Does the tagline “Malaysia, Truly Asia” ring any bells? It’s one of the catchiest tourism slogans in recent times that would stick with anyone who hears it. From a country almost unheard of, Malaysia has made its mark and is now one of the up and coming tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
If you are one of the many yet to know about Malaysia and what it has to offer to travelers, here is a list that will show why visiting the country is a must, at least once.
Number one: Old meets new in Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a great place to start your Malaysian trip. The city may seem modern, what with buildings like the towering Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, but don’t be surprised to see old looking buildings that make you feel like you’re in other parts of the world and not just in Asia. The architecture all over Kuala Lumpur is influenced by various styles, and seeing them will make you feel like you’ve already made a mini trip around the world.
Number two: Go on a nature trip. One of the most tried-and-tested methods of unwinding is by reconnecting with nature, and Malaysia has plenty to offer in that respect. Beach lovers can laze away and explore the deep blue seas. Adventurous ones can hike along the many trails and forests and even try reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu, which is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Or, spend time with the indigenous peoples living in the forests.
Number three: Food, glorious food. A trip to Malaysia is never complete without sampling their world-famous cuisine. You don’t have to spend much to eat the best dishes because many of these are actually found in the famous street stalls. These stalls are abundant and really cheap. You can eat a dish for as low as 5 Malaysian Ringgit, which is only about a dollar.
Number four: Check out their impressive handicrafts. Malaysia has some of the best handicrafts around and the world-famous batik is always a favourite souvenir of many. Of course, there are other handicrafts worth checking out, like the songket or brocade, labu or ceramic jugs, rattan baskets, and wood-based souvenirs. While Kuala Lumpur is the most convenient place to buy them, it gets cheaper in the provinces.
Number five: Explore the colourful George Town. One of the most picturesque places in Malaysia is George Town. The second largest city, it has been declared a UNESCO heritage site since 2008. Aside from its bustling architecture with a colonial feel, George Town is also famous for its cuisine and its multiculturalism. Make sure to check out the different temples, churches, mosques, and places of historical interest.
Number six: Go spelunking and explore the numerous caves. One of the favourite places of travelers in Malaysia is its numerous caves found all over the country. At the top of the list is the famous Batu Caves, with the gigantic golden statue of Lord Murugan guiding the entrance. Other equally breathtaking caves include those at the Gua Kelam Recreational Park, Gunung Reng, Gua Tempurung Cave, Perak Tong Cave Temple, Kek Lok Tong, and so many others.
Number seven: Visit the Highlands without going to Scotland. Malaysia has its own highlands, known as the Cameron Highlands. Aside from its lush greenery, the Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea plantations and will surely delight tea lovers. Not only will you see what the tea leaves look like before they are plucked for brewing, but also taste the locally made tea. But if tea is not your thing, you can explore the area and check out its natural resources, including the beautiful Mossy Forest, the Time Tunnel Museum, various gardens, and even see a rafflesia flower up close.
Number eight: Step back in time by heading to the quirky Fraser’s Hill. Colonial influences in Malaysia can be found all over the country but if you want to experience something akin to time travel, your closest bet would be by heading to Fraser’s Hill. While it is technically a resort, anyone can drop by and just explore the area and get a feel of what an old English village looks like. The hill is also one of the best spots for bird watching, as it is home to more than 250 species of birds.
Number nine: See for yourself why Tioman is one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Perhaps the best place to appreciate Malaysia’s natural beauty is at the Tioman island, long considered as one of the best in the world. Featured in the 1958 movie “South Pacific”, this island is also rumoured to be the resting place of a princess who fell in love with the island. Tioman is one of the best in Malaysia for people interested in water-related activities and hiking.
Number ten: Immerse yourself in culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Museums are one of the best ways to learn about a country, and in Malaysia, there exists a “living museum” where visitors can learn about their local history and culture through live performances by the locals.
