How to have an amazing holiday in Malaysia
Steeped in history and culture-there is never a dull moment for the inquisitive traveler. From the buzz of city high fashion, trendy hot-spots and modern cuisine, a natural escape is never far away. Be it sandy beaches or highland rainforests, a visit to the many spa or country resorts in Malaysia is a must.
Malaysia a country, which really surprised me! It's a place in contrast; where you can hear the mosque's call to prayer in the morning and sip cocktails at a fancy nightclub in the evening. Where you can trek through the jungle one day and sit on a beach the next. It is one of the most visually striking country in South Asia. It has a bustling capital( Kuala Lumpur), thick clouded forests of the Central Highlands, and fantastic islands bobbing in crystal clear waters off of pretty much every coastline in the country. Top this fantastic diving, and Malaysia is dressed to impress visitors.
Malaysia is roughly split into two sections. Peninsular Malaysia, which only shares one land border with Thailand, but coastal borders with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and East Malaysia (Borneo).
Its geographic position lends to a variety of wildlife with many populations of endemic species dotted around the country. Malaysia has so many animals that are unique within its borders, that it’s actually been listed as one of just 17 megadiverse countries in the world.
Needless to say, whether you’re in Malaysian Borneo, in the Central Highlands of Peninsular Malaysia, or diving in Sipadan, there are few places in the world that offer better wildlife wonders.
Places to visit in Malaysia:
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country that's best known for its diverse culture, cuisine and natural beauty. There are many amazing places to visit in Malaysia. Here are five of the must-see spots which I had visited.
Kuala Lumpur:
Chances are you will be spending at least a few nights in Malaysia's capital. Visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, see the famous Sri Mahamariamman Temple, explore the Batu Caves, visit the markets in China Town, admire the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad and Merdeka Square and see the colorful butterfly garden. It’s a great foodie city too.
Penang:
This island off the coast of Malaysia is renowned for its foodie culture and stunning beaches. Penang is also home to some beautiful colonial-era architecture.
Langkawi
Featured in thousands of different magazines, websites, and articles, Langkawi is a picturesque retreat on an archipelago of more than 100 islands made up of white sandy beaches and endless sunshine. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach area, especially for its strip of restaurants, bars, and shops. For something slower, visit some of the area’s traditional villages, go snorkeling at Payar Island, or check out the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls on the northwest side or visit Sky Bridge of the island. This is one of the best places in the country to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Sarawak
Borneo’s largest state offers visitors everything from rainforests to towering peaks and pristine coral reefs. If you’re certified, scuba diving in Sipadan is a must. It’s some of the best diving I’ve ever done.
Cost of Travel in Malaysia:
Malaysia, that is much more modern than neighboring countries Thailand or Indonesia, is not expensive. The price level is much lower than, for example, in Europe or America. Because hotels are not extremely cheap and activities in Malaysia are often even pricey. Although backpacking is perfectly doable, keep in mind that price levels are higher than in Thailand or Vietnam. On the other hand, travelling by public transport in Malaysia is easy and pleasant and the food can be very cheap.
Looking back on our time in Malaysia, we could have spent less money. We could have skipped a few things, especially in the area of food and accommodation. But hey, we really enjoyed it and stayed almost within our daily budget.
Where to stay in Malaysia:
Looking for budget-friendly places to stay?
Here are my suggested places to stay in Malaysia:
- Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
- Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
- Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse (Kuala Lumpur)
- The Bed Klcc (Kuala Lumpur)
- Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
- Traveler Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
- Westwood Highland (Cameron Highlands)
- De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
- Hikers Sleep Port (Cameron Highlands)
- Anis View Perhentian (Perhentian Islands)
- Senja Bay Resort (Perhentian Islands)
- Akinabalu Youth Hostel (Kota Kinabalu)
Food & Drink in Malaysia:
Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the population of the country itself. A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous flavors, Malaysian food is a vibrant mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
One of the most commonly used ingredients in Malaysian cooking is coconut milk. This gives many dishes a rich and creamy texture. Asam (tamarind) paste is also frequently used, lending dishes a sour tanginess. Chili peppers are liberally used in Malaysian cooking, adding heat and flavor to curries, stews, and stir-fries.
When To Travel To Malaysia
The Best Time To Visit: March -June
- High Season: December – February
- Low Season: March – June
- March – May (spring), June – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – March (winter)
Getting Around Malaysia
When it comes to getting around Malaysia, there are plenty of transportation options available. Planes, trains, buses, and taxis are the most popular, but there are also ride-shares, rental cars, and private drivers available. Let’s explore each option in more detail.
By Air: Plane is the quickest way to get around Malaysia, with flights between major cities taking just a few hours. However, it can be expensive, especially if you’re flying between smaller towns or villages.
By Bus: This is probably the most popular way to get around. Buses in Malaysia are efficient, affordable and cover most of the country. When you’re in Borneo, taking buses is popular as well. This is how we chose to get around Malaysia and never had any issues.
By Rail: Trains are a cheaper option and can be a great way to see the countryside, but journeys take longer than those by plane. Buses are the cheapest way to get around Malaysia, but they can be quite slow and often crowded.
By Taxi: Taxis are convenient for shorter trips within cities, and ride shares like Uber and Grab are becoming increasingly popular for longer trips.
By Rental Car: If you’re looking for a rental car, there are a number of well-known companies available in Malaysia, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Most of the larger airports have rental car desks, but it’s also possible to rent cars from some of the larger train stations and bus terminals.
By Private Driver: Drivers can be hired privately for shorter trips or for longer journeys across the country. Just be sure to negotiate and agree a price before starting your journey.
If you’re on a tight budget or have more time to explore, then the train or bus might be a better choice. And if you need flexibility or want to avoid long drives, then renting a car or hiring a driver may be the best option for you.
Malaysia Entry Requirements
All visitors to Malaysia must have a passport valid for at least six months. Tourists from some countries will need to obtain a visa before arrival, but most visitors are granted visa-free entry for 90, 30, or 14 days respectively.
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