Malaysia Holidays
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. With its diverse culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history, it is a popular travel destination for visitors from all over the world. The country is known for its modern cities, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
Malaysia also offers a rich cultural experience, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences reflected in its food, festivals, and traditions. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, Malaysia has something to offer. With its affordable prices, friendly people, and convenient transportation, it is a must-visit destination for any traveller seeking a unique and memorable experience. Here are the top 5 things to do during your Malaysia holidays.
1 | Langkawi Island
Langkawi is a group of 99 islands located off the coast of northwestern Malaysia in the Andaman Sea. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush rainforests. The main island of Langkawi is the largest and the most developed, offering visitors a variety of activities and attractions.
One of the most popular tourist sites is the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a stunning curved suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and forests. The island also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, including snorkelling, diving, and kayaking.
Langkawi is also home to several cultural and historical attractions, such as the Mahsuri Mausoleum and the Langkawi Mythological Museum, which tell the stories and legends of the island’s rich heritage. Shopping is also a popular activity, with several duty-free shopping centres and street markets selling local crafts, souvenirs, and products. It is also a great spot for eco-tourism with several conservation areas and wildlife reserves, which I personally loved embarking on. There are a few tours; the one we chose was the mangrove tour.
The mangrove tour involves taking a boat to see the breathtaking natural scenery of Langkawi Island. With a brief introduction to the limestone forests on the slopes of the beautiful limestone outcrops of north east Langkawi, we got to explore the wonderful mangrove forest. Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in the intertidal regions of tropical and subtropical coasts. Their unique root system helps to prevent soil erosion and provides a habitat for various species of plants and animals.
You also get to go into a cave with many bats hanging from the ceiling and visit a fish farm where you can see stingrays and feed them.
Overall, Langkawi offers something for everyone, from adventure-seekers to nature-lovers, and is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Malaysia.
2 | Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers, are iconic skyscrapers located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Standing at 451.9 meters tall, they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain among the tallest buildings in the world today.
The Petronas Towers are a popular tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors every year. Visitors can take a tour of the towers, which include an observation deck on the 86th floor offering panoramic views of the city. The towers also house a shopping mall, offering a variety of shopping and dining options.
In addition to their practical functions, the Petronas Towers are a symbol of Malaysia’s modernisation and development, and are an important part of the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. The towers feature a unique architectural design, with a distinctive “double façade” inspired by Islamic art and motifs.
Visiting the Petronas Towers is a must-do activity for any traveller to Kuala Lumpur. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or simply want to experience the breathtaking views of the city, the Petronas Towers are a must-visit destination.
3 | Perhentian Islands
Perhentian Islands are a group of two small islands located off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. They are known for their crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, making them a popular travel destination for beach lovers, snorkelers, and divers.
The two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, offer a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, making them accessible for travellers of all budgets. On the islands, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and diving, with the opportunity to see a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colourful coral reefs.
The islands are surrounded by lush rainforests, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the local wildlife and vegetation. There are boat tours that offer visits to other parts of the island and areas where you can snorkel and find animals like turtles and sharks!
Overall, Perhentian Islands are a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Malaysia seeking a tropical paradise. With its beautiful beaches, rich marine life, and lush rainforests, it is an ideal place to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories.]
4 | Penang Island
Penang Island, located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, is a vibrant and colourful destination known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. With a blend of colonial and Asian influences, it is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone.
One of the highlights of visiting Penang Island is exploring its capital city, George Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Here, visitors can wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, admiring the colourful and ornate street art, and visit historic landmarks such as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the Fort Cornwallis.
Food lovers will be in heaven in Penang, as the island is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with a mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and European influences. Be sure to try some of the local specialities, such as char kway teow, laksa, and assam laksa, from the street food stalls and food courts.
Another highlight of Penang Island is its stunning natural beauty, including the lush tropical forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Take a hike in the Penang National Park, visit the butterfly farm, or simply relax on one of the island’s many beaches.
Finally, no visit to Penang Island is complete without exploring its rich cultural heritage, including the temples, mosques, and other religious sites that reflect the island’s diverse religious history. Visit the Khoo Kongsi, the Penang State Mosque, or the Sri Mariamman Temple to learn more about the island’s unique cultural and religious heritage.
Occasionally events will pop up from time to time. One of them was the Avatar Secret Garden in Penang which was really fun and enjoyable to visit. I believe this did close during the pandemic and has remained closed since then, but the Penang government website usually has an events page to keep you updated with any new and upcoming events.
Overall, Penang Island is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Malaysia. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, it offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.
5 | Caves of Batu
The Caves of Batu, located in the city of Batu Caves, just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, religious significance, and adventure. The caves, which are a series of limestone formations, are home to several Hindu temples and shrines and are a popular tourist attraction in Malaysia.
The main attraction of the Caves of Batu is the Temple Cave, which is a large cave that serves as the main Hindu temple in the area. Visitors must climb a steep staircase of 272 steps to reach the cave, but the effort is worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the Temple Cave, visitors can admire the elaborate Hindu shrines and statues, as well as the natural beauty of the cave itself. You will find local monkeys, and managed to snap a shot of some of them on my way up the staircase to the temple cave!
In addition to the Temple Cave, there are several other smaller caves that visitors can explore, including the Art Gallery Cave, the Museum Cave, and the Dark Cave. These caves offer a unique and adventurous experience, as visitors can explore the dark, damp passageways, and see the unique wildlife that lives within the caves.
One of the highlights of visiting the Caves of Batu is the annual Thaipusam festival, which is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. During the festival, thousands of devotees make their way to the caves to offer prayers and take part in a procession, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Finally, visitors to the Caves of Batu can also enjoy the surrounding area, including the nearby parks, gardens, and lakes, as well as the vibrant local markets, which offer a wide variety of food, souvenirs, and local crafts.
Overall, the Caves of Batu is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Malaysia. Whether you are interested in exploring the caves themselves, or simply want to experience the local culture and tradition, the Caves of Batu is a destination that should not be missed.
I hope you enjoyed reading up on my experience on a Zanzibar holiday. If you enjoyed reading this blog, please feel free to read my other blogs at https://www.mymemoriesabroad.com/category/blog/ or head to my Pinterest profile to have a look at travel photos which will hopefully inspire you to book your holiday to remember at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mymemoriesabroad/.