Malaysia is one of the best vacation spots in South East Asia thanks to its beautiful wildlife and rich cultural history. However, it’s been a bit awkward to get to because of a connecting flight through Singapore, which can be a pain on the ol’ knees.
AirAsia has announced it will be running direct flights from the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur, the largest city in Malaysia and their central tourist destination.
To celebrate, AirAsia is also offering 20% discounts on these direct flights!
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort, this 20% discount extends to their Flatbed seats. So whether you’re flying direct from Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, or taking a connecting flight from anywhere else in the South East of Asia, you can grab this discount for a quick stop in Malay.
To help you take advantage of this discount and get the most out of a trip to Malaysia, here are seven experiences you must try!
Kuala Selangor
A humble small town in Malaysia, Kuala Selangor is locally known for its amazing seafood but also its spectacle. At night, you can have your own Little Mermaid moment by kayaking the lake at night as fireflies light up the environment around you.
Temples
What makes Malaysia such a unique and interesting country, is its diversity. How different cultures and religions are celebrated can be experienced at their temples, which you can explore and even pray at if you choose.
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, is one of the oldest Taoist temples in KL where many go to pray for good fortune. You can find it located in the city’s bustling Chinatown district. The temple looks stunning, with some incredible decorations and sculptures.
Batu Caves
The Batu Caves are a deeply spiritual and culturally symbolic location that looks straight out of a Steven Spielberg adventure movie.
After climbing 272 colourful steps, you are first met with the biggest statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war.
Thanks to this spiritual and cultural location, the Batu Caves are one of the major pilgrimage sites for Hindus worldwide.
The Batu Caves are also the centre of rock climbing spots for enthusiasts, offering more than 160 different routes to climb up the iconic limestone walls.
Kanching Waterfalls & Hiking Trail
A fascinating and convenient rainforest experience located right next to Kuala Lumpur. The Kanching Waterfalls is a fantastic hiking and picnic destination, that’ll offer you a vibrant and gorgeous moment of calm while on holiday.
You can also take a dive in the seven-level waterfall, so if you want a quieter swimming experience, you can always move to a quieter level, which is always a plus in my opinion.
Petaling Street
Petaling Street is located right in KL and is a staple of the city’s market culture. This street is filled with excellent Chinese markets, with tons of retail stalls and restaurants. What makes this location stand out is how it comes to life at night, especially at that 10P.M mark.
The stalls here are a great opportunity to practice those haggling skills so you can get that better bargain.
If you’re looking to explore Malaysia’s nightlife, Petaling Street is a must-stop place on your trip.
Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are located right in KL and are the tallest twin towers in the world. Inside you can find the Aquaria ALCC, the biggest and best aquarium in all of Malaysia with unique wildlife.
But it’s not just what is inside the towers that are special. Outside you can find a humble kid’s park to relax and let the demons tire themselves out, or you can put your age to the test by climbing the monkey bars yourself.
At night, the towers also put on a tremendous fountain light show, mixed with the humidity, you’ll find yourself getting lost as the city lights up like a cyberpunk city.
Street Food
Ask any local in Malaysia about the best thing to do as a tourist, and they will tell you that it is essential to try street food.
Among the many great street food markets, Jalan Alor is the by far the most popular and recommended by locals thanks to the vast variety of food available.
The food on offer is also so affordable and you’ll always be plated a generous amount.
From steamed satays, seafood, hawker stalls, and coffee shops, Jalan Alor is a fantastic representation of Malaysia’s diversity thanks to all the different dishes you can splurge on.
Thrift Shopping
Malaysia is also a fantastic destination to get your shopping in thanks to its amazing thrifting culture.
Jalan Jalan Japan is an incredible department store-sized thrift store filled with luxury and branded items at incredibly steep discounts.
This is only a small drop in the water of what’s on offer in Malaysia! To plan your trip, be sure to check out AirAsia and book while the discount is still available.
