There have been a few cases of dengue fever but there is no injection against this. Cases of malaria are seldom seen except in Sabah and the most common health issue that travellers would need to deal with is diarrhoea. Travellers are encouraged to drink only bottled water or canned drinks and stay away from spicy foods and stall foods if possible. Taking some charcoal tablets or Imodium usually settles the diarrhoea. There are several good pharmacies and hospitals all over Malaysia so travellers need not be untowardly worried about minor illnesses.

Over the last few years the air pollution in Malaysia has become quite bad and this may impose a problem to asthmatic patients. It is recommended that visitors bring inhalers and other medication that they normally use with them. Forest fires in Indonesia’s Aceh province during the dry season create terrible smog throughout the entire region. 

Malaysia’s currency is the Malaysian ringgit, which is pronounced rin-gay and written as RM. There are 100 sen in one ringgit, which is also often referred to as a dollar. Notes come in RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100 notes, while the available coins are 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen.

Costs

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Malaysia in higher than in many Asian countries, especially Thailand and Laos, although it is cheaper than is Indonesian and significantly less than in western countries. Those on a tight budget should be able to spend just $20 a day, although this will only buy the absolute basics and $35 a day will allow you a few small luxuries. Those who can afford to spend $150 each day will be able to stay in some of the country’s top hotels and dine in style, while for those with a real taste for luxury $275 a day should be more than enough to experience the best of Malaysia.

ATMs

ATM machines are abundant in all Malaysian cities, especially in shopping areas. The most reliable machines are attached to banks and it is probably best to stick to these as ATM machines to occasionally swallow cards.

Travellers’ Cheques and Credit Cards

Most major credit cards are generally accepted in top of the range hotels, shops and restaurants throughout Malaysia. Check for surcharges added to your bill before you pay as these are illegal. Travellers’ cheques in pounds sterling or US Dollars can be cashed in most banks and even some shops.

Changing Your Money

It is illegal to carry more than RM1000 into or out of Malaysia, so most of your money will need to be changed within the country. Although there are a large number of banks located around Malaysia with money changing facilities, the best deals are found at licensed moneychangers’ kiosks. These kiosks pop up all over Malaysia and tend to stay open until about 6pm.

Covering an area twice the size of Luxembourg, everything in this mighty park is enormous, from the 130 million year old jungle and towering trees to the animals and insects that live there.

Visitors to Taman Negara have the opportunity to spot a large variety of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos. There are also a large number of different snake species slithering through the overgrowth as well as monkeys, deer and tapir.

There is plenty to see and do in Taman Negara such as cave exploration, river rafting and rapid-shooting. There are overnight treks available as well as boat trips up one of the park’s many rivers. It is easy to arrange group tours and trekking as part of a group with a guide can be a lot of fun and a good way to learn more about the park.

There are a good number of different treks to choose from. Particularly popular is the half day trek from the Ranger’s Headquarters to Teresek Hill with spectacular views from the top, while the Canopy Walk offers visitors an elevated view of the park. There are also sparkling waterfalls to swim in and plenty of places to picnic.

The size and natural beauty of Taman Negara means that this is a good place to spend a few days and really explore. There are a number of places to stay, both inside Taman Negara and in the surrounding area. It is also possible to hire camping, hiking and fishing equipment at the Mutiara Taman Negara resort shop if you prefer to get back to basics and go it alone.

The main entry point into the park is by riverboat from the town of Kuala Tembelin. The journey covers 60 kilometres and takes about three hours. This is aa great way to see the countryside and on the way you will pass a number of fishermen and wildlife such as otters, kingfishers, hornbills and monkeys.

Transport in Malaysia tends to be safe and reliable and there aren’t really any no-go areas of the country. This usually means that getting around Malaysia is pleasant and hassle free.

Plane:

Travelling across Malaysia by aeroplane is generally quite cheap and certainly the easiest way to get around. The main airline is Malaysia Airlines and booking in advance online can save quite a bit of cash. Cheap flights are also provided by AirAsia.

Boat:

There are regular ferries running between the mainland and the numerous islands located just off the east and west coasts of Malaysia. Tickets are usually bought in advance from booths on the mainland.

Train:

Malaysia’s railway network is fast and efficient, consisting of three types of service: express, limited express and local trains. Express trains are reserved for 1^st and 2^nd class passengers, limited express trains usually just 2nd and 3rd coaches, while local trains are usually limited to 3^rd class. There are overnight sleeper births available on Express and limited express trains.

The Jungle Railway runs across Malaysia, stopping at every station between Tumpat and Gemas. This service is 3^rd class only and there is no air-conditioning or reservations, meaning that the trains tend to be rather hot and crowded. However, the stunning jungle views more than make up for the discomfort.

