Malaysia beach season. Holidays and events. Masjid Negara National Mosque

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, consisting of two parts separated by the South China Sea, West Malaysia (Malaya) and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). West Malaysia is located in the south of the Malacca Peninsula, has borders with Thailand - in the north, with Singapore - in the south, with Indonesia along the Strait of Malacca. East Malaysia is located in the north of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan), and has borders with Brunei in the north and Indonesia in the south.

Malaysia has a population of 28,310 million (as of 2009). The national composition is represented by Malays (50.4%), Chinese (23.7%), island tribes (11%), as well as Indians and immigrants from other countries.

Administratively, Malaysia is divided into 13 states and 2 federal territories (the city of Kuala Lumpur and the island of Labuan), ruled by the descendants of ancient dynasties (9 states-sultanates), governors (Penang and Malacca), presidents (Sarawak and Sabah).

Today, Malaysia, which has long been considered the crossroads of trade interests between Europe and Asia, is one of the most dynamically developing countries in the Asian region. Despite the fact that the 1997 crisis slowed down the economic development country, adopted in 1998 a program of tough measures aimed at stabilizing the economy, allowed Malaysia to restore the lost development indicators quickly enough.

Until 1970, the basis of Malaysian industry was the extraction of mineral resources, in particular tin. After the 1970s the natural reserves of tin were depleted, oil production, the production of liquefied gas, and the manufacturing industry began to develop. Electronic engineering, chemical and light industries are developing steadily. In addition, several duty-free zones have been established in Malaysia.

Malaysia is also a rapidly developing tourist destination. Rich flora and fauna, natural beauties of the country, great opportunities for active sports and shopping will be of interest to absolutely all tourists. Some sights of Malaysia are known all over the world (we are talking, of course, about the Petronas Towers). Having visited the country, you begin to agree with Somerset Maugham, who remarked after traveling around Penang: "If you have not seen this place, you have not seen the world."

How to get there

The most logical way to get to Malaysia is by air. There are international airports in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in Borneo.

The largest of them is Kuala Lumpur Airport. International Airport, KLIA) — largest airport Malaysia, located in the city of Sepang, 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur. The airport is the base for AirAsia X, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines. From the airport to Kuala Lumpur can be reached by regular KLIA express.

You can learn more about the airport (website, maps, diagrams and other information).

Cities and regions

Cities

The largest city in Malaysia is the capital Kuala Lumpur with a population of 1,809,699 people (data for 2009). The city, founded in 1857 as a mining village, today is a huge metropolis, which is the commercial and industrial center of the country. Against the background of other states of Southeast Asia, Malaysia stands out for a very high level of urbanization. There are about 40 large cities in Malaysia with a population of over 50 thousand people.

The second largest city is Ipoh on the Malay Peninsula, the administrative center of the state of Perak with a population of 383 thousand inhabitants (in 1991).

In the south of the Malacca Peninsula is the third largest city in Malaysia - Johor Bahru, the administrative center of the state of Johor. The city has a developed rubber processing, food, canning, and timber industries.

The fourth and fifth places in terms of the number of inhabitants are respectively occupied by the cities of Klang (the administrative center of the state of Selangor, a major port) and Petaling (a satellite city of the capital, located in the southwest). The cities of Klang and Petaling are part of the Kuala Lumpur agglomeration.

The port city of George Town on the island of Penang, connected by a bridge to the Malay Peninsula, has been developing rapidly since the mid-1990s. And in the north-east of Malacca, two cities have grown rapidly, reaching the sixth and seventh places in terms of population, respectively: Kota Bharu (the administrative center of the state of Kelantan) and Kuala Terengganu (the administrative center of the state of Terengganu).

Against the background of the densely populated peninsular part of Malaysia, eastern Malaysia has undergone much less urbanization processes. The largest cities on the island of Borneo are Kota Kinabalu (the capital of the state of Sabah), and Kuching (the capital of the state of Sarawak).

Resorts

Borneo Island (Kalimantan)

Borneo is an island located on the equator, in the north of which the territories of 2 Malaysian states - Sabah and Sarawak are located, the island is located in the South China Sea between the Malay Peninsula and the Philippines, and is divided between three states - Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

The island is known for vast primeval forests, majestic mountains with caves and grottoes, excellent beaches, coral reefs scattered along the coast, unique flora and fauna, the diversity of the peoples inhabiting it.

The state of Sabah occupies the northeastern tip of the island of Borneo. Sabah attracts tourists with white sandy beaches, picturesque islands and natural parks. The waters off the coast of Sabah are amazingly clear and inhabited by a variety of underwater fauna, interesting for lovers diving. The peculiarity of this part of the island is the absence of most hotels own beaches, as a result of which tourists go to the nearest (3-5 minutes on the way) or more distant (up to half an hour on the road) islands to sunbathe and swim. There are a lot of islands suitable for a beach holiday, they are located along the entire coast of Sabah, small motor boats and boats constantly run between them. Thus, a holiday in Sabah can turn into a real adventure, with the daily discovery of new unexplored territories.

Fans of mountain trails and caves will also be pleased with the rest in Sabah. In the center of the state rises Mount Kota Kinabalu - the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. In addition, the jungles of Sabah are home to orangutans. Here is a unique rehabilitation center for orangutans injured during the felling of the forest - "Sepilok". Animal lovers will also like interesting reserve- Turtle Island. Tourists interested in the life of the indigenous people can be advised to take a motorboat trip through the unique mangroves, in the depths of which local fishing families live in huts on the water.

The state capital - Kota Kinabalu - may also be of interest to guests of the island. The most beautiful place in the city is the central embankment, full of merchants' shops and authentic cafes. Nearby is the "Philippine market", where they sell a variety of souvenirs. You should also see the State Mosque with a gilded dome - a wonderful example of Islamic architecture that can accommodate up to 5 thousand believers. Next to the mosque is Signal hill, which offers a panorama of the city and the port. Diving enthusiasts need to go to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Reserve, spread over 50 hectares, a 20-minute boat ride. The reserve includes five islands with unique beaches and amazing underwater world.

From Kota Kinabalu, you can go by sea to the neighboring state - the Sultanate of Brunei (the richest sultanate in terms of GNP per capita), located between the two Malay states of Borneo.

