Malaysia
Top Tips
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.