1. Blend of tradition and modernity

If you haven’t been to Asia before, Malaysia is the perfect place to start exploring this continent. This is a country that offers a sufficient level of hygiene and comfort to travel there in complete safety, including with children.

If you avoid hiking in the jungle and have some vaccinations in advance, such as the tetanus vaccine and the hepatitis A vaccine, you won’t feel like you’re putting your health at risk.

Malaysian cities offer an amazing combination of traditional architecture and modernity, which is evident in the skyscrapers under construction.

2. Multicultural society

  • The peculiarity of Malaysia is the cultural and religious combination that represents the wealth of the country.

While Malays of the Muslim faith make up the majority of the ethnic group, the people of Malaysia are also made up of Chinese and Indians who practice other religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.

This cultural and religious patchwork shows up in aspects of daily life such as local architecture, places of worship and Malaysian cuisine.

Even without leaving the capital Kuala Lumpur, you can visit a mosque today, a Buddhist temple the next day, the famous Hindu temples of Batu caves or a majestic Chinese temple.

3. Historical and cultural heritage

  • Even if this is not the aspect most often emphasized by tourist guides, Malaysia has preserved precious testimonies of its cosmopolitan history, marked by the presence of the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
  • If you want to learn more about the complex and turbulent past of this country, visit the National Museum of Kuala Lumpur.
  • It is also recommended to go to the city of Malacca, which is the oldest port in the country and was once a strategic center for the spice trade.

Malacca (or Melaka in Malay) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with George Town as the «Historic Cities of the Strait of Malacca».

4. Landscapes and nature

In addition to rich history and culture, Malaysia is the most beautiful place in Southeast Asia due to its landscapes.

The territories of Sarawak and Sabah, located in the north of Borneo, are known for tropical forests and fabulous beaches.

  • But, even in the peninsular part of the country and in the capital Kuala Lumpur, you will discover flowers and trees that you have not seen if you have not yet traveled to the tropical zone.

Tropical nature is always close by in cities, as evidenced by the famous bird park located in the heart of the capital.

5. Local cuisine

What Malaysians are especially proud of is their cuisine. As diverse and cosmopolitan as its culture, Malaysian cuisine is a variety of dishes from around the world.

In addition to Malay cuisine, born from the confluence of numerous influences, try Chinese, Indian or even Western cuisines in Kuala Lumpur’s restaurants.

Western-style restaurants are the most expensive, so take advantage of your stay to sample local or Asian dishes (Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Korean) that are offered at lower prices.

But beware: Malaysians love spicy!

Gastronomy is one of the 5 good reasons to visit this country, because Malaysia is a true paradise for gourmets and other lovers of fine cuisine. Food that is carefully prepared is affordable and delicious.