A week delving into the vibrant food and culture of Malaysia

No other country in Asia, and perhaps the world, showcases such a colorful tapestry as Malaysia.

The intricate puzzle of Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities on the Peninsula is completed by 18 indigenous groups known as orang asli. Over in Borneo, there are more than sixty diverse ethnic groups in both Sarawak and Sabah.

This dazzling and dynamic melting pot has shaped Malaysia’s rich culture, created its complex fusion of cuisines, and inspired its unique architectural styles. While it’s impossible to fully experience everything Malaysia has to offer in just one week, these insider tips will help you dive deeper than most.

Day 1: A journey through food, heritage, and art on Penang Island

George Town on Penang Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first British colonial settlement in Southeast Asia, epitomizes Malaysia’s rich diversity. Begin your exploration on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, known as “Harmony Street,” where the majestic black-domed mosque stands just steps away from a pantheon of Hindu deities depicted on the gopuram of the Sri Mahamariamman temple. Further along, devotees light joss sticks for the Goddess of Mercy Kwan Yin at her dedicated shrine.

Behind it, historic Sino-Portuguese shophouses mingle with trendy cafes and bistros in a maze of heritage lanes adorned with vibrant mural art, which has revitalized the local art scene since 2012. Hin Bus Depot and COEX@Kilang Besi on Jalan Gurdwara feature rotating exhibitions and events showcasing local artists and creatives. For literary gatherings, visit Hikayat on Beach Street.

Culinary-wise, Penang is celebrated globally: a plate of local nasi kandar (a mix of rice and spicy curries originally served from jars that Indian Muslim traders carried on poles) is as iconic as the tangy Penang Laksa and Hokkien Mee – Penang’s version comes in prawn broth, unlike the dry preparation with dark soy sauce found in other parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

In the afternoon, ride the funicular train up Penang Hill, soaring 2,900 feet high. Established by the British in 1788, it became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021. After descending, soak in the views from the pavilions at Kek Lok Si, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complexes, before indulging in more hawker fare at New Lane Hawker Center or enjoying a Peranakan (mixed Malay-Chinese heritage) dinner in George Town.

Day 2: Discover history and local culture in Taiping and Kuala Sepetang

Trains link Butterworth on the mainland of Penang to Taiping, which served as the colonial capital of Perak state from 1875 to 1937. Nestled at the base of Maxwell Hill, where the new Maxwell Base Camp offers camping and guided forest hikes to Renting waterfall, Taiping was named the world’s third most sustainable city in 2019. Its serene lake gardens are a brief stroll from an old town filled with Sino-Portuguese shophouses brimming with delicious food options.

Constructed in 1928 by a wealthy Chinese merchant, the Peace Hotel serves up silky Char Koay Teow topped with prawns, bean sprouts, and tofu. Close by, Larut Matang Hawker Center stands out as one of Taiping’s favorites. Don’t miss the fishball char koay teow from Stall 78, or the beloved chicken rice and wan tan mee from Stalls 61 and 72. For a refreshing treat, grab a bowl of cendol (a blend of shaved ice, jelly, and sweet gula melaka) at either Bismillah or Ansali on Jalan Barrack.

Just beyond Taiping’s train station, the Antong Coffee Mill is located next to the former residence of Sun Yat-sen, the first provisional President of the Republic of China and leader of the Kuomintang, who spent time here in the early 1910s.

Ten miles to the west, the Matang Mangrove Forest Park reveals the area’s mangrove-rich ecosystem as you head towards the river town of Kuala Sepetang. After exploring the local charcoal kiln factories and enjoying a leisurely bumboat ride on the estuary (with some luck, you might spot dolphins), cap off the day with a fresh Malay-style seafood dinner at Restoran Nelayan PNK Matang.

Day 3: Discover Ipoh

A quick train journey takes you to Ipoh’s stunning 1917 Moorish-style station, from where the blend of colonial and Art Deco architecture in Old Town Ipoh awaits just across the historic padang (square). Hip Concubine Lane is bustling with cafes and souvenir shops, while the quieter Market Lane showcases some of the city’s most famous street art. Just nearby, the revitalized cobbled paths of Kong Heng Square lead to Ipoh’s first boutique hotel, which once housed a Chinese opera troupe, as well as a bistro and a daily Artisan Market.

