What are experts and visitors saying about Malaysia?

"Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Aside from its gleaming 21st century glass towers, it boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in the region"

Source: Eileen Ng, Associated Press

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**FEATURED FEEDBACK from Bill Nestor (May 2008)**

Malaysia is an interesting eclectic, blended culture that I found wonderfully enjoyable to explore, investigate and experience. The natural side of the country was most intriguing. I spent almost the entire time in the Malaysian Borneo state of Sabah. Excursions, with ethno-botanist and ornithology guides- into jungles, rainforests, mangroves, up rivers and to islands in the South China Sea enabled identification and observation of 55 new species of birds, 5 primates- three monkeys and two apes and a host of other animals and plants.

I discovered there are more than 1500 species of orchids and 16,000 known medicinal plants in Malaysia. The natural remedies for my torn rotator cuff and arthritic knees were nothing short of miraculous. A tablespoon of Sea Cucumber gel each morning with juice brought results within four days, allowing me to play golf, hike on trails, and search for animals in relative comfort. I now must find a way to get these cures in the states.

The people and culture quickly captivated me. The more I explored and immersed myself the greater affection and appreciation I developed for the land, its inhabitants, and lifestyles. It has a rich cultural history with much to offer.

The opportunity to experience more than the WAITGC event while there was exceptional. Malaysia is so much more than golf. American tourists will come to Malaysia for all it is if presented as such. There are some misconceptions about the destination, which should be addressed- the Muslims, are not middle-eastern terrorists, journalists are not kidnapped every day, and it is not a primitive underdeveloped country.

Instead it is an emerging young land with an extensive communication system, road, and power infrastructure in place and improving daily. Along with a population of mixed marriage families and multinational heritage that have seemingly eliminated prejudice, it is a blend of western capitalism and eastern spirit and thinking. Every modern convenience is available as are opportunities to experience ancient tribes, unique flora and fauna- inhabitants of diverse ecosystems- jungle, rainforest, island, mountain and urban centers.

Kota Kinabalu is a perfect example of the Malaysian integrated lifestyle. It blends the old with the new, is multicultural, historically rich and culturally strong. Sandakan took me to a place rich in wildlife. Traveling by boat on muddy rivers took me where rich sounds, vivid colors, plentiful avian fauna, and numerous primates abound.

Malaysia was a marvelous adventure spent exploring an exotic land of diverse people, nature and culture. Although my primary purpose was to cover The World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) event, my focus on all other could not be ignored.

The uniqueness of the land and its people- diverse ecosystems, traditions and cultures of indigenous communities and variety of living things contributed to a wonderful experience. Being only 2 degrees north of the equator the heat, humidity and afternoon downpours do affect daily activities.

Spending two nights in KL was a good idea. It provided an additional needed perspective to better understand the country.

I'd love to return to find and observe the peninsular and pigmy elephants.

Terima kasih

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"Malaysia is definitely a part of the new "coming-of-age" tour that travelers these days need to include as part of their education -- not doing so would be a great disservice to yourself."

- Ronald Mracky, Vacation.com

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"I had the most wonderful two weeks in Malaysia. Thank you... to Tourism Malaysia for providing a special package for former Peace Corps Volunteers! The flight on Malaysia Airlines was very comfortable and the service was excellent.

I was well cared for, and I received tasty vegetarian meals on all flights. My bags arrived in good condition going in both directions...It was a very memorable visit!!"

-- Priscilla Garcia, October 2007

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"Everything went GREAT on our trip to Malaysia! We had absolutely no problems and had an awesome time. In fact, we want to go back again some time. I didn't know Malaysia was a tourism hot spot for other countries in the world. There were a lot of people from India, China, Australia, South Africa, Germany, etc. and everyone speaks English! You normally don't hear Americans saying 'Let's go to Malaysia' for their vacation, but I will help spread the word now. It was truly a wonderful opportunity that we were fortunate enough to experience, and we couldn't have done it without your help. I never dreamed that everything would have gone so smoothly! Once again, thank you very much."

-- Teresa Harris, Winner of the Rachael Ray TV Show Malaysia Trip Giveaway

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"Malaysia is a land still rich in natural resources and has largely been spared the natural disasters that plague its neighbors...an economy strong enough to withstand events like the 1998 economic meltdown that pummeled most other countries in the region, Malaysians have achieve an enviable standard of living."

