28
Malaysia 101 1 HOTELS CULTURE FOOD SHOPS SIGHTS ACTIVITIES MALAYSIA 101 THE VERY BEST OF ASIA’S MOST EXCITING HOLIDAY DESTINATION 10 KANOO WORLD TRAVELLER

Destination Malaysia

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

A guide to holidays in Malaysia

Citation preview

Page 1: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 1

HOTELSCULTUREFOODSHOPSSIGHTSACTIVITIES

MALAYSIA101 THE VERY BEST OF

ASIA’S MOST EXCITING HOLIDAY DESTINATION

10

KANOO WORLD TRAVELLER

Malaysia 101_cover.indd 1 10/28/2010 5:06:10 PM

Page 2: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-1 2 10/28/2010 10:09:47 AM

Page 3: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-1 3 10/28/2010 10:14:18 AM

Page 4: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-4 1 10/24/2010 4:17:32 PM

Page 5: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 3

Malaysia Truly Asia

Production in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in this publication.Produced by HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC

Kuala Lumpur

Langkawi

Managing Director: Victoria Hazell-Thatcher Publishing Director: John Thatcher Advertisement Director: Chris Capstick [email protected] Features Editor: Laura Binder

Art Editor: Jenni Dennis Designer: Matthew McBriar Production manager: Haneef AbdulSales Manager: Cat [email protected]

Malaysia is the most welcoming and exciting country in Asia. Its proud, friendly people love to socialise and celebrate a country that offers visitors incredible sights to behold – sleek skyscrapers tower over traditional on-stilt houses while natural wonders abound – and to-die-for dining experiences that are a match for anywhere on earth. It’s a country that every traveller simply must experience, so what are you waiting for?

About This Guide Our intrepid team of travel writers has scoured Malaysia for the 101 best things on offer to you, the would-be visitor. From the pick of top hotels to the best sights and incredibly good street food, our easy-to-reference chapters are packed with ideas to help you plan the perfect trip.

ContentsHotels – Stay in style at one of these magificent abodes. Shopping – From glitzy malls to crowded night markets; you can shop up a storm in Malaysia.Food – Your culinary adventure starts right here.Relaxation, Culture, Sights – The perfect itinerary for a holiday to remember. Activities and Adventure – How best to enjoy this country of thrilling contrasts.

6

11

16

18

21

Malaysia 101.indd 3 10/28/2010 9:51:18 AM

Page 6: Destination Malaysia

4 Malaysia 101

Welcome to MalaysiaHistoryAlthough its traditions and civilisation stretch back for millenia,

Malaysia is officially a young country. It was born in 1963 when the

Federation of Malaya came together to forge a new nation with Sa-

bah, Sarawak and Singapore (which later left the group). Malaysia is

divided into two parts – Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia

– by the South China Sea.

Malaysia todayThe country has made astonishing economic progress since

independence and has become a major centre for tourism in Asia.

It’s no surprise – Malaysia has a huge amount to offer visitors,

including a vibrant culture, wonderful cuisine, superb natural

attractions and the region’s best shopping. Islam is the country’s

official religion, but a huge range of different ethnic and religious

groups live and work together harmoniously here.

Let us introduce you to the place where you’ll be spending the holiday of a lifetime…

You’ll find that English is spoken

almost everywhere, but here

are a few words of Malay, the

national language, to help you

to fit in...

Selamat pagi – good morningSelamat petang – good eveningSelamat jalan – goodbyeApa khabar – how are you?Terima Kasih – thank youSama sama – you are welcomeDi manakah…? – where is…?

Speak the language

Malaysia 101.indd 4 10/28/2010 9:51:22 AM

Page 7: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 5

40,000The number of years for which the area of Malaysia has been

inhabited by humans.

4,675The length of Malaysia’s coastline

in kilometres.

4,095The height in metres of the

awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu, the country’s highest point.

451.9 The height in metres of the

stunning Petronas Towers, which still hold the record for being the

world’s tallest twin buildings.

13.7The size in kilometres from one end of the enormous Penang

Bridge to the other.

The Malaysian currency is the

Ringgit, which comes from the

word ‘jagged’ in Malay – this

references the fact that the

original silver currency used in

the area had serrated edges.

There are 100 ‘Sens’ to each

Ringgit: below are the exchange

rates at time of press…

1 Saudi Riyal = 0.83 Ringgits1 UAE Dirham = 0.846 Ringgits1 Omani Riyal = 8.07 Ringgits1 Qatari Riyal = 0.85 Ringgits1 Bahraini Dinar = 8.24 Ringgits

Getting thereFlying to Malaysia is simple – there are direct flights from the

Gulf with Gulf Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and

Etihad Airways to six different international airports across the

country with flight times as short as seven hours.

Getting aroundMalaysia has an excellent road network and many visitors choose

renting a car as the best way to get around. Public transport is

of a general high quality, and intercity ‘Express Buses’ link up the

regions. In the big cities like Kuala Lumpur you should make sure

to only take metered taxis as otherwise you may end up paying

over the odds.

When to visitThe country is blessed with hot, tropical weather, which runs

from a beautiful 21 to 32 degrees celsius. Monsoon season runs

between November and January, although this is also the time

when some of the very biggest festivals and sales happen, so it’s

still a popular time to visit. However, if it’s perfect beach weather

you crave, May to September is the time to pack your bags.

Money talk

Malaysia 101.indd 5 10/28/2010 5:12:32 PM

Page 8: Destination Malaysia

6 Malaysia 101

Malaysia’s hotel scene has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, both in the five star category and in its boutique offerings. The levels of service are among the best in the world, and the facilities can be truly outstanding: choose wisely and you’ll enjoy properties to rival anywhere in the world.

