Malaysia
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Malaysia is, in many ways, the Far East in miniature. A wide mix of fascinating cultures, beautiful beaches, wonderful natural sights, exhilarating soft adventure and superb shopping and dining opportunities.
Many holidays to Malaysia start in the capital Kuala Lumpur, known by most as KL.
Kuala Lumpur is perhaps Asia’s fastest developing city, previously just a stopover, it is now a destination in its own right. Merdeka Square – found at the centre of the Heritage Trail and the place where independence was declared in 1957. Sultan Abdul Samad Building – this was the first Moorish building in KL, it houses the High Court & Supreme Court.
Peronas Twin Towers – one of the tallest buildings in the world. Take the lift to the viewing platform that joins the towers.
Jemek Mosque – the city’s most famous mosque is found at the confluence of the Gombak & Klang Rivers.
Recommended Hotels
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
The most elegant hotel in the city, an oasis of sophisticated luxury and discreet service. Superbly located in the heart of the city and nestling amidst lush gardens, this newly renovated award-winning hotel is just 45 minutes from the international airport and 5 minutes from the business and shopping district.
The Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
Unquestionably the epitome of KL hotel luxury and style – and for many the place to stay in KL. It enjoys a superb location, adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers and their exciting shopping mall and overlooking the lush 50 acre KLCC park.
Ritz-Carlton
The award winning Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur has completed an extensive enhancement for all the 251 guestrooms including 30 suites, to constantly exceed the expectations of its guests while redefining and renewing the modern elegance of the city's first full-butler hotel.
Cameron Highlands – 3 days/2 nights tour from Kuala Lumpur
The Cameron Highlands were first discovered by the British in 1885 during the heyday of colonial rule – and became popular as a cool weekend retreat from the tropical heat at lower altitudes. Today, life remains unhurried amongst the tropical jungle, waterfalls, tea plantations, fruit farms and flower nurseries that can be found in this delightfully different part of the ‘real’ Malaysia. Accommodation is at the Cameron Highlands Resort, room & breakfast. The tour is by private air-conditioned vehicle from Kuala Lumpur back to Kuala Lumpur, with English speaking guide.
Penang
Small but perfectly formed, Penang is Malaysia’s most established beach holiday destination, much loved for its rubber plantations, paddy fields, long beaches and laid back atmosphere.
Visit the Reclining Buddha Temple
This Thai style Buddhist temple houses a 33 meter gold-plated reclining Buddha, said to be one of the longest in the world. Brightly painted Naga serpents lead the way to the temple and behind the statue house are urns containing the ashes of devotees.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
This recently renovated hotel is now the most luxurious hotel in Penang. Set amidst 30 acres of landscaped gardens on the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach.
Offering 304 air-conditioned rooms and suites, 3 restaurants plus a café, lounge and pool bar, 3 outdoor pools, water sports, health club and 9 hole golf course. The Spa Village, with 11 treatment villas and a yoga pavilion sitting serenely beneath the soaring, centuries-old rain trees offers a unique experience.
Parkroyal Penang
The Parkroyal Penang is a fascinating destination in the Pearl of the Orient. Set in Batu Ferringhi, the island's finest stretch of beach, Parkroyal Penang exudes a unique "East meets West" charm. It is your private hideaway abundant with a kaleidoscope of facilities for the young and old. Rooms in the Parkroyal Penang will take your breath away with their spacious comfort and magnificent views. Most of the 309 tastefully decorated and furnished rooms, including 30 suites, come with a private balcony and a breathtaking ocean view.
The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La Penang
A deluxe resort located on Batu Ferringhi, one of the most popular beaches in Malaysia. George Town, the oldest colonial city in the country, is 20 minutes away by complimentary shuttle, and offers a fascinating mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian culture to experience. Guests also enjoy signature privileges at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. The 395 guestrooms of the Golden Sands Resort, Penang have a bright, cheery design with Malaysian touches, such as furnishings crafted from nyatoh wood. Sea-facing rooms have private balconies with spectacular views of the beach, swimming pools and gardens. The Executive Seaview Suite is the ideal choice for larger groups and families.
Langkawi
With beautiful beaches dotted around the coastline, secluded coves and lush rainforests, Langkawi is an unspoilt paradise, offering all the romance of a castaway island. Enjoy a trip to Kuah, Langkawi’s main town on the southeast of the island, to buy local handicrafts and do some duty free shopping. Visit Air Hangat Village to see performances of Malaysian and Southeast Asian dances, traditional games, cultural shows and activities such as trained elephant performances and padi planting.
The Datai
One of Malysia’s most luxurious hotels, the Datai offers a breathtaking location and outstanding facilities a truly tropical retreat, popular with celebrities. Set above a secluded cove on the north-western tip of this pristine Malaysian island, it has its own white sand beach facing the peaceful Andaman sea. Scattered in secluded spots throughout the forest, the hotel’s suites are set in free-standing villas crafted from local materials. Pool Villas (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children) have a private verandah & plunge pool.
