackers imagine Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to be cheaper destinations and often leave Malaysia off their itineraries altogether – a grave mistake. While overall your cash may get you further in those countries, you can travel very well on a low budget in Malaysia and at the same time avoid the hordes of tourists you'll find on the well-beaten paths elsewhere. Malaysia also lacks the glamour many associate with the luxury resorts of Thailand, but unfairly so as the kingdom boasts some seriously bank-balance-busting destination hotels to rival the best in the region.

The country is geographically split in two. Peninsular Malaysia covers the entire southern portion of the Malay peninsula on mainland Southeast Asia and is home to 11 states plus Malaysia's two "capitals." Then there's less-populated Borneo, across the South China Sea, a huge and rugged island that Malaysia shares with Indonesia. It's worth covering ground in both parts as you'll want to see the natural wonders of the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo – choose from 23 national parks! -- as well as the array of more mainstream sights on the peninsula.

Kick off a visit to Malaysia in the capital proper, Kuala Lumpur, where towering skyscrapers, air-conditioned malls and a well-functioning road and public transport system will impress. The Singapore-like functionality is really the fruit of former leader Mahathir Mohamad's push to transform the once mostly agrarian nation into the developed world. These days young Malaysian designers lead the ongoing evolution in KL, as it's usually known, with funky bars and restaurants opening their doors to the stylish set.

Just south of KL is Melaka, the cradle of Malay civilisation. Relax to the chilled out vibe here and enjoy the gorgeous Dutch- and Portuguese-influenced architecture while getting to know Malaysian food, a delightful blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences.

The island of Penang off Peninsular Malaysia's west coast was once settled by the British and today the fascinating Georgetown boasts restored colonial architecture – and we reckon some of the region's best food (this despite the Brits).

To many people, Langkawi is to Malaysia as Phuket is to Thailand: Flash resorts and vast beaches plied by jet skis and yachts. It's not quite that simple however as you can do Langkawi on a budget, sort of. Those keener on low-key islands should head instead to Malaysia's east coast, where the Perhentians and Pulau Tioman beckon, offering superb snorkelling and diving -- or pop north of the border to Thailand's glorious Ko Tarutao island group.

Looking inland, Taman Negara is home to some of the world's oldest tropical rainforests and has plenty to keep nature lovers occupied, including Gunung Tahan, Peninsular Malaysia's highest peak. The park, established in 1938, is an island of environmentalism in what is otherwise an ocean of palm plantations that has gobbled up much of Peninsular Malaysia.

While not in the same ballpark as Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands was once exquisite in its own way, but like many "green destinations" it has been ravaged by short-term and at times idiotic development. Still, it remains a laid back destination and offers a (relatively) chilly respite from the humidity plaguing the rest of the country, as well as more British history and influence: think high teas, golf and bird-watching.
 

Those looking for more untouched wilds however, should head to Malaysian Borneo -- the northern slice of massive Borneo. Sabah is the smaller of Borneo's two Malay states and offers the 4,101-metre high Mount Kinabalu to conquer -- Malaysia's highest peak -- as well as the interesting city of Kota Kinabalu and picture-postcard islands of Gaya and Manukan, and the diving meccas of Pulau Sipadan and Mabul, where glimpses of mammoth sea-bound animals come thick and fast.

Larger, wilder, and less touristed still, Sarawak is in fact the largest state in all of Malaysia and boasts one of its most enthralling capitals -- the old colonial relic of Kuching. Aside from being a fine destination in its own right, Kuching is also one of the best spots in Sarawak to use as a base for exploring the hinterland. The state is awash in national parks, including Bako and Gunung Mulu, and unlike Peninsular Malaysia much of it remains rainforested.

What not to miss

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur or Penang (or both). Swim with turtles on the Perhentian Islands. Explore the grandeur of Taman Negara National Park. Experience the diving and forested wonder that remains in Eastern Malaysia (Borneo).

When to go

Eastern Peninsular Malaysia and Malay Borneo see their wettest period between November and February. The west coast of the Peninsula sees the wet between May and September. The climate is hot and humid year round -- regardless of if it is raining or not!

TRAVELFISH

Clancy's comment: Yes, like many Asian countries, this one has many things to see and enjoy.The food is delicious, and the people are wonderful. Get there if you can.

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