Backpacking in MalaysiaMalaysia is not just on the edge of S.E.Asia, but also all too often on the edge of many backpacking South East Asian itineraries. This is a shame, because Malaysia has a lot to offer the committed backpacker. It does contrast with the rest of the region, but also compliments it and, in many ways, you haven’t ‘done’ South East Asia, unless you’ve done Malaysia.
Malaysia really is a backpacking essential - and make sure that you check out ‘both sides’ of this intriguing country. Where is it and what’s there?The southernmost country of South East Asia, Malaysia is made up of two land masses, separated by the South China Sea. The first of these is the Malaysian Peninsular, which borders Thailand to the north but, aside from that, is surrounded only by coastal plains running down to tropical beaches. The second is Kalimantan, the Northern part of an island that Malaysia shares with Indonesia.Primarily as a consequence of its geography, Malaysia does have a split personality. The ultra cosmopolitan metropolis of Kuala Lumpur on the Western side feels a world away from the meandering ex-colonial feel of Kalimantan (formerly Borneo), but Malaysia takes it all in its stride and somehow manages to feel ‘complete’. The ClimateAs the Southernmost country in South East Asia, Malaysia can also stake its ‘most equatorial’ claim and consequently boasts the highest average temperatures of anywhere in South East Asia. This said, it is still very much a ‘tropical’ climate, and temperatures are rarely uncomfortable, although humidity – as ever - can be very high.It is hard to pin down exactly when the ‘rainier’ times are, as – due to its geographic disparity – Malaysia’s weather tends to be very localised. The monsoon winds (and the timing of these) have a bewilderingly complicated impact on the timings of monsoon rainfall on either side of the Peninsular, for example. Suffice to say that average temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27°C and the safest approach to Malaysian weather is to pack a raincoat! Getting there and visasKuala Lumpur airport serves as an international air hub and is the main airport in the region. As such it is very easy – and generally cheap – to fly there. There are regular flights to Sabah on Kalimantan and this is the easiest option for getting to the Eastern island – although travelling by boat is a less efficient but more scenic option.If you’re in Thailand (especially if you’ve had some requisite chilling out time in the south of the country), then access to Malaysia is straightforward. Trains run into the country (and all the way down from Bangkok), and there are roads and buses running down to the capital from the Thai border. You do not need a visa to enter the country for stays of up to three months, but your passport must have at least six months left to run. Getting aroundMalaysia’s status as the most westernised South East Asian country ensures that you have plenty of efficient, on time, and reasonably priced travel options. Due to the well run domestic carrier, AirAsia (which flies to regional airports throughout the country), travelling around Malaysia by air is straightforward and generally a very pleasant experience.The railway system is also an effective means of travelling around Peninsula Malaysia, although East Malaysia only has one steam operated line: definitely worth making use of – but not if you need to get anywhere quickly! Aside from flying, the most efficient means of travelling around Malaysia (by far), is through making use of the very well developed road networks and the bus companies. Most towns have bus stations and – although road networks in smaller towns can be unplanned and bewildering – the routes between towns and cities are generally excellent. It’s always worth booking in advance if possible. Things to do• Scuba Diving. Malaysia is renowned worldwide for the quality of its scuba diving. Consequently there are plenty of well-run and highly experienced scuba schools and organised trips. If you’re an experienced diver then there’s plenty to keep you busy, and if you’re donning flippers for the first time then Malaysia’s one of the best places in the world to be doing so.• Petronas Twin Towers. If you’ve been down as far as possible with your scuba diving, time to head the other way and check out the staggering views from Kula Lumpar’s 436m towers. They were, until 2004, the tallest building in the world and – although they’ve lost the record – they still have one of the best views in the world. • Jungle Railway. Serving the East Coast states of Peninsular Malaysia, the railway travels through thick jungle and crosses some huge ravines: a great way to get a sense of rural Malaysia. • Taman Negara. Malaysia’s biggest national park and surrounded by the world’s oldest tropical forest (reputedly 130 million years old). Think the real Jurassic Park. • Snake Temple, Penang. The temple is home to a significant number of ‘pit vipers’. They are (apparently) left helpless by the constant waft of incense smoke, but they have had their venom removed. Their fangs are still intact, however, and visitors are advised not to pick them up! • Pedas Hot Springs. With reputed healing powers, enjoy being hot and wet and not because of the humidity! The temperature of the springs range between 27° and 34° and they are an unbeatable way to relax for an afternoon. If you picture your backpacking travels as being 100% off the beaten track, then Malaysia does offer that. But it also offers a more straightforward and efficient backpacking experience and – when you’ve had enough of cold showers and nonexistent buses – might be just what you need for a week or two to prepare you for the rest of your trip...
Return from Backpacking in Malaysia to the Home Page
|
