MAIN Travel South & Southeast Asia Malaysia

Malaysia, known as one of the most mellow, laid back countries in all of Southeast Asia, is also one of the most fascinating for travelers.

Dynamic and wealthy, yet friendly and welcoming, it is an admirable melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors and cultures - amid the stunning natural beauty of its island beaches, mountains and national parks.

Nowhere is Malaysia's contrast of modern and traditional more evident than in its capital, Kuala Lumpur, dominated by the soaring Petronas Twin Towers (currently the second tallest skyscraper after Taipei) overlooking a bustling city that remains home to a colorful mix of ages-old architectural styles and thriving ethnic markets.

Kuala Lumpur, or "KL" as it is known by the locals, is also a good jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the country, made up of a string of islands in 11 states in the Malaysia peninsula and two states in northern Borneo.

For a taste of mystery and natural beauty, the nearby Batu Caves is a good day trip from the capital. Other must-sees include Penang Island and its capital city, Georgetown, offering an impressive mix of culinary delights and fabulous beaches.

Among Malaysia's handful of protected preserves, Taman Negara National Park
northeast of Kuala Lumpur offers a complete adventure including riverboat trips and jungle safaris for watching gibbons, peacocks and elephants frollicking in their natural habitat.

Heading south, also don't miss Tioman Island, (the fabled "Bali Hai" in the 1958 film version of South Pacific), which remains a beautiful mix of mountains, dense rain forest and gorgeous tropical beaches.

More about Malaysia travel & tourism around the Web:

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more at top travel sites featuring how to's on getting around including plane and ferry schedules, packaged tours, hotel and restaurant recommendations plus related help with tailoring your own tropical island-hopping adventure ...

Virtual Malaysia - The official site with a comprehensive guide including event calendar, hotel booking, feature travel stories, information on top attractions, photo gallery, plus a brief tutorial on Malaysian phrases, ATM locator, travel do's and don'ts.

Tourism Malaysia - Stunning, colorful and interactive guide with focus on Malaysia's cultural diversity with restaurant information & contact details, Malaysian recipes, top destinations by state, city, or special interest, searchable database of hotels & resorts, fast facts and travel tips, event calendar.

Malaysia Travel Guide - Wikitravel entry with an extensive look at major destinations, national parks, a guide to the islands plus more on the country's history and culture, tips on getting there and getting around by plane, train, ferry, bus or car, food recommendations, health & safety tips, related links.

Malaysia Tourist Guides - Several pages of travel information with guides to annual holidays and events, top tourist attractions, and a look at history and Malaysian culture, from Sino.net.

Kuala Lumpur Tourism Council - The city's official welcome, with a generous helping of history, cultural attractions and information on top attractions, event & festival calendar, comprehensive hotel & restaurant guide with related links.

Islands.com.my - A virtual tour of Malaysia's beaches and islands including tour package and hotel bookings, ferry schedules, quick travel tips, interactive currency converter.

also see -> Top Beaches in Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam

Five Affordable World Destinations

in Wines of the World -> Wines of Southeast Asia