Malaysia trip
 

My wife and i are heading to Malaysia for 2 -3 weeks backpacking and were wondering if there are some "must see" spots that shouldn't be missed.We are very keen to check out the national parks but also spend some time on 1 or 2 of the islands.<BR>Cheers

Go to Penang - the food is fantastic and so is the shopping

Thanks James

Definitely Melaka (my home!). Full of character, history and fabulous food. For relaxation: Pulau Redang (east coast island). Cheaper than some of the more developed islands like Langkawi, and the beaches are beautiful. Snorkelling is good, too. Just make sure you don't head there in the middle of rainy season, which is more of a factor on the east coast than on the west coast. I think April through June are the driest months... though don't take my word for it.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Taman Negara National Park is a must for nature lovers. This park lays claim to some of the oldest rainforest in the world. This area was left untouched by successive ice ages and has been covered in Jungle for about 130 million years which it older than the rainforests in the Congo or Amazon basin. You probably won't see many wild animals, the rainforest itself is magical and enchanting. You can drive all way to the park, but I would recommend you take a three hour boat ride. Beautiful scenery and life on the bank is more interesting than drive on tarmac road. Most travel agents in Kuala Lumpur sell package to Taman Negara and a guide is come with the package. May to September is the dry season so it is the best time to visit.<BR><BR>For island trip, I recommend Pulau Redang. The island has the best coral reef in Penisular Malaysia. Pristine beaches and not too commercialised. Perhentian Islands are also top on of my list for beaches, snokerlling, swimming and diving. You can camp on both P. Redang and Perhentian if hotels are not your thing.<BR><BR>Penang is probably the all round resort island, you have beaches (okay not as good as the east coast)and an interesting town which is full of old buildings of colonial and strait influence. The food is Penang is really, really good. I personally think Penang has the best variety of food in S.E Asia.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip to Malaysia.<BR><BR><BR>

I highly recomment u to go to Sabah. If u are nature & animals loving, this is the place to go. Try to climb the Mt. Kinabalu, Forent reserved - Meliau Basin, the islands - Sipadan Island, Manukan Island-best for norkelling & diving activities, Sandakan Sepilok Orang Hutan & many more..<BR><BR>DR

Try looking at penangtalk.com for heaps of helpful advice (not just on Penang but all of Malaysia) go to "notable posts" section for travel stories (including my own modest effort). A really great forum for Malaysian travelers

Melaka is superb - don't miss it. I loved the cool consitions and nice walks in the Cameron Highlands. For an island group, I suggest the Perhentians, not touristy at all but comfortable and easy to get around with nice hill walks and fine snorkelling.<BR><BR>One off the wall suggestion: A few years ago I stayed a week in Kelantan state, up near the Thai border in the N/East. Not that many tourists get here, but it is the very best state for traditional Malay life, with excellent crafts, a good historic precinct and very nice people. Try the Safar Inn right in the center of Khota Bharu, and get a tour out to the Thai temples (really) and to the beaches. It'll be one place that none of your friends have ever visited, but ought to.