Malaysia

Eco-friendly travel guide to Malaysia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Malaysia, Asia.

Kuala Lumpur City View

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Bus connections: 4 / 5

Train connections: 3 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.5 / 5

National parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$50 - $250

Budget per day: US$75 - $300

Responsible Travel

A beautiful country with a varied landscape and fantastic nature, Malaysia is truly one of the world's hottest tourist destinations. Attracting travelers from around the globe, the country has emerged to be one of the most delicate and most beautiful countries with thrilling experiences and beautiful locations to explore. Located in South East Asia, the country is constituted by thirteen states and three federal territories. With over a population of 32 million people, the country is the 43rd most populated country globally.

With multiple ethnicities and cultures, Malaysia is a vibrant and welcoming place. Also known as the 'Land of Indigenous Malay,' the country derived its name from the Sanskrit term "Malaiyur-pura," meaning mountain town. With more than half of the indigenous Malay people's population, the country is home to minorities of Chinese, Indians, and various others. The country is well known for its scenic beauty and architecture. Also known as the Land of the Beautiful Islands, the country is well jeweled with natural and human-made marvels.

Turning the tides, Malaysia is now one of the most preferred tourist destinations, and so the points to keep in mind while exploring the beautiful trails of Malaysia are:

Ecotourism is one of Malaysia's is characterized by ancient rainforests, beautiful beaches and reefs, and spectacular natural biodiversity. Malaysia is a hotspot for tourists seeking to experience tropical flora and fauna, so ensure not to harm the country's aesthetic while exploring its trails. Also, avoid animal tourism while in the country.

Being a tourist destination, pollution is a growing concern. Make sure to use eco-friendly ways of traveling like walking or using a bicycle or even booking an eco-friendly vehicle in order to reduce the carbon trail.

Eat and drink locally while in Malaysia. It means avoid consuming fast food from international chain restaurants instead of experiencing the local delicacies. This will boost the economy of the country.

When planning to buy a gift or souvenir, go for locally made products from artisans and craftsmen. Refrain from bargaining, as the art demands a high level of skills and patience.

Avoid using plastic or any other pollution-causing material. Use reusable water bottles, bamboo made spoons, and cups that reduce pollution. Properly dispose of the waste to avoid damaging the beauty of the country.

Beaches are beautiful in Malaysia. Avoid taking anything from there and refrain from leaving any kind of garbage on the beaches as it will harm the place's beauty.

Avoid consuming food like shark fin soup or bird nest soup as it welcomes poaching or endangered species. Also, do not feed monkeys on beaches as it may encourage the aggressive behavior of monkeys.

Be considerate while using the electricity in the country. Make sure to switch off the lights and fans while you leave the premises you reside in. Instead, if you get the opportunity to stay at the eco-friendly accommodations that use renewable sources of electricity.

While in the country, stay at the eco-friendly hotels that offer all basic amenities without any negative impact on the environment. Additionally, Couchsurfing, camping, and rental apartments are ones that provide the services and amenities to the visitors quite substantially.

Avoid littering the tourist locations or rather any other place. Use the dustbins installed around the country for disposing of waste. Make sure to put the recyclable material in separate bins wherever they are installed.

While in the country, try to make your fellow travelers aware of responsible tourism. Being a responsible traveler, even a small constriction in reducing the waste or pollution in the country can result in a bigger picture as a whole.

Air Quality and Pollution

Pollution is one of the significant concerns globally. With the increased globalization and urbanization the pollution is growing at an alarming rate. Also, as the population is booming, the need for transport is rising, adding to pollution. On the other hand, deforestation to fulfill the need for a home is a significant concern of pollution. The same is the case with Malaysia.

Increasing the number of industries and vehicles and reducing greenery in Malaysia is a significant factor contributing to pollution. Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels and bauxite mining has been a growing concern in Malaysia. In fact, parts of Pahang's state are covered with layers of red dust, which actually reflects how serious the pollution concern is in Malaysia. The current pollution statistics in Malaysia is as follows:

Pollution Index – 62.59
Pollution Exp Scale – 107.08

According to the Malaysia Air Quality Index, the country is moderately polluted with a PM2.5 rating of 19.36 µg/m³ as against between 12.1 to 35.4 µg/m³, putting Malaysia somewhat lower end of this moderate spectrum. Health issues and the risks associated with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air are numerous, most of which are quite vulnerable. The country does publish the daily pollution level of various cities, which is a significant insight for the locals as well as travelers.

The Malaysian Department of Environment and other related offices in Malaysia are concerned with air pollution control and are entrusted with the responsibility to implement pollution control measures. This department and the locals' efforts that the air quality in more significant urban areas are now sustainably improved. This is one of the most positive concerning the country's overall air quality, which is 45.41, a moderate rate as per Numbeo.

Being a responsible traveler, it is the primary responsibility to be positively concerned and aware of nature and avoid littering and damaging the country's aesthetics. Be mindful of the pollution causing agents and refrain from using vehicles or modes of transport that are not eco-friendly. Reduce the carbon trails, and make your stay memorable, should be the aim while exploring the beautiful Land of Islands, Malaysia.

Respect the Culture

The culture of Malaysia is one of the most colorful and vibrant. With people of multiple ethnicities and cultures living in the country, the influence of various traditions throughout the country's history can be seen. Art and music are essential parts of Malaysia's culture; the influence of the same can still be seen. In addition to the Malay, Chinese, and Indian culture, the influence of the various other cultures that include Persian, Arabic, and British.

A perfect country with a beautiful culture and people, Malaysia is one of the finest destinations to travel to. A country that is the perfect blend of modernization and rich culture will offer an uncanny experience while exploring. From the mystic landmarks to one of the most famous adventure parks, the country is full of surprises. While in the country, some of the considerations to remember to respect the culture are:

Respect the traditions and customs of the religious places. Seek help for locals if you are unaware of the same.

