Malaysia
Malaysia offers a fascinating synthesis you won`t find in neighboring countries. This nation is situated on two shores of the South China Sea: on the Malay Peninsula and on the wild island of Borneo. Its strategic position in the heart of Southeast Asia has made it a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. The country is built on the principle of "unity in diversity," where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions peacefully intertwine.
Here, you can combine the most diverse experiences in a single trip: one day exploring the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, the next venturing into the planet`s oldest jungles, observing orangutans, or diving among coral reefs.
History of Malaysia
The history of Malaysia as a unified state is relatively young, yet the Straits of Malacca region has been a center of global trade for centuries.
Pre-colonial Period (until the 16th century): Numerous Malay sultanates existed in the territory, the most influential being the Malacca Sultanate (1402–1511). It established control over the strait and became the main center for the spread of Islam in the region.
Colonial Era (16th — mid-20th centuries): The fall of Malacca attracted European powers:
• Portuguese (1511-1641): Controlled Malacca as a fortress to protect trade routes.
• Dutch (1641-1824): Displaced the Portuguese, focusing on the commercial exploitation of the region.
• British (19th century — 1957): Established the most prolonged and systematic control. They developed tin and rubber extraction, attracting labor from China and India, which laid the foundations of the modern multi-ethnic society.
Path to Independence and Federation:
• 1957 — Independence of the Federation of Malaya was proclaimed.
• 1963 — Formation of Malaysia comprising the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. Singapore left the federation in 1965.
Travel Destinations: West Malaysia (Malay Peninsula)
1. Kuala Lumpur: The Capital Metropolis
• Petronas Towers (1998): Height: 452 meters. A symbol of economic growth.
• Merdeka (Independence) Historic Quarter: The Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Moorish style, the square with a 95m flagpole, St. Mary`s Cathedral (1894).
• Religious Sites: Masjid Jamek (1909), National Mosque, Batu Caves — a complex of Hindu shrines in limestone hills.
• Cultural Districts: Chinatown with Petaling Street, the Brickfields area (Little India).
2. The Historic Center of Malacca (Melaka)
A museum-city, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
• Portuguese: Ruins of A Famosa Fortress — only the Porta de Santiago gate remains.
• Dutch: Stadthuys (1650) — town hall, Christ Church (1753), a windmill.
• British: Houses in late Classical and Neo-Gothic styles.
• Ethno-cultural Sites: Kampung Kling district with a mosque, Hindu and Chinese temples; the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum.
• Infrastructure: Malacca River with a promenade and sightseeing boats; the Maritime Museum featuring a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar.
3. Penang Island: Cultural and Gastronomic Hub
An island off the northwest coast, connected to the mainland by a bridge.
George Town (UNESCO-listed core):
• Architecture: Colonial mansions, temple complexes (the Chinese Kek Lok Si, the Hindu Sri Mahamariamman Temple), Fort Cornwallis.
• Street Art: Murals and steel sculptures depicting local history.
• Natural & Recreational Sites: Penang Hill with a funicular railway, the Botanical Gardens, a Tropical Spice Garden.
• Cuisine: Recognized as one of Asia`s street food capitals. Specialties: Assam Laksa (spicy sour noodle soup with fish), Char Kway Teow (stir-fried rice noodles), Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad).
4. Langkawi Island: Archipelago for Beach Holidays
An archipelago of 99 islands, a duty-free zone.
• Pantai Cenang: The most popular beach with developed infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, bars).
• Pantai Tengah: A calmer beach, suitable for families.
• Pantai Kok & Teluk Datai: Secluded beaches with eco-resorts.
Attractions: Langkawi SkyCab cable car with the SkyBridge at 660m above sea level; Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) Waterfall; Kilim Karst Geoforest Park with mangroves; the Underwater World aquarium.
Diving & Snorkeling: Options are limited compared to the east coast but available near Pulau Payar and Singa Besar islands.
5. Cameron Highlands: A Hill Station
An agricultural region at 1500-1800m altitude, founded by the British in the 1920s.
• Main Produce: Tea plantations (Boh Plantations), strawberry farming, vegetables, flowers.
• Tourist Attractions: Tea centers with tours, strawberry farms with parks, Cactus Valley, flower nurseries, Lata Iskandar waterfall.
6. Taman Negara National Park
The country`s oldest national park (established in 1938/39), encompassing one of the oldest tracts of tropical rainforest on the planet.
• Ecosystems: Lowland and montane rainforests, limestone karst formations, a river system.
• Trekking: Trails of varying difficulty, from short walks to multi-day hikes (e.g., climbing Gunung Tahan, 2187m).
• Canopy Walkway: A 530m-long hanging walkway in the treetops, up to 45m high.
• River Safari: Traditional boat rides to the Kuala Tahan settlement.
• Wildlife Watching: Hideouts for observing birds, deer, wild cattle (banteng).
• Visit an Orang Asli Village: Introduction to the life of the indigenous Batek people.
East Malaysia (Borneo)
1. Sabah State: Adventure Tourism Center
Mount Kinabalu (4095m): The highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Kinabalu Park (UNESCO) is known for endemic flora and fauna (e.g., the carnivorous Nepenthes rajah). The climb requires 2 days and an overnight stay at Laban Rata rest house.
Kinabatangan River: One of Sabah`s largest rivers. River cruises are the primary way to observe wildlife: orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles. The starting point is the town of Sandakan.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Located 25km from Sandakan. Aims to rehabilitate and release rescued orangutans. Visit during feeding times.
World-Class Diving:
Sipadan Island: A coral atoll risen from the ocean floor. Vertical walls dropping to 600m. Famous for schooling barracuda and jackfish, turtles, reef sharks. Daily access is limited to 120 divers; accommodation is on neighboring islands.
Mabul & Kapalai Islands: Located near Sipadan, offering accommodation and diving on local reefs.
Layang-Layang: An isolated atoll famous for seasonal aggregations of hammerhead sharks (March-May).
2. Sarawak State: Land of Caves and Ethnic Diversity
The largest state in Malaysia, known for rich cultural heritage and karst landscapes.
Gunung Mulu National Park (UNESCO, 2000):
Cave Systems: Deer Cave — the world`s largest cave passage by cross-section, departure point for ~3 million bats at dusk. Clearwater Cave — one of Asia`s longest caves. Sarawak Chamber — the world`s largest underground chamber (length 600m, height 115m, accessible with special permits).
The Pinnacles: Needle-like limestone formations on the summit of Gunung Api. Requires a 3-4 day trek with a climb.
Bako National Park: Sarawak`s oldest park (1957). Accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the capital, Kuching. Known for diverse landscapes (cliffs, beaches, mangroves) and easily accessible wildlife viewing, including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, monitor lizards.
Kuching: The state capital. The Waterfront, ethnographic museums (e.g., Sarawak Museum), colonial architecture (the Astana, palace of the White Rajahs). The starting point for river cruises to the longhouses of the Iban and Bidayuh tribes.
