What are travel experts saying about Malaysia?
According to the 2012 Global Peace Index, Malaysia is ranked as the 20th most peaceful country in the world. It is considered the most peaceful country in Southeast Asia, and is well ahead of the United States (88).
- 2012 Global Peace Index, June 2012
Malaysia is continuously featured as an ideal retirement haven due to its modern infrastructure and additional benefits. Yahoo Finance stated, “The country's My Second Home retirement benefits program for all foreigners is a great draw, but so is the quality Internet access, cellphone coverage and roads. It also helps that it's dirt cheap.“
- Jason Notte, Yahoo Finance, June 22, 2012
Anthony Bourdain traveled to Penang for his show, No Reservations. “Chinese, Indian and Malay flavors and cultures have for centuries blended together; it just doesn’t get any better than this,” said Anthony Bourdain. During his trip, he tasted several dishes, experienced Chinese New Year, and visited Monkey Beach.
- Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, June 2012
Penang is recognized as Malaysia’s food haven, with several hawker stalls to choose from. Travel + Leisure stated, “This Malaysian island is a street-food paradise.” The travel magazine recommends ordering assam laksa (sour fish curry) or cendol (pandan-scented rice noodles in coconut milk).
-Travel + Leisure, May 2012
Full of biodiversity, Kinabalu National Park is a protected area, home to one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia. Lonely Planet, a travel advice company, writes that “With distinct climatic zones across an altitude range of 500m to 4,095m and a pronounced variation of soils, Kinabalu is among the richest habitats for plant life anywhere on earth.”
- Lonely Planet, March 23, 2012
The New York Times named the top 45 places to visit in 2012. It listed Malacca, Malaysia, as the 28th must visit destination in the world. “With its lantern-lighted canals and silent, narrow streets lined with decades-old ornate temples and shop houses, few places in Southeast Asia conjure romantic images of the past as effectively as Malacca, Malaysia’s oldest city.”
- Naomi Lindt, The New York Times, January 6, 2012
According to Forbes, Malaysia is the world’s 10th friendliest country. “Many expats here say they have learned the local language and befriended locals. Said one respondent, ‘Malaysia is a peaceful country. Government transactions like tax, EPF [Employees Provident Fund], are very efficient. Food is relatively cheap. Also the country is clean and green and they respect the environment.’”
- Beth Greenfield, Forbes, January 6, 2012
Kuala Lumpur ranked fourth in Euromonitor International’s recent report on Top City Destination Ranking 2009, ahead of such popular destinations such as Paris, Hong, Kong, New York City, and Dubai. The city recorded 9,400,000 tourist arrivals in 2009.
- Euromonitor International’s Top City Destinations Ranking, January 6, 2011
Lonely Planet describes Malaysia as a wild destination full of a wide array of adventurous activities. “Few countries in South-East Asia – or anywhere – match the range of opportunities for getting adventurous outdoors,” says the largest travel guide firm. Thrill seekers can dive into the depths of Sipadan, summit the soaring Mount Kinabalu, or trek through the world’s most ancient rainforest.
- Paul Bloomfield, Lonely Planet, January 14, 2012
Malaysia was listed as the best destination for diving by Scuba Diving magazine. “In the west, Layang Layang is famous for hammerhead sharks and massive walls draped in corals and sea fans; in the east, it’s a quartet of islands that are the envy of every diver who’s never been.
- Scuba Diving, January/February 2012
“Consider it the world’s ultimate melting pot. A spice-trade hub for centuries, Malaysia has a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as it is unsung. For now-if not forever-every meal can be a discovery.”
- Naomi Lindt, Budget Travel, May 2011
“Now known as Malaysia’s silicon valley, this tiny island [Penang] and onetime backpacker haven also happens to be a repository of authentic local character, with its very own world heritage site, stylish new hotels, and some of the best street food you’ll ever eat in Southeast Asia.”
-Guy Trebay, Travel + Leisure, May 2011
“Consider it the world’s ultimate melting pot. A spice-trade hub for centuries, Malaysia has a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as it is unsung. For now–if not forever–every meal can be a discovery.”
- Naomi Lindt, Budget Travel, May 2011
According to the Global Peace Index 2011, Malaysia is ranked as the 19th most peaceful country in the world, up two spots from last year. It is considered the most peaceful country in Southeast Asia, and is well ahead of the United States (82).
- Global Peace Index 2011 The Institute for Economics and Peace, May 2011
“Treat yourself to Malaysia's unique fusion of cultures and flavors,” stated CNN. The popular news source recently listed Penang, Malaysia, as an island you must visit before you die. The article focused on the delicious cuisine found in Malaysia’s food capital, architecture and beach resorts.
- Gary McKechnie, CNN Travel, February 22, 2011
