When it comes to relaxation, Malaysia’s Pulau
Perhentian is hard to top. This group of islands, boasting tropical rainforests and white sands surrounded by
warm, turquoise waters, was featured by Lonely Planet this year as one of the world’s 10 “best beaches to
swing a hammock.”
But if swinging a hammock isn’t your cup of tea — how about exploring a cave? Or perusing a night market? Or
strolling across a “sky bridge,” one that is suspended 700 metres above sea level and winds 125 metres around
a mountaintop? Whatever your activity of choice, Malaysia offers it — and more.
“We have colourful festivals, breathtaking skyscrapers, charming and elegant buildings, enchanting islands
and beaches, as well as million-year-old rainforests with fascinating flora and fauna,” says Haris Hadi of
Tourism Malaysia. “All of these make Malaysia a very luxurious vacation destination that people can
experience.”
It’s no wonder, then, that Malaysia also made Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 destinations to visit in 2010.
And it seems Canadians have already caught on to this once-hidden gem. In 2009, Tourism Malaysia recorded
about 88,000 Canadian arrivals to Malaysia, up from approximately 47,000 in 2007 and 77,000 in 2008. Positive
word-of-mouth, says Hadi, is finally establishing Malaysia as a tourism hot spot alongside its better-known
neighbours, Singapore and Thailand.
When talking about Malaysia, the phrase “Truly Asia” often follows. One of the country’s most defining
features is the diversity of its people. Malaysia is home to three main groups — Malays, Chinese and Indians
— as well as more than 20 indigenous races. Hadi notes the high level of integration: It is not uncommon to
see a church, mosque and temple within walking distance of each other. The country celebrates its
multicultural heritage in Kuala Lumpur each May with the Colours of Malaysia festival, which kicks off with a
parade of 7,000 dancers dressed in traditional costumes reflecting every culture in Malaysia.
Accommodations in the country are as diverse as its people. At the Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, guests
enjoy indigenous decor alongside technological conveniences such as high-speed Internet access and satellite
television. On Tioman Island, the JapaMala Beach Resort has room options ranging from hillside sarangs to
treetop chalets — five-star “treehouses” offering peaceful seclusion high above the jungle canopy, yet just a
short walk away from the beach.
Malaysia is also renowned for its rainforest resorts, including the internationally award-winning Sukau
Rainforest Lodge in Sabah. Guests of the ecolodge can wander onto four bird and wildlife viewing decks, or
take a two-and-a-half-hour journey up the Kinabatangan River on an electric-powered speedboat.
Malaysia’s natural beauty is equalled by its architectural wonders. The Langkawi Sky Bridge, completed in
2005, is a narrow, glass-sided, cable-stayed pedestrian walkway that soars high above the archipelago.
Another must-visit is Kuala Lumpur’s awe-inspiring Petronas Towers, a $1.6-billion project and the world’s
tallest twin buildings at 452 metres each.
Located at the base of the towers is the six-level Suria KLCC, one of the country’s largest malls and a prime
example of one of Malaysia’s biggest draws — shopping. In Kuala Lumpur alone, one can find everything from
luxury malls with designer-brand goods to funky bazaars selling handcrafted baubles. And shopaholics won’t
want to miss the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival that takes place annually from July through September, where
they can take advantage of large discounts and special offers at a number of shops throughout the
country.
When it comes to a country with so much to offer, Hadi sums it up best: Malaysia is truly “bursting with
colours, bustling with life.” •