Bus:

Buses are the cheapest way to get around Malaysia and the best place to catch the bus and guarantee a seat is at the town’s bus terminal. There are luxury buses available for long-distance travel and these can be booked a couple of days in advance. The air-conditioned buses can be rather chilly, so take a blanket with you.

Car and motorcycle:

Driving in Malaysia is safe and convenient as the roads are good and there are plenty of new cars available to hire. Road rules are basically the same as in Britain and Australia, with right-hand drive cars that stick to the left side of the road. Petrol is generally cheap and motorbikes can also be hired from guesthouses in tourist towns and cities.

Taxis:

Taxis can be found in all cities and larger towns and usually drive around looking for customers. You will usually need to negotiate the fare in advance and it is a good idea to ask the staff at you guesthouse for an estimate of the going rate.

Trishaws:

These bicycle rickshaws seat too people and can be a romantic way to see the sights.

Welcome to Sungai Petani, a friendly town in the northern state of Kedah. Farming is very much the lifeline of this region and even the name Sungai Petani means ‘Farmer’s River’ in the Malay language.

This interesting town has plenty to entertain tourists and is a great place to take a break before exploring the rest of the country. There are a number of lush green parks to explore as well as interesting buildings, dense jungle and sandy beaches where you can soak up the sun or swim in the cool waters.

To get an idea of the size and beauty of this area, climb to the top of Gunung Jerai, which is the tallest mountain. There is a 15 mile trekking route which winds its way to the top of the mountain and the somewhat challenging climb to the top is rewarded by spectacular views of the Straits of Malacca and the surrounding jungle.

Heading back to the town, pay a visit to the Jalan Ibrahim, which is a large clock tower located on Sungai Petani’s main street. Built in 1936, the clock tower measures a little over 12 meters and was given to George V and Queen Mary to commemorate their Silver Jubilee.

As you wander through the centre of town you will come to Jubli Perak or Silver Jubilee public park, which is a great place to take a break and sit in the shade for a while. Another great recreational area is Bird Park, where you will see a large collection of our feathered friends roaming in a large leafy area.

Pantai Merdeka is a popular beach destination and features a large number of seafood restaurants and closest point to the nearby islands of Pulau Bidan and Pulau Telor.

The city of Miri is a good place to spend a few days. Surrounded by a number of large national parks and beaches, this is a good place to use as a base while you explore the surrounding area, while the city itself offers vibrant nightlife and a whole host of good places to stay, shop and eat.

Miri is a very multicultural city, with Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and a number of other ethnic groups living side by side. Most people speak English and are friendly, making this a great place to spend some time and discover Malaysia’s diversity.

A good way to get a feel for Miri is to hire a bicycle and explore. Canada Hill is situated on a low ridge behind the town centre and this is the sire of Malaysia’s first oil well. This is a popular spot to see the sun set and many people arrive an hour early to visit the Petroleum Museum, which is also positioned on the hill.

Be sure to visit the City Fan, which is a large collection of themed gardens containing Malaysia’s largest open-air amphitheatre, a public swimming pool and an indoor stadium. Also worth visiting is the San Ching Tian Temple, which is the largest Taoist temple in Southeast Asia.

Just a 15 minute bus ride away, the beautiful Hawaii Beach is a great place to soak up the sun. The Taman Selera Beach is located in Miri itself and is a good place to enjoy a meal while the sun sets.

Nature lovers will want to head to the large and lovely Gunung Mulu National Park with its numerous limestone caves. Also nearby is Lambir National Park, which is particularly good for hiking. Both these parks can be explored on a day trip from Miri.

A great time to visit Miri is between from May 21-23, when the proud residents celebrate Miri’s status as a city with vibrant parades, singing and dancing.

Known as ‘The Islamic City’, Kota Bharu is situated in the north-eastern corner of Malaysia and serves as a gateway between Malaysia and Thailand to the north. Many people simply pass through this city on their way to or from Thailand, but for those who take the time to stop here for a day or two there are many surprises in store. Wander through the busy streets and you will come across colourful market places and interesting buildings to explore along with some of the best food in the region.

People who are planning to visit Kota Bahru should bear in mind that it is a very conservative city and although exceptions are made for foreigners you should dress respectfully and avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops. This is particularly relevant for women as Malay women are expected to cover their arms and legs completely whenever they are out in public.

Wander around Independence Square – Padang Merdek – and you will find a large number of museums and the Balai Besar or Royal Palace. This elegant building is a great place to explore, while nearby is the interesting octagonal building of the Pesar Besar central market.

Although Kotu Bharu’s center may seem rather chocked with traffic and noise, there are a good number of beaches on the outskirts of town. Known as the Beach of Passionate Love, Cahaya Bulan Beach is picturesque with long stretches of golden sand and crystal clear water. Also worth visiting is Pantai Bisikan Bayu or Beach of the Whispering Breeze, while Pantai Irama or Beach of Melody is believed by many to be the most beautiful of all and a popular picnic and camping spot.

