After watching Ticket to Paradise, the delightful rom-com where Julia Roberts and George Clooney charm their way through yet another Bali-based adventure, I found myself wondering why Hollywood keeps falling head over heels for Bali while Malaysia’s equally stunning islands remain the wallflowers at the party. This is Roberts’ second time filming in Bali, after the massive hit Eat, Pray, Love, and I can’t help but ask: why not Perhentian Island, Lang Tengah, or Sipadan? I mean, come on, Malaysia—where’s the love?
I’ve recently had the pleasure of visiting these Malaysian islands, and let me tell you, they’re nothing short of paradise. Perhentian Island, with its Instagram-worthy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a snorkeler’s dream. Lang Tengah is so serene that even the waves seem to whisper. And Sipadan? Well, Sipadan is like the VIP section of diving spots, offering an underwater experience that makes you forget about everything except, you know, trying not to run out of air.
But here’s the thing: despite their jaw-dropping beauty, these islands just don’t get the same attention as Bali. What’s Bali got that we don’t? Besides that whole “mystical aura” thing, luxury resorts at every corner, and a nightlife scene that could probably power a small city with its energy, of course.
Meanwhile, back on our shores, things are a bit more, shall we say, subdued. Sure, you can find a nice bar to relax in after a day of sun and sand, but don’t expect to find the kind of nightlife that has you dancing until dawn. And shopping? Well, let’s just say that if you’re looking to do some serious retail therapy, you might need to book another flight—probably to Bali.
It’s not that we don’t have potential; we absolutely do. But Malaysia’s islands are often hampered by a few things, like religious and cultural norms that, while important, can sometimes put a damper on the whole “let’s go wild on holiday” vibe that international tourists tend to enjoy. The strict stance on alcohol, nightlife, and even what you can wear at the beach doesn’t exactly scream “holiday freedom.” And, unfortunately, that can make our islands feel more like a serene retreat than a lively getaway, which, let’s face it, isn’t everyone’s cup of coconut water.
Bali, on the other hand, has been busy marketing itself as the ultimate tropical escape, with a little bit of everything for everyone—whether you’re there to find yourself or just lose yourself in the fun. And Hollywood has clearly bought into the hype, sending its stars back to Bali time and again.
So where does that leave us? Stuck on the sidelines, waiting for our big break. But hey, who knows? Maybe one day, Julia Roberts and George Clooney will find themselves romantically embracing each other on a Malaysian island, with the sun setting over the South China Sea. Now, wouldn’t that be a dream?
