MALAYSIA

Thanks to a major campaign by Malaysia’s government in recent years to transform the country into a popular tourist destination, both the natural beauty and cultural vivacity of this Southeast Asian nation may now be enjoyed by visitors from around the world. As a nascent industry, tourist expenses such as accommodations, dining, and leisure activities are much lower compared to more frequently visited Asian tourist spots such as Japan. For American visitors the dollar’s strength against the Malaysian ringgit (one US dollar is approximately 3.7 ringgits) provides another attractive opportunity to save. Though it is possible to spend about $80 a day on lodging, meals, activities, and transportation, it is equally easy to find high quality and luxury at affordable prices.

Traveling to Malaysia is made fairly convenient by its six international airports. The largest is Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the state of Selangor, and is among the most modern and efficient in the world. Malaysia Airlines is not only well rated in quality but also has an extensive worldwide network, making it easy to travel from all parts of the world. In the summer a roundtrip flight from Newark Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport costs about $870, and a departure from JFK is about $1200. Transportation within the country is fairly inexpensive. Most taxi fares are less than $1.50.

Modest lodgings, such as the Swiss Inn, the Bellevue, the Penang Hill Hotel, and Bukit Bendera provide a clean, conveniently located room for as little as $33 a night throughout the country. More elaborate accommodations are available as well in Malaysia’s assortment of resorts, offering everything from restaurants to fitness centers. Pangkor Laut Resort is internationally acclaimed with one of the best beaches in Malaysia and an extravagant array of amenities. Malaysia boasts Asia’s first Club Med as well, great for water sports enthusiasts. The Carcosa Seri Negara recalls British colonial luxury. Each of its 13 suites is equipped with a DVD player, internet access, and even a butler service for a mere $500 per night. The Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi offers gorgeous beaches, spectacular facilities, and a spa for similar rates. A less ostentatious though still luxurious option is Pangkor Laut Resort, perched on stilts over the sea and offering lush rainforest views as well as many botanical spa treatments. These elegant villas are priced between $200 and $300 a night. While the higher end resorts are probably the most valuable, there is a favorable range of prices of hotels as well. The Eastern and Oriental Hotel provides another version of British colonial charm for between $79 and $182 a night, while the Kuala Lumpur Shangri-La offers luxury and amenities such as a pool, fitness center, restaurants, business center, and breakfast buffets for around $80 a night. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion serves as both a hotel and museum, where guests receive private tours, breakfast, and a valet for just $50 a night. Major high-end international chains have sites in Malaysia as well, such as Regent, Hilton, and Marriott hotels.

The diversity of Malaysia’s population, consisting of Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Chinese, Nyonya, and indigenous people from Borneo, is reflected in the country’s cuisine. Kuala Lumpur, Cherating, and Penang are all well known areas of Malaysia for sampling the cuisine. Hawker stalls are the most exciting way to try a variety of high quality foods inexpensively. Little India and Old Chinatown offer a range of authentic dishes often for as little as $2, with upscale lunch buffets for $6. The various islands, such as Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) in particular, offer superb seafood. Charming sit-down dinners can be enjoyed anywhere for around $15 and often less. Alcoholic beverages are somewhat heavily taxed in Malaysia and can often raise the bill substantially. Satay, a dish of different types of meat grilled with a variety of spices and served on skewers, is a staple of Malaysian food. Satay Ria and Satay Anika are two satay chains that provide a convenient way to taste this popular dish for only around $6. Fruit is another delightful way to get a taste of Malaysia with many native varieties costing no more than 50 to 60 cents a pound when in season. Rambutans, mangosteens, rose apples, and durians are some of the more exotic fruits offered.

Although dining in Malaysia is always an adventure, there are many other exciting activities that offer a unique experience. Due to its location in the South China Sea and its physical makeup as a peninsula and series of islands, many of the most popular activities in Malaysia involve the water or the beautiful coasts. A good example is diving, which attracts people from all over the world to the country’s exceptional marine biodiversity. With an already astounding 50 types of coral and over 200 species of fish, new forms of life are constantly being discovered as well. Dive centers throughout the country are both well equipped and certified by the appropriate international agencies, offering a wide range of diving trips and courses. Daytrips can cost between $77 and $117 per person. Special group rates are also available. Courses range from around $68 to $1070 depending on the certifications covered and the company offering it. These fees usually include transportation, marine park and government fees, insurance, equipment, instructors, accommodations, and some meals.

