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Malaysia is an exciting and enviable destination due to the strange combination of cultures, splendor of landscapes, and pulsing urban experiences. Therefore, it would be deserving if this country were to top the travel bucket list because of its rich cultural diversity, world-renowned cuisine, affordability, safety, accessibility, and unique cultural and historical attractions.
Perhaps one of the single most distinctive things about this place is its cultural diversity. It is a multiculturalism deeply entrenched in the country's identity, a product of centuries of interactions between the indigenous Malays, Chinese, Indians, and colonial influences of the British, Dutch, and Portuguese. Each ethnic group has its own traditions, festivals, and customs, making this country an exciting cultural experience for travelers.
Festivals in Malaysia (Source: 12Go)
Multicultural Society
This country consists of different ethnicities, among them, the Malays take the highest number in this country. There are also Chinese and Indian communities that are a great percent of the population, bringing the culture even more. You can expect to hear different languages being spoken, such as Malay, which is the national language, followed by English, Mandarin, Tamil, among other dialects.
Multicultural Society (Source: TheStar)
Festivals and Celebrations
Malaysia is a country that breathes and lives festivals. Deepavali lights add color, while the Chinese New Year ushers in joyful festivities, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri solemnizes events to ensure that there is always something being celebrated . One can schedule their tourist visits accordingly to join in with folk dances, music, and varieties of food involved with the events celebrating the rich heritage of the country.
Deevapali - festival of light (Source: Prokerala)
Religious Harmony
In this country, many religions exist side by side in peaceful harmony with one another. From mosques to temples and churches, all stand next to each other, allowing visitors a glimpse of the various religious practices. Among some remarkable Hindu sites of worship are the Batu Caves Temple in Kuala Lumpur, while Masjid Negara is amongst the most impressive and large mosques in Southeast Asia.
Batu Caves Temples (Source: Flickr)
If you are a foodie, this country is the place to be. Food there is as ethnically diverse as its people, and all combine in a delightful blend from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. For its variety and complexity, few cuisines can rival the people here for the true gastronomical explorer, it is paradise found.
Malaysia cuisine (Source: Penang360)
Iconic Dishes
This city is home to several iconic dishes which you must try during your visit. Nasi Lemak, often referred to as the national dish, is a flavorful coconut rice meal served with sambal, fried crispy anchovies, boiled eggs, and peanuts. Another must try is Char Kway Teow, which is a stir-fried flat noodle meal full of prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. Roti Canai is a buttery, flaky flatbread served with curry on the side and is customarily enjoyed in the morning for breakfast.
Char Kway Teow (Source: Homemadecooking)
Street Food Culture
The street food scene is nothing short of legendary. Places like Penang and Kuala Lumpur boast whole street markets famous for their hawkers, selling everything from Satay, a type of grilled skewer to Laksa, a spicy noodle soup. These are genuine, affordable ways to try many types of food that have been mastered for decades.
Penang Street Market (Source: TripSavvy)
Fusion of Flavors
One of the most exciting points about the food is its fusion of flavors. For instance, Peranakan uses Chinese ingredients with Malay spices, churning out dishes like Nyonya Laksa and Ayam Pongteh. This speaks volumes about the nation's multiculturalism and the ways in which culinary traditions have merged. Nearly every meal is a food adventure.
Nyonya Laksa (Source: Periuk)
Perhaps one of the most enticing ways to look at this country as a destination is the reasons that make it affordable. Whether budget or luxury, this country generally is good value on all counts.
Budget Friendly Accommodations
In this country, there are options for all types of travelers. You can find hostels and guesthouses costing about $10-$20 per night at very affordable rates. You can enjoy a good luxury hotel at a very reasonable price compared to the prices in the West. Even five star hotels and luxury resorts are somewhat cheap, especially if you can book in advance or travel during the off season.
Cheap hotels in Malaysia (Source: Tripadvisor)
Inexpensive Transportation
Getting around this country is equally easy and cheap. Cities like Kuala Lumpur boast a modern public transportation system that connects major attractions through MRT (mass rapid transit), LRT (light rapid transit), and buses. Domestic flights running to Langkawi, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu are fairly inexpensive, especially if flying with budget airlines such as AirAsia. Those who would like to travel overland will find the people here buses and trains comfortable, inexpensive ways to reach their destination.
