MUSEUMS

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Housing the largest growing collection of Islamic art and artifacts from all over the world, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is the best place to explore Islamic culture within Southeast Asia, focusing on China, India, and the Malay regions. The museum’s extensive displays showcase Islamic motifs throughout time and culture, from the religion’s roots in Persia and the Middle East to its status as modern Malaysia’s national religion. Spend a tranquil afternoon studying Islam through its practitioners’ creations in a splendid nature walk in Kuala Lumpur.

Petrosains

The Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, the pride of PETRONAS (Malaysia’s leading power company) is a modern museum dedicated to educating future generations on the science and industries of oil, gas and water works. This specially curated center is full of interactive displays and situated within one of Kuala Lumpur’s best malls in the PETRONAS Twin Towers, providing lots of amenities and entertainment for the whole family.

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Detailing the history of the Chinese-Malay union that formed the rich and unique Peranakan culture, the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum of Malacca has worked hard to preserve much of the 19th century Malaya during which Peranakan heritage thrived. Located in a pre-WWII clan house, this museum stands out as one of the best-kept remnants of the old world and delves into the lives of mixed marriage descendants.

Sarawak Natural History Museum

What started out as passion project by British naturalist Alfred Wallace to collect new wildlife specimens of the strange and yet largely unexplored island of Borneo became Sawarak’s oldest museum, which has grown to showcase the indigenous inhabitants and their different tribes. One of the few establishments to suffer extreme looting and damage during the Japanese occupation in WWII, the Sarawak State Museum remains one of the most beautiful examples of 19th-century Victorian architecture in the state and hosts locally sourced exhibits.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Unlike the Baba & Nyonya Museum in Malacca, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion details the diverse and distinct Penang communities. A refurbished mansion that once belonged to one of Penang’s richest Chinese clan, the previously decrepit relic found new life as a home for the prevalent multiracial society in Malaya. The museum’s restored richness will give visitors insight into the influence of Chinese culture on the surrounding local communities.

National Museum of Malaysia

With so many museums all over the country offering their special regional collections, the National Museum is not to be missed. Through relics and archaeological finds dating back to prehistoric eras, discover Malaysian pre-culture and witness the rise and decline of ancient maritime and agricultural kingdoms. The museum also features a collection of aboriginal produce in a separate building nearby, mainly from the rural regions of Peninsular Malaysia.

Port Dickson Army Museum

Established solely to feature the military influences and achievements of the country, the Port Dickson Army Museum displays every army that has passed through Malaya and influenced modern Malaysia’s armed forces. Learn about the Portuguese and Dutch colonialists’ advancements as well as the moment communism had during Malayan unrest. The museum is free and near the beach in the lovely state of Negeri Sembilan, famous for its seaside attractions.

Perak Museum

Perak Museum, the oldest museum on Peninsular Malaysia, also has a fantastic collection of life and culture outside of Kuala Lumpur all housed in a great Art Deco mansion. Perak having the most indigenous tribes on the peninsular region, the museum’s collection of tribal handicrafts and ancient lore is more abundant than even that of the National Museum, with artifacts passed down from over a century within their galleries. The museum is also popular among locals for having traveling exhibitions to preserve the land’s love for its roots and peoples.

Wonderfood Museum

Fairly new to the museum scene, the Wonderfood Museum of Penang uses the Japanese art of replicating foods for shop displays to recreate Penang’s and Malaysia’s most beloved foods for the ages. Although the sense of taste is unfortunately absent, a trip around this funny and colorful exhibit will surely tempt visitors to simply step outside and head to the nearest hawker stall convergence for another hearty meal in the heart of Georgetown to satisfy the visual tease

PARKS

KL Forest Eco Park

Formerly known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, it is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where it welcomes you to the wonderful natural habitat in the concrete city. You can see the KL Tower from afar as you walk the park.

The oldest protected jungle (covering 9.37 hectares) allows you to walk along the short trails from either Jalan Ampang or Jalan Raja Chulan. Explore the canopy walk within the lush greeneries as you view the KL Tower. Visitors are required to purchase tickets at the head office near Raja Chulan or KL Tower.

Taman Negara

Taman Negara is a wonderful place for you to enjoy the rainforest’s natural wonders and outdoor activities. Take jungle strolls along the canopy walkway and in the rainforest, learn aboriginal culture at the village, ride along the rapids of Tembeling River, and hop on the boat cruise to admire the riverside’s flora and fauna towards Lata Berkoh and feed the fishes.

Penang National Park

Penang National Park is the smallest and newest national park in Malaysia, where visitors can admire the majestic trees and wildlife in the rainforest. The hiking trails in Penang National Park are connected to various beaches including Monkey Beach, Teluk Kampi, and Kerachut Beach, so you can relax and enjoy scenic views after some long walks.

Mulu Caves National Park

Surrounded by Borneo’s rainforest, Mulu Caves National Park consists of broad range of caves for visitors to explore. Led by World Heritage guides, venture through the caves including Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave to gain a better understanding about their ecological formation. Although it is physically challenging to explore through trekking and climbing in the caves, you will feel relieved after being amazed by the caves’ natural beauty. To cool down, have a swim at the Paku Waterfall or take a Long Imam Ba’Desai Waterfall tour that goes from Melinau River to Long Imam.