The second Malaysian territory of the island of Borneo is the Sultanate of Sarawak, in the northwest of the island. The state has the most large area from all states of Malaysia. The local places amaze with natural beauties: tropical jungle, not burdened with traces of civilization, inhabited by unique local tribes that have kept their usual way of life for thousands of years, some of which were discovered only 5 years ago.

The capital of the state is the city of Kuching, where it is worth visiting the colonial-style Courthouse, the clock tower (1883), the White Rajah monument (Charles Brooke memorial), the Tua Pek Chinese temple, Astana (the palace on the north bank of the Sarawak River), the Cats monument , suspension bridge, the old city mosque, the main city bazaar, the Sarawak Museum is one of the most famous anthropological museums in the world.

The national parks of Gunung Gading, Bako and Tanjung Datu are located in the vicinity of Kuching. national park Gunung Gading is a conservation area for the giant rafflesia plant, whose flowers can weigh up to 10 kg. To the place of flowering of this giant, tourists are accompanied by park workers. The trail passes through picturesque mountain slopes covered with jungle, along rivers and waterfalls. You can watch the flowering of rafflesia in November, December and January.

In Bako National Park, tourists usually admire the amazing rocky coastline. South China Sea, decorated with bizarre rock formations. In the park you can see almost all the plants that are found on the island of Borneo, as well as rare proboscis monkeys.

Except national parks in the vicinity of Kuching, it is worth seeing the Matang Wildlife Center, organized to protect orangutans, visiting the famous ancient caves (Niah, Mulu), in which 40,000-year-old remains of an ancient man were found.

Thus, the state of Sarawak is an ideal place for outdoor activities. There is something for everyone here: speleologists, ecotourists, trekkers, climbers and divers.

Sipadan

This is one of the islands of the Borneo archipelago, covered with impenetrable jungle surrounded by white sandy beaches. This resort is a mecca for divers from all over the world.

Visibility under water is 18-40 meters. The island is formed by living corals, and has a diameter of only 500 m. The nearest city is Simporn in the state of Sabah, 35 km from the island. Diving in Sipadan is difficult to compare with other diving areas.

More than 70 species of corals and 200 species of marine fish live here. The program for diving in Sipadan is extensive: from the simplest in the coastal part, to night dives, drifting along the currents, exploring underground caves, etc.

It is best to observe the marine life of Sipadan near the shallows at a depth of 3-25 m. The best time for diving and fishing on the island is from mid-February to mid-December, when visibility under water is up to 40 meters. Entry to the island is limited and is possible only after obtaining prior permission: no more than 120 people per day.

Dive sites on the island of Sipadan:

Barracuda Point
Coral Garden- coral garden
Hanging Gardens - Hanging Gardens
Lobster Lair - Lobster Lair
Mid Reef
North Point
South Point
Staghorn Crest
The Drop Off
Turtle Cavern
Turtle Patch
West Ridge
White tip Avenue

Langkawi island

Langkawi is a famous resort, an island that is part of 104 islets scattered along the northwestern coast of Malaysia in the Andaman Sea. The most romantic island of Malaysia is located near the border with Thailand in the Strait of Malacca to the left of the mainland of Malaysia. From the Malay language, the word "lagnkawi" is translated as "red-brown eagle". Eagles with brick-colored plumage really live on the island. Langkawi is one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. It is more than 5 million years old, its nature has been preserved almost in its original form. Around Langkawi there are many large and small islands that create an indescribable beauty of the seascape.

The main attraction of the island is the purest white sand, which has special healing properties: it is able to alleviate the suffering of people suffering from rheumatism and osteochondrosis. Langkawi also attracts tourists who prefer a calm comfortable rest away from the bustle of the city.

To see Langkawi from a bird's eye view, it is worth taking the cable car to the very high mountain islands - Mat Chinchang. cable car Langkawi Cable Car starts in the tourist village Oriental Village with a park, shops, zoos. The funicular lifts tourists to a height of 708 meters, the length of the cable car is 2.2 km. The ascent takes about an hour. Along the way, the cabin makes 3 stops at observation decks located at different heights. Climbing to the top of the mountain, in good weather, you can see the coast of Thailand in the north, and Indonesia in the south. On the top of the mountain, you can spend the whole day, moving between the gorges on suspension bridges.
Special informers indicate the time of sunrise and sunset. By this time cable car performs an additional flight - for photographers hunting for these natural phenomena.

There are many legends, stories and legends on Langkawi, they surround any attraction of the island. There is even a Park of Legends, which introduces tourists to the heroes of the myths of Langkawi. The most romantic myth is about Princess Maqam Mahsuri, who was executed on false charges of adultery, and cursed the island, thereby causing a lot of trouble to the inhabitants. However, the flow of people to the tomb of the princess, built of white marble, does not dry out. Near the grave of the heroine of the myth there is a well built by her, the water in which never dries up.

Tourists are also often told the legend about the Telaga Tudzhukh lakes, located in tiers on a sloping mountain slope, as well as the myth of the 90-meter Durian Perangin waterfall, for washing in the pool at the foot of which mountain fairies come.

A 3-hour drive from Langkawi is spread marine park Pulau Payar, in its crystal clear waters, is home to many species of marine life. It is worth visiting the "Underwater World" aquarium, where more than 5 thousand inhabitants of the deep sea are gathered.

Tourists will also be offered an informative excursion to the crocodile farm in the town of Kubang Badak. There you can get acquainted with the five-meter crocodile Bujang Kawi, who was born without a jaw, and therefore the workers feed him like a small child. You can also go to the Pulau Singa Besar Nature Reserve to see the monkeys, deer, iguanas, wild boars, pheasants living there.

The best beaches on the island are Pantai Pasir Hitam, Pantai Kok, Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Chenang and Pantai Tentah. The last two beaches are a meeting point for tourists seeking to have fun in nightclubs and restaurants. The most beautiful beach in Langkawi is Cenang, where water sports enthusiasts flock from all over Asia. The black sand beach of Lankawi is Pantai Pasir.

The capital of the island is the city of Kuah. In Malay, the word means "sauce". According to another local legend, two giants knocked over a bowl of curry sauce at this place.

Since 1987, Langkawi has been declared a duty-free zone, so prices here are several times lower than in the rest of Malaysia.

