Malaysia

Malaysia is an unusual country. Lying just north of the equator in Southeast Asia, and it's broken into two parts separated by the South China Sea. It's a country of energetic cities, stunning beaches, beautiful islands, national parks with amazing wildlife, and spicy, delicious food.

Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur (KL), on the western portion, is a city of glimmering towers, majestic shops, and local markets, (the wet markets are very popular). Super-malls offer bargains, and there's a multitude of nightlife activity from swanky rooftop bars to others hidden behind secret doors. KL comes alive after sunset with street vendors presenting tantalising cuisine and hawker stalls along many alleyways. Changkat Bukit Bintang is a famous street with its variety of restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs and a range of music from bands to DJs delivering everything from electro-remixed to hip-hop and even a bit of rock and roll.

Move out of Kuala Lumpur and within Peninsular Malaysia, as the western section is referred, where there are terraced tea fields, palm plantations, more beaches, islands, and a slower, relaxing pace.

East Malaysia is an elongated strip of land approximately 1,125 km long, around 275 km wide, with a coastline stretching for more than 2,250 km. Rain-forested national parks protect an array of flora - considered among one of the richest in the world - families of orangutans, rhinoceroses, sun bears, and unique proboscis monkeys, all endangered, live here. There are hiking and biking trails and even more islands and paradise retreats.

Sabah & Sarawak on the Island of Borneo are less populated Malaysian states with a slower pace of life. They are rich in history with unique cultures, and add to the geographic diversity of Malaysia's fascinating history.

Good food is a fact in Malaysia. The cuisine is influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian and Islamic flavours. For the sweet tooth, try a Malaysian pancake, every place does its own take on this recipe, or order blue rice, part of a favourite Kelantanese dish. Mee goreng mamak, a delicious dish of noodles and beef, chicken or shrimp is divine.

Malaysia is one of those countries you may well return to again and again.

Best time to visit Malaysia

Malaysia, situated so close to the equator, experiences varying little in temperature - it's all year round in Malaysia. Rather than four seasons, Malaysia has a typical wet and dry season. Late November to mid-February sees the heaviest rainfall when rain is often delivered in short, sharp and heavy downpours.