Why is Malaysia truly Asia?

Posted on 10. Feb, 2011 by admin in Malaysia

Waking on the beautiful island of Pulau Kapas, I throw off my sheet and stumble bleary-eyed to the door. A monitor lizard shuffles past with serpent tongue flitting. Outside the timber balcony lays a broad sweep of sand and clear blue ocean. There is not a soul in sight. “Paradise,” I yawn as my companion continues to dose indoors.

After a delicious breakfast of freshly-picked fruit we stroll across an impossibly perfect beach. Where else can you leave the first footprints in the sand at noon these days? Leaping into the warm waters of the South China Sea, a kaleidoscope coral garden greets us with its resident family of cheery clownfish. Out of the corner of my eye darts a small reef shark, perhaps ten metres from the shore.

Travel in Malaysia encapsulates everything about Asia and the Orient. This is not only because there are ancient Hindu temples, Taoist places of worship and imposing Mosques, but because the country also values those other facets of the Asian character – nature and progress. From the tallest towers of Kuala Lumpur to the world’s oldest rainforest of Taman Negara and the sparkling reefs around Pulau Redang, Malaysia proves the old and new can combine in perfect harmony.

Sunset on the Perhentian Islands

Asia has always been synonymous with a friendly smile and award-winning hospitality, and nowhere is this attention to welcoming visitors more evident than in Malaysia. On countless trips to the country I’ve sat at more strangers’ tables than a pub drunk; constantly waved over with a friendly grin while whatever repast being enjoyed is shared around one more plate.

One of my fondest memories is being asked to participate in the Buka Puasa breaking of fast in Kuala Terengganu after the holy month of Ramadan. As a non-Muslim I considered it a great honour, and felt an intensely pious moment as we shared a few dates over sunset and I watched my companions take part in the Maghrib prayer.

Religious freedom thrives in present day Malaysia. States such as Penang have flourished off ethnic diversity for centuries, with obscure dialects such as Hokkien spoken commonly on the island despite hardly being heard in China anymore. And different cultures will adopt each other’s speech for day-to-day activities, shopping in an Indian market with a few words of Tamil or talking Bahasa to the owner of a restaurant.

The iconic Petronas Twin Towers

But Malaysia is also refreshingly modern, with cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown spearheading the Tiger Economy across the globe. Scores of well-heeled young urbanites head out every Saturday to shake a tailfeather to the sounds of top international DJs from Europe and beyond. Argentine steak is flamed medium-rare on parilla grills while wood-fired ovens produce pizza crisp enough to make a Neapolitan sing.

And when it comes to natural beauty, this small nation has it all. The picturesque shores of the Perhentian Islands gleam with pearl-white sand and sparkling clear water. Donning a snorkel to chase green turtles and white tip sharks from Kecil and towards Besar is unforgettable. Then to relax with a cool drink and enjoy roasted Barracuda on the sand, sheer bliss.

My mouth still waters at the thought of the succulent masala dosas served in banana leaf restaurants around KL’s Little India. “Let’s stay for just one more!” I would beg my friend as the waiter brings yet another savoury masterpiece to our table and sweeps away a mêlée of used crockery. Three swift bites and the scrumptious pancake has vanished, and I’m breaking a hastily-made promise by signalling to the bemused chef for another.

Malaysia is truly Asia because you can never have your fill.

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Visiting historic Penang as a tourist – sightseeing, Georgetown & attractions

Posted on 11. Oct, 2010 by admin in Penang

The Malaysian island of Penang, often described as ‘the Pearl of the Orient,’ combines a unique mix of Chinese, Malay, and British culture. Located off the northwestern coast of the western portion of Malaysia, Penang is also famous as the country’s food paradise.

This guide describes some of the places which have made Penang an island of history. (more…)

Best kept secrets of Malaysia – hidden gems off the beaten path

Posted on 12. Sep, 2010 by admin in Malaysia

Few places offer a more dramatic contrast between old and new than the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia. From the glittering skyscrapers of the country’s capital of Kuala Lumpur to hundreds of islands filled with beautiful beaches to West Malaysia’s cool mountain ranges, this country has something for everyone.

However, this guide is geared towards tourists wishing to explore some of Malaysia’s best kept secrets and lesser known attractions. (more…)

Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur – KL pubs, bars & clubs

Posted on 10. Sep, 2010 by admin in Kuala Lumpur

As host to some of the planet’s cheapest luxury hotels, best shopping, and most thrilling nightlife, it’s hard to believe Malaysia’s bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur was only a tiny tin-mining village barely 150 years ago.

With so many fantastic options for Kuala Lumpur nightlife, it’s difficult for visitors to know exactly where to head for the best parties and trendiest music. So hopefully this comprehensive guide will make heading out on the town easier. (more…)