WHY VISIT MALAYSIA?

The question in topic here is Why visit Malaysia? And I am sure many of you who have not visited Malaysia would like to know what this multiracial and multicultural country has to offer for travellers. Since I have been actively traveling around the country in the last 3-4 years, I will do my best to share my experiences and reasons on why you should visit Malaysia without referring to Wikipedia or any other online information, that is simply because I am a Malaysian who grew up here in Kuala Lumpur.

Where is Malaysia?

Malaysia is a relatively small country located by the earths equator and sandwiched between Thailand and Singapore. Divided into two parts, there is Peninsular Malaysia where the main cities lie while over in the island of Borneo, there are the states of Sarawak and Sabah which shares the island with Kalimantan and also Brunei. 

More about Malaysia

The country has been independent since 1957 after British Rule and therefore we are celebrating our 56th Independence Day this August 31st. Each year, a different city is selected for the celebrations which is a public holiday nationwide. Another fun fact is that Malaysia is also known as a country with the most public holidays in the world.

The people of Malaysia

With a total population of almost 28 million people living in peaceful harmony, our multiracial society is broken up into three main races - Malay, Chinese and Indian. The rest are from various ethnicity which are mainly the Ibans from Sarawak, Kadazans from Sabah, Portuguese form Melaka and many other smaller sub-ethnicity which are too many to name.

The language in Malaysia

Yes, English is widely spoken here especially in the larger cities and towns but our national language is Bahasa Malaysia where every race speaks this. For the traveler, fear not as you will somehow realize that your English is understood overall. For the record, government schools here teach English as a second language. Basic English is easily understood nationwide.

The food in Malaysia

The best part about Malaysia is the food! If anyone has been here before, try asking them, I kid you not when we shout about our Malaysian food. As we are a multiracial nation, you can imagine the amazing melting pot of food found around the country. Till this day, I can assure you that as a local, I am still finding new and interesting Malaysian food whenever I travel in my own backyard. 

The most interesting choices of food for the visitor to Malaysia would be the Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisines. From high-end restaurants right to hawkers, you have a choice of experiencing all of this. It is highly recommended that you try some of the Malaysian signature dishes like Satay, Nasi Lemak and Rendang (Malay), Chicken Rice, Fried Kuey Teow and Laksa (Chinese and Malay) and Banana Lead Rice (Indian). One dish that is shared by all the major groups is Rojak, a cut fruit salad mixed with peanut or shrimp paste sauce. You can find Indian, Malay and Chinese Rojak at many places around Malaysia. Apart from these dishes, there are numerous sub-cultural ethnic dishes worth exploring throughout the country.

THE MOST FAMOUS PLACE IN MALAYSIA

1. Kuala Lumpur

PETRONAS TOWERS, KUALA LUMPUR

Known as KL to its locals, it is without a doubt the most well-known destination in Malaysia. It’s the first stop for many travelers, and is a great jump-off point for the rest of the country. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers for a bird’s eye view of the city, and do some shopping at the Suria KLCC. But don’t limit yourself. The city has many places of worship for population’s diverse faiths, including the oldest and richest Hindu temple in KL the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. The city is a colorful conglomeration of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. While it is very modern and cosmopolitan, KL still has spots that give visitors a glimpse into its past.

2. Langkawi, Kedah

Eagle Square, Langkawi

The 99 islands that make up Langkawi gives its visitors a gamut of choices when it comes to beaches and water related activities. It’s great for relaxing and enjoying a laid back holiday, but it also offers activities for the more adventurous folks. Langkawi was also given the status of World Geopark by UNESCO, effectively protecting the forests and other environmental resources around it. Langkawi is also the only place in Malaysia that is duty free, making it a good place to shop for souvenirs.

3. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Sutera Harbor Sunset, Kota Kinabalu

The capital city of Sabah is a known destination for the adventure seekers who want to climb Mount Kinabalu. At 4,095 metres above sea level, it is one of the popular climbing destinations in Asia. The mountain is also home to a very diverse wildlife, both in flora and fauna. The city also has its share of cultural venues, such as the Sabah State Museum and the Ethno Botanic Garden. The Padang Merdeka (town field) is also a historical location as it was where the declaration of Sabah’s independence and the formation of Malaysia took place.