Redang Island

This is the largest island in the Redang archipelago of the same name, having a length of 7 km and a width of 6 km. It is located off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, 45 kilometers from the city of Kuala Terengganu.

There are many hotels on Redang Island, however, divers from all over the world are not at all embarrassed: they are attracted by the Redang Reserve Marine Park, created in order to preserve the unique marine ecosystem. About 500 species of corals, more than a thousand species of invertebrates and 300 species of fish are found on the territory of the reserve.

Divers in Redang popular places dives are considered to be two massive mushroom-shaped coral formations that are among the largest coral structures on east coast Peninsular Malaysia. Their age is estimated at hundreds of years, the diameter of the larger "mushroom" is 24.5 meters, the smaller one is 23.2 meters. Caves of coral formations abound with a variety of marine life.

Divers also like to dive to the two sunken warships, the Prince of Wells and the Repulse.

In August and September, giant shellless tortoises migrate in the coastal waters of Redang. In addition to them, hawksbill turtles and green turtles live in these places.

The best time to visit Redang is from April to September, as visibility in the water at this point reaches 30 meters.

Tioman Island

This Malaysian island is known for being the setting for the Hollywood musical South Pacific. Tioman Island is the largest in the eastern part of the Malaysian coast, it is part of the Pahang National Park. You can get here on cruise ships, catamarans from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kuantan.

Tioman Island is one of the ten most beautiful and clean islands world, it is surrounded by many ancient myths and legends. According to one of them, the princess-goddess in the form of a dragon was so amazed by the local beauties that she decided to become the island of Tioman, forgetting about the purpose of her journey to her lover, who was waiting for her in Singapore. Then the princess swore an oath to meet, give shelter and protection to all travelers who found themselves on the island of Tioman for all time. The princess kept her oath, so Tioman meets all tourists with a mild climate, clear waters, and picturesque landscapes.

Along the western coast of Tioman stretch magnificent beaches washed by clear azure waters - Gentings, Tekek and Selang. Those wishing to relax in a separate chalet need to go to the east of the island, to the beach of Juara. Divers and tourists who agree on an economical accommodation option can be advised north of Tioman and Aer Batang Beach, famous for its chic coral gardens and inexpensive hotels.
Tioman Island is of coral origin; 130 species of corals and 300 species of fish are found in its coastal waters. In total, there are 20 diving sites on Tioman. Divers will also enjoy Pulau Raua Island, an hour boat ride from Tioman.

Tourists should be prepared for the fact that all Tioman Island hotels are detached villas with 6-8 rooms, made in the traditional Malay style using natural wood, without marble and ceramic tiles underfoot.

The main natural attraction of Tioman is the mountain with a forked peak located in the center of the island - “Donkey Ears”, overgrown with a tropical forest, which is home to various exotic animals.

The holiday season on Tioman lasts from May to November, while in winter heavy rainfall falls in this region.

Pangkor Island

Pangkor is another famous resort in Malaysia. The island, which measures 12 km long and 4 km wide, is located off the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, opposite the port of Lumut, in the state of Perak. Between Pangkor and the mainland runs fast ferry. At low tide, the neighboring island of Giam can be reached on foot.

The most popular beaches of Pangkor:

Pasir Bogak: sandy, shallow beach with clear water surrounded by coral reefs;

Teluk Ketapang: another name is Turtle Bay, located north of Pasir Bogak. From May to July, you can watch huge turtles laying eggs there;

Teluk Nipah: north of the first two. An uncrowded beach, famous for its Coral Bay;

Pantai Puteri Devi, or "the beach of the princess in love": this is where the famous resort "Pan Pacific" is located.

Of the attractions of the island, the Dutch fort built in the 17th century deserves attention. Pangkor has many restaurants, as well as plenty of opportunities for active water sports, the island is especially popular among divers. They are recommended to visit Teluk Nepah Park with a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef. There are also many dive sites further south, 27 km from Pangkor, around the Sembilan group of islands. The landscape is large boulders covered with sea sponges. Among the representatives of the marine fauna - fusiliers, parrot fish, sea bass, seahorses, wrasses, groupers, rays, reef fish and barracudas.

Wildlife lovers should go to the Pangkor Forest Reserve, where there are monkeys, deer, big-nosed toucans.

Island Penang

Located off the coast of the state of Pulau Penang, it is also called the "Betel Nut Island" and lies near the northwestern coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its area is 285 sq. km., the island is connected with the mainland by a bridge 13.5 kilometers long, which is the third longest bridge in the world.

Penang was made famous by the English merchant Francis Light, who founded a colony here in 1798. Each newcomer to the island had the right to take as much land as he could clear. Soon the jungle receded, and the first city arose - Georgetown, named after the English Emperor George III. Penang was declared a duty-free port, and among the inhabitants of the city were people from all over the world: Europe, India, China and Burma. The main attractions of Georgetown are the buildings of the early 19th century in the colonial English and East Asian style, including ancient temples, and old mansions. Tourists will be offered to see Fort Cornwallis, the Church of St. George (1818), the Chinese palace of Khu Kongsi, the Hindu temple of Sri Mariamman. It is worth visiting the Serpent Temple, which actually houses snakes, the Buddhist Temple of Kek Lok Si, the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy Gaunyin. In Georgetown, it is also worth visiting the Penang Historical Museum with an exhibition of works by local artists.

Today, life in the capital is in full swing: there are many nightlife venues, street restaurants, shops, markets and night markets.

The natural attraction of the island is Mount Penang, located southwest of George Town. At its top there is an observation deck from which a stunning panorama of the island opens. You can go up there by funicular. Tourists interested in flora can be recommended to visit the Penang Botanical Garden, decorated with a waterfall. Also interesting is the excursion to the Orchid Garden, a trip to the diamond factory, to the Lake Town Resort water park. Popular scuba diving in the area neighboring islands Bidur, Song and Tellur.

The most famous resorts of Penang are located in the north of the island. The resort of Batu Ferringhi concentrated the bulk of the hotels. Shops, restaurants, Internet cafes are located along the 3-kilometer embankment. The most interesting sights are natural ones. For example, the Tropical Spice Garden is a real museum of botanical wonders. On an area of more than 8 hectares, in addition to mysterious paths among fragrant plants, waterfalls and streams, there are the Spice Cafe, the Spice Museum and the Spice Shop, where you can buy completely unique products with the addition of local spices.
Another place of pilgrimage for tourists near Batu Ferringhi is the Butterfly Farm. This is a research center that has given shelter to many insects and reptiles.

