Joanna James
A kaleidoscopic land that deliciously brews the diverse flavours of Asia, Malaysia is perfect for sensationalist travellers craving authentic experiences in nature, culture, heritage, and innovation. Here are the unmissable hotspots you must squeeze into your itinerary!
While Malaysia's vibrantly dazzling Capital might seem like the obvious first choice because of its iconic architecture flourished with Islamic and postmodern infusions, such as the Petronas Towers, and the pulsing liveliness of its upmarket urban enclaves and towering hubs of designer experiences, there's more to this vivacious cosmopolis than what meets the eye. From intricately lush parks that breeze through cutting-edge quarters and gorgeous colonial-style meccas like Merdeka Square serving as mosaics of living history to traditional markets spilling quaint souvenir shops to tropical adventure hubs like Sunway Lagoon, there's no end of meaningful and bizarre escapades to chase in KL!
A multi-faceted gem of an island sparkling on the West Coast of Malaysia, Penang is filled with pristine nature-kissed getaways, quirky antique towns, and jungle-clad escapes featuring theme parks customised for the wild thrill-seeker in you! Whether it's splashing down record-breaking water slides and ziplining over lush emerald panoramas, camping out in rainforest beach sanctuaries, hopping between eccentrically alluring museums, or chugging up the world's steepest tunnel track in a vintage tram-rollercoaster, there's always something whimsical to stir your soul in this indulgently original destination.
An old-world city with an innovatively contemporary twist, JB is a stunningly tourist-savvy stop on the border between Malaysia and Singapore, endowed with family-friendly enticements to be embraced full-on. Regardless of whether you crave the immersive action-packed fantasy of Legoland Malaysia's themed realms, sipping excellent coffee at picture-perfect cafés gracing colonial-style streets, touring elegantly opulent palaces like Istana Besar, or pouncing on stellar bargains at the ultra-shoppable retail hotspots, Johor Bahru irrevocably entices even the most blasé vacationer. If you're questing for a prime property for sale in Johor Bahru, venture no further than the likes offered by Anantara Desaru Coast Residences.
An enriching melting-pot of colourful cultures and colonial history present in its food, architecture, and enticements, this UNESCO-listed city is idyllic for anyone who loves atmospheric allure, from rustic river cruises, old-world kampungs, and piquant night markets to cartoon-themed cyclo rides, neon-lit alfresco riverside dining, and chilled coconut milkshakes at midnight.
A fairytale landscape of cinematic mossy forests, sweeping tea plantations, picnic-perfect flora parks, and intimate Instagram-worthy spots like the Kea Farm Market, Cactus Valley, and Lavender Garden, where you can lose yourself in dreamy blooms of exquisite hues and browse the old-timey boutiques for souvenirs and homemade lavender ice cream, these delicious uplands are the perfect place for some imaginative escapism.
A ruggedly graceful terrain melding classic, native, and modern influences, Perak is a more off-the-beaten-track retreat with its abundance of heritage inspiration and natural splendours, from sleepy islands of sunset-coloured houses and eerily beautiful mansions riddled with architectural facets from different empires to its futuristic clocktower and theatrical Gunung Lang Recreational Park.
Part of the elusive Malaysian island of Borneo, this rainforest-swathed region hosts 25 wildlife-rich national parks featuring enigmatic caves, archaeological sites, coastal rock formations, hidden coves, and gorgeously rare fauna, from the uncanny Proboscis monkey to orangutans, pangolins, mouse deer, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards.
The Maldives is not the only haven hosting crystalline jewel-blue waters and necklaces of floating villas; Semporna in the Sabah province, with its marine parks, jungle treks, batik painting, water chalets, and even an undersea post office, is an untouched masterpiece for ardent ocean lovers.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
