Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rain forests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian influences.
Malaysia- Country in Asia Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast is home to Malacca, a former colonial port known as a center of Chinese-Malay Peranakan culture, and to Langkawi island, famous for beach resorts. Penang Island’s capital, George Town, is full of temples and street-food stalls.
Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast is known for beach resorts, plus diving and snorkeling at Tioman, Redang and the Perhentian islands. Malaysian Borneo is covered largely in tropical rainforest with diverse wildlife (including orangutans), and offers many beaches, scuba diving off Sipadan Island and the city of Kota Kinabalu, gateway to Mount Kinabalu.
5:00am-10:00pm : George Town
10:00am-12:00pm : Khoo Kongsi
Enjoy the ornamental architecture of Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese clanhouse in George Town's World Heritage-listed area. The Khoo Kongsi clan of wealthy Chinese traders constructed the complex in stages beginning in the 17th century. Today the complex features an ornate and elaborate association building, a traditional theater, and late 19th-century rowhouses. The protected buildings represent good examples of Chinese design, and guided tours elucidate the culture of the clan, their influence on the area, and the history of the clanhouse itself.
12:30am-1:00am : Church of Immaculate Conception
Serving nearly 5,000 Catholics residing on the north side of Penang Island, Church of Immaculate Conception remains the island's second oldest church. The elegant, white church was originally built in 1811, but owes its current appearance to the renovations done in the late 1960s. Notice the large, detailed stained glass windows behind the altar, and the smaller one near the choir depicting the Holy Family. A small onsite museum exhibits memorabilia, documents, and photographs that shed light on the history of the church.
1:30am-3:30pm : Kek Lok Si Temple
Visit Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist complex in Malaysia. Established at its hilltop location in 1891, the temple harmoniously combines architectural influences from across the region. Its main feature remains the impressive seven-story pagoda and its 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha. The ample grounds include separate areas of relaxation and contemplation, with pools, ponds, and well-maintained, peaceful gardens. A venerated place of worship, the temple attracts pilgrims from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
4:00pm-6:00pm : Chew Jetty
Cross the boards and adventure into a bygone era at Chew Jetty, a historical district built on stilts over the sea. Constructed over a century ago by the Chew Clan community of Chinese immigrants, the jetty has developed into a town propped up over the waters of the harbor. Renovations have provided additional amenities for residents, but the overall aesthetic remains rustic and idiosyncratic. Planks create paths over the water, linking up houses elevated on stilts, owned and cared for by families of fishers that call the jetty home. Stop off in the local cafe for a little refreshment amid picturesque scenes of simple, archaic, unfussy life.
10:00am-10:30am : Fort Cornwallis
See a landmark example of colonial British architecture at Fort Cornwallis. Named after the then-governor general of Bengal, the fort was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century. Constructed to cope with cannon fire, the fort utilizes the star design popularized in Italy during the mid 15th century, yet it has never seen battle. Now a museum, the site offers a wealth of information regarding British colonial presence in the area, notable fortified architecture, and a striking 21 m (69 ft) skeletal steel lighthouse.
11:00am-11:30am : The Star Pitt Street
12:00pm-2:00pm : Pinang Perankan Mansion
Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a cultural center providing a valuable introduction to the Peranakans, a community of wealthy Chinese traders that made this area of the world their home. Set in a restored mansion, the museum's interiors and architecture display the singular style and aesthetics of the community, blending traditionally Chinese aspects with local Malay and, later, colonial British influences. With a wealth of artifacts laid out in authentically arranged rooms, the museum transports you back to the time period with immersive exhibits, information panels, and guided tours.
2:30pm-3:00pm : Cheong Fatt Tze-The Blue Mansion
Visit Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion, a historical building and museum. Built by the Chinese merchant Cheong Fatt Tze towards the end of the 19th century, the house displays influences from the design heritage of his native land, local Malaysian aesthetics, and colonial British style. Its distinctive blue coloration was achieved by mixing lime with the natural dye made from indigo plants, creating a hue popular during the colonial era. Designed in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, the mansion exudes an atmosphere of calm and good fortune in many aspects of its design. Take a guided tour to appreciate its subtle nuances, and how they reveal the spiritual and cultural inclinations of its creator.
3:30pm-6:00pm : Panipuri Organic Spa Penang
10:00am-11:30am : Cenang Beach
Relax by the sea at Cenang Beach, a popular stretch of coastline. Enjoy the clear, clean waters and white sand, dotted with palms up and down the beach. Try out a new water sport (unless you happen to have been banana boating before), or practice an old favorite. With beachside rental stores and ample facilities, the site helps you gear up for a range of activities. Development has surged here in recent years, so expect an array of onsite restaurants, bars, and hotels.
12:00pm-2:00pm : Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
Enjoy the rushing waters of Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, a jewel of the western headlands. Seven natural pools have formed over millennia under different sections of the falls. Adventure to the top, spotting macaques, hornbills, and squirrels on the way. Enjoy the cooling waters after your hike, and walk back down under the shade of the lush lime trees that line the water's route.
2:00pm-4:00pm : Langkawi Sky Bridge
Walk across Langkawi Sky Bridge, an impressive landmark of engineering set in lush natural scenery. Connecting two hilltops of Machinchang mountain, the curved bridge spans 125 m (410 ft) and hangs around 100 m (328 ft) above the ground. Its bends allow you to catch different perspectives on the virgin rainforest beneath as it twists around natural features, creating new vistas. Catch a cable car up the mountain, then take a 10-15 minute hike to reach the beginning of the bridge.