Bako National Park

Bako National Park is the oldest national park in Sarawak (established in 1957) that introduces its forests and wildlife. To get there, take a 30-minute boat ride from the Bako Village. There are many jungle trails and treks to explore and discover Borneo’s species and vegetation of ecosystems. The national park is a home to various species including long-tailed macaques, silvered leaf-monkeys, plantain squirrels, wild boar, mouse deer, lizards, Borneon bearded pig, otters, and many more.

Lambir Hills National Park

Lambir Hills National Park has a compound and diverse rainforest ecosystem, home to 237 different species including birds, deers, insects, wild pigs, flying squirrels, and gibbons. The jungle trails take you to various waterfalls and bathing pools that are located across the rainforest.

Kinabalu Park

At Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park, climbing Mount Kinabalu is not the only activity to do. There are plenty of ways for you to explore Borneo’s natural rainforest habitat. There are over 5,000 species of plants and more than 400 species of birds and mammals in the national park.

Kubah National Park

Kubah National Park has a wide range of palm trees and wild orchid species. Consisting of waterfalls, streams, and bathing pools, the rainforest has six trails to walk including the path to Gunung Serapi. Discover various species of palm tree at Palmetum Trail and waterfalls at Waterfall Trail. See breathtaking views of Matang and Santubong peninsula by taking the Selang Trail to the viewpoint.

MARKETS

Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Penang

Here’s something you can’t say about every market: this one is both classy and grungy. Set on the beachfront of Batu Ferringhi, you can drop by its swanky beach bars with live bands or navigate your way through an endless stretch of food and souvenir vendors so closely packed that you’ll be jostling for breathing space. But if you’re looking for fresh clams, imitation Rolex’s and t-shirts that say ‘I Love Penang’ – not always in that order – then this is home.

Jonker Walk Night Market, Melaka

There’s food, and then there’s Malaysian food. Set in the historical, often-overlooked city of Malacca, Jonker Walk is a nightly culmination of flavour-bursting delights like cendol (sweet iced dessert with coconut milk), chicken rice balls and Peranakan-style popiah (paper-thin roll with sliced turnip). Thanks to the Malaysian spirit of experimentation, Jonker Walk will also surprise you with Nyonya curry takoyaki (inspired by the Japanese wheat-based snack) and deep fried ice cream not unlike Glasgow’s pride and joy.

Gaya Street Sunday Market, Kota Kinabalu

One of the largest flea markets in Malaysia, this is the reason Sabahans get up on Sunday mornings (okay, it’s the reason other than church that Sabahans get up on Sunday mornings). It’s usually packed with people looking for batik sarongs (loose fabric coloured with wax-resist dye), fresh anchovies and breakfast takeaways. Animals may make an appearance too, not always in the food, and potted plants are a thing.

Wakaf Che Yeh Pasar Malam, Kelantan

If you’re looking for a local Malay experience peppered with a little Thai influence, take a trip out east to the Wakaf Che Yeh night market in Kota Bharu. The usual array of bargain hunts are even cheaper here than in other parts of Malaysia, and in shockingly abundant quantities too. It’s the place to hit for kain pasang (loose fabric to create baju kurung, the traditional Malay wear), denim jeans and spicy Thai food. Planning to go? Keep in mind the monsoon season.

Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

Come hell or high water – or just rain water – the Central Market is here to stay. Thanks to its well-maintained interiors, this arts and crafts bazaar is gloriously dry, even though its art is anything but. From large Impressionist-style paintings to locket-sized embroidery, the goods here are a triumph of Kuala Lumpur’s fierce protection of the arts. The 120-year-old market has also been classified as a Heritage Site by the National Heritage Department.

Hin Bus Pop-Up Sunday Market, Penang

Don’t be fooled by its size – this small, cosy market is one of the trendiest places in George Town. Operated by management dedicated to the local arts community, this is the place you’ll find a woodworking house next to a kefir-fermenting vendor next to a hand-stitched pochette stall. Visitors usually picnic on the grass or browse the art gallery while downing their hand-brewed ginger ale.

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur

There are two places every shopaholic needs to visit in Kuala Lumpur – Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street, and the latter’s where the affordable stuff is. Hundreds of vendors set up shop in front of restaurants and banks, which are surprisingly uncomplaining about their lack of shopfront monopoly. Everything from imitation Gap t-shirts to bling’d-out phone covers can be yours for a small wad of cash – even smaller if you’re willing to haggle. Prices can typically be haggled down to 75 per cent of the quoted price.

Taman Bandar Baru Night Market, Kampar

If you needed a reason to stop in Kampar, Perak, this is it. Chinese delicacies run the gamut of freshly steamed dim sum, deep fried ice cream and crispy salted egg snacks – with special considerations for the students from the nearby University Square. Low-key with low prices, this evening market is a testament to the Malaysian Chinese community of Perak.

Satok Weekend Market, Kuching

This fresh foods market is your go-to haunt for East Malaysia’s best produce. Local favourites like pineapples, raw jellyfish and the dabai fruit (a curious dark purple fruit that looks like a date and tastes like a stronger avocado, which Sarawakians are very proud of) are sold in cheerfully bountiful quantities, alongside potted cacti, caged rabbits and hand-woven purses.

Ulu Melaka Night Market, Langkawi

The interesting thing about Langkawi is that there is a night market for every day of the week and each one is only open for its specific day. Monday nights at Ulu Melaka will reward you with delicious ayam penyet (“smashed” fried chicken), curly skewered fries and fresh duku langsat (a pale, off-yellow fruit with a mildly sweet flesh), as well as a host of fashion and household items.