A Detailed Guide On Malaysia Bay – From Traveling To Outing
BY Barsha BhattacharyaNov 12, 2022
Striking beaches, pristine islands, and sandy beaches were only a few of the things that I heard about Malaysia before I actually visited the famous Malaysia Bay last October and saw everything for real! Thanks to Malaysia’s tourism, the six nights I spent in this beautiful south Asian country were unforgettable!
Keep reading for a closer look at the ultimate guide on traveling to Malaysia - from traveling to the outing, I have tried to cover all the information you were looking for!
Traveling To The Malaysia Bay: How To Go To Malaysia Bay?
Did you know that Malaysia is well-known for its rich and dynamic cultural heritage? From a large variety of delectable cuisines and annual festivals to rural crafts and traditional architecture, Malaysia Bay is populated with a blend of Indians, Malays, Chinese, and various other indigenous groups.
The astonishing beauty, the gorgeous beaches, and the tropical rainforests are surprisingly accessible to travelers. So how do you travel to the popular Malaysia Bay? Keep reading to find out!
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit Malaysia Bay is between the months of March and October. This period is mostly characterized by clear skies and dry weather. Additionally, this is also the time when a majority part of Malaysia experiences a subtle drop in the levels of humidity which makes outdoor activities and sightseeing more comfortable.
If you are also planning to check out the islands located on the western coast of Malaysia, it’s best that you try to plan the trip for January or February. This is because the weather is perfect during this time for visiting both Langkawi and Penang.
Another factor that you have to take into consideration while traveling to Malaysia Bay is the pollutants and haze caused as a result of slash-and-burn farming. This takes place every other year, and moreover, the low quality of air can also interfere with all outdoor activities, especially in Borneo as well as areas near Indonesia.
Where To Go In Malaysia:
Did you know that the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur happens to be an economic and social driving force constantly working on bettering itself? And this fact is so well reflected in the persistent proliferation of different air-conditioned designer bars, restaurants, and shopping malls inside the city.
At the same time, KL is deeply rooted in its traditions - you will spot how people still dress up in traditional attire during festivals, especially in relatively older areas like Little India and Chinatown. Moreover, if you drive south from the capital for only two hours, you will reach Melaka, the original birthplace of the whole Malay civilization - you can’t miss out on the mellow atmosphere and historical architecture of Melaka!
Then there’s Penang island, the first site of British settlement in the country. In fact, Penang’s capital, Georgetown, is home to several colonial buildings and a colorful Chinatown district, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Melaka.
If you move to the east coast of the Peninsula, you will find the area peppered with stunning islands like Pulau Tioman & Pulau Perhentian, and rustic villages, all filled with package tourists and backpackers - this area boasts a relaxing and rural vibe. However, to check out the best of Malaysian traditions, you must check out the state capitals of Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu.
How To Go To Malaysia?
I would suggest that you opt for a flight because traveling by air is definitely the best and safest way to reach the stunning Malaysia Bay. In fact, Malaysian airlines actually offer really low-cost flights to the capital, Kuala Lampur, for all budget travelers. And yes, do not forget to get a Malaysia Tourist Visa. Without a visa, your tour will never start.
Additionally, Malaysia has three major airports. These are as follows,
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (the busiest airport),
Senai International Airport, and
Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
In case you do want to experience a train journey, then you will find direct trains from Singapore and Thailand that travels to Malaysia under KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu)’s services. Now, in that case, you would have to fly to Singapore first or Thailand before you can onboard a train to Malaysia.
Exploring The Malaysia Bay: Things To Know
The entire Malay archipelago stretches from the Philippines to Indonesia, with Malaysia becoming a vital trade port between the world’s two biggest trading markets, China and India. Later, Malaysia Bay also became crucial entrepôts for the Dutch, Portuguese, and ultimately the British empire.
The country of Malaysia came into existence only recently in 1963, when the whole federation of 11 peninsula states was finally joined by powerful Singapore and two other Bornean territories of Sabah and Sarawak. Later in 1965, Singapore bid adieu to this union to exist as a country that’s independent.
Today, Malaysia has become home to a dominant cultural diversity, unique in building several multicultural societies. So let’s check out everything that you need to know about the famous Malasyiabay!
Facts About The Malaysia Bay:
The facts that you must be aware of Malaysia Bay are as follows,
With around 28 million residents, Malaysia is distinctively divided into two different regions. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is located in Peninsular Malaysia, separated by the South China Sea by a solid 600 km from East Malaysia. East Malaysia comprises the two states of Sarawak and Sabah, located on Borneo island.
A democracy, Malaysia follows a Parliamentary form of government, similar to England, with the post of Yang di-Pertuan Agung as the ceremonial Head Of State. However, the post of Yang di-Pertuan Agung keeps rotating among the different Sultans of the Federation.
Malaysia is also famous for being home to the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia. A rainforest plant from Malaysia, Rafflesia smells like rotten meat and is measured to be over a meter in size. Fun fact, Rafflesia was named after the founder of Singapore, a well-known naturalist, Sir Stamford Raffles.
