Now the country has come into its own as a prime international destination, which is giving its more touristy neighbours a run for their money. Under the slogan, Truly Asia, Malaysia is winning more and more devotees. They come not only for the capital with its shopping and fine hotels, but for the country's magnificent beaches, the natural beauty of its jungles and the friendly hospitality of its people.

I have grown to love Malaysia. It has a quiet, unhurried atmosphere where one feels less like a tourist and more like a friend. The country's outlying provinces may be less developed than other destinations, but that has proved a bonus as travellers search for eco-friendly destinations where the natural habitat and the population are not overrun. In an era of over-developed resorts and look-alike attractions, Malaysia is the 'real thing', the sparkling gem of South-East Asia.

1. Take a jungle trek in Sabah province. To experience the idyllic call of nature, book an awe-inspiring three-day trek through the Crocker Range Mountain Park. With a guide and back-up team to assist you, don your walking shoes and go where few people have gone before. Cross rushing streams and rivers, climb through dense tropical growth, see wild animals in their natural habitat and examine the plant life. You will soon forget the stresses of daily life.

Meet the local Dusun people who live in isolated villages far from civilisation. With no tourist facilities, you will sleep in village community halls. You don't have to do this in a big group - treks can be arranged for as few as two people and organisers will provide everything from the moment you leave your hotel.

2. Get a bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur from the Petronas Towers. Malaysia's famous 452-metre high landmark towers are no longer the world's tallest structures, but they still provide you with a spectacular city view. From the Skybridge observation deck, you can look down on the city that has transformed itself in a few decades. And when you come down to earth, head for the Suria KLCC mall. With over 200 shops, three department stores, cinemas, a 1200-seater food court and theme restaurants, it features all the international brand-name boutiques and stores. If you can't bear to leave, check in at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel next door.

3. Visit Snake Temple on the island of Penang. Perhaps the only temple of its kind in the world, it is swarming with pit vipers. The smoke from burning incense is meant to render them harmless, but to make doubly sure, the snakes have also been de-venomed. This extraordinary temple honours a Buddhist monk, who gave shelter to the snakes of the jungle. Entry is free; but, as one author put it, "bravery should be obtained in advance". Don't let fear get the better of you, a visit to this temple is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

4. Meet a "Wild Man of Borneo", a real, live Orang-utan. Visit the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah province, one of only four such centres in the world. You'll fall in love with these ungainly creatures. The orphaned or displaced orang-utans are re-trained for life in the jungle. Feeding times are 10am and 2.30pm, so make sure you are there to see the apes emerge from the jungle for their ration of bananas and milk.

5. Try your luck in the casino at the Genting Highlands. You may be surprised to discover that this mainly-Muslim country has a casino. And what a complex it is! Located high in the mountains around 50 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur is the Genting City of Entertainment. You can complete the final leg of your journey with an amazing three kilometre-long cable car ride.

The vast complex includes two casinos, a massive theme park, amusement arcades, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars and a snow park. There are five hotels, including the 6000-room First World Hotel, the largest in the world. The complex is hugely popular - last year it had 18 million visitors.

6. Visit a tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands. The British Settlers use to escape to the Cameron Highlands to avoid the heat and humidity of the cities- and soon discovered it was perfect for tea cultivation. You can tour a tea plantation and have afternoon tea and cream scones in this beautiful setting.

7. Look for monsters at Tasik Chini lakes. Myths and mystery surrounds the 13 fresh-water lakes that make up Tasik Chini, 100 kilometres south of Kuantan in Pahang. Legend has it that a mythical dragon lives in the lake and is the guardian of a lost city of gold. Besides the legends, the spectacular beauty of the 12,000 acres of lush tropical wilderness more than justifies any visit, especially during August and September, when lotus flowers cover the water.

8. Explore Langkawi Island by yacht. Take an organised trip or rent your own boat to cruise this spectacular archipelago of 99 islands. The biggest is Langkawi, with its great beaches, superb resorts and duty-free shopping, while the smallest islands are atolls the size of an ordinary house. On your cruise stop off for a barbeque on an isolated beach, try your hand at snorkelling or just enjoy the spectacular sights as you laze around the deck.

9. Spend a few nights at one of the world's grand old hotels, the Eastern and Oriental in Penang. Established in 1885, it became known as "the premier hotel east of Suez'' and entertained famous guests including Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Now totally renovated, it retains all its colonial charm. Luxuriate in a sea-facing suite, enjoy traditional English afternoon tea and sip a gin and tonic as the sun goes down.

10. Go diving off Sipadan Island. Voted one of the top five dive sites in the world, Sipadan Island was described by the world-renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as "an untouched piece of art". With 3000 species of fish, it is known for its awesome 2000 foot wall dives just 50 feet from the shore, The small 12-hectare island is covered by rainforest and surrounded by pristine beaches. Highlights are Turtle Tomb, an underwater cave, and the aptly-named Barracuda Point.