Wonderguide by
Jun Ann Sia
Malaysia: A CULTURAL FEAST
Despite living outside of Malaysia for more than half my life, I still call it home. I always feel a sense of familiarity no matter how long I've been away. I am proud of our melting pot of cultures and there's lots to see and do. Here are some recommendations and tips. Selamat Jalan!
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Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has a cityscape filled with gleaming skyscrapers and colonial architecture. The capital of Malaysia is widely recognised for numerous landmarks. Below are the main attractions to visit. You might find KL Bird and Butterfly Parks listed on various sites but I suggest skipping them.
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Jun Ann:The Central Market is a cultural and arts hub where you can shop for traditional crafts, artworks, and local souvenirs. There is over 100,000 square feet of retail space here, and there is also a large outdoor stage providing a venue for multicultural performances and celebrations. Everything from traditional masks to authentic Malaysian fare can be purchased here, and additionally a number of interesting cultural activities are held monthly.
Opening hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia, +603 0022 8688
https://www.centralmarket.com.my/
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Jun Ann:The iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) are the tallest structures of their kind on planet Earth. The 88-storey skyscrapers were built in 1992, and designed by Argentine architect César Pelli in a dinstinctive postmodern style, with the aim of creating an innovative, 21st-century emblem for the city. They house the gigantic shopping mall Suria KLCC, and boast an observation deck, situated on the 86th floor, offering jaw-dropping views of the spirited city.
Opening hours: Daily 9am-9pm (for the towers); Daily 10am-10pm (for the shopping mall)
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +603 2331 8080
Get tickets for the skybridge here: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/
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Jun Ann:If you’re heading to Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves should definitely be on your bucket list - a highlight for any traveler venturing to the city. The caves themselves have been around for over 400 million years and the mouth of the cave was said to look like the head of a spear, so the caves were dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of war.
Hence the HUGE Lord Murugan statue that guards the entrance. The series of caves that run through the limestone mountain are filled with more incredible shrines to the Gods. Once you pass the statue, be prepared to make the climb up 272 colorful stairs - and watch out for the monkeys! Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Here you'll find some useful tips and info: https://forevervacation.com/the-vacationer/everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-batu-caves
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Jun Ann:Constructed in 1873, the magnificent Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu structure in Malaysia. The gopuram, which is the monumental tower of the Hindu gods, is the first thing which captures a visitor’s eye here, an impressive feature standing at 22.9 meters tall and opulently decorated with depictions of Hindu gods sculpted by southern Indian artisans. Inside there are a series of separated buildings serving different religious purposes, and even if you aren’t particularly spiritual, the richly decorated ceilings, intricate sculptures of goddesses and majestic main prayer hall here all make the site worth visiting.
Opening hours: 6am-8:30pm (closing time varies per day)
Address: Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
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Jun Ann:This former red-light area is now one of Kuala Lumpur’s top culinary destinations. The sidewalks are lined with seafood eateries, hawker stalls, and coffee shops serving some of Malaysia’s best hawker fare. You’ll find delicious street food like satay, BBQ chicken wings, stir-fried noodles, and also desserts. Wash it all down with some ice-cold beer or the locals’ favorite: sugarcane juice. This buzzing street draws budget travelers for its affordable prices and shutterbugs for its nostalgic vibes.
Opening hours: depends on different stalls and restaurants, usually 5pm-12am
Check Tripadvisor or other sites for food tours.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpcaJ1JLHp6/
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Jun Ann:Petaling Street Market is well known for both its “imitation” goods and its culturally diverse culinary options. With hundreds of vendors selling everything from designer bags to traditional fried rice noodles, Petaling Street is a destination for tourists and locals looking for a bargain.
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Jun Ann:Visit Merdeka Square, also known as Independence Square (or in Malay: Dataran Merdeka), which holds historical significance as the place where Malaysia's independence was declared. Admire the colonial-era architecture and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
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Jun Ann:This ornate Chinese temple dedicated to the Queen of Heaven, Thean Hou, protectorate of people who make their living from the sea. The temple borrows from Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions. Some visitors believe the panoramic views of KL alone make the trip up the hill worthwhile.
