Six destinations to discover in Malaysia!

Malaysia is a country that offers an incredible mix of culture, nature, and adventure. If you're planning a trip and want to go beyond the usual tourist routes, here are six diverse and fascinating destinations you should consider adding to your itinerary. From underwater paradises to vibrant urban streets, this guide presents options to suit all tastes.

Mabul Island

If you're looking for an authentic beach experience away from mass tourism, you have to go to Mabul Island. This small, oval-shaped island, located in the Celebes Sea off the coast of Sabah, will make you feel like you've discovered a well-kept secret. It's often compared to the Maldives, but without the commercialization and exorbitant prices.

What truly sets Mabul apart is its underwater world. It's a paradise for divers and especially for macro photographers. Beneath its clear waters, you'll encounter an astonishing array of rare creatures. Be prepared to spot the colorful flaming cuttlefish, the dangerous yet fascinating blue-ringed octopus, spiny-finned gobies, frogfish, and moray eels. The island is surrounded by a white sandy beach and sits atop a massive 200-hectare reef, where the seabed plunges to depths of up to 30 meters.

Flame cuttlefish

For your stay, you'll find options ranging from simple backpacker-style accommodations to luxurious overwater bungalows. Mabul is also an island inhabited by a local community, adding a layer of cultural authenticity to your visit. It's the perfect starting point for exploring Sipadan, one of the world's best diving sites, located a short distance away.

Petaling Street: Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of Petaling Street. This is the city's Chinatown, a place where activity never stops, day or night. It's an iconic market that's always buzzing with life, a vibrant mix of locals, tourists, and traders.

You can find almost anything here. The street market stalls offer clothing, souvenirs, knock-off wallets, and electronics at very low prices, making it a great place for bargaining. However, the real draw of Petaling Street is its food. It's a foodie paradise. Don't miss dishes like Hokkien-style fried noodles, curry laksa, Assam laksa, steamed rice rolls, Hainanese chicken rice (the iconic Hainanese chicken rice), and peanut pancakes.

At night, the place transforms. The streets are illuminated with hanging lanterns, creating a beautiful and photogenic atmosphere. Nearby, you can also discover ancient temples that offer a moment of spiritual tranquility, such as the Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple and the Sin Sze Si Ya Chinese Temple.

Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple

Kapalai Island:

Kapalai Island is a unique destination because, technically, it isn't an island. It's a sandbar at sea level, formed by centuries of erosion, that houses a single establishment: the Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort. The resort's 40 cabins are built on wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean, creating the illusion of a floating village.

Walking along the wooden walkways that connect the cabins is an experience in itself, as you can observe marine life right below you. The cabins are equipped with basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Activities here revolve around the water. Its location within the Coral Triangle makes it an exceptional spot for diving and underwater macro photography. You can also kayak in the ocean or arrange trips to other nearby islands such as Sipadan, Mabul, Si Amil, and Danawan. It's the ideal choice if you're looking to completely disconnect and immerse yourself in the sea.

Mirrors Georgetown: Penang's Open-Air Art Gallery

In Georgetown, Penang, art isn't confined to museums; it's displayed on the streets for everyone to enjoy. It all began in 2009 when the local government launched a campaign to beautify the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The result was a series of 52 steel ceramic sculptures that tell the story and history of the local community with a touch of humor.

But the project that truly put Georgetown on the artistic map was 'Mirrors George Town' in 2012, by international artist Ernest Zacharevic. He created a series of interactive murals and graffiti that cleverly integrated with elements of the surroundings, such as real bicycles and motorcycles. Although Zacharevic only painted eight original works, his success inspired many other artists to contribute, making street art one of Penang's main tourist attractions. Today, strolling through the streets of Georgetown becomes an adventure of discovery, searching for these colorful and often whimsical works that bring the city to life.

National Mosque (Masjid Negara): A Modern Architectural Marvel

The National Mosque of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur is a symbol of the country's modernity. Located near the old British-era railway station, its design stands in stark contrast to the surrounding colonial architecture.

Built primarily of concrete, the mosque blends traditional Islamic architecture with the modernist style popular at the time of its construction. Its design is bold and unique, featuring an umbrella-shaped roof that symbolizes the aspirations of a young, independent nation. It has a capacity of 15,000 worshippers.

As a visitor, you are welcome to explore this impressive building outside of prayer times. It is important to dress respectfully; if your attire is inappropriate (bare shoulders, shorts), you will be provided with a free robe to allow entry. Visiting hours for non-Muslims are specific: Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. On Fridays, it is only open in the afternoon.

Tanjung Aru beach:

For the residents of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Tanjung Aru Beach holds a special place in their hearts. This beach, located just 6 kilometers from the city center, is famous for offering one of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable. Its name comes from the casuarina (or aru) trees that line its shore.

The beach is divided into three sections and has evolved from a simple collection of food stalls to an area with restaurants and cafes along the seafront. You can choose from a simple meal of chicken or beef satay with sugarcane juice and coconut, or enjoy a full dinner at a seafood restaurant.

It's an ideal spot for families. In the morning or afternoon, you can stroll or jog along the long stretch of sand, or relax in Tanjung Aru Beach Park (formerly known as Prince Philip Park). You can easily spend the entire afternoon there and stay until after dinner, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Combining a visit to the beach with a tour of the Filipino Market or the shopping malls of Kota Kinabalu makes for a perfect day out.

Each of these six destinations showcases a different facet of Malaysia. Whether your passion is diving among extraordinary creatures, getting lost in a chaotic and delicious market, admiring street art, or witnessing a perfect sunset, this itinerary offers a rich, authentic, and deeply memorable experience.