By Edwin Thomas
About Tourism in Malaysia
Malaysia, due south of the more famous and popular Thailand, is often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, the country has much to offer. It has tropical
beaches and SCUBA diving to rival any of its neighbors. It also has tea plantations, deep jungles and a cultural melange that is shared only with Singapore.
Culture
A Hindu temple in Penang
Half of Malaysia's population is Malay, roughly one-quarter is Chinese and a further 7 percent is Indian. This gives the country an exotic mix of cultures that is shared only by neighboring Singapore.
Beaches
The country's Gulf of Thailand coast is home to several islands that have some of the finest beaches and SCUBA diving in the world. These are the Perhentian Islands, Rendang Island and Tioman Island.
Malaysian Borneo
The Malaysian Borneo provinces of Sabah and Sarawak are achieving a growing reputation for first-class SCUBA diving and jungle eco-tourism.
The Cameron Highlands
Tea lovers should make a point of visiting the Cameron Highlands, where numerous tea plantations have been carved out of the jungle. The highland climate is also a good way to beat the tropical heat.
City Life
Take in a Bollywood movie.
Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a modern metropolis and home to the famous Petronas Towers. Other cities of interest include the former Portuguese-Dutch port of Melaka and the former British port of Penang.
Taman Negara
The center of Peninsular Malaysia is dominated by Taman Negara, a national park embodying a 130-million-year-old rain forest. The park is now a major eco-tourism site and home to the world's most famous jungle canopy walk.
About the Author:
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
Photo Credits:
Richard Thomas
