Find an intriguing combination of pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, misty tea plantations, laid-back islands, and bustling cities and colonial architecture in Malaysia. Foodies, beach bunnies, culture vultures, nature lovers and thrill seekers will each find something special here.
Its myriad of ethnicities and religions have created a wealth of fantastic food from Chinese-Malay ‘Nonya’ fare, Dayak specialities, Malay food stalls, Indian curries, and even Western-style food, Malaysia is ideal for foodies. Beach bunnies will head to the idyllic island of Langkawi for its palm-lined, white sand beaches, sapphire seas and coral fringes, or visit Penang’s sun-kissed beaches. Culture vultures are spoilt for choice, whether it be the remarkable Batu Caves, a revered Hindu shrine, and the site of an annual parade of millions of devotees performing ritual acts of self-mortifications for the spectacular Thaipusam festival, the mesmerising Kuda Kepang dances, ghazal music and devotional chanting to be witnessed in Johor, and the impressive mosques ranging from Labuan’s futuristic An’nur Jamek Mosque to one of Malaysia’s oldest mosques, the Tranquerah Mosque in Malacca.
Batu Caves
Inside these dramatic limestone caverns - just 8 miles north of Kuala Lumpur - find stalactites, mischievous macaques, ornate Hindu shrines and revered temples.
Cameron Highlands
Follow the footsteps of the British colonials retreating from the heat of the lowlands, up into the cool Cameron Highlands, where they founded tea plantations and hill resorts. Today, trekking and tea tastings are still popular activities here
Penang
The island of Penang is a perfect microcosm of the best Asia has to offer, with a diverse and cosmopolitan culture derived from its dual heritage from Asia's great kingdoms and Europe's powerful colonial empires, Penang boasts sun-kissed beaches for beach bunnies, fabulous street food to delight foodies, its quirky Snake Temple swarming with venomous snakes controlled by intoxicating incense, and its stunning Bird Park for nature lovers
Kota Bharu
Famous for its traditional kites and puppet shows, Kota Bharu offers a dazzling insight into Malay culture and customs, and festivals abound (most notably the annual Kite Festival in June and Puja Umur celebrating the Sultan's birthday in March/April), Kota Bharu is a must-do for culture vultures, and foodies can dig in and enjoy one of Malaysia's greatest feasts at the Kota Bharu night market
Our Top Holidays in Malaysia
Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore
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