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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.
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.
Kuala Lumpur:
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