There are various places where taking photographs is prohibited, especially the religious institutions and museums. Make sure to adhere to the guidelines and respect the culture.

Malaysia is one with a rich and distinctive culture. The art and music are deep-rooted, and a wide range of handicrafts can be seen here. Each piece has cultural importance, so get to know about it.

People of Malaysia offer great importance to the food, and the culture pays profound significance. While you eat, follow the customary practices to indulge with the culture.

Malaysia observes a lot of festivals throughout the year. Muslim holidays are quite prominent, but even Hindu festivals are also celebrated here. So, while you are in the country, enjoy the festival to know the tradition better.

Being a country with a rich tradition that is deeply rooted, people pay importance to dress up as well. Make sure to dress most appropriately while exploring the trails.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Malaysia is the crowning jewel of Southeast Asia. With the rich culture and vibrant traditions exploring the aesthetics of the country is blissful. From large island groups to mountains, fertile highlands, and tropical rainforest, Malaysia's geography is quite diverse. With the perfect blend of art and music in the country's culture and the various locations to add to the bucket list, there are numerous beautiful things to witness and experience.

While there are numerous destinations of Malaysia that will leave you awestruck and amazed, the pristine and top most destinations that are a must-visit while in the country are listed down here.

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur: Located in Kuala Lumpur, these are the tallest towers then even surpass the Willis Tower in Chicago, U.S.A. With a height of 442-metre, these towers are one with various offices, conference halls, a sprawling 50-acre park, and an upmarket shopping complex.

Melaka Historic City, Malacca: Another beautiful location in Malaysia will take you to a glimpse of Malaysia's unique heritage. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia, this place is gorgeous with a serene and peaceful locality to have a stroll or go cycling.

Menara KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur: Another most famous landmark of the capital city, this tower stands at 421 meters and offers a spectacular view of the town. This gleaming tower's spindle-like apex is visible from almost anywhere in Kuala Lumpur, making it one of the finest places to visit.

Sky Bridge, Pantai Kok - Langkawi: A beautiful bridge that offers the panoramic view of The Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok, this is one of the most visited attractions in Malaysia. With the rainforests below and the clear sky above the head, this place is sheer, beautiful, and unique.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang: One of the most important Chinese Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, was built in 1891. Popularly known as the temple of the supreme bliss, it offers an impressive sight of the countless images of Lord Buddha. The main highlight of the temple is Rama IV, with its 10,000 Buddha carvings.

Cameron Highlands, Pahang State: Located almost 2000 meters at its highest point, with moderate climate and pleasant temperature, this is the most beautiful place to grow continental plants, fruits, and vegetables. This is an exciting place to explore with the stunning vistas of Batu Brinchang and the ramshackle tea villages.

Georgetown Historic City, Penang: The fascinating place to visit, this is one that reflects the fusion of eastern and western influences. This place has been added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site with well-preserved heritage sites. With elegant buildings, refurbished Chinese manors, rowdy pubs, and artsy boutiques, cafés, and studios, this place is no less than a dreamland.

Batu Caves, Selangor: Consisting of three main caves and numerous small caves of which the majority sustain the statues and 100-year-old shrines dedicated to Hindu gods, this place is blissful. The Cathedral Cave, which is the main cave, is at the top of a massive colorful staircase of 272 steps with a 43-meter-tall gold statue of Lord Murugan at the bottom.

Mount Kinabalu, Sabah: The tallest mountain of Malaysia, this mountain is a part of the Kinabalu Park, one of the oldest national parks in Malaysia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to various types of animals and plants, this mountain is one with pristine beauty and a panoramic view of nature.

Perhentian Islands: Needless to say, Malaysia is the Land of islands. This is the group of small islands which is a prime tourist destination. With two significant islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar for the backpacking scene, and Pulau Perhentian Kecil for family-oriented travelers, these islands offer the most fantastic stay. With so many fun activities to participate in, like Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and even trekking, one can even volunteer in turtle conservation programs.

Petronas Twin Tower

Explore

Popularly known as the “Land of islands,” Malaysia is home to sparkling clean water, beautiful beaches, white waterfalls, and uncanny beautiful lush green nature and mountains. With the perfect resorts resting by the seaside, ancient mosques, and beautiful architectural sites, the country is a perfect blend of historical beauty with modernization. Malaysia is a charming tourist destination blessed with a rich culture, captivating parks to relax, astounding beaches to enjoy, bewitched landmarks to explore, and magnificent museums to know about the past.

City Parks

Keeping the concept of managing the environment and retaining its beauty, Malaysia is jeweled with numerous green parks and gardens to explore. With the lush green parks with the perfect place to sit and relax with numerous magical flowers and plants, Malaysia's authorities focus on improving the green score and reducing pollution.

While there are various parks in the country to visit, a few prominent ones are:

Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur: Located in the city's heart, this is one of the largest recreational parks measuring 91.6 hectares. The park's main tourist attractions include the National Monument, deer park, Hibiscus Garden, Orchid Garden, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, and Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park.

Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur: This is a tropical botanical garden with over 1,600 species of plants occupying over 80 hectares.

KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur: Designed to provide greenery to the most prominent towers in the city, Petronas Twin Towers, the park is jeweled with Lake Symphony, Jogging Track, and Footpath, Ornamental Water Features, Children Playground, and a mosque.

Malacca Botanical Garden, Malacca: A beautiful botanical garden that features Malacca Forestry Museum, Prehistoric Garden, the Storyland, children's playgrounds, the Orang Asli Park, Deer Park, suspension bridge, watchtowers, and beautiful picnic spots, this is over 359 hectares.

