Malaysia, Truly Asia. That tagline has been one of the most recognized tourism slogans in recent years, and it also embodies what Malaysia is all about. The colorful sights, sounds, and cultural appeal of this country have made it into one of the top Southeast Asian destinations for tourists who want to experience the best of what Asia has to offer. Not only is Malaysia a melting pot of different cultures, but this country is also a wonderful marriage of the old and the new – as seen in the modern infrastructures and facilities of the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, amidst the timeless traditions, festivals, and structures that dot the rest of the country.
Petronas Towers
The big pink mosque in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
A trip to Malaysia will be made even more fruitful with the right information gathered beforehand, so that you can prepare yourself on what to expect even before you get to this Southeast Asian country. Arming yourself with the necessary information will also ensure that you will get to enjoy your Malaysian adventure to the fullest while confident in the fact that you are as prepared as you can be for the multitude of new experiences you will surely have.
Peninsular and East Malaysia
Malaysia can be seen as having two parts – Peninsular Malaysia, and East Malaysia. Peninsular (or West) Malaysia has coastlines on both the Straits of Melacca, and the South China Sea, and is connected by a bridge and a causeway to Singapore; this part of Malaysia shares a border with Thailand, and where the capital city of Kuala Lumpur is located. East Malaysia shares borders with Indonesia and Brunei, and is located in the northern half of the island of Borneo.
Religion, Culture, and the People
Malaysia is a predominantly Islamic nation, with about 60% of the population being Muslim; however, Hinduism and Buddhism also make up for a significant percentage of the population’s religion. Taoism and Confucianism make up for most of the Chinese Malays’ religious beliefs, while the tribes in East Malaysia and other remote areas still follow traditional animist beliefs. The variety of religion and cultural influences are also evident in the number of festivals and events in Malaysia, ranging from the religious and solemn, to the more colorful and exuberant festivities that dot the calendar year.
Colorful Islamic Malay Women
Social norms in Malaysia are heavily influenced by culture and religion, so you can expect to see different cultural nuances among Muslim Malays, Chinese Malays, and Indian Hindus. The religious beliefs also dictate the attire of the people, and tourists are expected to follow and respect these beliefs by dressing in appropriate clothes as well. In general, you can go around the country (except in places of worship) wearing casual clothes, but it is best to avoid clothes that are too skimpy, too short, or are too revealing.
Malaysians are very warm and gracious people; the differences coming from a variety of cultural beliefs are evident in the way the people dress, speak, and eat. Malays make up more than half of the population in Malaysia, while about 27% are Chinese, 9% are Indians, while around 13.5% are made up of other cultures such as Melaka’s Portuguese clan, and another 12% are made up of indigenous tribes.
Weather
Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate which is characterized with high humidity and high temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures during the daytime can rise above 86°F (30°C), which can drop to 68°F (20°C) at nighttime. With these temperatures in mind, it is best to bring (and use) loose-fitting clothes made of lightweight materials to enjoy going around the country even more, so you can avoid the discomfort of having to deal with the humidity and heat with clothes that are too thick/too bulky.
The weather should also be taken into consideration when planning on visiting different parts of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur experiences the wet season during the months of March to April, and then again on September to November – the time in between these periods are the best if you want to explore this bustling city without getting soaked wet throughout your trip. If you want to enjoy going around Malaysia while avoiding the wet season, the best times of the year for each part are: the months of June and July for East Malaysia; April in Sabah; and January to February for Peninsular (West) Malaysia.
Getting There and Going Around
Air Asia – Malaysias first budget airline at KLIA airport
There are a number of ways to get into Malaysia, depending on where you are coming from. Traveling by sea to Malaysia is possible from Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. Going to Malaysia by land, via buses, taxis, or private transportation, can also be done from Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand. Travel by air is the most convenient way if you are coming from other points in Asia, Australia, Europe, the USA, and the rest of the world via direct or connecting flights through the numerous airlines servicing Malaysia.
Detailed information on visa requirements can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia website.
Transportation options as you go around Malaysia will depend mostly on where your next destination will be. Boats and ferry services are available between the Malaysian Peninsula and the offshore islands. Malaysia’s bus system offers efficient services to various points in the Malaysian Peninsula, and provides an affordable option of getting from one tourist destination to another in a comfortable manner. You can also take the train to your next destination; some of these trains provide air-conditioning, and some even have overnight sleepers.
Traveling around Malaysia can be as affordable as you want it to be, although the cost incurred will still depend on your preferences (destination, accommodations, shopping, etc.). The currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), with the current exchange rate roughly $1 USD = 3 MYR.
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Exploring Malaysia
One of the most visited places in Malaysia is its bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, which is home to the world-famous Petronas Towers, with retail therapy at its finest waiting just a few steps away at the Suria KLCC shopping mall. Cultural exploration can also start as you go around the Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Little India, the Independence Square, the National Mosque, and the Islamic Arts Museum.
Dataran Merdeka (The Independence Square)
The heat of the metropolis can be overwhelming, and one of the best ways to escape this heat is to go somewhere cooler (in terms of the temperature, that is!). Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, and Genting Highlands all have cooler climates due to their elevated locations – and these places offer idyllic sceneries that can be explored without the intense tropical heat.
Teahouse in the Cameron Highlands
The different textures, flavors, and nuances of Malaysian cuisine is said to be best explored and savored with a trip to Penang – regarded as the food capital of Malaysia; Chinese, Indian, Malay, and European influences are evident in how the different cooking methods and ingredients have evolved into food that tickles even the most discerning of palates. Exploring Penang’s capital, George Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country’s oldest city/town) will take you back in time with churches, mosques, temples, and other colonial buildings dating back to the 18th and the 19th centuries. The white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts of Batu Ferringhi should not be missed when planning a trip to Penang.
Penang State Museum
The archipelago of Langkawi, which is composed of 99 tropical islands, is a duty-free destination where you can enjoy the sun on pristine beaches. Resorts that fit a wide range of budgets and preferences dot the island, where you can also engage in water sports such as jet skiing, yachting, kayaking, scuba diving, and a host of other activities. Going on mangrove tours, eagle feeding tours, jungle trekking in the rainforest, and limestone cruises are some other activities you can enjoy in Langkawi.
From the top of Langkawi
Trekking in the rainforest
Other must-visit places for those who love the water are Pulau Pangkor (Pangkor Island) with its quaint fishing villages and sandy white beaches, Pulau Redang (part of a protected marine park) with its amazing snorkeling and diving activities. If you prefer your adventures to be on land, the Endau Rompin National Park in Johor and the Kinabalu National Park (Mount Kinabalu) are destinations that will surely have your adrenaline pumping with the wondrous beauty of nature.
Mount Kinabalu Summit (4095m)
Smiley Islands Off Kota Kinabalu
Knowing the facts before your travel to Malaysia will definitely whet your appetite for the adventure that awaits you in this country. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly quoting the country’s slogan, “Malaysia, Truly Asia” in affirmation all throughout your trip. The reason why that slogan became famous is hidden in every Malaysian tourist destination, with the people, mixed in the flavorful food, built in the modern and colonial architecture – and it is now up to you to discover each hidden gem of a reason, why Malaysia continues to be one of the top Southeast Asian tourist destinations.
Photos by rmlowe, lunaticg, Vin Crosbie, Stephane Enten, Auswandern, watchsmart, phalinn, HooLengSiong, Will Ellis, AndyLawson, Tukang Kebun and thienzieyung
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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