10 reasons to add Malaysia to your bucket list
Looking for a diverse travel experience that won't break the bank? Malaysia may be just the destination for you. From stunning beaches and lush rainforests to bustling cities and rich cultural experiences, Malaysia offers something for every type of traveler.
Not sure if Malaysia is worth a visit? I promise, you want it on your bucket list. It’s well, well, well worth a visit. Malaysia was a surprise to me the first time I visited. Wow-ed by their breakfasts, dazzled by the detailed architecture, but thrown off by all the staring, Malaysia had me puzzled from my very first visit. Now, after multiple returns to the beautiful country, I can truly say I am a lover of all the country offers its guests. If you’re on the fence about whether to make the trip to Malaysia or not, I’ve got a list of reasons to book your plane ticket today!
1.GORGEOUS EXTERIORS + INTRICATE INTERIORS
Vibrant floor tiles, delicate details, and pretty pagodas— Malaysia serves up some serious aesthetics. I have so many photos of my feet and tiles, probably on some level wanting to install them in my future home. My brain is always in overload in Malaysia, but this trip I felt more aware and in the moment {amazing what leaving your phone can do}. The juxtaposition of modern murals painted on the exteriors of decaying buildings left me wow-ed.
2. AFFORDABILITY
Southeast Asia is, generally speaking, very affordable. Thus the basis of its appeal for most travellers. Malaysia is no exception. Grab taxi rides cost one or two dollars, breakfasts set you back less than coffee in Australia, and most big attractions are free to the public. Sticking to your budget in Malaysia is easy and the affordability of the destination only makes it more attractive to people like me who tend to stick to low or mid-range travelling budgets.
3. DIVERSITY
While a majority of Malaysia identifies with the religion of Islam, there is influence from all over. Chinese temples near Indian food vendors around the corner from Mosques— your senses will have to take in a lot, but all the diversity in culture means you’ll never be bored.
4. LOCATION + ACCESSIBILITY
Kuala Lumpur is on just about every traveller’s radar thanks to it being a major flight hub in Asia. Layovers in KL are extremely common thanks to budget airlines like AirAsia. It’s an ideal spot to fly in and out of, which means it’s accessible to travel on even the tightest of budgets. Wherever you’re travelling in Asia, it’s likely to have a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur, which makes adding Malaysia to your next vacation plans a no-brainer!
5. CAFé CULTURE
The café culture in Malaysia takes most people by surprise. I know, on my first visit, I was shocked by the number of trendy establishments serving up flat whites and Malaysian takes on Western brunch classics. Now, as a visitor to the country multiple times, I go with an empty stomach knowing there is always a fantastic brunch to be found no matter what neighbourhood I’m staying in. There is a café for every price range too because, when it comes to brunch, Malaysians really do not mess around.
Read more | Best Brunch Spots in Kuala Lumpur
6. STREET FOOD
Some of the best vegetable samosas I’ve ever had anywhere were from a street vendor in Georgetown’s Little India. The price? I scoffed down the delicious veggie delights for the equivalent of USD $0.20! With street vendors offering coconut ice cream, Indian dosa, Chinese noodles, and Nasi Lemak…it’s a foodie haven.
7. HISTORY
The British colonialization and Malaysia’s ties to the Netherlands only make it a more fascinating country to visit. Throw in the fact that Singapore became a sovereign state from Malaysia due to political and economic tensions in 1965, and you have enough to keep any young historian eager.
8. ART
I’ll admit it: I’m not a connoisseur of art. I know what I find beautiful or interesting and what I don’t, but I know almost nothing about art in terms of technique. However, if you’re a lover of the arts, Malaysia is filled with it. My friend Where Goes Rose was in Ipoh and discovered art all over the city, as I did in Georgetown on Penang Island. One of my top Instagram ideas for those in Kuala Lumpur is a stop in Bukit Bintang where the streets are literally covered with vibrant murals and designs. Art is everywhere in Malaysia!
9. BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
The beaches I walked across in Penang were just as beautiful as those I’ve visited in Thailand, but with the bonus of being less crowded by tourists and souvenir salesmen. And if I haven’t sold you on the beaches of Penang, surely you’ve seen travel bloggers rave about the ultimate Malaysian beach vacation destination, Langkawi?!
10. WILDLIFE
It shouldn’t shock anyone that Malaysia, like most places, is more than its capital city. As a matter of fact, most of Malaysia is completely undeveloped, which allows wildlife to roam freely. Taman Negara National Park is a highly rated spot for wildlife enthusiasts to admire animals in their natural habitats. Tapirs, wild boar, and monkeys all call this protected land home. Let’s not forget a little place called Borneo! There’s no need to go all the way to the African continent if you’re in Malaysia because here you can also catch a glimpse of extreme wildlife like tigers, elephants, orangutans, and rhinos.
