Malaysia Travel Guide

The constitutional monarchy of Malaysia lies in the heart of Southeast Asia and consists of two distinct areas separated by the South China Sea. To the west is Peninsular Malaysia which occupies most of the Malayan Peninsular with borders to the north with Thailand and south with the island of Singapore. This part of Malaysia (also known as West Malaysia) is home to the Capital Kuala Lumpur and is typically more developed and populous. 

Eastern Malaysia is situated on the other side of the South China Sea and occupies the northern third of the island of Borneo, which it shares with Indonesia to the south, and Brunei on the North West coast. Although Malaysia is geographically diverse, both east and west Malaysia generally have flat coastal plains which rise to typically heavy wooded highlands and mountains, the highest of which is Mount Kinabalu  which rises to over 13,00 feet, on the island of Borneo.

With its tropical climate, profusion of idyllic tropical islands, pristine jungle and rain forests, some of the best scuba diving in the world and modern cities like Kuala Lumpur offering excitement, fine dining and a paradise for shoppers, Malaysia offers visitors an almost endless choice of activities and experiences. The towering mountains and steamy jungles of Borneo offer experiences that are truly rare in our modern world. Orang-Utans, Proboscis monkeys and thousands of bird and plant species abound here and can be explored by boat, by foot or even by elephant. The islands around both peninsular Malaysia and Borneo are spectacular and the marine life and diving are considered among the finest in the world. You will find many places in Malaysia to base yourself and enjoy the natural wonders of the country, from the resorts of Penang to the exclusive opulence of Pangkor Laut's overwater bungalows right through to a treehouse in the jungle - there is something for any taste or budget.

Kuala Lumpur is a breathtaking city, architectural brilliance rises over history rich districts and spiritual temples that are a hark back to ancient times. Shopping here is a way of life and there is everything from street markets and hand crafted goods from hill tribes to gleaming shopping malls replete with the most chic brands from the world over. There are food stalls stalls with aromatic wonders to delight the palette and some of the worlds best silver service restaurants - often sharing the same street.

But it is the diversity of cultures living in harmony that is one of the key attractions of this fascinating and beautiful county. Malay, Indian, Chinese as well as western influences all contributing to a country with endless diversity and experiences. It's a place that respects the past and embraces the new, and welcomes visitors with open arms.