Malaysia

A full holiday itinerary awaits in Malaysia 

Malaysia has something to offer travellers of every preference. Whether you need to escape a busy work schedule to take a breather or if you are an avid traveller who wants to experience just about everything the country has to offer. This South East Asian jewel should be on everybody’s travel wish list. Discover the rich cultural heritage, lie on white sandy beaches and recharge your batteries or put on your hiking boots and venture up a mountain. If you are not interested in exerting yourself, stroll along a trail at snail’s pace. If you have always wanted to try scuba diving, take a diving coarse then head into crystal clear waters to take in some of the best dive sites around.

The choice is yours, pick your activities and pack some sunscreen. Malaysia will be everything you hoped for and more…

Things to do in Malaysia

• Kilim Karst Geoforest Park: This park is situated North-east of Langkawi island and consists of limestone formations, mangrove forest and breath-taking landscapes. The scenery here is picture perfect. Take a cruise and even feed some monkeys. There are a few beautiful beaches within the park as well. This impressive park is filed with caves divers will be enthralled by exquisite marine. Get around the island by boat or on foot. If you wish, take a kayak tour and manoeuvre your way through areas where large-size boats cannot travel. While you’re here, check out the Cave of Legends which has ancient writing on its walls. Anyone fascinated with nature needs to visit Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.
• Petronas Twin Towers: Soaring high up in the sky, looking down upon Kuala Lumpur are a pair of magnificent towers. At a height of 463 metres the towers were once the world’s tallest buildings. These mammoth tall towers almost look like rocket ships and a tour is a must-do while you are in Kuala Lumpur. The towers are connected with a glass walkway with a viewing deck way up on the 41^st A spectacular view over the city awaits you. A visit to the towers is ideal both at night and during the day. Don’t miss this marvel of engineering genius when you are in Malaysia.
• Mount Kinabalu: Located in eastern Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in South East Asia. Hiking experts or beginners will become an adventure enthusiast overnight after hiking this mountain. The hike is not strenuous and many people choose to do a climb before dawn. By the time you reach the top, you are rewarded with a sunrise no camera can do justice. You need a permit to climb the mountain and a guide is compulsory. Mount Kinabalu is situated in the Kinabalu National Park. Those who don’t enjoy mountain climbing have the option of various walking trails through rainforest at the foot of the mountain.
• Pinang Peranakan Mansion: This inspiring mansion dates back to the Peranakans, a community of Chinese people who have influenced the lifestyle and cuisine of Malaysia. The mansion offers visitors a glimpse of the lavish life and traditions of the Peranakans. Within the mansion are over 1,000 antiques. History buffs will adore this two-story museum which houses a jewellery room and collections of glass and silver. Allocate at least 2 hours to fully enjoy this gem of Malaysia.
• Palau Perhentian: Head to the tropical paradise of two islands off the northeast coast. The islands are called Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Basar. This is your time to bath in sunshine. The laid-back atmosphere will help you relax. No roads, means no traffic, make your way around on an island ferry or on foot. Here you will experienced pure hiking bliss on an array of trails and for scuba divers there is the fantastic marine life to explore. Most resorts have reefs right in front of them, so there’s no hassle. Don’t miss an opportunity to scuba dive here! If you are not a qualified diver, there are various dive schools in the area where you can learn to dive. If you feel like something different, visit secluded beaches with a kayak. Both islands have ample accommodation.
• Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum: Situated in Melaka, the museum gives visitors insight in to Baba and Nyonya culture. A tour of this museum is highly recommended. Look through photographs, furniture, costumes and jewellery that will leave you fascinated.
• Kek Lok Si Temple: Put this item on your Malaysia ‘bucket list’ for sure! Built in 1890, this is a well-recognised Buddhist temple throughout Malaysia. Set your sites on beautiful carvings, sculptures and murals when you tour the temple. Make your way through pagodas, temple halls and archways. Kek Lok Si Temple serves as a centre for Chinese Buddhist teachings and is also known as one of the finest temple complexes in South East Asia. The scenic views of the temple surroundings are just as great.
• Snake Temple: For a different kind of temple experience visit this unique temple, which is probably the only temple of its kind in the world. The temple is dedicated to a Buddhist monk and is well-known for its rare poisonous snakes which live inside it. Legend has it that the snakes mysteriously appeared in the temple. The monk saw this as a good omen and decided to give the snakes shelter.
• Batu Caves: For those adventurers who long to go on a cave exploration, you have to do a day trip to Batu Caves. Discovered in 1892, this area consists of 3 main caves and various other smaller caves. When you arrive at the caves, the first thing you will notice is plenty of monkeys. Visitors are allowed to purchase peanuts and bananas from a nearby shop to feed them. The caves are a sacred place for Hindus in Malaysia and are made from limestone. The caves feature Hindu temples and shrines. Climb over 270 steps to get a view of the city skyline. In the Ramayana cave you will see paintings of gods.
• Bako National Park: At this national park, you will get a chance to see rainforest animals, walk trails and frequent various beaches. Enjoy the scenic views, check out waterfalls and gaze at magnificent rock formations. Bako National Park is the oldest national park in Sarawak and stretches 2,727 hectares. You can choose to do a leisurely stroll or do a full day trek through the jungle. A great attraction of the park is its plant life and vegetation. Anything from mangroves, forest and grasslands can be found here. If you’re keen on wildlife, spot a bearded pig, monkeys and lizards.