I was looking for cheaper countries to visit from Kolkata when Malaysia caught my eye. First, as a tourist, I visited all the tourist spots dotted on my itinerary, then the rather offbeat ones as a student. Malaysia didn't disappoint my shifting travel choices or preferences; it has my heart.
A land of blended culture, Malaysia also prides itself in harbouring some of the most unique biodiversity hotspots in the world, home to its endemic flora and fauna. Here's the perfect 10-day itinerary that includes everything offbeat and takes you through Malaysia, which exists but is lost by many.
As you enter this historic city of the Straits of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the old Dutch charm grows on you. As you walk along the canal, every house welcomes you with new graffiti, and the smell of bakeries fills your senses. Make sure to take a bite while you continue your exploration. Just before you end your tour with the Stadthuys, known for its red bricks and a red clock tower, visit the Maritime Museum, housed within the replica of a sunken Portuguese ship.
Exploring Stadthuys will take most of your afternoon, so drop in at Hoe Kee Chicken Rice.
Evening calls for the famed Melaka River Cruise that will breeze you past the vibrant sights and sounds of the city. End your day with a delicious meal at Tong Sheng Restaurant.
Start your day early with a heavy breakfast at Kedai Kopi Kheng Juan Hin, which is known for its charcoal-grilled toast with a generous amount of kaya and Planta (a type of margarine) along with half a boiled egg. Then, a 10-minute Grab ride will take you to the charming Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, which offers a glimpse of the hybrid cultures of Malays of different ethnicities.
Remember to stop by a local coffee shop to grab a quick lunch before heading to Masjid Selat Melaka, the floating mosque on stilts that looks more like Princess Jasmine's Palace.
At the break of dusk, you should make your way to Taming Sari to watch the sky paint hues of red as the sun sets. If you want to try cendol, then the best place to have it is at Aunty Koh's, which is open from 8 am to 5 pm on all days except for Mondays when it is closed. Conclude your day with a fun beca ride, beer, sour fish, satay at a local joint and a walk along the canal – just like I did.
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on all days and remains closed on Thursdays. The price starts from MYR 2.
Kedai Kopi Kheng Juan Hin is open from 5 am to 12 pm on all days and remains closed on Fridays. Price starts from MYR 2.
Tong Sheng Restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 2 pm and 5:30 pm to 10 pm on all days. It is closed on Mondays. The price starts from MYR 12.
Aunty Koh's is open from 8 am to 5 pm and remains closed on Mondays. The price starts from MYR 1.
A birder's paradise, I was introduced to Frazer's Hill during an expedition with fellow students to collect varieties of acorns! A hill station that boasts unbelievable hiking trails - ranging from easy to difficult—is perfect for Cameroon Highlands' din. Among the many trails, the Pine Tree Trail is one of the most challenging of all but worth the hype. But you must start as early as 7 am.
While it looks quite easy and welcoming at the offset, the true nature of the trail unfolds as you go deeper. The trail gets mossier and muddier with perpendicular slopes, causing temporary brain dyslexia. The trek gets treacherous in case it starts raining, so carry an oversized raincoat and wear proper trekking boots to avoid a nasty fall. But everything seems worth it as you listen to the call of the cicadas and exotic birds, the visuals of vibrant wild ginger and the different crustaceans and reptiles accompanying you on this trek. This is an absolute paradise for seasoned trekkers, biologists, birders and helping enthusiasts.
This is a long trail where you need to pack lunch as you will be back only by late afternoon or early evening.
Keep your evening light after the heavy trek. If you are staying close to the town centre, head out to eat at Gerai Muhammad at the Frazer Food Court or else order in.
Wake up to the chirping of birds and a foggy outdoors. Embark on an easier Bishop Trail that allows you to spot exotic species of birds, critters, and amphibians. Keep your audio-visual senses on high alert during the hike because you will surely spot some exotic creature scampering away. Post the hike, walk to the town centre and have your fill of local delicacies from stalls.
Return to the stay and rest for a while before heading back to town for a decadent meal.
As you saunter on your walk back, be vigilant, and you will witness the colourful moth caterpillars, Malaysian jumping frogs, and arachnids hanging across branches.
Gerai Muhammad (Food Court Fraser Hill) remains open from 6 pm to 11 pm. The price starts from MYR 2.50.
GlassHouse Fraser's is known for good coffee and cakes. It remains open from 10 am to 6 pm, and the price starts from MYR 7.
Kedai Makan Hamzah for Nasi Lemak breakfast. The joint remains open from 6:40 am to 4:30 pm but is closed on Mondays. Price starts from MYR 2.
From Fraser's Hill, head to Ipoh, which is known for its cave temples, especially the Kek Look Tong, and its coffee. When you step into the old Perak Cave Temple, the stalactite formations will astound you. Blame it on apophenia; you will tend to find patterns in these formations. As it will be a 'temple run' day, the next in line is the famed Kek Look Tong, which has murals and frescoes adorning its high walls.
