 Sandwiched between Thailand and the northern fringes of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are in an altogether higher economic bracket than the rest of Southeast Asia.
Malaysia comprises the lower half of the Malay peninsular to the south of Thailand, as well as the states of Sarawak and Sabah in the north of Borneo. Singapore is tucked in at the far south of the peninsular.
The modern reality of these two states is far removed from the “boy's own” images of rubber planters, steaming jungle, heroes like Raffles and Wallace, and the stories of Conrad and Maugham. On equal economic terms with the West, both Singapore and Malaysia have long been recognised by the United Nations as “first world” countries, with an average per capita income comparable, and in some cases exceeding, European nations.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, is now a flashy modern city of high-rises and higher incomes, more Middle Eastern than Asian, although there are still remnants of its exotic past, particularly in Chinatown.
Although this is Asia in the fast lane, it is still possible to encounter nature in the raw -- in the virgin rainforests of the national parks, or indigenous groups in the highlands. Peninsular Malaysia's east coast is less developed than the west and turtles still visit the far north east to lay their eggs.
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About Malaysia
Adventure cruise the deep blue waters of South-east Asia while enjoying all the comforts of a first rate motor yacht. Scuba dive or snorkel on pristine coral reefs, watch gorgeous sunsets while anchored in secluded bays, relax on palm-fringed beaches, trek through real tropical rainforest, kayak along the unspoilt coastline of beautiful tropical is ...
Sabah, with its dense rainforests, abundant wildlife and lush mountain scenery is one of the few places on this planet left practically untouched by tourism. This 10 day trip takes you on an adventure that perfectly blends culture and civilization with exciting challenges. Cycling on surfaced roads through agricultural parks, orchid centres, pristi ...