It is one of the most mixed Asian countries there is and it is one of the easiest Asian countries to travel through. Yes, even as a single woman. The Malaysians generally speak very good English and that is due to Malaysia's colonial past (the country only became independent from England around the 60s - a bit of a history lesson that you will learn a lot more about once you get there. But that's not what we're here for). What are we for? For the The Ultimate Travel Guide for Malaysia

Who to Malaysia will most likely start his journey in Kuala Lumpur, a city that feels very international because of its many expatswho settle here. If you want the real Malaysian experience If you want to, I advise you not to linger in this city for too long. This does not mean that there is nothing to do and experience in KL, but three days are enough to discover this city and surroundings.

Kuala Lumpur

In addition to 'highlights' such as the Patronas Towers and the immense shopping malls - Berjaya Times Square even has a roller coaster in the mall - these places worth to visit.

Penang: Georgetown

One of the nicest places in the country is located on the west coast of Malaysia; the Penang Peninsula with the largest city Georgetown. Here too, the population is varied due to the colonial past and that mix is ​​reflected in almost everything. You will find various prayer buildings - from Chinese and Hindu temples to mosques - and the food offering is extensive and diverse with a major focus on seafood (my personal favorite). Check out what there is to do and experience in Georgetown and Penang: favorite in Malaysia, Penang and Georgetown

Cameron Highlands

From Penang there are buses to the Cameron Highlands throughout the day. You can buy bus tickets online for about 35 RM (about 8 Euro) and in theory you can be in the Highlands within 5 hours. But with a bit of car trouble you can - like me - also take 8 hours, but as far as I'm concerned it's all worth it.

The Cameron Highlands are, as the name suggests, slightly higher, which means it is often cooler. Because of this climate, the Highlands are perfect for growing tea and that is what this place is known for. You don't have to make any effort for a beautiful view here, because from almost every point you look out over a beautiful green landscape tea plantations. The landscape reminded me a lot of Lord of the Rings - yes, I know that was filmed in New Zealand and yes, I really want to go there too.

But now the most important thing: what is there to do in the Highlands? In addition to the tea plantations, you will also find a rainforest here and there are a lot of them hiking trails through the area. It is best to ask your accommodation for a map and they can also immediately tell you which routes are and are not passable and what the distances are.

Your accommodation will undoubtedly offer tours of the Cameron Highlands. I recommend that you do the half-day tour so that you have time in the afternoon to do a hike yourself, for example, because the best part is always exploring for yourself. The tour I did takes you to the tea factory and plantations, the strawberry farm (take a strawberry juice!) and to Mossy Forest. The latter is just as cool as it sounds: a fairytale forest with trees full of moss. Unfortunately, many tourists just go here without a guide, destroying a large part of the forest. Therefore, take a tour to keep the forest intact and to learn more about all the (poisonous and carnivorous) plants and flowers in this rainforest.

You really visit the Cameron Highlands for the nature and not so much for the villages. The largest town is Tanah Rata and it is very basic in terms of shopping and food offerings, but there is some night markets, which are worth visiting (ask with your accommodation). Alcohol is not allowed at many accommodations and there are therefore few bars with an alcohol license in the Highlands. I discovered the Jungle Bar, a somewhat crazy, but certainly fun, hidden bar where you can order a beer by the crackling fire.

I recommend staying two nights in the Highlands and then traveling to Taman Negara National Park for more nature (I didn't do that due to lack of time and bad weather). Not in the mood for nature? Buses run daily from the Highlands to Kuala Lumpur.

Langkawi

After the Cameron Highlands I took the bus to KL and from there I flew to the island of Langkawi in an hour. This really is paradise: white sandy beaches, palm trees and beach bars. The most famous beach is Pantai Cenang and for restaurants and bars go to the street parallel to this beach. You don't pay tax on alcohol on Langkawi, so the prices are very favorable in that respect.

Langkawi is not large and you can easily explore the island within a few days. Rent a moped, drive around the entire island within a few hours and be sure to visit Telaga Tujuh waterfall (swimming!).

For drinks with a beautiful view over the beach and sea you go to Yellow Beach Café and for a good fish dish you have to go there Orkid Restaurant are. There is one just behind Orkid on the beach too nice cocktail bar with super friendly bartenders and relaxing music. A must go!

If you like sun, sea and sand, you can probably stay here forever, but if you like to stay active, two or three nights on this island are enough to relax.

Final note: Langkawi does not use Uber or Grabcar, but fortunately the taxis are reliable and all run on the meter.

Love, Renée

 

Top image via CNTraveller.com