Malaysia's tropical temptations for house hunters - Telegraph

Malaysia's tropical temptations for house hunters - Telegraph

Tracking down a global destination that exudes even a sliver of optimism in the current climate is a tough call, which makes the even-keeled charms of Malaysia in the Pacific Rim a destination that is hard to ignore.

An authentic tropical getaway, the nation is a far cry from the full-throttle, backpacker antics of neighbouring Thailand. And, for the most part, its 27 million (predominantly ethnic) population like it that way.

Divided into two distinct regions – Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo; the country has a versatile mix of scenery.

The most frequented part – the western fringes of the main peninsula, boasts a healthy dollop of high-end luxury resorts alongside ultra-modern cities including the futuristic capital Kuala Lumpur and the Chinese stronghold of Penang; canopied rain forests cloak the lofty central highlands; and vast swathes of pristine beach rim the eastern coast. The country’s shared slice of the ancient island of Borneo across the South China Sea, meanwhile, offers a similar beach and urban bounty.