Those who suffer from wanderlust will tell you that you should travel light, resist buying trinkets and just make memories. Climb mountains without leaving behind a trail of ecological horror stories. Dive into the seas, walk on desert sands only to bring back memories.
“Jom” means “let’s go” in Malay. And when you visit Malaysia, you will forget all your resolutions about nil consumption goals. You will be shipping crates of this and suitcases filled with that. If you’re used to stopping to inhale the essence of pine forests, you will find yourself sitting patiently and listening to the young lady at the Royal Selangor pewter house telling you how to take care of the things she’s shipping home for you.
But it’s your camera that is still stunned because it is unable to capture all the places you have been to and the stories you experienced. While sipping refreshing rambutan mocktails or an ais kachang (shaved ice and red beans dessert), you will look at the pictures and fail to decide which was the best of Malaysia.
1. Sarawak tour
Surrounded by the bluest seas you have seen anywhere, Sarawak is located on Borneo Island. The peninsula has very modern cities and yet is rich because of forests and beaches and, yes, the cultural experiences connected to food, of course!
2. Niah National Park
Imagine stepping into a place where time has stood still for 40,000 years. After a walk in the ridiculously lovely forest that stills the inner noise, the guide brings you to limestone caves. Not only are they wonderful, the preserved cave paintings show us how people lived thousands of years ago. Exploring the caves is just magical.
3. Semmenggoh Wildlife Centre
If you’re travelling with children, they will love the OrangUtan rescue centre where the feeding of these wonderful creatures is an unforgettable experience. You will be fascinated by their elaborate sleeping nests and how they manage to multitask with their extra long arms and short legs. Their facial expressions will make you wonder what wisdom and sadness they hold, until they grin!
4. Bako National Park and the Sea Stacks
It was in TinTin comics that you first saw the Proboscis monkey and it fascinated you. At Bako National Park, you will see them in their natural habitat and also see wild boars (yes, you read about them in Asterix comics!). Plus, the scarily quick monitor lizards who prefer to be undisturbed, happy to sun themselves. And just when you think the forest is too hot, they will pack you into boats and take you to the stunning ‘stacks’ rocks that stand tall, unafraid of the wind and the sea. It will remind you of the stunning Twelve Apostles in Australia. And a sandwich and coffee on the white sandy beach after all that activity… Bliss!
5. Dolphins in Kuching
Most of us who have been to the Sundarbans in West Bengal, will be impressed by the mangroves of Santubong. You can go Irrawaddy Dolphin watching and if you are lucky, watch thousands of fireflies. They say that it’s a rarer treat to be able to watch humpback dolphins. And when all the day’s activity is done, delve into food (don’t forget to try Kolo Mee - it’s a breakfast dish, but is real comfort food!)
6. Cat Museum at Kuching
Cat lovers of the world will go ‘Awww!’ when they enter the cat museum and will not stop talking about the many different cat sculptures and collections. From the historical statuettes of cats holding trays to ceramic cats sitting disdainfully, the museum has everything. And when you’re done with the museum, you can venture into Chinatown and try out the many different foods (the pictures of the dishes are a great help!)
7. Majestic Sabah
The Sabah region of Malaysia is blessed with an enviable green cover. The majestic mountains and forests, waterfalls and incredible plant species make for an unforgettable holiday.
8. Unmissable Kota Kinabalu
Just as Fujiyama dominates the skyline in Tokyo and Yokohama, Kota Kinabalu is the Lord of the forests and trees in Borneo. The mountain is not just a UNESCO Heritage Site, but a treat for anyone who loves mountains. The hikes on this mountain are easy for the holiday trekkers and can be a wonderful challenge for serious trekkers. Those with an extra interest in plants and birds (over 300 species have been spotted, and they include sunbirds and spiderhunters!). Bicycle riders can be noisy in groups, but if you like careening down the mountainside after watching the most incredible sunrises, then you can do that too.
Although I have been to Malaysia several times, I have never yet seen the world’s biggest parasitic flower, the Rafflesia bloom which grows in the forest. It is also called the Corpse Flower, and leaves a stench…
9. Bohey Dulang Island
In the remains of an ancient volcano are the most beautiful islands filled with beaches, reef fish and an unforgettable holiday. It’s hard to share the experience because one would rather hoard it. The views of the lagoon from top of the mountain are spectacular, but the climb is not meant for the faint-hearted.
10. Pulau Kapalai Island
Even if you have half a romantic bone in your body, you will fall in love with this spectacular island. The magic of the island comes alive in low tide. The island shows off the most magnificent beaches. Add to it glorious company, fairy lights and great food…
11. Kuala Lumpur
Of course, you land in the capital city and do the Gram perfect pictures with the Petronas Twin Towers. But you should make Kuala Lumpur a destination all on its own if you are a foodie. Not just in seafood, you will discover that Malaysia is a wonderful melange of Chinese, Tamil and Malay cuisines. And the desserts! As an Indian, you can say that you’ve had coconut water, but you will discover that the coconut water you get in Malaysia tastes different. And their use of jaggery in ice cream - deserves a chef’s kiss! Even though you might grin at the name - Licky Chan and the Poke Guy - you will come away after having tasted the best desserts!
If you are a fashionista, you will know that the Malay brands are giving international designers a run for their money… BTB, PMC and Kittie Yiyi are just a few names that are just brilliant.
As I look with intense jealousy at the intricately carved camphor chest and wish that it would fit into a Mumbai apartment… I make plans to ‘Jom’ to Malaysia again as the advertising slogan from many years ago pops into my head: 'Malaysia, truly Asia'.
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