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Malaysia Hotels

Berjaya Redang Beach Resort


01 Apr - 30 Jun 2010
from £43pp
Berjaya Redang Beach Resort Malaysia

Casa del Mar


01 Apr - 19 Dec 2010
from £67pp

E & O (Eastern & Oriental) Hotel


01 Apr - 31 Mar 2011
from £64pp
E & O (Eastern & Oriental) Hotel Malaysia

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi


01 Aug - 20 Dec 2010
from £197pp

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri La


11 Aug - 23 Dec 2010
from £48pp
Golden Sands Resort by Shangri La Malaysia

Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur


01 May - 28 Feb 2011
from £30pp

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur


01 Apr - 31 Mar 2011
from £73pp
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa


01 Apr - 19 Dec 2010
from £64pp

Pangkor Laut Resort


01 Apr - 19 Dec 2010
from £89pp
Pangkor Laut Resort Malaysia

Rebak Island Resort Langkawi - A Taj Hotel


01 May - 30 Sep 2010
from £67pp

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur


01 Apr - 31 Mar 2011
from £57pp
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort


01 Apr - 30 Sep 2010
from £48pp

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa


01 Apr - 24 Jun 2010
from £79pp
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Malaysia

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort


06 Apr - 14 Jul 2010
from £51pp

Tanjong Jara Resort


01 Apr - 31 Mar 2011
from £89pp
Tanjong Jara Resort Malaysia

Tanjung Rhu Resort


01 Apr - 30 Nov 2010
from £116pp

The Andaman


01 May - 31 Jul 2010
from £74pp
The Andaman Malaysia

The Datai


01 May - 31 Oct 2010
from £132pp

The Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur


01 Apr - 30 Jun 2010
from £69pp
The Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The Westin Kuala Lumpur


01 Apr - 31 Mar 2010
from £60pp

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa


01 Apr - 30 Jun 2010
from £82pp
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Malaysia

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur


01 Apr - 29 Dec 2010
from £45pp
OverviewEvent
Overview

Here is the Orient in one country - a tapestry of Asian landscapes, cultures and traditions; picture-book beaches and island retreats; lush tropical rainforests and misty mountains; amazing wildlife; exotic culinary delights; and modern cities with a vast array of sightseeing and shopping.

 

A nation of two halves - divided by 330 miles of South China Sea - and a lively cultural diversity, Malaysia bubbles with 21st century energy and technology. It’s also home to primitive tribal longhouses, rainforest jungles, prolific wildlife, and ancient traditions that flourish amid a colourful mesh of races and religions. Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures produce a vibrant living jigsaw that makes for never a dull moment as you travel the country. Driving on the left and 3-pin plugs will remind you of past colonial connections.

 

Beaches? Malaysia doesn’t do things by halves here either. From mainland Peninsular Malaysia to the magical Andaman Sea and South China Sea islands and the coasts of Sabah and Sarawak you’ll be spoilt for choice by a host of drop-down beach menus, garnished with luxury resorts and romantic retreats.

 

Malaysia Adventure

Malaysia’s stunning environment means there are few bounds when it comes to adventure options – from serious rock-climbing and cross-jungle trekking to rafting in foaming rivers, off-road driving and mountain-biking. Less challenging but as rewarding is gentle exploration of the great national parks (over half of Malaysia is covered by tropical rainforest hosting a vast array of exotic plants and animals) and such geological wonders as Sarawak’s Mulu Caves.

 

Nightlife & Party with Locals

Malaysia’s nightlife does the business! In the main cities you’ll find a huge selection of nightclubs, karaoke lounges, discos, pubs and cineplexes. Nightspots offer every kind of preference and themes - from R &B, blues, jazz, country, canto pop (Chinese), the popular Malay dangdut, Bollywood. Many hotels entertainment programmes feature cultural shows.

 

Gourmet Cuisine & Dining Out  

For some visitors, Malaysia’s array of delicious cuisines could prove reason enough for a holiday here! The authentic and creative cooking styles and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic groups provide endless variety and appeal. You can dine in five-star hotels, food courts, hawker centres, kopitiam (Chinese coffee shops), restaurants, local and international fast food outlets or even alfresco at warungs or roadside stalls.

 

World’s Best Scuba Dive Sites

Malaysia boasts an incredibly rich bio-diversity of marine life coupled with beautiful islands, white sandy beaches and clear warm waters. Its coral reef eco-system is believed to support more than 50 coral species and over 200 species of fish. Almost all Malaysia’s islands cater for divers of all levels of experience - be it gentle sloping reefs, submerged reefs, coral blocks, wall dives, deep dives, drift dives and wreck dives.

 

World Class Golf Courses

Malaysia has over 190 courses to its name - in the mountains, along the seashore, on tropical islands, amidst towering rainforests and in the city. Many come with high-quality amenities and a number have been designed by some of international golf's top names. Course locations include ‘KL’, Johor, Kedah, Malacca, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu.

 

Family Holidays

Malaysia is one of the Orient’s best family destinations. On the safe island and resort beaches the family can relax in a largely informal atmosphere. Many of the main hotels have kids' clubs and plenty of outdoor activities. In Sabah the kids can enjoy rafting in the ancient rainforest – and will love the encounters with the Orang-utans at the Rehabilitation Centre.

 

Sightseeing & Activities

You might feel daunted by how to fit ‘the best’ of Malaysia into one holiday. The answer’s easy: ‘You can’t’. With its infinite diversity of scenery, cultures and activities, magnificent Malaysia is a dozen countries in one. Beaches, jungles, mountains, islands, wildlife . . . A first visit is an inevitable prelude to another.

 

 

WHAT TO SEE

 

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

 

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!

 

Events

The cultural melting-pot that is Malaysia enjoys such a richly-textured cultural and religious heritage that the odds are always on there being a local celebration or festival taking place somewhere close by! Here are a few examples from a crowded national list.

 

February

Starting in Kuala Lumpur, the Tour de Langkawi cycle race is a tough and exciting 10-day contest with a large field. This month also sees Chinese New Year, the biggest social occasion in the Chinese calendar and celebrated all over Malaysia.

 

April

As summer temperatures rise, the Kuala Lumpur International Water Festival sees ‘KL’ trying to keep cool with this month-long Water Festival. A big event this month is the Malaysian Grand Prix (Formula I) at the ultra-modern Sepang International Circuit.

 

May

The month-long Citrawarna Malaysia (Colours of Malaysia) is a celebration of Malaysia’s unique blend of cultures, covering the performing arts, visual arts and crafts, with each state presenting the best of their entertainment, art and food. The opening is marked by a major parade in ‘KL’. The annual two-month long Penang International Floral Festival, held in the spectacular Penang Botanic Gardens, welcomes visitors to explore fabulous floral displays and exhibitions. Throughout May on Sabah there’s the Tadau Kaamatan or Harvest Festival, one of the year’s major celebrations for the island’s Kadazandusun ethnic communities. Sarawak also sees the Gawai Dayak or Dayak Festival for Sarawak’s indigenous Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit and Murut communities. The last of the month is Vesak Day, one of the biggest days of the year in the Buddhist calendar and a public holiday throughout Malaysia. The celebrations in Penang are particularly spectacular.

 

June

The annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is raced in the waters of Penang – an exciting occasion for participants and spectators alike.

 

October

Hari Raya Puasa celebrates the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan during which the faithful fast during daylight hours from dusk until dawn.  A Ramadan Bazaar is also held in towns and cities throughout Malaysia.

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