Hotels

Starting off in the capital, hotel sophisticates

will love the Berjaya Times Square Hotel.

This centrally-located property is connected

by monorail to key parts of the city, and has a

shopping mall directly attached to it. For a real

treat, book the Brooklyn Suite, with its floor-to-

ceiling views out over the city – at nighttime, with

the city lit up for miles around, it’s unbeatable.

The hotel has great facilities, including a

beautiful swimming pool, fitness centre and kids’

playground, and in the Berjaya Times Square mall

you’ll find wonderful rides at Cosmo’s World Theme

Park, a 48-lane bowling alley and nine screen

cinema alongside ten floors of shopping options.

It’s the perfect all-in-one city resort.

Those who know and love the Westin hotel chain

from elsewhere in the world won’t be disappointed

by the Westin Kuala Lumpur. It’s located in

Jalan Bukit Bintang, right in the heart of the best

shopping and restaurant action in the city, and has

all the Westin flourishes that travellers know and

love, including their signature, ludicrously-comfy

Heavenly Bed. If you’ve booked into one of their

smartest rooms you’ll get access to their first class

Executive Club Lounge, which gives you crow’s-eye

views of KL – the ideal place to pop for a pre-dinner

drink before checking out the Latino-style grills

at Qba, the super Chinese flavours at EEST or the

classic Tuscan dishes at Prego.

Another major favourite in the capital is the

Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. After a big

refurbishment last year this place is looking

exceptionally sharp and is a hub for local and

visiting businesspeople alike. Get yourself one of

the Horizon Club rooms on the top floor, which

come with personal concierges, free wifi and that

all-important late check-out time. It’s not just the

rooms that impress, though – the restaurant line-

up, including the much-vaunted Lafite, is second

to none.

The last – but by no means the least – in the big

quartet of mind-blowing hotels is the Ritz-Carlton

Kuala Lumpur. It’s one of those places where you

instantly feel at home – partly because of the

warmth and simple elegance of the décor, partly

because of the friendliness of the welcome. It’s also

home to one of the city’s best spas, the gorgeous

Spa Village, where you’ll spend hours relaxing with

pampering treatments – don’t miss the incredible

90-minute hot stone massage.

If you prefer to stay in your own apartment when

you visit a new city, you should consider booking in

Malaysia 101_hotels.indd 6 10/28/2010 10:02:08 AM

Page 9: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-1 1 10/27/2010 9:44:44 AM

Page 10: Destination Malaysia

8 Malaysia 101

to the attractive Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur, where

you’ll find 21 floors of beautifully decked-out two

bed, one bed and studio serviced residences. Here

you’ll have your own living room, kitchen and – if

you so choose – home office, plus the pleasures of

an infinity sky pool to dip into at the end of the day.

Just outside of the capital but a world away from

its hustle and bustle lies the marvellous Sunway

Resort Hotel & Spa. It’s a huge resort with a range

of excellent accommodation – our top choice is

The Villas, which offer private infinity pools, large

balconies, complete privacy and butler service. The

air here is clean and refreshing and the only sounds

you’ll hear are the birds in the trees and the tinkling

of water features: a couple of days here and you’ll

feel as relaxed as can be.

One of the biggest treats in Malaysia is getting

up in the hills, where the air is fresh and the

country’s natural beauty is shown off to its best

effect. Your first port of call is the Berjaya Hills

Colmar Tropicale, a 45 minute drive north east

of Kuala Lumpur. The rustic French-style rooms

and suites are exquisite and the range of activities

on offer is superb. This is a great place for golf

aficionados, as it’s home to an 18-hole course

surrounded by mountains and cut through with

lakes and breathtaking landscaping. It also offers a

particularly good horse-riding programme – saddle

up and spend a morning or a whole day roaming

the Highlands, stopping off for a gourmet picnic

lunch along the way.

Another hilltop resort is the YTL Cameron

Highlands Resort, a tea plantation hotel in

Pahang, set 1.5 kilometres above sea level in rolling

countryside. The scent of strawberries and tea fill

the air, and, as with the Colmar Tropicale, there are

myriad activities on offer – there’s a superb golf

course to be played, a spa to be enjoyed (watch

out for the tea-based treatments), a series of jungle

trails to be ambled along, strawberry farms and

tea plantations to be sampled, night markets to be

shopped at and an Orang Asli village to be visited

(‘Orang Asli’ are Malaysia’s indigenous people and

have a fascinating culture).

Similarly high levels of tranquillity and enjoyment

are on offer on an island off the west coast of

‘The exquisite sunsets here, viewed from the privacy of your own luxury deck, are worth the journey alone’

Malaysia 101_hotels.indd 8 10/28/2010 5:08:21 PM

Page 11: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 9

From far left: Shangri-la Tanjung; Westin Langkawi; Temple Tree; Shangri-La Rasa.

Peninsular Malaysia, at the Pangkor Laut Resort.

This is the island’s only resort – the rest of the

space is just beautiful, untamed nature, all talcum

powder beaches and verdant rainforest. There are

five types of suites on offer – Garden, Beach, Hill,

Spa and Sea (which are built on stilts in the water)

– as well as the Pavarotti suite, set up in the heart

of the rainforest and named for the opera legend

who adored the island. The exquisite sunsets here,

viewed from the privacy of your own luxury deck,

are worth the journey alone.

The other major island attraction off the coast

of Peninsular Malaysia is Langkawi, up in the far

north of the country, an unspoilt gem with a whole

procession of wonderful places in which to stay.

There’s the Four Seasons Langkawi, the Andaman

Langkawi and the brilliant Westin Langkawi

Resort & Spa, which has half a kilometre of private

beach and more watersports than you can fit into

a fortnight, alongside spa treatments, nature hikes

and beautiful rooms.

