Experience Malaysia thru Hired Car

A good starting point is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, as it has good road networks with the rest of the country. The city is fairly young as cities go, having grown from a small mining colony to a major metropolis in about 100 years. Being new, the city doesn't have much in the way of historical buildings, but it makes up for it in modern buildings such as the Petronas Twin Towers which are the tallest twin buildings in the world. There is a load more to do in the city and it's best to just wander around and discover it for yourself. Malaysia Car Hire Tip: The west coast of Malaysia is the most popular driving route - from Johor Bahru in the south (near Singnapore) to Alor Setar in the north (near the border with Thailand). From the capital head towards the coast for about 25km where you'll find the city of Shah Alam. This city is famous for Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque which is the largest and most beautiful mosque in Malaysia and one of the biggest in south east Asia! About 32km from Kuala Lumper is the city of Klang which was once the former home of the Royal Family in Malaysia. While there, you simply must try the Bak Kut The (pork ribs in a herbal soup), which is a speciality dish of Malaysia and was invented in Klang. Malaysia Car Hire Tip: In Malaysia, drive on the left. Heading north on the North-South Highway for 2 hours will get you as far as Ipoh. This city has much to see and do, both in and around it. In the city you can explore both the Old Town and the New Town, which have interesting and contrasting architectural styles. Located just outside the city, you can find such attractions as Kellie's Castle, and the temples of Sam Poh Tong, Kek Lok Tong and Perak Tong; all of which are definitely worth visiting. This city is famous all over Asia for its cuisine, so do try to sample some of the local fare while there! Malaysia Car Hire Tip: If you're heading to Ipoh, you'll need a good city map as there're so many one way streets and not many roadsigns! Continuing north up along the coast you'll come to Butterworth - the gateway to Penang Island. From here, you can take the bridge or ferry to the beautiful and exotic Penang Island. Georgetown is the only settlement on the island with any significant culture or history; the culture being a strange mix of mostly Chinese and Muslim Malays and the history is mostly colonial and architectural such as Fort Cornwallis. The city has lots to keep you busy with many historical sights, religious sights, museums, markets, shopping malls and some renowned restaurants. Venturing outside the city, the rest of the island has a few nice beaches. If you want to relax on a white sandy beach under the shade of a palm tree, then make for the very popular Batu Ferringhi on the north coast of the island. About 93km north of Butterworth is the city of Alor Star. Pop into the Paddy Museum (Muzium Padi) to learn all about Paddy growing and harvesting (Paddy is the Malay word for Rice Plant). Alor Star is the last major city if you're travelling onto Thailand, as it's only about 45km from the Thai border. Malaysia Car Hire Tip: Roads are generally of a good quality. The North-South Highway is the main route through the country and runs from Singapore, up the west coast and goes right up to the Thai border. The motorways are tolled however. Off this north west coast of Malaysia can be found the islands of Langkawi. Pulau Langkawi is the most popular and is a duty free haven making it a huge tourist destination along with its stunning beaches and resorts. This island can be reached by passenger ferry or by flying into its airport. When you arrive on the island you could hire another car as it's the only way to get around. There is much to see and do on the island, you could visit its Geoforest Park, enjoy a cable car ride, go jungle trekking, snorkelling, birdwatching or how about enjoying a day cruise on a yacht! Of course, you'll have to shop here; as cheap Malaysian shopping is even cheaper here! The west coast of Malaysia is far more popular for tourists that the east coast. East Malaysia has some nice things to offer an adventurous tourist, but it largely covered with impenetrable jungle and has little or no roads. If you do decide to visit East Malaysia the best way around would be to fly on the rural air service. For example, a trip from Kuching to Miri by air is 1 hour and by road its 14 hours! The east coast has uncrowded beaches and some of the prettiest little villages tucked away. The road is mainly good from Singnapore all the way up the east coast to Kota Bharu. The most popular and diverse stretch of this route is from Kuantan to Kuala Terengganu which is an unforgettable adventure! Malaysia Car Hire Tip: While driving within cities be very away that most drivers don't use their indicators so they make rapid lane changes without warning. Kuantan is a major city on the east coast. It's a busy tourist city famous for its beaches, waterfalls and shops. It's easily accessible from Kuala Lumper on the East Coast Highway and also by air. Kuantan's most famous beach is Teluk Cempedak, but there are many more including Batu Hitam, Balok, and Cherating. Other items of interest within the city include Gelora Park, Teruntum Mini Zoo and Agriculture Park. Another popular stop off for tourists is Malacca a seaside city on the west coast some 150kms from Kuala Lumpur. It was once a popular port and spice route. Park up the car and walk through the Old Town district will be well rewarded with many architecturally beautiful buildings and numerous museums and other attractions. Malaysia Car Hire Tip: Motorcyclists/mopeds are very common. They will drive in and out of traffic and cut you off without a moment's hesitation. Be especially wary at night as they can be difficult to see. Johor Bahru is one of the largest cities in Malaysia - even though it's only been declared one since 1994! The best thing about visiting this city is that it's within walking distance of Singapore (about half and hour across the causeway). Johor Bahru is home to a number of fine golf courses including the Royal Johor Country Club and the Tanjung Puteri Resort. There are plenty of other things you can get up to in the city, including going for day trips into Singapore. Singapore, is in fact, its own country and not part of Malaysia. It is found on an island at the very tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. It's one of the smallest city states in the world. The Republic of Singapore is mainly urban but it also consists of some rainforests and nature reserves. It's a booming city which has something to offer everyone whether you're looking for spas and shopping, beaches and islands, nature and wildlife, history and museums, or culture and cuisine. Singapore is about a 4 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and getting there isn't too difficult. Just exit Singapore across the Straits of Johor (by taking the Tuas Bridge or the Woodlands Causeway) and once you hit the main expressway, just follow the signs all the way for 'Kuala Lumpur'.