Ipoh is a food lover’s paradise. Savor a cup of the town’s famed white coffee at Sin Yoon Loong on Jalan Bandar Timah, where this unique brew was crafted over 80 years ago by roasting beans with palm oil margarine. Don’t miss the curry or mushroom chee chong fun (rolled flat rice noodles) and kaya (coconut jam) puffs, both worth the wait. For lunch, join the locals at Restoran Ong Kee (48 Jalan Yau Tet Shin) for a taste of bean sprout chicken, another local specialty.

In the afternoon, delve into Ipoh’s tin-mining heritage at Han Chin Pet Soo, a restored Hakka Chinese clan house and museum, followed by a visit to one of the city's many Buddhist cave temples. Perak Cave, featuring a 40-foot-tall seated Buddha and a stunning viewpoint, offers breathtaking vistas over the limestone karst that surrounds Ipoh and the Kinta River Valley.

Day 4: Experience the blend of old and new in Kuala Lumpur

To fully enjoy a day in the expansive Malaysian capital, catch an early train to the city and transfer to the commuter service heading to the Batu Caves, where a stunning rainbow-colored staircase leads to one of the nation’s most significant Hindu cave temples (watch out for the mischievous monkeys). On your return, stop at Kampung Baru to experience the last remaining traditional Malay enclave before heading to the modern marvel of the city by crossing the newly constructed Saloma Bridge, a futuristic pathway to the high-end malls of KLCC, right beneath the towering Petronas Towers.

Dedicate your late afternoon and evening to exploring Chinatown, one of the city’s most historic and central areas, overshadowed by the towering 2,225-foot-high Merdeka 118. Opened in 2023, this skyscraper is currently the second tallest building in the world. At street level, historical lanes like Petaling Street and Jalan Sultan, along with their back alleys, have transformed into a vibrant grid filled with atmospheric bars and cafes.

Kwai Chai Hong Alley features vibrant murals and laid-back bars, and it’s just a short walk from community-driven creative hubs like REXKL – a repurposed cinema now home to various food and beverage spots, along with one of the largest bookstores in the city filled with winding shelves – and the eclectic Zhongshan Building. This space, run by a community of artists, musicians, researchers, and designers, immerses you in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant subcultures.

Days 5 and 6: Discover Sarawak’s culture and nature in Kuching

The capital of Sarawak provides a rich glimpse of Borneo just a two-hour flight from the capital, making it an easy and affordable trip. Kuching boasts a charming old town along the river, just a short stroll from the historic quarters of the White Rajahs, where the Old Court House now houses a trendy bistro and gathering spot. Just across the street, Carpenter Street buzzes with bars, cafes, and guesthouses—don’t miss trying a bowl of Sarawak Laksa, a curry-infused twist on the more common Peninsula version.

Be sure to spend some time at the impressive new Borneo Cultures Museum before indulging in a traditional dayak dinner at Lepau on Jalan Ban Hock.

If possible, schedule an afternoon flight to Sandakan with a stopover in Kota Kinabalu, allowing you to spend the morning observing semi-wild orangutans as they swing through the treetops at the Semenggoh Wildlife Center. Located just 12 miles south of the city, this offers a unique and gentle way to get up close to these endangered creatures.

Day 7: Uncover Sandakan’s history, cuisine, and natural beauty

Though Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, tends to take the spotlight, the lesser-known Sandakan has plenty to offer. Once devastated during World War II, remnants of the old town cling to a hill that overlooks a large, scythe-shaped bay. Visit the reconstructed wooden house of Agnes Keith, an American author who wrote three memoirs about her experiences here during the Japanese occupation, which is located above the City Museum displaying Sandakan’s historical black and white photographs.

The local cuisine beautifully melds influences from Chinese, Indonesian, and Filipino cultures. Restaurant H90, situated on stilts at the back of Pier 8 in the Sim Sim district, is known for its incredibly fresh seafood. Their sizzling yellow mee topped with succulent tiger prawns is both delicious and unforgettable.

In town, visit Kedai Roti Gold Crown for delightful noodles, breads, and cakes. Next, stop by San Da Gen, Sandakan’s first retro-inspired café, to sample local brews paired with UFO tarts—oven-baked, vanilla-flavored flat butter biscuits topped with egg custard and whipped cream. Above this, Ba Lin Rooftop Garden offers the perfect spot for a sunset drink with stunning purple views and a Western-style dinner.

If you have an extra day, consider visiting Sepilok, just half an hour inland, where semi-wild orangutans and sun bears inhabit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Eco-resorts nestled in the forest provide a charming retreat in nature. Alternatively, if you have at least two extra days, head to Sukau for warm hospitality along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest river, where boat cruises often reveal sightings of wild orangutans and herds of Borneo pygmy elephants.