Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Introduction
Malaysia has something to offer every traveller - from heady bar- and
club-hopping in the capital, historical buildings in towns rich in colonial
history and countless regional delicacies, to trekking and wildlife-watching in
the world's oldest tropical rainforest and diving at some of the world's best
sites off the white-sand beaches of its many islands. The country is full of
charm and beauty, and its rich cultural heritage is apparent in both traditional
village areas and in its commitment to religious plurality. The dominant
cultural force is undoubtedly Islam, but the country's diverse population of
Malays, Chinese, Indians and Borneo's indigenous tribes has created a
fabulous juxtaposition of mosques, temples and churches, a panoply of
festivals, and a wonderful mixture of cuisines. The Malays insist that their food
combines the best flavours and dishes of the surrounding countries - and
after a few meals from a sizzling street stall, you're likely to agree.
6
First impressions of Malaysia's high-tech,
fast-growing capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL) ,
are likely to be of a vibrant and colourful
modern metropolis with gleaming
skyscrapers. Less than three hours'
journey south lies the birthplace of Malay
civilization, Malacca . Further up the coast
is the first British settlement, the island of
Penang , and its fascinating historical
capital, Georgetown . For a taste of Old
England and walks through emerald-
green tea plantations, head for the
Cameron Highlands .
Pulau Langkawi is a popular, palm-
fringed, duty-free island north of Penang,
while routes down the Peninsula's east
coast include stops at the truly stunning
islands of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau
Tioman . he state capitals of Kota Bharu ,
in the northeast, and Kuala Terengganu ,
further south, are great stops for soaking
up Islam-infused Malay culture, while the
unsullied tropical rainforests of Taman
Negara National Park offer innumerable
trails, animal hides, a high canopy
walkway and rushing waterfalls.
Across the sea, East Malaysia comprises
the Bornean states of Sarawak and Sabah .
Kuching , Sarawak's attractive colonial
capital, beckons with its mix of the old and
the new, but the real attraction lies in the
interior: in staying in the traditional
longhouses of the Iban communities of the
Batang Ai and Batang Lupar river systems,
or the Bidayuh and Orang-Ulu communi-
ties closer to the Kalimantan border. he
best time to visit is in late May to early
June during the rice harvest festival
celebrations. Sibu , further to the north, is
another starting point for longhouse visits.
In the north of the state, Gunung Mulu
National Park beckons with its extra-
ordinary razor-sharp limestone needles
providing demanding climbing and its
caves among the largest in the world.
WHEN TO GO
Temperatures in Malaysia constantly
hover around 30°C (22°C in highland areas),
and humidity is high all year round. The
monsoon season brings heavy and
prolonged downpours to the east coast of
Peninsular Malaysia, the northeastern part
of Sabah and the western end of Sarawak
from November to February; boats to most
of the islands stop running. For tropical
heat and a buzzing atmosphere, May to
September is the time to go, with July and
August being the busiest months due to
holidays in Europe and the States. For those
prepared to risk a few showers, the months
bordering the monsoon, March-April and
October-November, are good options.
 
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