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30 reasons to love Malaysia

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Every month we’ll bring you a rundown of the best places to see, things to do and – of course – foods to eat in various states or areas around Southeast Asia. This is part of an editorial series on reasons to love various places in Southeast Asia.

Each country has its good and bad points. But, instead of focusing on the bad, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why we love Malaysia. After reading through all 30, we are sure you, too, will love Malaysia.

 See Also: 23 Reasons to Love Sabah

1. Spectacular islands

Malaysia has islands that are known globally like Langkawi and Penang, as well as some hidden gems of smaller islands mostly around the East Cost of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah in East Malaysia.

House on stilts at around Mabul Island in Sabah
House on stilts at around Mabul Island in Sabah

2. Beautiful beaches

White sand and deep blue waters, the beaches in Malaysia, like in Marang or Semporna, are properly picturesque vacation spots.

Rawa Island in Johor | Photo credit: Phalinn Ooi
Rawa Island in Johor | Photo credit: Phalinn Ooi

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3. Incredibly delicious food

Malaysian’s love their food and you’ll have no trouble finding mouthwatering local and international cuisines just about everywhere.

Nasi lemak, a Malaysian favourite | Photo credit: is Azfar Ahmad
Nasi lemak, a Malaysian favourite | Photo credit: is Azfar Ahmad
Food cooked in claypots in Chinawtown | Photo credit: f11photo / Shutterstock.com
Food cooked in claypots in Chinawtown | Photo credit: f11photo / Shutterstock.com

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 4. Stunning dive spots.

Widely regarded as one home to the best diving destinations in the world, Sabah’s clear waters are a treat to marine enthusiasts. On the Peninsular, Pulau Redang is also popular among divers.

Photo credit: Tchami
Photo credit: Tchami
Diving under Baracuda Point in Sabah | Photo credit: Chen Wu
Diving under Baracuda Point in Sabah | Photo credit: Chen Wu

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Promoted

5. The Rafflesia

The worlds largest flower, rafflesia, is also known as the ‘corpse flower’ for its “rotting flesh” stench. Intriguing as it is, you might not want to be around it for too long.

Rafflesia | Photo credit: vil.sandi
Rafflesia | Photo credit: vil.sandi

See Also: Rafflesia – The Largest Flower in the World

6. Multicultural haven

Malaysia is a country that takes pride in its heritage that includes traditions and cultures of many ethnicities and religions. Here, everyone celebrates each other’s cultural festivals and shares in the history they’ve made together.

Photo credit: enshahdi
Photo credit: enshahdi

See Also: The People Who Make Malaysia a Multicultural Haven

7. East and West fusion

From the rich heritage stems country that is constantly moving forward and growing in pace with the West while still treasuring it’s  Eastern history. The best representation of this fusion can be found in the architecture that incorporate design elements of both East and West.

KL Railway station with Eastern and Western architectural influences | Photo credit: Wasin Waeosri
KL Railway station with Eastern and Western architectural nuances | Photo credit: Wasin Waeosri

8. Events and festivals

Malaysia has hosted and will probably continue to host a number of international events, festivals and celebrations. Here’s a highlight:

Formula1 race at the Sepang Circuit | Photo credit: CHEN WS / Shutterstock.comFormula 1 Grand Prix

Once a year, Malaysia hosts this race at the Sepang International Ciruit. This event has been hosted since 1999 and has seen winners including Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and most recently, Sebastian Vettel. Formula1 race at the Sepang Circuit | Photo credit: CHEN WS / Shutterstock.com

Dragon boat race in Putrajaya | Photo credit: Shamleen / Shutterstock.com

International Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boat crews from around the world compete in their colourful and intricately designed dragon boats. There the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and also the Putrajaya Dragon Boat Championship in 2014. Dragon boat race in Putrajaya | Photo credit: Shamleen / Shutterstock.com

Stage five of Tour de Langkawi | Photo credit: Ery Azmeer / Shutterstock.com

Promoted

Tour de Langkawi

This renowned cycling competition, started in 1996, is a gruelling 10-day race (done in stages) around Langkawi. Stage five of Tour de Langkawi | Photo credit: Ery Azmeer / Shutterstock.com

See Also: Malaysia Formula One 2014: What You Should Know

9. Markets everywhere

Usually, night markets in various neighbourhoods pop up once or twice a week and it’s were many locals shop for fresh produces, cheap clothes and street food. Slightly more commercial markets, like that in Chinatown or Little India, are open almost everyday and have a lot more to offer shoppers who are looking for cheap good or delicious street food.

Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur | Photo credit: Zhu
Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur | Photo credit: Zhu

10. Shopping

According to CNN, Malaysia is rated as one of the best shopping experiences in the world. In Kuala Lumpur city alone, there are over 10 different malls: Suria KLCC, Pavillion, Lot 10, Fahrenheitt 88, Avenue K…I could go on and on.

Mid Valley Megamall | Photo credit: Mid Valley Facebook
Mid Valley Megamall | Photo credit: Mid Valley Facebook

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 11. Safe from natural disasters

Located just outside the Ring of Fire, Malaysia is relatively free from major earthquakes. There’s also no active volcanoes and the only climate related problem to watch out for are flooding in coastal regions during the monsoon season and droughts.

View from Kinabalu Pine Resort in Sabah | Photo credit: Zhan Hui Teh
View from Kinabalu Pine Resort in Sabah | Photo credit: Zhan Hui Teh
Entering KL | Photo credit: naim fadil
Entering KL | Photo credit: naim fadil

See Also: Is That a Tornado in Johor?

12. Strategically located in Southeast Asia

Malaysia is within flying distance to many other countries, making it great for regional travel.


Interactive map

13. Mount Kinabalu

The tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu is located along the Crocker Range in Sabah, within the Kinabalu Park which is a world heritage site.

View from the Mount Kinabalu summit (4035m) | Photo credit: Stéphane Enten
View from the Mount Kinabalu summit (4035m) | Photo credit: Stéphane Enten

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14. Animals

Malaysia is also home to an estimated 20% of the world’s animal species.

Orangutan at the Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre | Photo credit Emma GawenOrangutan

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah was established in 1964 and is home to roughly 80 orangutans. Orangutan at the Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre | Photo credit Emma Gawen

Bathing baby elephants at the Gandah Elephant Sanctuary | Photo credit: Takashi OtaBornean elephants

Also known as the pygmy elephant, these little animals are currently under threat of extinction. The Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang was founded to protect elephants from poachers and relocate them when necessary. Bathing baby elephants at the Gandah Elephant Sanctuary | Photo credit: Takashi Ota

Matang narrow-mouthed frog |Photo credit: Ryan M. BoltonMatang narrow-mouthed frog

This frog is native to the Kubah National Park in Sarawak. It was, for a short while, the smallest frog ever discovered at only 10-12mm long. Though it has been succeeded by a tinier rival, the Matang narrow-mouthed frog is known as the smallest frog of the old world. Matang narrow-mouthed frog |Photo credit: Ryan M. Bolton

See Also:

15. English is widely spoken

Being multicultural, you’ll find that most Malaysians are bilingual, or even multilingual. Many speak Malay and English as well as their native language. Almost everyone can converse in English, which makes getting around quite simple for visitors.

Signboard of local barber shop in Penang | Photo credit: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com
Signboard of local barber shop in Penang | Photo credit: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

16. Attractions

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 list has Malaysia in the top 10 for the many attractions the country has to offer:

legoland

Legoland

At Legoland, there are seven themes attractions designed for all ages including MINLAND where Asian landmarks are recreated using Legos and over 70 rides, slides, and shows that are ineractive and engaging. Lego model at Legoland Malaysia | Photo credit: Aaron Lim / Shutterstock.com

hill mynaMalacca Bird Park

The focus at this bird park is on Malaysian bird species and habitat conservation. The Melaka Bird Park highlights threats to local bird species and steps on protecting them. Some highlights include a waterfall aviary with Mandarin ducks and a variety of talkative parrots and hill mynah.

genting highlandGenting Highland Theme Park

Accesed only by cable cars, the Genting Theme Park in Resorts World Genting is popular among the young locals for weekend trips. The theme park offers thrilling rides and an indoor roller coaster. For those over 21, Resorts World Genting also houses a casino. Inside Genting Resort | Photo credit: Tooykrub / Shutterstock.com

See Also: 10 Islands You Want to Visit in Malaysia

17. Warm weather all year round

With only two season to speak of – wet or dry – Malaysia is generally sunny all year round with short bouts of tropical thunderstorms during the monsoon season from November to April.

sunset-476465_1280

See Also: 6 Tips for Keeping Cool in Malaysia without Air-Conditioning

18. A peaceful country

Malaysia is one of the top 30 most peaceful nations in the world, ranked at number 28 out of 162 countries, according to the Global Peace Index 2015.

