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Malaysia Travel Blogs

Credited nowhere near enough for its infectiously languid pace of life, Malaysia time arguably runs at least as slow as famously sleepy Laos a few hundred miles to the north. In fact, mediocre press is a bit of a theme for Malaysia, causing many folks on the regional travel circuit to pencil in just a few days to pass through - or even pass over - en-route to Singapore in the south or Thailand to the north.

Those that slow to take a peek, though, can't help but be reeled in. Malaysia, see, is positively dripping in culture, biodiversity and out-and-out natural beauty. Take time to hit the highlights and you'll soon be hastily re-jigging your itinerary (itineraries are for geeks, by the way) to accommodate the fortnight-or-so that you're going to
need in order to see just the very tip of the iceberg.

If you're in need of a poke in the right direction, here's a few pointers:

The truly stunning Perhentian Islands, with their coral reefs and refreshing lack of roads and other infrastructure (imagine how the more popular of the Thai islands might've looked 30 years ago, and you'll not be far off); Taman Negara National Park, one of the most absorbing places in all of South East Asia; the Cameron Highlands, with its tea plantations and breezy respite from the swelteringly moist lowlands; the old town charm of Penang island (try to ignore the Tesco); the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak, featuring mountains, rainforest and apes (big orange ones called Orangutans); and the ethnic melting pot that is Kuala Lumpur, where 3 main cultures - Malay, Chinese and Indian - all get on just fine, albethey largely concentrated in their own micro-cultural districts.

Despite its colonial past and still strong ties to Britain, modern Malaysia's official religion is Islam, although freedom of worship is encouraged in the country's constitution and national holidays are observed for the main religious festival periods of Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. Talk about reasonable.

If you're in South East Asia, make time for Malaysia - don't just write it off as the 'baby pool' that some travel guides will have you believe it to be.

Highlights

 • Lazing on silky beaches on the Perhentian Islands
 • Sipping tea in the cool Cameron Highlands
 • World class diving at Sipadan
 • South-East Asia's highest Mountain - Mount Kinabalu
 • Hanging with the orange apes in Borneo
 • Munching street food and generally mixing it up in KL
 • Getting up close and personal with nature in Taman Negara
 • Blowing your budget on Langkawi
 • Soaking up the old skool charm of Malacca
 • Admiring the stunning twin peaks on Tioman Island

Tips and Hints

If it's tropical islands and pristine beaches you're after, go east between March and October, or west between November and February. Two distinct monsoon seasons hit each coast at pretty much opposite times of year, so you can always find sunny paradise on one coast when the other's getting a soaking.

It's worth knowing that the Perhentians are completely closed during the entire duration of the east coast wet season. Don't even bother trying. It's a shame to miss them, so if you can, try and rig it so that you can get to Malaysia outside of the east coast wet season. The Perhentians are definitely more backpacker friendly than their west coast counterparts, both in terms of price and fun factor.





Links: Malaysia Travel Blogs (all) | Malaysia Travel Photos | Malaysia Travel Forum | Hotels in Malaysia | Hostels in Malaysia | Cheap flights to Malaysia | Malaysia Facts | Map of Malaysia

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By Alisa
January 13th 2006
In Transit Asia » Malaysia » Wilayah Persekutuan » Kuala Lumpur
So there I was... an East Coaster in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia... sitting at the airport after being in transit for almost 20 hours. I would have passed out had I just sat there, so I did what I told Trevor I would do, I journeyed to the Petronas Towers. Now, that comes across as nothing big, but in a city that size, with two huge carry-on bags, and 3 hours sleep - it was a challenge. FYI - most Malaysians speak English. First I took the KLI Ekspres (super fast train) through the country side... that place is wonderful, palm trees [View Full Entry]

Alisa - Alisa Greenwood | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
334 Words | 0 Comment(s) | 4 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 13th 2006 | 303 Views | [diary=35419]

Palm Trees
Lunch
From Above

Hi all - We'll I guess your wondering what I mean by twin peaks and shopping. Well we visited the twin towers (in otherwords "Petronas towers") yesterday and this morning we went to spend some cash at Chinatown...you'll find it easy to get to by the monorail. Thought I'd put together a few Q's & A's. Twins towers - free!! Just go pick up tickets in advance. Taxis - always bargin (otherwise go metered). We paid 7-8rm for travelling around city from one end to other. Good spot to eat - Hawkers food court behind Lot 10(a shopping mall). Two meals [View Full Entry]

Diehard - David | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
255 Words | 0 Comment(s) | 5 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 12th 2006 | 222 Views | [diary=35246]

Having a ball of a time ...lol
Top of the world.....
Chinatown

Its amazing isnt it... one week your on a tropical island paradise and the next sipping tea and munching scones high in the mountains! The Cameron Highlands is best described as the Malaysian Lake District or known to the locals as 'Little England'. As we approached the Cameron Highlands, driving higher and higher into the mountains, the cloud grew and grew until we were totally surrounded in cloud...the driver, apparently unaware of the lack of visability continued to drive our coach as fast as possible swinging around the bends and up the mountain. We eventually stopped and jumped off [View Full Entry]

Luke and Frans world tour - Luke Thomas | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
358 Words | 1 Comment(s) | 16 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 13th 2006 | 376 Views | [diary=35247]

Having fun at the lookout
The view
Our nuclear bunker!