Source: Simon Elegant, Travel and Leisure Magazine, August 2006

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"My guide was great. It was just the two of us with the boatman for the first two days. I was the only guest at Abai Lodge - my own private lodge. Saw so much wild life including wild orang and pygmie elephants. The next lodge I was paired with a family from Texas, very nice people and we went on the excursions together. Food was great every meal.

I had such a wonderful trip. One of the best, goes on my list of my favorite trips and places. You made me feel so welcomed on the first day. I also felt like Borneo family from day 1. I certainly felt like it the whole trip."

- Mike Young, July 2008

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"Langkawi is Asia's next great island paradise...think of it as a cross between Bali and Phuket - minus 50 years of overdevelopment."

Source: Chicago Social Modern Luxury

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"KL is a jet-setter magnet, an international stew of culture and class, of expatriates and natives, of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists, of Prada and Ferraris...it's fast, wild, delicious -- and cheap."

Source: Riviera Magazine

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We are back at home with very good memories from Borneo. The tour was excellent and our guide Nell was perfect. We'll suggest this tour to all our friends. THANK YOU!"

- Tina Keskkyla, June 2008

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"Our longhouse visit: reflecting on going into deep jungle with the Iban tribe is still amazing. The scenery was spectacularspectacular. I took a lot of pictures but who knows if I captured the moment. It was just so green as we rounded each bend - the green of the forest would reflect off the water turning it this nice shade of green ... complete with reflections of the rainforest. The deeper you go in, the better it got & the noisier it gets from the sounds of the jungle... insects & animals ... At no time did it look anything like 'The Jungle Cruise' at Disneyland!

Lunch on the river at a waterfall: they treated us to Iban fishing .... he takes this net and throws it into the river. Somehow he pulls out fish ….. The boatman pulls out a belt and a machete and literally runs up into the jungle. About 5-8 minutes later, he returns with this incredibly nice piece of bamboo that you would use to decorate your house …6-8 feet long. As it turns out, they are going to use this to "cook" lunch. The lunch was incredible, ’catered’ from scratch --- using branches and bamboo and fire.

The ride back to their longhouse was the BEST. They shut off the motor and we just floated downstream - through thick, incredible jungle. No words could/should describe this... easily outdid my previous best boat ride on the Mekong. WOW ..The highlight of the trip!

We could talk about my first night at the Longhouse, but it was sort of unbelievable. We meet the 'chief', an elderly patient man. There was a "town meeting" and everyone was sitting around (literally), as the "group" was discussing future longhouse plans/expansion…………..Somewhere in there the rice wine comes out………. I was even invited into the “hunters’ room to share some beer and food from a recent hunt!

Unfortunately many people I know are fearful about traveling to this part of the world....There is not much for me to say – guess all I can do is show my pictures to everyone and assure them that the people there are “exemplary.”
There is MUCH for Americans to learn."

- Craig Wong, January 2008

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"One of my greatest trips yet. The Santubong climb, swimming in the underground river in Mulu…. and traveling up and down the jungle rivers by longboat during the longhouse tour, were certainly the highlights for me. But there were many other enjoyable experiences as well.

GUIDES: I had three different ones: and they were all first-rate: knowledgeable, reliable and able to express themselves very well in English. A bad guide can ruin a trip like this, so it is important to go with a tour company that gets good guides. I had 3 good ones. The guide on the ‘adventure’ caving expedition was excellent.. He could see my balance wasn’t as good as the other two tourists (ain’t a kid anymore, alas!) and he did all kinds of subtle things to help me along, that he probably thought I didn’t notice, but I did.

LUXURY HOMESTAY: Loved it! Beautiful place, and owner is certainly an interesting and entertaining conversationalist."

- Joe Parsons, January 2008

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"My family (myself, husband and 10 year-old daughter) traveled to Borneo to see wildlife. What we discovered was a part of the world that appears untouched. It was an incredible experience. Everything worked like clockwork- the airplanes, the highly professional personal guide and drivers. Our trip was so much more than we had anticipated.