No less popular is the Tropical Fruit Farm, spread over 10 hectares at an altitude of 800 m. In this wonderful garden grow the rarest fruit trees from around the world.

The entire island of Penang has excellent conditions for sports: there are dive centers, golf clubs, clubs for tennis, horse riding and squash. You can ride on water skiing and motorcycles, go windsurfing and parasailing, rent a yacht.

Where to go in Malaysia

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Malaysia

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Malaysia in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Movement around the country

Aircraft

All states of the country are interconnected by 5 international and 16 regional airports. Domestic air traffic in Malaysia is very intensive: up to two dozen flights per day can operate between the main airports, most of which are operated by the national carrier Malaysia Airlines, a smaller one by the low-cost airline Air Asia, as well as a number of small regional air carriers, in particular Beraja Air. All listed airlines sell air tickets on their official websites online.

Water transport

The largest port in the country is Klang, located on the west coast near Kuala Lumpur. Other major ports are Penang, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kuantan. Between most of the islands and the mainland there is an extensive network of ferries, the fare on which is low. In particular, you can ask about ticket prices for one of the most popular ferry companies Langkawi Ferry, connecting the peninsula, Penang and Langkawi. The same company makes ferry flights to Indonesia.

Trains

The railway network covers the entire mainland Malaysia - from Singapore to Thailand. By train you can reach Bangkok (twice a day) and Singapore (three times a day). Sleeping cars of the main railway carrier - the company KTM equipped with one and two-seater compartments of I and II class and class II +. There are only three classes in seated cars, however, they are all comfortable.

Malaysian train fares

Kuala Lumpur - Butterworth (8 hours) seated car III class - 17 ringgit, II class - 30 ringgit, I class - 63 ringgit, in sleeping cars on the lower shelf - 40 ringgit in II class, 67 ringgit - in II + class and 114 in the 1st class. Seats on the upper shelves are even lower.

Kuala Lumpur-Singapore (6-8 hours): seated car III class - RM19, II class - 30 ringgit, I class - 64 ringgit, in sleeping cars on the lower shelf - 40 ringgit in II class, 68 ringgit - in II+ class and 130 ringgits - in the 1st class.

There is a common ticket for Malaysia and Singapore, costing $35 for 5 days, $55 for 10 days, $120 for 30 days. ISIC, YIEE or Youth Hostel Card holders can purchase this discounted pass for $32 for 7 days.

Tourists are also offered a trip on the famous Eastern and Oriental Express, which departs twice a week from Singapore and from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok.

Buses

The bus is the most popular form of public transport in Malaysia. Bus service is provided by various carriers. Intercity buses are modern and in most cases equipped with air conditioning. Suburban and intracity - for the most part outdated models, without air conditioning, driving in them is tiring. Tickets must be purchased on bus stations or the driver along the way.

Traveling on city buses can seem quite difficult for tourists, as the driver often opens the doors on the go, runs a red light and does not announce a stop. If the driver makes any announcements, then in the Malay language, which will not help the tourist anyway. The timetable, however, as well as traffic rules, Malay drivers observe infrequently.

Taxi

Malaysian taxis are fairly inexpensive and can be hailed or hailed on the street. The taxi fleet consists mainly of Japanese-made cars. modern models. When landing, you need to keep track of whether the meter is turned on and what its initial readings are, however, most drivers simply prefer not to turn it on. It is best to pay for the fare in cash at local currency. Usually landing costs 2 ringgit 20 sen, a trip lasting 20 minutes will cost 5-7 ringgit. From 12 midnight to 6 am, the fare increases by one and a half times. Intercity taxis often do not have a taximeter at all, so the price should be negotiated in advance.

Bicycle and motorcycle taxis (rickshaws) are widespread in the province, but are only profitable for long trips; for short distances, the fare for them is more expensive than for taxis.

Car rental

To rent a car in Malaysia, the driver must have an international driving license, the driver must be over 23 and under 60 years old. Additional charges include third party liability insurance, rental car theft insurance and several local taxes and fees. It is recommended to rent a car in well-known international agencies, most of whose branches are located in Kuala Lumpur and some other major cities.

The rental price is calculated for every 24 hours. This means that if you took the car at 15:00, then you will also have to return it by 15:00 of the agreed day.

Car traffic in Malaysia is left-handed, and very intense, there are traffic jams in cities. Local drivers are not concerned about compliance with traffic rules, so driving a car in this country is quite an adventurous event. There are international road signs on the roads, as well as local signs in Malay. The quality of the main highways is excellent, but the secondary roads and much of Sarawak's roadbed are in poor condition.

Communication

The official language of the country is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). Chinese and Tamil are also widely spoken, with Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi and Thai spoken in some regions. The indigenous population of Sarawak and Sabah speaks the languages of the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages, and a small number indigenous people Malacca uses the languages of the Mon-Khmer Austroasiatic group. At the same time, almost the entire population of the country is fluent in English. Thus, a tourist who speaks at least a little English can feel absolutely comfortable: in every remote village there will definitely be their own “translator” who is ready to help the guest (tamu), naturally, not for free.

culture

The culture of Malaysia is largely determined by the symbiosis of many religions coexisting peacefully on its territory. Along with the official religion, Islam (60.4%), Buddhism (19.2%), Christianity (9.1%), Hinduism (6.3%), and Taoism (2.6%) are widespread.

Representatives of all these religions equally revere the red hibiscus flower, which grows throughout the country and is the national symbol of Malaysia. The five petals of the hibiscus symbolize the five commandments of Islam, which, however, are observed by representatives of all religions and cults.

Days off in different parts of the country do not coincide. In the states of Selangor, Malacca, Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan, once under British rule, the day off is the second half of Saturday and all Sunday. In the states of Johor, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu and Kelantan, which were semi-autonomous sultanates during British rule, the day off traditionally begins on the second half of Thursday and continues on Friday.

