Places to visit in Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations, known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and modern cities. The country is divided into Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, offering a mix of urban experiences, tropical rainforests, and idyllic islands. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a bustling metropolis with modern skyscrapers, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks.
Overview
Malaysia is split into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (on the island of Borneo). The country is a melting pot of cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups. This diversity is reflected in its festivals, architecture, and especially its cuisine.
Top Places to Visit
1. Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas Twin Towers: Once the tallest buildings in the world, these iconic twin skyscrapers are a must-see. Visitors can walk across the sky bridge for stunning views of the city
- Batu Caves: A limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples, featuring a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan. It’s a popular Hindu shrine and offers a challenging stair climb.
- Bukit Bintang: The shopping and entertainment district, known for its vibrant nightlife, street food, and high-end malls.
2. Penang
- George Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved colonial buildings, street art, and delicious food. The city is a hub for history, culture, and street food.
- Penang Hill: Offers panoramic views of the island, with cooler temperatures and a funicular railway to the top.
- Kek Lok Si Temple: One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
3. Langkawi
- Langkawi Sky Bridge: A curved suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and mountains.
- Beaches: Langkawi is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Pantai Cenang, where you can enjoy water sports or just relax.
- Langkawi Cable Car: Provides stunning views as it ascends Mount Mat Cincang, giving visitors a bird’s-eye view of the island.
4. Cameron Highlands
- Tea Plantations: The cool climate makes it ideal for tea growing. Visitors can tour the plantations, enjoy fresh tea, and walk through lush green landscapes.
- Strawberry Farms: Pick your own strawberries or buy fresh produce from the local farms.
- Mossy Forest: A mystical forest with moss-covered trees, offering trekking opportunities and an up-close view of the unique highland ecosystem.
5. Malacca (Melaka)
- Jonker Street: Known for its vibrant night market, where you can find a variety of local delicacies, antiques, and souvenirs.
- A Famosa: The remnants of a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, offering a glimpse into Malaysia’s colonial history.
- Stadthuys: A historical building painted in distinctive red, which now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography.
6. Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)
- Mount Kinabalu: Malaysia’s highest peak, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views from the summit.
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: A sanctuary for orphaned and injured orangutans, where visitors can observe these incredible creatures in a natural setting.
- Gunung Mulu National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations, caves, and rich biodiversity.
7. The Perhentian Islands
- Beaches and Diving: The Perhentian Islands are a paradise for beach lovers and scuba divers, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
- Turtle Conservation: Visitors can learn about turtle conservation efforts and may even witness turtle hatchlings being released into the sea.
8. Taman Negara
- Oldest Rainforest: One of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, offering a range of activities such as jungle trekking, canopy walks, and river cruises.
- Wildlife Spotting: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and exotic bird species.
Tips for Tourists
- Language: Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
- Weather: Malaysia has a tropical climate, so expect hot and humid weather year-round with occasional rainfall.
- Cuisine: Don’t miss the street food, which offers a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Must-try dishes include nasi lemak, char kway teow, and laksa.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, so it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Population of Malaysia
As of the latest estimates, Malaysia’s population is approximately 33.8 million people. This population is a diverse mix of ethnic groups, with the major ones being:
- Malays: The largest ethnic group, making up about 69% of the population.
- Chinese: Comprising around 23% of the population.
- Indians: Making up about 7% of the population.
- Indigenous Peoples (Orang Asli and other native groups in Sabah and Sarawak): These groups make up the remaining 1%.
This diversity is reflected in Malaysia’s culture, cuisine, and daily life, offering tourists a rich tapestry of experiences. The country is also known for its warm hospitality, making it a welcoming destination for visitors from around the world.
Diving Spots in Malaysia
Malaysia is renowned for its world-class diving spots, offering clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Here are some of the top diving destinations in Malaysia and how to get there:
1. Sipadan Island, Sabah
Overview: Sipadan is often ranked among the world’s best diving destinations. The island is famous for its incredible biodiversity, including barracudas, sharks, turtles, and colorful coral reefs. The island itself is a protected area, and only a limited number of diving permits are issued each day to preserve the marine environment.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Take a flight to Tawau Airport (Tawau) from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.
- Transfer: From Tawau, take a taxi or minibus to Semporna (about 1.5 hours).
- Boat: From Semporna, take a boat to Sipadan Island (about 1 hour). Note that divers typically stay on nearby islands like Mabul or Kapalai and take daily boat trips to Sipadan.
2. Mabul Island, Sabah
Overview: Located near Sipadan, Mabul is famous for macro diving. The shallow reefs and sandy bottoms around Mabul are home to a diverse range of small marine creatures, including frogfish, nudibranchs, and seahorses.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Fly to Tawau Airport.
- Transfer: Travel by taxi or minibus to Semporna.
