Destination Malaysia - article
If I could live anywhere in the world Malaysia could quite possibly be top of my list. That's quite a statement, particularly as Malaysia is not even many people's first choice for a holiday in South East Asia. That honour tends to go to Thailand or Singapore. Things are starting to change though and more people are beginning to see the wealth of possibilities Malaysia has to offer.
I have focused on five key areas to help justify my declaration of Malaysia's splendour:
- The geography. With dazzling beaches, magical islands and lush, verdant jungles, few countries in the world can match the natural beauty of this captivating land.
- The people. I'll give you an insight into what makes the people of Malaysia so endearing.
- The culture and way of life. Malaysia is steeped in history, but I'll also give you a flavour of why the current lifestyle is something to savour and admire.
- The wildlife. Few countries on the planet can boast the diversity of life that exists in Malaysia's jungles, rolling hills and tropical seas.
- Towns and cities. From the pulsating city of Kuala Lumpur to the charming historical delights of Melaka, the urban attractions of Malaysia should not be overlooked.
Geography
Malaysia is split into two parts. Peninsula Malaysia is positioned below Thailand on the Asian mainland, while there is also a large segment of the north western side of Borneo that is also part of the country. The land mass of the two areas put together is a little larger than the United Kingdom.
Malaysia is a tropical country and offers everything you might expect from such a climate. Hot and humid all year round, the only variable is whether it's raining or not. The rainy season is from around November to the end of February. The landscape is slightly more varied than the weather, although most of the wilderness is dominated by a relentlessly diminishing jungle. However, there are still vast tracts of prime rainforest in Borneo and on Peninsula Malaysia in Taman Negara. Borneo boasts the oldest rainforest in the world as well as one of the highest mountains in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu. The mountain rises fat and squat above the forest like a demented mole hill, plateauing off at over 4000m. It's a gruelling, but rewarding two day climb if you feel like punishing your legs. And don't forget some warm clothes, as the top of Kinabalu is one of the few cold places in Malaysia that's not air conditioned.
It's not all forbidding jungle and hostile mountain ranges; some of the landscape is delicately soothing. In the Cameron Highlands, north of Kuala Lumpur you will find tea plantations among the undulating hills, echoing the spirit of Darjeeling in India.
Along the eastern coast you have hundreds of miles of screensaver beaches. Undisturbed and unhurried you can spiral away into a blissful trance of relaxation. Sprinkled all down the east coast and to a lesser extent down the west coast you can find a profusion of idyllic islands. It is both a crime and a blessing that these gemstones of tropical paradise are largely overlooked by the rest of the world.
The People
Hopefully my analogy for the Malaysian people will be taken in the right way, because my intentions are purely complementary. But I can't fail to see the parallels between the Malays and the Hobbits of Tolkein's Lord Of The Rings. Malaysians are polite, friendly, open, honest and courteous. If you left your bag down in the street, someone is more likely to run after you to give it back than they are to steal it. A friend and I were once wandering aimlessly around the streets of Melaka blankly staring at our map, totally perplexed. Within minutes a smiling local pulls up alongside in his car and offers to take us wherever we wanted with no charge. These acts of random kindness are the norm, not the exception in Malaysia. The Hobbit similarities don't stop there. Malaysian people are peaceful and their harmonious way of life is best illustrated in the exemplary relationship the different religions enjoy there. With large numbers of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddists living in Malaysia you might think this would be a recipe for unrest. Quite the reverse is true however. In Malaysia there are national holidays for all four of these major groups and they even celebrate each others festivals. And when Malays celebrate they celebrate with food. This is something else they share with Hobbits their passion for food. Oh sweet heaven on earth, what wonderful food it is too. They have taken the spice and flavour from the Indians and the exotic ingredients and fragrance from the Chinese to create a rapturous fusion of gastronomic delights. You don't go to Malaysia to lose weight. It is staggering that Malaysians are such a slight race as their passion for food is capacious. Hawker stalls selling a bewildering array of foods line the roadsides both in the cities and in the remotest corners of the country.
