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  • Asia
    • Introduction
    • Cambodia
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Laos
    • Malaysia
    • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • South Korea
      • Sri Lanka
      • Taiwan
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
  • Malaysia
    Overview
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    Explore
    • Kuala Lumpur and around
    • The west coast
    • The interior
    • The east coast
    • The south
    • Sarawak
    • Sabah
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  • Things not to Miss
A popular pair of islands off the east coast, with beautiful beaches, great snorkelling and accommodation for all budgets. Malaysia boasts a wide range of crafts, from batik and songket (brocade) to rattan baskets and labu, gourd-shaped ceramic jugs. A beautiful approach by longboat brings you to Brunei’s only national park; treks and a canopy walkway will keep you busy during your stay. Malaysia’s premier national park, Taman Negara, is one of the world’s oldest rainforests, with hides for wildlife-spotting, treetop walkways and treks lasting from an hour to a whole week. Cruise through pristine jungle along this spectacular river, spotting proboscis monkeys and, occasionally, orang-utans Malaysia’s capital boasts a host of excellent malls, as well as vibrant street markets where bargaining is de rigueur. A bustling Chinese-dominated haven with elaborate temples, colonial-era mansions and beaches galore. These odd-looking creatures roam kerangas forest and mangrove swamps in the national park, not far from Kuching. Held annually near Kuching, this world-music festival is an opportunity to see indigenous performers alongside musicians from across the globe. The city’s complex historical heritage is evident in its Portuguese, Dutch and British buildings and Peranakan ancestral homes. Misty tea plantations, afternoon tea and jungle trails in cool mountain air. Watch dawn over Borneo from the summit of Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. A view of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles reward the challenging haul up Gunung Api, and the park also boasts underground caves that teem with wildlife. Luxurious resorts on sublime beaches pretty much sums up these west-coast islands, close to the border with Thailand. These remote uplands offer excellent walks and hikes, plus encounters with friendly tribal communities along the way. KL’s iconic towers not only hold your gaze from all angles but also house one of the city’s best shopping malls. Simple stalls in markets and malls and on the street serve up mouthwatering noodles, snacks and desserts. The spectacular islands off Sabah offer the thrill of swimming with sharks and turtles. Large communal dwellings, home to members of indigenous tribes, are found along rivers and in remote mountain locations.