Malaysia hotels

Dining and Going Out in Malaysia

Malaysia's vibrant food scene and lively nightlife make it an exciting destination for those looking to explore local cuisine and entertainment. From bustling street food markets to sophisticated dining establishments and lively nightspots, here's what you can expect when going out and dining in different parts of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur Nightlife and Dining

• Street Food at Jalan Alor: This famous food street in Bukit Bintang is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. It offers a wide array of Malaysian street food, from satay and char kway teow to durian.

• Fine Dining: For a more upscale experience, visit restaurants like Marini’s on 57, offering Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the city, or Nobu Kuala Lumpur for Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes.

• Nightlife: Kuala Lumpur has a dynamic nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs. Visit Changkat Bukit Bintang for an array of bars and nightclubs, or head to TREC KL, the city's largest entertainment centre.

Langkawi Culinary Delights

• Beachfront Dining: Langkawi offers stunning beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and international cuisine. Pantai Cenang is particularly known for its variety of dining options, such as The Cliff Restaurant and Beach Bar.

• Local Eats: For a taste of local flavours, visit night markets like the Temoyong Night Market, where you can sample traditional Malay dishes and street food.

Penang’s Food Paradise

• Hawker Centres: Penang is renowned for its street food, and places like Gurney Drive and New Lane Hawker Centre are perfect spots to try local specialities such as Penang laksa, char kway teow, and Hokkien mee.

• Cafes and Restaurants: George Town’s heritage area is dotted with charming cafes and restaurants set in colonial buildings. Visit places like China House, which combines a café, bakery, and art space.

Johor Bahru Dining Experiences

• Local Delicacies: Try Johor Bahru’s famous dishes such as mee rebus and nasi lemak at local eateries and markets. Pasar Karat, the night market, offers a variety of local foods and snacks.

• Waterfront Dining: The city’s waterfront area features restaurants like Rosmarino Italian Restaurant, providing a mix of local and international cuisine with views of the Straits of Johor.

Ipoh’s Culinary Scene

• Old Town Delights: Ipoh is famous for its white coffee and chicken rice. Visit Old Town for heritage coffee shops like Sin Yoon Loong and Nam Heong.

• Trendy Cafes: New Town Ipoh boasts an array of modern cafes such as Plan B and Burps & Giggles, offering a blend of local and Western dishes.

Kota Kinabalu Food and Nightlife

• Seafood: Kota Kinabalu is known for its fresh seafood. Visit the Kota Kinabalu Night Market or Welcome Seafood Restaurant to enjoy a variety of seafood dishes.

• Bars and Clubs: The Waterfront and Gaya Street are popular nightlife spots with a range of bars, pubs, and live music venues.

Cameron Highlands Dining

• Tea and Scones: Enjoy traditional English tea and scones at places like the Boh Tea Centre or Cameron Valley Tea House, set amidst picturesque tea plantations.

• Steamboat Restaurants: The cool climate of the Highlands is perfect for steamboat dining, where you can cook your own meal in a simmering pot of broth. Try places like Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant for a wholesome meal.

Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape and vibrant nightlife ensure that there is something for everyone, whether you're a foodie looking to indulge in local specialities or someone seeking a lively night out.

Must-sees in Malaysia

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a vibrant and diverse country that offers a plethora of sights and experiences for travellers to explore. From busy cities to stunning natural wonders, Malaysia has something for everyone. As a former British colony, there are also many remnants of colonial architecture and influence scattered throughout the country, adding a unique charm to its already diverse landscape.

One of Malaysia's top attractions is the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Standing at 451.9 metres tall, these twin skyscrapers were once the tallest buildings in the world and are a must-visit for any traveller. Visitors can take a tour to the Skybridge, located on the 41st floor, for stunning views of the city, or experience the thrill of the observation deck on the 86th floor.

For a taste of Malaysia's rich cultural legacy, head to the historic city of Malacca. This fabulous city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved buildings and cultural landmarks. Take a stroll along Jonker Street, lined with vibrant shops and food stalls and visit the iconic red Christ Church and Stadthuys, remnants of Dutch colonial rule.

Nature lovers will be in awe at the stunning Cameron Highlands, a hill station located in Pahang. Known for its picturesque tea plantations, this region is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can take a tour of the tea plantations, visit the butterfly and strawberry farms, or go on a leisurely hike through the lush greenery.

For those seeking adventure, head to the island of Langkawi. This tropical paradise is home to stunning beaches, lush rainforests and plenty of outdoor activities. Take a cable car ride to the top of Gunung Macincang for breath-taking views or go on a mangrove tour to spot exotic wildlife such as monkeys and eagles.

No trip to Malaysia is complete without a visit to one of its many beautiful beaches. One of the most famous is on the island of Tioman, located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this island is a popular spot for diving and snorkelling, with an abundance of colourful marine life to discover.

