As one of Asia’s most visited countries, Malaysia stands out for its multiculturalism, its diverse food, and colonial architecture. Stable, prosperous, and boasting a nice blend of cities, jungles, and sea; Malaysia might not be spectacular but it offers a great travel experience.
I’ve been to four places in this Southeast Asian country – the capital Kuala Lumpur, the port city of Malacca, the inland former tin mining center Ipoh, and the island of Penang, probably the country’s most famous tourist destination. All are located on Peninsular Malaysia, with the other part of the nation being on Borneo across the South China Sea.
Kuala Lumpur
As the capital, KL is the nation’s biggest city whose most famous landmarks are the Petronas Towers, a pair of behemoths that are among the world’s tallest towers.
Just on the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves, which are guarded by a towering gold statue of the Hindu god Murugan.
Malacca
Malacca is a once-famous trading hub which was so coveted centuries ago that it was captured by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally the British. The town center is a World Heritage Site and is dominated by the Red Square, which features the Christ Church and Stadthuys (former city hall now turned museum).
Malacca also has a small bustling Chinatown on Jonker Walk on the street of the same name.
Ipoh
This former tin mining hub has become revitalized as a tourist town with its colonial architecture and Chinese cave temples.
Penang
Penang is a majority-ethnic Chinese island state whose capital Georgetown is filled with colonial buildings and religious structures. The far west of the island also features a national park where you can walk through jungle to beaches.
