Malaysia - where to go?

[Jamie M]

Hi guys

I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur with my wife. We're on a short holiday until Tuesday week.

We haven't booked/planned anything and were hoping to get some suggestions on places to check out in Malaysia (we've got about one week to fill up).

Cameron Highlands is probably on the cards. But apart from that, we could probably squeeze in two more places.

I'm not overly keen on lounging by the beach - get bored to quickly. Any suggestions would be great.

Cheers

Jamie

 

[virgo]

Where to go?

Hiya

i like Malacca and it's only about 2-3 hours south of Kuala Lumpur; a town with a lot of history behind it; unique Peranakan culture (altho not sure how much of it is left...) and it has been 7 years since i have been back..

Also, don't forget Singapore is only about 5 hours by quick comfortable buses....a very modern city but lots of nightlife (the safe kind) for a couple...different cultures, great food...my old stomping ground

 

[MsAli]

Shopping is pretty good in KL . We loved The Pavillion (Tangs, Parksons) and Isetan in KLCC. LOVED the restaurants on level 6 (from memory) at The Pavillion - nice and clean.

Didn't do much sight seeing as we were there for just 3 days.

 

[VYBerlinaV8]

Batu Caves - catch a taxi and ask to go there, it's about 45mins from the centre of KL. Climb all the stairs, but don't touch the wild monkeys!

 

[kao7ik]

midvalley megamall, genting highlands, bukhit bintang area

 

[geoffw]

Another vote for Malacca. Penang- the most Chinese of places- especially interesting during festivals.

Or if you had time, try the east coast. The Malay culture is dominant, extremely different from the West coast.

 

[virgo]

Malaysia

Penang! How could i forget it?

It's quite a long drive from Kuala Lumpur if my memory is not wrong...beaches are okay and quite laid back back then...but hear it has changed a lot...i remember as a child taking the steep train up Penang Hill and there was a big temple right at the top where my Dad would threaten to hang these inhouse giant python? snakes around our necks to pose for a picture...never forgotten that

And the food....where should i start???

In fact, i fancy retiring to Penang; have a friend who bought an apartment in Penang with his French boyfriend and escapes the European winter there EVERY year....apparently your money goes a LONG way there

 

[virgo]

Malaysia

Oh...and don't go to Genting Highlands...it is just a giant outdoor theme park and casinos and gambling...i hated it hated it hated it....

 

[Andrew_A]

Batu Caves - catch a taxi and ask to go there, it's about 45mins from the centre of KL. Climb all the stairs, but don't touch the wild monkeys!

Another vote for the Batu caves, enjoyed that but my time there was 94 so not sure of what has happened since!

Shopping and the street food in KL is great, enjoy your trip Jamie.

 

[devank]

I have seen very nice photos (from friends) of Sabah.

 

[virgo]

Sabah

I have seen very nice photos (from friends) of Sabah.

Eh...that is Eastern Malaysia ???

 

[itinerantotter]

Another vote for Malacca - what a fascinating place - a melting pot of so many cultures.

cheers

 

[The Y-man]

I have seen very nice photos (from friends) of Sabah.

Needs a domestic flight to get to from KL where the original poster is though


Hopefully more wilderness left in Sabah than what I saw in Sarawak near Miri and Bintulu last year - miles upon miles of Oil Palm plantations as far as the eyes can see......

Was going to go to KK end of last year too, but didn't get around to it.

The Y-man

 

[Melbournian]

if you going to be around the city -
best tip is to plan your travels carefully - to avoid massive traffic jams which is very common during after business hours or in the morning rush.

 

[rodimus]

yes in KL, it is shoppinggggg! Check out all the different malls.

Bukit Bintang area:
Sungei Wang
Lot 10
If you want to buy cheap cameras and gps, try Low Yatt plaza behind Sungei Wang. But need to bargain very hard because you're a foreigner, and check out prices in many shops before you commit to buy.

In KL/PJ area check out One Utama shopping centre. It is a huge shopping mall with an old wing and new wing.

Mid Valley Mall is another nice one to check out.

Also besides shopping there is another new place you can go at night to see some light show - I think it's called iCity.

Other than that, try touring the Twin Towers, there is a observation deck with a bridge in the middle i think.

 

[Jamie M]

Thanks for all the recommendations guys

KL is a great city - I haven't stopped eating since I got here!

We'll check out Malacca after the Cameron Highlands. We might also head down to Singapore. If we come back to KL we'll go to Batu Caves.....and won't touch the monkeys.

Thanks again

Jamie

 

[virgo]

Singapore

Hiya

If you think you eat well in Malaysia, wait till you hit Singapore...........eating is a religion there

Try to get hold of the book called Makan (eat in Malay language) Sutra book, updated annually....,loosen your belt and just follow where your belly takes you....for $5 you can eat really well at the local hawker stalls (don't worry very clean !)

Also do not miss "Little India"; go and have a fish head curry (sounds gross but really good)in one of the numerous little restaurants there at nightime...

I am heading that way in July for 1 week just to eat (believe it or not)

 

[devank]

Also do not miss "Little India"; go and have a fish head curry (sounds gross but really good)in one of the numerous little restaurants there at nightime...

I can remember two places from my last trip (5 years ago). Fish head curry at 'Muthus' and crab from a harbour side restaurant.

I am heading that way in July for 1 week just to eat (believe it or not)

I'll be there in two days... just to make you jealous

 

[virgo]

Seafood

Hi Devank

Sounds like we have both got the same passions and priorities right in our life:

ie food followed by property a close second

Tip: for the best, freshest and cheapest seafood go to East Coast Seafood...any taxi driver knows that (BTW taxis are cheap compared to here!)

Try the pepper/curry crab while sitting at a table facing the sea at night with its twinkling lights and licking your fingers...an unforgettable experience

Hot on your heels in July......gotta lose 5 kg first to get ready!

 

[Mooze]

Best way to see from the top of the Sands Casino in Singa is the Chocolate buffet - oh my gosh - amazing. very much amazing.

Also whomever mentioned sabah - was there in April last year - lost of oil palm plantations but also a fair bit of wilderness if you head over the Croker range near Tambunan (sp?). We raced there (mountain bike, running, tubing) last year - was awesome - very much recommend it before hitting the above mentioned chocolate buffet.