Facilities include fine dining, charming spa, tennis courts, health club, 2 swimming pools and the Watersports Pavillion. Datai Bay Golf Course is conveniently located next to the hotel. Honeymooners receive fruit platter, flowers and half bottle of champagne.
The Andaman
A tranquil resort with superb service and excellent facilities - a real touch of luxury. Set against the mountainous backdrop of the Mat Chinchang range, on the northern coast of the island, close to its sister hotel the Datai.
188 air-conditioned rooms with private bath, separate shower, ceiling fan, satellite TV with DVD player and mini bar. Lanai rooms (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children) are located on the ground floor & come with a sundeck, chairs & jungle view.
Four Seasons
Stretching along one of Langkawi Island's most dazzling beaches, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is a tropical paradise enjoying a spectacular backdrop of lush rainforest and rocky outcrops by the Andaman Sea. All 91 guest pavilions and villas offer a fabulous views. The generously sized accommodation is a fusion of traditional and modern Malaysian design elements, with timber floors, soaring ceilings and large open verandas. Some villas and all lower-level pavilions include secluded outdoor baths and showers. Each of the one-bed Beach Villas, as well as the Royal Villa, has a private spa room complete with two treatment beds, where guests can luxuriate having any of four signature massages - urut melayu, Asian fusion, synchronised massage and foot reflex - in total privacy. The ultimate romantic resort gesture is dinner for two in a regal Indian tent beneath the night sky.
Meritus Pelangi Beach & Spa Resort
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi is a world of ethnic charm inspired by a Malaysian traditional village concept along a kilometre stretch of white sandy beaches. Covering an area of 30 acres on a beachfront location, the Resort offers a relaxing atmosphere amidst lush tropical environment and award winning landscaped gardens. Designed to depict a leisurely kampong or village lifestyle, there are 51 single and double-storey wooden chalets featuring sloping roofs, exposed roof tiles and trusses, scattered across landscaped gardens alongside sandy beaches. Characteristically raised on stilts with open spacious verandahs, these chalets come thoughtfully equipped with modern conveniences.
Tanjung Rhu Resort
Tranquility and privacy seem to be the watchwords of the deluxe 136-room Tanjung Rhu Resort, which has the northern tip of Langkawi Island all to itself. It's an eco-based resort so only non-motorised vehicles such as hydrobikes and sea kayaks are allowed on the beach, and the sunsets here are not to be missed, especially if they're accompanied by a butler serving you a private barbecue dinner on the sand. Each luxurious room at the Tanjung Rhu Resort is spacious, with timber floors and large windows and the decor is complimented with upholstery and drapes in soft Thai silk and pure Indian cotton fabrics. All rooms at Tanjung Rhu Resort are equipped with LCD TV, DVD and compact disc player, private bar with coffee machine and oversized bath with separate shower. Bayu and Anjung rooms are equipped with iPod ports.
Tanjong Jara
The long, open and unspoilt beaches of Malaysia’s east coast are a strikingly remote setting, home to the superbly pampering resort of Tanjong Jara.
Tanjong Jara Resort
An emphasis on purity of spirit, health and wellbeing feeds this elegant sanctuary on the east coast of Malaysia and ultimately nourishes its guests. Each room is furnished in local timber and rich fabrics and commands a view of either the South China Sea or tropical gardens. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces, 98 rooms are divided into three types - upstairs Bumbung, downstairs Serambi, with private verandah and semi-detached Anjung with outdoor baths. Nesting above the river waters, the best suite - the Anjung - has a dining hall with its own bar and powder room. In the bedroom waits a king-sized bed, writing desk and sunken bath. At the Spa Village, guests are welcomed with unique restorative Malay treatments. Nearby is some of the finest diving and snorkeling in the world at Pulau Tenggol, one of Malaysia's most serene islands.
Pangkor & Pangkor Laut
This is about as close to paradise as you can get. With picturesque bays of fine golden sand against a backdrop of palms, coconut trees and jungle, these tiny tropical islands invite you to escape and revel in their laid-back ambience.
Pankgor Laut Resort
Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located 3 miles off the West Coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca.
The internationally-acclaimed and exclusive Pangkor Laut Resort and award-winning Spa Village at Pangkor Laut are set in their own bays surrounded by lush and unspoilt, two million year old rainforest.
Designed to resemble a traditional Malay village, the villas have distinctive architectural detailing and some are built on stilts over the sea. Every villa and suite features spacious interiors, luxurious fabrics and private balconies with cushioned deckchairs.
Fact File
Flight time : non stop flights to KL ,approx 13 hours
Time difference : GMT + 8 hours
Currency : Malaysian Ringgit
Passports : your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of return
Visas : not required for full British passport holders.
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 32 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 9 |
