After nearly two years of border closures to combat the spread of Covid-19, fully vaccinated Malaysians can now travel both domestically and internationally.
As travel bans around the world begin to lift, tourists and tourism industry players must navigate uncharted territory: post-pandemic travel. While many people are still concerned about the virus when considering travel, quarantine requirements are what really hold them back.
But there's more good news: look no further than these five nearby countries, where Malaysians are no longer required to be quarantined.
1. Nepal
If you're interested in ecotourism, Nepal should be on your list. This landlocked nation is known for Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, which attracts thousands of mountaineers each year.
It isn't just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, though. Nepal has ten Unesco World Heritage Sites that have remained untouched by tourism:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
Changu Narayan Temple
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Bhuhanath Stupa
Pashupatinath Temple
Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha
Chitwan National Park
Sagarmatha National Park
2. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, dubbed "the pearl of the Indian Ocean," is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for wildlife and history enthusiasts.
Sirigiya, an ancient fortress perched on a ledge of rock surrounded by untouched forest, can be found here.
King Kashyapa I built the now-abandoned "Lion Rock" in the fifth century, serving as a reminder that the possibilities are endless when mankind learns to seamlessly fuse nature with technological advancements.
3. Thailand
Thailand is a destination that locals are all too familiar with. A lesser-known cluster of islands southwest of Krabi called Phi Phi is ideal for those looking to unwind and disconnect from daily life.
There you will find limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, hidden caves, coral gardens, and reefs.
4. Singapore
Singapore will reopen the mutual border for fully-vaccinated Malaysians by the end of this month, allowing for quarantine-free travel. This is good news for those who have been separated from their families and friends for nearly two years.
Singapore, renowned as the soft-landing gateway to Asian countries, is the amazing option to go if you can't bear the thought of long haul flights.
Despite its high cost, the island remains a popular tourist destination for Malaysians because the only thing that separates the two countries is a 1km-long bridge.
5. Cambodia
Most visitors come to Cambodia for its history, which includes the colossal Buddhist temple complex of Angkor Wat.
But there's more to Cardamom Mountains than meets the eye, and if jungle trekking is your thing, don't forget to include it on your itinerary.
The best of both worlds is available to visitors. Experience modern Cambodian life in the frenetic capital, Phnom Penh, if the heart of the city is where you feel most at ease.
If you're looking for peace and quiet, instead dip your toes in the calm waters of Koh Rong Sanloem.
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