Another first rate resort is the Berjaya Langkawi,

which has a great spread of stilted villas, some

located on the Burau Bay of the Andaman Sea

and some in verdant rainforest. Whether you’re

cosied up in your villa, drinking a cold juice in the

sunken pool bar, enjoying a lazy lunch at the Beach

Restaurant or revelling in a dinner at the Pahn-Thai

restaurant, built out on top of the waters, you’ll

feel pampered, exhilarated and relaxed throughout

your visit.

If you’d rather try something of a boutique ilk

during your Langkawi trip, check out Temple Tree

at Bon Ton. It’s low on pretension and high on

quirkiness, with a series of gorgeous, individually-

themed ‘houses’, some over 100-years-old, which

range in style from ‘Chinese’ to ‘Black and White’

and from ‘Colonial’ to ‘Penang’. Each is individually

decorated, and there is a long, languid shared pool,

fringed with palm trees. While Bon Ton is not on

the beach, it is only five minutes’ drive from the

excellent Pantai Cenang beach.

Also up north, but on the mainland, is the

state of Penang, where there’s a further clutch of

world-beating properties. Part of the state is an

island, also known as Penang, where you’ll find the

19th-century, colonial-style Eastern and Oriental (a

favourite of Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling

and Noel Coward) and the Shangri-la Rasa Sayang

Resort & Spa, home to the wonderful Chi spa, the

Malaysia 101_hotels.indd 9 10/28/2010 10:04:35 AM

Page 12: Destination Malaysia

10 Malaysia 101

Clockwise from far left: The Ritz-Carlton; Shangri-la Kuala Lumpar; Berjaya Hills Colmar Tropicale; Gayana Island Resort.

island’s largest. Then there’s the Berjaya Penang,

a lovely, modern property which gives you easy

access to the island’s delights, including beautiful

Batu Ferringhi, a series of beaches offering first

class windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing; the

attractive Penang Hill, whose peak is accessible by

a charming funicular train; and Penang Butterfly

Farm, a huge family favourite.

There are two final islands of note to factor in to

your trip – Tioman Island and Redang, both located

off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. They are

home to two excellent hotels – the Berjaya Tioman

and the Berjaya Redang. The former is the place to

go for superb diving – with a visibility of 100 feet,

the waters here are filled with exotic sealife. While

you’re here don’t miss a trip to the Asah waterfall,

where seven rivers come together and swimming at

the bottom of the fall is awe-inspiringly idyllic.

But it’s not all about Peninsular Malaysia and

its islands, you know. Over on Malaysian Borneo

there are some seriously sweet spots too. At the

state of Sarawak you’ll find the Borneo Highlands

Resort, an eco-sensitive hideaway where you can

stay in a ‘jungle cabin’ or a ‘clubhouse room’ within

putting distance of its outstanding golf course. The

extraordinary thing about this place, though – apart

from the fact that it’s built right in the heart of a

rainforest – is its sheer exclusivity. Only 60 guests

are allowed to stay at the Borneo Highlands on any

given day, which means you’ll feel like the whole

palatial place is being run for you alone: magical.

The neighbouring state of Sabah has its own

share of delights, too. All but the stoniest of hearts

will be melted by the glories of the Shangri-la

Tanjung Aru Resort, which juts out into the South

China Sea on a beautiful little promontory. Located

a short way from the lovely town of Kota Kinabalu,

this place is an exercise in indulgence, from the

one-off Island villas to the gorgeous yoga pavilion.

The smart money, though, is on taking a Mountain

View room, which gives its lucky inhabitant a vista

of the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

Finally, for a pristine eco-resort experience, book

in to the Gayana Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu, off

the coast of Sabah. It’s dedicated to protecting

local marine life – during your visit you can help

them repair local coral reefs before relaxing with a

kayaking trip and a jungle trek or two.

Malaysia 101_hotels.indd 10 10/28/2010 10:04:50 AM

Page 13: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 11

If you love your shopping you’ll adore Malaysia. This is a country which cherishes its international brands but still values its home-grown arts, crafts and produce very highly. Put your credit card on standby, clear plenty of room in your suitcase and get ready for some fun…

Shopping

Start your shopping quest off in Kuala Lumpur’s

much-feted Central Market. This is a highly fun

place to splash your cash, a 19th century building

that has been recognised as a national heritage site

and is home to products from all of the country’s

myriad ethnic groups. Major items to watch out for

include delicate batik, silver and gold silk ‘songket’

textiles and antiques. Don’t forget your camera

when you visit – you’ll find opportunities aplenty to

snap away as you soak up the atmosphere.

Another olde worlde spot in the capital is Masjid

India or ‘Little India’, located just by Petaling Street

and a stone’s throw from the city’s Chinatown,

where all the products come from the subcontinent.

It’s great for picking up top value clothing, bolts of

beautiful cloth and gold jewellery in every shape

and size under the sun. If you get peckish, pick up

a piping hot and spicy snack from one of the raft of

hawker stalls: delicious.

For a rather more modern shopping trip, you

should head down to Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Golden

Triangle’, a slice of city whose edges comprise

Imbi, Jalans Bukit Bintang and Sultan Ismail. This is

where you’ll find major malls – particular highlights

include Starhill Gallery, Lot 10, Pavilion KL and

Suria KLCC.

Starhill is the sort of place where you could

happily lose yourself for a day. The mall’s biggest

attractions include a parade of first-class art

galleries and a cavalcade of high-end fashion

(the likes of Givenchy, Kenzo, Carrera y Carrera

and jewellery must-haves Van Cleef and Arples)

alongside watch legends Hublot, Tag Heuer and

Audemars Piguet. When you’re feeling ready

to drop and your bags are weighing you down,

pop to the in-house Pamper Zone, which has an

astonishing 93 treatment rooms, for a a well-earned

massage or facial.

