Malaysia: Overview

Why go?

Malaysia is a deluge on the senses – a melting pot of cultures, with Malays, Chinese and Indians forming a majority alongside dozens of indigenous tribes. The landscape is similarly diverse – home to the world's oldest rainforest, its largest cave system, and the tallest mountain peak between New Guinea and the Himalayas. There are the beautiful tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, the timeless Malay kampungs (villages) of the East Coast, and the indigenous longhouses of Malaysian Borneo. In the cities, a modern panorama of skyscrapers contrasts with a deeply rooted sense of history, with old shophouses, mosques and temples nestled up against the grand architecture of colonial times. Traders and medicine men still barter their wares on street corners, and the sweet stench of tropical fruits and spices hangs thick in the air.

In spite of wide-scale logging, more than half of the Malaysian land-mass remains cloaked in virgin jungle, much within the protective boundaries of national parks. These reserves provide refuge for endangered flora and fauna, including orang-utans, elephants, tigers and Rafflesia – largest flowers in the world. Then there are the idyllic tropical islands, the coral-rich seas, and the world-class dive sites. Foodies, meanwhile, will love Malaysia for the variety and ingenuity of its cuisine, which reflects the full extent of the nation's cultural influences.

Any Downsides?

The tropical heat can take a couple of days to adjust to. Though daytime temperatures rarely stray above the low 30s centigrade, the humidity is oppressive, making it feel much warmer. Be prepared to sweat bucket-loads, particularly when exposed to the sun. Do as the locals do, and avoid the midday heat.

Malaysia is surprisingly free of health concerns, with drinkable tap water in most places and low rates of tropical disease. Officially, no inoculations are required, though it is wise to update your tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and typhoid inoculations before travelling. Malaria is a moderate problem in some remote areas, and in the interior of Malaysian Borneo. In developed parts of the country (including virtually the whole of Peninsula Malaysia) malaria has been wiped out. Doctors are likely to advise those travelling to Malaysian Borneo to take malaria tablets. At certain times of year, jellyfish can be a problem off the beaches. Sea urchins, too, are prevalent, so watch where you stand.

Activities

*Wildlife: the ancient rainforests are home to a great diversity of wildlife. Rare species include tigers, elephants, Sumatran rhinos, proboscis monkeys and orang-utans (in Malaysian Borneo). The region is a botanist's dream, too, with more species of trees in a single hectare of Malaysian rainforest than in the entirety of the USA.

*Natural Wonders: Malaysia is home to Mount Kinabalu (tallest peak between New Guinea and the Himalayas), Sipadan Island (whose waters are home to the highest recorded density of marine life) and the Gunung Mulu cave system, which includes the largest cave chamber in the world (equivalent to 16 football pitches).

*Indigenous culture: Malaysian Borneo and the interior of Peninsula Malaysia are home to dozens of indigenous tribes, each with their own ancient cultures and traditions, but sharing an animist worldview, whereby every element of nature is endowed with a spirit that is placated through complex rituals. Thanks to the legendary hospitality of Borneo's tribal peoples, longhouse visits are a highlight of any trip here.

*Culinary delights: the cities are a haven for foodies, with a seemingly endless variety of Asian cuisines to choose from. Chinese, Malay and Indian food dominates, while Nyonya cuisine (a tasty blend of Malay and Chinese) is something to sample.

*Cultural Tours: Malaysian towns and cities combine grand colonial architecture, mosques, temples, churches and traditional Chinese shophouses with a new breed of modern architecture (including the Petronas Towers, tallest buildings in the world until 2003).

*Islands & beaches: Malaysia is blessed with dozens of idyllic tropical islands and endless miles of sandy coastline. The best-known islands include Langkawi, Penang, the Perhentians, the Turtle Islands, and Pulau Sipadan.

*Hiking: with dozens of national parks to choose from, there are endless opportunities for jungle trekking. Experienced guides are always on hand – often indigenous peoples with unrivalled knowledge of the rainforest. The Taman Negara is the principal national park, complete with hides and a canopy walkway suspended among the treetops.

*Climbing: Mount Kinabalu provides the most popular challenge for climbers – though the ascent requires no technical expertise and can be tackled by anyone with a moderate level of fitness. Many national parks are set in the jungled foothills of the interior, with plenty of climbs to higher altitudes available for all levels of experience. Other popular climbs include Gunung Mulu, the Pinnacles and the twin peaks of Tioman.

*Diving & Fishing: many of the tropical islands serve as bases for diving and fishing. Some regard Pulau Sipadan, off Sabah, as the best dive site in the world. Game fishing is popular across the region, while a number of freshwater lakes are home to rare species such as tiger barbs, harlequins, marbled goby and the Asian arowana.

*Golf: hugely popular among up-and-coming Malaysians, with championship-quality courses springing up right across the country.

	Overview
	Places to Stay
	What's Where
	Langkawi and Penang
	Background Info
	Climate
	Travel Tips
	Getting There
	Getting Around
	When to Go