Country Guides Country Guide: Malaysia

Date Published:

30/05/2008

Away from the capital, there are many other beautiful areas of Malaysia.

The prosperous coastal state of Selangor, on the western coast of peninsula Malaysia just 35km from KL, enjoys an advantageous geographic position overlooking the "tsunami-protected" Straits of Malacca. Officially declared the first developed state in Malaysia the Klang Valley is the economic engine of the region. The Cyberjaya township in the district of Sepang has made a name for itself as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. A town and district, Sepang is perhaps best known as the site of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport the main entry point into Malaysia but more recently has become high profile for hosting the Sepang International Circuit, home of the Malaysian Grand Prix leg of Formula One.

Sepang Gold Coast is well on its way to becoming Malaysia's premier holiday resort with the launch of the 3rd Palm of the World, dubbed The Golden Palm Tree Resort in Malaysia. Phase one, the Sepang Walk project of 366 water villa units which stretch 1.2km into the sea are believed to be sold out since going on sale earlier this year. It is an ambitious RM3Bil (£44m) project aiming to completely redevelop 1,850ha of sea and shore estates.

The area is touted as the longest coastal tourism spot in Asia. It covers 22km from Bagan Lalang to Tanjung Sepat and features marinas, theme parks, homesteads, a floating market and the world's first eco-friendly sea hotel.

Other areas worth a look include the renowned tourist destination of Port Dickson in neighbouring state, Negri Sembilan. At the recent Arabian Travel Mart, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said: "We would also like to position Malaysia as a venue for medical tourism. Port Dickson will be designated as a wellness hub." Famed for its tranquil beaches, Port Dickson is a favoured weekend getaway for KL and Singapore residents, many of whom own second homes in the area. It is home to large, family-friendly resorts such as the Tiara Beach Resort, which was judged the "Best Family Holiday Destination 2006" by Libur/Traverama travel magazines last year.

"Having visited three times in the past two years, I can attest to Malaysia's versatile appeal- it's got something for everyone from the designer shopaholic to the adrenaline junkie," says Mahida. "The government's decision to scrap capital gains tax is only going to fuel demand from foreign buyers seeking an exotic place in the sun, not to mention the cheap flights from new low-cost airline Air Asia X".