From the ever-expanding metropolis of Kuala Lumpur to rural villages and tea plantations, out-of-this-world beaches and tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, you can experience the best of all worlds here. The variety of Southeast Asia is evident for all to see in the diverse nation of Malaysia, which acts a crossroads between the East and the West.
<strong>Holiday highlights</strong>
Malaysia presents an intriguing mix of the new and the old and it is a nation that boasts a unique and diverse culture. Malays, Chinese, Indian, Europeans and indigenous groups live in harmony throughout the Malay Peninsula and on the many islands of the Malay Archipelago. A relaxed and welcoming ambience permeates its way into vibrant cities, verdant highlands, wild forested landscapes and along flawless talcum-white beaches.
The magical states of Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysian Borneo are an adventurer’s paradise, a naturalist’s heaven and a beach lover’s dream all wrapped up in package of a glorious lush green landscape bounded by an underwater world to rivals the earth’s finest. Those with an adventurous spirit can climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu on an intrepid expedition, stare into the big soulful eyes of an endangered orangutan, snorkel in search of hawksbill and green turtles or dive amongst spellbinding marine life including hammerhead sharks. If that sounds a little too strenuous then there is little else to do but unwind on unspoilt beaches or by your resort’s refreshing pool or indulge in a spa treatment or two. . . sheer bliss.
Once just a small Chinese tin mining town, Kuala Lumpur has grown to become a major 21st Century Asian city and a popular destination for stopovers when travelling to and from Malaysia’s exotic beach destinations. A city dominated by iconic skyscrapers and exquisite shopping malls that sit happily alongside Moorish buildings, colonial architecture and more traditional street markets, Kuala Lumpur is a city emerging gracefully into the modern world while holding true to its long held traditions.
The strikingly beautiful archipelago of Langkawi is made up of 99 islands situated off the west coast of mainland Malaysia and is blessed with sleepy fishing villages, pure white sand beaches and lush vegetation. Find yourself amidst clear, calm waters, with the opportunity to relax in total tranquillity. Surrounded by resplendent turquoise waters, Langkawi is ideal for either relaxing in luxurious spa resorts, exploring the lush jungle clad hills or diving and snorkelling in coral rich sea.
The popular island of Penang is rich in sightseeing opportunities from Hindu temples, Buddhist statues and colonial life in the capital of Georgetown, through to a myriad of watersports and exquisite luxuries provided by the hotels lining the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach. Dine on excellent regional cuisine, including sublime seafood, at local restaurants or from the numerous hawker stalls at the bustling night market.
Malaysia plays host to a number of tranquil and secluded beach hideaways and a handful have been chosen by us for their delightful locations, unique attributes and serene ideals. Marvel at the long sandy beaches of Malaysia’s unspoilt East Coast lapped by the waters of the South China Sea; the underwater marine life around the Tioman islands; or the emerald rainforests on the private island of Pangkor Laut.