Garden of Thousand Flowers, Ayer Keroh: A park with an area of 5.3 hectares, this is one with walking tracks, fountains, pergola, prayer room, toilets, and rest area.

Raub Lake Park, Pahang: A beautiful park with a lake open for boating and sightseeing, this is amazing.

Penang Botanic Gardens, Penang: Also known as the Waterfall Gardens, due to the nearby cascading waterfall, this is a beautiful public park adorned with unique flowers and plants.

Taiping Lake Gardens, Perak: A park with beautiful ponds and lakes and near the Taiping Zoo, the main attraction here in the Tulip Garden.

Perdana Park, Sabah: A beautiful recreational park with a running track, wheelchair ramps, and light musical fountains, the evening here is a real bliss.

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor: Recently inaugurated, this is an 817 hectares park filled with flora and fauna, Animal Park, Ornamental Garden, Mystery Tunnel Lake, Tropical Fruit Garden, and few other beautiful sites.

Perdana Botanical Garden

National Parks

Malaysia, a country famous for its beaches and rainforest, is one of the pristine locations to explore the national parks. While there are hundreds of national parks in the country, a few notable ones to offer your visit are:

Bako National Park, Sarawak: A park spread over 2727 hectares with rainforest, wildlife, streams, waterfalls, tropical plants, beautiful beaches, and fantastic rock formations. It is one of the finest locations for bird watching.

Taman Negara National Park, Pahang: A beautiful park spread over 4344 square kilometers is one of the oldest rainforests. The activities to do here include a canopy walkway, rapid shooting, caving, fish feeding, trekking, and much more.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak: A park that includes the iconic Sarawak Chamber, Clearwater Cave, and spectacular rock formation, this park holds the World heritage sites with the breathtaking view.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Sabah: Located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this park is spread over 4929 hectares and is a group of five islands, namely Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug, making it mesmerizing.

Niah National Park, Sarawak: A perfect combination of warm green forest with cold dark caves displaying signs of inhabitation dating back to 40000 years. This is one of the most important archaeological and geological sites.

Penang National Park, Penang: A home to the most exotic flora and fauna, this park is embedded with beaches, dense forests, and beautiful wildlife. A place no less than heaven offers the opportunity to camp and boat as well.

Endau-Rompin National Park, Johor: With the abundance of natural wonders, this park is the home of the second-highest peak in Malaysia. An ideal park with wildlife, pools, waterfalls, and amazing greenery, the landscapes here dates back to 240 million years.

Similajau National Park, Sarawak: A park offering the opportunity to indulge in bird watching, trekking, hiking, and even snorkeling, this is one with dense forests and a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts. The crocodile sighting at night is one fantastic thing to do here.

Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak: One of Malaysia's unique parks, this is home to the world's largest flower of the incredible Rafflesia. With numerous hidden gems like waterfalls and streams in the forest, this is a captivating park to explore.

Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak: With around 237 different species of birds, flying squirrels, deers, wild pigs, and gibbons, this park will take you to lush jungles, waterfalls, bathing pools, and excellent trails to explore and relax.

Bako National Park

Beaches

If you are looking to feel the sand under your feet, Malaysia is perfect for it. With so many islands and beautiful coastlines, the beaches in Malaysia are of pristine beauty. The white sand, crystal clear water, and the cold breeze flowing make the beach vacation in Malaysia a genuinely joyful experience. While there are many beaches to explore in the country, the few most prominent ones to visit are:

Mabul Island Beach, Sabah: Located on the south-east side of Malaysia on the Sipadan island, this is one of the most beautiful and calm beaches to explore.

Layang-Layang Island Beach, Labuah: Another beach in Sabah, which is primarily famous for diving, snorkeling, or some bird watching, is one of the beaches pristine condition and with abundant aquatic life to meet.

Juara Beach, Tioman Island: A gorgeous and secluded beach with a stunning view of the sea can be easily reached by ferry.

Long Beach, Redang Island: A flawless beach with a beautiful ecosystem, endless trail of umbrellas, and great white sand to relax, this coastline is perfect for snorkeling or playing volleyball.

Pantai Pasir Tengkorak: A truly secluded beach due to its legend, this is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying camping and trekking activities.

Mamutik Island Beach: The smallest island of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is indeed the most excellent beach to explore with a chance to participate in snorkeling and scuba diving activities.

Tanjung Aru Beach, Sabah: Named after the trees that grow here, this beach is perfect for witnessing the fantastic beauty of the sunset and sunrise.

Labuan Island, Kota Kinabalu: Better known as the offshore financial center, this is a place with beaches to sunbathe, a beautiful sea to take a dip, and fantastic greenery for bird watching.

Morib Beach, Banting: Closest to Kuala Lumpur, this beach is the friendliest place to escape the city's hectic life. The beach is home to crabs, so watch your steps as you stroll.

Cenang Beach, Langkawi: A luxury beach is a prime location usually visited by tourists and is more known for the nightlife around.

Mabul Island Beach

Landmarks

A beautiful country that holds history and traditions with some of the finest modern monuments is one with impressive landmarks to explore. While there are hundreds of landmarks to visit in Malaysia, a few notable ones are:

North Borneo Railway, Borneo: A place to take a trip to the past with a steam engine of the 1900s, this railway station is home to only old-fashioned trains in Borneo that chugs about 83 miles from Tanjung Aru to Papar.

Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur: The central shopping district with numerous malls, sidewalk cafes, nightclubs, and busy streets is one of the must-visit places in Malaysia.

Sarawak Cultural Village, Sarawak: The finest place to experience the culture, tradition, lifestyle, and art of the local ethnic groups of Sarawak, this is amazingly beautiful.

