Easy and Safe Travelling...
This section contains tourist information for your visit to the following locations on the Malay peninsula:
Explore the marine park of this tropical beach island getaway, then while away your surface interval with a round of golf...
This east coast archipelago has superb beaches and protected waters waiting for you to discover...
The Malay Peninsula which comprises approximately half of Malaysia is the mainland section bordering Thailand to the north and the island state of Singapore to the South.
Although considered still a developing country this is in many ways one of the most progressive countries in Asia. Boasting attractions ranging from the soaring peaks of the Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur (KL) to their increasingly protected marine and wildlife resources, Malaysia appeals to tourists from all over the world.
In what is (a little rosily) declared a model of the modern world "Malaysia sees Muslims, Hindus and Christians living peacefully together in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect". Under English rule until only a few decades ago, the legacy of a legal system, business practices and language make Malaysia an easy place to travel in and to get things done.
A large area of the peninsula is dense jungle, especially in the mountainous north. The mountains sweep down to the east coat which is fringed by beautiful sandy beaches and speckled by picturesque islands.
 View a map of Malay Peninsula
The rest of this page contains information about:
Got a question?
Have a look through our Frequently asked questions...
How to Get There
Kuala Lumpur has a major international airport with connections to and from just about everywhere. Singapore is too and, if your trip is solely for diving and you will be proceeding directly from the airport to your destination, Singapore may offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative.
From the USA, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Cathay Pacific all fly to Kuala Lumpur. Canadian Airlines also flies from Vancouver and Toronto. Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Ansett Australia and Qantas Airways all offer flights from Australia, with Air New Zealand also available for Kiwis.
From the UK there are direct flights from various cities including Manchester and London and there is a very wide range of carriers. Continental Europe enjoys numerous flights including those from Frankfurt, Zurich, Amsterdam and Paris.
The Beaches
For beaches on the peninsula you are really talking about the east coast, particularly the islands of Redang, Tioman and the Perhentian islands, all of which boast idyllic little bays and coves with fine sandy beaches and perfect swimming conditions.
Climate
Malaysia's tropical climate means temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year - hot. Rainy season begins in earnest late November and ends around March. At this time there is still normally plenty of sun in the daytime but when it rains, it really, really rains. A few hours later, if the sun has re-emerged, the land is dry again.
Sightseeing and Things to do
The peninsula has no shortage of attractions such as the natural delights of the Cameron Highlands and Taman Negara National Park or the culinary wonders of Penang but for divers most time spent here will be either in KL or on the east coast islands where the likes of Redang and Tioman present the perfect island holiday choices.
Kuala Lumpur itself if a city of contrasts (aren't they all?) with incredibly hi-tec and imaginative architecture overlooking the ramshackle mayhem of Chinatown. A trip up the Telecoms Tower is a must if only to marvel at how annoying the headphone commentary is. The views, however are awesome and much better and higher than the more-visited Petronas Tower lookout.
Entertainment & Nightlife
KL has everything you would expect of a major capital although it is much cleaner and well-ordered than you might expect of a big Asian city. Bars, restaurants, cinemas, huge shopping complexes abound throughout the city. Oh, and yes, alcohol is sold in the major cities and throughout most of the country, except the most remote locations. Recreational drugs however are not, and trafficking offences carry the death penalty!
Shopping
Shopping fetishists will not want to leave Kuala Lumpur, which is a bit of a shopper's paradise. Elsewhere you might struggle to find quality labels but no shortage of fake threads. KL has more complexes than a balding 18 year old and it is harder to get away from shopping opportunities than it is to find them.
Dining Out
All manner of food (makan) is on offer in Malaysia. Traditional Malay blends with Indian, Chinese and western meaning you can find just about anything you are familiar with and plenty you are not. Downtown near all the major hotels in KL are numerous eateries for every taste and wallet. Alternatively you can head to Bangsar where a little network of cool eateries and watering holes are frequented by expats and informed visitors.
The People
Around 85% of Malaysia's population lives on the peninsula and they consist essentially of three ethinic groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians. With a general brush one can say that the Chinese are the most economically active, the Malays are favoured by discriminatory governmental policies in an effort to boost their involvement in the economy, and the Indians remain at an economic disadvantage, as they do in many places throughout the world.
Local Transport
Flights
Air Asia and other discount airlines offer some incredibly cheap flights both around Malaysia and into Thailand and Indonesia. However you will need to book well in advance to secure the very cheap seats which can be done on-line. Malaysia airlines also operate extensively in the domestic market and although more expensive, do offer more reliability, good value-for-money - especially on international routes - and less delays.
Train
If you are staying in the peninsula, trains may be an option with one running up the west coat to Butterworth and then Thailand, and the other running in a north east direction to Kota Bharu.
Bus and Taxi
The bus system is excellent and reliable but also competes with long distance taxis which can be a real bargain if there are two or three of you. It is also possible to find others with whom to share especially at taxi stands in the early morning.
Interested?
Are you interested? If you're keen to explore the tropical islands of Peninsular Malaysia, then click below to check your options now for:
Be sure to book up in plenty of time to avoid limited choice! The best diving opportunities are booked by repeat customers who book well in advance to ensure their reservation!
Back to Malaysia tourist information
|