As a former British colony, Malaysia is strongly influenced by British culture, making it a perfect destination for travellers from the UK. From colonial architecture to English-speaking locals, there is a sense of familiarity and comfort in this exotic destination. And with its affordable prices, Malaysia is also a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore new horizons.

Where to Stay in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a diverse range of accommodation options across its many vibrant cities and stunning islands. Here’s a guide to the best areas to stay, each offering unique attractions and amenities to enhance your holiday experience.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital city, is a top destination for travellers. Known for its iconic skyline, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks, there are plenty of Kuala Lumpur hotels that cater to all budgets and preferences.

• City Centre (KLCC): Ideal for luxury and convenience, with many high-end hotels near the Petronas Towers.

• Bukit Bintang: Known for its shopping malls, nightlife, and affordable accommodations.

• Chinatown: A great choice for budget travellers, offering vibrant street markets and cultural sights.

Johor Bahru

Located at the southern tip of Malaysia, Johor Bahru is a gateway to Singapore and a rapidly growing city. Johor Bahru hotels range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays.

• City Centre: Close to shopping, dining, and attractions like Legoland Malaysia and Danga Bay.

• Danga Bay: Offers waterfront accommodations and is perfect for families and leisure travellers.

Langkawi

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands, is famous for its stunning beaches and natural beauty. Langkawi hotels provide a range of options from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels.

• Pantai Cenang: The most popular beach area with a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.

• Pantai Tengah: Offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with many mid-range and luxury resorts.

Penang

Penang, known as the "Pearl of the Orient," is celebrated for its historic sites, street food, and cultural diversity. Penang hotels cater to every type of traveller.

• George Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with boutique hotels, colonial mansions, and cultural attractions.

• Batu Ferringhi: A beach destination with a variety of resorts, ideal for families and beach lovers.

Ipoh

Ipoh, a city known for its colonial architecture and local cuisine, offers a range of Ipoh hotels that suit different needs.

• Old Town: Rich in heritage, featuring boutique hotels and charming cafes.

• New Town: Offers more modern accommodations and is close to shopping centres and entertainment options.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Borneo, is renowned for its stunning sunsets, Mount Kinabalu, and marine parks. Kota Kinabalu hotels provide excellent bases for exploration.

• City Centre: Convenient for shopping, dining, and exploring local markets.

• Tanjung Aru: Known for its beautiful beach and luxury resorts.

Gaya Island

Gaya Island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, is a paradise for nature lovers. Gaya Island hotels offer eco-friendly resorts and luxury accommodations.

• Resort Area: The island features a few exclusive resorts that provide a secluded and serene environment, perfect for relaxation and water activities like snorkelling and diving.

Each of these destinations in Malaysia offers a unique experience, ensuring that you find the perfect place to stay, whether you are seeking luxury, adventure, culture, or relaxation.

Go shopping in Malaysia

Malaysia, a vibrant nation in South East Asia, is widely recognised for its eclectic shopping opportunities. The myriad of shops ranging from international brands to local boutiques promises a wide-ranging retail experience. Regardless of personal style or budget, Malaysia's shopping landscape caters to every shopper's whims, ensuring an immersive retail experience.

Quite notably, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city boasts a fashion street that is well-patronised within the local fashion community. This stretch, along Jalan Bukit Bintang, is home to a plethora of high-end designer brands and top-notch retail giants. It has gained international prominence for its uncompromised line-up of fashion powerhouses and has been positioned as a place where top-notch fashion lives and evolves. Here, shopping habits are elevated to an art form, where every purchase is considered a testament to the elegance and sophistication of fashion's most influential trends.

In contrast to the glamorous shopping street that is Jalan Bukit Bintang, there are also myriad locations across Malaysia that offer affordable shopping options. Particularly, markets such as the Petaling Street Market in Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Ferringhi Night Market in Penang are renowned for their wide range of affordable items. These spaces offer everything from clothes, accessories, electronics to household items and traditional handicrafts. The vibrant atmosphere at these markets and the affordable price points of the items on sale highlight them as truly local spaces of retail, offering an authentic shopping experience.

Shopping in Malaysia also offers an opportunity to bring home a slice of its rich culture and history, which is beautifully encapsulated in locally made souvenirs. Handicrafts such as the handwoven 'songket' fabrics, coloured batik prints, and traditional 'penggulung tikar' mats are a few examples of these products, which are largely sought after for their craftsmanship and representation of Malaysia's vibrant traditional arts scene. Additionally, the Sarawak pepper, Sabah tea, and local snacks such as the 'Dodol' and 'Keropok Lekor' are also popular for their unique taste and significance to Malaysian culinary tradition.