TRAVEL MALAYSIA: Where to visit?

Author: @yasminep

Every good guide starts off with an overview, so let's kick this series off with the best places to visit in Malaysia! Each place in Malaysia offers a different experience from the last. It is worth understanding what each particular place has to offer before venturing there.
Malaysia is famous for it’s food, it’s diversity in terms of both landscape and culture and it's natural beauty. It is a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures and influences. If it’s your first time travelling to Malaysia then this is the first thing you should read. Over the next few weeks you will see many in depth features from the guys at #teammalaysia, fully explaining each of the areas listed below. 


Kuala Lumpur (and Selangor)

image via Pintrest

The capital of Malaysia, home to the famous Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur is one of the busiest cities in the country. Kuala Lumpur is most famous for shopping and eating. If, like me, you're the kind of person that gets peckish at all hours then KL has got you. With 24 eateries all over the city, you're never far from some delicious, local grub. Usually you will fly into KL before heading of via bus or plane to other parts of the country. I would recommend spending a couple of days here to explore what the city has to offer.  The surrounding areas are also beautiful, you'll find Batu Caves, beautiful mosques, quirky cafes and so much more.

Important things to know

Kuala Lumpur is not pedestrian friendly. I would recommend traveling around using Grab, the taxi application which offers affordable fares. The train system isn’t particularly good for going everywhere and buses cannot be relied upon. 
Traffic is very bad during the evenings, but particularly on Friday. On Friday I would recommend not travelling from 12pm-3pm as this includes prayer time, or from 4.30pm - 8.30pm because you will be stuck in traffic jams for a while. If it rains, which it does often, traffic will also be very bad. Something to keep in mind if you need to be somewhere. 


Penang

Whether you're a local or a foreigner, you come to the island of Penang to eat. Ok not only to eat, but mainly to eat. The street food is out of this world and is home to tastes and flavours which cannot be replicated anywhere else in the country. Each state in Malaysia has a different style of cooking and in my opinion, Penang wins. Among the most famous dishes are Char Kway Teow and Asam Laksa among others. If you like street art then you’ve come to the right place. Penang is home to some of the most world famous street art. Grab a bicycle and explore the city on two wheels! Penang is seriously hot, so be sure to cover up when wandering the streets. 

Melacca (/Melaka)

Melacca is costal and the historical state of Malaysia. Walking by the river in the city you feel as though you could be anywhere in the world. Previously ruled by the Dutch, you can still hugely feel the Eurpoean influence in this beautiful city. A weekend here will feel like you are stepping out of Malaysia entirely. The street food in Melaka is pretty famous too! Head to Jonker Walk for the most famous street vendors in the city.


Ipoh

Home to a mining town, Ipoh is famous for it's caves, history and stunning rock formations. It's a quirky place and you'll be able to find lots of unique furniture and artwork here if you know where to look. Usually Ipoh gets missed out when foreigners journey to Malaysia, but it's definitely worth adding to your list! More on Ipoh soon!

Cameron Highlands

image via goway travel

Pack a jumper and head up to the cool climates of Cameron Highlands! Famous for it's tea plantations and strawberry farms, home to Boh Tea. An unforgettable landscape. Best way to get there is to take a bus (coach). You can pre book at easybook.com otherwise you could rent a car too. I would recommend planning a day trip here on the way to another part of the country. 

The Islands

The Perhentian Islands

Malaysia is home to some of the most beautiful islands i've ever visited and they get enough attraction. There's an island experience for everyone, depending whether you like diving, a spot of luxury or the real island experience. I've managed to slowly make my way around most of the islands now and my favourites have been:
Rawa - a tiny island off the Mersing Coast. When I went 5 years ago it was pretty deserted and pure paradise. With white sand beaches and fresh fish caught daily, it's an island-lovers dream
The Perhentians - A group of islands with clear waters and white sands. You can jump in a fishing boat and explore the smaller islands surrounding too where you'll find secret caves, giant turtles and more. More to come on the islands soon!

Sabah (Borneo)

Mount Kinabalu

Ah Sabah! One of the most beautiful parts of Malaysia and incredibly diverse in terms of landscape. You can trek Mount Kinabalu, visit the beaches, jungle or cities. And let's not forget the incredible islands! If you are planning on climbing the mountain, I would not underestimate the impact it will have on your body. You can read more in my feature here, so you know best how to prepare.

Sarawak (Borneo)

The largest of the 13 states and famous for it's natural beauty, Sarawak is the place to go for all things natural. Spend your days spotting wildlife in the famous rainforests, exploring the jungles, lounging on the beaches and immersing yourself into the local arts scene. Borneo is an incredible place and deserving of it's own features. So stay tuned.

As mentioned in my previous article, this is part of a series of features about Malaysia I have teamed up with the guys at #teammalaysia to produce the ultimate travel guide for Malaysia! The aim is to encourage more people to travel there and to give both a local and expat insight into the best way to do so. Expect hidden gems, local flavours, off-the-beaten-track experiences and much more. Consider this steemit's first independent guide to Malaysia!

Next up... 24 Eateries in Kl!

Yasmine