DIVERSIFIED MALAYSIA

Malaysia is one of my favorite country to visit. Having visited the country for three times already (in 2011, 2012 and 2016), I still look forward to returning to this haven.

With its tourism tagline, Truly Asia, Malaysia offers a diverse cultural tourism and one that best describes the Asian lifestyle - simplicity. I was able to immerse myself easily in their conservative culture and appreciate the country's simple living and friendly people. I even became friends and still have constant communication with those I met during my visit.

A Muslim majority country, Malaysia is one of the safest country to visit in Southeast Asia.  You can reach the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur, after a three and a half hour travel by plane from Manila. From the airport, tourists can transport to the city proper via train link, a bus or airport taxis.

My first two visits were training assignments I accepted in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor Bahru, a city near the border of Malaysia-Singapore. Staying for a month, I spent my weekends exploring the nearby areas of Johor. A leisure walk in Danga bay with my students from UTM made me appreciate sunset at JB. Trying Malaysian food at the different restaurants in JB together with my co-trainers made me enjoy a variety of Malay foods. I also crossed the border and visit Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur is the home of the famous iconic landmark, Petronas Twin Tower, the third highest structure in the world. Alight at the KLCC train station and a short walk will bring you to the famous tower. Located just close are the KLCC Suria Mall for window-shopping and great shopping experiences, and the KLCC park for sightseeing.

Petaling Street and the central Market KL are  favorite shopping destinations in the city.  Variety of budget-friendly souvenirs are available to choose from. Petaling street or known as Chinatown is Kuala Lumpur's equivalent of Manila's Divisoria. Both destinations are short walks from the Pasar Seni station of KL LRT. If you want branded products, KL has numerous shopping malls too. 

One weekend with no itinerary for a day, I even tried riding the KL LRT for sightseeing from north to south point and returned to KL Sentral station after one full journey. This is not an advisable thing to do. There is not much to see outside the train windows.

Other places to visit in KL include Batu Cave, Istana Negara and Merdeka Square.

Outside Kuala Lumpur, visiting Genting highlands is possible within the day. Riding one of the longest cable car in Southeast Asia was one cool experience. If you are traveling in a group, a private taxi can be hired or you can travel by bus departing from KL sentral station.  Just check the timings. The KL sentral station is the main station connecting the KL train systems. 

A journey to Melaka, a UNESCO world heritage site, will bring you back in time. A day tour at this old city is not recommended. A leisure walk and DIY tour  to the heritage city will allow you to appreciate Melaka more. Melaka can be compared to the Vigan of the Philippines.

We had a good two nights accommodation in Bayview Hotel Melaka. The buffet breakfast and an afternoon swim at the hotel pool offered us a relaxing stay. Its location is also excellent as the tourist spots, and the bar and restaurants are all walking distance to the hotel. We also befriended Ms Joy, the Filipina vocal lead of the band performing in Bulldog bar just opposite the Bayview Hotel.

If you are traveling to Singapore from Malaysia, Legoland Malaysia is one of the best spots to visit. A bus in Larkin station in Johor Bahru can take you to the recreation park. In the same station are the buses going to different places of Malaysia and to Singapore.

Malaysia is home and will always be a home to me. Staying in Malaysia for more than a month in my visits in 2011 and 2012 and living there alone made me understand the diversity of the country, made me appreciate its culture and simple living, and gave me sense of high regard to the country. In 2016, I returned to Malaysia with my friends and shared with them the wonders of this country. I can't wait to go back, and hopefully real soon!