Best 5 Malaysian destinations to visit

October 16, 1:32 AMAsia Travel ExaminerCassandra James

Previous Next

4 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Asia Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

A beautifully decorated floral trishaws in Dutch Square, Melaka - Photo: Cassandra James

As a frequent traveler to Malaysia, it became obvious to me very quickly how many wonderful destinations there are in Malaysia. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, areas like Cameron Highlands and Langkawi, all have so much to offer the traveler. If you've never been, I can't recommend Malaysia enough, especially these five wonderful Malaysia destinations.

Kuala Lumpur - Second only to Bangkok as my favorite city in Asia, Kuala Lumpur is a dream to visit. Easy to get around, because of the monorail and train systems, a wonderful place to shop at with the many enormous shopping malls, and a cheap shopping destination - you can't beat KL.  Don't miss getting tickets to go up the world's former largest building, the Petronas Towers, (tickets are free!), visit KLCC, a world-class mall, and don't forget to try the food. Because, if you're anything like me, you'll love it so much, you'll be 10 pounds heavier when you leave.

Penang - A pretty Malaysian island, Penang is famous throughout Asia for its British heritage, its many art museums, cafes and restaurants, and fun nightlife. Penang also has interesting historical buildings left over from colonial times, and some cool beaches.  Check out the botanical gardens, get a cup of 'Kopi', or rent a motorbike and cruise around the island.

Cameron Highlands - Nobody can talk about Cameron Highlands without mentioning Jim Thompson, the Thailand silk tycoon, who went for a walk in the highlands and never came back. And mystery still surrounds the Cameron Highlands. With mists in the morning coming over the tea plantations, some wonderful jungle treks, a butterfly farm and a strawberry farm - the eight quaint towns that comprise Cameron Highlands are relaxing and unique.

Petronas Towers - Photo: Cassandra James

Langkawi - There are 99 islands that make up Langkawi, both large and small. Famous for its world-class beaches, lively nightlife, scuba diving, boat tours around the islands and some of the best food in Malaysia, Langkawi is a great Malaysian destination if you like an island paradise. Big tip - don't miss the spas. A spa treatment in Langkawi will leave you feeling like a million ringgit.

Melaka - Another favorite destination in Malaysia is Melaka. Melaka is a small town, rich in history, just two hours south of Kuala Lumpur.  First put on the map several hundred years ago by Portuguese traders, you can see much of the Portuguese influence still in the city. Old churches, and falling down forts, with gravestones of those who first went there three hundred years ago, Melaka is a fun place for a day trip. A must see is Jalan Hang Jebat or Jonker Street, packed with cafes, restaurants, art galleries and one of the most interesting Chinese temples I've seen.

These five Malaysian destinations are great for all the family. There's tons of stuff for kids to do, mom and dad will enjoy the shopping or the beaches, and if you're a young couple or still single, there's loads for you to do too.