...Insight
Malaysia
Asia that dazzles with vibrancy
As a destination, Malaysia has it all: astonishing natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, fantastic cuisine and warm, welcoming people.
Malaysia is brimming with diversity at every turn, and is one of the world’s great cultural melting pots, with a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Dutch influences. Combine the vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur, with other UNESCO-listed cities, then kick back on palm-fringed beaches or cool off in the Cameron Highlands.
“Stay at the Four Seasons in Kuala Lumpur, one of the city’s newest hotels and well located near the Petronas Towers; or for Asian-chic boutique, try Villa Samadhi in the leafy embassy district.”
Stephanie Carthy
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 stephanie.carthy@baileyrobinson.com Read Stephanie’s profile
MALACCA
One-time trading capital, Malacca is just two hours south of KL, making it an easy day trip. Here there’s a kaleidoscope of architectural styles, including Portuguese and Dutch colonial, as well as old Chinese shophouses and temples. Wander down Harmony Street, aptly named for its variety of places of worship sat side-by-side. Explore the craft stalls and antiques of vibrant Jonker Walk before grabbing a bite at local restaurant favourite, Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball.
Cameron Highlands
A trip to the Cameron Highlands provides the chance to follow in the footsteps of Malaysia’s old colonial administrators, who headed into the hills to get away from the humidity of the lowlands. Extensive tea plantations, as well as fruit and flower farms, stretch across these cool and fertile uplands, named the Cameron Highlands after the surveyor who first mapped the area.
Admiring the lush tea landscapes is a soothing way to spend the day, while afterward at charming hotels that pepper the area, afternoon tea and cocktails at dusk remain treasured traditions.
Malaysia Property Spotlights
TANJONG JARA RESORT
Tanjong Jara Resort is located on the pristine and underdeveloped east coast of the Malay Peninsula. Facing a crescent-shaped beach of golden sand, shaded by tall palms rustling in the breeze, this secluded hideaway is designed to reflect the elegance of 17th century Malay palaces. A true sanctuary of traditional luxury and authentic architecture with a rich natural heritage.
Must do
Join the sea turtle conservation programme and discover more about the lives of these vulnerable creatures, with informative talks and nest inspections. If you’re lucky you may see baby turtles hatch by night (April to September). You should also dive and snorkel Tenggol Island in the Terengganu Marine Park, which is famous for its untouched coral gardens and diverse marine life.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Flanked by a tropical rainforest, limestone cliffs and the blue-green waters of the Andaman Sea, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is a haven for couples and families, situated within a UNESCO World Geopark. Explore the wildlife-filled mangrove forests, winding rivers and ancient sea stacks that create this unique landscape.
Must do
Admire spectacular sunsets with a cocktail inhand at Rhu Bar and let the chef surprise you with a selection of authentic Malay cuisine from centuries-old, rural village recipes at Ikan Ikan. Explore the dramatic waterways and tangled mangroves of the Langkawi Kilim Karst Geoforest Park by boat, home to one of the most diverse tropical ecosystems on the planet. And seek out intriguing wildlife, such as eagle, monkey, otter and walking fish.
Pangkor Laut Resort
Set along the Straits of Malacca, three miles off the west coast of Malaysia, this private island resort seamlessly blends ancient rainforest with white-sand beaches and emerald waters. This piece of paradise, two million years in the making, is home to long-tailed macaque, oriental pied hornbill, white-bellied sea eagle and large monitor lizard. Up on the hillside, elegant villas with al fresco bath tubs discreetly hide in the jungle. For water-lovers, stilted villas hover enticingly over the sparkling Andaman Sea.
Must do
Make an evening even more memorable by taking a sunset cruise on board a teakwood oriental junk. Gently circle around the private island paradise and enjoy free-flowing drinks in the golden hues of the setting sun. Try therapeutic Tai Chi on the silky sand of the beach first thing in the morning. Time your breathing to the sound of the waves on the shore and tune into the sights and sounds of paradise, while you exercise body and mind.
The Datai Langkawi
Designed 25 years ago by visionary architect Kerry Hill, The Datai has recently completed a huge refurbishment. The resort is set in a 10-million-year-old tropical rainforest which gently tumbles down to the sea. Search for dusky langur, Tokay gecko and Sunda colugo in the rainforest or spend your days lazing beneath a palm tree on Datai Bay, rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic.
Must do
Let resident naturalists and marine biologists teach you something new about the pristine environment on beach walks and after-dark rainforest treks. Indulge in the spa, situated along a small winding stream and enclosed by walls of greenery. Herbs taken from the rainforest form the basis of treatments such as the ‘heart of stone’ massage.
In conversation
Meet the Maker: Bill Bensley
We talk to the man behind some of Asia's most 'out there' wilderness retreats, including Cambodia's Shinta Mani Wild and Bali's Capella Ubud
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Insight
Green Season In Asia