Christ Church, Melaka: Built by the Dutch in the mid 18th century, this is one of the oldest functioning Protestant churches in Malaysia, famous for its colorful facade, the church floor, and a brass Bible stand.

Kinabatangan River, Sabah: Known for its wildlife and vegetation, this is the finest place to see Asian elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and Bornean orangutans and landscapes like limestone forests and salt and freshwater swamps.

Sipadan: A beauty in itself, this is one known as the diver’s paradise. With more than 3000 species of aquatic life and unique corals, one can see hawksbill and green turtles, manta rays, schools of barracudas, and whale sharks as well.

Pulau Tioman: A beautiful island with dense forests and fantastic coral reefs. This is located off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and is one perfect place for visitors looking to taste paradises.

Mount Kinabalu, Borneo: A landmark home to more than 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species, this is one perfect place for mountaineering.

Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah: Opened to provide shelter to the rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, and illegal hunting, this is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions of Malaysia.

Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), Langkawi: The 39-foot tall statue of an eagle ready to take flight and decorated with miniature fountains, terraces, and bridges around, this is a beautiful location to explore.

Bukit Bintang

Museums

There is no place better than a museum to know about the traditions, culture, and history of a place. Malaysia is a culturally and historically rich country with some of the most prominent museums. While you wish to know about the history, the best museums in Malaysia to visit are:

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur: Displaying the Islamic culture, this museum showcases Islamic motifs throughout time and culture, from the roots in Persia and the Middle East to the modern-day.

Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur: A science and technology museum dedicated to educating future generations on the science and industries of oil, gas, and waterworks.

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, Melaka: Showcasing the local history of ethnic Chinese-Malays, this museum is well known for its elaborate woodwork, furniture, and porcelain.

Sarawak Natural History Museum, Borneo: The oldest museum which showcases the indigenous inhabitants and their different tribes, this place includes history, natural history, and ethnology of the island of Borneo.

Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, Penang: A museum dedicated to art and history, this is one of the finest museums to explore.

National Museum of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur: A museum dedicated to the relics and archaeological findings of the prehistoric eras, Malaysian pre-culture, and the rise and decline of ancient maritime and agricultural kingdoms, this is pristine to know about the history of Malaysia.

Port Dickson Army Museum, Negeri-Sembilan: An uncanny place to learn about the Portuguese and Dutch colonists' advancements and the moment communism had during Malayan unrest. This also displays the Malaysian army influences.

Perak Royal Museum, Perak: The two storey building, Istana Kenangan, which was once a Royal Residence, is now transformed into the museum to give visitors a peep into the Royal lifestyle.

Wonderfood Museum, Penang: An entirely new kind of museum that uses the Japanese art of replicating foods for shop displays to recreate Penang's and Malaysia's most beloved foods for the ages.

Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur

Eat

Nasi Lemak served on a banana leaf

Exploring the never-ending trail of beautiful landscape and modernist buildings, Malaysia is breathtaking. Known for tourism, the country is trendy for the lip-smacking delicacies that it offers. With the perfect blend of aromatic spices and ingredients, the country is one uncanny destination to provide vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and vegan dishes. An ideal place with unique delicacies for every tourist, Malaysia is beautiful and a dreamy spot for food-lovers. The best local delicacies to try and tickle your taste buds in Malaysia are:

Nasi lemak: probably the National dish of Malaysia, it means fat rice which is prepared from coconut rice, prawn sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and ayam rendang and served with boiled egg, peanuts, and cucumber.

Ikan Bakar: A grilled fish, all spiced up with a fantastic blend of chili paste and grilled on charcoal top over banana leaf, served with hot rice, a particular dish, and vegetable curry.

Assam laksa: Rice noodles served in sour tamarind broth with mackerel and vegetable garnishing.

Nasi kandar: A dish with Indian influence prepared by rice and kandar and served with curries like mutton curry, fried chicken, and some rotis on the side.

Roti canai: A deep-fried bread served with some dipping solace and topped with little spice to add taste, this is one fantastic delicacy.

Banana leaf rice: A beautiful vegetarian dish that includes white rice, topped with crispy poppadom, surrounded by an assortment of vegetables, served on the broad banana leaf.

Char kuay teow: A typical style of rice noodles which are stir-fried on high heat with shrimp, bean sprouts, chives, and often an egg.

Bak kut teh: Meaning "meat bone tea," including lots of pork, slow-cooked with a broth filled with herbs, salt, and soothing spices, and often accompanied with a bowl of rice or noodles.

Hokkien mee: The dark prawn noodles, which are highly heated and flavored with dark soy sauce, are absolutely amazing.

Fried rice: A dish of rice available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variants is one of Malaysia's most famous street foods.

Kaya pau: A type of jam made from coconut milk and is usually used to jam buns for breakfast.

Gula Melaka: A thick palm sugar like syrup which can be added to almost every dessert and has toffee or caramel-like consistency, is one of the most famous delicacies.

Drink

The finest city with beautiful locations to explore and mouth watering delicacies to taste, Malaysia is one of the most pristine tourist destinations. With cities ranging from the ultra-modern to the village environment, the country is one with a rich culture perfectly blended with urbanization. Exploring the city will be a fun experience that will fill you with thrill and joy.

Once you are done exploring the country, it is the perfect time to taste the local delicacies and quench your thirst with some of the finest drinks. While you are in Malaysia, you will find a range of drinks to taste. Right from tea and coffee to juices and alcohol-based drinks, Malaysia offers some of the finest liquids to quench your thirst. The specialty drinks of Malaysia are:

Ipoh White Coffee: A unique light caramelized coffee made with coffee beans that are lightly roasted in margarine before they are ground and brewed.

Teh Tarik: The Malaysian pulled tea is made with condensed milk and added flavors, making it a little foamy, creamy, sweet with a bit of kick.