Opening hours: 8am-10pm
Useful info and tips: https://dailytravelpill.com/thean-hou-temple-kuala-lumpur/
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Jun Ann:Kuala Lumpur Tower, colloquially referred to as KL Tower, is a 6-story, 421-meter-tall (1,381 ft) telecommunication tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the world's 7th tallest tower, also, Malaysia and Southeast Asia's 2nd tallest tower. Its construction was completed on 1994. It features an antenna that increases its height to 421 metres (1,381 feet). The roof of the pod is at 335 metres (1,100 feet). The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant, providing diners with a panoramic view of the city.
https://menarakl.com.my/services
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Jun Ann:Whist you need to head a bit out of the city to reach most rainforests, KL Forest Eco Park is the only natural rainforest left inside Kuala Lumpur itself.
Walk across the bridged canopy through forestry of trees and take a refreshing break after a long day of shopping and city sightseeing.
Along the walkway are designated birdwatching/view towers and it’s an amazing spot for photos too. If you’re up for some trekking, hit one of the nature trails like the Jelutong trail.
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Where to eat & drink in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysians live to eat. We joke that we eat 6 meals a day (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper). Good food is everywhere - from very cheap to high-end, across a wide variety of cuisines. But the scene changes quite fast and as someone who's been out of the country for a long time, it is difficult to give a list of personal suggestions. Places that used to be good during ‘my time’ don't really live up to expectations anymore. It's also hard to recommend specific food stalls because preferences can be subjective, or may be harder to locate, or more suitable if accompanied by a local. What I have suggested below are places I think are a bit more upscale, or unique or places that friends have highly recommended. Don't hesitate to try Japanese, Korean or Thai restaurants in KL too. Considered pretty authentic and affordable.
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Jun Ann:The chef calls it “nomadic” cuisine; in fact, it is innovative fare based on Southern Indian cuisine. Only set menus are served, and diners are taken on a culinary journey featuring various taste profiles, traditional snacks and the clever inclusion of a fruit or two in each course. The menus change every three months to reflect what’s in season and ingredients are shipped from all over the world. Playful naming of dishes also adds to the fun.
By far the best fine dining restaurant we've been to in Malaysia and one of the best in the world. Not just for the food, but also the excellent selection of wine, the top service and great ambiance. They recently moved from their previous location to the Four Seasons. I haven't dined there since they moved but I have no doubt it's still great.
https://www.nadodikl.com/reservations
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Jun Ann:Secluded behind a traditional-style wonton noodle hawker stall in a non-descript laneway in KL’s city centre, Suzie Wong with its retro-oriental decor, evokes the glamorous nightlife of early 20th Century Shanghai. A series of meticulously designed spaces offer guests a variety of settings for early evening cocktails, sumptuous dining, and live cabaret entertainment. A popular destination for special celebrations, events – or just groups of partying friends – Suzie Wong’s eclectic decor and glamorous cabaret performances ensure entertaining and memorable experiences.
For a night of cocktails and entertainment – the Moon Bar features a full-length bar serving up Chinese-inspired signature cocktails plus a full selection of classic cocktails. And for dining, highlights of the modern Chinese cuisine include signature roast platters, truffle-infused dumplings, dim sum platters, and braised jumbo prawn noodles.
https://www.suziewong.asia/
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Jun Ann:This restaurant has been mentioned by several friends. It has won Best Malay restaurant several times. Malay cuisine is traditionally eaten at roadside stalls but this place has made it more accessible to foreigners.
