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Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Malaysia
If you have marked Malaysia as your next travel destination and are planning head there soon, you should be fully prepared. Before packing your bags and hopping on the flight to Malaysia, learn a little about this tropical land. Here are some things you should know before visiting Malaysia.
What to Pack for a Malaysia Trip
First, let's understand Malaysia's climatic conditions. Malaysia is situated near the equator so it’s going to be hot and humid there for most of the year. Pack loads of loose clothing in light colours and choose materials that will be comfy to wear even in high humidity (cotton, linen etc). Do not forget sunscreen as you will not want to get sunburnt, as well as other protective gear like sunglasses and caps. If you are planning on swimming in beaches or pools, swimwear is a must! A point to remember, the country is rather conservative so be wary of clothes that are too revealing. Also, it is advised to carry a scarf or a cardigan to cover up when needed.
Transportation in Malaysia
The country has a great public transport system that offers a whole host of transportation options like buses, ferries, and trains plus of course private taxis. Particularly in large cities, you will have no trouble going from one place to another. However do note that taxis in the country run unmetered, so ensure you have agreed upon a fare before you hop on. Ask your hotel concierge for help on the correct fare. If you are adventuresome, try the trishaws which are a local form of transport. Brightly coloured and cheap, they are a cool way to explore the city.
Local Festivals and Events
A great way to experience Malay culture is experiencing some of their festivals. While planning your travel dates try to choose a time when a local festival falls eg. Chinese New Year, Vesak Day or Deepawali. Another tip is to look for hotels and hostels that frequently offer events that help you understand Malay history and traditions better - whether that is a walking tour or a cultural fest.
Be Adventurous in Trying Hawker Stalls
Hawker stalls are a very important part of the Malaysian culture and its cuisine. Eat like a local to enjoy the range of Malay's culinary style - Chinese, India, Malay and indigenous. To taste the flavours of Malaysia, you have to make your way through the thick crowds to dive in. All the dishes available on hawker stalls are highly affordable. You can order one dish for around RM7-10 which is around US$ 1-2 or Rs. 70-100. You can even order big dishes and share with your group of friends which will cost you even lesser. These stalls are clean and follow proper hygiene requirements so you can enjoy delicious food without any worry of getting sick.
Learn Local Language
The official language of Malaysia is Malay which is written in Roman script, but English is also spoken in tourist centres. However, hawkers, taxi drivers or local shop owners may not be fluent in English. Learn important phrases in Malay like ‘hello’, ‘thank you’ - this will only help your visit go smoother.
The Best Places to See in Malaysia
Are you ready to visit exotic land of Malaysia this holiday season with your group of friends or family? Then, you have to first make the list of all the tourist destinations. That’s because Malaysia is a majestic land where numerous eye pleasing sights are waiting up for you. If you don’t want to miss mesmerising sights of Malaysia, include following ten destinations of Malaysia on any cost in your list.
Kuala Lumpur
Your first stop in Malaysia needs to be the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, a diverse city that reflects a rich fusion of Tamil, Chinese and Malay cultures. For tourists, Kuala Lumpur is a wonderful mix of traditional and modern tourist attractions.
- One of the most magical sights is the towering Petronas Towers that cannot be missed from anywhere in the city. A perfect example of postmodern style architecture, the towers and the sky bridge are a must-visit. Walk across the sky bridge which is free and feast your eyes on the views.
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temple in the city, built in the nineteenth century.
- You can view some rare species of birds in Kuala Lumpur National Birds Park, which is home to over 3000 birds.
- For some fun family time, you can checkout Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. This theme park complex has something for every member of your family like theme park rides, interactive games, wave and surf pools, and even a zoo.
Penang
If you are planning to visit gorgeous island Penang on your Malaysia trip, then you are bound to create some magical memories on your trip. Such as;
- You a discover soul in the famous St. Anne’s Church Bukit Mertajam which is one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Malaysia, built-in 1888.
- If you are seeking adventure in your trip, then you can enjoy the lush greenery of Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam, where you can hike its forested trails.
- In the evening, you can witness the phenomenal sunset view from the Mengkuang Dam which is the second dam constructed in Penang.
- A hidden gem in Penang is Guar Petai an abandoned quarry with amazing views, that now is a popular destination for all photography junkies.
The Perhentian Islands
Though lesser known than Langkawi, this Perhentian Islands is no less gorgeous as a beach destination. You can enjoy water sports or sunbathe or go exploring its alluring sights.
- This island offers great underwater adventours. You can do snorkeling and gaze upon turtles, sharks and beautiful fishes.
- If you are thrill seeker, then these tropical islands offers exciting jungle treks where you have a chance to see exotic wildlife.
- To relax and enjoy the soothing beauty of tranquil beaches head to the Perhentian Kecil Coral Bay and Adam and Eve Beach.
- If you area wildlife enthusiast, then visit Terengganu Marine Park to see rare wild creatures,. The park comprises Redang Island and you can see creatures like Pulau Perhentian Besar and Kecil, Lima, Ekor Tebu and Pinang, and Pulau Tenggol.
