When it comes to Southeast Asia, there are few places as appealing as Malaysia. Not only does the country have amazing natural and urban attractions, but it’s also centrally located, which makes it eminently convenient for short flights to other nations in the region. Famed for the kind and welcoming disposition of its people, Malaysia has fantastic jungles, highlands, and urban destinations for tourists to enjoy. And the first thing to consider when going there is how to smartly organize the trip to make money go further.
Planning Ahead
Making plans ahead of time makes sense as it enables a holidaymaker to ensure their itinerary makes the best use of their time and to get the best prices for travel expenses. Booking international plane tickets to Kuala Lumpur can sometimes be cheaper when done directly with an airline rather than via an online travel site. Planning ahead means a price comparison can be made at leisure, saving money. Right after booking the tickets is the best time to organize accommodation as prices may be higher closer to the dates of the vacation. In this case, booking directly is often pricier and arranging things through an online site (such as Agoda or Booking) can be easier on one’s wallet. This is especially true when thinking of staying at top-tier (four or five-star) hotels. Those planning on backpacking will find booking is far less important and might be eschewed altogether as a guesthouse room should always be available.
Domestic flights are, of course, much cheaper than international ones, but money can still be saved by booking them as soon as the international tickets are arranged. And those planning on renting a car should remember that Malaysians drive on the left.
Casinos in Malaysia
Malaysia is a beautiful country filled with friendly people and great attractions, but one area where it has less to offer than many others is the casino sector. While there are casinos (Genting Casino and SkyCasino, both part of Genting Malaysia), these are not abundant due to the predominantly Muslim composition of the country. However, a great alternative for visitors is to take advantage of online casinos, which can be accessed from anywhere in Malaysia with an internet connection. Betting online means that players are free to explore the huge array of attractions Malaysia has to offer and can play at any time of the day or night as desired. This unbeatable convenience can be a good way to whittle away the time spent journeying from one tourist destination to another.
Amazing Jungle Beauty
The captivating natural beauty of Malaysia means that for many visitors, getting around can be an attraction in itself. While many opt to rent a car, there are few more nostalgic or romantic ways to travel than by a train running beside the jungle. The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran train on Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast Line is known as the Jungle Railway and runs close to the edge of the world’s oldest rainforest. Soon, this diesel-powered locomotive will be made obsolete as an upgraded line (East Coast Rail Link) is due to start operating in 2026. However, the slower pace and astonishing scenery mean that the older train retains its popular appeal.
The national park of Taman Negara is one of the leading tourist destinations and also one of the most easily accessible thanks to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur. Visitors should definitely head over to the indigenous village, where the tribe’s hunters and warriors have been fishing, hunting, and gathering food for thousands of years. Holidaymakers can sample the food and try their hand at ancient hunting techniques. The park is also home to caves that are reached by being lowered in (equipped with helmet, lamp, and battery pack) to delve into the subterranean realm beneath Malaysia. Back on the surface, the Kelah Fish Sanctuary is renowned for its red mahseer, a fish species that can be not only admired but also fed. In Taman Negara, visitors who are hiking or on a boat ride also have a small chance of encountering black bears, leopards, or elephants.
Highlands
The state of Pahang is the place to go for lovers of highlands, as it’s home to Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, and Bukit Tinggi. In addition, Perak is home to Bukit Larut. Cameron Highlands has attractions including strawberry farms, tea plantations, rose gardens, and mountain trails with magnificent forest views. Genting Highlands is where visitors can enjoy legal gambling, as well as numerous indoor and outdoor theme park rides. Nature lovers will want to see Fraser’s Hill, where activities include birdwatching, rafting, hiking through the jungle, archery, golf, abseiling, fishing, and horse riding.
At Bukit Tinggi, visitors will find a replica of France’s Colmar Village, known as the Colmar Tropicale. This highland destination is also home to a botanical garden, golf course, archery arena and a spa. Plus, it’s conveniently close to Genting Highlands. Around 10km from Taiping is Bukit Larut, where nature trails take a hiker beside countless local species of flora and fauna.
Capital Attractions
Kuala Lumpur is brimming with urban delights for holidaymakers, including the iconic and sky-piercing Petronas Towers. The Batu Caves is an underground complex of both caves and cave temples and includes one of the world’s foremost Hindu shrines (outside of India). The capital city also has fantastic food, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and shopping ranging from high-end luxury malls to bustling night markets.
From glorious highlands to jungle delights, Malaysia is one of the finest places in the world to visit on holiday. It’s also ideally situated to serve as a home base when visiting numerous Southeast Asian nations.
