hi, am planning to go to malaysia for my honeymoon in may'2001. specifically to KL and langkawi. any tips on what to do, what to avoid, where to stay etc. idea is to eat, relax, enjoy at the beach and shop. not that interested in major sightseeing. budget is sorta tight.

Leena, <BR> <BR>M'sia is a great choice for a tight budget. <BR> <BR>For KL, try the Swiss Inn in the heart of Chinatown. I think you can get a very satisfactory accommodation in a very interesting location, for aound USD50 a night. In KL check out KLCC for shopping, and take some time to visit Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park. Forget the Musuem, Zoo, Batu Caves. <BR> <BR>For beach, fly to Langkawi, or alternatively to Penang or check out Club Med at Cherating. All 3 are great locations. Penang offers the most variety(Check out Casuarina, Lone Pine, Bayview). Langkawi is duty free(check out Sheraton), Club Med is fun (cheapest Club Med in the world!) <BR> <BR>Domestic flights in M'sia are real cheap, no kidding! <BR> <BR>Taxis are cheap too, but make sure they use the meter. <BR> <BR>Most important, get to know the poeple, from the hotel, at the shops etc. Everyone will help, and everyone has their own favourite place, you might even want to consider the National Park. <BR> <BR>Check the malaysia Airlines Golden Holidays site for unbelievable deals.

I disagree with the person who said forget the museums and Batu Caves. We did an all-Asia pass 3 years ago and spent a few days in Kuala Lumpur and flew over to Sarawak. While in KL, we took a day tour which included the Batu Caves and we found them really interesting. You have to be in shape to climb an enormous number of steps! The tour also included a stop at the Selangor pewter factory. This turned out to be extremely interesting and a great place to purchase reasonably priced small gifts. I just wish I could have bought some of the giant Malaysian pots, which cost so much more here in San Diego. You can catch the tour bus at the Tourist Info. Ctr. and gift shop (also a good place to shop). <BR> <BR>Sarawak is a lovely town, and I wish we had had more time there. Our experience in the jungle with the Borneo Orangutans is something we'll never forget! I really regret that we did not elect to stay overnight with the headhunters. We met a couple who did do that and they were treated like royalty. We were there in December, and had only one day of absolute downpour in Borneo, but it was hot and sticky everywhere in Asia. <BR> <BR>We found we could get the most information and honest remarks from taxi drivers. The people are much more knowledgeable about local and world politics than US citizens are, and they don't mind talking to visitors. <BR> <BR>Don't forget that Kuala Lumpur is mostly Muslim, and you need to dress accordingly (covering your arms, etc.).Bright colors will attract unwanted stares from Muslim women. I don't know what the weather is like in May, but it seems that it's hot and wet all year; so light-weight, fast-drying clothing is your best bet - no heavy jeans. A good travel skirt will take you a lot of places. It's too hot for a poncho or raincoat, but make sure you have a good umbrella. The rain went right through mine! <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful honeymoon!

Hi <BR>Agree that Malaysia is brilliant - but not overkeen on KL or Swiss Inn (tight security of hotel essential but made life difficult). Penang is fantastic - try the Ferringhi Beach Hotel what ablissful hotel. Sarawak is also brilliant especially Kuching - for a fantastic hotel try the Holiday Inn at Damai Beach. All hotels are excellent choice and I can give you great web page contact. Have not tried Langawi but believe it is good - had I been going in May and not monsoon November I would have gone for Islands off East Coast. <BR>All the best <BR>Steve

hi, you may wish to consider islands such as Pangkor or Redang. Pangkor is along the western coast just below Penang while Redang is along the east coast. Both are relatively small islands which offer beautiful serene beaches. Prices are also lower than Penang & Langkawi. There is a resort on Pangkor Laut and in Redang, you can go to Berjaya Redang. you'll love it there! oh yes, don't forget about their seafood as well as other local dishes! <BR>