Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia bordering Thailand to the north and Indonesia to the south. It is divided into two parts of the country: West Malaysia (also called mainland Malaysia) and East Malaysia , located on the island of Borneo (the two Malay states of Sarawak & Sabah are located there).
Kuala Lumpur - between tradition & modernity | #1
Cultural monuments, churches, mosques and Hindu temples can be admired closely lined up in the same street.
It's an impressive mix of cultures, religions and culinary traditions! Here you will find our best Kuala Lumpur sights.
You quickly walked from Little India to Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, then to the chic Petronas Towers and the television tower (KL Tower), the two landmarks of the city. The fact that Malaysia has not been a developing country for a long time and one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia quickly becomes clear when strolling through town. But Kuala Lumpur has retained its typical Asian charm.
The country's cultural wealth is omnipresent and the warm Malaysians have not lost their hospitality despite the increasing number of visitors. 
When you come to Malaysia you will be welcomed with open arms!
Our tip: When visiting the capital Kuala Lumpur, you should definitely not miss the impressive cave temples of the Batu Caves!
Culinary insider tip Kuala Lumpur:
Finding good food in Malaysia is not particularly difficult - this is especially true in the capital Kuala Lumpur! The country is a single culinary highlight. But still there is this one meal in this very special restaurant that we still rave about today ... 
Our absolute tip for you is one
In our opinion (and we've tried quite a few) the best curry laksa is in the “ Old China Café“In the center of Kuala Lumpur. Just delicious!
Cameron Highlands - feeling like the British in the 18th century | # 2
The huge tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands are at almost 2,000 meters. And if you need to 'cool off' after all the tropical heat, then you are in the right place here, relatively in the center of West Malaysia. Depending on the traffic, the bus ride from Kuala Lumpur here takes about 3.5 hours.
Even the British used this higher region in the interior as a retreat to escape the heat during the colonial times. In pleasant temperatures you can stroll through the plantations up here, climb the highlands on jungle paths or visit the numerous strawberry plantations.
Tip: All imaginable strawberry creations are offered on the strawberry plantations. Freshly picked and prepared, it's just delicious! Particularly recommendable: a fresh strawberry shake!
Penang & Georgetown | # 3
The absolute highlights of a backpacking trip through Malaysia clearly include the island of Penang and its capital, Georgetown. The latter was even declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. One reason are the countless sights that the city has to offer.
The Penang Hill, for example, is very beautiful with a great view over the island and the city of Georgetown ( tip: be up at sunset) and the Kek Lok Temple. This Chinese Buddhist temple is located in the middle of the island of Penang and is the largest temple in Malaysia!
Because in addition to the motley mix of Chinese, Hindu and Malay buildings and religious sites such as mosques, temples and churches, the European influence from the British colonial era is particularly evident in this part of Malaysia.
In recent years, the island of Penang and its capital, Georgetown, have become known far beyond the borders of Malaysia for their unique street art.
Perhentian Islands - the 'old' island paradise of Malaysia | # 4
The two islands of the Perhentian Islands were once the ultimate backpacking insider tip. For a long time they were considered the absolute paradise on earth, and even if the islands are still gorgeous today, they have become one of the most popular travel destinations for all of Malaysia in recent years! The Perhentian Islands are now visited by over 100,000 travelers annually.
A point that does not necessarily speak against them. Because the sea is turquoise blue today as it was then, the beaches white and a feel-good atmosphere is guaranteed. Only the "lonely" has to be deleted from paradise.
Pulau Tioman & Tekek - the 'new' island paradise of Malaysia | # 5
According to current travel reports, Pulau Tioman with its main village Tekek is today exactly the island paradise that the Perhentians used to be and a top attraction in the country.
Because here in the east of Malaysia the underwater world is an Eldorado for divers and snorkelers, the beaches are white, but long ... still deserted! Although there are now a few honeymoon resorts on the island of Pulau Tioman, the accommodations are mostly simple, rustic wooden huts and instead of paved roads you walk on narrow jungle paths.
By the way, you can get to Pulau by ferry (several times a day). Until 2014 it was also possible to travel by plane (e.g. a domestic flight from the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur), but the airport is currently closed! There are banks and small supermarkets in Tekek.
Does your trip also take you to neighboring Thailand? Then don't miss our best Thailand sights
Borneo - Exotic Jungle & Rare Species | #6
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and the epitome of biodiversity and adventure. Geographically, Borneo is partly part of East Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The part that belongs to Malaysia is divided into the two states of Sarawak and Sabah , with most of the sights in Sabah.
Note: When you enter the state of Sarawak, you will receive a separate visa that is valid for 30 days and is free of charge.
The absolute highlight of the island of Borneo or East Malaysia is the number of national parks and nature reserves. The opportunities for excursions, which are unique in the world, are enormous and the opportunities for wildlife viewing are fantastic! One of the very special highlights is definitely a visit to the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation center . Here you can watch how illegally caught animals are released back into the wild.
But the Turtle Islands National Park off the coast of Sandakan is also a very special experience. The Sandakan National Park is known for its numerous turtles that lay their eggs on the offshore islands. In Borneo you can also trek to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu , at 4,095 meters.
And then there is the Gunung Mulu National Park in the north of the island near Brunei. This beautiful national park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. The reason for this is its breathtaking karst landscape with its huge tunnel system.
By the way, the city of Kota Kinabalu is the ideal starting point for most activities. All adventures can be organized from there and it has an airport with regular domestic flights and international connections, for example to Bangkok.
Important: You absolutely need valid health insurance for your trip to Malaysia ! A normal international insurance is sufficient for a normal vacation or backpacking trip of up to 8 weeks.