Lauren

I'm planning a trip to Singapore and Malaysia for April. We will have approx. 10 days in Malaysia- arriving by bus or train from Singapore. We're looking for recommendations on what to do and how to get around. We're interested in one of the national parks, either Borneo or Teman Negara and a beach but we're concerned about safety (two American women travelling alone). Anyone have any advice?

Dan

I would not go to Malaysia, it is an islamic country! Go with Thailand instead, safe from those nuts except for the southern border.

Kathie

Malaysia is safe these days, though I'd keep an eye on the news. Most Islamic peoples find the actions of bin Laden et al to be despicable. Certainly don't judge all of a religion by the actions of a very few. <BR><BR>I've traveled to Malaysia a number of times and was always treated well by the local people. I found them friendly and helpful.

S

I'm currently teaching in KL and would strongly recommend travelling in Malaysia. There haven't been reported problems, but I'd avoid the northeast state of Trengganu. The beaches are gorgeous but that is the most conservative part of the country. Here in KL we've found the Malaysians to be tolerant of diversity. I can't speak to the situation in East Malaysia as I haven't visited there yet.

Jen

Everything's fine and friendly in Malaysia! Just because 60+% is Muslim doesn't make them evil or "nuts". Good grief, Dan!<BR><BR>If you are coming up from Singapore I would recommend a couple of days in Melaka, two in KL, two in Penang. I haven't been to Taman Negara, but it's supposed to be great. Borneo's more of a trip, involving a flight and more arrangements, and with only 10 days I would stick to Taman Negara. You can do the Peninsula by bus without too much hassle or too many hours en route.<BR><BR>I would agree with "S" - avoid Terengganu and Kelantan for now. Unfortunately, the best beaches are over there, but Langkawi is supposed to be nice as well and it's on the west coast, north of Penang. Sorry, I haven't been yet so I can't really say.<BR><BR>Have fun! Maybe I'll see you here in Melaka!<BR><BR>Jen

wayne

Anywhere in Malaysia is safe for Americans! Even the fanatic muslims in Kelantan have a worse bark than bite. They are the friendliest people. I have been to every state in Malaysia and I must recommend Taman Negara. It is unlike anything you will see unless you go to the Amazon. Penang, Langkawi and the other islands are like other islands in SEAsia. KL is another city and I'd even skip it. If I had 10 days I'd spend 4 days in Taman Negara, 3 days in Cameron Highlands and 3 days in Penang. Of course if you want to travel all the way to Borneo you will see the largest cave systems in the world.

Barry

You people have to be crazy encouaging people from America to travel to an Islamic country like Malaysia!! Sure there are some nice people there but also lots of nuts who hate the west. You are in a forign country in a time of war against those people.

Kathie

War? Barry, do you think we've declared war on Malaysia or on the whole Islamic religion? <BR><BR>There is as much diversity of belief among Islamic peoples as as there is among Christian peoples. Despite the fact that Catholics and Protestants were killing each other for many years in Ireland, I'll bet you didn't hear people say "Oh, don't go to Italy, it's a Catholic country," even though Italy is closer geographically to Ireland than Malaysia is to Afganistan. <BR><BR>I am sad to hear this kind of ignorance, it fuels misunderstanding at a time when we need more understanding. Traveling to a peaceful Islamic country, in addition to being a lovely vacation, builds bridges between people.

wayne

My american colleagues travel to Malaysia for business every week and they say the (muslim)people are most pleasant.They say they feel safer amongst muslims in malaysia than their own peole in certain 'hoods in LA. <BR><BR>Even the nut cases do not attack americans. Barry you are an ignoramus.

Jen

Barry, do you really think I'd encourage people to come to Malaysia if I thought it were dangerous? Do you think I'd *live here* if I thought it were dangerous?<BR><BR>My husband and I live and work amongst the Malaysian people every day. We've been here one year and have never gotten so much as a dirty look. Yah, there are "nuts" all over the world... does that stop you from going grocery shopping? to the bank? to work?<BR><BR>Lauren, don't let paranoid responses deter you - you're going to have a great trip!

