The first thing that comes to our mind when we talk about Malaysia is its glittering skyscrapers, from the tallest twin towers in the world, Petronas Twin Towers to the newly built, Merdeka 118 named the second tallest building in the world both rising in the Capital City, Kuala Lumpur.
Despite living in Malaysia for almost a decade now, I still haven't visited every corner of this country. If a Malaysia tour is on your bucket list, here are some of the places to visit in Malaysia.
A tour of KL's golden triangle is the first stop, this is where the main shopping and night district is located. Then spend some time walking around the Central Market and Chinatown, when night falls, head to the Jalan Alor Night Food Court and try Malaysian delicacies.
One of the famous landmarks is the Batu Caves, located north of KL. This place is Instagram-friendly for tourists but an important place of spiritual pilgrimage for Hindus. Climbing a colorful staircase of 270 steps takes you to a limestone cave at the top, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. His towering golden statue can also be seen at the foot of the stairs.
From Batu Caves, head straight to Genting Highland, an hour's drive from KL. It stands on the top of the mountain, the best place to welcome a fresh cool breeze.
First stop is Genting Highlands Premium Outlets where you can enjoy shopping. Then you can head to the top by cable car. You can also take a side-trip to Chin Swee Caves Temple. Being in Genting is fun, you will get to enjoy indoor and outdoor theme parks, Casinos, shops and more.
It is also recommended to visit Putrajaya, the federal administrative center of the Government of Malaysia. The most famous place here is the Putra 'Pink' Mosque but the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Masjid is also a must visit. A trip to Putrajaya is incomplete without a tour of the Perdana Putra Complex, which houses the Prime Minister Office. Although visitors are not allowed inside, the exterior landscape and gardens are free to roam. Ending the trip with a sunset lake cruise around the city is the best!
If you have time to spare, a day trip to the Historic city of Melaka is worth considering. Melaka offers layers of cultural heritage. The clock tower, Christ Church and Stadthuys in Dutch square are the most famous landmarks of Melaka. There are various food, souvenir and stalls along the area that continues down to Jonker street, Melaka's famous weekend night market. Nested above the waterfront, St. Paul's Church and Famosa Fort of interesting ruins offers a panoramic view of the city.
Another one of the many reasons to visit Malaysia is the food because the amount of Malaysian flavors is endless!
Malaysia's National dish, Nasi Lemak will not disappoint. Nasi Lemak is made of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf served with garnishes like Sambal - equally popular local hot sauce, anchovies, peanuts, sliced cucumber and boiled egg wrapped in banana leaf and paper. I love it served with Fried Chicken (called Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng). The best in town is served at Village Park Restaurant, my FAVORITE!!!
Another must try is Malaysia's national dessert Cendol, it is made of shaved ice, coconut milk and various toppings such as corn, red beans and green jelly noodles complimented with brown sugar juice and condensed milk. Others add Durian for more flavor.
Malaysia offers a variety of food from hotpots, shabu-shabu, noodles, fried rice, chicken rice, cheese naan, roti, curries and more.
Malaysia will surely give you an unforgettable taste and experience.
Definitely worth visiting and it's cheap!
All photos were taken when my friends came to visit me in KL.