Lot 10, meanwhile, pitches itself as the ‘groovy

godson’ to Starhill’s ‘big daddy of designer cool’.

There are hundreds of fabulous stores here,

including Etincelle, Lollapalooza and Love, G. If

you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choice on

offer, hook up with a ‘shopping concierge’ who

can help guide you to the very best stores for your

retail style and advise you on the best purchases.

Pavilion KL has almost 500 smart stores,

including Salvatore Ferragamo, DKNY and Ted

Baker, and puts on regular high profile shows for

visitors in the Centre Court area. If you visit, swing

by the concierge’s desk on the third floor with your

passport in hand and pick up your free Tourist

Malaysia 101_shopping.indd 11 10/28/2010 10:17:39 AM

Page 14: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-2 2 10/20/2010 3:16:29 PM

Page 15: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-2 3 10/20/2010 3:16:40 PM

Page 16: Destination Malaysia

14 Malaysia 101

Clockwise from far left: Suria KLCC; Masjid India; Florist in Gaya Street Sunday Market.

Reward Card, which will get you money off

purchases, plus lots of value-added treats.

Finally, Suria KLCC has a nice blend of high

end stores like Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and

TOD’s and highstreet names like Topshop, Zara

and Giordano. It’s also a great place to buy top

value electronics and telecoms as well as Malaysian

leather goods. When it comes to taking a break,

you’ll love the amazing 50 acre-large green space

at the development’s centre, which is scattered

with water features, fountains and thousands of

plants and trees, alongside a great kids’ playground

– perfect if you’re on holiday en famille.

Just outside of Kuala Lumpur is Petaling Jaya,

where you’ll find Sunway Pyramid, a fun, themed

mall which pays tribute to ancient Egypt with its

pyramids, sphinxes and elaborate statues. There

are four main shopping zones: Asian Avenue,

which has the latest products from across the

region; Oasis boulevard, an outdoor shopping area;

Marrakesh, a Moroccan-style bazaar which does a

fabulous line in silver jewellery; and Fashion Central

with its hundreds of clothing brands.

While the capital and its immediate surroundings

naturally have the lion’s share of the most

happening shopping experiences, there’s plenty

going on in the rest of the country too. One major

thing to look out for are the traditional Pasar

Malam or ‘night markets’, which take place in

villages, towns and cities across Malaysia. These al

fresco shopping spots allow you to make the most

of the pleasantly warm evenings, browsing on a

street that’s been closed to traffic, among scores of

open air stores selling virtually everything, with an

emphasis on fruits, t-shirts, shoes and electronics.

The particularly nice thing about the Pasar

Malam is that they’re not laid on for the benefit of

tourists – this is where Malaysians go to do their

shopping, which means it’s always pleasantly

informal, full of locals, and has the best value

on offer anywhere (be warned: bargaining is

practically compulsory). The markets always have

a section dedicated to freshly-cooked street food –

grab yourself a cane sugar juice and prowl the stalls

to find your perfect post-shopping snack.

Keep your eyes peeled, too, for Metrojaya

outlets across the country. This imaginative series

of department stores has some great brands,

including East India Company, Cape Cod, Laura

Malaysia 101_shopping.indd 14 10/28/2010 10:22:59 AM

Page 17: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 15

Ashley, Zona and Reject Shop. You’ll find them in

KL, Selangor, Johore Bahru, Penang and Sabah.

Out in Melaka, a coastal city to the south of Kuala

Lumpur, you’ll find the brilliant Jonker Street. Set in

the city’s Chinatown district, this is acknowledged

as one of the very best places in the country to

buy antiques, including statues, furniture, brass

items, coins, porcelain and more. Many of the stores

here will offer delivery to your home country for

larger pieces – so you can go ahead and be as

extravagant as you like. The very best times to visit

are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, when

you’ll find the greatest number of salesmen laying

out their wares.

Meanwhile in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of

Sabah, the biggest shopping offering is the Gaya

Street Sunday Market. This has been a commercial

hotspot for a century – in colonial times it was

known as Bond Street – and it carries on the proud

tradition every Sunday, when it is pedestrianised

for the morning (it starts around dawn) and the

market sets in. Shoppers wander around under the

shade of trees and browse the wares of florists,

grocers, cobblers, bakers, antiques merchants,

fashion designers and artists. It’s a wonderfully

evocative and lively place to spend a few hours.

When you plan your trip to Malaysia, you should

bear in mind that the Mega Sale Carnival takes

place every year (usually during the summer), and

brings colossal bargains and discounts to every

store and mall in the land. It’s a shopping festival

par excellence, but it’s not just about cutting prices

– throughout the carnival there will be thousands of

special events, concerts, entertainment and plenty

of marvellous things for kids to do throughout the

length and breadth of the country.

And while we’re on the subject of insider tips, if

you’re looking to spend your money as wisely as

possible, bear in mind that Langkawi offers duty-

free shopping: an extra inducement to visit the

picture-perfect island, as if you needed one…

‘Al fresco shopping spots allow you to make the most of the pleasantly warm evenings, browsing on a street that’s been closed to traffic...’

Clockwise from below: Jonker Street; Pasar Malam; Sunway Pyramid.

Malaysia 101_shopping.indd 15 10/28/2010 10:23:04 AM

Page 18: Destination Malaysia

16 Malaysia 101

If you’ve just flown in to the capital, the first item

on your foodie agenda is to get stuck into some

traditional dishes and start to get a sense of what’s

on offer. Make a beeline for Bijan, a candle-lit

restaurant in Jalan Ceylon which mixes the finest

traditional and modern recipes, and prepare to take

a masterclass in the best the country has to offer.

