With Spring break on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about where to jet off to. There’s the classics – Miami, The Bahamas, Jamaica – but what about something new, refreshing, and maybe just a little bit further afield?
Ever thought about Malaysia? With its warm tropical climate (often warmer than the average Spring Break destination), historic buildings to meander around, lush forests and parks to get the walking game on, and, of course, delicious food, Malaysia has everything Spring Breakers could want for – or even know that they could want.
Yes, it is further – okay, much further – afield than the usual destinations at a minimum of 18 hours by plane from the US, but just think of all that awaits the dedicated traveler! There’s a coastline of 4,600 km, which includes beaches for sunbathing and resorts for unwinding, plus plenty of hiking trails that might even touch rainforests.
With so much to explore, why not consider these 10 beautiful Malaysia escapes this Spring Break? It will be a vacation to remember. And to share with jealous followers on socials.
10 Kuala Lumpur
Skyline of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
With its impressive Petronas Twin Towers, soaring skyline, and affordable luxury hotels, Kuala Lumpur is a tourist’s dream. KL is also a foodie’s paradise, with cheap ‘Mamak’ shops on every corner serving up roti canai and nasi lemak. There’s also a Little India (Brickfields), a Little Arabia (Arab Street), and a Chinatown (Petaling Street) to satisfy all the senses. In other words, the deliciousness required for an epic Spring Break will be majorly satisfied in Kuala Lumpur.
For those more into culture and history, Kuala Lumpur will not disappoint. Long seen as the melting pot for different nationalities and cultures, Malaysia’s mix of historical and religious sites is truly extraordinary. Climb the rainbow-colored steps up to the Batu Caves, where the gold-painted statue of Murugan stands guard. This is the tallest statue of a Hindu god in Malaysia and the third tallest in the world!
Alternatively, head to the incredible Islamic Arts Museum, which houses a collection of different galleries from textiles to armor from all over the world. Those interested in Islamic architecture should also try to catch a glimpse of The National Mosque of Malaysia just across the road.
Regardless of individual preference, with so much to see, do, and eat, Kuala Lumpur is definitely a Malaysian escape to consider this Spring Break.
Public transport in Kuala Lumpur is very cheap and fairly reliable. However, for tourists wanting to rest their feet after a long day, please be aware that Uber does not operate in Malaysia. That goes for Uber Eats too. For taxi and food delivery services, Malaysia (and Singapore) uses the Grab app. It’s available on both iPhone and android devices.
9 Taiping
Taiping has many claims to fame. It was the old capital for the British when they colonized Malaysia, it’s home to Malaysia’s first park – Taiping Lake Gardens – which is also home to the Taiping Zoo that breeds endangered Malayan tigers, and it’s one of the wettest places in Malaysia in terms of rainfall. Taiping is also an extremely historical city and would suit vacationers curious to learn more about Malaysia.
Named by the Chinese tin miners that settled here in the 1840s, Taiping is awash with history and culture. Follow the Taiping Heritage Trail to explore much of what the British left behind, like the Taiping Clock Tower, the District Office, and the Assistant Resident’s Quarters, as well as the local culture in Taiping with buildings like the Kapitan’s House, an Indian mosque, Hokkien Association, a Chinese temple, and Taiping Market. Along the trail is also the Perak Museum, which was the first to be opened in Malaysia in 1883.
8 Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor)
Pangkor Island in Malaysia
Pulau means ‘island’ in Malay, and though there are many pulau-s in Malaysia, this one deserves special attention. Once a Dutch settlement, Pangkor Island is now a tropical paradise and has the resorts to prove it. Home to a hotel that used to be considered by Conde Nast as the best in the world, Pangkor Island is known for its picture-perfect beaches, transparent waters, and colorful coral reefs. Heaven for snorkelers and beach-goers alike, this is the place that everyone has been dreaming of.
Located just off the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, the forested and mountainous Pangkor Island is only accessible by boat. A fishing village by trade, the island is also home to a mix of different cultures and features both a Chinese temple and Hindu temple on its grounds, as well as a floating mosque on nearby waters.
7 Redang Island (Pulau Redang)
Scuba divers floating in the turquoise blue water of Pulau Redang Malaysia
As one of Malaysia’s largest islands, Redang Island is a must-see for tourists. Though a marine sanctuary, the island is a haven for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and, of course, swimming. Home to 3,000 species of fish, including cuttlefish, plus reef sharks and sea turtles, visitors to the island can experience some of nature’s best offerings right at their fingertips. It’s no wonder, then, that some see Redang Island as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Located off the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, Redang Island is fairly secluded from mainland life as it’s only reachable by boat. While that might deter some, the island remains a hotspot for tourists. Avoid the crowds with private beach resorts, or head up into the hills for stunning hiking trails that overlook the shallow turquoise blue waters lapping against sandy white beaches. Just be careful of the wild monkeys!
