Malaysia's diverse culture, tradition, and cuisine have made this country one of the best travel destinations in Southeast Asia. If you are a traveller looking for a great city to visit, here are a few cities in Malaysia that you may consider.
Kuala Lumpur
This is the capital of Malaysia and it is where everything comes to live! While any Malaysian state will always retain part of its tradition and culture, Kuala Lumpur is very much a fast-paced, modern, skyscraper-city. This is where you will get a taste of Malaysia's diverse ethnic and cultural influence in a modern package. You can sample a wide range of local food from contemporary restaurants and cafes or choose a more exotic approach by eating them from street food stalls that are peppered all around the city. There is also a wide variety of shopping options that can cater to your budget. From large shopping malls like KLCC, which carries international labels, to more indie-styled boutiques in Bangsar, there is always something for everyone.
For those who prefer to explore the cultural aspect of Kuala Lumpur, take a trip to Little India Brickfields, the official Little India of the city, or visit the Chinatown at Petaling Street. To truly experience this dynamic city, brace yourself and visit some of the local night markets like Taman Connaught Night Market and Kampung Baru Market.
Penang
Penang is situated in northwest Malaysia. It is home to the famous George Town that is rich in culture, art, and history. Take a walk around town and you will be pleasantly surprised by the delightful street art the pops up at every corner. These street arts are the works of London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic who was commissioned by the Penang's municipal council to inject fun and humour to the traditional district, and indeed they attracted not just more tourists but also media attention from all over the world.
Penang is also well known for the beaches that are well developed with many international resorts such as HardRocks, Shangri-la and Holiday Inn. If a laidback vacation is what you are looking for, this will be an ideal vacation spot.
Kuching
The City of Kuching is the capital Sarawak in Malaysia. Kuching literally means cat in Malay, it is no wonder that there is a Cat Statue that sits at the entrance of the city and even a Cat Museum that features these felines!
Kuching is a relaxed city where everyone goes about their business in a quiet but warm-hearted manner. The best way to get to know this city is to take a walk around the streets or a sampan down the Sarawak River. The city has retained much of its history and culture through the conservation of its architecture. The sight of old Malay villages, majestic mosque, and traditional shophouses all transcend a beautiful and rich history that goes beyond words.
While it may seem laidback, there is a lot to do in this city too. For the adventurous one, kayak down the Sungai Sarawak Stream or even visit the Annah Rais Longhouse, which is home to the indigenous head-hunting tribal community of Sarawak.
Malacca
Malacca City is in Southwestern Malaysia and it is officially a UNESCO world heritage site that is known for its rich history and multicultural heritage. Take a walk down Jonker Street and you will observe much of Malacca's history and tradition. The bustling street with red brick architecture houses is lined up with shops, street food stalls, antiques, and many local delights. Explore the significance of historical sites such as the St Paul's Hill, St Paul's church, the Stadthuys, the fortress A'Famosa, they are all important past of Malacca.
On a lighter note, you may want to catch a glimpse of the city's quirky cafes such as The Woods, a rustic second-hand bookstore-cum-café at Jonker Street or Calanthe Art Cafe along the alleys of Jonker Walk. Also, try out the Hoe Kee chicken riceball, this popular dish goes as far back as 1962. If you are looking to shop local goods, check out The Orangutan House, Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, AEON Bandaraya Melaka Shopping Centre and Freeport A'Famosa Outlet.