Bandung: A fantastic pink-hued beverage that is a blend of condensed milk, fresh milk, evaporated milk, ice, and rose syrup.

Lihing: A Malaysian version of rice wine with its origins in Sabah and is served chilled with different fruit juices.

Gin Pahit: A combination of gin, sugar syrup, and Angostura bitters served with ice and garnished with a lemon zest twist, this is amazing.

Water Chestnut Juice: A relatively healthy drink with low fat, high potassium content, and gluten-free properties made with water chestnut.

Barley Juice: The juice of barley added with a little sugar and lime juice is a really healthy drink to try.

Dragon Fruit and Lemon Juice: A bright pink colored and highly textured drink added with lemon's divine taste, this is a ravishing drink to taste.

Tap-water

While traveling to any new land, the major questions that are in mind are related to the drinking water. The question that hovers is whether the tap water is safe for drinking or should I stick to drinking the packaged bottled water. Well, the drinking water in Malaysia is not found to be fit for drinking. The tap water in significant parts of Malaysia is one with a bad smell, taste, and sometimes brown water, which is being caused by old, dirty, and rusty pipes. It may be fit for use in daily chores like washing and cleaning, but it is advisable to refrain from drinking in order to avoid diseases.

Drinking-Water Quality and Accessibility is moderate at 55.45, whereas the overall Water Quality is relatively low at 37.03. This is one of the primary reasons that make the tap water in Malaysia unfit to be consumed. While in the country, prefer to consume the packaged bottled water rather than tap water. In case you need to consume the tap water prefer to boil it first and then drink it.

Additionally, ensure not to waste water as it is of pristine importance, and even a drop loss can have serious environmental concerns in the future. Being a responsible traveler, use the water judiciously and utilize the reusable bottles to carry water along with you while you explore the trails of the country. Ensure not to pollute the water sources or waste water in any way.

Activities

Malaysia is the land of islands. A beautiful country full of beautiful nature, scenic beauty, adventure parks, and various historical sites to visit, Malaysia is full of breathtaking views. A prime tourist location, the country is filled with classic places to visit and explore. With the warm and welcoming people, the country is filled with enticing things to do. Primarily known for the food, shopping, and biodiversity, the country is one with so many adventure sports to participate in that will give you an adrenaline rush.

Some of the most popular activities that one can participate in Malaysia are:

Go for the track adventure on ATV bikes in Kuala Lumpur
Try bungee jumping, paragliding, hiking, tracking, and various thrilling activities at prime destinations like Selangor, Sabah, Pahang, and few others.
Experience flyboarding at Putrajaya
Go for white water rafting at Perak
Dive with the underwater life and look at beautiful corals at Terengganu's Redang Island and Sabah's Sipadan
Try Ziplining at Sabah
Go for Parasailing at Langkawi
Explore the various beautiful caves, waterfalls, and impressive mountains
Have a chance to see Nepenthes Rajah: The King of the Pitcher Plants
Get inspired by the Cartoon clouds and nature-inspired murals at Bukit Bintang Street Art Alleys, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Get yourself enlightened at the Buddhist Temple
Explore the beautiful beaches and national parks and get a chance to see nature.
Visit the adventure parks like Legoland and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Stroll on the Sky Bridge at Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok

That is not it! The country is full of so many things to do and explore. Additionally, if you are a yoga and fitness enthusiast and are looking for some beautiful retreats and studios to have a relaxing time, then Malaysia is one beautiful country. With numerous retreat centers and places to practice yoga, to relax and gain mental peace and rejuvenate the soul from inside, Malaysia is a beautiful and breathtaking country.

Being a responsible traveler visiting Malaysia, make sure not to harm the country's nature and aesthetic. Also, while in the country, refrain from participating in animal tourism as this causes a negative impact on wildlife. While exploring nature like rainforests, other hiking trails, and the ocean, avoids polluting the same by using plastic and other non-degradable items. Act and travel responsibly while in the country to leave a positive trail of your stay.

Accommodation

Malaysia is one of the most friendly and beautiful countries to travel to. Tourism is one of the country's major economic activities; one will find various accommodation options to stay. Moving towards sustainable tourism, multiple hotels and accommodation centers in the country are moving towards eco-friendly options. Ranging from the hotels to guesthouses and facilities to stay as the couch surfer and camping, the country's accommodation facilities are well-maintained.

While you book your stay option, make sure to for the eco-friendly stay option. Ensure to reduce the use of plastic and proper disposition of garbage to avoid littering. The staff at the hotels and other stay options can speak English quite fluently. Various hotels offer reusable glasses, bottles, and cutleries in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Few accommodation centers also use organic inputs and recyclable products to support the environment.

While booking the stay online, make sure to check the genuineness of the site before making payment. The country is one of the pioneers in tourism; booking before will be a good plan. Malaysia is a country that offers the facility of the ideal accommodation with all the necessary facilities which a tourist needs while he is living and at the most budget-friendly prices.

Green Hotels

Green hotels or eco-friendly hotels are basically hotels that focus on implementing nature-friendly stay options. The idea behind this is to offer all the facilities and amenities to guests and, simultaneously, minimize the negative impacts on the environment. The eco-friendly hotels use sustainable sources such as solar power for electricity and renewable cutleries instead of plastic cups and straws. Malaysia is a well-known country for the green initiatives that it has undertaken.

The green hotels in Malaysia have received nationwide recognition for adopting green practices, providing safe and ecological accommodation to their guests. The green hotels in the country offer all the primary facilities at budget-friendly prices. The sustainable and the green hotels in the country use renewable sources of energy, focus on rainwater harvesting, organic products, recycled and reusable items, localized staff, and various other such facilities.

