Postcard from Malaysia

Although no one in their right mind would call it an undiscovered or unattractive country, it is still underestimated when compared to its more popular neighbors - Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. However, Malaysia has a lot to offer; no matter whether you are a fan of blissful relaxation on the beach or you rather want to experience the adventure of a lifetime in a jungle cut off from the world, you should put it at the top of your travel list.

The history of Malaysia alone can make you dizzy. In times corresponding to European antiquity, merchants and settlers from India and China came to the Malay Peninsula, bringing with them Hindu and Buddhist customs and beliefs. In the Middle Ages, Islam spread throughout Southeast Asia, and to this day, in its slightly less radical version, it is the main religion of the country. The period of European expansion begins in the 16th century, when the maritime empires of Portugal, the Netherlands and Great Britain left their mark on the history of Malaysia. The recent history of Malaysia is characterized by enormous Chinese influence, which is reflected in the country's demographic structure and economy, including tourism. This significant heritage means that a trip to Malaysia offers not only wonderful views, but also interesting people, an incredible ethnic mix, eclectic architecture, customs and traditions that are a blend of the greatest religions and civilizations known to mankind. Of course, such diversity also results in unusual cuisine, considered by many to be the tastiest and most interesting among all Southeast Asian countries.

Malaysia would not be a gem on the tourist map of the world if all these components of cultural heritage were not accompanied by the beauty of nature, which is often the main goal of our holiday escapades and drives us to travel to the farthest corners of the globe. Malaysia's flagship natural attractions include the opportunity to observe endangered orangutans in their natural habitat, climbing Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks of the Malay Archipeago, exploring the amazing cave system in the state of Sarawak, and diving with whale sharks and rays in the waters surrounding Sipadan.

The smoothness of our expedition will be made possible by a number of convenient logistic solutions. The most important cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Tawau, have direct flights operated by Malaysian and Air Asia.

What is worth seeing - the treasures of Malaysia

Malaysia can be divided into two main tourist areas.

The first is Malay Peninsula, and more specifically its southern part. This is where Kuala Lumpur is located - the capital of the country and one of the most dynamically developing cities in the world. Kuala Lumpur is considered a metropolis of global importance, visited by nearly fourteen million tourists every year. The symbol of KL are the Petronas Towers - the two tallest twin buildings in the world. The Chinese district is worth visiting, where you can try the delicious street cuisine for which the whole country is famous. Another important point is the Batu Caves complex located on the outskirts of the city, housing Hindu temples. Interestingly, at the foot of the stairs leading to the entrance there is the world's tallest statue of Murugan, one of the most important Hindu deities, measuring over forty meters high.

When going to the north of the country, we should not miss the Cameron Highlands. The mountainous region, famous for its picturesque, lush green tea plantations, is best traveled by bike or motorbike, slowly enjoying the views that are the essence of exoticism.

Wildlife lovers must definitely go to Taman Negara National Park (simply Malay National Park), established to protect one of the oldest rainforests in the world, existing continuously for nearly 130 million years. These endless forest stretches are the habitat of many rare animal species, including the Asian elephant, the Malayan tiger and the gaur, also known as the Indian bison - the world's largest representative of wild cattle, which cannot be compared to even the American bison or the European bison.

Northern Malaysia also has islands, including Penang and the Langkawi archipelago. Pernang is a fairly urbanized island, famous for the colonial city of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kek Lok Si temple complex and its cuisine, said to be the best in Malaysia. The Langkawi arechipelago is a typical collection for this part of the world paradise islands, full of lush nature, exotic plants and beaches with golden sand. It is also worth noting that Langkawi is where the most luxurious hotels are located and this is where tourists expecting the highest level of services should go.

The other part of Malaysia, which many tourists wrongly omit from their holiday plans, is located in... Borneo, the third largest island in the world. It consists of the states of Sabah and Sarawak, neighboring the Sultanate of Brunei and the Indonesian territory of the island. Although much of Borneo has been completely or partially deforested, the local jungle is still considered the largest rainforest in the world, next to the Amazon and the Congo Basin; a rich ecosystem that is of great importance for the global climate. Nowhere will you find better conditions for observing the endangered orangutan, proboscis monkey or hornbill in their natural habitat. Unusual plants are worth mentioning, such as carnivorous nepenthes and huge rafflesias, which emit the smell of rotting carrion, which is attracted by the flies that pollinate them. Exotic flora and fauna are best admired in the Bako, Mulu, Niah National Parks, as well as in the protected area around the Kinabatangan River.

The Malaysian part of Borneo also hides many treasures of inanimate nature. In the state of Sabach, Kinabalu, the highest peak of the Malay Archipelago, stands at over 4000 m above sea level, attracting adventure-seeking climbers; Sarawak, in turn, is famous for two impressive cave complexes located in Niah and Mulu National Parks. The latter is particularly impressive, containing the Sarawak Chamber - the largest cave chamber in the world, which could accommodate the Pyramid of Cheops, as well as the Deer Cave, over 150 meters high and inhabited by over 3 million bats, which leave the cave every evening, pretending to be to feed. Observing this mass migration against the background of the evening sky is a real treat for all wildlife enthusiasts, and a must-see during a visit to Mulu.

Finally, it is worth adding that it is in the Malaysian part of Borneo, actually in the waters surrounding it, that one of the best diving sites in the world is located, called by some underwater enthusiasts Sea Eden. We are, of course, talking about the islet of Sipadan and the surrounding coral reefs. The turquoise waters of the Celebes Sea are teeming with barracudas, lionfish, moray eels, rays, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks. With a bit of luck, you may also come across a colossal whale shark, over ten meters long. Due to the limited number of places, it is recommended to book your trip well in advance.

Holidays in Langkawi

Langkawi is a picturesque island located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, offering beautiful beaches, green hills and crystal clear waters. In Langkawi you can enjoy a holiday filled with activities such as diving, surfing, boat trips and much more. You can also relax on one of the beautiful beaches, especially recommended are Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. There are many tourist attractions on the island, such as the Sky Bridge, which offers views of the surrounding area, Telaga Tujuh Nature Park and Temurun Waterfalls. You can also visit many restaurants in Langkawi that offer tasty Malay and international dishes. A holiday to Langkawi is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the tropical island.

If you are planning a luxury vacation to Langkawi, it is worth knowing that the island has beautiful, luxurious hotels that offer many attractions for their guests. It is worth paying attention to resorts such as Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, The Datai Langkawi and The St. Regis Langkawi. At these hotels you can enjoy private beaches, stunning swimming pools, luxurious spas, and restaurants serving international and local cuisine. As for tourist attractions, it is worth seeing the Sky Bridge, which offers unforgettable views of the surrounding area, or go on a trip around the archipelago and visit beautiful islands and coral reefs. You can also book a boat trip and admire the beautiful scenery from the sea. In Langkawi you can also go shopping and buy local products such as batiks and jewelry.