Misunderstood Malaysia
I always find it amusing how different the image of Malaysia is with wealthy westerners compared to China 's super-rich. You would never hear a wealthy Chinese businessman showing off in to his friends in the golf club that he were heading off to Malaysia as he might announce he was off to Paris or Australia. Yet to the wealthy elite in Europe or the US , Malaysia - particularly its islands of Langkawi, Pangkor and Penang and their award-winning resorts - are the height of luxury travel. One problem is that China 's elite just aren't aware of what's on offer.
As one of the first countries to gain Approved Destination Status, Malaysia became a top travel location for many wealthy Chinese. But in the last few years, as more exotic long-haul travel destinations have become accessible, Malaysia has become less appealing for those wealthier Chinese wanting to explore new travel destinations and cultural experiences. The influx of Chinese low cost tour groups and some highly-publicised - if exaggerated - incidents with Chinese visitors last year have combined to give Malaysia the image of a low-end, unexciting destination. Not particularly safe for travelling Chinese, and certainly not a cool destination for China 's wealthy to be seen in.
But this is an inaccurate and undeserved image in my view. Yes, it's true that Malaysia does not have the grand, ancient ruins of neighbouring Thailand or near by Cambodia, but it is rich in it own cultural heritage, some of the world's oldest rainforests, stunning beaches as well as some of the world's top luxury resorts.
Much of the problem can be put down to the fact that exotic often implies somewhere far away and intriguing. Malaysia is geographically close to China and there are many cultural similarities between the two countries. But, the real problem lies in the way that Malaysia has been presented to the Chinese, primarily by tour operators and the media, as a low-cost destination that everyone can afford to go to.
While films such as Summer Love, fuelled the romantic notions of young honeymoon couples and showcased Malaysia stunning islands and sumptuous beaches the subsequent influx of Chinese low-end tour groups who often didn't get to experience the Malaysia of the movie gave the country a bad reputation. Malaysia was no longer a ‘prestigious' location to be holidaying. As a result the percentage of Chinese tourists has fallen in the last year.
Malaysia has suffered further public image problems in China last year when videophone footage was leaked to the media of a naked woman - initially thought to be a Chinese national - being made to perform nude squats by Malaysian police. Kuala Lumpur immediately apologized to Beijing . But a public inquiry later later identified the woman as a 22-year-old local ethnic Malay who was picked up during a drug raid. Nevertheless controversy sparked a media frenzy in China and Malaysia 's tarnished reputation – however inaccurate – has yet to recover. A second incident involving a Chinese diplomat in a road rage incident in the early hours of New Years' Day 2006 has not improved matters.
Unlike its neighbours Singapore and Thailand who have also suffered image problems in China in recent years, Malaysia and its tourism operators in China seem to be slow to react and are failing to present Malaysia in a way that is appealing to the high-end market.
Not only is Malaysia is missing out on wealthy Chinese tourist dollars, but more importantly China 's elite are missing out on some of the world's most exclusive luxury resorts. The hotel groups that own or manage Malaysia most exclusive resorts admit that they are see very few Chinese visitors through their doors. Allen Chew of YTL, a luxury resort company based in Malaysia , admits that the main problem is that Chinese wealthy travellers are simply not aware of what is on offer. SE Asian hotels groups are beginning to make inroads in the China luxury travel market and there is no reason why Malaysia 's paradise islands can't be to wealthy Chinese what the exclusive resorts in the South of France are to Europe 's elite – perfect getaways for long weekends or indulgent breaks.
But that's not to say that the rest of Malaysia deserves to be ignored. Although predominantly a Muslim country, Malaysia 's diverse population including indigenous Malays, Chinese, Indians and Europeans has created a wonderful cultural metling-pot, engendered by the countries dedication to religious pluralism, which it is immensely proud of. Part of Malaysia 's charm is the abundant evidence of Hinduism, Buddism, Christianity amongst other religions all intermingle in the day-to-day life of a modern business city. One of the great things about Malaysia 's commitment to religious plurality is the huge amount of festivals and public holidays that are officially (and often unofficially) recognised. It feels as though whenever you visit Malaysia for more than a few days a festival is just ending or just about to begin.
During my last visit, I was fortunate enough to experience the Hindu festival of Thaipusam centred around the Batu Caves just outside KL. Every February Hindu zealots impale themselves with metal hooks which are then adorned with various offerings, usually the heavier and therefore more painful the better. It's definitely a great opportunity for the travel photo album.
Most people's first stop in Malaysia is the bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur , or as the locals and those in the know prefer, ‘KL'. It's a colourful city which many travel writers often describe as full of hustle and bustle or crowded – however compared to any of China's major metropolises I find it laidback and positively roomy. That's not to say that KL isn't vibrant, it has a great buzz mostly emanating from the numerous cultures and religions all intermingled in relative harmony.
And the city boasts some great five star hotels, the Mandarin Oriental, Ritz Carlton and ShangriLa are amongst my favourites. All are centrally located within easy reach the main business districts, luxury shopping malls and markets for picking up souvenirs for the family.
