David Bowden and Michelle Jones-White reveal why Malaysia is truly Asia...
While the tourism catch cry of "Malaysia Truly Asia" may seem quite broad, it actually does encapsulate the spirit of a country with such diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Home to people of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and European origins, Malaysia has absorbed influences of many cultures. It also retains an indigenous culture, through ethnic groups such as the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the Dayaks - Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu - in Sarawak and the Kadazan Dusun, Bajau and Murut in Sabah, on the island of Borneo.
Even Singapore - once a Malay fishing village - was part of this natural paradise, only gaining complete independence in 1965. And because of its extensive history, melting pot of cultures and varied topography, Malaysia offers travellers a unique experience. Whether you choose to drive, fly or travel by boat - there's plenty to see and do - no matter what your preference!
Sarawak Cultural Village (www.scv.com.my) at Damai Beach - one hour from Kuching - is a great way to discover and appreciate Sarawak's ethnicity. Rainforest surrounds a lake lined with traditional homes where friendly villagers display their way of life and customs to visitors. Every July, the village plays host to the Rainforest World Music Festival (www. rainforestmusic-borneo.com) - a three-day celebration of the world's best eclectic music in a dream-like setting. Workshops and a warm, friendly atmosphere make for an uplifting experience. Accommodation options are limited so book early, try Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon or Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach (http://www.holidayinn.com/). And don't miss the Main Bazaar in Kuching - one of Malaysia's best markets - brimming with indigenous produce.
Antique hunters will adore Malacca offering a unique charm because of its Peranakan and Portuguese history. Shop for curios, sample delicious Nyonya cuisine and take time to visit the medieval fortresses and ancient ruins dating back to the 16th century. Stay in a renovated Peranakan mansion for an authentic experience, try Heeren House (www.melaka.net/heerenhouse) and Hotel Puri Melaka (http://www.hotelpuri.com/).
In the wild
Much of Malaysia was once covered by lowland rainforest, mangroves and montane forests in the higher altitudes. Fortunately, many natural areas remain and most are accessible though often only following a long journey. It can sometimes take two days by river to reach destinations within Sarawak.
The Lower Kinabatangan River of Sabah is well worth exploring as it offers a variety of landscapes just four-hour's drive from Sandakan. Fly into Sandakan on AirAsia (www.airasia.com) and join a Wildlife Expeditions (www.wildlife-expeditions.com) tour to the Kinabatangan and stay in their eco-lodge located on the Menanggol River, which flows into the much larger Kinabatangan. A journey on a small boat up the river is one of Malaysia's best wildlife journeys as the river is home to Proboscis monkeys, Crab-Eating monkeys, Orang Utans and elephants. Journeys to nearby mangroves and freshwater lakes are also possible, as is a visit to Gomantong Caves.
Back in Sandakan, Wildlife Expeditions can also arrange visits to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Turtle Island where turtle spotting is guaranteed most nights of the year. For other adventurous tours throughout the country, check out the extensive menu of nature-based activities offered by the travel professionals, Asian Overland Services (www.asianoverland.com.my).
Spa getaways
Malaysian spas are renowned for taking the best of Indian, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Malay traditional therapies, to offer complete, holistic spa experiences.
Langkawi Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com/langkawi). Body, facial, reiki and ayurvedic-inspired treatments plus private yoga and meditation sessions, are offered within six private pavilions which seem to float on reflective ponds. Couples can also enjoy a private outdoor shower or indoor soak in a celadon tub. Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa's (http://www.pelangibeachresort.com/) Teratai Spa by Aspara blends traditional Indonesian, Chinese and Malay therapies. Try the Javanese lulur body polish or the Dead Sea mud body mask and yin and yang aroma meridian massage. Although slightly tired, Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa Resort (www.berjayaresorts.com) is situated on a stunning stretch of beach and is worthy of mention. Try Ayura Spa's signature massage, where a heated poultice of aromatic herbs and spices are applied to meridian points of the body to soothe sore muscles.
Pangkor Laut The Spa Village at Pangkor Laut Resort (http://www.pangkorlautresort.com/) is a tranquil, hillside retreat. Indoor and outdoor spa spaces are located throughout four acres of rainforest overlooking water villas situated on stilts within a sparkling emerald bay. Private "healing huts" offering Chinese herbal, Ayurvedic, Indonesian, Thai and Malay therapies, plus programmes for physical and spiritual health recommended by onsite Chinese and Ayurvedic specialists.
Penang Shangri-la's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa (http://www.shangri-la.com/) has recently reopened following a RM100 million redevelopment and now incorporates CHI Spa Village, complete with garden sanctuary, yoga studio and 11 treatment villas. Special "opening" rates on accommodation and spa therapies are now available until December 19, with special privileges and resort credits of up to RM500 also offered.
Kuala Lumpur Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa (http://www.cyberview-lodge.com/) is located halfway between the airport and Malaysia's Federal capital and is a great option if you're keen to extend a business trip with a spa escape. Well appointed rooms are dotted in tropical gardens and Sembunyi Spa offers a wide array of body and facial treatments plus a gym, lap pool, Jacuzzi and steam room.
East Coast idylls
The laidback islands off Malaysia's east coast are great for family getaways and are often just a short drive and boat ride from Singapore. Accommodation ranges from five-star luxury to rustic chalets. Roam the beaches, go fishing and canoeing, snorkel amongst fascinating marine life and coral or learn to scuba dive.
Pulau Sibu Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base (http://www.siburesort.com/), Sibu Island Cabanas (http://www.sibuisland.com/) and Rimba Resort (http://www.malaysiaislandresort.net/).