LRT (Source: Befreetour)
Affordable Food and Activities
Eating out is super affordable , as a rule. A meal from a food stall or a hawker center would usually cost less than $5, and even meals from mid-range restaurants are still really not that expensive. Activities such as visits to cultural landmarks, hikes in national parks, or simple beach time are also pretty inexpensive.
National Parks (Source: UPM)
This country has also been considered one of the most highly safe countries for tourists, being suitable either for solo travelers or families. Infrastructural developments are in place within the country, and even the locals are friendly to make it through easily.
Low Crime Rate
In comparison with other countries, Malaysia can boast of relatively low crime, especially in big cities and tourist areas. Police are visible everywhere, and locals are very friendly, so tourists can freely enjoy the country without feeling they are in danger. Of course, it's always good to take some precautions, like securing your belongings in crowded areas.
Tourists can enjoy their trip with peace of mind (Source: FocusMalay)
English is Widely Spoken
In addition to many other reasons, one might travel to this country because most of its citizens can speak quite a bit of English, especially in tourist areas, thus making it easy for travelers to communicate with locals, use public transportation, and generally enjoy their time without any language barriers.
Communication without language barriers (Source: myNZTE)
Convenient Travel Routes
Malaysia is also a well connected country, modern in its transportation network: KLIA acts as a great connecting and departing airport for most journeys within Southeast Asia. The highways are efficient to travel across the country, as are the trains and buses. If more adventurous, car rentals can be done to travel around this place on well maintained roads with English signage.
KLIA Teriminal 2 (Source: Flickr)
Read more: 15 things you must not do in Malaysia
Colonial Architecture in Georgetown, Penang
The best place to witness the people here's colonial past is in Georgetown, Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Well preserved colonial buildings, colorful street art, and traditional Peranakan houses invite visitors for exploration. The uniqueness of the flow of British, Chinese, and Indian architecture speaks volumes of the multi culture.
Colonial Architecture (Source: GoingColonial)
Borneo’s Natural Wonders
Nature lovers go for the people here in Borneo, which has a number of the most biodiverse places on earth. Kinabalu National Park houses Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak. The island's rainforests are home to seriously endangered animals such as the Bornean orangutan and proboscis monkey.
Borneo Rainforest (Source: FactualAmerica)
Perhentian Islands
Perhentian Islands, which are part of the people here on the east coast, are divers' and snorkeling enthusiasts' heaven. Coral reefs surrounding the islands are filled with turtles, reef sharks, and a number of fish in every color imaginable. The laid back atmosphere allows it to be an ideal place to relax and explore underwater.
Perhentian Islands (Source: Stingynomads)
Weather and seasonal events can make quite a difference when planning a trip to this country. With this place basically tropical in nature, it tends to be warm and humid for the entire year. Nonetheless, there are those months of the year when the weather could be most pleasant and where outdoors are more rewarding.
Dry Season vs. Rainy Season
There are mainly two seasons in this country, comprising the dry and rainy season. The whole of Malaysia is normally hot and humid all over the year, although there is a slight variation in weather for every different region of this country. Here can be divided into two main parts and each having its respective weather pattern.
Best time to visit (Source: ForeverVacation)
Special Events and Holidays
Public holidays will probably affect your traveling schedule in this country. Holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and National Day-Merdeka Day are peak holidays that jam tourist areas, business operates for shorter hours, which also means higher traveling rates. These holidays can also be a great opportunity to see the vibrant side of the culture, often accompanied by parades, festivals, and fireworks.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Festival (Source: Agoda)
Off-Peak Travel
Therefore, the off season would be a great time for those who do not like crowds and want to save money on traveling. There is a little rain in the rainy season. However, all sights are open to visit, and one can enjoy themselves in city tours, shopping, and indoor museums. Additionally, traveling during the off season-a common result of rainy months, sometimes enables one to pay even lower prices for flights and accommodations.
Off-Peak travel (Source: Housing)
With this rich cultural diversity, mouth watering food, affordability, safety, and a host of unique attractions, Malaysia is listed as a must see destination for every traveler. Be sure to put this place on your travel itinerary list with Asia King Travel, and you will not be disappointed!
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