With the measures taken to conserve nature, the green hotels in Malaysia are no less than 5-star multi-facility hotels with pristine and classy amenities that offer comfort and are also budget-friendly.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Budget-friendly and comfortable stay for the backpacker can be obtained at hostels and guesthouses. Offering all the necessary facilities like the kitchen, Wi-Fi, washing area, peaceful common area, and the gardens, hostels and guesthouses are the best matches for people looking for budget-friendly options and making new friends. Hostels in Malaysia usually constitute the standard dorm for the backpackers to stay.

On the other hand, Guesthouses are the lodging facility which usually looks like a hotel or a private house with all the facilities. A group of friends or families prefers the Guesthouses as they offer the uncanny and no disturbance zone, perfect for vacations. The inexpensive option of stay is also loaded with amenities like a kitchen, Wi-Fi, a washing area, a peaceful common area, gardens, and even an adequate parking space.

Malaysia is a country that has welcomed travelers for a long time. With its beautiful locations and extensive history, the country is gorgeous. Being one of the most famous tourist destinations, the country offers hostels and guesthouses in the most pocket-friendly budget and with all the excellent facilities. Undoubtedly, these places are great for interacting with fellow travelers and learning about their experiences.

Apartments

If you are one of those travelers looking for a long duration of stay, staying at the serviced apartments is the best option. The service apartments are the best option as they offer a comfortable stay at pocket-friendly prices. There are various apartments available for rent in different prime cities of Malaysia. The alternative is more suitable for people who are looking for an extended stay. The apartments are adorned with a kitchen, wi-fi, parking, rest area, and various other such facilities for a surreal experience. While you stay in apartments, adopt eco-friendly practices like buying from the local market to cook, reducing electricity use by switching off when not required, and adopting eco-friendly ingredients.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is one of the best options for solo travelers looking forward to a comfortable stay and the opportunity to know about the country's culture and traditions. Malaysia is a country with friendly and warm people. Staying as the couch surfer is the best choice for students or solo travelers as this offers an opportunity to stay with the locals and experience their traditions and culture at best. While one can book Couchsurfing online, it is essential to know about the host and the underlying stay conditions before confirming. It will ensure a better stay with no hassle. A win-win stay situation, this is a great way to exchange cultural insights and experience the traditions.

Camping

With the panoramic view of nature, the shiny beaches, and the untouched nature thrilled with lush green beauty, Malaysia is a beautiful country. With so many places to explore and visit, there are various camping sites in Malaysia to stay. With the clear sky, millions of stars, and the beautiful lush green trees surrounding, camping is a lovely experience. With various landscapes and untouched nature, the pristine facilities of staying, and the fantastic staff at the camp centers, there are multiple camps to book for a fun camping weekend. The best way to meet nature and relieve the heat, camping in Malaysia is one unforgettable experience and one of the options that focus on eco-friendly tourism.

Regions

Malaysia is divided into two main geographical regions, commonly known as Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

Peninsular Malaysia

Map of Peninsular and East Malaysia

West Coast (Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Putrajaya, Selangor)
The more developed region, offering the modern capital, Kuala Lumpur, UNESCO World Heritage cities with colonial flare and the Langkawi archipelago.

East Coast (Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu)
The more traditional Muslim region, home to Taman Negara (National Park), numerous unspoilt islands and the Jungle Railway, which winds through the rural hinterlands.

South (Johor Bahru)
Comprising just one state, two coastlines, endless palm oil plantations and the gateway to Singapore overland.

East Malaysia

Sabah
Superb scuba diving in Sipadan island plus muck diving at Mabul, nature reserves, the federal enclave of Labuan and the mighty Mount Kinabalu.

Sarawak
The southern state of East Malaysia. Home to traditional longhouses, lush jungles and national parks in contrast to the state capital, Kuching.

Cities

Kuala Lumpur — the multi-cultural capital, home of the Petronas Towers

Skyline of Kuala Lumpur

George Town — the cultural and cuisine capital of Penang

George Town

Ipoh — capital of Perak with historic colonial old town

File:Ipoh Oldest Town.jpg

Heritage town of Ipoh

Johor Bahru — capital of Johor, and the gateway to Singapore

Johor Bahru

Kuantan - capital of Pahang, and commercial centre of the east coast

A clear skyline view of Kuantan from Bukit Pelindung

Kota Kinabalu — close to tropical islands, lush rain forest and Mount Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Kuching — capital of Sarawak

Kuching City Mosque

Malacca (Melaka) — the historical city of Malaysia with colonial-style architecture

Malacca Dutch Christ Church

Miri — resort city of Sarawak and gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu National Park

Canada Hill, Miri

Other Destinations

Langkawi — an archipelago of 99 islands known for its beaches, rainforest, mountains, mangrove estuaries and unique nature. It's also a duty-free island

Pulau Tuba, Langkawi

Penang (Pulau Pinang) — formerly known as the "Pearl of the Orient", now bustling island with excellent cuisine which has retained more colonial heritage than anywhere else in the country

Penang port nightview

Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian) — glittering jewels off the East Coast still undiscovered by mass tourism

Perhentian Islands

Redang (Pulau Redang) — popular island destination for scuba divers

The Pasir Panjang Beach in Redang with a magnificent view of the sea and tropical vegetation.

Tioman (Pulau Tioman) — once nominated one of the most beautiful islands in the world

Tioman Island

Getting There and Moving Around

Malaysia is a beautiful country with a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern cities. With the busy streets to calming trails, there is a lot to explore and visit. While in the country the biggest concern is to be aware of the mode of transport and which one to choose. As the country is jeweled with various transport types, commuting in the country will not be a problem. While going around the country, you will find friendly and warm friendly people all along.

