Travel - Malaysia - best spots to visit in this popular South east Asian country & other details

 

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, occupying the southern part of the Malay Peninsula and the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is bordered by Thailand to the north, Indonesia to the south and west, and Brunei and the South China Sea to the east. The country is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which is connected to mainland Asia, and East Malaysia, which occupies the northern part of the island of Borneo. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is situated in Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysia offers a diverse range of attractions, from bustling cities to pristine beaches and lush rainforests. Here are some of the best places to visit in detail:

1. **Kuala Lumpur**: The capital city is a vibrant hub known for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, bustling street markets, and rich cultural heritage. Don't miss exploring the Batu Caves, Merdeka Square, and the vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India.

2. **Penang**: Known as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang offers a fusion of cultures and cuisines. Explore the UNESCO-listed George Town with its colorful street art, visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, and indulge in delicious street food at Gurney Drive or Penang Road.

3. **Langkawi**: This archipelago of 99 islands is renowned for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush rainforests. Take a cable car ride to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang for panoramic views, visit the Langkawi Sky Bridge, and relax on the picturesque Pantai Cenang beach.

4. **Malacca**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca is known for its well-preserved colonial buildings, vibrant Jonker Street night market, and delicious Nyonya cuisine. Explore historical sites like A Famosa fortress, Christ Church, and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

5. **Cameron Highlands**: Escape the heat of the lowlands and head to this cool highland retreat, known for its tea plantations, strawberry farms, and lush landscapes. Visit the Boh Tea Plantation, explore the Mossy Forest, and enjoy hiking trails with stunning views.

6. **Taman Negara**: Malaysia's oldest national park is a haven for nature lovers, offering jungle treks, river cruises, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Explore the canopy walkway, go on a night safari, and visit the indigenous villages to learn about local culture.

7. **Perhentian Islands**: If you're looking for a tropical paradise, head to the Perhentian Islands for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. Go snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant marine life, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

8. **Borneo**: Malaysian Borneo offers incredible biodiversity and adventure opportunities. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, explore the caves of Mulu National Park, or go trekking in the rainforests of Kinabalu National Park.

These are just a few highlights of the many amazing places to visit in Malaysia, each offering its own unique charm and experiences.

Best seasons 

The best time to visit Malaysia depends on the region you plan to visit and your preferred activities. Generally, Malaysia experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. However, you can consider the following:

1. **West Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)**: The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to February when the weather is cooler and drier. This is ideal for exploring cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as enjoying beach destinations like Langkawi.

2. **East Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)**: The dry season here is from March to October, making it the best time to visit islands like Perhentian and Redang for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities.

3. **Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)**: The dry season in Borneo is from March to October, making it a good time to visit for activities like jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and climbing Mount Kinabalu.

Cuisine

As for Malaysian cuisine, it's a delightful fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, resulting in a rich tapestry of flavors. Some must-try dishes include:

1. **Nasi Lemak**: Malaysia's national dish, consisting of fragrant coconut rice served with anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, boiled egg, and sambal (spicy chili paste).

2. **Roti Canai**: A popular Indian-influenced dish, featuring flaky, crispy flatbread served with curry or dhal for dipping.

3. **Char Kway Teow**: A stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, eggs, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, cooked in a smoky soy sauce.

4. **Satay**: Grilled skewered meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and ketupat (compressed rice cakes).

5. **Laksa**: A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, typically served with prawns, chicken, tofu, and a variety of herbs and spices.

6. **Hainanese Chicken Rice**: Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.

These are just a few highlights of Malaysia's diverse culinary offerings. Exploring the local street food scene is a must for any visitor to Malaysia!

Connectivity 

Malaysia is home to several airlines, both full-service and low-cost carriers. Some of the prominent airlines based in Malaysia include:

1. **Malaysia Airlines**: The national flag carrier of Malaysia, offering both domestic and international flights to various destinations around the world. Malaysia Airlines provides full-service amenities and operates out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

2. **AirAsia**: One of the largest low-cost carriers in Asia, AirAsia operates domestic and international flights from its main hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2). It offers affordable fares and has a wide network of destinations across Asia and beyond.

3. **Malindo Air**: A full-service airline based in Malaysia, Malindo Air operates both domestic and international flights. It offers a combination of low fares and premium services, including in-flight entertainment and meals.

4. **Firefly**: A subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly focuses on domestic and regional flights within Malaysia and to nearby destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. It operates out of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Kuala Lumpur.

5. **Scoot**: While not based in Malaysia, Scoot, a low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, operates flights to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, offering budget-friendly options for travelers to various destinations.

These are some of the key airlines operating in Malaysia, providing a range of options for domestic and international travel.