Sightseeing Guide to Malaysia
A trip to Malaysia can be exciting and very overwhelming at times. Its made up of two sets of islands. I visited the Western side of Malaysia where the majority of the population lives. So, maybe you think, where do I start my journey? Well, I based myself in KL and continued my exploration from there.
KUALA LUMPUR
Petaling Street
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| Not my picture |
Central Market
Central Market can be found just off of the Pasar Seni LRT (Light Rail Train) station. You can find anything from sea cucumber soap, wooden elephant carvings, vibrant Malaysian clothing, souvenirs and delicious food. After all that shopping, take care of yourself with a session at the Cute Fish Spa where the fish eat the dead cells off your feet, or if your feeling squeamish about that, you can get a foot reflexology session done on the 2nd floor. You can spend all day looking around in Central Market and find something for yourself or everyone back home.
Petronas Towers
The twin towers are located at the KLCC mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The towers are the icon of the KL and offer great views of the city from the Observation Deck on the 86th floor.
Ticket Price: 85 RM ($27.32 CDN)
City Gallery I Love KL Sign
Located just outside the City Gallery, you can take your picture with the iconic I Love KL Sign. Bring an umbrella with you as you might be standing in line for a time with the sun beating down on you. This is a very popular spot for tourists. Best to come early in the morning for a pic.
Batu Caves
The Batu Caves are accessible by using the KTM komuter line. The terminal station is Batu Caves. I took a Grab to get here as it would have cost as much to take the trains by switching stations to get there. The Grab cost me 23 RM ($7.39 CDN) from Petaling Jaya.
Islamic Arts Centre
The Islamic Arts Centre is an incredible place to visit. It houses many old relic Qurans, scrolls and history of Islam. The museum is the largest in South East Asia of its kind with over 7,000 artifacts housed on levels 3 and 4. There is a gift store on the bottom level so you can pick up an Islamic souvenir from your visit.
Make sure you don't miss this spectacular museum.
Admission: 14 RM ($4.50 CDN)
National Mosque
The National Mosque is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It sits on 13 acres of land and holds up to 15,000 people inside. Its also known as Masjid Negara. Tours are held at 3pm everyday. Please wear appropriate clothing to the tour. A robe will otherwise be given to you for your duration there.
Its a beautiful grande mosque with a lovely fountain in the front. This mosque is worth a visit!
Kuala Gundah Elephant Sanctuary
Be assured that there is no tourist elephant riding allowed at this Sanctuary.
Moroccan Hammam
If you have never experienced a Hammam before, I suggest you do so! It is the most amazing feeling in the wold going through a Hammam. A Hammam is a traditional Moroccan bath. You can choose the spa package that pleases you. I chose the Sultan's Daughter Hammam. It consisted of me being bathed by being escorted to a steam room with large marble slab tables in the middle. A lovely Moroccan woman put a rose mask on my hair before she washed and exfoliated me and left me to lie on the warm marble slab. After the ritual I was taken to a room to relax and drink some tea and indulge in a little sweet called baklava. Next, I was taken into a dark room where my massage therapist worked on my tired body for 75 mins. It was pure heaven.
This beautiful spa can be found in the Publika Gallery Mall in Bangsar. Treat yourself to a Hammam today!
Check out their website for more info! Hammam Spas
MELAKA (MALACCA)
A'Fomosa
The A'Fomosa is the oldest Portuguese fortress located in Melaka. It is the only European architectural ruin that has survived in Southeast Asia.
Christ Church
Christ Church is an 18th century Anglican Church. The Dutch built the church in 1741 to commemorate the capture of Melaka from the Portuguese. It is still used as a functioning Protestant Church in the city.
St Paul's Church
St. Paul's Church is a historic church built in 1512. Its the oldest church in Malaysia. You will find this structure at the top of St. Paul's Hill. The church was built by a Portuguese man named Duarte Cohelo. He later deeded the church over to St. Francis Xavier, whose statue stands outside the church. You'll notice that his right arm has been damaged. This is because days after the statue was erected, a tree fell on the statue hitting his arm.
Today the old Portuguese tombstones stand inside the hall of the church. They are affixed to the walls for all the public to see.
Jonker Street
Jonker Street is a regular street by day with shops open and cars whizzing by. However, as soon as it gets dark, the street market appears from nowhere and soon you are engulfed in a sea of hawkers selling food, crafts and gadgets. Definitely worth a visit!