Melaka
Designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site, Melaka or Malacca is a quaint historic town in Malaysia with its unique charm. Along with numerous historical sites, it also offers a charming blend of cultures and traditions. check out here the following attractions. ;
- This city has the oldest Dutch buildings on the East coast. You can visit Stadthuys, a former Town Hall and governor’s residence dates way back in 1650.
- If you are looking to enjoy local colour, then visit Jonker Walk Night Market, vibrant night market filled with food hawkers and fortune-tellers.
- For fancy tapas courtyard style bar and to enjoy the cooking of Spanish chef, you can dine at Salud Tapas.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a beautiful capital city of Sabah. It is a charming region of East Malaysia which is different from the cities like Kuala Lumpur. People visit this region to see the rural side of Malaysia, like
- One of the most gorgeous landmarks of Kota Kinabalu is the Atkinson Clock Tower since 1902.
- You can enjoy the evening boat ride in the Klias River suited just one hour away from Kota Kinabalu.
- You can dive into the enchanted beauty of the most famous Mount Kinabalu which is a sacred mountain for the locals.
- And, don’t forget to shop from the famous Kota Kinabalu Handicrafts Market.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Located on the island of Borneo, Mulu is a very popular tourist destination of Sarawak and that’s because it is gifted with abundant natural beauty. It is a breathtakingly beautiful park in Malaysia with numerous mesmerizing sights. This national park is where you will find a complex network of caves, one of the biggest in the world. Sarawak Chamber is the world's biggest underground cave which is said to be large enough to fit in 40 Boeing 747 planes! Also to be seen here is the Deer Cave, which is among the largest cave passages of the world and also Clears Water Cave the longest cave in all of Southeast Asia where you can see the stupendous sight of bats flying out in the evening. The Canopy Skywalk is a wonderful place to experience many of the park's gorgeous sights. Reaching these amazing natural wonders will require you to trek through jungle paths. It is recommended that you hire a guide who will help take care of all essentials including transportation, food and accommodation. Alternatively, take a guided tour which will enable you to cover the sights in a convenient manner.
Langkawi
If you want to see natural landscapes, expansive parks and heritage sites, then you have to visit Langkawi. This Malaysian beach destination offers you;
- Langkawi Sky Bridge is a piece of iconic architecture that gives a view of the verdant Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaga Tujuh waterfalls, and several islets surrounding Langkawi.
- Another of its iconic spots is Eagle Square which has the majestic sculpture of an eagle perched overlooking a waterfront plaza.
- If you are an art lover, then do visit Galeria Perdana which an interesting museum founded by the former prime minister of Malaysia.
- To enjoy the view of this beautiful region, you can take a ride on Langkawi Cable Car which will take you to the top of Mat Cincang Mountain.
Ipoh, Perak
A city loaded with heritage and cultural values, Ipoh is around two hours' drive away from the main land of Kuala Lumpur. This city is famous for exciting sights, delicious food items and natural wonders. So, if you are in Ipoh, then you should do following things;
- It is a paradise for foodies, here you can enjoy some authentic Malaysian dishes like soybeans pudding with dark sugar gravy.
- Visit the incredible cave temples like Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong These temples look like a normal one but inside the statues and icons are surrounded by the stalagmites and stalactites!
- Go on a day trip to the Cameron Highlands. this hill station offers a cooler climate where you go trekking and on plantation tours.
Legoland, Johor
If you are planning a special trip in Malaysia with your young ones, then in your trip do include Legoland, Johor for sure. This sight is famous for its intricate architecture and has numerous rides for your kids. Such as;
- With over 2,000 figurines of Star Wars characters and scenes from the movies, this place is heaven for all you Star Wars fans.
- The Forestmen’s Hideout is a perfect place for children and toddlers.
- One of the most popular attraction among kids is the Shipyard.
Sipadan, Sabah
The Sipadan Islands in Borneo are breathtakingly beautiful. If you are interested in diving and water sports, then this place has plenty of treats for you. It is a perfect place for scuba diving, as it’s ranked among one of the top 5 in the world. While scuba diving here, you can come face to face with different species of fishes ( there are said to be over 3000 species in the seas here!) and take in exotic underwater views. If scuba diving isn't your thing, then you can try snorkelling or bird watching too. Do note that you can no longer stay on this island so you will have book one of the resorts in nearby islands likes Mabul and Kapalai, and then plan a day trip.
Best Time to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia is a typical tropical country but the best time to visit this diverse country depends on the places you want to see (the west coast or its east coast) and the activities you want to do. The monsoon season falls between November to mid-February and it is advised not to visit Malaysia during this time. The ideal time to take a trip to Malaysia is between April to October. During this period, you can enjoy your holidays without much interruption from rains. These months are also relatively less humid.
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Watch Your Belongings
Well, this advice is applicable to any country you travel to, watch your belongings. Make sure credit cards and passport are packed away securely in your bag and keep an eye on your bag in busy places such as public transport or shopping malls/streets. The last thing you want is your holiday to be ruined because of a pickpocketer! There are specific brands like Pacsafe that are designed for protecting your valuables while travelling; though slightly expensive, they are worth investing in.