Malaysia is an Asian country that has a unique and rich culture. Its storied past and position at the crossroads of Asia make this country such an interesting place to visit. Many tourists who have visited Malaysia found it to be what many people claimed it to be: gifted by Nature, culturally diverse, has lots of hospitable people, delicious cuisines, etc.
There’s a lot of activities that you can do in this beautiful country that you’ll surely remember for the rest of your life. Of course, the purpose of this blog post is to share with you those activities so that you can get an idea of the things to do when you visit Malaysia. So, enjoy reading!
Taste the Delicious Local Food Nasi Kandar
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Nasi Kandar is one of Malaysia’s delectable eats. This local food is mixed rice topped with a variety of sauces and toppings. It was brought in by Muslim traders from India, and it became a staple food in Malaysia ever since.
The clash of flavors of the chili and curry powder is just perfect for satisfying your taste palate. You can choose toppings, such as fish, chicken, and seafood. Most of the toppings, especially the seafood, is accompanied by cabbage and okra in curry sauce. If you want to have a taste of Heaven, try this delicious local dish.
Visit the Deer Cave
Located inside Gunung Mulu National Park in the state of Sarawak, the Deer Cave is a massive cave system, which is home to millions of bats. There’s also a 1-kilometer wide and 300-meter deep sinkhole, now decorated with a rainforest, which is called the Garden of Eden.
On a viewing platform, you can witness the sea of bats flying out of the cave en masse before dusk. It was a lovely and incredible sight to behold.
Hike Mt. Kinabalu
Just a two-hour transport from Kota Kinabalu in a minivan, hikers can reach the base of one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia: Mt. Kinabalu. It has a height of 4,095 meters, which attracts thousands of mountain climbers from all over the world.
Your adventure will commence in a steamy forest. Then, as you go further up, the temperature will turn colder and colder until you reach the rock summit. You’ll also pass many different plant species, such as the large and stinking Rafflesia. There’s also incredible biodiversity of fauna, some of them are endemic in Malaysia.
Explore the Historical City of Malacca
Malacca City in the state of Malacca is considered a UNESCO Heritage Site. This place will teach you a lot about the history and culture of Malaysia. Malacca City was colonized by the Portuguese and Dutch. Then, it became culturally and economically prosperous under the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century.
This city boasts a lot of museums, galleries, old churches, and colonial buildings. You can also try the delicious food in the Jonker Street Night Market. If you want to visit Malacca City, make sure to get your hotel accommodation in advance on websites like Planet of Hotels.
Scuba Diving in Pulau Tioman
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Pulau Tioman is easily among the most beautiful islands in the world. This island lies off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Pulau Tioman is famous for its fantastic snorkeling and diving sites.
You can go diving in Tiger Reef, and behold the underwater wonders, such as corals, sea sponges, sea fans, and other fish species. It’s also a must to trek the island’s rainforests, which are home to monkeys, lizards, migratory birds, and butterflies.
Get Up Close and Personal with the Orangutans
In eastern Sabah, near Sandakan town, you can visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. The center houses the rescued great apes of Malaysia (some of them are injured, and others are orphaned) before they are released into the wild. Their population is already dwindling due to the loss of habitat and pet trade.
You can observe young orangutans playing, wrestling, and learning how to swing. There are also older orangutans released into the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.
Drink Tea at Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands in the state of Pahang was developed by the British for recreation during the colonial era. This hill station has tea plantations, strawberry farms, stately colonial bungalows, cool air, and a scenic view.
Visit the Boh Sungai Palas Tea Estate, where you can have a balcony view of the breathtaking scenery while sipping a cup of tea and eating strawberries.
Have a Pilgrimage to the Batu Cave Temples
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Thirteen kilometers outside Kuala Lumpur, you can visit the Hindu religious site known as the Batu Cave Temples. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a giant golden statue of the Hindu deity Murugan. For you to reach the Batu Cave Temples, you need to climb the 272 steps and pass the marauding monkeys along the way.
Saunter Along George Town
This multicultural city in Penang is famous for its historic architecture, street art, and street food. If you want to have a taste of Malaysia’s delicious street food, George Town is the place to be.
Visit the popular Gurney Drive Market and try the local delicacies, such as satay, lok-lok, baby octopus, tofu fritters, fish balls, loh bak, laksa, and char kway teow noodles. Aside from the delicacies from George Town in Penang, you can also try the different coffee drinks in Penang cafes. You can explore George Town by yourself, or you can hire a tour guide who can take you deep into the very life of the city.
Discover Different Tribal Cultures at Mari Mari Village
Mari Mari Cultural Village is an excellent destination if you want to learn about Sabah’s main tribes. There are cultural exhibits and interactive presentations that showcase the various art, tribal tools, dances, and food of the Bajau, Rungus, Murut, Lundayeh, and Dusun tribes.
Get a taste of the tribes’ very own rice liquor and witness tribal warriors dancing the lansaran, a famous tribal dance that features bouncing dancers on a wooden trampoline.
Takeaway
Indeed, Malaysia is a wonderful place to visit. It has a lot to offer when it comes to tourist spots, food, and cultural immersion. So, you should make sure that you visit this beautiful country in your lifetime.
