Our favourite Malaysia experiences

These experiences are your passport to Malaysia’s rich and complex culture and history, getting you beneath the surface of one of Asia’s most dynamic modern nations. 

Turtle in sea of Malaysian Islands

Islands & beaches of Malaysia

Malaysia has some of the whitest sands, bluest seas, and greenest jungles anywhere on the planet, and the opportunities for diving and snorkelling its teeming coral reefs are magnificent.

Malaysia falls within the Coral Triangle, also known as the “Amazon of the Seas”, and its waters are home to more than 75% of the world’s shallow-water reef-building coral, and six out of seven of the world’s sea turtles. What’s more, it’s wonderful all year round: the east coast at its best from March to August, and the west coast from November to May. Ask any diver worth their salt – Malaysia is an underwater paradise that’s hard to beat.

Street art in Penang

Dim sum & street art tour

George Town’s street-art scene was born in 2010, when 52 steel artworks appeared around the city. When “Lithuanian Banksy” Ernest Zacharevic added eight murals in 2012, it cemented its reputation as one of the trendiest street-art destinations in the world.

In between mural-hunting, this tour will have you chowing down on Cantonese dim sum and browsing the produce at Chowrasta Bazaar - the market that's been keeping Georgetonians in preserved nutmeg and pickles since the early 1800s. Combining traditional food with cutting-edge street art, this is a fantastic (and delicious) introduction to George Town’s glorious cultural mish-mash.

Exploring Little India in Kuala Lumpur

Introduction to Little India

When South Indian immigrants came to Malaysia during British colonial rule, they brought their delicious roti, spicy curries and colourful gopura towers with them.

This tour will introduce you to Malaysia’s rich Indian heritage as you explore in KL’s very own “Little India” – where the aroma of spices mingles with therapeutic massage oils. Try on a traditional sari, break a coconut for the deity at a Hindu temple, then stop in at a local florist to see how they make those famous marigold garlands. Finally, conclude with a banana leaf salad and a nice, cold lassi.

Penang architecture

Penang heritage trail

Begin learning about George Town’s 200-year history over a breakfast of freshly baked Bengali bread, then delve into its Chinese roots with a visit to the former HQ of one of the city’s Five Great Clans.

You’ll know you’ve reached Little India when you hear Bollywood music drifting through the streets, so fill up on roti canai, buy a marigold garland, and peruse pickled fruits and preserved nutmeg at Chowrasta Bazaar. Wherever you are, keep your eyes peeled for street art – and don’t miss the workshops making joss sticks, lanterns, batik fabric and rattan. This tour is all about getting to know the many faces of George Town. 

Exploring the streets of Malacca

Historical walking tour of Malacca

This walking tour will introduce you to every aspect of Malacca’s eclectic heritage, from Portuguese fortresses to Dutch clock towers and everything in between.

Starting with some of East Asia’s oldest European ruins, move on to “Harmony Street”, where mosques coexist with Chinese and Hindu temples. Next, explore Peranakan (Chinese-Malay) culture at a lavishly restored 19th century townhouse, and finally conclude at the famous Jonker Walk, known for its antiques shops and street-side cafés. Sampling Peranakan treats and Portuguese tarts as you go, this is a crash course in Malacca’s deliciously diverse cultural soup.