Malaysia is a country mix of colonial architecture, stunning parks and beaches, contemporary skyscrapers, and a unique landscape covered in tea plantations. A melting pot with influences from neighboring lands, as well as Western countries, Malaysia has the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers to the cultural and religious diversity that makes Malaysia is a destination like no other places to visit.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital and largest city has much to offer travelers. Perhaps best known for the Petronas Twin Towers which is the world’s tallest twin towers. Kuala Lumpur is a very popular tourist destination and routinely makes the list of top 10 most visited cities in the world. A mix of colonial, modern, Asian, and Malay architecture flows through the city, giving it a unique look people don’t usually find in other Southeast Asian capitals.
The National Palace and the House of Parliament are two examples of stunning Kuala Lumpur architecture. Kuala Lumpur is considered one of the best shopping destinations in Southeast Asia which not only does the city have almost 70 shopping centers, but it’s also full of indoor and outdoor markets.
Perhentian Islands
The coral-fringed, secluded islands offer plenty of opportunities for kayaking, exploring, scuba diving and snorkeling as well as a chance to volunteer with local organizations in green and hawksbill turtle conservation efforts. The islands have remained underdeveloped, which means no major hotels, restaurants, or facilities are available on the island. For those wanting to stay overnight, there are a couple of homestay and guesthouses .
Jungle trekking is another major draw, as paths here zigzag through the islands, connecting beaches with each other and cutting through dense forests where monitor lizards and monkeys live. Paved trails also connect Coral Bay with a nearby beach, as well as a picturesque fishing village.
George Town
The older part of Malaysia’s second-largest city has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. George Town is just as famous for its food as it is for its architecture. George Town offers some of the best street food in Asia like seafront Gurney Drive and Chulia Street, a popular backpacker’s destination.
While George Town’s port and waterfront area is a tourist’s favorite, there’s much more to see and do here. The city’s tallest skyscraper is home to the U-shaped Rainbow Skywalk, an outdoor glass viewing platform set 68 floors up in the air. For a less nerve-racking view of the city, take the tram up to the top of Penang Hill where the cityscape is particularly beautiful at night.
Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands is a hilly region with a long tradition of tea growing on the sloping mountainside. The tea plantations are a major attraction and one of the most photographed spots. Cameron Highlands are also home to lavender and strawberry farms, orchards, herbal gardens and the Mossy Forest boardwalk, which always-foggy tropical evergreen environment with designated footpaths to see the local flora and fauna.
Most tourist should take time to visit one plantation, BOH Tea Plantation is a good choice because this the largest producer of tea in Malaysia, but visitors can also join tours to see the tea-making process up close, visit the gift shop, and explore the walkways that cut through the land. For an inside look into the agricultural and farming practices in Malaysia, the Mardi’s Agro Technology Park is an unexpectedly fun destination to tour the fruit orchards.
Ipoh
The third-largest city in Malaysia is famous for its colonial-era architecture, traditional cuisine which combines influences of Malay, Chinese and Indian food and beautiful unspoiled nature. Ipoh’s Old Town is near the Kinta River, and it’s a great place to see Chinese shophouses and the narrow Concubine Lane which is a chic area full of restaurants, gift shops and pop-up stalls.
Ipoh’s most unique feature, however, is its street artin the form of large murals drawn on buildings and bringing Ipoh’s heritage to life. While in town, make some time to stop by the Birch Memorial Clock Tower for some great pictures.