Melaka Straits Mosque
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Bicycle Trishaw Ride
At night the streets come alive with these vibrant bicycle trishaws. Take a load off and relax in the sidecar while the biker takes you around the famous sights with the lights lit and popular music blaring from his speakers. Its kinda tacky but definitely a must. I chose the Olaf covered trishaw as it reminded me of my nephew back home. Olaf is his favourite Disney character.
PUTRAJAYA
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Ibidin (Iron) Mosque
The "Iron" Mosque took 5 years to complete between 2004-2009. Its the second biggest mosque after the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya. It can hold up to 10,000 worshipers. It got the name "Iron" or "Steel" Mosque because it is constructed with steel throughout the building. It also features an air conditioning system that most mosques do not have and in a country this hot, trust me, that's invaluable!
Putra (Pink) Mosque
The Pink Mosque is made of rose-tinted granite, thus giving it its name, the "pink"mosque. The mosque is quite popular with tourists as you can see busloads coming in from early morning on. If you are not dressed appropriately, you will be redirected to the robe counter to wear during your visit. Make sure the robe hood stays on your head or an official will blow their whistle at you to cover it.
The Mosque was opened in 1999 and can hold up to 15,000 at any given time. The courtyard is impressive. Take the stairs downstairs outside the Mosque and you'll find a man with many parrots you can take professional pictures with and an Indian clothing bazaar. You can find some souvenirs to take back with you as well.
Skyrides Festival Rides
You can go for a balloon ride at the Skyride Festivals Park for 73 RM ($23.48 CDN). Located close to the lake, the balloon is visible up in the sky so its easy to find your way there. The tethered hot air balloon goes up 500 feet so you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
CAMERON HIGHLANDS
BOH Tea Plantation
BOH Tea Plantation was the highlight of the tour in Cameron Highlands. The highlands are known for their tea plantations. Its incredible to see the hills covered in tea bushes everywhere you looked. We were fortunate enough to get a factory tour of how tea is made. After, we got to sit down and have some tea and pastries to go enjoy in the restaurant. There is a little gift shop located in the Restaurant area where you can buy yourself some souvenir tea to take back home with you to enjoy! That is exactly what I did!
Butterfly Garden
Learn all about the official Malaysian butterfly. They stay very still with their wings wide open for so long that it will make you think its dead. Give it a little shake and it will twitch its antennas at you. All the Malaysian butterflies are black with green stripes on its wings.
They also have various insects and bugs for you to check out. Even bunnies in the back if your looking for something a little bit cuter!
Admission: 5 RM ($1.60 CDN)
Sam Poh Bhuddist Temple
Located in the Hills of Tanah Rata, the temple sits secluded atop a hill. The monks welcome visitors as long as you are respectful while people come to pray. Remember to take your shoes off as you go inside. Its a beautiful temple that needs to be explored. This temple is the fourth largest Bhuddist temple in Malaysia.
GEORGETOWN, PENANG ISLAND
Komtar Walk
Feeling brave? The glass walkway located at The Top is on the 68th floor. Selfie sticks and shoes are not allowed on the glass walkway. The views are amazing from this high up. You can see Penang Island and Butterworth across the waterway from there. There is a professional photographer waiting for you up there so if you want professional pictures done, he will take them for a cost. I opted not to.
Admission: RM 78 ($25.08 CDN)
Penang Hill
Penang Hill has a lot to offer. You can take the 304 Bus from the bus terminal and it will take you to the base of Penang Hill. From there, you can purchase a train ticket and the train will take you up to the summit where there are many activities for you and you family to enjoy. I had lunch at Davids Restaurant with a friend I met on the bus also travelling solo. I found a wonderful souvenir from a lady who was selling little bird figurines filled with water so when you blow into it, it makes bird chirping noises. My 9 yr old niece loved her gift.
Train Ticket (Return): 30 RM ($9.65 CDN)
Kek Lok Si Temple
The Kek Lok Si Temple is the biggest Bhuddist Temple in all of Malaysia. Bhuddists from the Phillipines, Hong Kong, Singapore and most of Southeast Asia make a pilgrimage to this sacred temple. I was told that the monks here are the richest in the world because of the amount of money that people donate to the temple. The monks hire people to count the money every day and two armoured cars are sent to the temple to pick up the money. Whether that is true or not, it's still a very impressive temple.
The grounds of the temple are absolutely stunning. The bright colours, statutes are a feast for the eyes and the beautifully maintained gardens are very peaceful to walk through. The views from up top are amazing. While walking around the temple, mind your step as the stairs can be slippery after a rainfall so wear proper footwear.
