Travel around Malaysia 's many islands - Pulau Perhentain, Langkawi, Pulau Pinang (Penang), Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang and many more. Check out the Langkawi islands, the isles of myths and legends, a tropical vacation paradise island. Or visit Penang island, a mix of urban and nature, a place in rich in history and diversity. Hundreds of virtually unexplored island lie off the coasts of West Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. (Learn how to travel to the islands at our Transport page). Malaysia's hundreds of tropical island are some of the most beautiful places to visit, some are renowned holiday resorts, yet some untouched waiting to be explored.

     Visit Kedah, Sarawak, Sabah or Pahang to explore what the virgin forests and highlands have in store for you. The forested hills and mountains is a paradise for the eco-tourists and adventure seekers.  You can indulge in all kinds of adventurous sports - abseiling, canopy walk, treak into the rainforest, go birdwatching or hike up a mountain. The virgin rainforests in the states of Pahang (National park), Kedah (Ulu Muda) and numerous forest of Sarawak and Sabah are great places for nature lovers.

    History enthusiast should visit Penang island to see the largest collection of 18-19th century houses in south east Asia. To learn about the Kingdom of Bujang of the 4th century, visit Kedah, the oldest surviving sultanate and most extensive archaeological site at the foothills of Kedah Peak. Many would enjoy the rich cultural mix of Melaka (Malacca) along the straits of Malacca, with her cultural heritage of Malay, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Achehnese, English and Arabic.

Shopping and a unique urban experience

     Visit the cities and towns in Malaysia - walk around the streets, markets. See the diverse cultural and economic activities all over the country - from street markets, shop houses to shopping mall and boutiques. The best place to shop for bargains or get local foodstuff is to shop at roadside stalls, open bazaars or markets (pasar), but those who cannot take the heat of the sun can shop at air-conditioned shopping malls or complexes. The pasar malam or night markets and pasar tani (farmer's market) are delightful open market and bazaars where you can shop and bargain for all sorts of merchandise - from fruits, vegetables and fish to fashion clothes and bags. In small towns in Malaysia, roadside stalls and wet markets offer fresh food, fruits and local foodstuff.

     Enjoy great bargains on fashion goods at the modern shopping places. Air-conditioned shopping malls are found in every major towns and cities such as KL, Johor Bahru, Penang, Langkawi. Shop for branded international labels or Malaysian and Asian merchandise at these malls and hypermarkets. The labyrinth of shops in shopping complexes sells food, fashion goods, photographic equipments, CD, shoes, books, etc , from the cheap to the expensive. Visit Malaysia during the mid-year Mega Sales to get the best bargains. 

Culture and food

Malaysians - Malay, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Thais, etc. practice their own cultural and religious beliefs - in harmony. You will be able to see and enjoy the numerous cultural and religious festivals all year round in Malaysia. Malaysian food is a potpourri of flavours - walk the streets of to sample every delightful hawker or street food found in Asia or even the world - Malay Food, Chinese food, Indian, Thai, Nyonya and hawker food; from snacks and Malaysian kueh (kuih) to noodles and rice dishes. Favourite pastime of Malaysian... eating! You will find specialty cuisine at top-notch restaurants to delightful hawker food (street food) at street corners. Fast food joints for locals may be a roadside stall serving fresh, hot local fare or franchised outlet of McDonalds or Kentucky, usually located at shopping malls. In Malaysia be sure to try traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian and Nyonya (or Nonya) cuisines. Visitors can also find continental cuisine and almost any Asian food.  To know more about the country, search for your destination in Malaysia by states or towns.

Browse Malaysia by states in Malaysia.

Where to stay in Malaysia - free search tool to compare hotel rates from popular 30 over travel booking websites......here

• Getting to Malaysia and moving around
• What to eat in Malaysia

Learn more about Malaysia here or at www.mymalaysiabooks.com