Make the most out of your Southeast Asia adventure with our Malaysia travel tips
Discover the wealth of beautiful landscapes – lush rainforests, golden beaches and bustling cities – in Malaysia for a getaway like no other. It’s quick and extremely cheap to fly between destinations, thanks to the multitude of low-fare airlines on the market. This means that even if you only have a couple of weeks to spare you can still experience all of Malaysia’s highlights. Here are our top Malaysia travel tips – where to go and how to stay healthy in each destination.
Explore Taman Negara National Park
Be wowed by the tropical vegetation and majestic wildlife that call Taman Negara National Park home. This breath-taking park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Encounter lizards, monkeys, elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinos and exotic birds on your trip. Those heading to Taman Negara National Park are strongly advised to get your hepatitis B and rabies vaccinations before travelling. The last thing you want is to end up with a potentially fatal disease because of a bite from a cheeky creature in the jungle.
Sample street food in Penang
Malaysia is famous the world over for its scrumptious eats – rice noodles, flatbread, stuffed pancakes and street barbeques to name but a few! Head to Penang for the very best dishes – the fusion of Indian, Thai and Chinese flavours will make your mouth water. Sampling street food is great for the palette (not to mention your wallet!) – just be careful about which dishes you try. Choose vendors that prepare food in a hygienic way and avoid fish and meat to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Climb majestic Mount Kinabalu
If you’re heading to Borneo, consider trekking to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It really is an overwhelming achievement to make it to the top of this awe-inspiring mountain. Watching the sunrise from above the clouds is like something from a dream. Although the route is laden with tourists, don’t underestimate the strength and endurance required for the climb. Work on your fitness levels before your trip and invest in a decent pair of hiking boots.
Visit tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands
We Irish love our tea so it’s only natural that the Cameron Highlands make our list of top places to visit in Malaysia. The region is very popular thanks to its cool temperatures and lush vegetation, as well as the abundance of fine tea. Visit a butterfly farm, trek through the jungle and enjoy a cuppa, or three! It’s best to visit the Cameron Highlands during the dry season when the risk of landslides is low. If you’re planning an adventurous trek then it’s best to get your meningcoccal meningitis, tuberculosis and Japanese B encephalitis vaccinations before you go.
Malaysia is a stunning destination with something to please all kinds of holiday-makers, whether you fancy relaxation or adventure, ancient sights or modern amenities. Pay a visit to your local TMB clinic before travelling and get expert advice about how to avoid falling ill on your travels.