The Culture and Cuisine of Malaysia

This former colonial outpost and UNESCO World Heritage city is home to a number of diverse communities – including the Peranakan culture, which is unique to the straits of Malaysia. The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum’s rich collection of Chinese-Malay artifacts is showcased in the grounds of a late-19th-century home. Four generations of the same straits-born Chinese family have lived in this house since 1861 and they continue to manage the museum today, honoring the Peranakan spirit.  

Witness the melting pot of cultures and compelling blend of history and modernity that characterizes this vibrant city. In the colonial Merdeka Square, admire an array of architectural wonders, with buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Continue your journey of discovery with visits to art galleries and to the majestic Masjid Jamek, also known as Friday Mosque, one of the oldest buildings in Kuala Lumpur.  

With its verdant slopes and cool climate, the Cameron Highlands region is as scenic as it is serene. Enjoy a tour of one of the area’s world-renowned tea plantations followed by a short, guided trek in the misty Mossy Forest of Mount Brinchang, admiring the exotic plant life as you go. Later, enjoy a tour and tasting at a tea factory. 

Ipoh, Malaysia’s third-largest city, is known for its thriving arts scene and superb gastronomy. Stroll the charming lanes, admiring the shop houses and restored colonial buildings, eyes peeled for the world-renowned street art of Lithuanian-born, Penang-based artist Ernest Zacharevic. Later, stop off at some of Ipoh’s foodie hotspots to sample its highly regarded fusion of culinary influences, tasting the city’s finest local delicacies. 

Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of George Town on the island of Penang, stopping en route in the quiet town of Balik Pulau to admire three spectacular murals representing local life. Explore George Town’s cultural highlights and street art by rickshaw and guided walking tour, learning about the world of the Straits Chinese community. See the Cheong Fatt Tse Mansion, a landmark heritage building; St George Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia; and the Clan Jetties of George Town, which grew from settlements inhabited by Chinese immigrants

Total relaxation is the order of the day in this beautiful tropical paradise, which combines idyllic white-sand beaches with a wilderness backdrop of primordial mountains and pristine 10-million-year-old rainforest – home to a wealth of flora and fauna. Unwind on a lounger, swim in crystal-clear water or enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the spa.