Marvellous Malaysia

With the horrendous events in 2014 involving Malaysia Airlines, my heart went out to those who lost loved ones and also to the Malaysian people.  We visited Malaysia for our honeymoon and then again in 2009 when Maya was 6 months and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.  I cannot recommend the country highly enough and with people looking for ideas for summer holidays, Malaysia would be one that would be perfect for families.  With the fusion of East meets West, a hive of technological advancement coupled with so much of the history, its a melting pot of cultures.  The majority of Malaysia is Malaria free which often a worry for lots of parents, so there is no need for Malaria tablets.  For me, Malaysia is highly recommended for a family holiday, till this day it is one of my favourite destinations!  So carry on reading all about Marvellous Malaysia!

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Culture shock

We have visited lots of countries in the far east and Asia and Malaysia offers one of a nice balance where you are still able to have the vibes of an Asian country without it being too much of a culture shock. They have a fantastic transport system, english is widely spoken and lots of western and young travellers essentials are readily available.  When travelling with young children this is a definite peace of mind that you need.

People

Malaysian People

In all of my years of travel, I have yet to meet a nation of people who are friendler then then Malay people.  They are very generous with their help, friendly, polite and love children.  I remember the moment we landed in Malaysia, we literally had everyone fawning over Maya.  It can be a little too much if your child is more reserved (we are however known to love being the centre of attention) but it is a lovely change from the glaring looks we have experienced by meeyly having a child, let alone them misbehaving.  I loved the way Malay people actually tried to make an effort to get to know you and your backgrounds.  They were actually interested and it made me feel much less like a tourist.  Wherever you will venture, you will be greeted with huge smiles and friendly, helpful people!

Beaches

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The whole of the far East has stunning beaches and you cannot go wrong with any of them.  We loved the beaches in Malaysia and they are as stunning as any we have seen (Thailand, Australia, Fiji included).  Langkawi is a true lost island experience.  At the far north you have the jungles and the secluded beaches near the Datai / Andaman resorts but throughout the island there is mile upon mile of unspoilt, stunning coastline.  We have also visited Penang and whilst the beach was not as unspoilt as Langkawi, there is a hive of activity on all day/night on the beaches.  We have done jet skiing, para sailing for 1/10th of the prices that we have been quoted in Europe/Egypt  Thats Doc in the air by the way! 🙂

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Fusion

Malaysia is a glorious fusion of cultures/religions and people.  I loved the way in which everyone was living peacefully and cohesively as a community.  You can see remnants of all faiths by simply walking down a street, for example in Penang, you can visit one of the largest temples in the whole of the Far East at Kek Lok Si, visit a mosque and then head over to little India to experience some Tamil lifestyle!  I love studying people and their history and the Malay are proud of their fusion of years of being a multi-cultural society.  Their is amazing respect of each culture and heritage and its incredible for children to be experience as many cultures and people as possible.  One of my favourite travel quotes of all time is…

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Wildlife

Malaysia is estimated to contain 20% of the world’s animal species thus offers visitors some of the most unique and amazing wildlife experiences in the world.  You will be spoilt for choice of the amazing wild life that this country can offer on land and sea.  From Oragutans, to sea turtles, to, from the Malaysian tiger to a whole spectrum of monkeys.  There are lots of opportunities to see the animals in the country and see how the government is striving to keep the animals well and protected.  Borneo is on my bucket list 🙂

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Nature

For a country the size of Malaysia visitors are able to experience a vast range of nature in a small country.  About 2/3rds of the country is covered in rainforests.  Some of the most stunning rainforests can be found in Sabah, Mount Kinabalou, an amazing range of flora and fauna, its a nature lovers dream.  The tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands again offer you something very different to the traditional touristy areas of Malaysia.  We visited a gardening club yesterday and the little adventurers learnt about where tea originates from and saw a picture of a tea picker, i think it would be amazing to see this in real life!

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Technology

Like many of its neighbouring countries, Malaysia is very technologically advanced.  We visited the science museum in the pertains towers and had a great day.  Malaysia has lots of of the latest gadgets readily available.  It may not be as big a techy dream as Tokyo or Seoul but you will have lots of choice!  Doc is a techy (through and through) and he loved looking at the latest gadgets and toys that they had there!

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Family Friendly

If we still haven’t go you convinced, just know that there is loads to do for a family in Malaysia.  Whichever part you go to see you will be spoilt for choice whether it Legoland Malaysia, exploring caves with bats or monkeys, relaxing on stunning beaches, getting up close and personal with amazing wildlife, it’ll be hard to decide what to miss out!  One of my favourite family travel bloggers World Travel Family visited Malaysia and they have tons of great posts about the fantastic things to do in Malaysia!  The last picture is one of all time favourite pictures of Doc and Maya, I cannt say often enough, you will love Marvellous Malaysia!

 

 

 

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Nisbah

I am a traveller, mother and blogger. We love to go on adventures (big and small, near and far) and strive to show our children how amazing and beautiful the world is! I caught the travel bug many moons ago and despite having three little adventurers, I still suffer from "itchy" feet. We love the great outdoors and one another. Come and join the fun :)

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5 Responses

  1. samiya says:

    We loved Malaysia! Look forward to being back with the kids…you have exactly nailed why it’s the perfect destination for a family friendly vacation 🙂

  2. Patty says:

    Awesome review by an obvious well traveled family.

  1. March 30, 2015

    […] melting pot.  You can read hear about why I think Malaysia is truly marvellous for family travel here! Langkawi is truly beautiful, and you feel like you are miles away from your troubles and woes. […]

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