Travel

Travel Inspiration | Malaysia

     Malaysia is a large country, with dozens of islands as well as the main peninsula, where you’ll find the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It also contains a diverse mix of cultures; there’s the indigenous Malay people; the remnants of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule; and most cities have a Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Quarter now. I spent a week here almost two years ago, which gave me a few days each in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka, all on the main peninsula – I didn’t have time to see any of the islands! Although it was a short trip, I still saw a lot of the cultural diversity in that time!

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chinese clan jetties, Penang, Malaysia

Chinese clan jetties, Penang, Malaysia

Chinese lanterns, Penang, Malaysia

Buddhist temple, Penang, Malaysia

Thai Buddhist Temple, Penang, Malaysia

Burmese Buddhist Temple, Penang, Malaysia

Penang is technically an island, but attached to the Malay peninsula via a huge road bridge. Georgetown was once a colonial settlement, but now has a vast array of cultures and religions, including the Chinese clan jetties, and several different style of Buddhist temples.
Armenian Street, Penang, Malaysia

Street art, Penang, Malaysia

Street art, Penang, Malaysia

Street art, Penang, Malaysia

Sky Bar night view, Penang, Malaysia
Penang is also well known for its huge collection of street art, mainly around Armenian Street and the surrounding area, where you’ll find all sorts of pieces tucked away amongst the colourful facades and hanging lanterns overhead.
I heart KL sign, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sultan Abdul Samad building, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

National Palace, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hindu temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the country’s capital city, and you’ll find every culture and religion represented here. From Chinatown to Little India; from colonial era architecture, to the decadent National Palace, home to the Sultan; from the vast National Mosque, to the famous Batu Caves, with colourful Hindu shrines tucked away inside.
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
City Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Royal Selangor pewter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Peacock in the Bird Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is also a very modern city, with a skyline dominated by skyscrapers, including the famous Petronas Towers, and the massive shopping mall inside them. There’s also museums and memorials to explore, like the National Monument, the City Gallery, Royal Selangor pewter factory, and even the massive Bird Park!
Melaka, Malaysia

Melaka, Malaysia

Trishaws, Melaka, Malaysia

Trishaws in Dutch Square, Melaka, Malaysia

Dutch Square, Melaka, Malaysia
Jonker Walk, Melaka, Malaysia
Melaka is a quirky little town in the south of the Malay peninsula, with its wide river flowing through the middle of it. There’s lots of colonial architecture here, particularly around the Dutch Square – which contrasts massively with the colourful, eccentrically decorated trishaws! Around Jonker Walk, you’ll find all sorts of local shops, and every sort of cuisine you could want to try.
Harmony Street, Melaka, Malaysia

Harmony Street, Melaka, Malaysia

Harmony Street, Melaka, Malaysia

Ruins of St Paul's Church, Melaka, Malaysia

Maritime Museum, Melaka, Malaysia
Night by the river, Melaka, Malaysia
Harmony Street very much sums up the spirit of Malaysia, with Chinese, Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist places of worship all within a few feet of each other – then head up the hill to see the Ruins of St Paul’s Church, a Christian site!