A Destination Guide To The Marvels of Malaysia

A Destination Guide To The Marvels of Malaysia

• March 27, 2018

Malaysia is one of those naturally amazing countries in South East Asia that has so much to offer. Sandy white beaches of Langkawi, the incredible hustle and bustle and tons of shopping in Kuala Lumpur, to Penang with all its mouthwatering food offerings.

I loved the food in KL, as well as the pure white beaches and clear turquoise waters of Laguna Redang when I visited Malaysia in 2004. It really is a country that you have to add to your bucket list and here's a list of some of the most exciting cities in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur 
Most Malaysian adventures start in its capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Its major airport hub makes it is the easiest place to fly into and out of, but don't rush off as soon as you arrive. The city is very much a mix of cultures including Malay, Chinese, and Indian, and one of the great joys of being in Kuala Lumpur is eating at some of the world's best local restaurants. Beyond the food, popular attractions include the Petronas Towers, where you can walk across a sky bridge that connects the two skyscrapers to enjoy spectacular views across the city. The Perdana Lake Gardens is a popular place for a stroll and the Menara KL Tower is another place where you can take in the panoramic views. The oldest Hindu temple in the city, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is also a must-visit attraction if you want to know more about Hindu heritage.

Selangor 
Once you've finished in Kuala Lumpur, make your next stop the highly developed and populated region of Selangor, which is famous around the world thanks to its Formula One racetrack. There's the National Zoo of Malaysia, huge theme parks, an indoor snow centre the highly popular Hindu shrine; the Batu Caves.

Penang 
Off the west coast of the county, the island of Penang is a must-visit destination for food lovers. Famous for its incredible street food, make sure you sample all the local eats on Gurney Drive. It is the fusion of flavours and cooking styles which makes this such a special destination for foodies. Don't miss out on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and colonial city of Georgetown either.

Perhentian Islands     
A popular place for backpackers and families alike, the twin Perhentian Islands are both packed with stunning scenery. For people who want to explore the underwater world, you're in the right place for snorkelling and diving. Otherwise, you could simply soak up the sunshine during the day and wait for the parties to start at night! The smaller island of Perhentian Kecil is where most of the action takes place, while the larger Perhentian Besar is more suited to those looking for a resort holiday. If you are planning on visiting during the summer months, make sure that you book your accommodation with plenty of time to spare as both islands tend to fill up very quickly.

Malacca 
Malacca is a city packed with cultural, historical, and colonial sites, and UNESCO recognised its excellence more than a decade ago. There are so many ancient landmarks and colonial buildings that this was the place where colonial forces first made contact with the country, and ultimately shaping its future destiny. British, Dutch and Portuguese influences are all apparent in its bright and colourful architecture.

Taman Negara   
Malaysia’s oldest national park of Taman Negara is thought to be amongst the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. One of the most popular experiences taking a stroll along the long canopy walkway which gives you a unique opportunity to see the park from high up in the trees. Get a totally different perspective by hopping on a boat or raft along the river. Take a guided trek and you will spot plenty of colourful birds and even wild elephants, not to mention towering trees and cascading waterfalls. Camp in the forest and you will get to stare up at the stars and listen to the sounds, before waking up and seeing it come to life once again.

Borneo 
Many people don’t naturally associate Borneo with Malaysia, but in fact, it is only a short flight away. So, if you want to get a real rush of adventure, this large island is packed with incredible natural scenery and wildlife. Strolling through the rainforest, getting up close and personal with orangutans and diving into the crystal clear ocean around Sipadan Island are just a few of the activities which you can enjoy while you are here. If you are looking for something a little more strenuous and challenging, you could take on the task of climbing Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu.

Cameron Highlands 
Stare over the Cameron Highlands and you will see an endless sea of green as tea plantations stretch across the landscape, while the air has a fresh feel thanks to the eucalyptus that grows in abundance. After spending a long time in sweaty tropical climates, you may be surprised by just how cool it can get in this region - particularly during the nighttime. There are plenty of trekking trails which you can tour which take you directly into the plantations and around the volcanoes that are dotted around. And when you are ready to relax, you can do some with some strawberries, and, of course, a nice cup of tea.

Langkawi 
Pulau Langkawi is Malaysia’s favourite island destination - both for locals and foreign visitors. You can reach it easily by ferry with plenty of tourist infrastructure already in place - making it easier to travel around than some of the more remote destinations. It hosts the country's largest indoor aquarium and is home to the beautiful Pregnant Maiden Lake.

Are you planning your Malaysia trip yet? 

*This is a collaborative post