Malaysia shows itself to be versatile: the mega-metropolis Kuala Lumpur, the green jungles of the Highlands and the dream beaches of Borneo. Just as versatile are the hotels in Malaysia. Ultra-modern luxury hotels have settled in the skyscrapers of the cities. In charming port cities like Melaka you can also find authentic, small hotels. Wellness hotels are located on the dreamy white-sand beaches.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia: a hypermodern metropolis. At the same time, it is a melting pot of different cultures and religions. In many streets there are well-attended and traditionally decorated mosques, churches and temples. Gigantic skyscrapers tower above them, visible even from afar. The most famous are the futuristic twin towers, the Petronas Towers. A skybridge connects them at the 41st floor. In the Golden Triangle, the business and shopping district of the city around the Twin Towers, are the most modern city hotels in Kuala Lumpur. From there you can quickly reach Little India or Chinatown. And thus surround yourself by a fascinating and lively chaos, colourful houses and market stalls with exotic goods.
Halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is the harbour city Melaka. Compared to the mega metropolises, this charming city is a quiet place. The appearance of the former pirate city is still influenced by the Dutch colonial style. The city was once a trading centre for merchants from all over the world. Opium, spices and silk from China met goods from Europe. If you want to explore the city, it is best to stroll through its streets and walk by the completely red 18th century Christ Church and the 17th century Chinese Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. In the UNESCO World Heritage city in Malaysia, rather small boutique hotels and B&Bs have settled and combine the historical yet multicultural flair of the city with modern ambience.
The Cameron Highlands are considered the green garden of Malaysia. About 150 km north of the capital, green mountains and hills rise up to 2,000 m. Huge tea plantations characterize the hilly landscape. They are interrupted by strawberry farms, rose gardens and primeval forests like the Mossy Forest. The largest villages in the Highlands are Tanah Rata and Brinchang. Many hotels also organize tours to the plantations and nature highlights.
Malaysia actually consists of two parts. The most famous cities and places are on the Asian mainland, south of Indonesia. Separated from it is the island of Borneo in the South China Sea. This island is also divided: South and west belongs to Indonesia, the northwest coast is part of Malaysia. Divers are especially enthusiastic about the beach of Borneo. The crystal-clear water shimmers turquoise in the sun. Behind it a backdrop of white beaches and tropical forests can be seen. The island of Sipadan is considered a true mecca for divers. Luxurious wellness hotels and beach resorts nestle along the coast of Borneo.
The Langkawi archipelago is perfect for beach holidays. About a hundred islands lie in the sea off Malaysia's northwest coast. None of them are particularly large. It takes just an hour by car to drive around the main island Pulau Langkawi. Those who do so drive through small fishing villages and dense tropical forests – and of course past endless beaches of fine, white sand. The hotels on the Malaysian islands are rarely far from the beach. There, divers and snorkelers discover the coral reefs and their colourful inhabitants for themselves. Swimmers are attracted by the warm water. Because there is little current, even children dare to swim in the shallow water.