Malaysia City Breaks

A guide to Malaysia

This exotic South East Asian country is a melting pot of different religions and cultures, with Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups calling the country home. As such, Malaysian cuisine is an exciting mix of flavours and influences, there are hundreds of vibrant festivals throughout the year, and the range of holiday experiences to be had here is as diverse as the country itself. Malaysia consists of two parts separated by the South China Sea into two regions; Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. A short break will generally focus on the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, on the Peninsular Malaysia, but can also include Subang Jaya, Klang and Johor Bahru amongst other places.

Kuala Lumpur, a city of contrasts

Kuala Lumpur is one of the most impressive metropolises in South East Asia, and is a real city of contrasts. Huge skyscrapers dominate the skyline, ancient temples and mosques sit next to modern shopping malls, and street hawkers sell authentic Malaysian cuisine alongside traders punting pirate DVD’s and fake designer clothes. Eating, shopping and nightlife here offer a huge range of experiences. Accommodation found in Kuala Lumpur’s sprawling China Town is the most affordable, with numerous cheap guesthouses and backpackers hostels, and trips to Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it is affectionately known) have to include the rambling Central Market and the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman; a rabbit-warren of alleys that was the city’s primary shopping area before the large malls moved into town. Other notable places of interest on a Kuala Lumpur city break include the Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), Islamic Arts Museum and Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC).

Exotic slice of Southeast Asian life

While Kuala Lumpur remains the most popular destination for short breaks, the affluent Subang Jaya on Peninsular Malaysia is another good choice. One of the biggest attractions here is the Subang Ria Park lake, where many of the city’s residents spend their leisure time. Subang Parade and Empire Subang are the main shopping areas, and accommodation here can range from top 4 and 5 star hotels, such as Empire Hotel Subang and the Summit Hotel, to much cheaper guesthouses and hostels. Other smaller cities in Malaysia that make for interesting trips to the Far East include Johor Bahru and Ampang, Selangor.