Malaysia is relatively the safest country to travel to. With a low crime rate and right road conditions traveling in Malaysia will be a fun and surreal experience. Additionally, women travelers are safe in Malaysia, and no instances of adverse cases have been witnessed. Still, while exploring the country, pay proper heed to the concept of eco-tourism and assist in reducing the carbon footprints.

Public transport is quite reliable and inexpensive. With an extensive network and well-connected routes, the facility of minibusses, vans, and even long-distance taxis traveling is not at all a hassle. While the transport facilities are quite jampacked during the festive season, usually during Muslim festivals, it is advisable to book the transport in advance. The trishaws are the most common mode of traveling within various cities and are even budget-friendly.

As a tourist in Malaysia, one can rent a car, bike, or even e-car to explore the country. A valid international driver's license for up to 90 days with a domestic driving license can help you rent a car and drive on your own. The rented bicycles are available in every city through Malaysia and offer the best experience and even help to stay fit. Being a totally walkable country, there are various places that one can easily walk and explore.

Being a responsible traveler, it is the primary responsibility to travel in the most sustainable and eco-friendly manner to reduce pollution and carbon footprints. Opting for public transport or rented e-vehicles is one of the most adequate decisions. The comprehensive and easy to use network connecting the major cities makes traveling in Malaysia relatively simple. Do not be in a rush while you are in the country. Explore the country to the fullest and enjoy the enticing locations.

Air

With a total of 62 airports, 38 in East Malaysia and 24 in Peninsular Malaysia, the country's air connectivity is one of the most amazing. With the extensive network of flights operating in the country, reaching Malaysia by flight is the safest, quickest, and most comfortable. A total of 8 international airports serving in Malaysia that connect the country globally without any hassle are:

Langkawi International Airport, Kedah
Penang International Airport, Penang
Melaka International Airport, Melaka
Senai International Airport, Johor
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Selangor
Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah
Kuching International Airport, Sarawak
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Selangor

The MAS, MASwings, and Firefly are the most common and budget-friendly airlines that offer connectivity. With the facility to book the ticket online and the short-span flights serving every city in Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia, traveling would be a fun experience.

Book a flight with a lesser or rather one-stop as this would be time-savvy and cause less pollution. So, be a responsible traveler and ensure to select the best budgeted and one with the least carbon emission flight to Malaysia

Penang International Airport

Bus

Various buses run daily from Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia to Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. The bus takes comparatively more prolonged than that of the flights, but the comfort and cost that the bus travel offers are amazing. The country's leading bus service is the Konsortium Transnasional Berhad, whose services have the entire Peninsula pretty well covered. The alternative ones are the Plusliner and the Konsortium Bas Ekspres.

The local buses to travel between the cities are one of the cheapest travel options. Although one will find both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses on the routes, the comfort buses offered are uncanny. In Sabah and Sarawak, modern air-conditioned buses ply the long-distance routes and various satellite towns and villages. The tourist buses are also available but before booking your ticket with one, make sure to know about the company.

One can quickly check the reasonable bus deals online, but while booking or purchasing a ticket, one prefers to visit the bus terminal to get better information about the routes. Ensure to book before a few days to avoid a rush as the tickets tend to be tight during the festive periods. Do carry comfort supports, if any, to have the best traveling experience.

Train

Keretapi Tanah Melayu, or KTM, is the Malayan Railway service that offers train rides from Singapore and Thailand daily. Rails are the most preferred option while traveling from Singapore. In the country, the local and express trains offer extensive connectivity and services. With relatively cheaper tickets and reasonable time, traveling by train in the country is blissful.

The country's domestic train service is also one of the finest and offers a comfortable and pocket-friendly. Additionally, the North Borneo Railway operates a short, narrow-gauge line for four-hour round trip tourist jaunts in Sabah from Kota Kinabalu to Papar, including lunch and a sightseeing stop Kinarut. Check the timetable and fare of the trains online before planning and booking.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking, in the most common terms, refers to requesting a complimentary lift from the passenger or driver who is going a similar way. While one can quickly get a ride in Malaysia as most of the country's people own their vehicle, the essential condition is to look for the one traveling on the route you are opting to travel. Being on the main roads and national highways can help you get a lift and since Malaysia is relatively safe, hitchhiking is not risky.

Still, it is advisable to be aware of your being and the destination you are looking to reach to avoid being in the hand of the goon. Also, make sure to inform you about the monetary offering, if any, you are willing to make. Be at your best as this may be a chance to befriend a local and have a surreal holiday experience ahead.

Others

Apart from the primary modes of transport in the country, Malaysia also offers travel by ferries and boats. Being a country with islands, ferries, and crafts are the prime mode to reach. Various ferries sail to Langkawi, Penang, the Perhentians, Tioman, and Pangkor islands off Peninsular Malaysia. Within Sarawak, there is scheduled boat service, and Sabah does not offer any express boat service.

One can even book a long-distance taxi to travel within the country. This will offer the uncanny chance to view the natural beauty on the way. Being a responsible traveler, prefer to book an eco-friendly personal cab or taxi to reduce the carbon trail while exploring the country.

Sustainable Shopping

Planning to do some shopping or buying souvenirs for your friends and relatives? If so, then Malaysia is one uncanny country with a wide variety of choices. The home of the world's most skilled craftsmen, Malaysia is a pioneer in offering the best and most exquisite products like clothing, jewelry, shoes, and even. The rich craftsmanship of Malaysia makes it the finest destination to start sustainable shopping. With several food, flea, local, and thrift store markets in the country, buying products is fun and a budget-friendly experience.

With the local authorities' support and the social initiative to create fashion and homeware that appeal to all and is environmentally friendly, Malaysia's pioneering sustainable brands include INKAA, Terrae, Wuslter, Sayang, Xiapism, Earth Heir, Fugee Lah, and a lot more. Using natural fiber, dyes, and reusable materials, various brands play their part actively to offer and promote the concept of sustainable shopping. The idea behind using sustainable and eco-friendly inputs is to offer the best quality product without any harm to the nature and environment.