Tourists traveling to Malaysia are advised to bring light, comfortable clothing with them, as the informal style prevails in the country. An alternative may be the national Malaysian costume: batik shirts and dresses, which are sold everywhere. Open shoes or sandals are allowed as footwear for all occasions. When visiting mosques, holy places and remote Malay villages, you should not shock local population beach wear. A modest outfit would be more appropriate there: trousers, long skirts, blouses and shirts with sleeves.

The motley mixture of religions and peoples inhabiting Malaysia has led to the emergence of a large number of colorful holidays based on interesting ceremonies dating back centuries. Despite the fact that the main religion is Islam, and the main holidays are still Muslim, the local population is very tolerant of Christian and Hindu holidays, taking part in them with pleasure.

For example, the European New Year is celebrated on a grand scale everywhere except for the "strict" Islamic states (Johor, Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu). Chinese New Year and the Jade Emperor Festival (the first 9 days of the new year) are some of the most colorful holidays in Malaysia. The Feast of Saint Anne is celebrated on July 26 in Penang. For 9 days, majestic masses are held at the Church of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam. The Hindu part of the population especially reveres the Deepavali holiday (the Path of Light), preceding the onset of the new year, and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. And the Chinese part of the country's inhabitants are very fond of truly Chinese celebrations: the Mooncake Festival and the Lantern Festival.

One of the favorite entertainments of the Malays is flying kites, competing to see whose kite will fly higher and make a more unusual sound. Local residents, regardless of age, can spend hours watching kites soaring in the sky. Another traditional pastime is the spinning top, which is made in Malaysia in a special way - with an unusually heavy flywheel.

Kitchen

A mixture of different cultures has contributed to the fact that an absolutely amazing culinary direction was born in Malaysia, combining the features of the local Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Malay and Indian cuisine are distinguished by an abundance of spices and hot spices. Chinese, in comparison with them, is neutral. Local cuisine has absorbed some of the nuances of European cuisine as well. In addition, each state has its own culinary traditions and features, different cooking methods and ingredients are practiced.

The basis of the Malaysian diet is rice ("nasi"). It is prepared from absolutely insipid, and serves as a side dish that emphasizes the taste of the main dish. Rice is boiled in broth, steamed, fried with vegetables, stewed with coconut milk, mixed with fruits for desserts. Rice chips, rice noodles, rice flour pastries are also very popular.

None of the most popular Malay dishes is complete without rice:

“nasi lemak” - rice boiled in coconut milk, with herbs, nuts, eggs and cucumbers, wrapped in a banana leaf;
"nasi dagang" - rice boiled in coconut milk with fish curry;
"ketupat" - rice patties;
"roti chanai" - pancakes made from rice flour;
"nasi goreng" - fried rice;
“cha kwai tyu” - rice noodles with shrimp, clams, eggs, herbs, seasoned with soy sauce and chili paste;
"laksa johor" - rice noodles with fish curry sauce and vegetables;
"mi java" - rice vermicelli with spicy sauce, shrimp and tomatoes;
Ekor is a thick, very spicy buffalo tail soup with spices.

In addition to rice, vegetables, young bamboo shoots, soybeans, coconut milk and fruits are widely used in Malaysian cooking. A traditional dish is gado-gado salad, made from vegetables seasoned with peanut sauce, coconut milk and chili peppers. Another well-known salad is “rojak”, which includes pineapples and cucumbers seasoned with peanut sauce. Pickled vegetables - "akar" are also used as a side dish.

Like many countries in Southeast Asia, little meat is consumed in Malaysia. Meat dishes are usually served only at the festive table. The following meat dishes can be noted:

"Rendang" - meat stewed in coconut milk with spices,
"hainaniz" - rice with chicken,
curry laksa - noodles with boiled chicken in curry sauce,
sati ayam - chicken skewers with sweet and sour peanut sauce,
"soto ayam" - chicken soup,
"Murtabak" - pancakes with meat.

For seafood lovers, Malaysia is a real paradise. The abundance of crabs, shellfish, oysters, squid, shrimps, lobsters and sea cucumbers will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated gourmets. The most popular dishes with seafood are ikan bilis - anchovies, nasi kandar - fish curry, cuttlefish salad, fried scallops, shark fin soup and all kinds of fried, smoked and dried fish and other inhabitants of the sea.

Malaysia has a huge number of outlandish exotic fruits, many of which have a completely incomprehensible taste and appearance for a European. The largest of the citrus fruits is the pomelo, which looks like a huge orange; the Malays give it to each other as a symbol of prosperity. Rambutan is a kiwi-sized, bristly red fruit whose flesh is delicious translucent slices. Malaysia also grows durian, a large, soccer-ball-sized, very healthy fruit, adorned with thorns, called the "fruit with the taste of heaven and the smell of hell." In addition, in Malaysia you can also enjoy fruits that are more familiar to our taste: pineapples, papaya, mangoes, guava.

Purchases

Shopping in Malaysia is a nationwide craze. Since the people of the country love to shop themselves, Malaysia has a huge number of large shopping centers, shops, boutiques, markets and small tents.

Since certain goods are exempt from taxes in Malaysia, shopping in the country has become an additional attraction against the backdrop of already low prices. Free trade zones are available on the islands of Labuan and Langkawi, in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, at international airports and business centers. Tax-exempt goods include watches, photographic equipment, fountain pens, cosmetics and perfumes, electronic goods ( Cell phones, computers), tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Most shopping centers accept all types of cards of major payment systems.

Malaysia produces a wide range of handicrafts ranging from fine silver, bronze and pewter to ceramics, carpets and wickerwork. Batik is very good in Malaysia: silk and cotton fabrics are dyed in the most life-affirming colors. As for clothing, in Malaysia you can buy not only the traditional costume of local residents, but also the latest collections of fashion designers, high-quality shoes, and exclusive optics.

Souvenirs and local exotics (food and fruits) are best bought at roadside tents, markets and pasar malam evening bazaars. Despite the incredibly low prices, bargaining is quite appropriate, and even expected. The buying process is usually accompanied by smiles and jokes of friendly sellers, it is accepted to pay in cash.

Sales in Malaysia come in August-September.

Shop hours in Malaysia: small shops are open from 9.30 to 19.00, supermarkets - from 10.00 to 22.00, large shopping centers - until 21:00, they also work on Sundays. Private shops close at 18:00.

