Jalan-Jalan

:walk-walk

Malaysians take every opportunity to jalan-jalan.

To jalan-jalan means to go out, go places, meet people and have fun. It could be as simple as makan with some buddies, or as serious as shopping therapy, or as laid back as a relaxing beach holiday.

This Page has been specially pimped to suggest the best way to spend your extended trip to Malaysia.

[Please note that the suggestions below are valid for the month of November only. This is a country with different definitions of fun at different times of the year. Please leave us a comment if you intend on coming over at different times of the year and we'll get right back to you]

A Weekend In Kuala Lumpur

Conservative, aren’t we? Well, here is a non-exhaustive list of thing to see and do to max up your KL experience!

• Climb onto the bridge at the Petronas Twin Towers
• Eat char kuey teow
• Climb the 200+ steps of Batu Caves
• Buy imitation Gucci sunglasses / LV handbag / Rolex watch at Petaling Street
• Visit the Islamic Arts Museum
• Party at Jalan Bukit Bintang
• Drink teh tarik pulled by a mamak at a stall by the roadside
• Take photos at Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square), the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
• Go to Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens) and visit the Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Hibiscus Garden, Orchid Garden… (don’t forget your camera!)
• Go to Central Market

For best reference on things to do in KL, check out Time Out KL

A Weekend Out of Kuala Lumpur

Running out of the big bad city, huh? Here is a list of nearby states that you can go, depending on what you’re on a prowl for.

• For the history buff, Melaka: Accorded as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008, Melaka is where the history of this country began. Once a great regional port, Melaka is rich in colonial arts and culture and this is reflected in its attractive architecture. Remember to go to Jonker’s Street!

• For the thrill seeker, Genting Highlands: Malaysia’s most exciting theme park in the sky! A self-proclaimed “City of Entertainment,” this place is best known for its roller coasters, casinos and unforgettable performances at the Arena Of Stars.

• For the English at heart, Cameron Highlands: Tea, scones, strawberries and cream. Cameron Highlands is where we retreat to when we can a dose of cool highland air and rolling hills of tea trees.

• For the food junkie, Ipoh: Ipoh is the Chinese food heaven of Malaysia (and some say, where the prettiest Chinese girls come from). Ipoh city teems with awesome colonial buildings and some great Buddhist cave temples. Remember to try the Ipoh Chicken Rice with Special Bean Sprouts (you won’t regret the bean sprouts!)

All the above locations can be reached from Kuala Lumpur via bus (or limo, you diva!)

Five Days In Kuala Lumpur & Nearby States

Ambitious huh? Well, depending on your what pace you plan to go on, your five days in and out of KL can be as relaxing or as exciting as you want it to be. We recommend combining the KL Weekend sightseeings with a few days spent out of state. Here are some additional personal suggestions.

• Spend the weekend in Kuala Lumpur. The touristy places in other states get very crowded on weekends, and none of them really matches up to how exciting KL gets at the end of the week. If ou’re going to be trapped in a congestion of people, let it be the party goers of Kuala Lumpur.

• Weekend in KL >> Bus to Ipoh >> Bus to Cameron Highlands >> Bus back to KL. Yes, Captain Kirk, it has been done.

• If you’re and early riser, Melaka can be done on a day trip. You’ll not exactly be moving at warp speed through the city either. Most people however, appreciate the extra day here to wander through the quirky lanes.

• For most people, an overnight trip to Genting Highlands usually does the trick. Any longer than that and you’ll gain the reputation as a serious high roller.

Five Days In West Malaysia

Five days! Awesome! Here’s some places worth the distance!

• Penang!!!!!: The best of Malaysia, all on one plate – and might I caution you that that’s a lot of savour at one go! I’m talking about GLORIOUS FOOD, vibrant culture, history, beaches, architecture and funny northern accents. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a welcoming assault of the senses and is a truly unforgettable experience. [Tip: Penang has an international airport *hint* *hint*]

• Langkawi Island: If Penang is going to assault you with all the details, Langkawi will tell you to sit back, chill out and enjoy the breeze gently blowing from the Straits of Malacca. Among the locals, Langkawi is known as the island of legends. Relaxing. Romantic. Therapeutic. Langkawi is where you go to pamper yourself. Yes, white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, swaying palm trees, you name it.

Five Days In Borneo Malaysia

For a truly unique experience, GO TRIBAL! Step onto Borneo Malaysia and enter a whole new world of tribal living.

• Sarawak: There is never a dull moment in Sarawak, be it in the city or in the forests. For the light hearted, enter via Kuching and enjoy the historic colonial buildings. Visit the Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, Bako National Park and the Sarawak Cultural Village. For the more adventurous, fly to Miri and trek though the Gunung Mulu National Park, home of the Sarawak Chamber (big enough to fit St. Peter’s Basilica or several jumbo jets), Deer Cave (big enough to fit London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral), and Canopy Skywalk (the world’s longest forest canopy walk). Mulu National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

• Sabah: Two famous natural attractions define Sabah; Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia, and Sipadan Island, home of world class diving. [Note, please check with Sipadan Island Resort when making your reservations on water conditions for diving trips].

The Great West Malaysian Roadtrip!

While in Peninsular Malaysia, why not just do the whole roadtrip thing? Hire a car and go! Here’s a recommended itinerary:

• Kuala Lumpur >> Penang (2 nights) >> Ipoh (Overnight) >> (via Tapah) Cameron Highlands (Overnight) >> Melaka (2 nights) >> Kuala Lumpur