5 Perfect Experiences for an Unforgettable Malaysian Vacation

The secret of an unforgettable vacation is to get in a little bit of everything during your stay. Let no two days be the same. You’re only young once, and you can spend those years sitting at home or you can enjoy the good life in a country full of wonders like exotic Malaysia. So lap up the golden beaches, enjoy the glorious views, see the jungle, party the night away at swinging nightclubs and savor the delights of diving in one of the world’s richest marine habitats. It’s all there waiting for you in magnificent Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur

There is so much to see and do in Malaysia’s vibrant capital that you just won’t know where to start. For a memorable cultural experience spend some time shopping in the central market, or for a touch of style take the short trip to Bukit Bintang with its high-end malls and succulent street food. Visit the landmark Menara Tower with its panoramic view of the city and its revolving restaurant, or there’s the Batu Caves featuring magnificent Hindu temples and shrines. Wikitravel will give you some more ideas if you’re not already exhausted.

Diving at Sipadan

The height of your Malaysian adventure has to be a cool diving experience in the breathtaking Celebes Sea. Probably the best dive spot in all the country, and maybe even the world, is by the renowned Kapalai resort near Sipadan with its exotic natural marine habitat. This article in the New York Times gives some idea of just how popular this magical place is – and just a short hop from Borneo too. When you’re done here, take a boat ride to Mabul and start all over again. You’ll never forget the experience.

The National Parks

Malaysia boasts dozens of national parks and conservation and protected areas. The official website of the country’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks is a mine of information about what is on offer at some of these and how to go about getting the best from them. And of course being South East Asia the wildlife that you can hope to see includes some rather exotic species, including elephants, big cats and monkeys. Amongst the better-known such venues are the Bako, Kinabalu and Taman Negara National Parks and the Paya Indah Wetlands.

The Beaches

Where Malay beaches are concerned you are just spoiled for choice and many of them offer a lot more than just sand and the sea, with adventure sports and boat rides aplenty. We’ve already mentioned the diving at Mabul Island, but snorkeling is also on the menu at Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu and Rawa Island Beach in Johor which is just a few hours from Kuala Lumpur. For crystal clear waters in an idyllic setting there is no better place than Redang Beach near the Taaras Resort. But there are dozens more, so make sure you pick up a guide or you’ll miss out for sure.

Penang Island

Located off the north west coast of the Malaysian peninsular, the island comprises a substantial part of the actual state of Penang. Its capital is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also the second most populous city in the whole of Malaysia behind the capital Kuala Lumpur. Back in the eighteenth century George Town was the first British settlement in South East Asia, hence the name. Penang Island has some of the very best beaches in the whole of country, including the very popular Batu Ferringhi which is the island’s most northernmost point.