1. The Glorious Food - Indian, Chinese, Malay and more.
Let's be honest - food is always going to top my travel lists. Kuala Lumpur is in particular a favourite culinary scene of mine, due to the eclectic mix of influences from various cultures - including Malay, Chinese and Indian. Only downside? With the mouth-watering range of choices at your fingertips you'll be hard pressed to decide what to try! My favourite: a dish of fried Hokkien meet, especially if eaten fresh from a street vendor.
2. The Fabulous Shopping - eat your heart out Milan.
From the multi-floored, towering shopping malls, to the bustling street markets which spring to life come sunset, everyone is sure to find something to fill their shopping basket. For something a little fancy (yes, Gucci, I'm looking at you) Suria KLCC Mall beneath the Petronas Towers in KL is a must. And for those who (like me, ahem) need to stretch their budget on some genuine fakes, the Batu Ferringhi Night markets will cater to all your needs.
3. The Stunning Tourist Sties - excuse me New York and Paris, please step aside.
Want to see stunning 360 degree views of a sprawling metropolis? Forget the Empire State Building and take ea mirrored elevator ride up to the top of Kuala Lumpur Tower to the in the breathtaking city vista. Want to ride a funicular up to stunning views? Who needs Sacré-Coeur when you have the natural splendour of Penang Hill to delight the senses? And think a Golden Pavilion is a splendid sight? Sorry Japan, but the colours of Kek Lok Si Temple will fill any traveller with awe; especially during Chinese New Year celebrations when the temple is overrun with a sea of lights.
4. The Non-Stop Entertainment - the kids will forget all about Disneyland.
Kids tagging along on your trip? Or are you just a big kid at heart? Never despair, Malaysia has a host of attractions that will keep boredom at bay. Legoland and Sunway Lagoon are both must-visits, but my personal favourite is Cosmo's Worlds - the largest indoor theme park in the country. The Fantasy Garden has cutesy rides for tiny tots, while the Galaxy Station is the home of the thrill seekers, and even boasts the largest inverted coasting in the Asia-Pacific. The park is also conveniently located within Berjaya Times Square shopping mall, which means once exhausted from circling the coasters, you can indulge in some much needed retail therapy.
5. The Magnificent Beaches - where's Greece again?
Think you need to visit Santorini to experience white sand and crystal clear water? If you do you would be completely misguided, as Penang has a host of beautiful beaches that rival any of those of the Greek islands. My pick? Money Beach - less than half an hour by boat from Batu Ferringhi - is a secluded paradise where you can forget that the outside world event exists. Take one of the excursions out to spend your day soaking in the sun's rays, trying your hand at catching some fish, and then dining no the freshest barbecue you'll ever taste.
6. The Just Plain Quirky - Harajuku ain't got nothing on you.
Think Japan is the only home to the weird and wonderful? You'll change your mind after finding some of the quirky ways to fill your day while in Malaysia. If you're staying at Batu Ferringhi I highly recommend you indulge in a little relaxation a la fish, and spend a relaxing afternoon having your feet (or full body if you're game) nibbled on by a school of little guppies - in the name of beauty and good health of course!
Let's be honest - food is always going to top my travel lists. Kuala Lumpur is in particular a favourite culinary scene of mine, due to the eclectic mix of influences from various cultures - including Malay, Chinese and Indian. Only downside? With the mouth-watering range of choices at your fingertips you'll be hard pressed to decide what to try! My favourite: a dish of fried Hokkien meet, especially if eaten fresh from a street vendor.
2. The Fabulous Shopping - eat your heart out Milan.
From the multi-floored, towering shopping malls, to the bustling street markets which spring to life come sunset, everyone is sure to find something to fill their shopping basket. For something a little fancy (yes, Gucci, I'm looking at you) Suria KLCC Mall beneath the Petronas Towers in KL is a must. And for those who (like me, ahem) need to stretch their budget on some genuine fakes, the Batu Ferringhi Night markets will cater to all your needs.
3. The Stunning Tourist Sties - excuse me New York and Paris, please step aside.
Want to see stunning 360 degree views of a sprawling metropolis? Forget the Empire State Building and take ea mirrored elevator ride up to the top of Kuala Lumpur Tower to the in the breathtaking city vista. Want to ride a funicular up to stunning views? Who needs Sacré-Coeur when you have the natural splendour of Penang Hill to delight the senses? And think a Golden Pavilion is a splendid sight? Sorry Japan, but the colours of Kek Lok Si Temple will fill any traveller with awe; especially during Chinese New Year celebrations when the temple is overrun with a sea of lights.
4. The Non-Stop Entertainment - the kids will forget all about Disneyland.
Kids tagging along on your trip? Or are you just a big kid at heart? Never despair, Malaysia has a host of attractions that will keep boredom at bay. Legoland and Sunway Lagoon are both must-visits, but my personal favourite is Cosmo's Worlds - the largest indoor theme park in the country. The Fantasy Garden has cutesy rides for tiny tots, while the Galaxy Station is the home of the thrill seekers, and even boasts the largest inverted coasting in the Asia-Pacific. The park is also conveniently located within Berjaya Times Square shopping mall, which means once exhausted from circling the coasters, you can indulge in some much needed retail therapy.
5. The Magnificent Beaches - where's Greece again?
Think you need to visit Santorini to experience white sand and crystal clear water? If you do you would be completely misguided, as Penang has a host of beautiful beaches that rival any of those of the Greek islands. My pick? Money Beach - less than half an hour by boat from Batu Ferringhi - is a secluded paradise where you can forget that the outside world event exists. Take one of the excursions out to spend your day soaking in the sun's rays, trying your hand at catching some fish, and then dining no the freshest barbecue you'll ever taste.
6. The Just Plain Quirky - Harajuku ain't got nothing on you.
Think Japan is the only home to the weird and wonderful? You'll change your mind after finding some of the quirky ways to fill your day while in Malaysia. If you're staying at Batu Ferringhi I highly recommend you indulge in a little relaxation a la fish, and spend a relaxing afternoon having your feet (or full body if you're game) nibbled on by a school of little guppies - in the name of beauty and good health of course!