My daughter who is 10 years old was the one who initiated this trip. Oh the anticipation! the thrill of the first wild orangutan. We could hear them and sense their presence, but no words can express the joy in my little girl's face when she looked up and there it was - swinging on the vine.
The drama and suspense of hiking quietly in the wild until the guide spots what may be a group.. and then the ultimate thrill! We had hoped to see a few Proboscis Monkeys and some orangutans....
We saw everything we wanted and much more. The fact that the region is almost undiscovered gave us the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their habitat at very close quarters.

The serenity and peace of Borneo was beyond anything we could have hoped for. It was like a slice of paradise and we were the only guests. The hospitality of the tribes and the warmth with which we were received in the Long House was extremely humbling.

One of the best holidays we have been on. Memories for a lifetime. Hope my daughter can recount her experiences for others so that there is more interest in eco travel.
Absolutely fantastic."

- Greg, Tinu and Annelise Thakore, September 2007

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"I then set out on one of the most fascinating trips I have ever been on (to an Iban longhouse) ......The fact that the natives allowed us to come into their homes to visit is a once in a life-time experience. Being able to see the rare Proboscis Monkeys at such close range was breathtaking and enabled me to take awesome photographs..........

Visiting the Orangutans in their natural habitat was wonderful....I have never seen an orangutan so close-up.

When you are traveling it is unusual to be invited into peoples’ homes, and so to be included in these home visits, socialize with the locals and eat their food was a great honor.

I also enjoyed strolling through the town of Kuching with its beautiful waterfront promenade, its restaurants, 5-Star hotels, craft stores, and markets; and I couldn’t resist leaving without purchasing some beautiful gold jewelry and native crafts.... at unbelievably low prices. It is hard to imagine that this bustling city is only a 45 minute ride away from primary rainforests!!

I recommend this trip highly!"

- Jean Couturas, October 2006

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"As I admitted last week, I was a bit nervous coming here. For starters, some of my Fox News Channel-loving friends put the fear of God in me when they said I was crazy to travel here. They made me think I would be killed in an anti-American rally, or framed - then hung - for smuggling drugs. This was on top of all my others concerns: How would my asthma hold up in the pollution? Were there huge poisonous snakes? And would I contract malaria or other diseases because I did not take the vaccinations my doctor recommended? (Huge sigh.) Obviously, the media plays a huge role in these perceptions, although frankly, I did not see any Malaysia commercials or magazine advertising until recently. I understand that in the past Malaysia has not been the most welcoming country. But that's no longer true -- and as you will see over the next few weeks (with lots of pictures and videos), Malaysia is a fantastic, safe country to visit."

Read Johnny Jet's full account of his trip to Malaysia at the following links: Flying into Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 1, Kuala Lumpur 2, Tanjong Jara Resort, Pangkor, Cameron Highlands

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From Yahoo!Travel:

-- "Malaysia is amazing. I'm sure I'm a little biased since I lived there for a year but it is simply amazing. Malaysia has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to return. For vacationers, there tons of stuff do, buy, and see and english is widely spoken so communication is a breeze. Make sure you bone up on Islamic culture since Msia is a Muslim country. But don't let that throw you--Malaysia is known as the "modern face of Islam." You will never feel unsafe. Lastly, THE FOOD. The best food on the rock of Earth is in Malaysia. Blends of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, and Indonesian flavors make the cuisine of Malaysia unbeatable. Do as the locals and sit in at mamak stall and enjoy Roti Canai and curry with a steaming cup of Teh Tarik. Hopefully you'll fall in love with KL and Malaysia like I did. I has become a part of me."

-- "KL people is friendly especially the Malays. The food ...absolutely excellent with Chinese, Malay, Indian and western food. Malaysian live to eat because they eat all the time and you can see them eat anywhere in the city ._. so there are a lots of 24hours restaurants.There are 3 main races live together in KL and Malaysia. Do u like to shopping? if you say: Yes,...that's the right place for you to spend your money from cheapest to luxury goods. Anyway,i love KL and hope you guy will find the best of KL by yourself.Opps..a small thing is :traffic jam is often during the day time,but who care about such thing,enjoy and ...relax"

Want to hear more of travelers' opinions? Please visit the original Word of Mouth page or visit www.travel.yahoo.com