asia

malaysia & malaysian borneo

For a stopover or as a stand alone destination, long overlooked Malaysia is rising, particularly since the presence of Air Asia X. And why, the hell, not? KL is great for a quick shopping sojourn; cities like Penang and Melaka wear there colonial past on there sleeve. Its islands and forests are sublime. You’ll be bowled over as you gorge on curries, noodles and hawker cuisine.

Not to mention Malaysia’s administrative share of the island of Borneo – a mish-mash of extraordinary ecosystems. From the world's largest flower, to the smallest elephant, Borneo boasts a biodiversity like no other – not to mention an unforgettable opportunity to get up close and personal with an orang-utan. Sabah is its star drawcard – given that it’ll leave beach bums and rainforest junkies alike salivating and hikers heaving to catch their breath as they traverse Mount Kinabalu. You’ll find hanging out in the longhouses along the riverways (most likely slugging rice wine) will give you an appreciation of the traditional ways of the local tribes.