The sense of community and family values are very profound, even in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Malays don't just know their neighbour, they know their neighbourhood. I once spent three weeks in a Malay home, in one of the poorer areas of Kuala Lumpur. Children played in the narrow streets while neighbours gossiped across creaking gates, putting the world to rights. By the way, if you're not bored of my analogy yet, Hobbits are very community spirited and love a bit of chit-chat and tittle-tattle. Doors are left open and everyone knows everyone else. If there's a wedding the whole street gets invited and there'll be no free-loaders, everyone helps out. Frankly Malaysia upholds all the morals and ideals that your parents try to convince you their childhood used to be like. The only difference being that in Malaysia it is actually true. Of course it's not perfect and there is still crime, but you will find Malaysia a very easy and safe country to travel around. So don't be shy and make sure you have a chat with the locals, but be careful, I did and I ended up marrying one!
The culture and way of life
Malaysia has a rich history, which is hardly surprising since India and China lurk on either side in relatively close proximity. Consequently Malaysia is made up of approximately 60% Malays, 25% Chinese Malays, with the rest being made up of Indian Malays and indigenous people.
Malaysia has been colonised by the Dutch, Portuguese and the British which further compounds the sense of diversity in architecture, language and history. Like the Malay food, the culture is a stir fry of intoxicating blends. You can find British colonial buildings pompously nestled between a Hindu temple and a Malay hawker stall.
The ambiance throughout the country is Caribbean in its languorous pace and affable nature. A word of note however; Malaysians may be laid back but religion is a strong part of most people's lives, so keep a check on your moral conduct. Raucous behaviour, skimpy clothes and a general disregard for polite behaviour is likely to raise a few eyebrows and perhaps the odd wagged finger. This advice is less relevant in tourist areas and in the capital Kuala Lumpur, but then again you're a grown adult and you should be showing a little more decorum by now anyway.
Malaysia offers fabulous value for money and the food, accommodation and travel costs are particularly agreeable. I once paid for a fine seafood meal for 11 people consisting of stingray, prawns, rice, assorted fish, sauces and soft drinks and had to stifle my sniggers when I was told the bill was 15 pounds (30 dollars). The one thing that's not cheap is alcohol, but it costs no more than you will be used to at home.
Malaysia is a rapidly developing country with cities sprawling outwards and upwards in a frenetic orgy of construction. Malaysians are very proud of their country and how far they have come since their independence 50 years ago. This progress seems to have created a Malay passion that matches their love of food - shopping. Kuala Lumpur in particular has a staggering array of shopping centres that seem to merge and intertwine, becoming bewildering metropolis' in their own right. Watch out for the fake designer goods on the market stalls though, unless of course that's exactly what you're after.
Of course it's not all about the urban areas, the rural villages and indigenous tribes have a wealth of culture, history and traditions too. You can visit tribal longhouses in the jungle that still hold the shrunken heads of unfortunate foes in their stilted homes.
Whether you're seeking the urban high-life, the weight of history, the temples and mosques, the weird and wonderful, the sumptuous food or the tropical slow-life, you'll be up to your shrunken neck in it.
Wildlife
Malaysia is not as renowned for its wildlife as it should be. Many times I have found myself reeling off the vast list of glamorous Malaysian animals to someone and received a stunned response like "wow", or "really, are you sure?" Well yes I am sure and here's the list:
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Rhino
- Orangutan
- Clouded leopard
- Gibbon
- Sun bear
- Proboscis monkey
- Reticulated python
- Saltwater crocodile
- Dugong
- Tapir
- Fruit bats and flying foxes - the world's largest bats
- Pangolin
- Flying squirrels
- Porcupine
OK that will do, I'm sure you've got the message. It's an impressive list though, I'm sure you'll agree. Even the Amazon doesn't have so many large animals prowling the dark shadowy recesses of the undergrowth.
Many of these animals are very hard to find, but just being in the jungle and letting the effervescent sights and sounds wash over you is an exquisite experience.
The coastal wildlife of Malaysia is no less abundant. The dive sites around the east coat of Peninsula Malaysia and northern Borneo are some of the very best in the world, as they are less spoiled due to the relatively low population in these areas.