Shopping in Penang

Penang, called the "Pearl of the East", is famous for its quality textiles, jewelry, electrical goods, sports equipment, handicrafts and souvenirs. The main shopping areas are located within the city, but there are small shops along all popular beaches.

In Georgetown, the main center of shopping is the KOMTAR tower, a skyscraper that houses a shopping and business complex. No less modern shopping centers are Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex and Sunshine Square, which are located in the city of Bayan Baru. Of the well-known shopping areas, Midlands Park Center, Island Plaza, Gama Supermarket, Pacific Mega Mall can also be noted.

The most popular shopping streets in Georgetown are Lebuh Penang, Jalan Campbell, Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Beach and Lebuh Masjid Kapitan Keling.

Shopping in Langkawi

On the island of Langkawi, there is one of the most modern shopping centers in Malaysia - the brand new Oriental Village (East Village). It is located on the northwest coast of the island and represents a completely new word in the free trade industry. The assortment of the center includes products of 17,000 items and 470 famous brands. The center often hosts colorful shows, fashion shows and exhibitions of handicrafts, which adds to the shopping experience for customers.

Shopping in Kelantan

The state of Kelantan is famous for batik, gold embroidery, silverware. amazing beauty, bamboo and aluminum items that can be bought everywhere, especially in Kota Bharu. For textiles, head to the shops located on Jalan Temenggong or the Wisma Batik Specialty Center on Jalan Maju. In the center of Kampung Penambang you can watch the work of local craftsmen. It is better to buy silver products in jewelry stores, or at a factory (Jalan Sultanah Zainab street).

Shopping in Terengganu

Located in Terengganu State small town Chendering, the famous Sutra Semai Silk Weaving Center. Everyone who wants to buy silk, brocade and batik goes there. Nearby is the Center of Folk Crafts, which often hosts master classes in basket weaving, brocade making, wood carving, and those who wish can demonstrate the process of making tops and kris daggers.

Shopping in Malacca

In Malacca, those who wish to go shopping may be interested in hardwood products and antiques. Tourists also willingly buy porcelain, bronze and silver items, lamps, coins, batik and precious stones. You can buy inexpensive souvenirs in the shops near the Museum of Culture, next to the Church of Christ. Chic expensive galleries are located on Jalan Laksamana. Antique connoisseurs should look into Chinatown or walk along Jalan Hang Jebat Street, formerly Jonkers Street and Jalan Tan Cheng Lock.

Shopping in Johor

The state, which bears the name of the "South Gate of Malaysia", is famous for its ceramics and handicrafts. Shopping in Johor Bahru is available at Holiday Plaza, Tun Abdul Razak Complex, Kotaraya Plaza, Plaza Angsana and Bazaars.

A large assortment of handicrafts is presented in the Mawar Complex, where the exhibition hall-workshop of the Corporation for the Development of Folk Crafts and the Karyaneka Craft Center are located. The Johor Handicraft Center on Jalan Skudai offers stunning hand-painted batik fabrics, art canvases, mats, etc. the population of which is engaged in weaving almost in its entirety.

Shopping in Sabah

The state of Sabah is famous for its outdoor fairs (tamu) held every few days. For example, on Jalan Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu, tamu are held on Sundays. The fairs attract local merchants offering handicrafts and food. Seafood lovers will love the fish stalls at the Central Market on the waterfront of Kampung Ayer. On Sundays, tamu are also arranged in the town of Kota Belud, located 77 km from Kota Kinabalu.

Shopping in Sarawak

This largest of the Malaysian states is famous for its exotic wood and fabric handicrafts, beads, bamboo and rattan wickerwork, ceramics and jewelry. All this abundance is on the shelves of the shopping centers of the Kuching capital: Wisma Saberkas, Wisma Hopoh, Wisma Phoenix and Kuching Plaza. Those wishing to buy antiques should head to the shops along Main Bazaar, Lorong Wayang and Jalan Temple streets. Tourists will surely enjoy visiting Sunday market to Jalan Satok, where they sell strange medicinal herbs, fruits, plants and animals.

An evening in Kuching is worth spending on the Jalan Gambier promenade among food stalls, vegetable and fruit tents, or on Medan Pasar Malam - Evening Market Square, with towering mountains of cheap clothes, toys, electrical goods and products.

Before making a purchase, try to research and compare prices first. In larger retail outlets, prices are fixed, but in small shops you can buy the same product much cheaper, and it’s also worth haggling.

When buying electrical goods in Malaysia, remember that the voltage of electrical networks in the country is 220 V. All electrical equipment is sold without plugs. The plug you need will be installed in front of you right here on the trading floor. All electrical products usually come with a one-year warranty.

Connection

Communication in Malaysia is a state monopoly, it is very well organized and is a modern high-quality communications system throughout the country.

Pay phones in Malaysia are located everywhere: near shopping centers, shops, institutions and at public transport stops. The rules for using them are in each telephone booth. You can call using cards that are sold at gas stations, in Telecom stores, and at newsstands. In some places in Malaysia, there are already rare payphones that accept coins, but you can make a call using them only in Malaysia.

Within the country, dialing codes start with 0; you do not need to dial zero when entering international communications.

How to call Malaysia: you need to dial 8 - 10 - 60 (Malaysia code) - area code - subscriber's phone number.

Codes of the largest cities in Malaysia:

Johor Bahru - 7
Kota Bharu - 9
Kota Kinabalu - 88
Kuala Lumpur - 3
Kuching - 82
Kuala Terengganu - 9
Penang - 4
Port Dickson - 6
Sandakan - 89
Sibu - 84
Tawau - 89

Malaysia today is Asia's largest Internet service provider. The monopoly in this area is the national provider Telekom. The average access speed using 3G technology is 3.6 Mbps, maximum speed access - 7.2 Mbps. Internet cafes are ubiquitous.

Safety

In terms of safety for tourists, Malaysia is a fairly calm country. As a rule, most often tourists are faced with the theft of handbags, wallets, photo and video equipment. Such petty crimes happen in crowded places: in shopping areas, at attractions and other popular places.

Malaysian scammers have also begun to actively master credit card fraud, so it is advisable to pay with a card only in reputable establishments ( large hotels, restaurants, boutiques). In case of theft or loss of an identity card, tourists are advised to immediately contact the local police department or the Russian embassy.

