All tagged Malaysia
For travellers who enjoy exploring Asian cities on foot, a covered walkway in central Kuala Lumpur provides a relaxing way to walk between two of the city’s main tourist areas. It’s clean, safe, air-conditioned and enticing for senior travellers who want to escape the city’s stifling tropical heat. And it offers the chance to stop and take in popular attractions along the way.
Malacca’s long history as a colonial trading port has shaped it indelibly as a city. More than 450 years of rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and British are still reflected today in its ethnic mix, its architecture and its blend of cultures. This is true of its religious heritage too. It has some of the oldest churches, temples and mosques in Malaysia, most of them still functioning. Here’s a look at some of the finest.
Soldiers from Commonwealth countries who died in Asia during the two World Wars lie buried in impressive cemeteries across the continent. An inter-governmental organisation, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, maintains the cemeteries immaculately. They are sure to be of interest to many senior travellers, including those whose parents, grandparents or other close relatives served in the wars.
Thinking of renting a car in Southeast Asia? In some countries it’s possible but in others it’s not. And in those where self-drive rental cars are available, there are dangers to be aware of. In several countries driving yourself is not recommended unless you’ve had previous experience of driving in Asia. Check out our guide to the best countries in which to rent a car.
Once the centre of a decades-long tin mining boom, Malaysia’s third-largest city, Ipoh, has now come into its own as holiday destination. Its historic old town has seen a renaissance and is a popular shopping and dining district. The craggy limestone hills that surround the city contain many caves, some housing temples. It’s a city that will appeal to senior travellers in search of history, good food and a bit of easy adventure.
House sitting offers retirees without time constraints the opportunity to visit other countries and save on accommodation costs. It enables travellers to enjoy new cultural experiences and live like a local. House sitting has been popular in the US, UK and Australia/New Zealand for many years, but is now taking off in Asia.
The best orchid gardens in Asia are located in Singapore. They are arguably the best orchid gardens in the whole of the tropical world. Any visitor to Asia who appreciates the beauty of orchids should include these gardens on their travel itinerary. This short guide describes the three best places to see flowering orchids in Singapore.
The orangutan is among the most loved of Asia’s wild animals. But it is critically endangered and its numbers are continuing to decline as its natural habitat, the rainforest, is destroyed. Today orangutans can be found only in Borneo and Indonesia’s North Sumatra. But there are still relatively easy ways for travellers to see them in the wild or forest rehabilitation reserves.
The humble bullock cart has been an important means of transport in Asia since ancient times. It has survived into the modern age and continues to be used in many parts of the continent despite fierce competition from tractors and other motorised transport. The bullock cart represents a side of Asia where tradition holds sway even in the 21st century.
When you’re travelling in Asia, you’ll probably want to see some of its famous festivals. Each country has its own, religious or cultural, traditional or modern. Some of the biggest festivals, especially religious ones, reach beyond national borders and are celebrated by huge numbers of people across the continent. Here’s a concise guide to six of Asia’s top international festivals.
The Malaysian city of Kuching in Sarawak is known as the launch pad for adventure holidays in Borneo. Visitors pass through on their way to the rainforests and caves of the interior. But travellers who choose to spend a few days here will find it has attractions of its own. For a start, it has a surprisingly rich and well-preserved colonial history.
Travellers in Asia may be surprised to discover how widespread the practice of chewing betel nut is. It’s common in many regions, from South Asia to Indochina and beyond. Visitors may be unaware that betel nut isn’t just a chewy stimulant. It has a social and cultural history dating back centuries and is even a symbol of love and marriage.
Most visitors to Kellie’s Castle, a popular tourist attraction north of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, don’t venture into the nearby town of Batu Gajah. But the town, for decades the centre of Malaysia’s tin mining boom, has a lot to offer senior travellers with an interest in history. It has a rich colonial past and many intriguing sights.
Forests cover nearly 60 percent of Malaysia. They provide great hiking opportunities for senior travellers who want to spend time getting close to nature. Many nature trails in the country’s hill resorts and national parks offer memorable hikes for older travellers without pushing them beyond their limits.
Malaysia has much to offer the senior traveller. From relaxing beach breaks to rainforest adventures, it provides a relatively safe environment for the holiday of one’s choice. English is widely spoken. The country often ranks high on lists of best places to retire to, an indication of its generally welcoming approach to older foreign visitors.
