Joanna James
In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a captivating cultural kaleidoscope within the enchanting land of Malaysia. With its diverse cuisines, fascinating attractions, vibrant people, and unique lifestyle, the country offers an endless array of explorations. Immerse yourself in the mosaic of cultures that Malaysia has to offer, here are some of the must-not-miss experiences!
Authentic Malay food comes with endless possibilities packed in flavour with a blend of Chinese, Indian, and Nyonya Peranakan touches to it. You can try popular dishes such as nasi lemak, satay, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice, rendang, and roti canai. In some parts of the country, seafood takes the spotlight, with fresh fish, prawn, lobster, crab, and squid dishes. You will also find many shellfish in abundance to satisfy your seafood cravings. Refer to the Michelin Guide to find 4 restaurants with Michelin stars, based in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Mulu National Park in Sarawak is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the blissful serenity away from the city. Home to the famous Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave, this park takes pride as one of the longest chains of caves in the world. The underground chamber is big enough to fit 40 Boeing 747 planes at once! The lush greenery with karst formations and mountains brings out the most tranquil vibes. Don’t forget to visit the bat observatory and the canopy skywalk that’s 480 metres long.
Once a grand trading empire, Melaka is the root of the country’s history, culture, and heritage. You can still see the remains and traces of the illustrious past including the old warehouses, shop houses, bridges, and Kampung Morten. You can also take a river cruise in the famous Melaka River for an exhilarating experience. It is fascinating how well the city is still preserved and remains in great condition despite the ages. You will find the city along the Straits of Malacca.
These famous caves formed in limestone are worth the hype and draw a giant crowd during the Thaipusam festival each year where locals and internationals pay homage to Lord Muruga. The main entrance to the caves features a statue of Lord Muruga, followed by 272 steep steps to the top where you will finally have access to the caves as well as the stunning skyline. If you’re staying at Travelodge Bukit Bintang on your vacation, or Bukit Bintang hotel for that matter, any of the caves are only 25-30 minutes away.
The vibrant Penang and its exciting capital George Town are must-visits to encounter a melting pot of cultures blended with Eastern and Western influences. Penang’s street food scene is one of a kind that even CNN named it one of the world’s top eating destinations. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, signifying its importance as a strong cultural destination. Eat like a local, make friends with the locals, explore the markets, and do a bit of shopping to make memories and cherish the moments.
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.