If you’ve flown in to Penang on your first night

rather than the capital, however, you don’t need

to select a particular restaurant – wherever you

wander the street food on offer is the best in the

country. Ask the stall-owner to recommend their

finest titbits and go right ahead and indulge.

Whether you’re waking up in KL, Penang

or anywhere else in the country, swerve your

hotel’s continental option and go for some hearty

Malaysian fare instead, the classic choice being

a portion of nasi lemak. It’s one of the de facto

national dishes, a steamed rice-based creation

which is served laced with sweet coconut milk and

lashings of lemongrass, ginger and pandan leaves.

Alongside the rice you’ll be served roast peanuts,

dried anchovies, egg, pickled vegetables and spicy

sambal sauce. To look like a true Malaysian, ask for

a portion of beef rendang stew to go alongside it.

You may have heard of the infamous durian

fruit before – and believe us, it’s just as strange as

you’ve been told. It’s an extraordinary mix of utterly

repulsive – its odour has led to it being banned

on public transport, and puts in mind thoughts of

the snozzcumbers in Roald Dahl’s BFG – and the

delicious. In fact when it’s properly prepared, it’s

a smooth, subtle delight whose flesh tastes rather

like almondy custard. Grab yourself a mid-morning

pastry baked with durian (or, if you’re not feeling

brave enough, some sweet rambutan) and wash

it down with a mug of teh tarik. This is a Malaysian

drink of Indian or Chinese origin, depending on who

you talk to. It literally means ‘pulled tea’ and is a

mix of strong black tea and ultra-sweet condensed

milk, which is poured back and forth between a pair

of tumblers to give it an airy, frothy consistency.

When it comes to lunch time, go local with a

serving of asam pedas – a beef or fish dish cooked

with chilli, garlic, mint and tamarind juice for a

sour twist. The smell alone is enough to send

true gourmets into ecstasy. Alternatively, try a

banana leaf rice lunch, comprising fresh rice with

spicy vegetarian dishes, served on a banana leaf.

If this doesn’t fill you up, seek out some Sarawak

laksa – a beautiful noodle soup, filled with prawns,

coriander, slivers of omelette, chicken and hot

sauce: guaranteed to send shivers of delight

running down your back.

There’s literally nowhere more thrilling for gastronauts with a sense of culinary adventure than Malaysia. The dozens of different food cultures which meet and mingle in this thrilling nation mean you’re never far from a life-changing dining experience. Add another notch to your belt now…

Food

Malaysia 101_food.indd 16 10/28/2010 10:34:06 AM

Page 19: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 17

Later on, an afternoon snack can come courtesy

of the Chinese strand of Malaysian food culture

– pull up a chair at a café and order a helping

of yau char kway. These deep-fried crullers,

which remind us of slightly salted doughnuts, are

dreadful for your health but wonderful for your

soul and are understandably one of the nation’s

very favourite naughty nibbles. When it comes to

accompaniments, you can’t go far wrong with a pot

of masala tea, with a perky, spicy kick.

If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, an inspiring afternoon

trip for foodies is one to Schokolart in Solaris Mont

Kiara, a chocolate-obsessed spot which boasts

a lovely view of the Petronas Towers and every

cocoa-laced product you can imagine, including an

extraordinary chocolate chicken dish.

If you’re feeling peckish again by early evening

and you want something to get your tastebuds

going, slide up to a bar and ask for some mieng

kam. Originally a Thai dish, this has been adopted

wholeheartedly in Malaysia: it’s a make-it-yourself

mix of chilli, shrimps, ginger, peanuts, lime and

sweet and sour sauce all twisted up in a fresh green

leaf. For an extra treat, get a few grilled chicken

satay ayam kebabs too, served with coconut and

peanut sauce.

At dinner time, seek out an example of one of

Malaysia’s most fascinating food cultures – Baba

Nyonya cuisine. It mixes Malay and Chinese flavours

in traditional recipes that date back hundreds of

years. The food takes hours upon hours to prepare

and has steeped-in flavour that gives off incredible

aromas: don’t miss the baba nyonya curries, which

are particularly marvellous.

As you can see, it’s possible to eat well in

Malaysia every day of the year, but if you’re

particularly interested in the gourmet side of your

trip, you might like to time it to coincide with the

annual Malaysia International Gourmet Festival.

This event, which usually takes place in November,

sees chefs from around the world come together

with local culinary masters to lay on special dinners

for hungry guests, as well as tastings and cook-offs:

an unmissable event.

Clockwise from far left: Streetfood in Chinatown; Nasi Lemak; Durian fruit; Sarawak lasa.

Malaysia 101_food.indd 17 10/28/2010 10:34:11 AM

Page 20: Destination Malaysia

18 Malaysia 101

Relaxation, culture and sights

One of the best and most relaxing things about

Malaysia is the weather – there’s plenty of sun all

year round, and the very best place to make the

most of it is on one of the country’s beaches. Some

of its finest are to be found in Sarawak in Malaysian

Borneo, which has hundreds of kilometres of

coastline: start off in Damai, a pristine spot with

plenty of lovely resorts and a great starting point

for a trip out to Satang Besar Island, which is much

loved for its wildlife. Other beaches of note include

Bandung, Siar and Penyok plus, up in the top

northern tip of Sarawak, handsome Miri and the

Similajau National Park: roll up your suncream and

sunnies in your beach towel and head on down.

