| 4 mins read
Avid traveller or not, you would have somewhere, somehow come across the advertisement for Malaysia tourism proudly bearing the the slogan: “Malaysia, Truly Asia”. A smooth tagline accompanied by a captivating tune, there’s a lot being stuffed inside this catch phrase. Despite cursing the slogan for being stuck in your head, if you’ve ever been to this eclectic country, you’ve got to agree it’s true!
When people think of Asia, a vast array of different elements comes to mind. Rich culture and history, amazing food, bustling metropolises and lush green tropics, amazing shopping and dirt-cheap prices… the list goes on. But when you thumb through the various countries nestled into the massive continent, there’s one that seems to hold a ‘greatest hits’ of all the categories…Malaysia has it all!
1.The City Experience
In Malaysia, it only takes two letters to describe the word metropolis: "K & L". Here a city traveler will find that the shopping is fantastic, one can eat cheap, delicious street food or an opulent five-course meal, sleep in a dormitory or a presidential suite, all while getting around on the convenient and speedy public transport (Rapid Transit, monorail, commuter rail). With iconic sites scattered all around KL and streets that still have as much greenery as they do concrete- it’s Malaysia’s and one of Asia’s best cities.
2. Nature At Its Best
Not into bustling cities or just need some time off? Malaysia also boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, well-preserved rainforests and sprawling green highlands.
Beaches: If sand, salt and solitude are your sort of thing, head to the island of Redang, where paradise actually still exists. Need a bit more social interaction? Langkawi is another gorgeous Malaysian beach destination with a slightly touristic twist.
Rainforests: Malaysian Borneo’s rainforest is like something out of a storybook. With pygmy elephants, orangutans, long-nosed monkeys and hundreds of species of birds, this section of the country is as green as it gets!
Highlands: Need a break from the heat and humidity? Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of KL, with a different pace of life and extremely agreeable temperatures. Bring your golf clubs!!
3. History and Culture
Perhaps the largest reason why Malaysia is ‘Truly Asia’ is its culture. With roots and influences from the Chinese, Indians and even British Colonialists, Malaysia is one of the world’s greatest melting pots. Walk down the street passed Little India and Chinatown, note the stunning colonial architecture, photograph an awe-inspiring mosque or visit one of KL’s iconic skyscrapers. The entire world, its influences, ancient features and modern touches are all tucked inside this eclectic country. And with a true cultural melting pot comes…
4. Food
An Asian city isn’t entirely Asian unless it has some unbelievably delicious cuisine. Malaysia boasts a wide array of tastes and flavors equally as diverse as its culture. From sour noodle soups and spicy curries to salty Malaysian spring rolls and sweet pancakes… Malaysian food will leave you obsessed. Both Penang and Kuala Lumpur are famous for their local specialties, so make sure you find the best local tour guide to help you discover all the area’s top eats.
5. The Budget Aspect
What makes Asia so enticing to travelers from all over the globe? The price!
Asia is known to be a budget traveler’s dream destination and with that, is the cherry on top for why Malaysia is Truly Asia. Malaysia is economical to travel internationally (home to the famous low-cost carrier Air Asia), and also makes domestic travel extremely affordable as well.
So now that you have FIVE reasons (amongst many more) to head to Asia’s ultimate travel destination, the only question now is how to explore the eclectic country. Discover Malaysia with top Malaysian tour guides who can show you what they, the locals, know best. What better way to see a destination than with someone who lives there? Book your trip to Malaysia and give yourself the opportunity to see what Asia truly is.
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