23 days in Malaysia Itinerary

An unusual blend of a developing nation and the modern world, Malaysia ranks as one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia, its prosperity largely resting on thriving high-tech industries. Malaysia vacations remain a more affordable alternative to the expensive tourism in some neighboring countries. Take a trip to Malaysia to explore busy cities filled with colonial-era architecture, tranquil tea plantations supporting a large portion of the local population, and dozens of scattered islands happily evading the worst aspects of mass tourism. While there may be fewer visitors, there's no shortage of fine beaches, mangrove estuaries, and verdant rainforests filled with exotic wildlife.

With its own distinct culture, charmingly traditional rural landscape, and a wealth of ancient history, a cultural trip to Kelantan offers plenty of attractions for tourists. The Tittiwangsa Mountains kept the state virtually isolated from its surrounds for centuries, with visitors having to hike for weeks to make it there. As such, it developed its own arts, cuisine, and a dialect that is unintelligible even to many Malay speakers. To bypass the mountains, travelers to and from the state took to the seas, which bred a maritime culture that often came under attack from piracy. High peaks, coastal regions, and fertile rice fields make for a diverse geography that's a delight to explore.

The Malaysian state of Perak centers around human history and natural beauty. Dutch and British colonial empires both viewed the area as strategically important because of its tin mines, and the footprint of the two European powers can still be seen in historical sites, architecture, and museums here. The rural inland regions feature untouched areas of forestland, while the coast is made up of remote islands dotted with quant fishing villages and white beaches.