What to do in Malaysia

The Batu Caves are situated in the suburb of Gombak, around 45 minutes from KL city centre, and are a staggering sight. The 400million year-old cave complex is cut into an imposing limestone cliff, reached by a 272-step staircase. At the top of the stairs, within the caves, you’ll find a colourful Hindu temple which is of huge significance to Malaysia’s large Tamil Indian population. The base of the climb is guarded by an enormous statue of Lord Morugan, the Hindu God of War.

Sitting at 6600ft above sea level the Cameron Highlands offer a cool high-elevation retreat. The villages of the area were developed by British colonial rulers as an escape from the sweltering lowlands, and the British imprint is firmly visible to this day with rolling hill of tea plantations, strawberry farms, lavender gardens, and twee mock Tudor cottages. It’s a fun area to explore for a day or two while enjoying the cool mountain air, with hikes and treks on offer should you be looking for a bit more adventure.

Belum and Taman Negara are the two best reserves in interior Malaysia. Both made up of sprawling ancient tropical rainforest, home to around 150 mammal species, including Asian elephants, monkeys and tapirs, along with an estimated 3,000 flora species. In Belum much of the activity is on the waters of the huge manmade reservoir, while visitors to Taman Negara can take in hikes including the world’s longest canopy walk. A key sighting in either reserve is of Malaysia’s 10 hornbill species.

Peranakan cuisine, also known as Nyonya or Baba Nyonya, is the food of early Chinese migrants to west coast Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra. A fusion of Chinese ingredients with the spices and techniques of Malay and Indonesian people, famous dishes include Babi Pongteh (braised pork belly), Rendang (a rich hearty curry, often served at weddings and festivals), and the legendary Laksa – a tangy, coconutty, noodle soup. Malacca is especially well-known for its Peranakan cuisine, and a cooking class here is a great way to learn more and develop skills to take back home.

Of all Malaysia’s epic signature dishes there is one that truly stands out as united the whole nation regardless of Malay, Chinese, Indian, or any other descent. Nasi Lemak is a mound of gently simmered coconut rice, served with a lip-smacking array of accompaniments including fiery sambal, crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, cucumber, and a rendang curry of beef or chicken. Served with a hot sweet teh tarik (pulled tea), as a breakfast dish quite simply nothing else comes close!