Now in the darkness of winter, it's good to dream away to Asia. A while ago we told you about Vietnam, and now it's the turn of Malaysia, which we visited in 2012. We give you tips on travelling around Malaysia and places to see and visit in the country, with a little help from our fellow travel bloggers.
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Hypermodern Kuala Lumpur
When you arrive in Malaysia, you often land first in the Kuala Lumpur. So did we, although we chose to look around the city only at the end of our trip. KL is a modern city with tall skyscrapers, large shopping centres and air-conditioned walkways that criss-cross the city so you don't have to walk outside in the heat.
We stayed at the Corus hotel, which was centrally located and good. From here we could walk to the 88-storey Petrona Towers. We never went to any high altitudes, but with the 4000 mile bloggers you will find tips on sky bars.
If you want a change from the hypermodern city centre, you can go to Chinatown. You might not want to look for quality products here, but if you're looking for cheap and fun shopping in a slightly crazy environment, you've come to the right place!
Relaxing Langkawi
Langkawi is an island and perhaps one of the most famous holiday destinations in Malaysia. We found a super cosy little place called La Pari Pari, with small cottages a short walk from the beach and with wickedly charming Staff. You may experience Langkawi as a bit "touristy", but we had a good holiday there. Not least, we made several really good excursions.
Among other things, we went on a boat trip in the mangrove swamps. Here we saw both snakes and monkeys, but the coolest animal by far was a dagger tail. This animal evolved 542 - 251 million years ago, and then it has kind of stalled in its development, so to speak. It was like meeting a living trilobite!
Two things we missed, but which the blog Ladies Abroad has written about, are Seven Wells and the dramatic cable car.
VilDa Borneo
We haven't been to the island of Borneo itself (which is politically shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei), but if we ever go back to Malaysia, I definitely want to go! At the blogger Discovering the Planet you can read more posts about Borneo, including Rasa Ria Nature Reserve, Kinabalu Park, macaques, orangutans and a safari at Kinabatangan in Sakau.
More great places in Malaysia
There are of course even more places to visit in Malaysia, and here we take a little more help from our travel blog colleagues:
- Perhentian The islands are a small group of islands in north-eastern Malaysia.
- Taman Negara is a national park, and on the blog Another Life you can read about the visit to the spiders and snakes in the world's oldest rainforest.
You might also like:
Kalanggaman in the Philippines - an island paradise
Apid Island in the Philippines - a small island where few tourists find it
Marina Point Bay Resort in Panglao, Philippines
Things to do in Panglao, Philippines - 11 tips
Boat trips in El Nido - fabulous islands in Palawan, Philippines
Boat trip to the Kuriat Islands in Tunisia - excursion from Monastir
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Diana's dreams says:
Malaysia sounds lovely Hugs
16 November 2016 - 7:24
Mr Steve says:
That dagger tail was a strange creature. The meal in the last picture looks exciting. Strange and exciting it must be so far away from Sweden.
16 November 2016 - 8:18
BeautifulLittleLife says:
Malaysia sounds super nice! Should probably visit one day!
16 November 2016 - 8:37
Lennart says:
Certainly nice but maybe a bit hot for me!
16 November 2016 - 8:41
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
It's fun to read about destinations you've travelled to yourself. In 2008 we went on a round trip, which I thought had a great arrangement. First a one week tour of Borneo with orangutans, turtle island, jungle walks and river trips. Our group was only 10 people of which our guest was six, so quite ok. Then a few days in a luxury hotel by the sea and three days in Kuala Lumpur. What a cool city. We were up in the Petronas Tower and enjoyed the evening view of the city from the TV square restaurant.
16 November 2016 - 9:18
Goatfish says:
Here I get to travel in my imagination! And I enjoy your pictures!
I don't know if I will ever go to Asia again. I've been to Thailand in 2013 and it was great, but it's a long journey. You should probably be at least two, I think.
If you have time and desire, you can read about my "journey" in my blog today 😀.
Have a nice Wednesday!
