One Week Traveling in Malaysia
If you teach abroad in Southeast Asia, you’re bound to have enough time off to explore more of your surroundings. Vibrant cities, a diverse culture and extraordinary natural beauty make for a perfect week-long vacation in Malaysia.
Day 1 – Experiencing Kuala Lumpur
To start off your week in Malaysia, explore Kuala Lumpur. Visiting the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin building in the world, will give you a stunning view of the city. If you’d rather take a look at the Petronas Towers from a distance, visit the Menara Tower, another one of Kuala Lumpur’s unique landmarks. While you’re already in the heart of the capital, one of the following activities should be on your travel itinerary of Malaysia:
- Visit Aquaria KLCC, a large aquarium featuring a 300-foot underwater tunnel and over 5,000 animals from Malaysia and around the world.
- Go shopping and experience Malaysia’s diversity. The Pavilion and Berjaya Times Square offer anything you could be looking for, from designer goods to Malay restaurants. Complete your shopping experience in Kuala Lumpur by exploring Chinatown and the Wet Market, a colorful market where you can find rare food items and cheap electronics.
- Meet exotic birds that have made the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park their home. This public aviary gives visitors the chance to view an abundance of exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Day 2 – Temples, Caves and Golden Statues
Malaysia is a diverse country, heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian immigrants, thus featuring a multitude of temples, shrines and mosques. Thean Hou, Kuala Lumpur’s most popular Buddhist temple, astonishes visitors with its exquisite Chinese architecture and is famous for its excellent view of the city. After a relaxing morning at the temple, head to the Batu Caves. These caves are said to be 400 years old and feature a collection of Hindu shrines. The 140-foot golden statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is bound to take your breath away.
Day 3 – Cameron Highlands
Heavily influenced by the British rule, the Cameron Highlands allow visitors to escape the heat and explore buildings from the colonial era. Tea, coffee, and fruit plantations are enclosed by lush hills and provide a sudden contrast to Kuala Lumpur’s metropolitan feel. You will find golf courses, missionary manors, and the truly British Smokehouse Inn.
Day 4 –Penang
Excite your taste buds and learn all about where these spices come from. A visit to Penang’s Tropical Spice Garden will appeal to all senses. Small paths lead guests past waterfalls and through lush spice gardens. To truly appreciate the variety of exotic tastes, stroll along Gruney Drive and try the rich variety of hawker food offered here. At night, take a trip to Batu’s popular night markets.
Day 5 – Georgetown and Places of Worship
No trip to Malaysia is complete without wandering through Georgetown. This open-air museum features a collection of historic buildings from the colonial era including many sites of worship. The Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple, Hindu Sri Mahamariamman Temple, St. Georg’s Church and the Kapitan Keling Mosque are all in walking distance and worth seeing. Additionally, if you’re not afraid of snakes, take a trishaw ride to the Snake Temple.
Day 6 and 7 – Langkawi Island
End your vacation in Malaysia by relaxing at one of Langkawi’s numerous beaches. Fine sand, clear water and some amazing resorts allow visitors to soak up the sun for a while. For some variety, observe jugglers and snake charmers in the Oriental Village, take the cable car to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and visit the Crocodile Adventureland.
Travel in Malaysia to explore metropolitan cities, majestic mountains and hills, historical sights and marvelous beaches. Most of Malaysia’s incredible sights are bound to take your breath away, so why not look into teaching abroad in Malysia?
Dorothee Rembold is an intern at Teach Away Inc.