Travelling the world has been made much harder thanks to the rise of Coronavirus at the end of 2019. With many places around the world being put into lockdown still to this day, it’s hard to imagine travelling anywhere for a vacation any time soon. However, thanks to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, travelling may not be as far away as you might think, and until that point, you can spend your time planning the perfect getaway. Not sure where to travel? Here are 6 reasons why you should choose Malaysia post COVID-19.
The diversity of the country is what makes Malaysia so fascinating. You can explore thriving, sophisticated towns and in the same country, explore colonial architecture, relax on some of the earth’s most gorgeous beaches and trek through lush green jungles.
Photo by Jegathisan Manoharan from Pexels
Modern architecture
One of the first things that will meet the eye when visiting Malaysia is the incredible modernised architecture. Towering skyscrapers called the Petronas Towers are extremely famous twin towers that are 88 storeys high reaching 452m above street level. Then on the other hand you can admire the incredible Chinese-themed buildings such as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Leith Street, George Town, Penang that boasts its beauty. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is now used as a boutique hotel, and may cost you a pretty penny or two to stay in overnight. If you’re on a budget, you might be better off looking for a house rental that’s nearby so you can still admire all of the incredible modern architecture.
Tea plantation
In Malaysia, especially in areas such as the Cameron Highlands, the tea industry has long been a part of trade and development. Temperatures are cool enough for tea plantations there, near the highest point of the country. You can take a guided tour of the nation’s largest tea company in the Cameron Highlands, hike through the plantation itself, or sip local teas at some of the nearby smaller plantations. If you’re a tea lover, Malaysia is an ideal spot to try out some new and exciting tea flavours. Or, alternatively, you can stick to your favourites.
Diverse cultures
For those that love taking on the culture of areas they visit, you’re in for a treat when travelling to Malaysia. Perhaps Malaysia’s most unique factor is its cultural diversity. There is a combination of Asian cultures present in the country, in addition to colonial influences. Malays make up about half of the population, about one quarter are Chinese, and there is also a strong Indian population. Moreover, 12 percent of the total population is still made up of the Orang Asli people, a group that are native to Malaysia. In Malaysia, these groups live harmoniously together and give the country its vibrant culture and heritage.
Beaches
Malaysia is a tropical paradise with hot weather and miles of coastline, so the abundance of beaches should come as no surprise. While on the mainland there are fantastic beaches, it is the islands of Malaysia that are the favourite for beach lovers. The greatest spot for a relaxing beach holiday, complete with restaurants and shopping, is Langkawi. Redang is a pristine island that also serves as a turtle sanctuary, if you’re after a more secluded, less touristy getaway.
Wildlife
Much of Malaysia, allowing wildlife to roam freely, is undeveloped. In Taman Negara National Park, one of the top places to admire wildlife in its natural habitat is Tapirs, wild boars, deer, monkeys and countless birds and insects can be spotted between waterfalls and canopy walks. You may be able to see even bigger animals in Borneo, and guided tours with elephants, tigers, rhinos and orangutans will get you right up close.
Cave exploration
Gunung Mulu National Park is in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. This park has a heritage of over 3,000 years, and is best known for its amazing cave systems. You can explore Turtle Cave, the so-called Garden of Eden or the Wind Caves, all of which are in the park, on guided tours. Some caves require you to bring your own flashlights and rapel, but others are simple walks in absolutely incredible environments. If you stay closer to Kuala Lumpur, you can set off on a day trip to the limestone-made Batu Caves, offering some difficult hikes as well as breathtaking views.
As you can see, there are a plethora of incredible reasons to visit Malaysia when it’s safe to! And these are just to name a few! Remember to stay safe if you are travelling at the moment.
