For those looking for a different cultural experience, or even just a great holiday destination, then adding Malaysia to your travel list will not disappoint. A Malaysian holiday can be a relaxed resort style getaway on one of the islands such as Sabah or Langkawi, bargain shopping and sight-seeing in the capital Kuala Lumpur, or perhaps a combination of both to let you experience the diversity of this amazing country. For first time travelers to Malaysia there are several tips that will make your holiday less stressful and infinitely more enjoyable, such as:

Check Health Warnings: Before leaving for Malaysia visit your family doctor to check health warnings for the area you intend to visit. If you intend to do any hiking or rainforest walks then you will need to start taking malaria tablets around a week before your departure. Your family doctor will be able to advise of any other precautions or medications that you need.

Airport Transfers: By far the easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport into the capital is via the KLIA Express (airport express train). The train is very modern with video screens showing points of interest and things to do in Malaysia while you enjoy a comfortable ride into Kuala Lumpur in around 35 minutes. Using a bus or taxi transfer will normally take around one hour by comparison and cost a little more. An added convenience when using the KLIA Express to connect with a departing flight is the facility to book your luggage onto your flight from the central train station in Kuala Lumpur (providing you do this at least 2.5 hours before your flight).

Taxi Fares: Always ask how much the fare will be to get to your destination before getting into the taxi. Taxi fares in Malaysia are for the most part quite reasonable however at times a naive traveler can be easy pickings, especially on a return trip from an outlying area so be sure to ask for the cost of the fare beforehand and if it seems too high then you can usually find another taxi to get a better deal. The exception to this however is during peak hours in Kuala Lumpur when you will pay more because of traffic delays. Your hotel concierge can advise you on what the busiest traffic times are likely to be. Planning your movements around the capital outside of these times will save you money if you’re on a tight budget.

Buy personal items from a supermarket : Make purchases of personal care items such as sunscreen, toothpaste or bottled water from a local supermarket instead of the resort or hotel where you are staying. Although the prices of these items may not seem too expensive you will normally find a supermarket or small convenience store somewhere close to the resort where these items are up to a third of the price that you will pay at the resort. Any money you save on these purchases can be used for souvenir shopping instead.

Restaurants: When you’re staying in regional areas and choosing somewhere to eat keep in mind that you are no longer in a western country. Malaysia is a relatively poor country which is more evident in outlying areas than it is in the capital. While in your home country a restaurant in a run down looking building could indicate a possible health risk this is not the case in regional areas of Malaysia as many of the buildings are old because of the general poverty of the population. The best guide for choosing a restaurant is if the local people are happy eating there it is a good indication that the food is safe.

The name Malaysia itself suggests that the country is a minuscule of the large Asia. Truly Asia is not wrong in any aspect when we refer to Malaysia. The diversity of culture and the various tourist destinations make Malaysia a unique travel experience. This is a country full of tropical islands, hill stations in Gentry and Cameron Highlands, tropical rain forests, pristine pure beaches and not to forget the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Tourist attractions in Kelantan are Kota Bahru, which is its capital city. It is a bustling town famous for its culture and crafts. Jahan Mahmud has a cultural centre, which is the living heritage of Kelantan. The Royal Museum is called Istana Batu and was built during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It has a wide range of silverware, furniture and bedroom items on the display. The war museum in Kelantan dates back to 1912 and has many Japanese memorabilia and documents on display. The best time to visit Kelantan is February to May. The July Festival also attracts many tourists.

Malacca the seaside city is 147 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. The culture here is a mix of Portuguese and Chinese. History says that Malacca was a strategic midway point that provided the link between China and India. It has therefore developed into an international commerce hub. The best time to visit Malaysia is from January to February. Malacca is well connected by road and rail. The airport is situated 9.5 kilometres north at Batu Berendam.

Penang is a small beautiful island state of Malaysia. It is a very popular holiday destination with tourists attracted to its golden beaches, delicious cuisine and warm seas. There are many places to visit in Penang namely Georgetown City, Clock Tower, First Cornwallis, Kromtan Tower, Wat Chayamangakaram Temple, Kek Lok Si, Snake Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Penang Hill, Khoo Kongri, and Penang Bridge. There are some luxurious holiday villas in Penang right next to the sea.

Sarawak the largest state in Malaysia is the land of the fabled white elephants. It is also the home of hornbills and orangutan and hornbill. Sarawak has a diverse ecosystem found nowhere else in the world and it attracts many tourists to see this ecosystem. There are many national parks which are very popular with tourists. Many tourists visit Musuem, Sunday Open Market, Kuching, Skrang River Safaru, Pepper Plantations, Cultural Village, Santuborg Fishing Village and the famous caves.

Malaysia is a beautiful country to visit on your holidays and you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome from its people. It has some fabulous holiday home accommodation available to rent from their owners. It is said that some of the best holiday villas in the world are in Malasia. In fact, these attractions are already drawing millions of tourists in the island round the year.