- Boat: Take a boat from Semporna to Mabul Island (about 45 minutes).
3. Layang-Layang Island, Sabah
Layang-Layang Island, also known as “Swallow Reef,” is a remote atoll located in the South China Sea, about 300 kilometers northwest of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. It’s a premier diving destination known for its pristine waters, wall dives, and encounters with pelagic species like hammerhead sharks. Getting to Layang-Layang requires some planning, as it’s one of the more remote diving locations in Malaysia. Here’s how you can get there:
Step 1: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Domestic Flights: If you’re coming from within Malaysia, you can fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or other major Malaysian cities.
- International Flights: Kota Kinabalu is also accessible via direct flights from several international destinations in Asia, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Manila.
Step 2: Charter Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Layang-Layang
Chartered Flight: The only way to reach Layang-Layang Island is by a chartered flight. These flights are typically arranged by the dive resorts on the island. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu to Layang-Layang.
Booking: When you book a diving package with a resort on Layang-Layang, they usually include the charter flight as part of the package. These flights operate seasonally, typically from March to August, which is the best diving season.
Flight Schedule: The flights do not operate daily, so it’s important to coordinate your trip with the available flight schedules.
Step 3: Arrival on Layang-Layang Island
- Landing: The charter flight lands directly on the airstrip on Layang-Layang Island.
- Transfer: Once you land, you’ll be transferred to your resort, which is just a short distance away. The island is very small, so everything is within walking distance.
Additional Tips
- Book in Advance: Due to the remote location and limited flight availability, it’s essential to book your trip well in advance, especially during peak diving season.
- Diving Packages: Most divers visiting Layang-Layang do so on an all-inclusive package, which includes accommodation, meals, diving, and the round-trip charter flight.
- Weather Considerations: Layang-Layang is subject to rough seas during the monsoon season, so travel is usually restricted to the dry season (March to August).
Visiting Layang-Layang is a unique experience, offering some of the best diving in Malaysia in a truly remote and untouched environment.
4. Redang Island, Terengganu
Overview: Redang Island is part of a marine park, offering crystal-clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and schools of fish. It’s an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced divers.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Take a flight to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu.
- Transfer: From Kuala Terengganu, take a taxi to the jetty (about 30 minutes).
- Boat: Take a ferry or speedboat from the jetty to Redang Island (about 1.5 hours).
5. Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
Overview: The Perhentian Islands, especially Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, offer excellent diving opportunities. The waters are clear and shallow, making it a great place for beginners. Expect to see a variety of reef fish, turtles, and small sharks.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Fly to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu.
- Transfer: Take a taxi or bus to Kuala Besut Jetty (about 1 hour).
- Boat: Take a speedboat from Kuala Besut Jetty to the Perhentian Islands (about 30-45 minutes).
6. Tioman Island, Pahang
Overview: Tioman Island is known for its diverse diving sites, including coral gardens, wreck dives, and drift dives. The island’s marine life includes turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful coral formations.
How to Get There:
- Fly: There are no direct flights to Tioman Island. The nearest airport is in Senai, Johor Bahru, or you can fly to Kuala Lumpur.
- Transfer: From Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur, take a bus to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
- Boat: Take a ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok Jetty to Tioman Island (about 2 hours).
7. Lankayan Island, Sabah
Overview: Lankayan Island is a small, peaceful island located in the Sulu Sea, known for its excellent visibility and diverse marine life. It’s also a nesting site for turtles, and divers can enjoy both macro and pelagic species.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Fly to Sandakan Airport from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.
- Transfer: From Sandakan, take a taxi to the jetty.
- Boat: Take a speedboat from Sandakan Jetty to Lankayan Island (about 1.5 hours).
8. Mataking Island, Sabah
Overview: Mataking is known for its house reef and underwater post office. The diving here offers a mix of macro and pelagic life, including turtles, barracudas, and the occasional whale shark.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Fly to Tawau Airport.
- Transfer: Take a taxi or minibus to Semporna.
- Boat: Take a boat from Semporna to Mataking Island (about 45 minutes).
9. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Overview: Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this marine park consists of five islands, offering a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels. The park is known for its calm waters, coral gardens, and diverse marine life.
How to Get There:
- Fly: Fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
- Boat: From Kota Kinabalu, take a speedboat from Jesselton Point to one of the islands in the marine park (about 15-20 minutes).
Tips for Diving in Malaysia
- Diving Season: The best time to dive in most Malaysian locations is from March to October, avoiding the monsoon season.
- Permits: Some dive sites, like Sipadan, require permits that are limited in number, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
- Diving Experience: While some sites are beginner-friendly, others, like Layang-Layang and Sipadan, are more suitable for experienced divers.
These diving spots offer unique underwater experiences, catering to a range of diving skills and interests.