Because it’s so diverse – from its varied culture to its landscapes, both urban and natural – it’s difficult to sum up in only a few words why so many people choose to take holidays to Malaysia.One reason, without doubt, is the cuisine. Whether you’re in the middle of a city of high-rises or a small village with stilt houses, the selection of food on offer at every turn is incredible; Chinese buffets, spicy Malay food stalls, Indian curries – the numerous cultural influences in Malaysia means that you’ll find it very difficult to tire of the country’s endlessly diverse concoctions.Many people enjoy visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, to soak up its intriguing mix of old and new. On the same street you might find a historic mosque or temple sitting side by side with a shopping mall or futuristic tower, the architecture of which has become symbolic of the country’s great progress in recent decades. Eating, shopping and enjoyment of the vibrant nightlife are always on the cards in this ever-buzzing city.
For a more nature-orientated experience, a visit to Sarawak – the Malaysian side of Borneo – will give you a glimpse of tribal traditions, incredible scenery and fantastic wildlife, much of which you’ll find it hard to witness anywhere else in the world. Take a serene boat ride down a river into untouched wilderness and hop off onto a jungle trail to rub shoulders with the local orangutans.Malaysia is ideal to visit at any time of year. In spite of its geographical location, the country’s wet season between October and April isn’t too different to other months; however, Peninsular Malaysia gets rain from November through to February.Carlton Leisure offers a great selection of breathtaking holidays to Malaysia, including 12, 15 and 17 day tours that you’ll never forget.