4. Malacca City

Malacca City (Malay: Melaka)

Malacca City is a key piece to Malaysia history, as it was the center of the Malay world during the 15th and 16th century. Because of the occupation of several colonizers, the city has an interesting mix of architecture influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese, British and Chinese. In 2008, Malacca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jonker Walk is a favorite spot for tourists for the Chinatown.

5. George Town, Penang

Church of the Assumption in George Town, Penang

This capital city of Penang was named after King George III of Britain. Its colonial structures were preserved thanks to strict rent controls implemented by the local government, and was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique architecture and town structure. Explore the town by joining walking heritage tours, or have a taste of authentic Malay, Indian and Chinese food.

6. Cameron Highlands

BOH Tea Garden, Cameron Highlands

This 712 sq. km. hill station is a great place to escape the sweltering tropical heat of Malaysia. It’s a three hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur, but the buses are very comfortable, and the view on the way up the highlands is amazing. The lifestyle in the highlands is less hectic than the lowlands, and it isn’t uncommon to find a nice cafe for a relaxing meal. Of course, adventure seekers have plenty of activities like hiking or jungle exploration to pass their time.

7. Genting Highlands

Gentings Highlands

Also known as Resorts World Genting, this hill resort-slash-entertainment hub that gives a Las Vegas feel to the mountaintop retreat. The “Fun City Above the Cloud” is Malaysia’s only legal, land-based casino. It has five hotels, several restaurants and three theme parks. The temperature holds steady at 14°C to 25°C all year round.

8. Taman Negara National Park

Teresek Hill, Taman Negara National Park

This national park is said to the be the oldest jungle and best kept tropical rainforest in the world. It has the most extensive protected area of virgin rainforest in Malaysia, and much effort has been given to its protection and preservation. Guests can come and enjoy comfortable amenities while taking in the majestic views of the Taman Negara.

9. Gunung Mulu National Park

Pinnacles at Gunung Mulu National Park

Malaysia is rich with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Gunung Muu National Park in the Malaysian Borneo region is no exception. The park has a long history of cave exploration, with a diverse species of flora and fauna. The yearly Mulu cave excursions strive to retain the exciting and sense of adventure that the original explorers have experienced. However, its main focus is to promote environmental awareness and the park’s significance in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

ABOUT MALAYSIA COUNTRY

Malaysia is one of the most developed countries of Southeast Asia. Malaysia is surely among the most tourist friendly countries in the world. Malaysia is known for its affordability, safety, convenience and most of all, cleanliness. Malaysia will not be wrong to say that People of Malaysia are its true appeal. One can find here people of all origins, Chinese, Indians, Singaporeans. It is because of this reason that Malaysia, is called truly Asia. Kota Bharu, Melaka, Cameron Highlands, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching are the major tourist attraction in Malaysia. The total area of 329,847 that Malaysia covers is divided into two regions by South China Sea, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Bomeo. These are further divided into thirteen states and three federal territories. Malaysia shares a border with Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines and Singapore. In Malaysia one can find people of all origins, Chinese, Indians, Singaporeans. And they do not compromise at all in showing their native culture with all its vigor and pomp. Visit Malaysia if you wish to get an overview of Asia in shortest time. Malaysia is a country with many landscapes and many sights. Crystal clear seas, silvery beaches, colorful coral reefs and marine life, high mountains, deep jungle; you name it and Malaysia has it. In fact, Malaysia has the highest mountain peak in the Southeast Asia and the largest cave in the world. With such variety of landscape, a tourist can expect loads of activities to indulge in. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and is among the most visited cities in Southeast Asia. Its prized possession sure is the Petronas Twin Tower. Once the tallest buildings in the world, they still are the tallest twin buildings in the world. Other visitable cities in Malaysia are George Town, Ipoh, Alor Star and Johor Bahru.