Towns and cities
The towns and cities are just as enthralling as the natural environment. Kuala Lumpur is the capital and can entertain your every delight, but there are many other intriguing places that should not be overlooked. Penang is an island that sits off the north western cost of Malaysia and its capital George Town is a heady blend of traditional culture and a vibrant night life. The markets buzz with tantalising and unfamiliar sounds and smells that please the senses. Although Penang does not have the benefit of being a duty free island like its northerly neighbour Langkawi, bargains still abound in the bustling shops and stalls that invade the streets. Malaysia is not renowned for its nightlife, but there are exceptions and Penang certainly has the tools to turn you on and burn you out, if you fancy a bit of lurid decadence.
Melaka can probably lay claim to being the historical capital of Malaysia with some justification. Perched on the edge of the Straits of Melaka this ancient city is in a strategically important location for sea traders. The Portuguese and subsequently, the Dutch and British all colonised this corner of Malaysia in a bid to control the trading routes between India and the Far East. This chequered history has made Melaka the most diverse city in Malaysia, both in terms of history and architecture.
If Malaysia is my favourite country, then Kuala Lumpur (commonly called KL) could also lay claim to being one of my favourite cities. It has something for everyone. If you like sightseeing then there are few sights more impressive than the Petronas Towers that loom over the city like two colossal syringes. Until recently the Petronas Towers were the world's tallest buildings, but have since been surpassed by Taipei 101. KL Tower is another enormous building in the centre of KL, which actually offers a higher viewing platform than the Petronas Towers. The view is better in the KL tower too because you actually get to see the Petronas Towers from it, which clearly you can't if you're looking out from inside the Petronas Towers. KL Tower also boasts a revolving restaurant which is reasonably priced so you can savour the stunning view and the sumptuous food at the same time. The shopping in KL rivals anywhere in the world for quantity, choice, diversity and price. Inside the Petronas Towers you'll find floors after floor of branded clothes and flamboyant jewellery, while across the city in China Town you can wander the market stalls around Petaling Street and pick up a bargain, or a dodgy knock off. Restaurants and accommodation are diverse and plentiful, but always cheap. Even the Ritz and Shangri La are cheaper than most places in England. If you like your nightlife then Kuala Lumpur has many bars and clubs to suit most tastes, unless you're looking for Malaysia's answer to Hooters. If you want that then pop across the border to Thailand.
So Malaysia has something for everyone, apart from the keen skier. The people will make you feel like a king, the exchange rate will make you feel like a king and the diminutive stature of the Malays will make you feel like a giant. I told you they were like Hobbits!
I have focused on five key areas to help justify my declaration of Malaysia's splendour:
- The geography. With dazzling beaches, magical islands and lush, verdant jungles, few countries in the world can match the natural beauty of this captivating land.
- The people. I'll give you an insight into what makes the people of Malaysia so endearing.
- The culture and way of life. Malaysia is steeped in history, but I'll also give you a flavour of why the current lifestyle is something to savour and admire.
- The wildlife. Few countries on the planet can boast the diversity of life that exists in Malaysia's jungles, rolling hills and tropical seas.
- Towns and cities. From the pulsating city of Kuala Lumpur to the charming historical delights of Melaka, the urban attractions of Malaysia should not be overlooked.
Geography
Malaysia is split into two parts. Peninsula Malaysia is positioned below Thailand on the Asian mainland, while there is also a large segment of the north western side of Borneo that is also part of the country. The land mass of the two areas put together is a little larger than the United Kingdom.
Malaysia is a tropical country and offers everything you might expect from such a climate. Hot and humid all year round, the only variable is whether it's raining or not. The rainy season is from around November to the end of February. The landscape is slightly more varied than the weather, although most of the wilderness is dominated by a relentlessly diminishing jungle. However, there are still vast tracts of prime rainforest in Borneo and on Peninsula Malaysia in Taman Negara. Borneo boasts the oldest rainforest in the world as well as one of the highest mountains in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu. The mountain rises fat and squat above the forest like a demented mole hill, plateauing off at over 4000m. It's a gruelling, but rewarding two day climb if you feel like punishing your legs. And don't forget some warm clothes, as the top of Kinabalu is one of the few cold places in Malaysia that's not air conditioned.
It's not all forbidding jungle and hostile mountain ranges; some of the landscape is delicately soothing. In the Cameron Highlands, north of Kuala Lumpur you will find tea plantations among the undulating hills, echoing the spirit of Darjeeling in India.
