Travel Destinations: Malaysia

Malaysia is a country that is not only diverse in culture, it also offers a diversity of holiday genre. I first visited Malaysia as a child and have since been a frequent visitor to the country for work and holidays.

Malaysia is a country consisting of 13 states and 3 federal territories. The country is separated into two regions, West Malaysia which is the main Malaysia Pennisula and East Malaysia which is connected to Brunei and Indonesia. Malaysia is governed by an elected government and the head of state is represented by a Yang di Pertuan Agong or the King of Malaysia. The head of state is elected to a five year term from amongst the nine kings (Sultan) of the Malay states.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and it is also home to another twin tower called the Petronas Twin Tower. Most of us will remember the twin tower as a location shoot for the film "Entrapment", where Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones manoeuvre dangerously across the bridge. Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant and modern city which offers exciting night life and fantastic foods.

Malaysia has lots to offer as a holiday destination. There are places that will satisfy different travel delights. They are:

Beach

The east and west coast of Malaysia is lined with miles of white soft sand. The clear and blue water is also a great spot for snorkeling and surfing. The islands near the mainland are perfect destinations for a relaxing holiday. The sea also offers an excellent dive for diving enthusiast as the coral reefs are unspoilt and beautiful. You can also observe at a distance turtles coming ashore to lay eggs on the beach at the east coast of Malaysia.

National Parks

For the nature lovers and people who want to rough it out, there are manyNational Parks that will offer such experience. Activities in these Parks ranges from walking through tropical jungle, staying in canopy tree house, visiting fruit tree plantations and mountain climbing. One popular climb is Mt Kinabalu located in Kinabalu National Park in the East Malaysia state of Sabah. It is also known to be the most accessible mountain in the world as not specialized mountain climbing skills is needed though a reasonably good fitness level is required.

Fish farm (Kelong)

Kelong are wooden fish farm built on stilts in the middle of the sea. This Kelong are built by fisherman primarily for fishing purposes. Some of these Kelong now offer fishing holiday. Kelong holiday usually offer all inclusive stay and fishing expedition. Kelong stays are more popular with the locals but it will be an interesting holiday choice for people who want to rough it out as the facilities in these farms are very basic.

The climate in Malaysia is tropical hence the temperature is warm and humid throughout the year. However, it is still possible to escape into cool surrounding (not air condition). The hills in Malaysia such as Cameron Highland, Fraser Hill and Genting Highland provide an escape from the warm and humid climate. There are many established hotels in these hills, some of which still retains strong colonial influence such as Tudor framed house and afternoon English tea.

It is easy to get around in Malaysia. The main motorway links from Singapore to Thailand. Visitors in Malaysia can either hire a car or travel interstate by coach or by air. The interstate coach is a comfortable and inexpensive way of travelling and it also provide an almost similar service of an airline, that is, food, drink and a film is included in the fare.