Malaysia Beats Thailand, Singapore as Asia's Most Loved Country

[webfact]

Kuala Lumpur. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Malaysia has topped the charts as the most beloved country in Asia, outshining regional rivals Singapore and Thailand, according to the latest rankings by American financial website Insider Monkey.

 

This accolade underscores Malaysia's growing appeal on the international stage as a destination that encapsulates cultural diversity and unmatched hospitality.

 

Insider Monkey's ranking methodology combined data from five of its 2023 articles, focusing on various metrics such as cultural diversity, friendliness, tourism popularity, and democratic values.

 

With an overall score of 0.701, Malaysia secured the top spot, pushing Taiwan (0.595) and Singapore into second and third places respectively. Thailand and Indonesia were placed at 11th and 12th.

 

The website highlighted Malaysia's harmonious blend of cultures and religions as a major factor in its appeal. "Malaysia is a great example of unity and friendliness, and its allure extends beyond its modern urban landscapes and natural beauty," Insider Monkey stated.

 

The nation's welcoming atmosphere makes it a preferred destination for tourists seeking an immersive cultural experience.

 

"Malaysia's hospitality and friendliness enhance this cultural exploration, making it a memorable experience for visitors," the site added. This comment reflects the views of many travellers who have praised the country for its warm and inviting nature.

 

Insider Monkey’s evaluation involved references to articles on the most respected and friendliest countries in Asia, the most visited countries, the most diverse, and the most democratic. These metrics collectively placed Malaysia ahead of its Asian peers.

 

The ranking serves as a testament to Malaysia's continued efforts to be an inclusive and tourist-friendly nation. As global travel resumes post-pandemic, Malaysia is poised to attract an even greater number of visitors, capitalising on its newly recognised status as Asia’s most beloved country.

 

-- 2024-06-07

 

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[brianthainess]

What are the bars like ? Can I smoke a joint there ? how much for ST ?      

[John Drake]

This is just wrong.

[Moonlover]

This does not surprise me at all. When I was a lot younger and living in Singapore, I used to love visiting Malaysia. Usually on SCUBA diving trips, I also did some trips up in the Highlands. I've had a number of holidays there since then. I agree with everything that the article says about the country, so there's no point in repeating it, but it certainly deserves this accolade.

[Guderian]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Insider Monkey's ranking methodology combined data from five of its 2023 articles, focusing on various metrics such as cultural diversity, friendliness, tourism popularity, and democratic values.

 

Well that helps explain why Thailand is only No. 11 in this list. However, with Taiwan at No. 2, it's democratic but is hardly a star holiday destination for anyone not of Chinese descent.

And as for the UAE at No. 5, that's a joke, surely. If they mean Dubai instead, OK, but then say it, and even then it's not democratic or scoring high on the other factors, unless you're a rich, exiled kleptocrat (like our own square-headed Chinese chap from Chiang Mai, lol)

Here's the full list if you're interested:

 

[Roo Island]

We love KL. And there are some great islands and beaches. Still love Thailand, but they've got some serious issues to fix. Air quality, water supply and basic infrastructure updates all need to be addressed

[hotchilli]

As more people visit Thailand the more people will come to realise there are better places to visit.

High visitor numbers can be a double edged sword... especially in todays socially linked network

[John Drake]

Malaysia, where the religious police can raid your hotel room. And all that diversity is fake.

 

Quote

NILAI: A man and woman, both divorcees, who checked into a hotel were caught for committing khalwat (close proximity) in Bandar Baru Nilai, here, earlier this morning. The couple was among six detained by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department Enforcement Unit in a two-hour operation around the area.  https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/996116/khalwat-raid-new-years-eve-divorcees-caught-act

 

 

Quote

The couple detained in January insisted to the police officers who arrested them that they were married. They even showed them a copy of their wedding certificate on their mobile phone, but the agents refused to leave the hotel room. The couple were taken to the offices of the religious authorities, accused of committing khalwat, and were only released when Mohd Ridhuan Giman’s mother produced the original copy of the wedding certificate. https://www.equaltimes.org/the-screw-tightens-on-malaysia-s

 

[koolkarl]

Its a muslim country so count me out.  Reminded of them every time I enter an airport.

