Luxury Holidays to Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital, ‘KL’ reconciles old and new in a cosmopolitan cocktail of shining iconic skyscrapers and enclaves of old colonial charm. Explore the ultra-modern capital; see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Independence Square (blending Victorian and Moorish architectural styles), Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (it looks like a Moorish palace) and the striking National and Friday Mosques. The capital also lays claim to the world’s tallest building, a Formula I Grand Prix track and glittering shops and malls. Busy Chinatown is an especially fascinating place to wander.

Penang

Lively Penang with its modern hotels, night markets and superb food, is the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and oldest of all Peninsular Malaysia’s beach resorts. Take the funicular to the top of Penang Hill for fabulous views of historic Georgetown. And visit Kek Lok Si Temple (Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple) and the exotic Khoo Kongsi Temple, the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Farm.

Langkawi

The romantic island of Langkawi, part of a group of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, is one of Peninsular Malaysia’s top resorts with many luxury hotel options. Its glorious bays and beaches, lush green forests and calm blue lakes are the attraction – though the sightseeing is limited! Mount Mat Cincang (take the cable car) offers wonderful views of the surrounding islands. Underwater World Langkawi is one of Asia’s largest aquariums, with a walk-through tunnel for viewing over 5,000 kinds of marine life.

Pangkor Laut

This private 3,000-acre island, three miles off the west coast, is a perfect getaway exclusive to guests staying at the island’s private resort, with much of the remainder left as rain forest; a magical backdrop of exotic flowers and birdlife, dense tropical forest and secluded bays where unwinding is simply a matter of being here.

The East Coast

Bordering the South China Sea, Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast is a world of traditional fishing villages, coconut palms, endless beaches backed by hills and a culture rich in traditional arts and crafts. In Pahang state Kuantan is both town and resort, while Cherating is a relaxing hideaway. The island of Tioman will be familiar to many as the Bali Hai of the film South Pacific. Terengganu state is the place for turtle-watching and scuba-diving, both on the mainland and offshore venues like Redang and the Perhentian Islands. Bordering Thailand is Kelantan state - whose capital. Kota Bharu, prides itself on show-casing Malaysia’s cultural heritage and traditional arts like kite-flying, giant drums and shadow plays.

The Interior

Peninsular Malaysia’s interior has no shortage of places to visit. Best-known are the hilltop resorts of the Cameron Highlands – and Malaysia's largest national park, Taman Negara, surrounded by the world’s oldest tropical forest and rich in flora and wildlife.

Sarawak

On the island of Borneo, Sarawak’s appeal derives above all from its ten magnificent national parks amid ancient rainforest jungles, though its resort hotels beside pristine beaches and traditional village ‘longhouses’, accessed by boat, are an added bonus! Most famous of the parks are Batang Ai (home to orang-utans, gibbons, hornbills and other native fauna), Gunung Mulu (explore its spectacular limestone caves, the largest in the world) and Niah Caves (housing the birds’ nests that the Chinese turn into soup). In the capital, Kuching, try to fit in a river cruise - past colourful villages, the elegant City Mosque, the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Kuching Waterfront.

Sabah

Also on Borneo, the ‘Land Below the Wind’ comes complete with tropical islands, indigenous tribes people, a stunning landscape of mountains, rivers, seas - and rainforests over 125 million years old. The capital, Kota Kinabalu, is home to the State Museum (built along the lines of traditional longhouses) and the beautiful State Mosque. Signal Hill Observatory offers fantastic views over the city. Beyond the capital there’s an endless list of things to see – from Mt Kinabalu National Park (with 1,000 species of orchids and 850 types of butterfly) and the Rafflesia Forest Reserve (dedicated to the world’s biggest flower) to the Monsopiad Cultural Village and Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. And, of course, the myriad attractions of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the Turtle Islands National Park!

WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR LUXURY HOLIDAY TO MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur

Take in the spectacular cityscape from the viewing level of Kuala Lumpur's 1,453 ft-high Petronas Twin Towers. KL's array of modern shopping malls, markets and local shops will unleash the hidden shopper in every visitor, whether you’re looking for international brands or local handicrafts and ethnic products. Within the city’s ‘Golden Triangle’ central area, Bukit Bintang Street is a famous shopping and entertainment district. After dark the street becomes a walkway where you can wine and dine alfresco. Make sure the bustling night market of Chinatown, otherwise known as Petaling Street, is on your ‘must visit’ agenda. Other nightspots? No worries – ‘KL’ has clubs, pubs and bars galore for insatiable night-crawlers.

Penang

Watersports at the main beach hotels will keep you active, with sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, canoeing and speedboat rides, while several uninhabited offshore islands are ideal for snorkelling, scuba-diving and fishing. Penang’s shops range from modern complexes to roadside stalls and pasar malam night markets - offer an almost endless range of products. Roadside shops make popular bargaining centres! At night Batu Ferringhi comes alive with nightclubs and discos.

Langkawi

On the beach you can try watersports like snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and jet-skiing, while sailing is also very popular. On land choose from three 18-hole golf courses – or try some gentle horse riding. A visit to a local village will introduce you to rice- planting, batik-painting and pottery-making. An island cruise is a definite ‘must’, as is a speedboat trip to Pulau Payar Marine Park, one of Malaysia's finest marine parks. Langkawi is a free port with duty-free shopping - shoes and leather are particularly good value.

The East Coast

This is a Malaysia for those who love to be outdoors and for whom enjoying watersports and an unspoilt natural environment are at the head of any wish list. Especially popular are the islands like Tioman, Redang, and Perhentian, which attract snorkellers and divers with their crystal-clear waters and exotic marine life. The East Coast is get-away-from-it-all country and definitely not the place for those who crave serious retail therapy (apart from bargaining for local handicrafts) or nightlife.

The Interior

Enjoy a choice of guided jungle-treks in the Taman Negara National Park, which has many marked trails, including a canopy walkway. On a trip the Cameron Highlands you can include a strawberry farm or tea plantation visit, play golf or perhaps try an adventure tour.

Sarawak

Though most visitors head for the jungles, Sarawak has its share of sandy beaches. Some, like popular Damai Beach, are where the resorts can be found and come complete with watersports. Scuba-diving is spectacular in the offshore waters here. If you aren’t into diving then you’ll find the snorkelling no less special. Mountain-biking and, for adrenaline-flow, white water rafting are two favourite land activities. Visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation to see how Orang-utans are nurtured to readapt themselves to the jungle. Shopping primarily focuses on local weaving, basket ware and wood-carving – these abound, often at bargain prices. Nightlife? – Mostly the sounds of the sea and jungle!

Sabah

The sports-minded will find plenty of options at the main resort hotels, with snorkelling and scuba-diving leading the way. The offshore islands of the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are great favourites for both sports. Kota Kinabalu offers excellent golfing, with three international-standard courses. Mountain-bike hire is also readily available. For an exciting outing take a journey on the steam-operated North Borneo Railway on a spectacular route following the Padas River up through narrow jungle gorges in the Crocker Range. Or try a helicopter sightseeing trip from Kota Kinabalu for a totally different perspective! If you want to get even higher then the ascent of Mt Kinabalu (13,242 ft) could be the answer – no technical skills are needed, just a guide and local permit! Kota Kinabalu has a number of shopping malls, with major international brands as well as local items. For nightlife – see Sabah!

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