After an active first two days, I woke up early and headed towards my first day trip of the trip!

With that being said, we headed to the wonderful world of Melaka.

About two hours from KL on the southwest coast of the Peninsular, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as the historic heart of Malaysia. It has a fantastic blend of different cultures and styles, but is deeply saturated with colonial history and influences. You can find an array of markets, food, stores, and antiques to complement this historic city.

Jonker Street offers a delightful mix of chaos with its night markets and endless food to try. You can stroll along a picturesque canal, explore the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and Red Square, and check out the Dutch administrative building that now hosts a museum and government offices. It’s a great place to explore the local neighborhood, try on clothes, sip herbal tea, and enjoy a variety of delicious foods.

Another highlight was Cheng Soon Teng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia, where the three major doctrines of Chinese belief are worshipped under one roof.

There’s a wide and worldly range of things to do, places to explore, and experiences to be had. I ended up buying some cherry blossom tea and two items of clothing that I’m sure will feature later down the line. This tour, which you can find via here, is highly recommended for a more cultural and historical perspective. While I do love the bustling city of KL, it was refreshing to escape the urban sprawl. With that being said, my next day also involved an early start and lots and LOTS of walking.

Taman Negara Adventure

The next day started bright and early with a mini-van ride to the wild jungles of Taman Negara. This ancient rainforest spans three states and is said to be one of the oldest rainforests in the world—130 million years old.

We embarked on a fairly long hike, crossing many bridges, climbing stairs, and enjoying incredible views. We walked across the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge and visited a local village where we learned how to shoot darts, start fires, and discover the hidden gems of native tribal life. It was a wonderful way to connect with nature and soak up the forest’s ambience.

Heads up: it gets extremely hot and sweaty, so bring good walking shoes and breathable clothing. The hike isn’t overly gruelling, but it can be tiring for those not used to walking long distances. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Malayan tiger or Asian elephant!

After the hike we grabbed a quick bite by the riverside. The river boat ride was a mix of fun and mischief – our driver ensured we got soaked head t toe! Fun in the moment, but we spent the next 3-4 hours in the van cold, mostly wet and with the AC blasting (despite the change of clothes). Returning to KL and having a shower afterwards was nothing short of heavenly. You can find a range of options here. Some tours are pricey, but they’re worth it for the full experience

Final day

On my final day, I headed to the famous Batu Caves, a limestone hill with a series of temples estimated to be around 400 million years old. The shrine is the most famous Hindu shrine outside of India, dedicated to Lord Murugan, featuring the tallest statue of him in the world. Entry is free, and the colors of the caves are stunning.

Climbing up, you’ll encounter many long-tailed macaques—known for being cheeky—so be cautious, don’t make eye contact, and keep your food close. Despite my love for animals, I was happy to avoid them entirely.

This is a classic, busy tourist spot but absolutely worth a visit. The light reflecting off the cave entrance and natural water droplets add to the caves’ serene and mystical aura. You can enjoy a slow stroll or take a taxi back to the city center.

Malay Crab

After a lovely and leisurely visit to the Batu Caves, I decided to round off the trip with a quintessential Malay culinary experience. Naturally, that meant indulging in the classic Malay Crab. I made my way to Fatty Crab, a legendary seafood haunt in Petaling, famed for its rich and flavorful crab dishes. I ordered one of the house classics—crab with rice—and eagerly tucked in. I will admit, it was a humbling experience at first; cracking into the crab requires some serious technique. Inevitably, it got messy, and I’m fairly certain I caught a few amused glances as I wrestled with the shell.

Now, I’m fully aware of the friendly rivalry between Singaporean and Malaysian crab dishes, each boasting its own loyal following. While I can’t make a fair comparison (I foolishly skipped the Singaporean version), the Malay crab I had was absolutely delicious. The meat was tender, the flavors bold and perfectly balanced, and it paired beautifully with the rice. I believe I had a child crab, which brought a slightly deeper, spicier kick to the dish. Belly full and fingers sticky, I settled the bill and made my way back to my accommodation, content, sated, and ready to pack for the next adventure.

Thoughts on Malaysia

Malaysia was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it, but the mix of urban and natural beauty, friendly people, and incredible food blew me away. For KL, 3–4 days is enough, with time spent exploring other regions like Melaka or Taman Negara. You could even split a trip between Malaysia and Singapore.

A note on cultural respect: dress appropriately. Malaysia has many cultures and religions, so know when it’s okay to wear summer clothes and when to cover up a bit more.

Malaysia was an unexpected delight, and I can’t wait to return. In my next blog, I’ll pack up and head off to the next Southeast Asian country—on a tour!

So as always, Thank you for reading my post—I hope you enjoyed.

Until my next blog of intrepid tales on my trails…!