16 November 2016 - 9:36
Ida - Travelling with children says:
Nice link to our posts about the wonderful Perhentian, which I highly recommend!
16 November 2016 - 9:38
admin says:
Diamas dreams, we would love to go back on occasion! 🙂
Steve, we had good and interesting food in Malaysia, both Malaysian and from other Asian countries.
Vackralillavardag, recommended! And we would love to see more!
Lennart, yes it can be quite hot and humid in Asia, although it can sometimes vary with the seasons etc.
Britt-Marie, wow what a trip! Fun to hear about! It sounds like you got a little of each of what Malaysia has to offer!
Geddfish, yes, it is a little bit to travel to Asia. Will check in with you! Wishing you a gin day!
Ida, Perhentian really sounded like paradise when reading your blog!
16 November 2016 - 9:47
Solan says:
There is always something new to learn. My favourite today is the unlikely dagger tail. 🙂
16 November 2016 - 10:15
Ama de casa says:
Wondering if it's not time to go a little east again? Gets sooo heavenly hungry! When we were in KL -92, there were not even those twin towers ...
For example, I would love to visit Borneo! 🙂
16 November 2016 - 10:38
Anette says:
Great reading. I have also visited Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. Going back there in March.
Borneo is a place I would like to go to.
Let's see what we can do during our time in Asia.
16 November 2016 - 10:38
Marina says:
Not to mention all the amazing little islands on the east coast, at least if you're looking for more basic accommodation. There are many gems to discover!
16 November 2016 - 11:18
Ditte says:
Fun with different travel tips! We have visited Malaysia and certainly KL is a lovely city with much to see and experience.
We had planned to visit Borneo but instead it was the lovely little island of Redang which we became very fond of and which was not so touristy. Many islands are as Marina writes on the east coast and some we have visited. But Borneo is still on the travel list.
As for Langkawi, we were moderately enthusiastic, but I realised that you liked the island more than we did. Probably compared with Redang and other islands and it's not so good.
We already visited Penang in 1980, then very unspoilt and took a train from Bankgkok to renew our visa.
There is so much to see and experience around, I realise that I won't be able to visit all the places I want to.
I'll have time for a few more.
16 November 2016 - 11:58
LinizTravel says:
Dreaming of Langkawi never been there!!!
Great post! Hugs
16 November 2016 - 13:28
Discovering The Planet says:
Great with collected posts and tips for a country like this. We have a little torn hair with winter travel, luxury problems ?. The need for just sun and rest meant that we now end up in Bali.
16 November 2016 - 14:44
BP says:
Great tips for anyone who wants to go east.
Personally, I was mostly stuck on the incredibly delicious skyscraper and Chinatown. I would never have been able to touch the dagger tail...;-)
16 November 2016 - 15:28
admin says:
Solan, the dagger tail was soooo cool 🙂 How are you travelling? Where are you now?
Ama de casa, interesting! Now it's almost hard to imagine KL without those towers 😉.
Anette, how wonderful that you are going back! 🙂
Marina, I imagine there is even more to discover! And especially, as you say, if you can imagine a slightly simpler life.
Ditte, Redang sounds interesting! We agree that Langkawi is a bit touristy. I think the personal and cosy accommodation we found contributed to a positive experience. But if I were to go again, I would like to see a little more/different!
Liniztravel, always nice to have travel dreams 🙂 .
Discovering the planet, oh Bali, that sounds wonderful!!!! 🙂
BP, haha, I thought the dagger tail would be scary, but he was pretty cool as he sort of slowly and methodically crawled forward 😉.
16 November 2016 - 18:58
Anna, Travel on a Cloud says:
Perfect timing for this post. 🙂 I booked a trip to Malaysia yesterday - my winning trip with Qatar. First it will be KL and then probably Pangkor Island.
16 November 2016 - 19:26
Matts Torebring says:
How very nice, interesting and beautiful, we get to see the world in a little evening time, (for me). Super nice, I'm sure, but I want to go by motorhome. I am a motorhome addict!
16 November 2016 - 21:32