To kick start this entry, I doubt this applies to many, but your patience has paid off waiting for some photos, as I've gone a little crazy and added over 30 of the little blighers to my previous blog. If you thus fancy seeing even more mountains, or a car-destroying parrot, just click that 'previous entry' buttom above. I figured, as this will be the last set of photos I can upload until I next put some on CD, I thought I'd treat you lucky lucky people. So where did I finish last time? Something about looking forward to saying hello [View Full Entry]

Mayrad - Simon Wadsworth | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
1432 Words | 3 Comment(s) | 0 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 12th 2006 | 312 Views | [diary=34619]


Since our last entry we have visited Penang, went back to KL and are now feeling quite chilly in the Cameron Highlands. We were in Penang for three days, one of which was spent lazing around a beach bar drinking nice cold Tiger beer - that's the life!! We also joined a day-trip on a boat, which took us out on a very rough sea - all on board said a number of prayers as it was one of those tiny Chinese wooden boats that seemed to dive into the waves sideways... But, we all survived and spent some time in [View Full Entry]

Maarty and Thel - Maarty & Thel | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
913 Words | 4 Comment(s) | 4 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 13th 2006 | 266 Views | [diary=35095]

The mossy forest trek
We made it!!!
The blobs of green...

Last night (Jan 10) Dust and I wrote a really good travel blog but the computer said no. Then we tried to add pictures, but each computer we tried defeated us. However we are not ones who give up easily. President Richard Nixon once said, "Defeat doesn't finish a man--quit does. A man is not finished when he's defeated. He's finished when he quits. So we will see if we can overcome the computer, and give some what of a summary of the fun we have been having. So here it goes... The contrast between Melaka and Kuala Lumpur is night [View Full Entry]

Kev and Dust - The McGiLL's | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
454 Words | 2 Comment(s) | 12 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 12th 2006 | 627 Views | [diary=35158]

Top of the Menora Tower
Old Meets New
Swena and the tallest flag in the world

By Diehard
January 10th 2006
Genting Asia » Malaysia » Wilayah Persekutuan » Kuala Lumpur
Arrived in KL yesterday (very early after very minimal sleep) - met up with Rob and Tracey and decided we should go to Genting - like a large indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, with casino's, many rides outdoors and indoors, shopping, cable car etc you get the point. Thought we'd have a fun day enjoying the ride etc, and then we arrived at the top of the hill (after many frustrating attempts at getting a taxi driver!!!!! - that doesn't want to rip you off). While we'er on the subject note about taxis: get one that has a meter, or you [View Full Entry]

Diehard - David | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
186 Words | 0 Comment(s) | 3 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 12th 2006 | 220 Views | [diary=35053]

TAXi:LIMO
Twin Towers morning view

Well we made it to Melaka in one peice, its half way to Kuala Lumpur on the west side of Malaysia. Its an interesting town, alot of history in that area it seems. A long time ago it was conquered by the Dutch and there are quite a few buildings and graves from that era still around. Most of the attractions of the town are historical rather than beach Thailand types of things. When we first arrived on the bus we were met by what we thought was the usual types of people trying to promote their hostels and cabs. We [View Full Entry]

Kev and Dust - The McGiLL's | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
629 Words | 1 Comment(s) | 17 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 12th 2006 | 481 Views | [diary=34975]

A room with a view
The walking fish
Hostel Hall

By Diehard
January 9th 2006
dDAY Asia » Malaysia » Wilayah Persekutuan » Kuala Lumpur
Well folks where off today and looking forward to seeing a whole different country. We leave cloudy Melbourne to a very wet KL in the next few hours. Keep us bookmarked and stay turned as we share some of our experiences with you all.. As Bruce would say.... "Yippy ki a" and I'll leave the rest to you imagination. [View Full Entry]

Diehard - David | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
59 Words | 0 Comment(s) | 1 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 9th 2006 | 127 Views | [diary=34724]


So we made it into Malaysia really quickly and rather easily! Being two countries close together we thought that Malaysia would be similar to Thailand but how wrong can you be... so different as soon as you cross. We arrived in Pinang (sometimes Penang) at bout midday. The place is buzzing and seeing the place used to be owned by us Brits i thought i might go and slam a flag onto the beach and claim it back.... not a good idea i realize but seriously the influence the Brits have over the island is still very evident. The island is [View Full Entry]

Luke and Frans world tour - Luke Thomas | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe
928 Words | 2 Comment(s) | 16 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s)
Published: January 12th 2006 | 435 Views | [diary=34658]

The Komtar Tower
Penang Bridge
Heading up Penang Hill on the train