Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Malaysia
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| | | Exotic blend of East and West |  | Why go on holiday to Malaysia?
Vibrant, colourful and relatively wealthy, Malaysia is a beautiful tropical destination and one of the most hassle-free in Asia.
Away from the bustle of Kuala Lumpur, resorts dot the coast of the peninsula, picture-book perfect with white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Inland, virgin tracts of jungle beckon the explorer, while tranquil hill stations like the Cameron Highlands offer a cool escape to tea plantations, golf courses and an old-style colonial atmosphere.
How much does it cost?
Flights to Kuala Lumpur start from around £380, but expect to pay nearer £550. You can still find guesthouse accommodation with air conditioning and a private bathroom from £10 a night. Luxury hotel prices start from around £35-£45.
An all-inclusive 12-night tour including stays in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and a jungle safari costs from £680. Prices can vary according to season.
When should I go?
It's hot and humid year-round, temperatures seldom straying from the 70-90F (21-33C) range or showing much variation month to month.
Only the east coast of peninsular Malaysia has a real rainy season, lasting from November-January. During this time many east-coast resorts close.
It's best to avoid public holidays when prices and crowds increase. Stay away during Chinese New Year, Christmas and Hari Raya, which comes at the end of Ramadan, usually in December or January.
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| | | Adventures in the jungle |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Malaysia is as popular for its adventure activities as for its beaches. The combination of reasonable prices, good variety and easy access makes the clear, tropical waters a good choice for diving and snorkelling.
Away from the coast there is excellent mountain climbing on Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia.
Almost all of Malaysia's national parks offer excellent jungle trekking to suit every ability level, and the country's limestone hills are riddled with caves to lure the spelunker.
With a well developed network of roads, Malaysia is also one of the best places in the East for bike touring; the quiet route up the east coast of the peninsula is particularly enjoyable.
Where can I chill out?
Relax on the beaches of Tioman Island or the Perhentians, just off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, taking an occasional dip amid the colourful marine life in clear, coral-filled water.
On the west coast, Langkawi offers great beaches and plenty of nightlife, with smaller islands nearby where you can escape the crowds.
Or lounge back in a longboat, taking the trip up through lush jungle to the Niah Caves, a mysterious world of rock paintings and strange luminous mushrooms.
What cities should I visit?
Kuala Lumpur is a modern, multi-ethnic city full of hustle and bustle, crowned by the giant Petronas Towers skyscrapers. Watch the world go by in Merdeka Square, the city's heart, or take a stroll through the busy night market in Chinatown.
Georgetown, on Penang Island, is a delightful, compact city full of old Chinese houses, vegetable markets and temples.
Melaka has an interesting blend of European and Asian influences; the imposing pink Stadthuys is the oldest Dutch building in Malaysia and houses the Ethnographic Museum. The nearby Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in the country.
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| | | Flavours of the tropics | | Where's good for nightlife?
All resorts have the standard tourist fare of high-priced bars, clubs and karaoke, but Kuala Lumpur is the place to go for nightlife.
Centred around the Golden Triangle, the modern centre of the city, is a good number of live music venues and clubs, many attached to cafes and restaurants. Note that a recent government "morality" campaign has forced most venues to close at 1am.
Traditional cultural dances and puppet shows are rare these days, though the Malaysian Tourist Information Complex stages performances every week for the benefit of tourists.
Cinemas are popular entertainment here: go with the locals to a kung fu extravaganza, Indonesian drama or Indian musical.
What's the food like?
The cuisine is dominated by Indian and Chinese food; curries, seafood and noodles are available everywhere from restaurants, street stalls and cafes.
Sadly, Malay cuisine is harder to find, though it's worth seeking out delicious satays (small meat kebabs and a hot peanut dipping sauce), tahu goreng (fried soyabean curd and beansprouts in a peanut sauce) and sambal udang (fiery prawn curry).
There's an abundant supply of fresh fruit juice, but a word of warning to those who like their drinks a touch stronger - the local hooch samsu is deadly.
What should I buy?
The malls in Kuala Lumpur are packed with visitors picking up cheap (often imitation) designer clothes, shoes and electronics, though prices are higher and the selection poorer than in neighbouring Singapore.
Many 'Malay' handicrafts for sale are actually imported from Indonesia; stick to colourful Malaysian kites, distinctive, bulb-shaped Kedah pottery and elegant pewterware from Selangor if you want genuine local souvenirs.
What is there for children to do?
Bird Park, an enormous walk-in aviary, and Butterfly Park, complete with an insect museum, fascinate most kids and are located in Lake Gardens on the edge of downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Near the city, Templar Park offers short jungle treks, waterfalls and swimming lagoons, while the Sunway Lagoon theme park is packed with rides, huge waterslides and the largest wave pool in the world.
For a quieter excursion, head to Kuala Kuantan and take a night voyage in old-style wooden boats; the main attraction is a dazzling light display courtesy of the local fireflies.
Tourist office
Tourism Malaysia, 57 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DU. Tel. 020 7930 7932.
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| | Available rental properties in Malaysia |
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| |  | | Villa in Sabah
The villa is situated in a rural residential resort, fronting the South China Sea. It is within fifty yards of a beautiful sandy beach and has an uni
|  | | Villa in Sabah
The villa is situated in a rural residential resort, fronting the South China Sea. It is within fifty yards of a beautiful sandy beach and has an uni
|  | | YTL The Tamarind @ Sentul East
The unit is on the 19th flr fully furnished. Full condo facilities. Internet 24hrs Streamyx, Satellite TV. BOFI kitchen.
|  | | Admiral Cove Marina Crescent
Marina Crescent Condominium, Port Dickson, Malaysia. A beautifully landscaped garden, marina with luxury yachts, breathtaking views of sunset, swimming pool, etc
|  | | Self Catering Resort condominium
With beaches and soothing hills at your doorstep Miami Green is the only 5 star resort condominium in Batu Ferringhi the ideal holiday location.
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