Sailing is another water sport that Malaysia is very well situated for. Because recreational sailing is still an expanding industry, facilities are new, modern, and very affordable. Both powerboats and sailboats are available to rent. There are many attractions in the waters around Malaysia that make sailing an exciting experience, from bustling ports to peaceful, secluded islands perfect scuba diving. Chartering a boat without a crew can cost from around $210 to $1160 a day, depending on the boat. For those without sailing experience, crewed boats go for around $355 to $8,000 a day.

Beaches are another major attraction for visitors to Malaysia who want to enjoy its marine beauty. Many resorts have excellent beaches, but there are some independent locations with just as much to do. Pangkor, for example, offers water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, canoeing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving. The beach itself is a good place for bird watching as well. Equipment can be rented cheaply from hotels and shops in the area. Penang Beach additionally offers banana boat rides, and those interested in jungle trekking can journey Redang Island. While some beaches prohibit fishing, there are plenty of locations for those interested in angling in an area with some of the most diverse marine life in the world.

Inland Malaysia provides a wealth of natural beauty as well, and many opportunities for outdoor land activities. Horseback riding, archery, off-road trips, bird watching, caving, hiking, mountain biking, and mountain climbing are other popular ways to experience Malaysia. Since 75% of the country is covered in forest, 60% of which is untouched rainforest, the teeming species variety of the ocean is certainly matched on land. One unique natural experience to Malaysia is the firefly area in Kuala Selangor. This is a small area along a river that is home to one of the largest firefly colonies in the world. Late night trips on a small rowboat up the stream bring visitors into pitch-black darkness illuminated only by thousands of fireflies often said to look like fairies. This six-hour boat tour with a knowledgeable guide costs $53 per person if there are at least two passengers. An additional $5 per person will buy an accompanying seafood dinner.

To become immersed in nature in a different form, Malaysia’s spas are definitely worth a visit. A mixture of different types of eastern health and wellness practices, many of Malaysia’s spas combine ancient traditions with modern innovations. Often a part of resorts, different spas offer a variety of treatment packages which can last several days. In addition to Javanese, Indonesian, Chinese, Malay, and Ayurvedic natural treatments for the hair and skin, a healthy diet, meditation, yoga, and acupressure are other experiences offered. Spa Village at the Pangkor Laut Resort is highly recommended. A half-day treatment for two costs about $540 while a full day is $1,085. The Belian Spa Pavilion boasts a whirlpool, nap gazebo, and different types of baths. Packages range from around $95 for 80 minutes to $176 for a half day.

If golf is more your style of relaxation, Malaysia can surely accommodate you with almost 200 golf courses. Green fees tend to be around $14 per person on the weekdays and $40 on the weekends for 18 holes. Caddies, golf car/buggies, clubs, and shoes are all available for rent as well.

Theme parks are a popular destination for families on vacation in Malaysia. Wet World Batu Pahat is a water park in Johor around the famous Merdeka Lake. Admission is about $1.35 for adults and $0.80 for children on the weekdays, $1.90 for adults and $1.10 for children on the weekends. Cosmo’s World and Genting Highlands also provide traditional theme park attractions such as rides and shows. Genting’s admission is about $12 for adults and $7.60 for children on the weekdays, $12.75 and $8.40 on the weekends for adults and children respectively. With American theme park tickets often several times these amounts, visiting theme parks in Malaysia is a steal.

More educationally based attractions in Malaysia include the National Museum (free for children under 12 and about $0.55 for adults), the National Art Gallery, the Islamic Arts Museum ($2.20 for adults, $1.10 for students, and free for children under 6), the National Zoo ($2.70), the Aquaria KLCC aquarium, and the National Science Center. Not only are these enjoyable and stimulating but they also provide insight into the interests and issues that shape the country.

Other attractions include cultural celebrations and performances, historical architecture, botanical gardens, and an exciting nightlife. A cultural melting pot, a nearly unparalleled diversity and beauty of nature, and a thriving, up and coming tourist industry, a trip to Malaysia is sure to be a unique and exciting experience. The favorable US dollar/Malaysian ringgit exchange rate makes the trip too affordable to pass up.