4:30pm-6:00pm : Salt Cave
10:00am-10:30am : Menara Kulala Lumpur
Head up to the highest viewpoint in the city at Menara Kuala Lumpur. Opened in 1996, this striking communications tower stands at 421 m (1,381 ft) tall and has become a popular tourist attraction, offering unimpeded 360-views of Kuala Lumpur. The elevator up to the observation area moves at quite a speed, taking just 54 seconds to reach the top. Once at the platform, take things at your own pace, enjoying a sit-down meal from the comfort of the revolving restaurant.
11:00am-12:30pm : Petronas Twin Towers
See an iconic postmodern structure at Petronas Twin Towers, a symbol of the modern nation and at one time the tallest buildings in the world. After seven years of construction, they officially opened in 1999 and include a retail center, park, twin spires, and two-story skybridge connecting the 41st and 42nd floors of each tower. The steel and glass facade displays a proud Islamic aesthetic influence. Walk the bridge between the two 451.9 m (1,483 ft) skyscrapers for unimpeded views of the city, and admire the well-designed interiors of these architectural landmarks.
1:00pm-3:00pm : KLCC Park
Head to KLCC Park for a relaxing natural environment in the midst of a modern metropolis. Designed by esteemed architect and ecological activist Roberto Burle Marx, the park offers a welcome counterpoint to the extreme development of the downtown area, providing 20 hectares (49 acres) of landscaped public space. Head to the huge man-made lake and enjoy traversing the grounds, spotting the ornamental features dotted here and there. Exercise enthusiasts should try out the long jogging track made from a special rubberized material, providing extra comfort and decreasing the chance of injury.
3:30pm-5:00pm : Batu Caves
Explore a set of atmospheric Hindu temples at Batu Caves. Located in impressive 400-million-year-old limestone caves, the temples were founded in 1891 by an Indian trader. Today, they have grown into a revered, iconic place of worship and one of the most visited Hindu shrines outside of India. Admire the 42.7 m (140 ft) high statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, that marks the cave entrance, and head inside to see the attractive interplay of manmade and natural artistry.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Batu Caves
The photogenic Sultan Abdul Samad Building features a design strongly influenced by the Moorish and Mughal building styles. Designed by British architect A.C. Norman and completed in 1897, the structure initially housed several departments of the British colonial administration and later served as a federal court of independent Malaysia. The building overlooks a square where the national flag was hoisted for the first time after the country gained its independence. Today, a 95 m (312 ft) flagpole marks this historic spot.
10:00am-12:30pm : Islamic Arts Musuem Malaysia
Head to Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, a celebrated cultural center in Kuala Lumpur's main tourist district. Established in 1998, this modern museum tells the story of Islam in the country, the continent, and beyond, through a range of temporary exhibits and permanent displays. With more than 7,000 artifacts from across the world, the museum's permanent collection remains the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Admire ancient Islamic glasswork, manuscripts, and textiles, and discover their spiritual and cultural importance in a range of audio-visual experiences.
1:00pm-3:30pm : KL Bird Park
Discover the diversity of Malaysia's avian life at KL Bird Park. See 200 species of bird in their natural habitat across 8.5 hectares (20.9 acres) of well-maintained land, rich in plant life and studded with attractive water features. The park enjoys huge popularity among seasoned birdwatchers, scientists, and nature-lovers, providing an enclosed yet expansive natural environment in which to spot the impressive numbers of feathered creatures that make their home there. Spot hornbills, hawk eagles, ostriches, and Mandarin ducks during your visit, enjoy a feeding-time demonstration with flamingoes and birds of prey, and learn about the park's breeding program at the incubation room and nursery.
4:00pm-6:00pm : National Museum
National Museum narrates the history of Malaysia from prehistoric times, through the rise of the Islamic kingdoms, colonialism, and into the modern era. A mixture of dioramas and historical artifacts bring the past to life. The surprisingly compact and well-laid out museum includes an outdoor section containing traditional houses, ancient burial poles, a steam train engine, and more. The museum complex also encompasses ethnology and craft museums, both of which deserve a visit.
10:00am-12:00pm : KLCC-Bulkit Bintang Pedestrian Walkway
Explore one of the country's most modern and thriving shopping districts using KLCC - Bukit Bintang Pedestrian Walkway, a 1.7 km (0.7 mi) indoor elevated footpath. Futuristic and convenient, the walkway connects up key retail areas, places of interest, and accommodations, allowing you to stroll with ease past the gridlocked traffic below. With many exits and entrances, this innovative communication link offers easy access and gets you through the crowded city center faster than many forms of public transport.
12:30pm-3:00pm : Centra Market Kuala Lumpur
Visit Central Market Kuala Lumpur, a famous retail and cultural center noted as a Malaysian Heritage Site. Founded in 1888, the iconic Art Deco building originally served the local community as a wet market selling meat and produce. Today it features a traditional stall layout with vendors selling everything from antiques to T-shirts. Head to the annex in the back of the building to see art galleries, performance areas, and shops selling arts and crafts. If you've worked up an appetite, the popular food court offers a range of delicious treats from across the world in a bustling and authentic setting.