8 Reasons to Add Malaysia to Your Bucket List
Experience the holiday of a lifetime in majestic Malaysia, where all the colours, flavours, sounds and sights of Asia come together. Only in Malaysia can you explore dynamic cityscapes, get up close with exotic wildlife, laze on postcard-worthy beaches, sample tantalising cuisines and trek through lush emerald landscapes.
Whether your kind of holiday involves relaxing at a luxury resort or discovering a destination in-depth, Malaysia delivers. Here are eight reasons why you need to add Malaysia to your bucket list.
Exciting cities
If your kind of holiday involves getting lost in the bustling streets of a modern city, you’ll find plenty of places to love in Malaysia. Take, for instance, the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur, which boasts towering skyscrapers, lively markets, colourful temples and a thriving foodie scene. This is where you’ll find some of Malaysia’s most iconic landmarks, like the Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin structures. Meanwhile, culture vultures can’t miss the chance to visit Malacca City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca is known for its heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures.
Extraordinary wildlife
Malaysia is a haven for animal lovers. Approximately two-thirds of this country is covered by tropical rainforest and mangroves, some believed to be 130 million years old, so it’s no surprise that wildlife thrives here. One of just 17 megadiverse countries, Malaysia is home to an estimated 20% of the world’s animal species. Some of these include Malayan tigers, Bornean orangutans, Bornean elephants, sun bears and sea turtles. For the best wildlife encounters, base your Malaysian holiday on the island of Borneo. Here, you can visit renowned conservation sites, such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Turtle Islands National Park.
Tropical beaches
Southeast Asia is known for its sublime beaches, tropical islands and exotic marine life, and Malaysia is no exception. In fact, Malaysia has over 800 islands, so there are plenty of beach holiday spots to choose from. Langkawi is perhaps Malaysia’s most idyllic island destination, offering a sun-soaked holiday filled with beach bumming, thrilling water sports and duty-free shopping. Meanwhile, a trip to Penang Island offers a fusion of beach and city, with the capital of George Town being famous for its colourful temples and street art. Another great beach holiday destination is Sabah, which offers easy access to Borneo’s world-class diving sites.
Cultural melting pot
Malaysia is a dazzlingly diverse country, boasting a vibrant fusion of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Hokkien and indigenous cultures. This cultural diversity has influenced every aspect of life in Malaysia, including its religions, languages, festivals, food and traditions. Immerse in Malaysian heritage by visiting key cultural sites such as the Batu Caves Temple, the Federal Territory Mosque, the Kek Lok Si Temple, the Thean Hou Temple and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Diverse flavours
Just like its people, Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of flavours. With culinary influences from as far away as China, India and Europe, Malaysian food is packed with ingredients such as exotic spices, chilli, ginger, lemongrass, lime, coconut milk and peanut. Some must-try dishes include nasi lemak (rice steamed in coconut milk), mee goreng mamak (stir-fried noodles), laksa (hot and sour seafood soup) and roti canai (fried flat bread with curry sauce). Many of these dishes are best served at a street food stall or a hawker centre (a food court-style space where various vendors serve local dishes).
Shopping paradise
Malaysia is a shopaholics dream, with both shopping malls and street stalls selling everything you can imagine and more, often at a fraction of the cost back home. One of the best shopping spots in Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang district, home to modern malls such as Pavillion, an upscale complex with over 700 retail outlets and restaurants. For a more local shopping experience, head to the Central Market, where you can shop for traditional goods and locally-made handicrafts. This is the perfect spot to pick up a Malaysian souvenir, such as Batik fabric and Borneo pearls.
Lush landscapes
Nature lovers will love Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, rivers, islands, waterfalls, caves, mountains and coastal plains. Escape the bustle of the cities and head to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s most popular mountain retreat. Here, you can visit tea plantations, strawberry and butterfly farms, and trek lush hiking trails across the emerald green landscape. Better yet, thanks to its higher elevation levels, temperatures in the Cameron Highlands rarely top 30°C, making it a welcome escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands.
Value for money
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that won’t break the bank, Malaysia is an excellent choice. Malaysia offers fantastic value for money, with the cost of food, accommodation and transportation being much cheaper than back home. Expect to pay around $5 for a bottle of beer, $4 for a cup of coffee and $10 for a meal in a mid-range restaurant. Get even more bang for your buck by booking your Malaysia getaway with My Holiday. Our escapes include stays at Malaysia’s best resorts and are perfectly packaged with return flights, epic experiences and more. Or delve deeper into Malaysia’s off-the-beaten path treasures on a touring holiday, complete with an expert tour leader, handpicked hotel stays and unique sightseeing.
Explore Malaysia with My Holiday
Ready to explore Malaysia your way? To learn more about this majestic destination, talk to our Holiday Experts or start exploring our Malaysia escapes and tours.
Tags: Destinations, Experiences, Holiday
Categories : Travel
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