Malaysia’s rich cultural panorama is defined by its diversity. The country is home to an ethnic mix of Malays, Indians and Chinese, along with a number of indigenous groups that preserve age-old traditions and cultures.Here is a travel guide to experience Malaysia’s diversity through the country’s abundance of attractions and activities.
If flying into the country, your first stop will be Kuala Lumpur. Spend a day in the Malaysian capital, which features some of the region’s best restaurants, nightlife and shopping. KL also has an abundance of museums, temples and markets that you can visit. Another highlight is the architectural mix displayed in a unique combination of towering high-rises such as the Petronas Twin Towers, juxtaposed with colonial remnants of the British Empire. Other city highlights include the Istanda Budaya, the country’s main theater venue and the Islamic Arts Museum.
Having had your fill of Kuala Lumpur, head over to the Batu Caves that lie 13 kilometers to the north of Kuala Lumpur. Here you can explore a series of limestone caverns, most of which have been transformed into Hindu temples. This cave complex today is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism outside India and attracts tourists and pilgrims in their thousands each year. A massive golden statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan stands at the entrance to welcome visitors. Plan your visit around the fascinating Thaipusam Festival during which a pilgrim procession marches through these caves bearing offerings and icons.
A visit to the Cameron Highlands is a great way to extend your cultural exploration of Malaysia. This former hill station retains many influences from when it served as a retreat for the British colonials and provides an interesting introduction to the legacy of colonialism in the Asian country. It also makes for a great escape from the stifling heat that is typical of the lowlands. Visitors here can enjoy a variety of activities including tours of some of the large colonial mansions and plantations, in addition to a range of other nature and Malaysia tour guide.
Sarawak, also known as Bumi Kenyalang is a large and rugged state renowned for its indigenous cultures, most of which retain their uniqueness in the face of encroaching modernization. The famous Borneo Longhouses are the most obvious sign of these distinct cultures that have existed for centuries in this region. The Longhouses are typically built on stilts and still used for habitation, with some converted into hotels and hostels. In the remote regions, it is possible to stay with a family in these houses and experience their life and cuisine.
Its time then to head out to Melaka, a southern city that serves as evidence of the period when colonial authority over the Malacca straits was placed in local hands. The cosmopolitan market town today attracts visitors from all over the South China Sea, allowing for the blossoming of the multicultural identity of Malaysia. Although Melaka floundered during British colonial rule, it still has remnants of its period of power and prosperity that are worth a peek.
Kota Bharu on the northeastern coast of the country is one of the Places to Visit in Malaysia. Here you will find proud displays of its heritage and culture, alongside being a city that is religiously diverse with a mix of Islamic mosques and Buddhist temples. Kota Bharu is also a great destination for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the traditional arts and crafts of Malaysia.