As a responsible traveler, prefer to buy artifacts from the local artisans and refrain from bargaining as the art demands a high level of skill and patience. Also, buying sustainable and reusable products will reduce the carbon trail and waste generation. Support the local craftsmen, artisans, and brands by purchasing from them and offering a boost to Malaysia's local economy. Buying locally produced genuine products from the regional shops and market in Malaysia will be an uncanny way to return the positivity and sustainability against the warm welcome of the country.

Recycling

Malaysia is a country that focuses on three basic types of recyclables such as paper, plastics, and bottles, but very little of the waste is recycled. The household recycling is estimated to be 10%, whereas the Eleventh Malaysia Plan 2016- 2020 expects a 22% recycling rate. With the support of the locals and various recycling companies, Malaysia's local authorities are moving ahead towards better management of waste. The idea behind recycling is to reduce the negative impact on the environment and stop depleting natural resources.

The three R's of better waste management, reduce, reuse, and recycle, are the mightiest options for better management of resources and conservation of nature. Recycling is the most important aspect of management which ensures that the waste that is generated is reduced to a great extent by way of reusing the material that can be transformed into new products for ready use. Starting with simple materials like plastic, paper, and bottles, Malaysia as a whole is trying to reduce the solid waste of these three products.

Being a responsible traveler exploring Malaysia's country, make sure to generate the waste to the least, and follow the recycling guidelines issued by the local authorities for better management. It will ensure a reduction in pollution and depletion of resources and will leave a positive trail while you travel and explore the country. Reduce the carbon trail and assist the locals to recycle and reuse, and assist the locals in better management.

Waste

Waste is one of the major concerns throughout the world today. It basically refers to products or articles that are of no use now. The current Garbage Disposal Satisfaction in Malaysia is 55.47, which is averagely moderate. While the local authorities in the country are primarily responsible for solid waste management, various companies have been allotted waste disposal. With locals living in Malaysia, the local authorities are thriving to better manage the waste and reduce the carbon trail.

With around 230 landfills, the waste management system in Malaysia is one of the finest. With persistent efforts and recycling, Malaysia is one of the countries that focus highly on keeping its surroundings clean and tidy. With a score of 47.32, the country has proved its efforts to be worthwhile to reduce waste generation and better management of resources. Make sure to travel responsibly and dispose of waste as per the guidelines and in proper bins installed to reduce the carbon trail and ensure no damage to the country's aesthetics.

Work and Study Abroad

Malaysia is undoubtedly a beautiful country. With the various places to explore, the country is filled with uncanny places to visit. While the country is perfect for stay, the work and study opportunities here are excellent. The foreign students who plan to study and live in Malaysia get the chance to work while learning. At the same time, Malaysia is proliferating and offers multiple opportunities to engineers and computer science aspirants. With options in other fields and better pay rates associated with low living expenses, the country is one of the pristine choices to work and study. One can easily find the opportunities online or even in papers published in the country, and even get assistance from the placement agencies.

Exchange Student

There is not just one reason that makes Malaysia one of the most desirable countries to study. With top-notch education standards, Malaysia is fast becoming a hot favorite with international students. With more than 200 Universities, Malaysia is a new growing education hub. Currently, offering the exchange student and education facility to more than one lac students, Malaysia is ever-growing and improving. Offering the international degree, the fundamental reason why Malaysia is top the list of education is:

High Quality of Education
Low cost of Studying and Living
Better Job opportunities for Students
Safety at its Peak
Diverse and Unique Culture
Language, not a barrier
Perfect country for Wanderlust

With all these, the student satisfies their curiosity as they get to experience the country in terms of culture, food, and much more. If you wish to try this as well, you can easily apply for exchange student programs widespread in Malaysia.

Au Pair

If you are a student looking to stay in Malaysia's home-like environment, pausing as the Au Pair is the best option. Au Pair's concept is when an unmarried young adult travels to a foreign country for a defined period to live with a host family, it may or may not be in return for the monetary benefit. With the chance to know about the country's culture and tradition and the opportunity to learn more about the local lifestyle, Au pair is the most attractive option for students to stay in an unknown country.

This option is more suited for those who are looking forward to a long duration of stay. Various online portals offer the facility to book the stay as the Au pair in Malaysia. But make sure to know all the underlying conditions and the host before you move ahead. It will ensure a smooth stay with no conflict. Additionally, this will offer you a chance to take a peep into the rich culture and history of the place. Be at your best to experience the best while you stay as the Au pair in Malaysia.

Volunteering

Volunteering is the idea of using the skills and knowledge possessed by an individual for the betterment of the community as a whole. While one can offer community services, the other options to volunteer in Malaysia include teaching English to locals, improving the environment, helping the animals, and even supporting the poor and needy. The primary benefit of volunteering is that it is two-way traffic under which the one serving gets the satisfaction and happiness, and one served gets the service most needed.

While there is a number of volunteering organizations operating in Malaysia in different sectors, a few pristine volunteering organizations to consider in Malaysia are:

WWF – Malaysia
SOLS 24/7
SUKA Society
YAYASAN GENERASI GEMILANG (GG)
Hospitals Beyond Boundaries (HBB)
Need To Feed The Need (NFN)
PERTIWI Soup Kitchen
PAWS Animal Welfare Society

Volunteering is the best way to return to the community. Know about the documents and prerequisites required by the various NGOs to register as a volunteer. Empower your stay with the positivity that you will get to serve the community and return with multiple precious memories and a beautiful time. Choose your niche and support the local community to spend the most memorable and happening vacations in Malaysia.