Arriving in Malaysia for the first time, what you will notice is the shear complexity of the people. There are Malays, and there are the Chinese and Indian population, on top of smaller indigenous rural tribal villages. Religion too. A dolly mixture of Islam, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians. One saving grace ― from a Western point of view ― is that English is well established throughout Malaysia. Just as well, because Malaysian people have a boisterous sense of humor which immediately puts you at complete ease.
Malaysia is renowned for being complete with a multi-cultural and diversity society, one that is modern but also traditional. Malaysia is also world famous for their festivities but please show respect by following dress etiquette, especially in rural areas:
As we said Malaysia is modern and culturally mixed but it remains a very traditional, conservative society particularly in places of worship. Now, without further ado let's continue with our choice of festivals.
By far the most important festival celebrated is the Islamic New Year ― Eid al-Fitr or for Malays, it's Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. The celebration marks the end of Ramadhan whereby everyone will return to their hometowns to be with their family for this two day national holiday.
Do not be put off or surprised to have someone welcome you into their home as it is a custom. They are happy to share with you their food:
Accept their hospitality and not insult them by refusing. Malaysia is made up of Malays, Chinese and Indians. And as Muslims celebrate their New Year there is a sizable Chinese presence who have their New Year celebrations as well.
The Chinese New Year brings with a carpeting of red all over the country as people decorate their homes in traditional red. This centuries old celebration wards off evil spirits from people's lives. The full festival can last as many as 15 days but not all communities will last the distance. If you are fortunate to see the full festival you can expect to enjoy dance performances and fireworks.
Malaysia's Indian communities celebrate their Deepavali, or Festival of Lights as it is also known by. A national holiday, the festival is about the victory of light and hope over darkness. Those celebrating the day begin by bathing and prayer in the morning with the day ongoing in processions and street performances and dancing.
Crowds gather together in friendship, ending the day with fireworks after sunset. What you will remember the most about this festival for years to come will be the huge array of cuisine on show. The aroma of so many dishes in the breeze torments your senses in ways you will have never experienced before. Quite a sensation we feel.
One more festival that is a big deal in Malaysia is the Wesak Buddhist festival. The festivities begin early in the morning. Buddhists will gather at temples for prayer and meditation, and offer food and charity to their community. If you are in one of the larger towns or cities during the celebrations it is normal to see a grand float procession. Atop this float amazingly, will be an enormous statue of Buddha.
This one grabbed our interest walking past the vendor. The only way to describe the Youtiao snack is it's a doughy fritter. Similar to a breadstick ― a pair of them are deep fried in hot oil rather than baked. At another stall we saw the vendor add herbs and seasoning to her dough, so shop around, or ask about flavoring.
Often found in the shadow of Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia as a holiday destination Malaysia has just as much to scream and shout about. Strangely the noise is but a whimper to many and that's a crying shame in our opinion, because there are the Island beaches and lush jungles and luxurious resorts. Everything that satisfies most travelers is readily available. The grub isn't all that bad either. Let's explain why you'll be drawn to Malaysia as were we.
The first thing Malaysia has to boast about are the twin Petronas towers found it the capital Kuala Lumpur: the tallest in the world until the 2004. Joined at the hip, the pair offer stunning views out over onto the city below.
There is a large Chinese ethnicity throughout Malaysia ― Indian too ― and you could do no worse than while away a few hours meandering through China Town. Start your browsing from Petaling Street and go shopping for souvenirs. Enjoy authentic Chinese street food after returning from the temples.
Kuala Lumpur also hosts Malaysia's National Mosque built true to Islamic traditional architecture. As a foreigner you are invited to enter and explore the mosque in full but please observe dress etiquette. Quickly your eyes will fall on the amazement of the domed roof in the form of a star. Keep strolling and you'll come across fountains and sparkling water features.
One last incredible attraction you must see is Batu Caves. This Hindu site has become an Instagram mega sensation and all thanks to the colorful steps. And the monkeys. Arrive early to grab the best snaps, before the crowd's swarm in. We recommend you climb to the top also, dodging the odd monkey, to feel the magnitude of this temple.
From this city you gain entry to two of Malaysia's most famous national parks: Mulu National Park and Niah National Park. Inside Niah national park there lies one of the world's largest caves. Human remains were discovered in the "Great Cave" dating back some 40,000 years.
If Taoism culture interests you there is the San Ching Tian Temple a few kilometers out of city limits. Entering the temple, you are met with the carvings of a pair of dragons etched into the woodwork. Once inside, enormous golden pillars confront you: massive religious idols, wall paintings and exquisite carvings enlighten the curious.
