Malaysia

From gilded temples to steamy rainforests and sleek skyscrapers, this lush tropical nation is bubbling with remarkable diversity.

Kuala Lumpur serves up a sensory feast, with hotels that reach for the sky, labyrinthine streets brimming with family-run market stalls and hidden pockets of banyan tree greenery among the lively hustle and bustle. Admire the street art around Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, shop ‘til you drop at air-conditioned designer shopping malls like Pavilion KL and Mid Valley Megamall, then recover with a coffee in a traditional kopitiam or ascend to sky-high rooftop bars for a refreshing cocktail - the iconic Sky Bar is not to be missed.

Travel 20 minutes outside of KL and you’ll be surrounded by the limestone beauty of the iconic Batu Caves, where monkeys guard the entrance. Down south, Malacca beckons with its patchwork of forests, bustling Jonker Walk Night Market, historic architecture and pedal-powered trishaws, while the Desaru Coast in Johor promises postcard-perfect beaches, wild jungles and five-star island resorts within a short ferry ride of Singapore.

Inland, retreat to the rolling green hills of the Cameron Highlands, then follow your nose up north to Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed melting pot of culture, history and renowned street food. See skewers piled high with beef and chicken as you trawl through Kimberley Street, savour Michelin-starred dining and lose yourself in the sultry buzz of New Lane’s market stalls that have been serving locals for decades. At its heart, cosmopolitan George Town is alive with trishaws peddling past historic clan houses and incense-filled temples.

Not to be outdone, the serene islands of the Langkawi archipelago are a shining jewel just off the coast of the Malay Peninsula. Synonymous with white-sand shores and jungle-cloaked valleys, this oasis of blonde beaches and more than 100 islands is perfect for relaxation. However, its waterfalls, hot springs, world-famous Sky Bridge and ancient UNESCO Geo Parks are reason enough to peel yourself away from your beach towel.

Plunge, snorkel, dive and sail into crystal clear waters of The Perhentian Islands and Redang Island. Head out on hiking trails, admire gorgeous water views and experience local culture.

Fulfil your wildest dreams in Malaysian Borneo and the state of Sabah, where you can have out-of-this-world experiences at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, hang 10 with orangutans and swinging proboscis monkeys or spot an Irrawaddy dolphin in the glistening South China Sea. In Kota Kinabalu, immerse yourself in resort life, where fiery sunsets meet salt-licked breeze, fresh markets overflowing with sea creatures and swanky new malls.

Gleaming cities, impenetrable forest and crossroad of cultures, Malaysia’s diverse beauty has something for every palate.