Malaysia is probably one of the most culturally diverse
countries in the Far East, influenced by foreign invaders over centuries and
the blend of indigenous tribes. Malaysia is made up of Peninsula Malaysia,
which is neighboured by Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south, and
Sabah and Sarawak, which are located across the South China Sea on the island
of Borneo. The whole of Malaysia is a melting pot of different races.
From a humble village, Kuala Lumpur has blossomed into a bustling modern metropolis.
But, look beneath the modern façade and you will find many hidden treasures.
Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown is a menagerie of frantically busy markets, best visited
at night for a total sensory experience - the dazzle of neon lights, the mouth
watering aromas of Chinese cuisine and the chatter of bargain hunters.
The Golden Triangle is like a city within a city, home to the tallest building
in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers and the fourth highest telecommunications
tower in the world, the Kuala Lumpur Tower, both offer magnificent views over
the city. Surrounding these two giants is a myriad of shopping complexes and
restaurants.
Situated on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur are a number of theme style hotels
and resorts, all offering an array of activities and facilities to amuse even
the most energetic guests, from manmade lakes to casinos and from world-class
sports facilities to theme parks that will excite even the most hardened thrill
seeker.
The island of Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient, due mainly to its
stunning beaches offers so much for such a small island. From the historical
delights of Georgetown to the lively beaches and bustling night markets of
Batu Ferringhi.
Langkawi may not be as developed as some of Malaysia's other islands, but
that is definitely its main feature. Surrounded by tiny uninhabited inlets,
which can be explored by boat, Langkawi is the epitome of exotic beauty.
With some of the most pristine beaches and crystal clear waters in the Far
East, ideal for scuba diving or snorkelling, this island is one of the jewels
in Malaysia's crown.
While most visitors to Malaysia head straight for the peninsula, the region
of Sabah should not be forgotten. The fascinating wildlife, which ranges from
orang-utans and elephants to tropical marine life, stunning beaches, lush national
parks and the majestic beauty of Mount Kinabalu make Sabah unique in every
way.
Malaysia offers great shopping
to suit all tastes, from local crafts to exclusive designer wear. There
are plenty of bustling street markets and glitzy shopping malls. Shopping
centres tend to display fixed prices but bargaining is common in the
markets.
Transport:
Taxis are a cheap and useful
way to get around. Always insist on the driver setting the meter.
Cuisine:
Malaysian cuisine is an amalgamation
of Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine. The street-side cafes offer mainly
seafood and Chinese dishes. Kuala Lumpur has many good restaurants, both
Asian and Western, and there are plenty of handy fast food outlets
Infants are not provided with a seat. If your baby is more than 6 months old, you may book a seat for him/her listing him/her as a “child”. More information is available at carriage of infants.