Malaysian flag | Photo credit: World Bank Photo Collection
Malaysian flag | Photo credit: World Bank Photo Collection

See Also: Global Peace Index 2012

19. Top retirement location

Malaysia was ranked 4th by Forbes in their list of Best Countries to Retire To 2015. And in 2013, US News ranked Georgetown in Penang and Kuala Lumpur among the best cities in the world for retirement.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion | Photo credit: claire

See Also: US News Ranks Penang’s George Town and Kuala Lumpur among Best Cities in the World for Retirement

20. Education

University Malaysia Sabah graduation | Photo credit: Lano Lan / Shutterstock.com
University Malaysia Sabah graduation | Photo credit: Lano Lan / Shutterstock.com

There has been an increase in international and private education institutions in Malaysia over the last few years and this is a testament to the availability of good education in the country. This includes tertiary education institutions, both public and private ones.

See Also:

21. Healthcare services

Apart from having good healthcare facilities and professionals, Malaysia is also known for being a medical tourism destination in Southeast Asia and was awareded the 2015 Public Private Partnership Medical Travel Destination of The Year Award by the World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress.

Surgery
Surgeons operate | Photo credit: Phalinn Ooi

See Also: 10 Private Hospitals You Should Know in Kuala Lumpur

22. Friendly and generous people

Just about every person in Malaysia is kind and pleasant. If you smile at a stranger and they’ll likely smile back.

Friendly malaysia
Young Kadazunduzun men in traditional outfits |Photo credit: Dolly MJ / Shutterstock.com

23. Public holidays

According to Business Insides Australia, Malaysia ranks 5th for countries with the most public holiday, at 15 days. That’s already a lot of days, but Business Insider probably didn’t take into account the many state holidays, which would increase that number depending on which state you’re in. We have the multicultural society here to thank for that.

Lion dance | photo credit: clurros
Lion dance | photo credit: clurros

See Also: Public Holidays in Malaysia

24. Business

According to the Global Finance Magazine in 2015, Malaysia is the world’s 18th easiest country to do business.

Putra World Trade Centre in KL | Photo credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com
Putra World Trade Centre in KL | Photo credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com

See Also: Malaysia, an Easy Place to Do Business

25. Lake Kenyir

This is the largest man-made lake in Malaysia, at 260 square km, and it serves as a reservoir for the Sultan Mahmud Power Station in Terengganu. It has been developed as an eco-tourism spot as well, with nearby resorts, fishing, and trekking.

Lake Kenyir | Photo credit: Mohd Fahmi Mohd Azmi
Lake Kenyir | Photo credit: Mohd Fahmi Mohd Azmi

See Also:

26. Rainforests

Malaysia is also home to two of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world: Taman Negara and the Royal Belum Rainforest, both approximately 130 million years old.

Wldest tropical rainforest, Taman Negara in Pahang | Photo credit: Wakx
Taman Negara in Pahang | Photo credit: Wakx
Indigenous settlement at Royal Belum National Park
Indigenous settlement at Royal Belum National Park

See Also:

27. Colourful fruits and vegetables

Malaysia is rife with fresh produce. The fruits and vegetables, particularly, are often colourful, ripe, juicy and totally delicious. Cameron Highlands is one place that’s known for its fresh vegetables – the cool climate there is great for farming.

Durian stall in TTDI
Durian, the King of fruits, in KL | Photo credit: zolmuhd
Fruit stall 1
Fruit stalls in Sabah | Photo credit: Alvin Heng
Fruit stall
Selling ruits in Penang | Photo credit: RICO Lee

See Also:

28. Guinness is brewed locally in Malaysia!

A pint of Guinness | Photo credit: Aaron Hockley
A pint of Guinness | Photo credit: Aaron Hockley

See Also:

29. Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers have become an icon of Malaysia, and it claimed top spot as the world’s tallest building from 1996 to 2004.

The Twin Towers | Photo credit: Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.com
The Twin Towers | Photo credit: Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.com

See Also: The History and Construction of the Petronas Twin Towers

30. Relatively inexpensive

Accommodation and transportation is affordable and food is very cheap as well, which means you’ll be able save on basics and party more!

KL
View of Kuala Lumpur from above

See Also: Cost of living comparisons between KL and BangkokJakarta, and Australia.

Not enough people around the world know about the treasures of Malaysia. Share this story and spread the love!

Homepage Highlight Photo Credit: See-ming lee, Flickr

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