Situated between the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, which was once the key route of the fabled spice trade and now one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, Malaysia has historically lured settlers from China, India, the Middle East as well as European colonial powers such as the British, the Dutch, and the Portuguese.
Consequently, Malaysian society has been enriched with many different traditions and cultures, which are evident in the country’s art, architecture, and cuisine. And when the appeal of lush tropical rainforests, rolling highlands, and endless beaches are added to the mix, the result is a destination that offers a myriad of possibilities.
Travel Tips:
1. Flights from Vancouver to Malaysia are available via connections through Los Angeles, Hong Kong, or Taipei. Since Kuala Lumpur International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Asia, planning a route and searching for available flights is not difficult at all.
Malaysians enjoy warm tropical temperatures throughout the year. The months with typically lower rainfall are June, July, and August.
2. The main unit of currency is the Ringgit (RM or MYR), which is divided into 100 “sen” or cents. One Canadian dollar is equivalent to about 2.86 Ringgits as of December 2008.
3. Travellers to Malaysia are advised to avoid tap water and drink only bottled water and/or carbonated drinks. It is recommended to visit your local travel clinic for the latest information on vaccines and medication.
Malaysia is geographically located close to the equator in Southeast Asia and is divided by the South China Sea into two main regions, “Peninsular Malaysia,” where most of the population and primary business centres are located, and the less developed “Malaysian Borneo” towards the east.There is no better place to begin experiencing Malaysia’s lifestyle and diversity than in its cosmopolitan capital, Kuala Lumpur.
With a population of approximately seven million, the city of Kuala Lumpur has undergone rapid development and modernization over the last twenty years. Urban skyscrapers and post-modern architecture dominate the city’s skyline. Completion of the 452-metre tall Petronas Twin Towers in 1998 heralded Kuala Lumpur’s arrival on the global stage.
Known as the world’s tallest buildings before being recently surpassed by Taipei 101 in Taiwan, the Petronas Towers are a popular tourist attraction. Elements of Islamic architecture can be found in the design of the glass and steel exterior; thus, giving the buildings a distinct look. The towers are also connected by the highest sky bridge in the world, which provides breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur. Admission for tourists is free, but only a limited number of tickets are given out each day at the visitor centre located in the concourse level.
At the base of the Petronas Towers lies one of Malaysia’s trendiest shopping centres, Suria KLCC. With six levels that feature top retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment centres, the mall is a favorite haunt for hip locals. The area around Suria KLCC and the Petronas Towers form a part of Kuala Lumpur’s “Golden Triangle,” which is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. The popular neighbourhood of Bukit Bintang, also located in the Golden Triangle, is worth a visit simply because it appears to be the place where Malaysians from all walks of life go to relax, hang out, and take in the nightlife. After an active day of sightseeing and shopping, stroll along Bintang Walk and unwind at a sidewalk café as live jazz plays in the background.
For a taste of Kuala Lumpur’s ethnic influences, be sure to explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little India and Chinatown. Lined with shops offering everything from clothing and textiles to household products and street snacks, Little India is a riot of colour, sounds, and aromas. Although most products are relatively inexpensive to begin with, do not forget to try out your bargaining skills. The neighbourhood is also well known for its large number of Indian restaurants where you can sample one of Malaysia’s most popular Indian-influenced dishes, “roti canai” served on a banana leaf plate.
Commonly known as “Petaling Street,” Kuala Lumpur’s lively Chinatown has long been a magnet for bargain hunters and Asian food lovers. It is highly recommended to pay a visit during the evenings as the street transforms into a bustling night market, as vendors set up stalls filled with various merchandise including designer knock-offs, leather goods, toys, and even pirated DVDs and cds. Many of the delicacies offered by the numerous food carts or “hawkers” may tempt those with adventurous stomachs. Not far from Chinatown is the Central Market, an arts and crafts market famous for hand-made souvenirs such as batik cloth. Considered an artistic and cultural hub, the market regularly hosts live performances and art displays.
After the “big city” experiences of Kuala Lumpur, travel to the central state of Pehang, known for its unspoilt beaches, vast rainforests, and serene hill stations. The city of Kuantan is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is the gateway to a series of beautiful beaches and resorts. Cherating Beach attracts surfers from all over the world, while idyllic Chendor beach offers more seclusion and happens to be a sea turtle sanctuary.
Pehang is also, where one can find Taman Negara Park, claimed to be the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and a haven for ecotourists.
The park is the home of several rare and extremely vulnerable species such as the Indochinese Tiger, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, and the Sun Bear. Jungle trekking is a popular activity and many trails are well marked. Guided tours are available and are recommended for first time visitors.
A 45-metre high forest canopy walkway is the highlight of the Taman Negara experience. It is one of the longest canopy walks in the world and once you get over the initial jitters of being eleven stories above ground on a shaky and very narrow walkway that appears to be held together by only rope, you will be captivated by the world of flora and fauna that occupy the treetops of the rainforest. It is important to note that visitors need to obtain permits for entering the park from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and camera licenses are required to take pictures.
Further west of Taman Negara Park is the Cameron Highlands hill station, which, at 1500 metres above sea level, benefits from a cool and comfortable climate year round. The lovely tea plantations that occupy the rolling hillsides symbolize the highlands as the centre of Malaysia’s tea production industry. Visit the Boh Tea Centre for a fascinating glimpse into the tea making process. There is also a café where you may enjoy a cup of tea with a choice of pastries and take in the views of the immense plantation. Do not forget to pick up a few boxes of exotic tea blends from the gift shop before leaving.
Malaysia has plenty to offer to history buffs who will be interested in the colonial-era cities of George Town and Malacca Town, which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. George Town, the state capital of Penang, has many fine examples of colonial architecture. The fact that the city has been under the control of various foreign powers over the centuries has resulted in a unique and eclectic mix of Asian and European heritage buildings.
Malacca Town, like George Town, has a rich historical past that is reflected in the city’s architecture, ethnic groups, and cuisine. A Sumatran prince in the 1400’s who established lucrative trading routes with India and China founded the state of Malacca. The Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, each leaving their mark on the state’s heritage, later conquered the Malaccan sultanate in succession. Immerse yourself in old-world charm by exploring the streets of Malacca Town on a bicycle rickshaw or “beca.”
Stop off at Jonkers Street, where antique collectors swear they can unearth 300-year old relics at unbelievably low prices. Also, be sure to sample some of the ethnic cuisine of Malacca, as it is believed to be one of the best places to find authentic “Baba-Nonya” food. Baba-Nonya, also known as “Straits Chinese” is a unique culture that evolved as the descendents of very early Chinese immigrants adapted and integrated Malay customs and traditions.
In addition to being a melting pot of various cultures and the home of thriving cities, unspoilt beaches, and ancient rainforests, Malaysia can boast about having some of the most stunning tropical islands in the world. Tioman Island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Surrounded by coral reefs, it is renowned among scuba divers.
Not far from Tioman lies the Redang Archipelago, which is a group of nine islands that have been designated as a protected marine reserve. Many luxury resorts line the pristine white beaches and the topaz blue waters of the archipelago’s largest island, Pulau Redang. Visitors can choose from a variety of water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, and banana boat rides.
The water surrounding the Marine Park Centre is a favorite spot for snorkelers as the resident fish have become so accustomed to humans that they swim right up to your fingers expecting to be fed. As the sun sets over the South China Sea, take a relaxing cruise and admire the brilliant hues cast upon the horizon. Take a glance southeast towards Malaysian Borneo where the exotically remote states of Sabah and Sarawak lie in wait and smile as you realize that your adventure is not quite over yet.