[Caldera]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Malaysia has topped the charts as the most beloved country in Asia

 

Seriously now?!

[Hummin]

I also hold Malaysia as Nr one country out of those. 

 

Not been to Sri Lanka yet, but that will be next on my list. Oman I would put higher than any Emirate country. Thailand before Philippines, 

 

 

[Enoon]

The spokesperson for TAT was unavailable for comment:

 

 

 

[Moonlover]

4 hours ago, koolkarl said:

Its a muslim country so count me out.  Reminded of them every time I enter an airport.

I see. So how come even Saudi Arabia rates higher than Thailand?

[Captor]

Ouch! That must hurt TAT.

[0ffshore360]

When the  evaluation omi0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the evaluation omits the  sex tourism potential then is of no surprise .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

its the criteria of 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

[transam]

4 minutes ago, 0ffshore360 said:

When the  evaluation omi0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the evaluation omits the  sex tourism potential then is of no surprise .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

its the criteria of 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Are you puffing on stuff...........😵

[0ffshore360]

5 minutes ago, 0ffshore360 said:

When the  evaluation omi0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the evaluation omits the  sex tourism potential then is of no surprise .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

its the criteria of 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

+OOp! Keyboard error.

 

Original post: When theeassessment0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keyboardcrash.

 

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Celsius]

I love KL.

 

Much better food than the slop they serve in Bangkok restaurants.

[Middle Aged Grouch]

A good option to consider, with regard to all the new tax hassles and the tradition of immigration harassment in Thailand against foreigners. Thailand's golden era has gone.

[GreasyFingers]

I must have missed the geography class that said Israel was in Asia.

[still kicking]

18 minutes ago, Celsius said:

I love KL.

 

Much better food than the slop they serve in Bangkok restaurants.

Yes, also Penang 

[still kicking]

Malaysia is only 60 % Islam 

Malaysia is the most multicultural nation in South East Asia with Malays, Chinese, Indians among others identifying as Malaysian.

[transam]

23 minutes ago, Celsius said:

I love KL.

 

Much better food than the slop they serve in Bangkok restaurants.

You could try a better class of restaurant in BKK........🤗

[bkk6060]

Terrible food and racist place Malaysia should be way down the list.

[still kicking]

5 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Terrible food and racist place Malaysia should be way down the list.

Nonsense, I have been to Penang heaps of times because of visa reasons I love the food even my Thai wife did. Thai food cannot be compared with the Malaysian food. Typical Indian or Chinese or Malayan flavour 90% of Thai restaurants just sell Thai food apart from a few farang places. You have no Ideas about food.

[bg53]

Thailand has only itself to blame for the 11th spot.

[koolkarl]

19 hours ago, Moonlover said:

I see. So how come even Saudi Arabia rates higher than Thailand?

There are approximately 2 billion muslims in the world and growing fast.  That's why.

[John Drake]

On 6/7/2024 at 2:14 PM, koolkarl said:

Its a muslim country so count me out.  Reminded of them every time I enter an airport.

 

And besides having its (Muslim) religious police who can burst in on people in their hotel rooms, Malaysia also racially and religiously discriminates against Chinese ( Buddhists), Indians (Hindus), Indigenous (Orang Asli), and any other minority unlucky enough to fall under Sunni Muslim Malay control. It is a benighted place. And just about every Thai law, institution, and social practice is better. 

[DonniePeverley]

You go to some Malaysian resorts and you know what it's pretty classy. No cheap backpackers, or cheap flag following mass tourism. 

 

It's a bit more expensive, but the clientele is much better. 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/7/2024 at 12:58 PM, webfact said:

The ranking serves as a testament to Malaysia's continued efforts to be an inclusive and tourist-friendly nation. As global travel resumes post-pandemic, Malaysia is poised to attract an even greater number of visitors, capitalising on its newly recognised status as Asia’s most beloved country.

LOL. I don't know about "loved" but it certainly qualifies as the most boring Asian country I've been in.

 

In a less than laudable achievement the men's toilet in the Butterworth railway station has to win the "most vile public lavatory in a public place" award. Those stairs must also make it victorious in the "most inaccessible public facility award".

Edited June 8 by thaibeachlovers