A similarly chilled-out activity is available at

the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens. Situated 25

kilometres outside of Kuala Lumpur, it is the

country’s largest botanical garden and is a superb

place to spend a morning gently wandering from

floral display to floral display and learning about

Malaysia’s natural heritage. If you enjoy the delights

of Putrajaya, you’ll absolutely love Kuala Gula, way

up north in Peninsular Malaysia. These extensive

wetlands are known to birdwatching communities

as one of the very best twitching spots in the world

– arrange a visit to the sanctuary, rent a pair of

binoculars and you can see Cuckoo-Shrikes, Milky

Storks, Pittas, Adjutants and hundreds more.

Also up north in Peninsular Malaysia, in the state

of Kelantan, is another highly relaxing activity: a

river cruise from Kuala Krai to Dabong. Along the

way you’ll pass through rainforest, tiny waterside

villages and more wildlife than you can shake a

stick at, including the likes of hornbills, elephants,

otters, macaques and majestic kingfishers.

If you’re the sort of holidaymaker who likes

to relax with a nine iron in their hand, you’ll be

delighted to hear that Malaysia is home to dozens

of world-class golf courses. Three of the best are

the Cameron Highlands Golf Course, the Royal

Selangor Golf Club and the club at the Berjaya

Tioman Resort.

The Cameron Highlands Golf Course, up in

Peninsular Malaysia’s cool Highlands region 5,000

feet above sea level, is kept in immaculate shape all

year round. This par 71 course offers a pleasing mix

of terrains, with plentiful eye candy in the form of

green mountains as far as the eye can see.

The Royal Selangor Golf Club, meanwhile, has

been one of the country’s top social hubs since

the late 19th century (although the courses weren’t

laid until the 1920s), and was a massive favourite

You’ve enjoyed the exotic food, the fab shopping and the adrenaline-pumping activities Malaysia has to offer: now it’s time to catch your breath and relax, to indulge in some gentle cultural pursuits and soak up the essence of the country with a visit to some of its most impressive sights…

Malaysia 101_relaxation, culture, sights.indd 18 10/28/2010 10:42:30 AM

Page 21: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 19

among the colonial elite. It has one 9 hole course

and two 18 hole courses, one of which plays home

to the Malaysian Open. The backdrop here is of

Kuala Lumpur, with the twin Petronas Towers

clearly visible from many of the holes. Last, but by

no means least, is The Berjaya Tioman Resort Golf

Course – an 18-holer which hugs the coastline of

the South China Sea. It’s flanked on the other side

by gorgeous rainforest, and is recognised by the

Malaysia’s golfing fraternity as one of the very best

places for a round.

If soaking up the sun, strolling through beautiful

gardens or wetlands, taking a lazy cruise or

playing a leisurely game of golf haven’t left you

fully relaxed, never fear: Malaysia is known for

its outstanding spas and you’re never far from a

tranquility-inducing treatment. Three favourites

of ours are the Spa Village Pangkor Laut, the

Mandara Spa in Kuala Lumpur and the spa at the

Four Seasons Langkawi.

You can behold wonderful culture and beautiful

sights everywhere you go in Malaysia, but there

are a few key things you simply must include on

your itinerary. The first of these is Sarawak Cultural

Village, located just outside of Kuching and nestled

in the shadows of Mount Santubong. The village

gives a fascinating insight into the different ethnic

groups who make Sarawak’s culture so rich, with

regular performances of traditional song and dance

and great displays of arts and crafts.

Another grand dose of culture awaits in the

historic state of Melaka in Peninsular Malaysia

and particularly in its capital, Melaka Town, which

is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can

stroll through the old town and uncover its most

intriguing elements. Don’t leave without seeing

Jonker Street’s lovely shops and carved façades;

the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum; Memorial

Hall; St. John’s Fort, and Hang Tuah’s Well.

If you’d like to get your culture fix from a festival

then you’ll be spoilt for choice. Three of the biggest

events are the Penang World Music Festival, the

KL Festival and the Samrah Festival. The Penang

fest is small and beautiful, with an array of bands

from across the world performing in the attractive

setting of the Botanic Gardens. The KL Festival

takes place over the course of a month and brings

Clockwise from left: Cameron Highlands Golf Course; Sarawak beach; Kelantan boats.

Malaysia 101_relaxation, culture, sights.indd 19 10/28/2010 10:42:36 AM

Page 22: Destination Malaysia

20 Malaysia 101

together literary, musical and artistic events from

across the capital. And the Samrah Festival is a

show of Arabic culture with a major musical focus.

While it’s not a festival per se, each year the

celebrations for Chinese New Year evoke the

feel of such an event, with the country’s huge

Chinese community laying on lavish parties with

lashings of fireworks: a great time to be in one of

myriad Chinatowns which you’ll find dotted across

Malaysia’s big cities.

When it comes to great museums, there are

a number of major venues worth a look in Kuala

Lumpur, the best of which are the National History

Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum. The former

traces Malaysia’s story over the past 40 millennia,

with some superb exhibits including ancient coins,

prehistoric weapons, 9th century statues and more

recent memorabilia, such as military pieces from

the Japanese occupation. The Islamic Arts Museum,

meanwhile, covers a huge amount of ground with

textiles, jewellery, architecture, ceramics and more

showcased in a light, airy space that is also home

to intriguing temporary exhibitions from around

the world.

Malaysia is crammed with extraordinary sights,

many of which you’ll come across by chance as,

for example, you turn a corner in a crowded street,

come to the crest of a hilly road and gaze over

a beautiful valley, or when you catch a stunning

sunset on a deserted beach. But, to guarantee an

amazing modern view, one that encapsulates the

dynamism and thrust of this country, there are

two great options. The first is the vista from the

Petronas Skybridge, which looks out over the

skyline of that most ambitious and driven of cities,

Kuala Lumpur. The second is the scene you’ll see

from the stands at Sepang International Circuit

during a Formula 1 event: as the cars screech round

and the crowds roar you can’t help but feel the

real and justified pride so many Malaysians feel for

their astonishing and exciting country. But for all

that is new in political terms, this is also an ancient

place and for that reason the Batu Caves makes a

marvellous final sight. Over 400 million years old,

this network of caverns outside of Kuala Lumpur is

a special place for many Malaysians, making it one

of the most interesting and moving places to visit in

this ever-intriguing country.

