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Visitors take to beach and beyond
Malaysia has become the second most popular destination in Asia after Thailand for UKholidaymakers, the majority of whom have been seduced by its beach resorts which have offered incredible value for money.
However, a growing number of visitors are discovering that Malaysia has more to offer than just cut-price beach resorts. Operators have responded to this with more varied packages, many expanding their programmes to embrace the national parks, the hill stations in the heart of the country and its islands.
Malaysia has fewer beach resorts than neighbouring Thailand but prices are often lower. Its most popular resort is Penang on the northwest coast, which offers a range of hotels, lots of watersports and sightseeing in the historic city, Georgetown.
Less developed and more upmarket is Langkawi, just off the west coast. Quieter than Penang and offering fewer activities and sightseeing options, the island is particularly popular with honeymooners. Kuoni features five nights at the Langkawi Holiday Villa from £599.
Specialists such as The Imaginative Traveller, Explore and Exodus offer more adventurous itineraries. `There are areas of Malaysia not hit by tourism at all, where people can stay in traditional villages, see the wildlife, and really explore the country,` said Rene Brenecke, The Imaginative Traveller's marketing director.
City breaks
Kuala Lumpur is becoming one of the region's most popular stopover destinations both for those heading for Malaysia's beaches and for those travelling on to Australia and Bali. The city has grown into a very appealing shopping destination, with prices often much lower than in other cities in the Far East. An over-supply of rooms and the strength of the pound against the Malaysian ringgit means hotel prices are also remarkably cheap, with three-star prices rates £15 a night. Kuala Lumpur's newest five-star property, the Mandarin Oriental, has rooms from £40 per night.
Langkawi 2004