Along the eastern coast you have hundreds of miles of screensaver beaches. Undisturbed and unhurried you can spiral away into a blissful trance of relaxation. Sprinkled all down the east coast and to a lesser extent down the west coast you can find a profusion of idyllic islands. It is both a crime and a blessing that these gemstones of tropical paradise are largely overlooked by the rest of the world.
The People
Hopefully my analogy for the Malaysian people will be taken in the right way, because my intentions are purely complementary. But I can't fail to see the parallels between the Malays and the Hobbits of Tolkein's Lord Of The Rings. Malaysians are polite, friendly, open, honest and courteous. If you left your bag down in the street, someone is more likely to run after you to give it back than they are to steal it. A friend and I were once wandering aimlessly around the streets of Melaka blankly staring at our map, totally perplexed. Within minutes a smiling local pulls up alongside in his car and offers to take us wherever we wanted with no charge. These acts of random kindness are the norm, not the exception in Malaysia. The Hobbit similarities don't stop there. Malaysian people are peaceful and their harmonious way of life is best illustrated in the exemplary relationship the different religions enjoy there. With large numbers of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddists living in Malaysia you might think this would be a recipe for unrest. Quite the reverse is true however. In Malaysia there are national holidays for all four of these major groups and they even celebrate each others festivals. And when Malays celebrate they celebrate with food. This is something else they share with Hobbits their passion for food. Oh sweet heaven on earth, what wonderful food it is too. They have taken the spice and flavour from the Indians and the exotic ingredients and fragrance from the Chinese to create a rapturous fusion of gastronomic delights. You don't go to Malaysia to lose weight. It is staggering that Malaysians are such a slight race as their passion for food is capacious. Hawker stalls selling a bewildering array of foods line the roadsides both in the cities and in the remotest corners of the country.
The sense of community and family values are very profound, even in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Malays don't just know their neighbour, they know their neighbourhood. I once spent three weeks in a Malay home, in one of the poorer areas of Kuala Lumpur. Children played in the narrow streets while neighbours gossiped across creaking gates, putting the world to rights. By the way, if you're not bored of my analogy yet, Hobbits are very community spirited and love a bit of chit-chat and tittle-tattle. Doors are left open and everyone knows everyone else. If there's a wedding the whole street gets invited and there'll be no free-loaders, everyone helps out. Frankly Malaysia upholds all the morals and ideals that your parents try to convince you their childhood used to be like. The only difference being that in Malaysia it is actually true. Of course it's not perfect and there is still crime, but you will find Malaysia a very easy and safe country to travel around. So don't be shy and make sure you have a chat with the locals, but be careful, I did and I ended up marrying one!
The culture and way of life
Malaysia has a rich history, which is hardly surprising since India and China lurk on either side in relatively close proximity. Consequently Malaysia is made up of approximately 60% Malays, 25% Chinese Malays, with the rest being made up of Indian Malays and indigenous people.
Malaysia has been colonised by the Dutch, Portuguese and the British which further compounds the sense of diversity in architecture, language and history. Like the Malay food, the culture is a stir fry of intoxicating blends. You can find British colonial buildings pompously nestled between a Hindu temple and a Malay hawker stall.
The ambiance throughout the country is Caribbean in its languorous pace and affable nature. A word of note however; Malaysians may be laid back but religion is a strong part of most people's lives, so keep a check on your moral conduct. Raucous behaviour, skimpy clothes and a general disregard for polite behaviour is likely to raise a few eyebrows and perhaps the odd wagged finger. This advice is less relevant in tourist areas and in the capital Kuala Lumpur, but then again you're a grown adult and you should be showing a little more decorum by now anyway.
Malaysia offers fabulous value for money and the food, accommodation and travel costs are particularly agreeable. I once paid for a fine seafood meal for 11 people consisting of stingray, prawns, rice, assorted fish, sauces and soft drinks and had to stifle my sniggers when I was told the bill was 15 pounds (30 dollars). The one thing that's not cheap is alcohol, but it costs no more than you will be used to at home.
Malaysia is a rapidly developing country with cities sprawling outwards and upwards in a frenetic orgy of construction. Malaysians are very proud of their country and how far they have come since their independence 50 years ago. This progress seems to have created a Malay passion that matches their love of food - shopping. Kuala Lumpur in particular has a staggering array of shopping centres that seem to merge and intertwine, becoming bewildering metropolis' in their own right. Watch out for the fake designer goods on the market stalls though, unless of course that's exactly what you're after.
