Malaysia

Ethnically diverse and brimming with modernity, Malaysia is a colourful fusion of cultures. Flights to Kuala Lumpur are frequent and often cheap.

The Malay Peninsula also offers a wide variety of island destinations to escape the rush of the high season. From the winding hill stations to the tip of the idyllic beaches (with futuristic cities thrown in for good measure) Malaysia really does have it all.

With a variety of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs, the festivals are when all of the sights and sounds come together as a feast for the senses.  

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is an ultra modern city where you can experience the sights of dynamic high rise buildings alongside old style shop houses, colonial buildings and temples.

Famous for being one of the best places to shop in Asia, Kuala Lumpur will impress you with booming shopping centres and an assortment of local markets.

For a gravity-defying experience, take the elevator up the Petronas Twin Towers (the world’s tallest) and relish the sight from the 41st floor skybridge – free, but daily passes are limited.

Wander among the street vendors and night markets looking for the different tastes of Malaysia at every stall. Take in little pieces of the world from visiting Little India to the fun times of waking up in Chinatown.

Penang

You can also get your historical and cultural fix by visiting Penang, known fondly as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’.

Penang offers a wealth of history and culture steeped in Chinese influences. For a diverse experience, Penang is a must-see, complete with jungle, farmland and fishing villages.

Don’t forget to check out the north coast beaches, the new national park and the Kek Lok Si Temple – the largest Buddhist shrine in the country.

Cameron Highlands

Venture up to the Cameron Highlands for a weekend getaway. You can escape from the heat and humidity by retreating to the cool hill stations.

After a long hike through the winding hills, rest in one of the tiny cottages lining Tanah Rata. Meditate in Brinchang, a hill station higher up, replete with rose gardens and a Buddhist temple.