What to do While Visiting Malaysia

Travelling to Malaysia is said to be a thought-provoking and incredible experience. There really is so much to do and even more to see, so if you want to make sure that you don’t miss out on anything, or if you just want to try and explore the area and see the sights, then I hope to help you here!

The City Dweller 

Malaysia is known for having rich and culturally diverse towns. Some are full of markets, others are centered on historical sights. Either way, it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, because there is truly always something around the corner. It is also worth keeping up with Malaysia property news as well, as this can tell you about any new renovations or upgrades that are in the area that may be of interest to you.

George Town

George Town is the capital of Penang and it has the biggest Chinese population in the area of Malaysia. It is also a trade center and the European influences are apparent as soon as you step foot into the area. The architecture is rich and eclectic, where smaller and more traditional buildings gradually evolve into skyscrapers that rise higher than anything else in the area.

Langkawi

This is one of the main islands in Malaysia and it is often overlooked. The scenery is absolutely stunning and it is full of beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. You also have a mixture of rich swamps and the inland areas have jungle and fauna as well. The rainforest in this area is untouched, but when you do travel to Langkawi, you’ll also find that the stores, markets and tourist attractions there are not to be missed.

The Famous Ruins

When you travel to Malacca you’ll find that there is a historical fortress. It was established in the 1500’s and it has expanded over the years to become something really special. The fortress was built by the Portuguese before it fell into the hands of the Dutch and then the British. Jonker Street is nearby and this is full of shops, markets and restaurants. This is the ideal place to visit if you want to see the city while also taking in some of the rich historical sites that are dotted around.

The Adventurer

If you’re not a city slicker and want to see some of the stunning rainforests in the area, then you won’t be disappointed. Malaysia is full of wildlife and this means that there are plenty of hiking expeditions and even tours of the local land available for you to embark on. You’ll have to be aware of some of the most dangerous animals that Malaysia is home to however, or else you could find yourself in a precarious situation.

Sumatran Cobra

The spitting cobra has pale bars on its dorsum and it can be brown, blue or black in color. They can grow up to 1.6 meters in length and they are much smaller than the king cobra. Its bite can be incredibly deadly and it can spray venom from over 3 meters away with incredible accuracy. The cobra lives in urban gardens, jungles, forests and parks and if you encounter this animal on your travels, don’t look at it directly. If you are bitten, go to the nearest hospital as soon as you can. If the venom gets in your eyes, rinse them with water for a couple of hours at least.

Saltwater Crocodile

The saltwater crocodile has a very large head with heavy jaws and ridges that run all the way down the body. They can be over 6 meters in length and they are ruthless to say the least. They can live in saltwater estuaries, freshwater rivers and swamps. With Malaysia being so rich in terms of swamps and bodies of water, it is a good idea for you to check for slide marks before you approach any lakes or water pools. Warning signs are often erected near to where crocodiles are known for being, but this isn’t always a guarantee. Never approach open bodies of water if there is even the slightest sign of there being a crocodile present, as they can leap out of the water at an alarming rate.

Black Leopard

The black leopard is a stealthy and quiet animal. It is seen prowling at sunrise and sunset, and it often goes for the throat when threatened. This is one animal that you don’t really have to worry about when you travel to Malaysia unless you are going into the deep rainforest.

The Wanderer

Malaysia is served by a huge range of public transportation networks and this is ideal if you don’t want to stay in one place for too long or if you just want to be able to get from one place to another without having to plan out the logistics of your travel.

Rail Services

There are plenty of rail services available in Malaysia. There are express trains and these are all air-conditioned. You also have the choice of what type of class you want to travel. There is the premier, superior, and economy, and all of them have the choice of overnight services. The local trains are usually only available as economy and they may take twice as long to get to a destination as the express train, however they are much cheaper.

Buses

Long-distance travel is very common in Malaysia and a lot of people choose to travel via bus. Buses are great for those who want to hop on and hop off, however you won’t be able to turn on the air conditioning because most buses don’t have them. There are upscale buses available and this includes the First Coach, Super Nice and Aeroline. Some of them even come with a meal service as well.

Ferries

Ferries give you the chance to travel between Thailand, Indonesia and even to Singapore. This is one of the best ways for you to travel between all of the countries that make this area really special and it is also one of the most popular forms of travel with tourists as well. It is more than possible for you to book a ferry in advance if you want to plan out your trip.

The Foodie

Malaysia really is incredible when you look at the diverse food culture. Nothing can quite compare, so if you are a foodie, you’ll love the ideas that are below.

Banana Leaf Rice

This dish actually comes from the south of India and there are various assortments available for you to try. Chicken curry, assorted vegetables, fresh yogurt and dried chili is often combined and then served in a banana leaf, and fried fish is a huge delicacy.

Fish Curry

This is actually a breakfast dish. Instead of cooking the rice in water, it is steamed in coconut milk. This adds a very sweet flavor before it is mixed with lemongrass, turmeric and galangal.

Fried Noodles

Hokkien Mee is a stir-fried version of the noodle. It is also a broth if you visit Penang. It consists of thick, yellow noodles that are then braised in a rich dark soy sauce. Crispy pork fat is then added, so even though it’s not super healthy, it really is something that you won’t want to miss out on.

 

So if you are a pengembara (that’s Malay for traveler) and you want to really dive into the culture, wildlife, food and transportation lines of Malaysia, there is no time better than the present to plan your trip!

 

 

*This is a collaborative post