Take the lift up to see the large 30 meter statue of Guyanin.
Make sure you take some time out and visit the Kek Lok Si Temple. Its one of a kind!
Train Ticket to the top: 11 RM ($3.54 CDN)
Upside Down Museum
The Upside Down Museum was a great way to spend my afternoon. We have nothing like it in Canada. Don't worry about going solo, there are attendants in each room to help you pose and take your pics for you. It was a lot of fun going through the different rooms and posing in different ways. It's a great place for families to have some fun!
Admission: 27 RM ($8.68 CDN)
Chew Jetty
There are six clan jetties settled along the water's edge, the Tan Jetty, Lim Jetty, Yeoh Jetty, Lee Jetty, the Mixed Clan Jetty and the Chew Jetty. These jetties are old clans who settled in Georgetown in the late 19th century and the piers are now their main residence. The Chew Jetty is the most famous as it is the tourist jetty where they set up shop and sell everything from scarves, knock offs, souvenirs, clothing and places to grab something to eat. There is a temple in front of the jetty for the clans. Its a great place to visit. I found a a few things here, like a sarong, a scarf for myself and a Gucci knock off hat for my niece here. She loved it.
Make sure you give the Chew Jetty a visit and try the Iced Durian Coffee!
Hours of Operation: 9am - 9pm Everyday
Pasar Chowrasta Market
Pasar Chowrasta is located on Jalan Chowrasta. Its a series of Indian stalls selling the most elegantly decorated hijabs, saris, mens tunics and other items. It was a nice place to walk through and see all the colours and meet the people working in the stalls. I bought some beautiful hijabs from here.
Make sure you grab a cup of corn from a kiosk stall outside the Chowrasta entryway.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Take a tour of the aptly named "Blue Mansion". This beautiful mansion once belonged to a man named Cheong Fatt Tze. He came to work in Penang as a penniless worker and decided the only way he was going to become rich was to marry rich. So, naturally, he married his boss's daughter. He then used his smarts and doubled his riches with his ventures. He had many wives but only of them stayed in this mansion with him. His favourite. Their belongings are donated to the house and the museum it has now become. The entire house has been restored and it is absolutely beautiful. The tour guide was amazing. She was a great story teller and kept it short. My kind of tour.
Make sure you see this beautiful mansion and hear the details of this man's life and why he's important to Penang. Extraordinary!
Admission Fee: 17 RM ($5.47 CDN)
Famous Street Art
Pick up a map from the Tourism Office and head off to search for the most famous Street Art in Penang! All the murals are marked clearly where you will find them. They are all in close proximity and sometimes you'll find some bonus art work along the way. The Penang street art mural game is strong. It was fun to search for all the different murals all over the city. It is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city and to make some friends along the way as I guarantee you, you won't be the only one searching!
If you are having trouble finding one, ask a local. They will be more than happy to help you out!
LANGKAWI
Pantai Cenang Beach
Cenang (Che-nang) Beach was a great place to go and chill. There are many stalls that try to get you to try your hand at some adventure on the water. Parasailing, Banana Boats, Boat Tours and other offers are found everywhere. There was a volleyball tournament on one side of the beach as well. The sunsets are also really amazing to catch from here.
After hours head out here to the Yellow Cafe and chill out on their bean bag lounge with a shisha and drink and just relax until early morning. There are some resorts that offer a quiet dinner on the beach as well.
Great place to chill and have fun.
Parasailing
One of the first things I did when I got there was to book a parasailing session with Naam Sports. I found that they were most reliable and actually take safety seriously. They do their parasailing out on Tanjung Rhu beach. Here I am with my cousin on a double parasail. The view was breathtaking from so high up plus its so close to the border, you could actually see Thailand from up there! That's one off the bucket list!
Street Food
Don't be afraid to try the street food. So many choices of what to eat! Pick up a satay or two or a juicy corn on the cob! Coconuts, Nasi Lemak and Durians are everywhere! Street food is fun. I had brought a pack of Immodium just incase I got the Malay Belly, but thankfully, that wasn't an issue for me. Enjoy what you want! You only live once!
Duty Free Shopping
Langkawi is littered with Duty Free Shopping Centres in Pantai Cenang. Want to buy a pair of Prada shades for almost 70% off what you would normally pay? Get it from Duty Free. I did all my chocolate, candy and medicine shopping in Duty Free. It was great to have that option on Langkawi. I had at least three Duty Free Shopping Centres around my hotel so there wasn't a lack of choice for me.
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