Malaysia

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Introducing Malaysia

Malaysia’s reputation as a benign country makes some people think that it’s going to be boring. It’s true, pushy touts are rare, natural disasters only seem to happen across the border and the multi-ethnic population gets along well. What to do without the hassles? Why not stroll around Penang where wafts of Chinese incense mingle with sour durian while Bollywood tunes blast from an Indian shop. Next head to the Cameron Highlands where you can visit tea plantations in the cool air; or, on the east coast islands, snorkel through coral gardens and lounge on a mind-poppingly perfect beach. Put on your leech-proof boots to track elephants in Taman Negara, and how about delving into the depths of Sarawak and Sabah on mythical Borneo where you can see wild orang-utans and climb massive Mt Kinabalu? Unexciting? We think not.

Last updated: Oct 20, 2008

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Floating settlements of fishing huts on water.
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Floating settlements of fishing huts on water.

Lonely Planet photographer
  • Felix Hug
  • Lonely Planet photographer
  • Sarawak Regatta boats racing each other.
  • Kuching Mosque.
  • Boat beached on the mud at low tide.
  • Rows of Chinese New Year lanterns hanging at Thean Hou Temple.
  • Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal), forming the centrepiece of an Islamic Heritage Park.
  • Diver watching a turtle swimming in the reefs of Malaysian Borneo's Sipadan-Kapali-Mabul region.
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