Mixed experience in Malaysia — beautiful but overhyped

Malaysia is undeniably beautiful. Petronas Towers and the area around Kota Kinabalu have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed roti canai and appreciated lush rainforests. That's all real.

But tropical heat and humidity was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.