Located a mere stone’s throw away from KLCC and Bukit Bintang, Bijan is the ultimate destination for fine Malay cuisine.
https://www.2cents.my/2019/01/04/bijan-bar-restaurant-is-well-liked-among-locals-as-a-fine-malay-cuisine/
http://www.bijanrestaurant.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bijankl/
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Jun Ann:Bõl boasts Malaysian classics with just the right amount of western flair in a chic, vibrant wonderland. The tropical decor piques one’s interest, but the food is the main attraction. Start with the rojak tart, which is a bite-sized starter that gives one a burst of nostalgia with every bite, followed by the prawn and crab cakes which are crispy and sweet with a tinge of spiciness. A favourite from the mains is the buah keluak lamb shank, which offers fall-off- the-bone lamb served with a silky coconut mash. Don’t miss dessert as the Hawthorne Gula Melaka comes with a Haw flakes sorbet that evokes childhood memories.
https://linktr.ee/bol_in_kl
https://www.instagram.com/bol_in_kl/
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Jun Ann:A restaurant that's three generations in the making, the culinary culmination of a voyage that Meriam Alfonso's grandparents took from their home state of Kerala on India's Malabar Coast, reaching Malaysia and opening Johor Bahru's first Keralan restaurant in 1949.
http://kayra.com.my/wp/
https://www.instagram.com/kayrakeralacuisine/
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Jun Ann:Modern contemporary Malaysian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and natural wine.
https://www.chochafoodstore.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chochafoodstore/
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Malacca
Malacca is the unofficial historical capital of Malaysia, serving as a link between east and west for over 500 years. It was here that colonial forces first made contact with Malaysia (Dutch, Portuguese and British), which eventually shaped the country into its current economic and political system. Today, Malacca is a beautiful city that's rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures.
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Jun Ann:a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. Explore the ruins, cannons, and the nearby St. Paul's Church.
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Jun Ann:Explore the Stadthuys, a historic Dutch administrative building painted in red, located in the heart of Malacca. The surrounding area, known as Red Square, features other notable buildings such as Christ Church and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower.
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Jun Ann:A vibrant street in the heart of the Chinatown district. Explore antique shops, boutique stores, art galleries, and indulge in local street food. The Jonker Walk Night Market, held on weekends, offers a bustling atmosphere with a variety of vendors selling food, souvenirs, and crafts.
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Jun Ann:The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Admire the intricate architectural details, beautiful decorations, and the serene atmosphere of this historic temple.
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Jun Ann:Discover the history of the Malacca Sultanate at the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. The museum features a replica of the Sultan's palace, displaying artifacts, traditional costumes, and exhibits related to Malacca's royal history.
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Jun Ann:Take a leisurely boat ride along the Malacca River to admire the city's historic buildings, bridges, and colorful murals that line the riverbanks. The cruise offers a different perspective of the city and its unique charm.
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Jun Ann:Kampung Kling Mosque in Melaka is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia with distinctive architectural features which makes it a popular tourist attraction.
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Jun Ann:Originally built by a Portuguese captain in 1521 as a simple chapel, St. Paul’s Church offers views over Melaka from the summit of Bukit St Paul. St. Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Jesuit order, used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan. In one of those journeys, Xavier fell sick and eventually died in China in 1552. His body was temporarily interred here for nine months before being transferred to Goa, where it remains today. Visitors can look into his ancient tomb inside the church, and a marble statue of the saint gazing over the city.
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Jun Ann:Showcases the traditional Peranakan culture and heritage. Explore the beautifully restored heritage house and learn about the unique Baba-Nyonya lifestyle.
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Jun Ann:Housed in a replica of a Portuguese ship, to learn about Malacca's maritime history and its significance as a trading port. Nearby, the Naval Museum exhibits naval artifacts and provides insights into Malaysia's naval history.
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Penang
Penang is a vibrant State with its capital, George Town, having the rare distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a true melting pot of cultures with its blend of Eastern and Western influences. Retaining many of the values adopted during its era of British rule, Penang bears a charm that is unique to itself.
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Jun Ann:Penang has no shortage of must-see locations and attractions, but none are as timeless as the beautiful Penang Hill. A classic attraction for decades, Penang Hill offers a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of city life as you immerse yourself in the lush natural rainforest of Penang.
Take the funicular railway to the top of the hill, then spend half the day there walking through nature or other activities: https://www.klook.com/en-MY/blog/penang-hill-malaysia-things-to-do/
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Jun Ann:George Town Heritage Walk: Embark on a walking tour of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the charming streets lined with colorful heritage buildings, visit temples and mosques, admire street art, and immerse yourself in the city's multicultural atmosphere.