Rules of etiquette for tourists visiting Malaysia

In order not to offend the feelings of the locals, outside the tourist areas, women are advised to dress modestly. When entering a temple or residential building, both men and women should take off their shoes. To visit the temples, you must be dressed in clothes that cover your arms and legs. Some temples give out special shoes and capes.
If you, as a guest in Malaysia, are offered drinks, in no case do not refuse - it will be extremely impolite.
Women are greeted with a smile and a nod of the head. A handshake is possible only if the woman herself holds out her hand to you.
The traditional Malaysian greeting is “salaam”: a gentle handshake with both hands.
You can not point at people and objects with your index finger. For this, the thumb is used, while the remaining fingers are closed.
You cannot take food and pass anything with your left hand, since this hand (as in many other Asian countries, for example, in India) is used for hygienic purposes and is considered unclean.
As in other Buddhist countries, the head of a person in Malaysia is sacred and cannot be touched. In no case should you stroke the head of a Malay child!
The Malays do not allow in their midst, and will not tolerate from tourists, the manifestation of any kind of disrespect to the king or the prime minister of the country.

Hygiene and other precautions

Before the trip, be sure to vaccinate against the following diseases: tetanus, polio, hepatitis, A (transmitted with food and water), typhoid. If you plan to visit the jungle and the countryside, vaccination against hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis B, tuberculosis and meningitis will not be superfluous. It is also highly recommended to take anti-malarial drugs before traveling.

Although food hygiene in the country is observed quite strictly, it is still better not to eat from street vendors. Drink only boiled water or bottled water. Wash your hands frequently with soap. Be sure to take with you the necessary set of medicines, which must contain painkillers, remedies for gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, infections, antibiotics.

Where to stay

Hotels in Malaysia are located in large and small cities, in almost all resort areas with developed infrastructure. Hotels vary in star rating - from 2 to 5 stars. Malaysian hotels are inexpensive and offer comfortable conditions and excellent service. Most hotels offer services that meet generally accepted international standards. IN hotel, as a rule, includes several restaurants and bars, cafes, discos, shops, gyms, swimming pools and spa centers. Most resort hotels are equipped with everything you need for a quality outdoor activity on the coast, many are equipped with golf courses.

Depending on the region, Malaysian hotels have certain features. For example: the hotel bases of Langkawi and Penang are not too different from each other, except that there are practically no bungalow-type hotels in Penang. There are fewer hotels in Borneo, but “five-star” hotels prevail there. In terms of price, accommodation in Borneo is much cheaper than in Langkawi and Penang, and a hotel with a similar star rating, while there is no difference in the quality of service.

Hot tours Worldwide

Rest in Malaysia is an opportunity to simultaneously touch the Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, and this is not counting the traditions of the descendants of the island tribes living, for example, in Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Multiculturalism is not the only characteristic feature of this Asian country. Geographic diversity allows you to choose a vacation to your taste, ranging from interesting excursion programs with a possible vacation on one of the many islands and ending with diving tours. Fans of only a beach holiday will also find a place in the Malay paradise.

Malaysia can be considered a "Mecca" for fans of active tourism. The oldest rain forests in the world, covering most of the country, are home to a huge number of species and the richest flora. In order to get acquainted with this tropical world, tourists swim along the rivers, go hiking, including visiting the night jungle, watching birds and orangutans, go on safari. Another direction is connected with Mount Kinabalu. Climbing the highest peak in Southeast Asia is a real test for extreme people.

beach holiday

The long coastline of Malaysia, with white fine sand, azure sea, beautiful views and all the attributes of a tropical paradise, and numerous islands framed by coral reefs, is what attracts tourists from all over the world to the country. Beautiful beaches can be found in such famous resorts as the islands of Tioman, Pangkor, Langkawi, Penang.

Choosing something like "Uncle Tan's Camp" in the jungle as a starting point, providing the opportunity to get as close as possible to animals and exotic plants, you need to be mentally and physically prepared for the lack of any amenities. As practice shows, the rejection of any benefits of civilization in conjunction with prolonged physical exertion is not so easy, especially for females.

In damp and slushy or in cold and snowy weather it is so nice to be on the sandy shore under the gentle sun. For many years, many of our compatriots prefer to go to warm countries in winter, for example, to Malaysia. Inexperienced tourists are wondering where in Malaysia a beach holiday will not disappoint in any season? We will try to answer this question in the article.

Why choose Malaysia?

The beaches of this sunny country guarantee unity with marvelous nature, rest away from noisy cities and fuss. Such a journey, especially in winter, will not leave anyone indifferent. Here you will be surrounded by exotic plants, magnificent scenery, crystal clear turquoise sea.

Many are sure that a beach holiday in Malaysia (reviews confirm this) is a true paradise. Comfortable hotels and the tropical jungle harmoniously combine and form magnificent complexes for recreation in both summer and winter.

Resorts of Malaysia

This distant country beckons travelers with its extraordinary nature, great weather which is always suitable for a beach holiday.

The islands of Malaysia are especially popular among tourists. in Penang and Langkawi delights with unusually beautiful and well-groomed beaches, luxurious nature and world-class hotels. There will always be nook for those who want to be alone, take a break from the hustle and bustle. Many tourists like the mild climate that Malaysia is famous for. Beach holidays with children are especially good during the winter months, when the air does not warm up more than +32 degrees, and fresh winds from the sea allow you not to suffer from unbearable heat.

Malaysia in December

Winter is the most right time will go to fabulous warm Malaysia. Cheerful and always friendly Malaysians, lush greenery of exotic plants, stunning beaches and majestic mountains instantly disperse your autumn-winter blues, make your vacation unique and memorable.

A beach holiday in Malaysia in December, as, indeed, in any other winter month, is a common phenomenon. Indeed, at this time it is sunny and very warm here (some people even think that it is hot). average temperature air reaches +30 degrees.

In December 2015 in Malaysia, the air warmed up to +32 degrees. The "coldest" water was in the Borneo region (+29 degrees).

In December, Malaysia offers a lot of entertainment. Beach holidays are not the only activity. If you like to explore big cities and capitals of states, then (Kuala Lumpur) will surely interest you. This is a fairly large modern city. At first glance, it strikes with an abundance of greenery, which surprisingly combines with the sights of the capital, and many of them are unique. By the way, a beach holiday is also possible in the capital, but we will talk about this a little later.