Clockwise from left: Batu Caves; Petronas Towers; An Iban Warrior demonstrating how to usee a traditional dart at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

‘Over 400 million years old, the Batu Caves outside of Kuala Lumpur is a special place for many Malaysians’

Malaysia 101_relaxation, culture, sights.indd 20 10/28/2010 5:14:17 PM

Page 23: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 21

Activities and AdventureMalaysia is a dream destination for adventurous types and families who want to get out and about to enjoy the great outdoors. There are hundreds of wonderous expeditions to choose from: here’s our pick of the country...

One of the biggest names for families visiting

Malaysia is Genting Highlands, an hour’s drive

northeast of Kuala Lumpur. This place is the king of

resorts and can be accessed via the lofty Genting

Skyway cable car. It’s home to three separate

theme parks, including a water park, an outdoor

theme park and the first world indoor theme park,

all of which are stacked to the rafters with brilliant

rides and attractions. You could spend a good few

days working your way around this place, so be

certain not to miss out on key rides, like the Rolling

Thunder Mine Train, the Sungai Rejang Flume Ride

and the fabulously fun Bumper Boats. The resort is

also home to five performance areas, which host

fantastic concerts – check in advance to see what’s

on during your visit…

Meanwhile, just a quarter of an hour’s drive

outside of Kuala Lumpur is Desa Water Park,

a mini city devoted to aquatic pleasures. Bring

your swimming costume and spend a day being

knocked about by the Shock Wave, zipping along

on the Super Tube, chilling out in the Bubble Pool

and screaming your head off as you descend

Action River and the legendary Thunderbolt, Asia’s

longest Master Blaster. Up in Sungai Petani in the

north there’s another great – although somewhat

smaller – waterpark, The Carnivall, which has a

series of excellent rubber ring rides.

Further south in Melaka, you’ll find the A’Famosa

resort. As well as having top golf facilities and a

super-fun waterpark, A’Famosa is famed for its

animal attractions, notably the Animal World

Safari. Here you can take a trip around 150

beautiful acres and see zebras, tigers, camels,

giraffes, elephants and lions, before popping over

to Monkey Island to meet the primates. You can

also let your little ones pet camels, rabbits and

ponies. In Teluk Sengat in the south east, there’s an

incredible Crocodile Farm, where over a thousand

toothsome beauties are on show. Take a tour and

watch the crocs being fed fish and whole chickens,

before picking up a baby snapper – if you dare.

Nearby, another wonderworld for animal fans is

the brilliant Ostrich Farm in Sungai Rengit, where

you can view baby ostriches being tended by their

parents. Meanwhile, over in Sabah in Malaysian

Borneo, there are jaw-dropping sights on offer

at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. Located in

Sandakan out on the east coast, this place allows

you to get up close with the majestic orange

beasts, which are looked after as part of Malaysia’s

eco-protection programme.

If smaller – but equally cute – creatures are more

your thing, head to the Penang Butterfly Farm in

Malaysia 101_activities.indd 21 10/28/2010 10:50:40 AM

Page 24: Destination Malaysia

22 Malaysia 101

the far north of the country. Set in the Teluk Bahang

Hills, you’ll be surrounded by scores of exotic

butterflies in every hue under the sun, including

the famous Borneo-born Rajah Brooke, a black and

green beauty.

If you want to experience a more active

attraction, set your sights on Kinabalu Park, where

you can take on (possibly) the biggest challenge

of your holiday: climbing up to Low’s Peak, the

most accessible part of the mountain. But, you

don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer or don

anything more than a stout pair of walking boots to

reach its peak and, when you do, the views will be

well worth the effort.

Another adventure which requires a certain

amount of energy but pays enormous dividends

is a diving trip to Pulau Sipadan, off the coast of

Sabah – once described by Jacques Cousteau as an

‘untouched piece of art’. Formed by the explosion

of an undersea volcano millenia ago, this island

offers challenging but highly rewarding dives and is

rated among the very finest dive spots in the world.

Flipper your way downwards and swim amongst

lush coral gardens, white tip sharks and shoals of

jackfish and barracudas: amazing.

A trip to Layang Layang will provide a similarly

memorable experience. The destination is a brief

flight north from Malaysian Borneo and is known

for its hammerhead and whale sharks, manta rays

and triggerfish. The archipelago of Redang and

the idyllic islands of Perhentian, both located off

the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, are

another couple of big draws for PADI-toting dive

aficionados, thanks to their clear-as-glass waters

and first-class diving schools.

If snorkelling takes your fancy, head to Tunku

Abdul Rahman Marina Park. Set in Sabah, just off

the coast of Kota Kinabalu, it’s made up of a clutch

of five islands, all of which are home to outstanding

coral and shallow surrounding seas. Arrange your

trip through a centre in Kota and then head out

with a guide who will show you the very best spots.

Look out for mantis shrimps, Hawksbill turtles,

blue-spotted rays and the remarkable scorpion fish.

While you’re in Kota, swing by the offices of

Borneo Nature Tours, who can arrange an array of

Clockwise from far left: Gentling; Desa Water Park; Low’s Peak.

Malaysia 101_activities.indd 22 10/28/2010 5:17:06 PM

Page 25: Destination Malaysia

Malaysia 101 23

excursions and stays in Sabah – expect everything

from white-water rafting and nature treks to

birdwatching. Ask about their brilliant 4 Wheel

Drive tours too, which will take you on a bouncing

expedition along gravel tracks and through rivers

as you drink in the incredible surrounds and visit

local schools. What’s more, a percentage of the

price you pay for the pleasure will go towards

community development programmes.

