I need help planning trip to Malaysia
I need some help planning a 12-day/11-night itinerary to Malaysia for travel in mid November. While I have traveled extensively in Thailand and Southeast Asia, I decided to go somewhere completely different this time around – MALAYSIA. If you have been following Calypso Island Chronicles, you know that I am not too fond of big cities and tourist traps. I am partial to small non-congested beach resorts (like Koh Chang or Kamala Beach in Thailand); I enjoy wildlife observation and nature as well as spending some time in the countryside or mountains. In addition, I like places that are rich with history and ambiance. I will be flying from Bangkok.
Here is what I have come up with so far:
- First 2 nights and last night in Kuala Lumpur … just to get a feel for Malaysian culture and big city life
- 2 -3 nights in Malacca – I have heard that this place oozes with ambiance and history
- 3 nights in Cameron Highlands – for rest, tranquility and some nature walks. My friend from Thailand wants to track down Jim Thompson, a legendary figure in Thailand’s silk trade industry who mysteriously disappeared in this region and never was heard from again
- 3 nights TBA
OK, readers…if you have been to Malaysia or live in Malaysia, do you have any ideas what I can do for the remaining 4 days/3 nights before I return to Kuala Lumpur? Possibilities
- Penang – if it is as commercialized as Phuket or Cancun, I would rather not go.
- Pulau Langkawi – heard there are some good beaches on this island
- Taman Negara National Park or Perhentian Islands (Monsoon season?)
Remember I prefer someplace located in the rural countryside or perhaps a real laid back beach resort.
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June 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Just a few tips, with assumptions that you will plan your trip well and not wasting too much time wandering aimlessly…
Malacca - the oldest city in Malaysia, but the tourist spots are quite close to each other, you don’t need much time to see the major spots. 2D1N should be enough, 3D2N at most unless you want to dig deep into all the historical stuff.
Cameron - a lovely place, 3D2N should be sufficient for the popular activities, another day just for relaxing is not a bad idea.
Penang - not really commercialised in tourist terms, but a hectic city. Most Malaysians would find nothing special there besides the food (worth going there just for the food), but int’l travel journals seem to favour the island somehow, I am not really sure why.
Langkawi - commercialised for tourism, but probably not as busy as Phuket or Cancun. Yes there are some nice beaches around.
Taman Negara and the islands on east coast are probably close because of the monsoon. It’s around that time but I am not really sure about the exact dates… check it yourself.
You can consider Pangkor Island as an alternative for Langkawi, or can consider going both. Pangkor in general are more like a weekend recreation destination than a major tourist spot.
Port Dickson is another place for beaches, but you probably need to spend some money to stay in 5-stars hotels that have clean beaches. The public beach can be a bit dirty some times.
Ipoh is a city between Penang and KL, nothing much to see, but famous for food. You need to do some research for that though.
Consider Genting too. A highland resort which house the only casino in Malaysia. Forget it if you are not into the thrill at all.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:13 am
5 top vacation sites in Malaysia
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Kuala Lumpur - good choice for city life and modern lifestyle.
Malacca - good place to go but as a Penang local, I would say we have more to offer in terms of food, places of interest, obvious fusion of multi cultural of the major three races of Malaysia.
Penang is my homeland and it is number 1, a food paradise. There is no doubt about that. Colonial, Anglo Indians and Malays Architecture surrounds the streets and road of Penang. You can still cobbled down in the early hours with no worries. It is pretty safe to holiday in Penang. Laid back place in Penang - Teluk Bahang is not to be miss!
Pulau Langkawi - Probably check out Pulau Payar for diving and snorkeling if you are a fan. Pulau Payar have the only reef platform in Malaysia where you can watch and observe the marine life should you choose not to go down for a dive or swim. The sky bridge is the top places to visit.
Pulau Pangkor - Unspoilt and great choice for laid back holidays. Check out my friend Peter’s site. http://www.pulau-pangkor.com
Though we don’t have Angkor Wat or the Mekong River, we do have the most friendliest people you can find. No tsunami or natural disaster. Good food, friends and happy holidays, great combination, don’t you think.
Cheers and have fun.
Pearl
http://www.my-island-penang.com/Keep-in-touch.html