WHETHER YOU’RE looking for unique wildlife, sporting activities, incredible shopping, adventure or simply a rejuvenating session at the spa, Malaysia is the place for an unforgettable holiday.
Here we look at just some of the special interest options available in this fascinating country.
BIRD WATCHING
A great diversity of enchanting tropical birds thrive under Malaysia’s chattering jungle canopies, owing to its unique natural history and geographical position.
The country’s treasure trove includes some 873 species of birds and around 91 endemics recorded both in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak. That’s a whole lot of feathers for a relatively small nation!
Malaysia also boasts an impressive 55 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) throughout the country.
These sites are important for bird conservation at a global, regional and national level, based upon internationally recognised criteria outlined by BirdLife International, a global partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity.
With such an incredible natural reserve of flora and fauna, birdwatchers can select from a plethora of impressive ecosystems ranging from coastal beaches, mangroves, lush rainforests, World Heritage sites and cool forests.
SPA AND WELLNESS
Be it in a city or on a tropical island, Malaysia is regarded as one of the world’s best spa destinations.
A wide range of therapies are available in world-class facilities. Day spas and hotel or resort spas are the most popular, while destination and medical spas are gaining in popularity.
Therapies are mainly of Asian origin, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan (Straits Chinese) and Balinese. Performed by trained therapists, the spa menu mainly consists of home-grown herbs and locally produced ingredients.
Many spas, especially the established ones, offer a variety of packages and a range of therapies including full-body massage, hair treatment, pedicure, manicure, facial, sauna and steam baths, body wraps, mud baths and body scrubs.
DIVING
Located at the epicentre of the world’s richest underwater environment, Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of marine parks, each with excellent visibility and a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Some of Asia’s best dive sites are located here, particularly in the waters off Terengganu, Johor, Pahang and Sabah.
Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park is a great destination for day trips. There is no accommodation on the island to protect and preserve the island’s delicate marine eco-system.
In Terengganu, Redang Marine Park has an impressive variety of coral species. The islands of Lang Tengah and Perhentian are a diver’s delight with their rich marine life. Pahang’s Tioman Marine Park is another not-to-be-missed destination.
In the southern state of Johor, the islands of Sibu, Rawa and Aur are equally enthralling, each possessing their own charm and character. They beckon divers with an abundance of corals and undersea attractions.
Blessed with an enviable marine biodiversity, Sabah’s islands – Sipadan, Bohey Dulang, Mabul, Layang-Layang, Kapalai and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – are widely known as some of the region’s best diving sites.
Pulau Sipadan, located right in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin – the world’s richest marine habitat – is rated as one of the world’s top dive sites.
Kapalai and Mabul are also popular for ‘muck diving’ activities, a diving term used to describe the search for rare and exotic small marine species.
In Sarawak, the waters off Miri are known for reef diving, while Labuan Marine Park is famous for its wreck diving, particularly those from the Second World War.
SHOPPING
When it comes to shopping, Malaysia is regarded as one of the premier destinations in the world. Whether your preference is luxury or affordable shopping, you’re likely to find whatever your heart desires here.
Look out for bargains and special offers especially during festive seasons. Sprawling shopping complexes and lifestyle malls with everything under one roof can be found in major cities, especially Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Areas such as Bukit Bintang-KLCC are well-known shopping districts offering everything from designer labels to computer peripherals. These malls do not only offer retail therapy, but also a host of dining and entertainment options from bowling arenas to cineplexes.
Those looking for traditional handicrafts and ethnic souvenirs can find them in craft centres around the country. The most sought-after local crafts include fabrics such as Batik, Songket, Kain Tenun and Pua Kumbu, as well as items fashioned out of pewter, silver and wood.
Centres such as the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex offer unique handmade items. Visitors will also find a tempting choice of local souvenirs at places such as Pasar Seni (Central Market) and Petaling Street (Chinatown) in Kuala Lumpur.
There are also flea markets that are decked out with irresistible curios and collectibles. Every state has its own treasures found in places such as Pasar Payang in Terengganu, Siti Khadijah Market in Kelantan and Jonker Street in Melaka.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Malaysia is made up of a rich tapestry of colourful cultures and well-preserved heritage. The country’s population is an amalgamation of varying ethnic backgrounds, bringing together a medley of cuisine, crafts, traditions and architecture.
The country’s diverse cultural heritage is also evident in its costumes, social practices, recreational pursuits, handicrafts, food, music and other forms of entertainment.
Remnants of the past in the form of heritage buildings, historical sites as well as ancient relics can still be seen all over Malaysia, a reminder of the country’s rich and colourful history.
The cities of George Town and Melaka serve as living museums, with well preserved heritage buildings and historical sites, gaining them the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage City status in 2000.
Fine craftmanship is one of Malaysia’s greatest cultural legacies. High in quality and rich in detail, these works of art are highly sought after and make great collectibles.
Beautiful, hand-woven songket and hand-painted batik textiles remain popular souvenir items, while the country’s woodwork and jewellery are regarded as some of the finest in the world.
Pottery, ornaments made from organic materials, metal craftwork and traditional attire such as the Nyonya kebaya are also highly in demand.
GOLF
A renowned golfing destination, Malaysia has hundreds of golf courses situated all over the country.
Many of the courses are of international standard and located amid various settings – by the beach, high up in the hills, in or in the middle of the rainforest – giving a truly unique golfing experience.
Some are designed by the world’s top names such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman.
For a more unusual golfing experience, try night golfing.
Pre-Arrival Requirement for Foreigners: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Effective immediately, all foreign travellers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three (3) days prior to their scheduled arrival in Malaysia.
Steps required:
- Step 1: Fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) here
- Step 2: Submit the MDAC within three (3) days prior to your arrival to Malaysia. Proof of submission will be sent to your registered email.
- Step 3: Upon arrival in Malaysia, kindly proceed to the Immigration counters.
For more information, kindly refer to the immigration website at www.imi.gov.my
