5 Essential Experiences You’ve Gotta Have In Malaysia
It's full of unforgettable, life-changing experiences.
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What’s the ultimate country to visit in South East Asia? It’s a tough one, but if we had to call it, we’d probably put our money on Malaysia.
Though it frequently flies under the radar when compared with busier regional hubs, Malaysia is an amazing destination full of unforgettable, life-changing experiences. Today, we’re throwing the spotlight on this incredible place with a whittled-down list of five essentials.
#1 Hit The Beach
Did you know that Malaysia’s beaches are some of the most amazing in the whole of South East Asia (if not the world)? Compared to the busy, resort-filled coasts of Thailand and Bali, for example, Malaysia’s beach nooks attract far fewer people, which means you can lap the glorious paradise in relative peace.
That’s not to say there’s nothing going on – there’s always a party if you want it, but in Malaysia, there’s just as much solitude for those looking to keep it chilled.
From Redang to the Perhentian Islands, Sipadan to Turtle Island, Malaysia’s beaches have got it all: pristine wonderlands with the purest blue waters, and all the amenities you’d expect from the region.
When it comes to beach, Malaysia is the South East Asian under-the-radar HQ.
#2 Get Active
Looking for a sense of achievement on your next break? Look no further than an epic climb of Mount Kinabalu: Malaysia’s highest peak and the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
Situated on the island of Borneo, the summit of Kinabalu is an incredible hike – and one that doesn’t require flying to the other side of the world! Of course, if all that sounds like a bit much exertion, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of Kinabalu – and the Bornean surrounds – from the chilled tropical rainforest at sea level.
Better still, kick back after all that sweat at one of the lush islands on Borneo’s Sabah coastline, just a short boat ride from Kinabalu. Otherwise, get your underwater dive on at Sipadan Island, one of the world’s premier and most popular diving spots.
#3 Soak Up The Culture
Home to an incredibly rich history, Malaysia is a melting pot of different cultures. One of the best places to experience all this is in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s cultural heart. No trip to Malaysia is complete without diving into the pace and vibe of KL, a cosmopolitan hotspot and riveting hub of modern urban life, bursting at the seams with customs, traditional rituals, places of worship, cultural centres and landmarks.
Take in the Malaysia’s diverse lineage at the National Museum, head to Chinatown and Alor Street for a delicious feast, be dazzled by the Islamic architecture at the National Mosque, and see it all at night from the panoramic viewing platform of the capital’s iconic Petronas Towers.
#4 Give Back
It’s awesome to have a wild time abroad, but consider giving back a little when you’re on the road. It’s great to be a conscious traveller and one of the best ways to share the love when passing through Malaysia is to help care for injured and orphaned orangutans at a Borneo sanctuary.
As part of STA’s Experience Borneo Voluntour – an experience designed to raise awareness of the extensive conservation efforts made in Malaysia’s Sarawak state with close assistance from the Association of British Travel Agents – you can observe these magnificent locals at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve during feeding time.
Semenggoh was established in 1975 and operates around three main aims: the rescue, care and rehabilitation of endangered wildlife (including orangutans), research on endangered species and captive breeding programs, and education.
Travellers on the tour also assist in tasks like beach clean-ups in other parts of the country along the way. It’s an amazing experience that gives real help where it’s needed.
#5 Stuff Your Face
As addicted globetrotters know all too well, to travel is to eat. Of the many reasons to visit foreign lands, it’s those encounters with new flavours that keeps you coming back for more.
One of the absolute best things about Malaysia is that its cuisine is absolutely world-class. Just think about its cultural mix — Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran – all together, expressed through its diverse and incredible culinary scene. Simply put, the food in Malaysia is spectacular.
As well as the mix of options in KL and beyond, we suggest you make a break for Georgetown, Penang, for some of the world’s most lively and tantalising street food: wok-fried Char Koay Teow, delicious Nasi Lemak and Rendang, authentic Satay and Assam Laksa, Indian-style Nasi Kandar, Hokkien Mee, Oh Chien, Wantan Mee and so much more.
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(Lead image: Mega Caesaria)
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If Malaysia is on your travel radar, make sure you head over to STA Travel and check out the huge and varied selections of adventure tours and beach escapes to help you experience the very best of the region.