There are a number of interesting temples to visit in and around Kota Bharu. Wat Pothivihan features a large reclining Buddha, while Wat Mai Suwan Khiri contains a dragon Boat and standing Buddha image. Another interesting temple is Wat Machimarran Varran, while the Wat Serova Buddhist Temples are dedicated to Kuan Yin, who is known as the Goddess of Mercy.

]]> http://www.1stopmalaysia.net/kota-bharu/feed/ 0 http://www.1stopmalaysia.net/kinabulu-national-park/ http://www.1stopmalaysia.net/kinabulu-national-park/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:57:16 +0000 Asian Traveller http://www.1stopmalaysia.net/?p=66

Home to the area’s highest mountain and some spectacular forest, Kinabulu National Park is a great place to explore. Most people visit the park in order to climb the mighty Mount Kinabulu, while for other the change to trek along forest trails and spot wildlife is more than worth the journey.

Covering 754 square kilometres, Kinabulu National Park features a large number of natural attractions such as waterfalls, gardens and the Poring Hot Springs, where the warm mineral waters are the perfect place to soak away aches and pains after a hard day of mountain climbing or trekking through the forest.

Mount Kinabulu towers 4,095 meters above northern Borneo. Climb to the top for spectacular views and for the unparalleled sense of achievement that conquering this mighty mountain brings. It is possible to climb to the summit and back in about four hours, although it is better to allow a couple of days and take an overnight break at Laban Rata as the best views come in the early morning.

Unlike many other mountains of its loftiness, there are no special mountain climbing skills needed to scale Mount Kinabulu, although potential climbers should be reasonably fit. However, the park staff recommend that those planning to climb the mountain hire a guide as the mountain can be rather dangerous.

Kinabulu National Park has its own museum, where visitors can learn about the area’s flora and fauna before climbing the mountain or taking one of the marked trails through the forest. There are also a number of places to spend the night within the park, with options ranging from dorm beds to pretty chalets.

Often dubbed Bougainvillea City, Ipoh is one of Malaysia’s largest cities, full of interesting old buildings and pretty places to walk. Head to the Old Town to see some great examples of colonial architecture and walk along the banks of the Kinta River, which is also known as Sungai Kinta.

Ipoh is famous for its food, and there are a wide variety of dishes to try. People travel from as far away as Singapore to dine on delicious curries, noodle dishes and a huge range of local specialties. A good place to find cheap and tasty food is at the hawkers stalls that line the road and gather by busy markets, especially in the evening.

There is a lot to do just outside Ipoh and many visitors head straight to the cave temples of Perak Tong, which was established in 1926 by a Buddhist priest. This interesting temple complex consists of an impressive number of caverns and grottoes. Murals adorn the interior walls and the main chamber contains a number of Buddhist figures and a large bell.

The cave of Sam Poh Tong is located to the south of Ipoh and contains a turtle pond. Another interesting day trip is the temple of Kek Look Tong, which also features a cool cavern. Climb into the cave and walk through to the back, where you will discover the Chinese Buddha of Future Happiness. There is also an ornamental garden with ponds and pagodas behind the cave.

Travel to the nearby royal town of Kuala Kangsar to explore Kellie’s Castle before paying a visit to the Geological Museum to the east of Ipoh. This is a good place to learn about the history of the town and discover a wide range of interesting fossils.

Situated on the east coast of central Malaysia, Cherating is one of Malaysia’s most popular beach areas. Blessed with golden sand, clear blue water and pretty palm trees, the intense natural beauty of this area manages to tempt most people to stop for longer than they had intended.

Cherating is a traditional Malay fishing village and this is a great place to dine on fresh seafood while you sit on the sand and listen to the sound of the waves on the beach and the wind in the palm trees. Most people visit the area to chill out on the beach, simply choosing a spot on the sand and sunbathing for a while. Water sports are also popular, especially yachting, surfing and swimming.

Although this is the perfect place for doing nothing all day, there are plenty of things to do if you have extra energy to spare. Bicycles can be hired from most guesthouses and cycling is a great way to explore the village and surrounding area. People wave as you cycle past and beckon you to stop and shop for locally made souvenirs.

Visit the turtle sanctuary and you may be lucky enough to arrive when the turtles make their way to the shore, which takes place between June and August. The Green turtles emerge from the sea late at night during these months to lay as many as 100 eggs at a time and visitors have the chance to watch the event.

The women of Cherating are skilled at arts and crafts and can often be seen weaving pandanus leaves into hats, mats, bags and other souvenirs. Visitors can learn a new skill by taking part in the locally run Batik painting classes.

Evening entertainment in Cherating is more imaginative than simply strolling along the beach and drinking in bars. Taking a cruise on the Cherating River is a relaxing way to see the area, while there are cultural shows displaying the traditional shadow play known as wayang kulit and the Malay art of self-defence.