And lovers of a relaxing pastime away from civilization are recommended to go to the Malaysian islands - Langkawi, Tioman, Penang, Redang.

Of course, for Russians, holidays in December are always associated with the celebration of the New Year, the purchase of gifts for relatives and friends. The main shopping centers are located in Kuala Lumpur. It should be noted that quite recently the capital of the country entered the top ten best cities in the world for shopping.

Malaysia: beach holidays in Kuala Lumpur

A young and modern city - the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur - offers travelers to get acquainted with numerous sights, and after excursions, relax on one of the beaches located nearby.

The closest to the city, and therefore the most visited of them - "Port Dickson". It is located 30 km from the capital. The beach is well equipped: there is everything you need for relaxation - sun loungers, umbrellas, it is possible to rent equipment for water sports.

If tourists agree to spend about an hour on the road to the coast, they can go to Pankgor Island, which is located north of Kuala Lumpur. Here is one of the best beaches in the country.

From the capital, it is quite easy to get to Langkawi and Tioman. These are very beautiful places, so most of the townspeople prefer to relax here.

On the island of Langkawi, lovers of scuba diving will get real pleasure. They will have a unique opportunity to explore the underwater beauty of the Andaman Sea. And the island of Tioman has long been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. On this tiny plot of land you can wander through the real jungle. Beach holidays here will appeal to lovers of peace and tranquility.

Malaysia in January

A beach holiday in Malaysia in January has its own characteristics. The air temperature here is still quite comfortable (+28 ... +33 ° C). But there is one inconvenience - very high humidity.

Beach holidays in Malaysia often fade into the background due to the beautiful beaches of neighboring Thailand and Indonesia. But since Malaysia boasts the same beautiful seas and climate as Thailand, there are certainly many places and coasts on the east and west coasts of Malaysia that can easily compete with the resorts of neighboring countries. From gorgeous tropical islands with coral and white sand to incredible locations in remote Borneo, this Southeast Asian country will surely delight those who love the brilliance of the sand and the sea. So let's take a look at some of the best beaches in Malaysia, shall we?

Sipadan Island

A stunning turquoise gem in the deep famous sea off eastern Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan Island is great place, for beach lovers and divers. Boasting an incredibly scenic tropical reef lagoon, the island is a renowned diving destination. In fact, the island was recognized as " the best place Divers in the World” on the Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List. Even renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau called it a "pristine work of art" in 1989, and fortunately - for both marine ecologists and amateur divers - little has changed since then.

Coral Beach, Pangkor

One of the main attractions of Perak - a state on the west coast of Malaysia - is the beautiful island of Pangkor. Dotted with historical monuments, from a centuries-old Dutch fort to evidence of previous Chinese settlers, the island is a well-trodden tourist destination in the area. Pangkor is known for its beautiful beaches, the best of which is the stunning Coral Beach.

Mataking Island, Sabah

Another fantastic tropical island just off the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, Mataking Island is something of a bonus when it comes to beach holidays. The island is connected to another much smaller island called Pulai Mataking Kesil. Most of this beautiful island is mainly a collection of beach, beach and big beach. The whole island is surrounded by white sand. The East Island is also known for its amazing diving opportunities - in addition to being the location of Malaysia's first "underwater mailbox", the marine life here is amazingly diverse and beautiful.

Long Beach, Perentian Kesil

The Perhentian Islands off the northeast coast of mainland Malaysia are already renowned for their beauty and are probably the most famous tropical island getaway. The smaller of the two main islands, Perentian Kesil caters to more tourists, while neighboring Perentian Besar is full of expensive resorts. Perentian Kesil has a number of beautiful beaches, but the best is the huge and aptly named Long Beach. The sand on Long Beach is fine, white, and, due to the tides, the water stays very shallow for a period, making it ideal for swimming in warm waters.

Juara beach, Tioman

This relatively large tropical island is located off the east coast of the Malaysian state of Pahang. This densely forested, sparsely populated island also boasts several beautiful beaches - which has helped earn it the title of one of the world's most beautiful islands in the world according to TIME Magazine in the 1970s. One beach here stands out from the rest. Yes, the incredible Juara Beach is a true jewel in the crown of Malaysia's best beaches, helped by its relatively remote location.

Manukan Island, Sabah

Another island located in Sabah - this time off the western coast of the state - Manukan Island, which is very popular with residents from the nearby state capital of Kota Kinabalu. It lies within the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, the first marine national park in Malaysia, built in 1974. Because of this, the tiny island is famous for its amazing snorkeling and scuba diving right off its coast. Of course, it is also well known for its stunning beaches.

Capas Island, Terengganu

Capas Island is another one of the beautiful paradise islands Malaysia with beaches that look exactly like the ones you'll see on travel brochure postcards. Nowadays, it looks more like the beaches that Instagrammers like to take pictures on: palm trees lean over fine, white sand washed by transparent seas. Kapas is indeed one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. It is a snorkeling and diving paradise, with a wide range of marine life. Aside from its gorgeous beaches, this tropical island in the South China Sea is also known as a premier place to explore the Amphidrome, a mysterious species of snail with colorful shells.

Rawa Island, Mersing

Located off the northeast coast of mainland Malaysia, the southernmost state of Johor, Rawa Island is truly a beachfront gem. Named after the white doves (known locally as Rava) that inhabit the island in in large numbers, this tiny island is a sanctuary for wildlife. Since there are no roads on the island, only footpaths can take tourists from one destination to another. With high rocky cliffs on one side of the island, the other side is almost entirely white sandy beaches that meet a beautiful azure sea.

Pantai Tsenang, Langkawi

Pantai Tsenang, while already popular with local and international tourists, will be practically your favorite "out of season" beach! Smaller islets emerge from the turquoise sea that surrounds the huge white sand beach at Pantai Cenang.

Pasir Panjang, Redang

One of the largest islands in mainland Malaysia, Redang Island is nestled in the seas off the northeastern state of Terrenganu and is famous for its incredibly white sand and shimmering, crystal clear waters. It is well known as a tropical island for its coastal beauty, which of course includes many beaches - but none of them are as beautiful as Pasir Panjang. This gently sloping stretch of soft sand is a popular destination that sees many local and international tourists on day trips.