Another classic aquatic adventure is a cruise in

Langkawi. Here you’ll find 99 gorgeous little islands

to explore – which you can zip between in a motor

boat with one of the many tour companies who

ply the area, stopping off to visit mangroves and

spy eagles in their natural habitat. Alternatively,

go deep sea fishing and visit the islands’ lovely

natural caves.

To end with a real taste of the islands, look out

for the onboard barbecues offered by some local

tour operators – there are few nicer ways to admire

a sunset than when cruising along in Langkawi

with a plate of freshly-grilled seafood perched on

your lap. Before you leave, you simply must have a

Langkawi massage, too. It’s feted as one of Asia’s

best and is a superb way to remove any remaining

shreds of tension…

Finally, if you’re looking to achieve something

really impressive while you’re on holiday, why not

plan your visit to coincide with the annual Borneo

International Marathon? You can enter in advance

and then pit your fitness against the course, which

winds its way through Kota Kinabalu in Sabah in

Malaysian Borneo, with breathtaking views on all

sides: the perfect end to an amazing trip. If that

sounds like too much hard work, but you’re still

in the market for a one-off experience to wrap up

your time in Malaysia, make your way to Penang’s

Batu Feringhi beach area, where they offer some of

the world’s best parasailing: Soak up the passing

views down long stretches of white sand as the

wind rushes through your hair and the earth falls

away beneath you. Unforgettable.

Clockwise from left: Redang; A resident of Crocodile Farm; Cenang beach, Langkawi.

‘There are few nicer ways to admire a sunset than when cruising along in Langkawi with a plate of freshly-grilled seafood perched on your lap’

Malaysia 101_activities.indd 23 10/28/2010 10:50:48 AM

Page 26: Destination Malaysia

24 Malaysia 101

The prize Win a deluxe three-night stay for two, including breakfast daily with unlimited

bubbly, plus dinner at the Gulai House restaurant. To enter, simply email your

answer to the following question to [email protected]

Perched off the west coast of Malaysia, on the north western tip of of the tropical island of Langkawi, The

award-winning Datai Langkawi (www.ghmhotels.com) is an idyllic oasis that makes the perfect retreat

for those yearning to leave city life far behind. The lush hideaway immerses itself in a landscape of dense

rainforest, soaring mountains and gushing waterfalls. Inside, the stunning resort is decked in Asian-inspired

décor that blends effortlessly with its tropical vistas, while offering all the mod cons luxury-lovers crave.

Plus, each room comes with its own private verdanda, where guests can soak up its sprawling panoramas.

Set foot outside the suite to dine at one of four themed restaurants, including Gulai House, which serves

up Malaysian and Indian cuisine in an open-air setting. As if that wasn’t enough, a stroll through rainforest

footpaths leads out to pools and a private beach club, where there’s watersports in abundance. But, for

sheer relaxation, The Spa at The Datai is the place to enjoy for the ultimate in Eastern pampering.

Win a three-night stay at The Datai Langkawi

Terms & Conditions:Prize is valid between January

16 and July 31, 2011. Excludes

Februrary 2–8 and April 21–25

inclusive. Rooms are subject

to availability and advance

booking is required. The prize

is non-transferable and no

cash alternative is available.

Any unused benefits are not

redeemable for future stays.

Dinner for two excludes

alcoholic beverages.

24 Malaysia 101

Q. Which types of cuisine does Gulai House serve? a) Malaysian and Indianb) African and Indianc) Chinese

Malaysia 101_competition.indd 24 10/28/2010 10:59:33 AM

Page 27: Destination Malaysia

Untitled-6 1 10/27/2010 2:42:10 PM

Page 28: Destination Malaysia

Terms & ConditionsFares do not include service fees. Prices are correct as of publication date and are subject to change due to fluctuation in surcharge rate. Fares are subject to seat availability and confirmation. All fares and conditions are subject to change with or without notice. Other terms and conditions apply.1060

1-W

BOOK NOW

Visit your nearest travel agent or Malaysia Airlines ticket office.

Great Deals toGreat HolidayDestinations.

Experience 5-Star MH.This is Malaysian Hospitality.

FLY TO KUALA LUMPUR

RIYADH 1,473 6,764

DAMMAM 1,702 6,348

JEDDAH 1,822 5,962

DUBAI 2,125 8,605

ECONOMY CLASSRETURN (ALL-INCLUSIVE FARES)

BUSINESS CLASSRETURN (ALL-INCLUSIVE FARES)FROM

SAR

SAR

SAR

AED

SAR

SAR

SAR

AED

Terms & ConditionsFares do not include service fees. Prices are correct as of publication date and are subject to change due to fluctuation in surcharge rate. Fares are subject to seat availability and confirmation. All fares and conditions are subject to change with or without notice. Other terms and conditions apply.1060

1-W

BOOK NOW

Visit your nearest travel agent or Malaysia Airlines ticket office.

Great Deals toGreat HolidayDestinations.

Experience 5-Star MH.This is Malaysian Hospitality.

FLY TO KUALA LUMPUR

RIYADH 1,473 6,764

DAMMAM 1,702 6,348

JEDDAH 1,822 5,962

DUBAI 2,125 8,605

ECONOMY CLASSRETURN (ALL-INCLUSIVE FARES)

BUSINESS CLASSRETURN (ALL-INCLUSIVE FARES)FROM

SAR

SAR

SAR

AED

SAR

SAR

SAR

AED

Untitled-5 1 10/27/2010 2:40:25 PM