Maleisië is een land dat gekenmerkt wordt door intrigerende contrasten. Het is een complexe combinatie van verschillende culturen, diverse landschappen en architectonische stijlen. Chinese joss huizen, hindoetempels en gouden koepelmoskeeën bestaan naast ultramoderne wolkenkrabbers en moderne zakelijke complexen. Het land zelf is verdeeld in twee delen door de Zuid-Chinese Zee. Peninsula Malaysia (West-Maleisië) beschikt over uitgestrekte bruisende steden, statige koloniale architectuur, mistige theeplantages en rustige eilanden. De Maleisische Borneo (Oost-Maleisië) heeft weelderige jungles vol exotische dier- en plantenleven, torenhoge granieten pieken en zelfs enkele afgelegen inheemse stammen. Buitenliefhebbers kunnen genieten van een scala aan avontuurlijke activiteiten, zoals wandelen door enkele van's werelds oudste tropische regenwouden, duiken in enkele van de meest gerenommeerde duiklocaties ter wereld, of raften in een van de vele prachtige nationale parken van het land. U kunt ook uw dagen doorbrengen met het verkennen van de supergeladen hoofdstad, Kuala Lumpur, met zijn zakken van regenwoud afgewisseld tussen torenhoge gebouwen of gewoon ontspannen onder het strand met palmbomen.
The capital city of Sarawak state offers a pleasant stop for travellers looking for an urban fix between exploring the natural gems of Malaysian Borneo. Kuching is situated on the banks of the Sarawak River, which meanders through the town, lending itself a laid back atmosphere. A stroll along Kuching waterfront (nicknamed ‘The People Place’) offers visitors a diverse mix of cultural attractions and entertainment options, including views of the city’s most intricate architectural gem, Dewan Undangan Negeri – the Sarawak State Assembly complex. A contemporary highlight of the town is a series of offbeat and loveable orangutan wall murals by Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic, while those in need of R&R can indulge in a peaceful afternoon at the lovely Sarawak Orchid Garden. The annual Kuching Food Fair takes place every August, with over 200 different street stalls serving up a smorgasbord of local and international cuisine.
Located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the large rugged island of Borneo, the Batang Ai National Park features an impressive 24-square-kilometre expanse of lush tropical rainforest containing an extraordinary array of rare and protected wildlife. The park lies at the headwaters of the Batang Ai and the Lubang Baya river and is accessible only by chartering boats which travel up the river, through thick jungle, and across the magnificent Batang Ai Lake. Visitors can look forward to exhilarating mountain treks, spotting orangutans, gibbons, hornbills and other exotic wildlife; and interacting with the local indigenous people, many of whom continue to live in traditional communal dwellings known as longhouses.
Kota Kinabalu serves as the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state and has long been the gateway to the island of Malaysian Borneo. Situated on the coast, this small resort town is a lovely place to refuel, get permits, book onward travel and indulge in some well-deserved R&R. If you’re interested in sampling local fare, head to the night market for some fresh fish off the barbecue. Visitors can also look forward to exploring bustling markets, strolling along pristine beaches, and view the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque set along the waterfront. Day trips from Kota Kinabalu include a scenic ride on the North Borneo Railway, an excursion to the neighbouring islands of Gaya and Manukan and an adventure to the Kinabalu National Park, home of the soaring peak of Mount Kinabalu.
An impressive landmark on the map of Malaysian Borneo, Kinabatanagan River meanders for 560 kilometres from its source in southwestern Sabah in the soaring Crocker Range to its vast river mouth at the Sulu Sea. It is the longest river in the incredibly scenic state of Sabah and provides a rich ecosystem for a host of wildlife. A boat cruise down the river is the best way to explore the region’s lush rainforests, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife, with both day trips and overnight water-based safaris offered to visitors. Regularly sighted wildlife includes proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, macaques hornbills, Irrawaddy dolphins, owls, civets and if you’re lucky – the endangered Borneo pygmy elephant.
A tropical paradise awaits on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, where pristine beaches meet the turquoise waters of the South China Sea. Exuberant greenery blankets the landscape, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts. The area's stunning blend of white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and verdant tropical forests invites visitors to engage in activities like snorkelling, diving, and jungle trekking. Beneath the waves vibrant coral reefs are teeming with marine life as families unwind on the powder-white beaches of Pulau Udar Kecil, a small islet just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
