Malaysia is a fascinating country that offers a wealth of experiences. From white sandy beaches and dense rainforests to historic cave temples and elusive wildlife, it is a must-visit for those interested in exploring Southeast Asia.
The best place to start is Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital. The city is home to a mix of traditional markets and colonial buildings, alongside stunning skyscrapers.
Kota Bharu
The northernmost major city in Malaysia, Kota Bharu is one of the most devoutly Muslim regions in the country. This hasn’t stopped it from offering up all the energy of a midsized city with the compact feel and friendly vibe of a small town.
It’s a perfect place to explore Malaysia’s traditional Malay heritage and its primarily devoutly Muslim population. The city has plenty to offer in terms of culture, shopping and delicious local cuisine that is a mix of Thai and Indian influences.
One of the most popular places to shop in Kota Bharu is Pasar Siti Khadijah – a large multistory market with stalls selling a wide range of products from fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to spices and batik. You can also find a Tesco hypermarket here and a huge selection of clothing and home wares. It’s best to visit early in the morning when it’s most active.
Pulau Tioman
Located near Pahang, Pulau Tioman is a popular destination for people wanting to enjoy a quiet beach and tropical rainforest. It’s one of the most developed islands on the east coast of Malaysia and you can find a range of resorts and hotels here.
As far as activities go, there are some excellent beaches and a good range of restaurants on the island. You can also try out some great snorkelling, or go hiking through the jungle.
Another fantastic thing to do is spot Sunda colugos (or flying lemurs), which glide between trees at night. These can be spotted in coconut plantations that fringe the lowlands around villages such as Kampong Genting and Juara.
Kuching
A largely Malay city with a long history, Kuching is the capital of Sarawak. It's home to a number of iconic historical buildings and is also known for its stunning rainforests and wildlife.
It's worth visiting here to get a better understanding of the culture and see some grand palaces and museums. You'll also want to try some traditional cuisine.
Another interesting thing to visit in Kuching is the Cathedral. This Anglican church was built in 1954 and looks out over Padang Merdeka or Independence Square. It is a very important place in the city and you should look out for the barrel-vaulted ceiling which is painted in a bright crimson color.
Kuching isn't renowned for its shopping options until recently, but it has several huge shopping malls now open. You can find many international brands in these malls and there are also food courts and cinemas within them.
George Town
The colonial port city of George Town on the island of Penang is a treasure trove of heritage architecture, atmospheric streets lined with shophouses and a unique cultural mix. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old core of George Town is a fascinating destination for history buffs and travel photographers alike.
Besides its historical attractions, the city has plenty of modern entertainment options to keep you entertained during your stay. You can check out movies in any of the many shopping malls in the city centre or enjoy a game of laser tag.
The city also has an extensive network of buses and open-topped double deckers to get you around the city. The local bus company, Rapid Penang, serves over 30 routes throughout the city.
Cameron Highlands
A 124-mile (200-kilometer) drive from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands offer an escape from the hot weather of peninsular Malaysia. Twisty roads wind up into evergreen forests and jungly valleys.
This cool climate and topography resemble rural England, and the Highlands was established as a 'hill station' retreat by the British in colonial times. Despite a modern-day surge in tourism, this enticing destination retains its old English atmosphere.
Throughout the Highlands you'll find plenty of interesting things to do. One of the most popular is to trek through the jungle, soaking up the views as you go.
