Your travels to Malaysia are coming up and you want to make the most of your trip. Here are some of the top travel resources to start with. Enjoy these materials to learn the most you can about your destination and to understand its cultural aspects before landing.
1. Malaysia: Recipes From a Family Kitchen
Looking through the unique cookbook, Malaysia: Recipes from a Family Kitchen, at my first guesthouse in Malaysia certainly gave me a sense of the cuisine, which is known as the foodie gem of Southeast Asia.
If you are well-versed in the kitchen and want to get a knack for some of the recipes that make this culturally-diverse country special, this book is where to start
2. Billion Dollar Whale
Billion Dollar Whale is the well-documented story of Jho Low, dubbed Malaysia’s wolf on Wall Street. Corruption runs deep in all countries, but rarely does a criminal of this magnitude face their day in court— and in the international spotlight.
If you are traveling to Malaysia in the near future, there is a good chance you will find yourself in a conversation about 1MDB. This book by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope is your chance to educate yourself before you go.
3. Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore
Newly updated to its fourth edition in 2020, the information in Jim Baker’s, Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore is some of the truest and most well-researched information on the two countries you will find.
In this edition, he covers the 2018 elections of Malaysia and how the results may shake up future economy and politics in the country. In addition, you will learn about the two country’s not-so-long history and how they grew to be independent border-sharing partners.
4.Borneo: Paradise Under Siege by National Geographic
This National Geographic short introduced me to a tragedy I was unaware of before spending the better part of a year in Borneo. Decades ago, Borneo— the world’s third largest island— used to be a Mecca for biologists. Life and diversity were vibrant. While it still is, deforestation and palm oil plantations have caused serious hurt to the tune of nearly 70% clearing.
International pressure has forced Malaysia’s hand in taming this travesty, but the fight is still far from over.
5.World Wildlife Foundation Malaysian Documentaries
Malaysia’s Borneo and its diverse wildlife face serious threats. The country has one of the most precious ecosystems in the world, and you may find an interest in getting involved while you are there.
In order to do that, you’ll want to know a little bit about each issue. Upon arriving in Borneo, there are several interactive exhibits detailing the destruction of the rainforest, like at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Or, you may be interested in the country’s efforts to protect this beautiful region.
What I Learned
There were several pressing and current issues going on in Malaysia that I was glad to educate myself on before leaving. This allowed me to participate in conversations with locals I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Those conversations led to invitations and other opportunities I never anticipated. It goes to show that a little bit of local knowledge before you leave can go a long way.
Malaysia is a culturally-diverse nation consisting of Malay, Chinese, and Indian peoples all existing in harmony. It opened my eyes to how the world could work and left me with a deep-rooted appreciation for Malaysian culture. By using these top travel resources for my trip to Malaysia, I was able to get a feel for that culture— on the culinary side and in its fight for justice— before I ever touched down on the island.
This guest post was contributed by Adam Cheshier
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