It has been truly said that if you wish to experience the true essence of Asia, then come to Malaysia, the country of vibrancy, color, and culture. It is one of those outstanding tourist destinations that offer its visitors with the best of the both old and new world. Holidaying couples and families keep flocking to this lovely part of the world throughout the year. Getting to the country is very easy as it is connected with its International airports; and getting around is easy too as it has advanced and well developed means of transportation.

The country is situated close to equator; consequently it experiences a warm weather. But similar to most Southeast Asia countries, this region’s sun-shining days are intermittent by the Monsoon season which ranges from November till February, every year. Malaysia is a rich land packed with beaches, island, exotic villages and modern cities. The beaches offer the visitors with a wide variety of interesting activities such as scuba diving; fishing; swimming; snorkeling; and many more.

Some of the popular islands of the region are Pangkor, Penang (Pulau Pinang), Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, Sipadan Island, and Tioman Island. The country is also dotted with breathtaking national parks such as Bako National Park, Batang Ai National Park, Endau Rompin National Park, Gunung Gading National Park, Kubah National Park, and Taman Negara National Park.

These national parks make for the perfect sightseeing spots where visitors can recreate and relax. The country is famous for its mouthwatering traditional delicacies. Some of the most famous Malay cuisines available in this region include Nasi lemak, Rendang, Sambal, Satay, and Mee rebus. Malay desserts are also lip smacking delights. Visitors will also find Chinese and Indian cuisines at the restaurants. Come and explore this mystical and welcoming country, make your holiday in Malaysia really memorable.

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.