Sadly Kuala Lumpur like Singapore houses an airport that acts as a popular regional hub. Consequently many people's experience of ‘ Malaysia ' is merely KL, a stop over destination where you spend a few nights before heading on to their final destination missing out the interesting experiences Malaysia has to offer outside of KL.
To the south of KL lies the birthplace of Malay civilization, founded in 1396 by Malay Sutlans, the Portuguse, Chinese, the Dutch have all at time laid claim to Malaka and the results can still be seen in its interesting architecture, this is a must for any Chinese visitor interested in understanding the real Malay culture. For those interesting a taste of old British colonial Malaysia , the Cameron Highlands is an interesting place where the British elite would retire to avoid the searing heat. You can still get decent afternoon tea there. Across from Penisula Malaysia is one of my favourite destinations, Borneo a stunning island filled with some of the world's oldest rainforests and incredible wildlife.
Take a look at our feature on Malaysia 's most exclusive resorts, be the first to rediscover the luxury of Pangkor and Langkawi.
Not to be missed in Malaysia
KL's Central Market – great for picking up local crafts and souvenirs, pricies have gone up in recent years so be sure to bargain hard
Antique hunting in Melaka - t he old capital of Malay sultans, Melaka is a treasure trove of costly arts and crafts - you can easily spend all day browsing through its specialist antique outlets.
Taman Negara – Malaysia's national park, y ou can spend days rambling through the jungle and cloud forests of Taman Negara national park, with a variety of treks and spectacular wildlife to boot.
Borneo 's rainforest – Boasting some of the oldest primary rainforests in the world, Malaysian Borneo is a must-see for anyone with a love on nature or interesting jungle trekking.
Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre
Malaysian Borneo's most loveable inhabitant, the Orang-utan can be seen swinging above your heads or shimmying and strolling through the forest. It's a sight never to be forgotten
Malaysia's Island Resorts
Located on the north-west coast of Peninsula Malaysia close to the Thai border, Langkawi is a mystical island of wild scenic beauty and aquamarine seas. It is the largest in an archipelago of 104 islands scattered across the Andaman sea, separated from the mainland by the Straits of Malacca.
Its past is swathed with legends of romance and mystery, a hideout for pirates in years gone by Langkawi is know better known as Malaysia's exotic island escape. A natural paradise, Langkawi boasts tall forested mountains, centuries-old limestone caves, majestic waterfalls and white sand beaches.
Two-thirds of the island is covered by hills and natural vegetation providing the perfect landscape for jungle trekking and forest walks. Its spectacular coastline, the nearby islands and the cool, clear waters of the Andaman sea provide an environment ideally suited to exploring by boat. Langkawi is home to two super-luxurious resorts. The Datai managed by luxury hotel guru Adrian Zecha's GHM group and the newer Four Season resort.
The Datai, Langkawi
www.ghmhotels.com
The world-famous Datai, situated on the north-western tip of Langkawi, provides an idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a centuries-old virgin rainforest. Set above a secluded cove, the resort has its own white sand beach facing the peaceful Andaman sea. This stunning, multi-award winning resort is an oasis of calm with 54 deluxe rooms, 40 villas and 18 Datai suites all built in Malay architectural styles, two pools, a health club and golf course. Free-standing villas crafted from local materials are scattered throughout the forest and are connected to the resort's central areas by a series of pathways.
Four Season Langkawi
Opened only last year the Four Season's is Malaysia 's most expensive resort.
Located on the north-eastern shore of Langkawi , the resort design is inspired by Malaysia 's melting pot history, and the various nationalities that have settled on the island over the years. The beach villas are palatial, with private plunge pools and a bathtub you could fit four in. The resort's highlight is its infinity-edged pool, which is flanked by eight private areas for couples, each separated by stone walls high enough to ensure privacy without obscuring views of the pool and the Andaman Sea beyond. The 'reflecting' pool, overlooked by an 'inspiration' pavilion for yoga, tea and meditation, comes a close second. There are two restaurants including Ikan-Ikan ('fish'), housed in a traditional pavilion on the beach; the Rhu bar, with its double daybeds, is a relaxing place to end an evening. The spa provides Thai and Malay massages, Ayurvedic treatments and private yoga classes, and the in-house naturalist, Idi, offers guided boat tours of the nearby mangrove.
Pangkor Laut
www.pangkorlautresort.com
A unique resort on a unique island
Touted as the world's best resort, Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca. Situated on this exotic island is the internationally acclaimed Pangkor Laut Resort. Although the island encompasses a total of 300 acres, only a fraction has been developed to house the Resort and its Estates while the rest is covered by lush and unspoiled two million year old rainforest.
There are 148 Malaysian-style luxury villas in the main Pangkor Laut Resort and eight magnificent Estates in a nearby secluded cove. The impressive sea villas, stitled villas over the sea that are accessed by a wooden walk way are amongst the most popular. Every villa, suite and Estate is elegantly designed and furnished, yet complements and blends in with the surrounding natural environment. As the island is only accessible to the guests of the Resort and Estates, it makes the perfect private holiday getaway.
The Resort offers many fine dining opportunities, a wide range of facilities and activities, and has been widely praised for its attentive and gracious service. Pangkor Laut Resort consistently ranks high on the itinerary of international pleasure seekers.