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Jun Ann:Kek Lok Si is one of the biggest and most important Chinese Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It features a seven-tiered pagoda, and more than 10,000 Buddha statues, including a 121 feet tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin.
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Jun Ann:Lying within the core zone of the George Towns World Heritage Site, the street is surrounded by Chinese Temples and Clan Houses, as well as the nearby mosques of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling.
The street itself is full of charming shophouses, artists galleries, cafe's and some of the best of Penang's street art can be found around this area.
Fun fact: My ancestral Clan House is located on this street (called the Cheah Kongsi Clan House Temple)
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Jun Ann:This charming mansion once belonged to a 19th century Chinese industrialist so famous he was nicknamed by The New York Times “The Rockefeller of the East.”
A major renovation in the 1990s won the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion UNESCO status, and the gorgeous interior of this heritage hotel has served as the set for multiple movies – including the mahjong scene in the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians.
If you can't or don't want to stay the night here, have a drink there instead: https://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/restaurants/cafe-mangga/
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Jun Ann:The hilltop temple, with its seven-storey 21.6m-tall gopuram (main tower), has been touted as the largest Lord Murugan temple outside India by its committee chairman. It is expected to receive thousands of visitors from all over the world yearly when completed after almost a decade of construction.
Interestingly, the new temple’s features are inspired from the era of the Chola and Pallava kingdoms of India and the crafting work was done by Indian artisans from South India, specially brought into Penang.
The main gateway is about 21.6m in height which is equivalent to a seven-storey high building. Visitors entering the temple’s 70,000sq ft grounds will be greeted by a majestic 8.23m-tall statue of Lord Shiva at the foot of the hill. An 18-ft high crafted teak wood door will be a special feature at the new Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple in Waterfall Road here. As visitors reach the top by climbing 511 stairs, they are bound to be amazed by the six pillars inside which represent the six main Murugan temples.
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Jun Ann:When you are visiting Georgetown and you would like to take a ride in one of the authentic Trishaws, let the owner of the Trishaw decide where you are going. There is a big chance you will visit the Clan Piers or Clan Jetties and their Floating Village. This is a complete village on stilts above the water where Chinese clans live. In the 19th century many Chinese immigrants came to Malaysia. To enlarge their chances clans were established, so together they could survive in their new environment.
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Jun Ann:The Siamese temple was commissioned in 1845 by Queen Victoria and it houses a 180 feet, gold-plated reclining Buddha statue, one of the (if not the) largest in the world. The temple is located on Jalan Burma and it is just a stone’s throw away from Bangkok Lane (because obviously). It is truly a remarkable sight to behold and one of the top Penang attractions you shouldn’t miss.
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Jun Ann:The temple is filled with snakes (no prizes for he or she who guesses why it’s called Snake Temple) and even though they are venomous vipers, they have had their venom extracted and for the most part, they just laze around peacefully, apparently lulled into a sense of nirvana by the smell of incense in the temple. But just in case of the odd jumpy one, visitors are still advised to not pick up the snakes for a selfie. :)
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Jun Ann:One noteworthy building brimming with rich history in George Town is Pinang Peranakan Mansion. An architectural splendour that’s home to thousands of antiques and collectibles, the mansion is now a historic house museum that transports visitors to a bygone era of Peranakan culture.
https://thesmartlocal.my/pinang-peranakan-mansion/
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Jun Ann:One of the best places to see in Penang is broken into two parts – Natureland and Cocoon.
Natureland is a huge garden space with approximately 15,000 butterflies and over 200 species of plants as well as other invertebrates and reptiles.
The gardens are well presented with ponds, caves, and waterfalls.
The Penang Butterfly Farm’s Cocoon portion has two floors of exhibitions to and activities to teach you about invertebrates
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Ipoh
Ipoh is Georgetown’s relaxed little brother and the gateway to the Cameron Highlands. This town-sized city is undiscovered on the usual Malaysia route. Within the old town, the colonial buildings stand out. Timeworn streets have been freshened up with contemporary street art. Wander a bit to find vibrant temples, surrounded by spectacular limestone cliffs, caves, and lakes. The hidden gem of Ipoh is a great addition to your Malaysia itinerary! As a stopover before the Cameron Highlands or Penang, Ipoh is simply perfectly located. Both buses and trains run regularly to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur and take 2.5-3 hours.
