Malaysia

What You Should Know More About Malaysia

• About The Destination

  Malaysia in every way feels like two countries merged to one. It is split in half by the South China Sea. While the archipelago boasts of misty tea plantations, bustling cities, colonial architecture and chill-out islands, the Malaysian Borneo is a home to wild orangutans, remote tribes and granite peaks along with some spectacular diving experience. Across the two regions, there is a striking diversity of creation right from the traditional longhouse villages of Sarawak to the machine age skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur. Malaya had a unison with Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak in the September of 1963.
  
  However, if there’s one thing that well unites the two diverse groups from its pockets of landscapes, ethnicities and religions is its food. Amidst the Chinese bu?ets, Dayak specialties, Chinese-Malay ‘Nonya’ fare, Malay food stalls and Indian curries, with an impressive variety of contemporary food is enough to satiate the hungry travelers. With several places to see, things to do and adventure activities to indulge in, Malaysia recently has become a hit amongst the newly wed who come here to spend some intimate ‘honeymoon’ time here. Not just the honeymooners, tourists from Asia who seek some relaxed beach time are the regular tourists here.

• Travel Advice

  • Taxi drivers of the Malaysia are very smart. They have a habit of overcharging you. So, make sure you get a fair idea about the fare that you have to pay for traveling from one destination to another. This will prevent any chance or argument.

  • Thefts are a common site here. It is good to guard your cash and valuables. Do not flash your important stuff in the public. This can be an invitation for the pickpockets to cheat you.

  • If you are traveling via public transportation in Malaysia, you might experience traffic. So, do get yourself some patience!

  • If you have rented a vehicle here, make sure you know about the local rules.

  • Be wary of the touts.

  • Monkeys in Malaysia are a pain. A lot of monkeys can be found hopping around near the temples waiting for an opportunity to snatch away the eatables from you. Make sure you keep the eatables in the bag so as to avoid any such incident.

  • Keep away from the drugs. If you are a tourist, you must particularly avoid landing up in a legal hassle because of the drugs.

  • Make sure you carry with you a copy of your passport, visa and license.

  • Check for the quality before you eat any street food.

• Drinking Laws

  For Non-Muslims, the legal age for drinking in Malaysia is 18 years. On the other hand, there is no legal age for drinking for the Muslims as it is against the law.

• Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Mount Kinabalu

  Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Borneo with a summit height of about 4095 meters. The mountain is globally known for its massive biological and botanical species. You can find 100 mammalian species, 326 species of birds and 600 species of ferns here. The trail here is easy and can be climbed by anyone with average physical fitness. However, it is good to trek here with a guide.  

  Petronas Twin Towers

  Until 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers of Kaula Lampur were the tallest buildings. Now, they have been surpassed by the Taipei 101. However, the towers still happen to be the tallest twin building of the world. It is a huge 88 floor tower with a sky bridge between the two on the 41st and the 42nd floor.

  Langkawi

  One of the top holiday destination of Malaysia is Langkawi. It is a beautiful archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. At present the largest of the islands is the Pulau Langkawi that has an inhabitation of 65,000.  

  Perhentian Islands

  Perhentian Islands are situated on the north eastern coast of Malaysia not very far from the border of Thailand. It is definitely a must visit place for all budget tourists. The island has some of the most dazzling beaches of the world and diving is a popular water sport here. You can also find some cheap accomodations here. Two key islands ere are the Perhentian Besar and the Perhentian Kecil. Both of these islands are beautified by the turquoise blue sea and the white sandy beach.

  Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

  Commenced in the year 1964, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was initiated with an object of rescuing the baby orangutans from the illegal hunting, logging sites and plantations. These orangutans are trained in such a manner that they learn to survive in the wild. Basically, they come here young, are trained and then left back in the wild when they are ready. Some 60 to 80 orangutans are residing here. It is definitely one of the most important place to see in Malaysia.   

  Mulu Caves

  Situated in the Gunung Mulu National Park in Bornea, this park is surrounded by the magnificent caves and krast formations. You’ll find a Sarawak chamber in one of the underground caves. This chamber is believed to the largest cave chamber in the world making it one important sightseeing destination.

• What you will like there?

  Locals here are friendly

  There’s something about Malaysia that sets it apart from the rest of South East Asia. You don’t get that walking ATM feeling, there are little-attempted scams, fewer touts, and an overall feeling of being safe all round the clock. To me, Malaysia and the locals there seemed elated to see the tourists and were always up for help. In addition to that, English here is widely spoken given the fact that Malaysia once used to be a British colony. So, you’ll never have a hard time communicating with the locals here be it in restaurants, beaches, hotels, bus, food courts, and even otherwise.  

  Wildlife

  A lot of tourists who come to Malaysia to spend their holidays are lured to the abundant wildlife found here. You can plan a visit to Sepilok that will get you up and close with the wild beings. Some of the beings easily spotted here are monitor lizards, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons and several thousands of multi-hued critters.   

  Scenery

  Traversing from the mountains to the jungles, beaches to the hills, one thing that will stay with you throughout is the colorful scenery. Malaysia is every bit a photographer’s and landscape junkies delight. Blue skies, crystal clear waters and lush green surroundings – Majestic!  

  Trekking

  Malaysia is a land of abundant natural beauty. Exploring this Asia’s delight on foot gives you a chance to get up and close with nature. You have a plenty of trekking trails to best explore this tourist attraction. Some of the trails to follow are Taman Negara, Penang Hill, Mount Kinabalu and Cameron Highlands. That’s not all!  There are several untrodden trails about which you can hear from your tour guides and locals.

  Culture

  This is one reason you’ll fall in love with Malaysia. There are not too many countries that are as culturally rich as Malaysia. From Mosques to South Indian temples, modern Malaysia of today is basically a potpourri of 3 distinct cultures – One, inspired from Malaysia itself, second inspired from China and the third one inspired from India. Malaysia in every way is Truly Asia!!

  Festivals

  A multitude of festivals celebrated in Malaysia is a direct consequence of the cultural diversity seen here. Every month, there is some or the other festival being celebrated around the country, be it secular or religious or sports or culture based.  

  Value for Money

  Malaysia, of course, is not the cheapest country in South East Asia but it does offer a great value for money. In comparison to the western standards prevalent here, the prices are every bit reasonable. Accommodation, as well as the quality of transport, is phenomenal. You can even book resorts, hotels and stays at very reasonable prices.   

  Cities

  Not only Asians but people across the world love to hate Asia for its busy roads cramped with traffic, street markets and different cultures and traditions co-existing with each other. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is certainly one of the best cities in South East Asia with enough options for sightseeing that will keep you busy for days. However, the real delight is Penang, which is a great destination to explore. It is a small island that is packed with delicious food and great

  Beaches

  Malaysia definitely has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. It is a great place for honeymooners and everyone who loves blue waters and clear skies.

  Food

  Food in Malaysia is pure and simple. Undoubtedly, it is the best in the world. Satiate your taste buds with some of the authentic local dishes here.

• Recommended reads for destination (govt websites, travel forum articles)?

  Website: Government Website
  Forum: Tripadvisor Forum