The almost 43-metre tall statue of Lord Murugan stands by the entrance to the Batu Caves and is one of Malaysia’s iconic images. The epicentre of the annual Thaipusam procession, Batu Caves is famous for the festival, statue and main cavern behind it, but a far lesser known and arguably more interesting point of interest … read the full post

Famous for hosting the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix and other major motorsports events, Sepang has something for us mere mortals too. After exhausting the endless cultural activities in Kuala Lumpur, indulge your need for speed at the Sepang International Kart Circuit. Approximately 60 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur and 15 minutes from KL International Airport … read the full post

Exploring nature outside of the city doesn’t have to take much time or money. Kampung Kuantan, where colonies of fireflies put on a glowing light show almost every night on the banks of the Selangor River, takes you back to a simpler period and lets you experience a sampling of Malaysia’s ecotourism offerings. A pleasant … read the full post

Those who make the trip to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) usually come to experience its famous tree-based canopy walk. But even for those who don’t want to endure the semi-strenuous hike to the canopy entrance and back, FRIM can still make for a fascinating weekend trip from Kuala Lumpur, with its campsite to … read the full post

Given the country’s love affair with cars, it should come as no surprise that the biggest sporting event of the year in Malaysia is the Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. Held ever since 1999, it has become one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the F1 World Championship, and attracts hordes … read the full post

If I was to say one of the most charming places in the whole Klang Valley is former leper colony, you could be forgiven for thinking I was a bit unhinged. But trust me on this one: what was once the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement is not just a beautiful spot to wander round, it … read the full post

Asked in a pub quiz what the capital of Malaysia is, most people would probably plump for Kuala Lumpur, and they would be half-right. That’s because since 1999, the official administrative centre of the country has been Putrajaya, a planned city 25 kilometres to the south. KL remains the national capital, as well as the … read the full post

It may seem strange to visitors from cooler climes, particularly those escaping from the bleakest months of the European or North American winter, but Malaysians spend much of their time trying to avoid the heat. Increasingly, people work, play and sleep in air-con. This is especially true of urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, where temperatures … read the full post

It’s a bit like waiting for a bus: you hang round for ages for a major festival, and then five come along in quick succession. First up is Deepavali, then Christmas, (Western) New Year, Chinese New Year, and last but not least, Thaipusam. The latter may not be well known outside southern India, but for … read the full post

Whatever the tourism authorities would have you believe, Malaysia does not do beach half as well as Thailand, particularly for the independent traveller. But the country does have some very attractive beach destinations, such as tiny Pulau Rawa, part of the same chain of east coast islands as Pulau Tioman. Pulau Rawa is one of the … read the full post