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Jun Ann:A short 10-minute drive from the town is the extraordinary Gunung Rapat Limestone Hills, which are home to many temples. One of the most interesting is the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple built into the limestone.
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Jun Ann:The unfinished, gothic and ruined mansion of an ambitious Scottish Planter, Mr. William Kellie Smith, Kellie's Castle is located in Batu Gajah, Kenta District, Perak, Malaysia. With several ghost-sighting reports, the castle is believed to be haunted by many.
The Kellie's Castle has an intriguing background story of how despite mega plans of a stately personal palace, the mansion was struck by sheer bad luck and tragedies all over its time, and thus, never reached its completion. Set on a hill with a gorgeous backdrop, the castle has all the intriguing elements for mystery lovers- horror, romance, dream, fate, tragedy. The beautiful interior and exterior has been used for filming scenes in movies like Anna and the King, and Skyline Cruiser.
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Jun Ann:Experience Ipoh’s best-hidden gems: a secret lake named Tasik Cermin. The lake’s setting, surrounded by limestone karsts, is truly unique and has been given the nickname ‘Mirror Lake’.
Due to increasing popularity, there’s now an official entrance building selling tickets at 4 RM per person. Open daily from 9 AM-6 PM.
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Jun Ann:Enter the small passage between the limestone of the Perak Tong Cave Temple. Inside opens up into an enormous space with a 12 meter high Buddha statue.
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Jun Ann:The lane is less crowded during the week but most fun to visit at the weekend when stalls are set up selling souvenirs and typical foods of the area. The old charm and vibrant history of this area are not to be missed!
Tip: Once you’ve wandered down Concubine Lane, make sure to see Wife Lane and Market Lane. Market Lane is decorated with beautiful hanging umbrellas and red lanterns that light up the area at night.
https://www.travelswithsun.com/concubine-lane-ipoh/
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Jun Ann:The Kong Heng Square market is a small crafts bazaar and flea market in the city center. This space is creatively decorated and has a fun walk-through. The market is located behind the Plan B restaurant and is open daily between 10 AM and 5 PM.
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Jun Ann:If the street art around Concubine Lane left you wanting more, then Mural Art’s Lane should be your next stop! The lane, running between the main roads Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid, is home to dozens of murals that brighten up the houses’ walls. Most are painted by Ernest Zacharevic, who has had many successes as a street artist in Penang.
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Wonderguide map
- Central Market
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Batu Caves
- Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
- Jalan Alor Night Food Court
- Petaling Street Market, Kuala Lumpur.
- Merdeka Square Park
- Thean Hou Temple
- Sky Deck KL Tower
- National Mosque of Malaysia
- Bukit Bintang Street
- KL Forest Eco Park
- NADODI
- Suzie Wong - Dinner and Show
- Bar Trigona
- Bijan Bar & Restaurant
- Bol - Asian Reimagined
- Kayra | Modern Indian
- Chocha Foodstore
- Fuego at Troika Sky Dining
- Pisco Bar
- Concubine KL
- PS150
- Three Years Old Cafe
- VCR
- A Famosa
- Stadthuys
- Jonker Street Night Market
- Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
- Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum
- Melaka River Cruise
- Kampung Kling Mosque
- Church of Saint Paul, Malacca
- Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
- Muzium Samudera (Flor de La Mar)
- Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum Malacca
- Taming Sari Tower (Malacca Tower)
- Penang Hill
- Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- Armenian Street
- Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
- Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
- Clan Jetties of Penang
- Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple
- Snake Temple
- Pinang Peranakan Mansion
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
- Penang National Park
- Sam Poh Tong Temple
- Kellie's Castle
- Mirror Lake
- Perak Cave Temple 霹雳洞
- Concubine Lane
- Gunung Lang
- Kong Heng Artisan Market
- Mural Art's Lane
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