What are travel experts saying about Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur ranked fourth in Euromonitor International’s recent report on Top City Destination Ranking 2009, ahead of such popular destinations such as Paris, Hong, Kong, New York City, and Dubai. The city recorded 9,400,000 tourist arrivals in 2009.
- Euromonitor International’s top city destinations ranking, January 6, 2011
“Treat yourself to Malaysia's unique fusion of cultures and flavors,” stated CNN. The popular news source recently listed Penang, Malaysia, as an island you must visit before you die. The article focused on the delicious cuisine found in Malaysia’s food capital, architecture and beach resorts.
- Gary McKechnie, CNN Travel, February 22, 2011
“Consider it the world’s ultimate melting pot. A spice-trade hub for centuries, Malaysia has a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as it is unsung. For now-if not forever-every meal can be a discovery.”
- Naomi Lindt, Budget Travel, May 2011
“Now known as Malaysia’s silicon valley, this tiny island [Penang] and onetime backpacker haven also happens to be a repository of authentic local character, with its very own world heritage site, stylish new hotels, and some of the best street food you’ll ever eat in Southeast Asia.”
-Guy Trebay, Travel + Leisure, May 2011
“Consider it the world’s ultimate melting pot. A spice-trade hub for centuries, Malaysia has a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as it is unsung. For now–if not forever–every meal can be a discovery.”
- Naomi Lindt, Budget Travel, May 2011
According to the Global Peace Index 2011, Malaysia is ranked as the 19th most peaceful country in the world, up two spots from last year. It is considered the most peaceful country in Southeast Asia, and is well ahead of the United States (82).
- Global Peace Index 2011 The Institute for Economics and Peace, May 2011
The New York Times named the top 45 places to visit in 2012. It listed Malacca, Malaysia, as the 28th must visit destination in the world. “With its lantern-lighted canals and silent, narrow streets lined with decades-old ornate temples and shop houses, few places in Southeast Asia conjure romantic images of the past as effectively as Malacca, Malaysia’s oldest city.”
- Naomi Lindt, The New York Times, January 6, 2012
According to Forbes, Malaysia is the world’s 10th friendliest country. “Many expats here say they have learned the local language and befriended locals. Said one respondent, ‘Malaysia is a peaceful country. Government transactions like tax, EPF [Employees Provident Fund], are very efficient. Food is relatively cheap. Also the country is clean and green and they respect the environment.’”
- Beth Greenfield, Forbes, January 6, 2012
Lonely Planet describes Malaysia as a wild destination full of a wide array of adventurous activities. “Few countries in South-East Asia – or anywhere – match the range of opportunities for getting adventurous outdoors,” says the largest travel guide firm. Thrill seekers can dive into the depths of Sipadan, summit the soaring Mount Kinabalu, or trek through the world’s most ancient rainforest.
- Paul Bloomfield, Lonely Planet, January 14, 2012
Malaysia was listed as the best destination for diving by Scuba Diving magazine. “In the west, Layang Layang is famous for hammerhead sharks and massive walls draped in corals and sea fans; in the east, it’s a quartet of islands that are the envy of every diver who’s never been.
- Scuba Diving, January/February 2012