As Miri is a coastal town you would be right to assume there is a beach. Tusan Beach is a half hour drive out of the city, with long stretches of white sand and clear waters. It is said to be relatively remote, which is to your advantage because there will be far fewer tourists. Depending on the season you visit, and the weather, you may witness the water glowing in color brought on by bioluminescent plankton.
There is so much to see and do in and around Miri we cannot state any more strongly in the manner we can recommend this destination to you.
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque is both iconic and grand as it stands proud atop a hill. Its majestic beauty can be seen from some distance and you are instantly pulled towards it for the Islamic architecture alone. Distinguished features are the silver dome with hints of blue and the four cornerstone minarets. Shah Alam, the city offers the tourist a modern destination with exuberant shopping malls and recreational parks and activities for families including water sports and go-karting.
Quality restaurants serve authentic Malay cuisine in stylish contemporary establishments. A city that is growing fast and enjoying its urbanization. You cannot stay over in Shah Alam and not visit Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam. This is an opportunity to enjoy nature and the countryside for you and your family. It's a superb experience for children and adults:
Just strolling through the gorgeous landscapes is rewarding. Enjoy a full day out at this park and the next day, picnic at Shah Alam Lake Gardens. There's a floating restaurant and you can hire paddle boats and kayaks cheaply enough for fun on the water. There is a promenade with raised paths over the lake and child play areas.
We can't recommend the city enough to you because it ticks all the boxes. For families it is super fun and friendly and there are lots of activities for the children.
Best known for its Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the city is the dream holiday destination for nature and animal lovers. You can easily lose a whole morning in the center watching out for these beautiful orange-reddish primates. You'll be amazed at how intelligent these creatures are. And if you are still seeking wildlife experiences afterwards, we suggest you go for a cruise on the river Kinabatangan.
There's an Island that is active in sea turtle conservation. There is a lot of history, equally visible with Malay culture and tradition. As with Shah Alam, Sandakan is another one of those amazing cities on the rise in southeast Asia. A lot of the more prominent attractions are out of town, such as Gomantong Caves for example. You know yourself deep down it's an adventure not to be missed.
A huge chasm opens up in front of you revealing natural rock formations home to over 2 million bats. Wear a pair of good shoes as the walkways may be slippery in this wet and dank cave system. And be wary, there can be a bad smell. One of the more unforgettable experiences on your trip and especially if you wait around for sunset to see the bats fly out in their hundreds of thousands.
At Sandakan Memorial Park, the former sight of a prisoner of war camp, it commemorates those fallen in World War Two. Sandakan is notorious for the death marches that took place. The park is dedicated to the events that unfolded and the history of the city. The park is a reminder of the atrocity of war and the profound impact on people's lives.
If your intended holiday is Singapore, it is also possible to work Malaysia into your holiday without too much fuss. And vice versa. The two countries are connected by a pair of bridges bringing a lot of trade and people both ways. When in the town we highly recommend you visit the Old Town: Johor Bahru Heritage District for the gorgeous buildings, centuries old with a lot of historical interest.
As well as the old buildings of interest to you:
And many others. As you stroll around you appreciate there is a large Chinese influence. The Chinese Museum tells the story of Chinese immigration to Johor Bahru in full. There are also shops, art galleries and cafes around the Old Town.
For family days out there is the Johor Zoo with over a hundred varied animal species including:
We can't say the zoo is particularly large or spread far and wide but there is enough variety to please everyone. The zoo was one of the first ever introduced into southeast Asia. Towards the center of the zoo is a convenient lake where you can hire pedal boats and there's a picnic and play area. There is a lot of entertainment potential and super family friendly.
Another good choice for activities is the waterfront at Danga Bay. The bay stretches over 20km with a number of attractions including the Danga City Mall and many restaurants serving authentic Malay and international cuisine. Dining in any of the restaurants, looking out across the bay, is ideal for romantic couples. For Lego fans there is Legoland Malaysia.
It is a little underdeveloped as a tourist destination in our opinion but change is coming. Because this 18th century city is oozing charm despite the drive to modernize. The interesting attractions to the city are the beaches and waterfalls but, in our opinion, the best and most amazing attraction is out of town. It's the sunset at Bukit Panorama.
The hike to the summit is 270m. We can't say the steps up to the top are strenuous per se, but it can take about 30 minutes. As you can imagine the area can be a little crowded during the weekend: indeed, a very popular attraction. The sunrise is equally just as amazing.
One more thing: we highly recommend you go on a river cruise. The trip takes you to a century-old mangrove forest reserve, perfect for spotting wildlife: crocodiles, otters, lizards and monkeys are everyone's favorites. This is a day trip that is family friendly.
