Asian Trails - Malaysia

Selamat Datang or Welcome to Malaysia! The warmness you feel the moment you arrive in this country is not merely in the welcoming tropical weather, but in the friendly people you will meet and interact with. Malaysia is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other people live together in peace and harmony.

The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are myriad of indigenous ethic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It’s no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. Even the most jaded visitors will appreciate something from all that we have to offer – from the most luxurious to the most rustic, from the most modern to the most traditional. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly.

Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia has an interesting mixture of historic past and ultra-modernity. A far cry from its muddy estuary history, KL (as it is commonly known) is a picture of modernity intertwined with a colourful past – the latter frozen in time mainly through many colonial-era architectural structures. A classic example is the famous Petronas Twin Towers, against perhaps the city’s second most recognisable structures, the Moorish inspired Sultan Abdul Samad courthouse buildings and the old central railway station that has been replaced by the modern terminal, KL Sentral as the city’s main transport hub.

• Kuala Lumpur
  More than any other spot in the country, Kuala Lumpur, or “KL” as it is commonly known, is the capitol and focal point of Malaysia. KL offers modern sophistication mixed with nostalgic old-world charm. The city’s bustling streets, its shining, modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysia’s unhesitating leap into the future.
• Malacca
  Malacca or Melaka, the historical city of Malaysia was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Cities List under “Historic Cities in the Straits of Malacca” on 7 July 2008.
  It has a rich heritage from the multicultural past where you would come across relics and shredded cultures from the Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and British.
• Penang
  Recently voted by Yahoo as among the 10 most exciting islands to explore, it cited the “fusion of cultures” evident in its local architecture, which ranges from modern highrises to buildings built by 19th-century British colonialists; and the mix of beach resorts, preserved mangroves, small fishing villages, and a share of temples, mosques, and churches as key factors for selecting the island.
  It also commented on the “food crawl” at stalls that crowd the streets of George Town. The delectable fare on offer memorably mingles Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and European flavours.
• Sabah
  Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. They have it all, from the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains is South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites – Sipadan Island.
• Langkawi Island
  ​​​​​​​Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the north east monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies when the east coast is flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks – but hampered by inaccessibility – the island was at one time touted as “Malaysia’s best-kept secret”. The 10,000 hectares of Langkawi and its 99 islands were declared a Geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2007.

• People
  Having had an interesting past and being a part of the international spice route many hundreds of years ago, Malaysia has turned into a mosaic of cultures. Everything from its people to its architecture reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated culture. To understand Malaysian culture, you must first get to know its people. The Melting Pot would certainly be an appropriate term to describe Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-cultural society. Malaysians truly live together with acceptance and deference towards each other’s cultural composition and religious background.
• Culture & Heritage
  Multicultural society had also added a rare dimension to the cultural beauty of the country. Each of the ethnic group has their own festivals hence there are many kinds of festivals being celebrated in every society. Malaysians enjoy their festivals, and they make the visitors understand the significance of their festivals, which tourists love to celebrate.
• Food
  Malaysia is a Gastronomic Paradise. Because of its myriad cultural influences, Malaysia is a country renown for its creative, complex, and lovingly prepared original cuisine. Food is taken very seriously here, from the five-star restaurants right down to the hawker’s booths. Sauces tend to be highly developed, often incorporating local fruits and spices, and the seafood dishes are what you’d expect from a country almost entirely surrounded by ocean.
• Nature & Adventure
  More than half of Malaysia’s 329,758 sq km. surface is covered by tropical rainforests that host a bewildering array of exotic and protected plants and animals. There are treasures such as rare species of flora and fauna found only at Mount Kinabalu or wondrous geological formations such as Mulu Caves. Even the world’s oldest forest, estimated at 130 million years old at Taman Negara, Malaysia’s premier national park, can be found here.
• Shopping
  ​​​​​​​Shopping” may sound a bit tame, but make no mistake: exploring Malaysia’s outdoor markets is pure adventure (and of course you can take home whatever you hunt – or bargain – down). The variety of bargain items you can find in the major markets is endless, ranging from quality electronics to blowguns to traditional arts and crafts. Currently, the dollar goes a long way in Malaysia, so if you’re serious about shopping you might consider bringing an extra bag along.

• Visit to Petronas Twin Towers
  One of the most famous landmark in Malaysia, the Petronas Twin Towers was once the tallest in the world and to date, still remain as the tallest twin tower in the world. There are several packages where guests can visit the skybridge on level 41, the observation deck on the top floor of Petronas Tower 2 at level 86 and have either lunch or dinner at the exclusive Malaysian Petroleum Club on level 41.
• Langkawi Island – Visit to Mangrove & Geopark
  The first Geopark, not only in Malaysia, but Southeast Asia. The Machincang Formation in the North West of the Island is the oldest in the world at 550million years old. This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legends and myths associated with it.
• Malacca – UNESCO Explore Hunt
  Participate in our UNESCO Malacca Heritage Hunt where you’ll travel back in time as you explore the rich culture and heritage of this historical city.
  Contestants have to undergo various challenges at checkpoints, such as searching for clues and answering questions relating to culture and heritage as the mission for the teams is to outwit each other.
• Overland / Round Trip across Peninsular Malaysia
  A real eye opener, guests will experience first hand a typical lifestyle of Malaysia as this round trip covers different aspects including visits to local handicraft centres, some of which still remains as a cottage industry today. Depending on the itinerary, other highlights includes visit to rainforests and the many island around.
• Sabah – Visit to Orang Utan Centre
  The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, located near the town of Sandakan, is one of the best places on earth to see the famous wild man of Borneo in its natural habitat. The largest and oldest of its kind on earth, a dedicated team of professionals work tirelessly to assist orphaned, abandoned or abused Orang Utans to learn the survival skills they need to return to their natural habitat – the teeming jungles of Borneo.

“This is why I LOVE working with you Grace, you just get it!” PCO, South Africa

“…[back] to my office today, I want to say one more time 1 million thanks to you for all your efforts. Our trip was just amazing and all the group is extremely happy…” Undisclosed, 2019

Historically known as “ The British Indies” and “The Fabled Spice Islands of the East”, is made up of two regions, namely, Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 11 states and East Malaysia, comprising the two states of Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia’s unspoiled tropical forest; magnificent mountains and rich flora and fauna are pronounced among the best in this part of the world. Malaysia has a cosmopolitan population comprising mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous people with everybody living in peace and harmony. Malaysia’s abundance of sun, sea and sand offers great opportunities for diving enthusiasts and idyllic holidaymakers. From marine parks to white sandy beaches, visitors are treated to explore, relax and seek peaceful refuge in some of the best resorts in Asia.