After a walk through the depths of the cave, if you feel peckish, indulge in the best kai see hor fun served at the famous shop Restoran Thean Chun, post which you wander the streets of Concubine Lane—a living museum of culture, history, and modern-day vibrancy. If you want to click some 'gram-worthy pictures, then promenade through the Art of Oldtown.
Prepare for a dose of unconventional adventure at Lost World of Tambun Night Park, which remains open from 6 pm to 11 pm daily. Here, you can experience the mysteries of the luminous forests, unwind in natural hot springs, and even wander through Tarantula Alley.
The magic of Ipoh feels incomplete without exploring the longest cave in Peninsular Malaysia—Tempurung Cave. You can either opt for the dry tour, which involves climbing 600 steps and admiring the stalactites and stalagmites formation, or the wet tour, which involves wading through the underground river, crawling through holes, and sliding down slippery slopes.
Crawl out of the cavity, take a brief recess during your stay, change and head to the corridors of royalty at Kellie's castle, which resembles a Scottish castle. At a languid pace, admire the worldly decor that blends Moorish revival and Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Set the mood to end the day with a fancy dinner at Jeff's Cellar, built inside a 260-million-year-old cave cellar where gourmands from across the globe flock to taste the local farm-to-table delights.
Funny Mountain, known for its smooth, wobbly beancurd, remains open from 10:30 pm to 7:30 pm on all days. Closed on Tuesdays. Price starts from MYR 3.
Restoran Chooi Yue Dim Sum Ipoh is known for its salted egg custard bun layered with pandan paste. The joint remains open on all days from 7 am to 1 pm except for Thursdays when it's closed. Price starts from MYR 5.
While most tourists opt for Langkawi on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, I prefer the beaches on the East Coast, which are a sight to behold. A 30-minute boat ride from Kuala Besut jetty will transport you to the entrancing islands of Perhentian—the larger island is the Perhentian Besar.
Let loose and relax on the beach. As you stroll barefoot, you are sure to spot puffer fish, hermit crabs, floating corals, or other marine creatures. The afternoons are usually too hot to venture out, so keep it light and indulge in delectable dishes at any one of the gorgeous cafes, followed by a siesta.
As the sun descends, creating a spectacle of fiery hues, wade into the inviting waters and allow it to embrace you into its eternity. The island breathes a different life once the evening crawls in. Beer, seafood and candlelight - the perfect way to end the splendid evening.
In a beach paradise like the Perhentian, island hopping is a great way to learn about island life, which is quite different from the mainland. Kerenjani Beach/Mira Beach, Turtle Beach, Romantic Beach, Teluk Pauh, Redang, Lang Tengah Adam and Eve Beach are best for snorkelling, diving and exploring the unknown.
Don't forget to make a pit stop if you see a sandbank. When you stop at Kecil, hike to Windmill Viewpoint and the Old Pier.
Once back, relax on the beach and watch the beautiful sunset against the cerulean waters.
Dedicate this day to the underwater experience like no other. Some renowned diving clubs and resorts will take you on fun dives. After a detailed briefing on safety procedures, you will be taken to a spot (known to the experts) that is teeming with marine life. The secret is to keep calm and breathe rhythmically; only then will you be blessed to take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Once you return from your marine adventure, head back to the hotel for a much-needed siesta. After recharging, it's time for a rejuvenating session at a local spa.
Ending the day with a sublime spread at an exotic beachside romantic restaurant is an apt conclusion to this well-crafted trip.
The World Cafe @ BuBu Villa, known for its Asian and Italian dishes, remains open from 7:30 am to 10:30 am and from 12 pm to 10:30 pm in the second half. Slightly premium, the price starts from MYR 42.
Crocodile Rock Bistro is known for ayam merah and homemade ice cream. The cafe is open from 8:30 am to 10:30 am and 6:30 pm to 9 pm. The price starts from MYR 6.
The Barat Perhentian, an ideal set-up for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is open from 7 am to 11 pm. Price starts from MYR 9.
As the trip ends, spend your last day splurging for souvenirs at local markets. Petaling Street and Central Market are the best budget markets, where you can find purses, pendants and other paraphernalia for as low as MYR 5 or 10.
The food court at Petaling Street and local stalls are the better choice for a good meal in that area.
Getting There
With Indian passport holders being allowed to travel without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 30 days till the 1st of December 2024, travel to Malaysia is an obvious choice for Indian travellers. Flights from India are available from all major cities. The cost of return flights from Mumbai (direct), Kolkata and Chennai (direct) are INR 18,150, INR 21,500 and INR 17,705 respectively. The shortest flight to Malaysia is from Chennai.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to travel to the East Coast is between April and October, while the West Coast is best visited between December and March.
But the option to travel during shoulder season should also be kept open from July to October, when flight and stay prices are relatively lower.