Many Malaysians tend to go “been there, done that” in response to familiar local destinations. Sure it’s always nice to venture to new places but you might also be missing out on some unexplored gems at those popular stops. Check out some of them here.
1. Penang
Come for the food, stay for the fun! Penang has been synonymous with good eats for the longest time. However, it still holds many wonders for those who are willing to explore further, such as:
○828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang.
○Daily: 9am-6pm
Get back to nature the fun way at Escape Theme Park. Here’s where you can explore a healthy mix of rides and activities for a wide range of age groups, abilities and energy levels. The best part? It all happens in the great outdoors.
○49 Lebuh Muntri, 10200 Penang
○Daily: 9.30am-6.30pm
In this selfie age, it’s nice to remember how it all started. Explore cameras from the 18th century till today, check out unique collections such as James Bond’s spy cameras and vintage cameras with Bugs Bunny and Spiderman cartoon themes; discover how the first camera came about; there are even guided tours for the complete experience.
●The Little Art House (We Are Artists Gallery)
○ 90a, Lorong Macalister, 10400 Penang
○Sat & Sun: 10am-6pm
Need more art to admire? Get in touch with your artistic side. After you’ve booked your Penang hotel stay with Traveloka, head over to this little shop that’s powered by a big (artsy) idea. An inspired creative space, The Little Art House is home to exclusive, locally-made artwork. Look out for one-of-a-kind gifts like painted postcards by local artists and the Penang Coloring Book, something outside the usual tourist souvenirs. The gallery is run by a group of volunteers and has classes and workshops periodically.
○368-1-14 Bellisa Row, Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang
○Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm Sat-Sun: 8am-10pm
● Huey&Wah [Snack bar]
○Lot 139-G-03, Armenian Street Heritage Hotel, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10200 George Town, Penang
○Daily: 11am-4pm
Looking for a taste that’s out of the ordinary? Then Huey&Wah Café’s gourmet marshmallows should do the trick. Taste flavours such as vanilla, lemon, passion fruit, salted caramel, rose, and chocolate. They are made with no artificial colouring, flavours and preservatives. There are unique beverage and marshmallow pairing options too.
2. Langkawi
Langkawi has much more in store than its beaches and duty-free shopping.
○Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau, 07000, Langkawi, Kedah.
○10am – 8pm
This is a 25-metre-long curved pedestrian bridge above Mount Machinchang that provides a unique viewpoint surrounded by nature.
● Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
○Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah
Known for its ancient limestone formations, the Park is great for family fun. Attractions include caves, beaches, mangrove swamps, eagle feeding area and a fish farm. Tour packages are divided by duration (from one to four hours), giving you the freedom to choose your level of exploration. Feeling hungry? Fresh seafood is served at the floating Hole in the Wall Restaurant & Fish Farm.
● Pulau Payar Marine Park
○30km south-east of Langkawi Island
○Langkawi Tourist Information Centre
○+604-966 7789 / +604-966 5271
About an hour’s boat ride from the Kuah Jetty Point is Pulau Payar Marine Park. Made up of four islands – Pulau Payar (largest), Pulau Kaca, Pulau Lembu and Pulau Segantang, this is a protected park. One of its must-visit spots is the Coral Garden. A secluded area that holds protected and preserved colourful corals. This location is particularly popular with for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
3. Malacca
A state steeped in culture and heritage, Malacca is recognised for its abundance of historical sites and flavourful local eats (chicken rice-ball and Nyonya cendol, for example). However, there’s more to discover.
● The Shore Oceanarium
○2F-01, The Shore Shopping Gallery,193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100 Malacca
○Daily: 10.30am-9pm
Located on the second floor of The Shore Shopping Gallery, the Oceanarium is one of the state’s newer attractions. It’s a place to discover and learn more about marine life with the whole family. According to the official website, the Oceanarium is the first aquarium in Malaysia to bring you a 3D experience during your visit. This is in addition to their Interactive Touch Pool, Jungle Quest zone (reptiles, butterflies and other small animals), Sea Shells Museum and Kampung Penyu section among others.
● Upside Down House Gallery
○G12 & G14, Jalan PM 7, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca.
○Mon to Thurs: 10am-7pm: Fri to Sun/Public Holiday: 10am-9pm
A place to let your “inner shutterbug” run free. Put some fun into your next trip to Malacca. As the name suggests, everything in this house/gallery is upside down, including furniture and decor. This translates to an abundance of creative photo opportunities for you and your travel companions.
