A victim of it's own prosperity? (Malaysia)

Member Name: Pablo_Sevilla

Product:	Malaysia
Date:	29/05/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to travel, developed, diverse, nice people

Disadvantages: Pricey, overdeveloped, very heavy alcohol tax

Malaysia can feel like something of a haven for those who have entered from the countries in Indochina to the north or Indonesia from the south. This is because, unlike these neighbouring countries, Malaysia is a highly developed nation by South-East Asian standards and thus doesn't have the pushy touts and scams you find elsewhere in South-East Asia.

For some this is a drawback and you may well hear criticisms suggesting that Malaysia is a little bit boring or sterile due to being so developed.
But flick through any guidebook for a few moments and you'll start to realise just how much there is to do there.

Malaysia has a bit of everything; From the mythical rainforest's in Borneo, to wonderful beaches, islands, mountains, caves and diving locations. Then there is Kuala Lumpur, the modern capital with good nightlife and the Petrona towers, formerly the largest buildings in the world.

So what's wrong with it?

A common criticism is that it's more expensive than the rest of South-East Asia. Generally this is true, but in reality it's not really a massive difference and you can live just fine on a budget of $30 a day.
The only trouble is many places in Malaysia are predominantly Muslim and thus alcohol carries a very heavy duty tax on sales. Kuala Lumpur is especially expensive (western prices or above) for night out and you can see why this puts a lot of people off. Some states have even banned alcohol completely.

Accommodation is steep compared to the rest of the region and dorm rooms easily cost around 8-10$ a night in high season. That said, most dorms are clean and friendly places and they usually throw in breakfast and a free wifi connection.

Borneo can get expensive very quickly because there are so many outdoor activities from mountain climbing in Sabah to visiting the longest cave system in the world (it costs a fortune just getting there and back). Backpackers seem to be getting slowly pushed out with less budget options available and a focus on tours suited to people on mid-range budgets (40-50$+ a day).

That said, it's often worth to splash out in Borneo as some of the rainforest treks are awesome and you'll see all sorts of rare species like probiscous monkeys and orangatans.

The Perinthian islands are quite beautiful but again budget options are rare and usually poor quality even if you do find them. There is also no alcohol on the island due to it being a dry state (for some this is a blessing). You have to also consider that even more beautiful islands with better diving and snorkelling is available for cheaper in neighbouring Indonesia.

One great festival each year in August is the Rainforest World Music in Sarawak about an hour from Kuching. Acts from all over the world come and for about 50$ for the 3 days it's a bargain. Kuching gets into the festival spirit and all the hostels and guesthouses throw all night parties (Sarawak is more Christian and therefore has no alcohol tax). It's worth flying to Borneo just for the festival if you are in the area in August.

So Malaysia does have some great activities like Borneo rainforets treks, the people are friendly and the food is as good (lots of chicken, no pork though because it's haram, noodles, seafood), but when you contemplate that you can do everything there for much cheaper in neighbouring countries you have to wonder if it's really worth it.

Some find it bland and overdeveloped, others love how easy it is to get around tout-free. My opinion is somewhere inbetween. I still can't decide. I had a lot of fun at the rainforest festival in Sarawak though and the rainforest treks in Borneo were a blast.

Maybe Malaysia is a victim of it's own economic prosperity?

I'd recommend for first-time travellers due to it being such an easy country to travel.

Summary: You'll either love how easy it is to travel here or dislike it for that very same reason!