...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.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Chinese temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Batu cave in Malaysia, Hinduism temple

Kuala Lumpur

"Just out of Kuala Lumpur is the famous Hindu temple at the Batu Caves, a must see for any trip to this area."

Kuala Lumpur (known simply as KL) is a place of contrasts where shimmering 21st century skyscrapers tower over colonial shophouses amid pockets of leafy greenery. For an overview of this contrasting city, climb the Petronas Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world.

At ground level, weave through local markets, traditional neighbourhoods and steamy street food vendors. Just out of KL is the famous Hindu temple at the Batu Caves where monkeys scamper around devotees.

Historical part of the old malaysian town Malacca, Malaysia

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.

George Town, Malaysia
Langkawi, Malaysia
Sky Bridge, Langkawi, Malaysia
Beach, Langkawi, Malaysia

Penang & Langkawi

Penang’s historical capital, George Town, is a popular stop on the way to Langkawi and certainly merits a few nights. Soak up Indian, Malay and Chinese culture – visible in the eclectic architectural styles of its temples and mosques – and tuck into street food from the hawkers’ sizzling stalls; we recommend the chilli crab.

Perhaps Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi itself is an archipelago of over 100 different islands, close to the border with Thailand. Picturesque paddy fields and virgin jungle cover much of the main island, while swaying palms and sandy bays dominate the coastline. To truly get away, head to the outer islands on a full-day tour – some are little more than tiny limestone outcrops ringed with coral, offering fabulous snorkelling in clear blue seas.

 

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

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.

Turtle Beach, Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Turtle Beach, Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Tioman Island, Malaysia

East Coast Islands

"Less visited than the west coast, the east has an awful lot to offer - not least its stunning and largely unspoilt offshore islands."

World-class diving and snorkelling are among the highlights of Malaysia’s east coast, whose stunning and largely unspoilt offshore islands are lined by some of the country’s best beaches.

In the north, the Perhentian Islands are one of the few places in the world where endangered leatherback turtles still come to nest on white-sand beaches. Below them, the Redang Archipelago is a protected marine park of nine islands offering fabulous diving among pristine coral reefs. While far in the south, laidback Tioman Island is perfect if you like your luxury a long way from anywhere.

Old rickshaw tricycle near Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang

Malaysia Property Spotlights

Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia
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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
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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
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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 pool
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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.

Have questions? Our knowledgeable team of experts are on-hand to take your call or if you prefer by Zoom. Talk to us about your holiday dreams or challenge us with your travel conundrums.

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