4. Kuala Lumpur
● Subak
○Lot 3213, Jalan Penchala Indah, Bukit Lanjan, 60000, Kuala Lumpur
○+603-77299030 / +603-77299031
○Mon to Sun & Public Holidays: 11am-1pm
Get ready to be transported to Bali in KL. For a taste of Balinese culture and cuisine, Subak restaurant successfully merges the traditional and contemporary for a dining experience that’s unique. This sanctuary features rustic décor and has its own fresh water spring to boot. Dine with nature here.
○First Floor, 54, Jalan Sultan, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
○Daily: 10am-9pm
This hidden gem in Chinatown, KL is known for its 3D coffee art. Be sure to snap a picture of your adorable cup of The Oceans 11 before you savour the taste. This tangerine flavoured coffee features a cute foam art bear on top. There’s also the Peppermint Chocolate Latte, Sweet 16 (hazelnut latte) and homemade Rum and Raisin Cheesecake, all popular here.
● Arch Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
○No. 27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
○Daily: 9am-6.30pm
Accessible by bus, taxi or MyRapid KL LRT, The Arch Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is not your average tourist stop. In fact, the gallery’s space was once a memorial library and the building is 115 years old. Take a step back in time to immerse yourself in KL’s diverse history, architecture and culture. Once you’re in, look out for the intricate scale model replica of the whole city. The model measures at an impressive 12.2m by 15.24m.
5. Ipoh
● Ho Yan Hor Museum
○1, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
○Tues to Sun: 10am-4pm
This pre-war building has been a part of Ipoh’s history since 1941. Now a tea museum, the space was originally its founder, Dr. Ho Kai Cheong’s family home and where the tea was first prepared. The popular herbal tea is known for its cooling effect and helps with the common cold. Take a sip, savour the taste and immerse yourself in the history of Ipoh and “Ho Yan Hor” from the 1940s till its expansion into a global pharmaceutical company named Hovid today.
● Yasmin At Kong Heng
○89-91, Old Block Apartments, Jalan Sultan Yussuf, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
○Sat to Sun: 10am-6pm
A true creative force whose love for Malaysia was evident in every commercial or movie she produced, the late Yasmin Ahmad needs no further introduction. Yasmin’s philosophies, no-holds-barred portrayal of everyday Malaysian life resonates with many locals and fans from abroad. Get a feel of her magic through the exhibition of her work at the Yasmin At Kong Heng “newseum”.
6. Bukit Tinggi
Colmar Tropicale is well known but did you know that the French-inspired architecture is not all there is to experience in Bukit Tinggi?
● Japanese Tea House
○Km 48, Persimpangan Bertingkat, Karak Highway, 28750 Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang.
○Daily: 10am-6pm
○Japanese Tea Ceremony Hours: Daily: 11am-4.30pm
A slice of Japan in Berjaya Hills here? Yes, indeed! It is apparently the first of its kind outside Japan and was designed by Japanese architect, Kaio Ariizumi. Situated near Colmar Tropicale, the tea house is known as “the world’s first Japanese Tea House in a tropical forest. Visitors have the option of renting kimonos to take pictures and experience a tea ceremony in person.
7. Kota Kinabalu
Beaches aplenty and lush greenery, Kota Kinabalu holds many wonders for those who are looking to explore further.
● North Borneo Railway
○The Magellan Sutera Resort, Level 2, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Love trains? Hop aboard The North Borneo Railway! This four-hour train ride from KK to Papar runs twice a week (Wed, Sat) and provides a new viewpoint for KK’s lush landscape. Breakfast is provided and tiffin-styled lunch is served onboard. There are several stops along the way for you to stretch your legs, do some shopping and explore further.
○Kionsom, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia.
○Tours: 10am, 2pm and 6pm
Explore Sabah’s ethnic communities, culture and lifestyle at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Located in a forest setting, the Cultural Village houses various traditional homes and provides a hands-on experience for all guests. Five different tribes are featured in the village, namely Kadazan-Dusun (rice farmers), Rungus (longhouse residents), Lundayeh (hunters and fishermen), Bajau (cowboys and sea gypsies) and Murut (headhunting tribe).
Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Sometimes, that step can lead you to a new discovery in a familiar place. So, which place will you be revisiting next?
