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A Guide to Backpacking around Malaysia
Like much of Southeast Asia, Malaysia just about has it all. From hi-tech and head-rush cities to remote and tranquil islands via colonial splendour and fishing-village charisma, everywhere you turn, there’s something that induces a feeling of backpacking euphoria!
Starting off in Kuala Lumpur
Due to its vast international airport, most backpackers begin their exploration of this exotic land from the capital, Kuala Lumpur. One of the headiest of bright-light cities, KL invokes a cocktail of reactions that mixes pure excitement with big-city bewilderment.
Once the initial confusion is overcome, however, there are sites a-plenty here that reveal an endearingly charming aspect to the city’s heart. The Masjid Negara, for example, may seem like a glittering and grand piece of modern architecture, but it’s also part of a patchwork of churches, mosques and temples that convey Malaysia’s continuing commitment to religious pluralism.
Having experienced the city in all its varied guises, many backpackers decide to head off into the countryside for a change of pace. Doing so, however, doesn’t necessarily mean departing the city indefinitely – simply leave your backpack in your Kuala Lumpur Hostel
and take off on a day trek into the forests of rubber trees that sprawl across the hinterland.
which lay on a variety of outdoor pursuits for travellers. |
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Of course, that’s not to say the backpacker is tied to Kuala Lumpur. Far from it, in fact – leave KL with your rucksack on your back and a veritable wealth of rural delights awaits.
From the City to the Beach
After the on-rush of Malaysia’s capital, the large island of Penang provides the perfect come-down. Almost a country in its own right, Penang boasts the pleasingly relaxed colonial city of Georgetown, along with sparkling white beaches and a host of inland temples to really get lost in.
Hostels in Penang are uniformly cheap, and offer a great base from which to explore the island. Having chilled-out and people-watched in Georgetown, steal a view over much of the city from Penang Hill before hitting the beaches along the north coast or the small islands just off the south shoreline.
And once you’re kicking back on the white sands or dipping in the blue-lagoon seas, Malaysia’s rural appeal really becomes apparent. While Thailand may take all the glory, this is Southeast Asia, and the country’s shoreline is as good as any going.
Having rushed around KL and sauntered around Georgetown, then, Malaysia’s many small, tropical islands allow the backpacker to gently explore with the serene complexion of tranquillity. Try Langkawi for good beaches coupled with tourist facilities, or head to Tioman – a remoter and less visited island that’s often hailed as the most beautiful in the world.
All in all, it’s a delight from start to finish. From its bustling cities to its deserted shorelines, there are few countries that provide for the humble backpacker like Malaysia. | |
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