Pulau Besar D'Coconut Island Resort (http://www.dcoconut.com/).
Rawa Island Rawa Island Resort (http://www.rawasfr.com/).
Tioman Japamala Resort (www.japamalaresorts.com).
Terengganu Tanjong Jara (http://www.tanjongjararesort.com/), D'Coconut Lagoon (http://www.dcoconutlagoon.com/) and Aryani Resort (www.thearyani.com).
Family fun
For a great family driving holiday, aim for the cooler climes of the Cameron Highlands around 200 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur and stop off at Malacca and the capital along the way. In colonial times, British expatriates would retreat to the high altitudes and the lush hills of the highlands to escape Malaysia's intense tropical heat. The charm of "old England" is still in evidence and you can stay in Tudor or plantation-style accommodation, go strawberry picking, relax in rose gardens with a cup tea and a scone, or even wind down with a stengah - a watered-down whiskey - in front of a roaring fireplace. Try the recently opened Cameron Highlands Resort (http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com/) - a luxurious boutique property with family-sized suites, The Lakehouse (www.lakehouse-cameron.com) or Strawberry Park Resort (www.strawberryparkresorts.com).
For a fun beachside getaway, The Frangipani (http://www.frangipanilangkawi.com/) - formerly Langkawi Village Resort - offers low-rise beachside chalets, a pool, safe swimming beach, child-minding facilities, kid-friendly restaurant menus, sporting activities and staff who strive to make kids feel right at home. The resort's extensive gardens are also home to many small animals, reptiles, insects and plants sure to capture a child's imagination.
This sporting life
Sail around Langkawi on a Crystal Yacht (www.crystalyacht.com) sunset cruise or visit the islands off Kota Kinabalu in Sabah onboard a Touchdown (www.touchdowncollection.com) luxury motorised yacht. Be thrilled by Formula 1 (http://www.malaysiangp.com.mygr/, Tel: +60 3 8778 2222 grand prix action at Sepang, where you can even pay to race your own car or motorbike on non-race days throughout the year. Climb Mount Kinabalu (http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/), scuba dive off the east coast and play golf at scores of courses to suit all abilities and budgets. Gunung Raya (www.golfgr.com.my) in Langkawi is a forgiving public course available at competitive prices, while the Palm Course at Saujana Golf & Country Club (http://www.saujana.com/.my) in Kuala Lumpur was voted Malaysia's best in 2005 by readers of Asian Golf Monthly.
Malaysians are passionate about food - they live to makan (eat)! Food is good, cheap and varied with main styles being Malay, Indian, Chinese and European. Feast on local fare in hawker stalls or choose from a variety of international and regional cuisine in fine-dining establishments. Kuala Lumpur offers streets filled with food, such as the hawker stalls of Jalan Alor, the bars and international restaurants of Changkat Bukit Bintang, regional and international cuisine at Tengkat Tong Shin and Chinatown - a hotspot for all Chinese delicacies. Kuala Lumpur's five-star hotels are still your best bet for high quality dining. Try EEST (Tel: +60 3 2773 8017) at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Villa Danieli (Tel: +60 3 2717 9900) at Sheraton Imperial and Al Nafourah (Tel: +60 3 2263 7888) at Le Meridien. To indulge, check out the Sunday Champagne brunch at Prego (Tel: +60 3 2731 8333) at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
Noteworthy independent restaurants include the Tamarind (http://www.tamarindrestaurants.com/) group, Bangles Tandoori (Tel: +60 3 4252 4300) and Bon Ton Restaurant (+60 32141 3848). Don't know where to start? Try Feast Village on the lower ground floor of Starhill Gallery (http://www.starhillgallery.com/) on Jalan Bukit Bintang, for a variety of independent smart casual dining options under one roof. Suburban areas such as Sri Hartamas, Bangsar and Brickfields offer a variety of ever-changing independent restaurants. Outside KL, watch the world go by at Atmosphere (Tel: +60 88 425 100) the new revolving dining experience in Sabah, visit Bon Ton (Tel: +60 4 955 3643) in Langkawi where west meets spice in stunning surroundings, or dine at 1885 (Tel: +60 4 222 2000) in Penang's E & O Hotel. Penang is probably the most famous place in Malaysia for food and is renowned for its rows of hawker stalls along Gurney Drive, Swatow Lane and Brown Gardens Hawker Centre on the junction of Anson and Perak roads.
Retail therapy
In a similar vein to eating, Malaysians love to shop and why not, the range is extensive and prices are competitive. The capital offers the best range of goods and regular sales make bargain hunting lots of fun. Suria KLCC (http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/) is at the base of Kuala Lumpur's twin towers - the world's tallest. Arguably the nation's best shopping area, other locations such as Lot 10 (http://www.ytlcommunity.com/) and Starhill Gallery (http://www.starhillgallery.com/) on Jalan Bukit Bintang are also great finds. Surrounding areas such as Chinatown, Little India, Bangsar and Chow Kit offer a more local flavour - don't miss the baazar held in Bangsar every Sunday night.
In Penang, head to the pasar malam (night market) along Batu Ferringhi road, with over 1,000 stalls selling trinkets and "designer" gear. For more authentic treasures, head to Chinatown near Campbell Road and walk on to Little India near Lebuh Queen and Lebuh Chulia, before visiting Jalan Pintai Ali or Rope Street for antique porcelain, clocks, light fittings and more.
Posted Oct 06
