I'm a huge fan of Malaysia and visit several times a year. In recent years, I've spent more time in Malaysia than in Thailand, as costs are often lower and customer service is better.
In fact, Malaysia is such a popular south east Asian vacation destination nowadays, tourism rates are increasing rapidly every year. Only 5.5 million tourists arrived in the country in 1998 but, by 2010, that rate had increased to 24.6 million, and millions are repeat visitors. Those figures are expected to rise even more in 2012. As a frequent visitor myself, it's easy to see why.
Flights are Cheap - If you're in a neighboring country like Singapore or Thailand, flights on airlines like Air Asia or Malaysian Airlines are cheap. For just $130 round-trip, you can fly to Kuala Lumpur or Penang in 2012 for a three-day weekend or longer.
Hotels are Cheap - Hotels in Malaysia are cheap, yet offer world-class accommodation and facilities. During my last trip to Kuala Lumpur, I spent only $30 a night in a small boutique hotel next to one of the city's main shopping and dining areas, and just steps away from the monorail train system. It was comfortable, clean, centrally-located and with free Wi-Fi internet and satellite TV. What more could you ask for?
People Speak English - Unlike countries like Thailand or Cambodia where, outside of the main cities, finding someone who speaks English can be a challenge, most people in Malaysia speak some English and a huge percentage speak it fluently.
While, of course, it's interesting to be in a country and hear the native language, as a tourist it makes it much easier to get around and get what you need when you can explain yourself in a language you can speak.
Cultural Diversity - I love Malaysia, as the culture is fascinating. An incredible mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese, there's so much to see, do, experience and, of course, eat, you'd never get bored here.
Customer Service is Excellent - I always get excellent customer service in Malaysia, far better than I experience in Thailand, where it's all done with a smile but often incorrectly. Malaysians are taught world-class customer service in many hotels, restaurants and businesses, and know how to make their customers happy. Again, that makes it easy to get what you need, particularly when people often go the extra mile.
Shopping is Cheap - When I first used to travel to Malaysia, going shopping was more expensive than in Bangkok, where I then lived, so I usually didn't bother.
Nowadays, as Thailand has become more and more expensive, prices in Malaysia haven't risen anywhere near as much, so shopping in Malaysia is wonderful as the bargains are so good. I now buy things I would normally buy in Bangkok -- DVDs, t shirts, jewelry, jeans, shoes -- but at a 10-30% cheaper price.
People are Friendly - The main reason I love visiting Malaysia is the people are so friendly. It starts when you get to Malaysian immigration where, unlike Thailand where you're scowled at and treated like a second-class citizen, Malaysian immigration officers seem to actually be happy you're visiting their country and show it. This welcoming attitude continues on in hotels, restaurants, stores, with people always willing to talk and to help you with what you need.
As a travel writer who has spent years living in various places in south east Asia, I'd recommend a holiday in Malaysia in a heartbeat. Inexpensive, easy to travel around in, with world-class facilities and service, friendly people, lovely weather and so much to see and do -- Malaysia is just about the best south east Asian destination nowadays.
There's a reason 24.6 million people travel there every year. Why not find out for yourself why?
For information about tourism in Malaysia in 2012 check out the Tourism Malaysia website.