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Availability:
March to October (weather dependent)
6 Kuching
A stark difference between the Malaysian state of Sarawak from other Malaysian escapes is the amount of ethnic groups that call this area home. With 27 official ethnic groups, Sarawak is a very cultural place with many different languages and people calling it home. This is reflected at Sarawak Cultural Village, a self-described “living museum” in Sarawak’s capital, Kuching.
Locally referred to as ‘the cat city’ for sounding like the Malay word for cat (kucing), as well as for the sheer number of cats hanging about (much like in Istanbul, Turkey), Kuching is an interesting mix of forest and city. Visitors can see monkeys swinging in the treetops at Bako National Park and orangutans at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. The Kuching Waterfront also provides visitors with a relaxing stroll and sunset views of the Sarawak River.
For a unique experience and one that won’t be found anywhere else in Malaysia, visitors to Kuching are recommended to try Sarawak Laksa (laksa from Sarawak).
5 Penang
Cityscape of Penang, Malaysia
Penang is an island off the west coast of Malaysia, connected to the mainland by two bridges, and is affectionately referred to as “the pearl of the Orient.” Though the entire island is a popular destination for tourists, it’s really the capital George Town which is the favorite for travelers, and with good reason. The historical buildings of colonial George Town display the region’s past with the British, while the variety of Chinese shops represent the 45% ethnic Chinese majority residing in the state.
Though lacking a nice beach, Penang makes up for this loss by having some of the best and cheapest food in Malaysia. Aside from building beauty in George Town, this thriving city is also home to a Little India and an array of delicious delights. From Oyster Omelets, crispy thin crêpes (Apom), Laksa, Hainan Chicken, and more, the street food and restaurants in Penang are enough to make any tourist salivate. Hit the town or join a tour and hike for food across Penang. Alternatively, find a street food guide for an individual adventure.
Although George Town is the draw, don’t forget that Penang is a whole island so there’s much more to see and do than just that corner. Climb up Penang Hill and explore Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Cross to the other side of the island and explore Penang National Park, a breathtaking expanse of forested beaches.
4 Malacca
Street in Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca (also written as Melaka) is a historical city indeed. With the remains of an old Portuguese fort built in 1511 gracing its grounds (A Famosa Fort), plus a smattering of Dutch constructions still standing following the defeat of said Portuguese all those years ago (Christ Church and a clock tower), Malacca is definitely a Spring Break escape for the history buffs.
Malacca is also a Malaysian escape for the foodies. Known for its Hainanese chicken and rice (which often comes in the form of rice balls) and durian jelly dessert (that’s the stinky fruit), the food scene in Malacca is incredibly popular. Even more so for another reason: Chinatown. Home to a surprising number of antique shops and a bustling night market (Jonker Street Night Market), Chinatown in Malacca is a charming and delicious adventure.
3 Langkawi
Langkawi Skybridge, Malaysia
With sandy white beaches to sunbathe upon, perfect snorkeling and diving conditions to get that perfect shot, plus plenty of forested mountains to explore, Langkawi is almost like a massive island resort. For the water, there are activities like jet-skiing, pleasure boating, sunset cruising, island sailing, and parasailing. For land, there’s a hiking, a Wildlife Park, and the Langkawi Sky Bridge and cable car.
With its abundance of water and land-based activities, it’s no wonder Langkawi is perfect for Spring Break, or any vacation for that matter. The waters here are even warmer than in Bali!
Langkawi is a duty-free island. While this won’t impact the cost of meals at the night markets – they’re already cheap – it does mean that visitors should get their mall shopping game on and make plenty of use of the bargains available.
2 Sabah
Mabul Island in Sabah, Malaysia
Also known as Malaysia’s Borneo, Sabah is a mix of everything there is to love about Malaysia. With turquoise-watered islands for diving, private resorts for lounging, and a whole lot of ocean for swimming, the Malaysian state of Sabah is perfect for tourists looking to let loose a little steam.
Or to burn up a sweat, as Sabah is home to the largest mountain in Malaysia – Mount Kinabalu. Those more inclined to stay on the ground can learn more about the wildlife conservation efforts that are happening in Sabah with an Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center.
1 Pahang
Within the Malaysian peninsula lies Pahang. Home to a coastline with coral reefs and sandy beaches, plus one of the oldest rainforests in the world (Taman Negara Rainforest), Pahang is a gorgeous place of natural beauty. It’s also a place of life, with sea turtles coming to the coastal Cherating to hatch and lay eggs (visitors can observe this during the season).
Get up close and personal with elephants at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. Alternatively, explore the forested mountains of Pahang with the Awana Skyway cable car, taking visitors up into the clouds and to the popular Chin Swee Cave Temple on a rocky outcropping. There’s also tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands for those not keen on flying too high.
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