Of course it's not all about the urban areas, the rural villages and indigenous tribes have a wealth of culture, history and traditions too. You can visit tribal longhouses in the jungle that still hold the shrunken heads of unfortunate foes in their stilted homes.
Whether you're seeking the urban high-life, the weight of history, the temples and mosques, the weird and wonderful, the sumptuous food or the tropical slow-life, you'll be up to your shrunken neck in it.
Wildlife
Malaysia is not as renowned for its wildlife as it should be. Many times I have found myself reeling off the vast list of glamorous Malaysian animals to someone and received a stunned response like "wow", or "really, are you sure?" Well yes I am sure and here's the list:
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Rhino
- Orangutan
- Clouded leopard
- Gibbon
- Sun bear
- Proboscis monkey
- Reticulated python
- Saltwater crocodile
- Dugong
- Tapir
- Fruit bats and flying foxes - the world's largest bats
- Pangolin
- Flying squirrels
- Porcupine
OK that will do, I'm sure you've got the message. It's an impressive list though, I'm sure you'll agree. Even the Amazon doesn't have so many large animals prowling the dark shadowy recesses of the undergrowth.
Many of these animals are very hard to find, but just being in the jungle and letting the effervescent sights and sounds wash over you is an exquisite experience.
The coastal wildlife of Malaysia is no less abundant. The dive sites around the east coat of Peninsula Malaysia and northern Borneo are some of the very best in the world, as they are less spoiled due to the relatively low population in these areas.
Towns and cities
The towns and cities are just as enthralling as the natural environment. Kuala Lumpur is the capital and can entertain your every delight, but there are many other intriguing places that should not be overlooked. Penang is an island that sits off the north western cost of Malaysia and its capital George Town is a heady blend of traditional culture and a vibrant night life. The markets buzz with tantalising and unfamiliar sounds and smells that please the senses. Although Penang does not have the benefit of being a duty free island like its northerly neighbour Langkawi, bargains still abound in the bustling shops and stalls that invade the streets. Malaysia is not renowned for its nightlife, but there are exceptions and Penang certainly has the tools to turn you on and burn you out, if you fancy a bit of lurid decadence.
Melaka can probably lay claim to being the historical capital of Malaysia with some justification. Perched on the edge of the Straits of Melaka this ancient city is in a strategically important location for sea traders. The Portuguese and subsequently, the Dutch and British all colonised this corner of Malaysia in a bid to control the trading routes between India and the Far East. This chequered history has made Melaka the most diverse city in Malaysia, both in terms of history and architecture.
If Malaysia is my favourite country, then Kuala Lumpur (commonly called KL) could also lay claim to being one of my favourite cities. It has something for everyone. If you like sightseeing then there are few sights more impressive than the Petronas Towers that loom over the city like two colossal syringes. Until recently the Petronas Towers were the world's tallest buildings, but have since been surpassed by Taipei 101. KL Tower is another enormous building in the centre of KL, which actually offers a higher viewing platform than the Petronas Towers. The view is better in the KL tower too because you actually get to see the Petronas Towers from it, which clearly you can't if you're looking out from inside the Petronas Towers. KL Tower also boasts a revolving restaurant which is reasonably priced so you can savour the stunning view and the sumptuous food at the same time. The shopping in KL rivals anywhere in the world for quantity, choice, diversity and price. Inside the Petronas Towers you'll find floors after floor of branded clothes and flamboyant jewellery, while across the city in China Town you can wander the market stalls around Petaling Street and pick up a bargain, or a dodgy knock off. Restaurants and accommodation are diverse and plentiful, but always cheap. Even the Ritz and Shangri La are cheaper than most places in England. If you like your nightlife then Kuala Lumpur has many bars and clubs to suit most tastes, unless you're looking for Malaysia's answer to Hooters. If you want that then pop across the border to Thailand.
So Malaysia has something for everyone, apart from the keen skier. The people will make you feel like a king, the exchange rate will make you feel like a king and the diminutive stature of the Malays will make you feel like a giant. I told you they were like Hobbits!
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