7 Highlights of my Trip to Malaysia

Skyscrapers, endless views and a tropical rain forest

A country underrated by the world. That is the right description. Malaysia has been standing in the shadow of its neighbor Thailand. The big all-time-favorite travel destination for young and old.

But Malaysia doesn’t actually deserve to be compared with Thailand. Whilst its neighbor is overrun by tourism (or has been at least before the pandemic) Malaysia is more like a hidden gem. Obviously, there have been tourists too. A lot of them. But it’s still not comparable with Thailand’s numbers.

What does Kuala Lumpur have to offer?

Malaysia is actually split into two parts. The peninsula of Malaysia is located on the southern end of Thailand. The island of Borneo is its second half. Through those two different locations, Malaysia has a lot of variety to offer.

The capital of Kuala Lumpur (short as KL) is often seen as Singapore’s little brother. Trying to aim for the good reputation Singapore has, KL is doing a lot of effort to come at least close to it.

KL is a very modern city. Lots of skyscrapers make up the skyline of the city. Modern public transport options give you the chance to avoid city traffic and travel underground or above the streets on various train systems. They are fast, cheap, and very effective.

Despite being a city, KL has lots of nature to offer. Many parks and forest-like areas are planted throughout the city making it look green, healthy, and nature bound.

I am actually not a city person at all and prefer the wide-open spaces of the countryside, but KL has definitely its vibe that can attract anyone. Therefore I visited the city twice in 2019 while living in Thailand and got some experiences to share with you.

1. Petronas Twin Towers

Located in the heart of the city these twin towers are part of the characteristic features of Kuala Lumpur. Build on top of a high-end shopping center attracting a lot of people.

You can visit the bridge between the towers which I didn’t do because I got a better viewpoint above the city at a later point. I still visited this place several times. Not only because of the towers but because of KLCC Park. A beautiful park right behind the towers. Old trees, a lake, and a forest giving you the feeling you’re in the jungle while walking through the heart of the city.

In the evening a show made out of lights and water presents itself upon the lake and attracts a lot of people. It’s a lovely place to relax and rewind from the daily hustle and bustle of the city.

2. The Menara Tower (or KL Tower)

Located just outside the city center on one of the green patches of the city this tower is definitely worth a visit. The Menara Tower is built on a hill surrounded by forest offering tourists and locals a breathtaking view above the city.

The visit to the tower is a bit more expensive than other attractions but it is definitely worth the money. The viewpoint offers a 360 degree above the city of KL and its surrounding.

You can also visit the tower at night time which I am planning to do on my next visit. It must be a totally different atmosphere looking onto the city of a million lights.

3. KL forest eco park

This park is located on the same hill the Menara Tower is built on and is a beautiful piece of adventure within the city. Several suspension bridges let you walk in between the treetops overlooking the skyscrapers on the city.

Listening to birds and monkeys screaming you get the feeling of being in a jungle whilst being surrounded by the capital’s most expensive hotels. I really enjoyed the walk through the park and along the bridges which was free of charge!

4. The Perdana Botanical Gardens

From the Menara Tower, I spotted the Botanical Garden already and was impressed by its size. After two days in the city, I wanted to see some nature, wildlife, and breath in some fresh air. Which is all possible in the capital of Malaysia. Easily accessible by bus or train you can enter the park from various directions.

It’s like you step into another world. The sound of waterfalls, birds chirping and the wind blowing through the treetops is what you get to listen to now. Squirrel, ducks, and other animals are living in peace on this beautiful property.

Too big to be explored within one day you have to decide which part of the Park you would like to see. A huge bird park is one of the highlights within the Perdana Garden.

I enjoyed also just placing a blanket on the grass and doing nothing but relaxing in nature for a while.

5. Batu Caves

The Batu caves just outside the city are one of the main tourist attractions of KL. Likewise easy to reach by train this colorful place attracts also lots of religious believers.

A very interesting part of the culture isn’t just the big golden statue next to the colorful stairs but also every temple in front of and inside the caves represent a wonderful piece of art.

Monkeys are living inside these caves requesting from most visitors some food for showing them their home. Locals feed them with coconuts whilst tourists take selfies with the tame animals.

6. The river of life

The river of life itself is already worth a visit. With fountains spraying mist along the river banks from time to time a gloomy vibe gets created. Slow down in life and appreciate the small things in life.

While walking along the river you get the chance to visit several various religious buildings or simply let your mind travel with the mist in the air.

7. Visit a night market and eat a black pepper crab

I have never in my life indulged in my food as much as I did sitting on those tables on a night market in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It was a mind-blowing experience.

We’ve visited a few night markets in Southeast Asia before and we love street food. But this was necessarily street food. We got the tip of eating a black pepper crab from YouTube and when we walked down this market we could see them offering it at every restaurant.

Watching the crowds and the waiters we finally chose a place to eat and try this famous dish. We had a wonderful lady helping us with our choice. She came out of the kitchen with two crabs that were still alive. Hanging in her hands we pointed at one and she disappeared again. After she served the brilliantly cooked meal we couldn’t take any more photographs of it.

I was covered in that tasty sauce. Obviously, we were eating with our hands trying to get every bit out of the crab. Such a delicious meal.

So yes, if you get the chance to go to one of the night markets you have to eat the black pepper crab. But don’t tell me about it or I will be incredibly jealous.

+ Visit Fraser’s Hill

Malaysia has much more to offer than just its capital Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has endless beaches, tropical islands, historical towns, and a lot of culture. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to explore it all. Having only a few days I set my priorities on exploring one of the oldest rain forests on earth.

Most of the island is still covered in forest and a lot of it is still virgin rain forest. Only a few hours away from KL is a town called Fraser’s hill. Up in the mountains on 1500m above sea level. It’s much cooler than in the city.

Fraser’s hill is only accessible by car, but a visit is definitely worth the effort. Around this tiny village are several hiking trails through the forest in various lengths and difficulties.

The days up here together with an unforgettable hike through the rain forest made it to the highlight of our trip to Malaysia. I would go back there anytime and easily spent a week in the mountains.

When we reached a viewpoint on the hike the fog lifted and we got a tiny glimpse of where we were. In the middle of nowhere. Forest as far as the eye can see. Several mountain ranges up to the horizon. All covered in trees. No sign of civilization. Not a single house, road, or other achievements of human development to be seen.

You suddenly realize how small you are. Compared to nature.

I loved this experience. The feeling of walking in one of the oldest rain forests in the world. Absolutely stunning. I also enjoyed the rain we got to experience towards the end of the hike. The sound of the rain dropping onto the treetops. Staying almost dry at the bottom of the forest the trees protected us. And yet we could see through the density of the forest. We could see how heavily it was raining. And could feel it once we left the thick forest.

An unforgettable experience.

Whenever it is safe to travel again I can only recommend this beautiful country as your next travel destination. A mixture of culture, various traditions, and beautiful landscapes will amaze you.

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed my travel report and got inspired for the future.