7 popular Malaysian destinations that have hidden delights

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:

 

● Escape Theme Park

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.

 

● The Camera Museum

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.

 

2. Langkawi

Langkawi has much more in store than its beaches and duty-free shopping.

 

● Langkawi Sky Bridge

This is a 25-metre-long curved pedestrian bridge above Mount Machinchang that provides a unique viewpoint surrounded by nature.

 

● Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

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

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

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

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

● Arch Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

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

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.

 

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

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

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.

 

● Mari Mari Cultural Village

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?