Explore the Diversity

As the famous ad splashed on various television channels and over the internet, Malaysia is truly Asia, it truly reflects what this beautiful country has to offer. This country is a microcosm of the vivid cultures and diversity dwelling together and this is what makes Malaysia one of the hot destinations for thousand of tourist. It is unique in its own way and has enthralled the tourist with its pristine beach, tropical rain forest and the spectacular islands. So, a holiday in this beautiful country is always a top priority for the tourist. In recent years, Malaysia has seen unprecedented increase in the number of tourist. So what makes Malaysia a truly unique experience? Holidays in Malaysia are a hassle free affair, where one can unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle of busy life. This county has something or other to offer for all. Be it nature lovers or those who are interested in history, for shoppers, there are endless attractions. Moreover, the friendly nature of the people makes the vacations a really pleasing experience. Most important of all, the holidays are worth the price paid. The capital city kuala Lumpur or KL is itself a blend of modern and tradition co existing together. Its cosmopolitan nature and old world feeling exhibits the pluralist nature of the society co existed by Malays, Chinese, Indians. In fact it is the multiculturalism of the Malaysian society that provides it different colours and also the reason that it is home to hundreds of celebrations. It is a fascinating place to shop around also boast of vibrant night life full of watering holes. The world famous Petronas towers is in the middle of the town adjacent to the famous shopping centers. Hotels are easily available as per ones need and requirement. There are other places as well which are worth visiting. For instance, Palau Redang is well known for its excellent diving and snorkeling facilities. There is also the island of Penang with its rich multicultural history and colonial heritage. Langkawi, on the other hand has beautiful caves with stalactites, tropical rain forests and clear blue waters. Malaysia is a wonderful country, where one can find all the aspects of a good life. A vacation in Malaysia is truly a experience to reckon with.

Welcome to Perhentian Island

There’s just something about visiting a mostly deserted tropical island that always piques my interest. Perhaps it’s an element of the unknown – I may be safe on the beach, but how far away are the vicious monkeys or enormous lizards? Arguably the best of the best Malaysian beach retreats are the Perhentian Islands that lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. They are the perfect place to take a break – even down to the name; ‘perhentian’ actually means ‘stopping point’. As they lie only 64km or so south of the Thai border they are every bit as beautiful as their Siamese counterparts but, importantly, significantly less developed. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (translated as Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (which means Small Perhentian). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Seringgi and Rawa lie off Kecil and are the perfect place to spend an afternoon living out any fantasies of being shipwrecked on a paradise island. What makes them special? Well, the Perhentians belong to Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. It also means that steps have been taken to protect the natural beauty of the islands. You’ll find no luxurious, sprawling hotel complexes here. Instead, your accommodation is likely to be a simple shack on the beach. Of these shacks, one of the most popular is Tuna Bay Resort on Pulau Perhentian Besar near Pasir Jong. The word resort might be a slight exaggeration of what they offer (no spas, pools or room service here) but what isn’t lacking is the atmosphere – it’s terrific. Popular with families, this is a place to relax and have fun – as oppose to being the perfect escape for honeymooners wanting a quiet getaway. There’s a holiday feeling permeating through the bay that makes you feel as if you could walk up to anyone and say hello. If you want a second simple recommendation, ask for “Pasir Panjang” (Long Beach) on Perhentian Kecil. You’re unlikely to have it to yourself, but it is a very beautiful beach with postcard-perfect white sand and crystal clear water. Take some snacks and you’ll be set for a picnic that will last long in the memory. Another activity that makes for unforgettable memories is diving. Both islands are fringed by stunning reefs and crystalline water which are host to a wide variety of coral, sea-turtles, jellyfish, small sharks and reef-fish. It’s easy enough to get PADI qualified and go quite deep (the diving school at D’Anyana House is recommended) but, to be honest, simply strapping on a snorkel and splashing about will still bring you in contact with an incredible array of sea life.