Harry

Here is another vote for safety regarding staying away from Islamic countries. Sure some of those people are OK but in general deep down they hate westerners and you can not be so sure now days. Stay away from that country!

Jen

I'm SURE you people are just doing this to annoy me! They don't hate westerners. Give me a break.

Kathie

Hey, Jen, don't let them get to you. I actually chuckled at Harry's message. Here's someone who knows so little about the cultural and religious issues that he thinks it makes sense to lump all countries where the majority of the people are Muslim into a category of "Islamic countries." At yet he thinks he knows so much about these people that he can say "deep down they hate westerners." He obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.

Jane

Malaysia is wonderful. A great mix of cultures. Enjoy the wonderful variety of fruits and cuisine. Malacca is a great place to start. Wonderful opportunities to learn history and see the mix of cultures and religion. Be sure to go the the Cameron Highlands. I didn't get to Teman Negara but my cousin did and said it was wonderful.If you're looking for a nice beach area try Lankawi. I flew from Penang to the island.

Daniela

Hi Dan!3 months ago I spent with girl friend 3 1/2 weeks in Malaysia.<BR>We started in Singapore at went to Melaka, a beautiful town with netherland quarter, many temples and great trade arts. In Kuala Lumpur you can visit the Twin Towers, or the national museum and the Batu Caves.Although we went also at night throug "Little India" we felt very safe. All the people we met were very kind and there was not one moment we felt uncomfortable. If you want to relax you can fly from the smaller airport to tioman island, a beautiful isle in the south chinese sea. There´s only one resort but some of bungalows. I can recommend the beach Salang Sayang. Beautiful there, you can dive or make your own trip to monkey bay. Or you can choose for an "around-the-island-trip".<BR>Taman Negara is very crowded of tourism. Better to go to Endau.Rompin-National Park if you want adventure. But you´ve to get the permission to get in. Other beautiful thing is Tasik Chini (near Kuantan). WE lived by Rajan Jones, an older pakistani man married with an Orang Asli (autochthon). Both of them are very friendly but the accomodation is simple. There you can take a boat to study the jungle lakes or can do a jungle trek. He´s a great guide!! Very exciting!!<BR>If you want some more informations, please contact me.<BR><BR>Daniela

Mary

Hi Lauren:<BR>I hope you ignore the somewhat paranoid, xenophobic and provocative comments posted here. <BR>Taman Negara is not completely overrun, and very safe. I suggest being careful with the water though, drink bottled only. <BR>I used to live there, have very good Muslim friends - deep down, they do not hate anyone, needless to say.<BR>Planning another trip next month, similar to yours, possibly taking a bus from Singapore to KL, bus to Ipoh and points north.<BR>Let me know if I can help.<BR>

amber

Hello ! Lauren,<BR>First, let me wellcome you to visit Malaysia. My country is very safe, peaceful and colourful.<BR>I'm realy upset by some foreigners wrong command about Malaysia everytime when I visited this fodors travel talk.

steve lyon

Malaysia is the most fantastic of places. I stayed in Penang and Borneo. Kuching is a fantastic friendly and magical of places.We then stayed at at Damai Beach, what a top spot. I was a little exhausted by the near nature park (cant remember name) but the boat ride to get there was brilliant.

Nige

Lauren,<BR><BR>Don't let those *nuts* put you off. They'll not put me off. The west is not at war with any country or religion, just terrorists. <BR><BR>I am really hoping to break a business trip to Australia in KL, and will be travelling with two female colleagues - dateline March 7 - 17th. So I'll post a message here and let you know.<BR><BR>I'd be more worried about gong to Israel lately, and that's planned for April!<BR><BR>Nige

Mimi

Some scary biggoted people out there eh!<BR>I went to Malaysia the week after sept 11th and experienced NO hostility whatsoever, in fact, the only reference to it at all was a dirty joke a malaysian barman told me about george bush and obl!<BR>so, ignore the hype and have a fantastic time.<BR>Coaches were all really good for transport, cheap and reasonably reliable. Beach-wise - try Langkawi and go to Cenang lots of great simple set ups there, try AB motel and some cool relaxed bars too.<BR>have fun!