Historically, the economy of Malaysia has been dominated by mining and agriculture. At present, however, the country does feature a constantly growing manufacturing sector.
Wildlife In Malaysia:
Both Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are hot spots for all wildlife enthusiasts, harboring more than 600 different kinds of birds and about 200 different mammal species - including Asian tigers, elephants, tapirs, sun bears, gibbons, hornbills, pythons, and barking deer.
Borneo is also home to the Proboscis monkey, called so because of its drooping bulbous nose. Moreover, the island also happens to be one of the only two habitats (all-natural) for Orang-utans. The other location is Sumatra. In fact, the word ‘Malay’ literally means ‘man of the forest.’
Moreover, the marine life of Malaysia Bay is very diverse, where divers can easily swim around with clown fishes, barracudas, and white-tip sharks. You can also spot hawksbill and green turtles known for dragging themselves ashore every season to lay eggs at night.
Outdoor Activities In Malaysia:
Home to countless islands and beaches, as well as some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, Malaysia is well known for several outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking.
The relatively more established resorts located on the touristy islands of Tioman, Penang, and Langkawi also offer paragliding and jet skiing, while Cherating’s windy bay is not just home to budget tourists - Cherating also happens to be a hot hub for windsurfers.
So why don’t you scroll down and check out all the adventure activities you can try out on your trip to Malaysia Bay?
1. Snorkeling And Diving:
The crystal-clear waters, the abundance of tropical fishes, and the stunning corals of Malaysia Bay make diving and snorkeling a must for every underwater enthusiast. This holds particularly true for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, with islands such as Redang, Kapas, Tioman, and the Perhentians. Additionally, Sipidan Island Marine Reserve in Sabah is also another spot that offers similar activities.
For instance, the dive shops in Sarawak’s Miri and Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu offer internationally recognized all-inclusive certification courses. So it could cost you somewhere between RM1300 (for beginner’s courses) to RM2200 (for advanced courses). In case you have qualified already, then you can expect dive trips to cost you about RM180 a day, inclusive of gear rental.
Moreover, you can get rent snorkeling equipment from guesthouses on the beach for about RM20 a day. In case you aren’t sure about where to go for snorkeling, you can always consult with locals. At the same time, you will find out that snorkeling areas have been marked out by motorboat lanes with the help of buoy lines.
2. Windsurfing:
Although windsurfing has not really taken off in the whole of Malaysia Bay yet, you can still try out this activity in some of the most expensive hotels and resorts in the country.
However, as I mentioned a while back, you can always check out the windy bay of Cherating, famous for its huge, open bay with shallow waters, perfect for windsurfing, especially during the season of the northeast monsoon.
3. Whitewater Rafting:
Sungai Padas, located in Sabah, is a beautiful grade-3 river that runs across the stunning Padas Gorge in the north and has become a popular spot for Whitewater Rafting. However, if you want to try out this adventure sport, then you have to understand that rafting opportunities in Peninsular Malaysia are a little difficult to find.
So it’s best to talk with different operators to fix your rafting trip! You can expect one day’s rafting to cost you about RM250, inclusive of all the equipment.
4. Trekking:
Most of the treks in Malaysia Bay require preparation and forethought. The tropical climate can be unpredictable, with the fierce Sun and torrential rain making things difficult for trekkers - what started out as a simple five-hour trek can just as easily take twice that time due to the weather.
The treks inside the national parks have made opting for a guide and going in groups mandatory. If you are traveling solo, you will be able to join other groups on location. Both conditions and costs vary from park to park - you can check out with established travel agencies or even local guides.
If you are inexperienced when it comes to trekking, then the best place to start for you would be Taman Negara, known for its beautiful walks - you can also do this trek without opting for a guide. But, then, Bako National Park, located in southwest Sarawak, also offers relatively easy treks. On the other hand, other national parks in Sarawak, like Gunung Mulu, are for people with relatively more challenging tastes.
Bonus Section: Checklist For Camping And/Or Trekking
In case you do opt for camping or trekking in Malaysia, make sure you follow the checklist mentioned below!
Backpack
Tent (if you want to sleep outside)
Sleeping bag
Mosquito net
Water purification tablets
Water bottle
Torch (a head torch is a better choice)
Toilet paper and toiletries
Sewing Kit
Pocket Knife
Insect repellent
UV-protected Sunglasses
Lip balm and sunblock
Compass
Breathable t-shirts
Quick-drying, lightweight trousers
Rainproof poncho or coat
Trekking boots
Cotten hat with a brim
Fleece jacket
Woolen and cotton socks
Standard first-aid kit
Leech socks
Binoculars
Insulation mat
Small towel
Spare bootlaces
Emergency snacks
Heavy-duty refuse bag for rainproofing your backpack
And It’s A Wrap!
So now that you have a fair idea about traveling to Malaysia Bay, what are you waiting for? All you have to do is plan your trip, pack your bags, and visit this beautiful country. Plus, there’s so much to do - yes, the sightseeing is going to be a crazy experience, but then there’s so much to do for all adventure sports enthusiasts.
So tell us, what do you think about planning a trip to Malaysia? Also, if you have already visited this beautiful country, tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
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