Malaysia is a beautiful yet often overlooked holiday destination. As well as its stunning natural landscapes, the urban jungle that is Kuala Lumpur and delicious food, there is so much to see and do. It doesn’t have to cost the Earth to explore one of the most beautiful places on it.
Typical Costs
Accommodation – Accomodation doesn’t have to set you back a fortune. Malaysia’s best budget hotels offer comfortable beds and are often in the heart of the action.
Transportation – Get on the bus and explore. Though not cheap it is certainly a far more inexpensive option than taking a taxi. Most cabs don’t have working meters so agree a price before you set off. They also charge per person so unless you have a few travel mates, it may well end up costing quite a bit.
Food – The best bet to save your pennies here is to go traditional as ordering something of the Western menu will always cost more. So be adventurous and pick up a street meal or try the local cuisine in any restaurant. You’ll be glad you did.
Drink – Malaysia is a Muslim country and drinking is frowned upon, but it does happen. To ensure this happens at little as possible, the authorities have made the pastime very expensive. Best to partake of a tipple or two for other places where your pint is kinder to your pocket.
Highlights to See and Do in Malaysia
Visit Kuala Lumpur –. At 1500 ft The Petronas Twin Towers are a must-see. Brave the walk between the two and don’t look down!
Designated as Malaysia’s first World Heritage in 2000 for ‘outstanding universal values’, Kota Kinabalu National Park is incredible, worthy for popping on your hiking boots. Mount Kota Kinabalu is Malaysia’s tallest mountain and the fourth tallest in Southeast Asia.
Spot wildlife – Malaysia is rich in wildlife both on land and in its surrounding waters. Some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals can be found here. Orangutans, Malaysian tigers, Monitor Lizards, and Sumatran Rhinos are all indigenous to the country and can be seen on one of the many wildlife tours.
Sipadan Island is arguably one of the world’s best dive sites. Its crystal clear waters are filled with barracudas, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and greenback and hawksbill turtles. To give you an idea of the beauty of this place, Jacques Cousteau once declared the island an “untouched piece of art”.
Understand Malaysia’s Colonial roots – Malaysia has undergone a diverse colonial history, falling into Portuguese, Dutch, and British hands before finally gaining independence. For a good understanding of this colonial influence, consider a visit to Malacca (or Melaka). The city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and the city is full of interesting museums, buildings, and temples to visit.
Merely scratching the surface of all there is to explore, it may just mean you have to return again and again, You’ll be very happy to do so.