Imagine this: you've been given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world and you really don't know where you want to go, so you find an atlas, close your eyes, circle your index finger and point to a spot. You open your eyes and discover that you are pointing at Malaysia. You then begin to ask yourself, what can I possibly do in the Southeast Asian country.
To break it down, Malaysia can be seen as having two parts - Peninsular Malaysia, and East Malaysia.
Peninsular (or West) Malaysia has coastlines on both the Straits of Melacca, and the South China Sea, and is connected by a bridge and a causeway to Singapore; this part of Malaysia shares a border with Thailand, and where the capital city of Kuala Lumpur is located.
East Malaysia shares borders with Indonesia and Brunei and is located in the northern half of the island of Borneo.
Here are just a few reasons why you should add Malaysia to your travel list.
Malaysia is largely comprised of Chinese, Indian and indigenous local people making it a hub for culture and multiplicity. Experience a varied culture made up of numerous religions, such as Islam and Christianity, and ethnicities living together peacefully.
Get a real life experience by visiting the Sarawak Cultural Village, Sarawak. This living museum showcases Sarawak's rich cultural heritage. It displays the costumes, handicrafts, lifestyles and traditional dwellings of the state's major ethnic communities, with daily cultural performances.
Find out more at www.scv.com.my.
There is an array of festivals and celebrations to experience the vibrant local culture. Newly promoted in 2015, the Malaysia Year of Festivals, the local government aims to create "endless celebrations" and acknowledge the diverse nation.
Some of the big celebrations to still take place in 2015 include:
For a full list of celebrations, go to www.myfest2015.com.my.
Comprising a largely Chinese, Indian and indigenous population, you'll have the chance to experience delicious and exotic local cuisine, such as Acar - a tangy, pickled salad and condiment or ketupat dumplings. A favourite with the locals is the calamansi lime, which is generally used to sour food, giving it a pickled undertone and preserving its flavour. Another exotic fruit that's indigenous to the region is the durian, which is a bright purple or orange colour typically, and difficult to find in other parts of the world.
The Malaysian climate is fairly consistent, at approximately 30 degrees Celsius with short-lived showers happening throughout the year - leading to an abundant plant life.
While Thailand is best known for it's amazing beaches, it's certainly not the only place in Malaysia that you'll find clear, long stretches of pristine beaches and ocean. Along the Kuala Terengganu coast, you'll find a number of protected beaches including Pulau Redang, with its two historic shipwrecks - a diver's paradise.
Malaysia is home to incredible natural wonders like the the world's largest cave chamber, which can be found at Mulu National Park in Sarawak, where you'll also have the chance to experience a 480m canopy walk. Langwaki Island is another natural wonder for you to explore for an escape from modern civilization. Between the old cottages and 99 islands, you will experience a taste of Malaysia's country magic. You can also ride the cableway to the second largest mountain in Langwaki - Mount Mat Cincang.
The colourful heritage of Malaysia can be seen in everything from its people, to its architecture and infrastructure. There are also various games and customs that locals take part in to pique your interest. Silat, for example, is a Malaysian martial art and traditional dance form that has been around for centuries. Today it is practised at weddings and other celebrations and continues to serve as a remnant and celebration of yesteryear.
If you love to shop, Kuala Lumpur is the place where a shopaholic must go, because it offers everything ranging from clothes to handmade products. There are several shopping centres, which allow you to shop for yourself, friends and family.
Have the urge? Check out BBKLCC, the shoppers paradise stretches from Bukit Bintang to Kuala Lumpur City Centre and will leave you spoilt for choice. The shopping district is well-connected via a covered pedestrian walkway and an efficient network of public transportation. For more about the shopper's haven, go to www.bbklccmalaysia.com.
If you're looking for a fun-filled family holiday, Malaysia has many options that allows you to get away from your busy, hectic lives.
Sunway Lagoon is one of the good options for families. Just 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, here you'll find five different theme parks in one destination, with more than 80 rides and attractions to choose from. Park entertainment and wild encounters offer excitement, laughter and creates a special moment for everyone. Feel the fun at www.sunwaylagoon.com.
The first of its kind in Asia and the first international park in Malaysia, LEGOLAND offers a first-class park experience with thrilling rides, interactive displays and themed areas.
The park's main attraction is MINILAND, where miniature replicas of Asia's popular landmarks made with more than 30 million LEGO bricks can be seen. Hello Kitty Town, the first Hello Kitty theme park outside Japan, is a must for fans of this popular character. The park's highlights include Black Wonder, a state-of-the-art interactive experience, and Kitty House, an iconic house filled with everything Hello Kitty from top to bottom. To plan your visit, go to www.legoland.com.my.
It's clear that Malaysia thrives with life, entertainment, enjoyment and natural beauty. In addition, the different cultures that merge in the Southeast Asian country is what make every effort to visit Malaysia so worth it.
Further information on Malaysia can be found at www.tourism.gov.my.