Looking for a beach to relax on? Just 5km out of Kuantan is Teluk Chempedak Beach. The beach is ideal for swimming and surfing or just relaxing. The best time to visit is during the week as at the weekend it's crowded. There are a number of international eateries close to the beach ― McDonalds and Starbucks among them, and a night market with entertainment.
Lastly there is the Sungai Pandan Waterfall close to the small village of Kampung Panching. There is quite a large pool at the bottom of the cascading waterfall making it perfect for swimming. Above the waterfall there is a bridge you get to through the jungle to look down from above. The jungle scenery and appeal of a cool pool make it a great picnic destination. Just 13km out of town it's so convenient to hire a taxi.
Largely unheard of and vastly underrated as a tourist destination but one great appeal the town has is its food. Apart from being a food paradise the town has the 800-meter tall Gunung Angsi mountain. People come from far and wide to scale this mountain proving to be the most popular hiking spot. The alluring challenge is to reach the top for the pleasure of surveying the scenery below.
There is also the opportunity to camp overnight or go for a jungle trek during daylight hours. A favorite haunt for the locals is the Seremban Lake Garden. A natural lake garden there's a cooling breeze that blows over the water bringing a pleasing freshness to you. Sit by the lakeside with a picnic and just enjoy the peacefulness. Perfect for a lazy day.
If Gunung Angsi whetted your appetite for the outdoors, then get yourself to Jeram Toi Forest Eco Park 30km outside Seremban. The big deal isn't only the natural world and wildlife found in the park but its waterfall too. The 80m tall Lata Kijang towers over you. Because of the rainforest jungle you are welcome to venture on a trek or cool off in the waterfall as it cascades down the rockface. Unbelievably busy at the weekends though.
It's not the Maldives despite the illusion. You are in Malaysia and more precisely, Semporna and you are glad that you are. Because there are no less than six stunning Islands:
A good part of your dream time on Semporna will be taken up with diving and snorkeling for the sought after sights for the turtles and hammerhead sharks. Cuttlefish, octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels to name a few more. What a spectacular experience beneath the waves of Mabul. The Tun Sakaran Marine Park stuns you with its own small archipelago of Islands.
One in particular is Bohey Dulang Island which happens to be the leftovers of an extinct volcano: perfect for hiking in the rainforest jungle. Book with a tour operator from Semporna to be sure to get the chance of experiencing everything.
The city does not get many tourists and the reason isn't because there is nothing of interest in and around the city. It's because the city is overshadowed by Langkawi Island. There is a big but though. Those that do visit find themselves in a cosmopolitan city brimming with history and culture. Zahir Mosque is one such fine example of what Islamic architecture can offer.
The mosque has five domes with intricate carvings on its white facade. One of Malaysia's most beautiful works of Islamic architecture there are manicured landscaped gardens within the grounds. There are so, so many architectural wonders to see we cannot give them all a mention. Those we enjoyed the most though, were:
Careful not to strain your neck too much when looking up at the Alor Setar tower. You can't help not to miss it. It'll be one of the first sights you'll want to see. The clock tower has three tiers building up to its 18-meter height. The museum is a stately building now, but it still harbors the appearance of European colonialism. Inside you learn more about the life of the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. It's worth visiting if only to look over the luxury cars the Sultan owned, and nothing more.
Ipoh is your gateway to the Cameron Highlands and the vast Gaharu Tea Valley. Go exploring and you'll find:
The Old Town has rustic charm at every twist and turn. The most memorable experience is stopping to gawp at the street art and murals. With the remnants of your coffee still teasing your taste buds. The next day of your stay in Ipoh why not frequent the caves in and around the town?
The Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Gardens are one of Malaysia's crown jewels. The cave system covers 12 acres and is a place of worship for much of its 100-year-old history. Inside the cave is an alter with Buddhist and Chinese deities and leading off are two paths each taking you to a lake. And if that weren't amazing enough there is a garden ideal for relaxation.
The cave is quite beautiful inside. To get to it, head for Gunung Rapat which is no more than 30 minutes out of Ipoh by private taxi. Just as popular is Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple. Within the same vicinity as the other cave temple, you are presented with an immaculate landscaped garden with a large pond in the center with small rock formations protruding from the surface.
For us we enjoyed this garden more than the one at Kek Lok Tong Cave. Perak Tong Cave may have more fame, but we recommend you visit the pair of cave temples first or you may not have the time later. Lastly, there is Gua Tempurung, a cave system that goes on and on for over 4km in length. Natural streams and waterfalls are the highlights of this one.
For the sights of modern architecture that symbolize religion and faith then you could no worse than to come to Malaysia. The sheer size of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque for example, is breathtaking, leaving you speechless and in awe. With friendly people and beautiful natural habitats, all add up together as a promising destination for your next summer holiday.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.