Things to do in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia

Pantai Cenang beach, at the south-western point of Langkawi, is the location of several top class resorts, hotels, spas and restaurants. It is frequented by both locals and tourists, enjoying a meal or shopping against a backdrop of clear blue waters, clean white sand, and coconut trees. Sport enthusiasts will be thrilled to find a wide range of water activities available here, such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana boating. read more »

Located half a kilometre south of Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah offers a slightly different experience from the former. It is quieter than Cenang, and this tranquility makes Pantail Tengah a suitable place to relax and chill out at the various restaurants, outdoor jacuzzis and spas. At night, it comes to life, with its bars and nightclubs popular among people. read more »

Opened in 1995, Underwater World Langkawi has established itself as a huge tourist attraction in Langkawai, drawing huge crowds of local and foreign tourists every year. One of the largest marine and fresh water aquaria in Southeast Asia, it is home to a huge range of marine life, housing more than 200 different species ranging from harbour seals, sharks, giant rays and the huge Amazonian arapaima – the biggest freshwater fish in the world. Underwater World Langkawi is divided into three main sections, namely the Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic sections. read more »

Located in the south of the island Dayang Bunting, the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden is only accessible by boat. It is the largest freshwater lake of Langkawi, created when a huge limestone cave collapsed. It derives its name from the combination of marble and granite bedrocks that formed into a figure that resembles a pregnant woman lying on her back. read more »

Thee Kong Tua, also known as the Jade Emperor's Pavilion, is a Taoist temple beside Penang Hill Railway Station in Air Itam, Penang. According to Taoist beliefs, the Jade Emperor is regarded as the ruler of heaven and creator of man, making him the most important deity. Thee Kong Tua is one of the few temples devoted to him, and the only one in Malaysia. read more »

Constructed in 1845 by a Buddhist monk hailing from Thailand, the Wat Chayamangkalaram (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) in Penang covers 5 acres of land, donated by Queen Victoria of Great Britain to the Thai people. Legend has it that the monk was very fond of the local speciality of Penang, the delicious dish of laksa, and this is reflected by the bowls of laksa brought as offerings to his shrine by devotees. Wat Chayamangkalaram is known for it's large gold-plated Reclining Buddha, said to be one of the largest in the world at 33 meters. read more »

Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendara, is sited 823 metres (2750 ft) above sea level, a short 6 km from the city centre. It boasts cool, clean air and a diverse variety of native plants and animals amidst a rich history dating back to the British colonial rule. The oldest hill station in Malaysia, Captain Francis Light was the first to chart a horse track up the hill. read more »

Set up in 1992 as a studio gallery by internationally-recognized artist Charles Cham, The Orangutan House in Malacca has developed to become one of the most recognizable buildings in Malacca, an iconic landmark of the historical city. At The Orangutan House, visitors can find a range of paintings done by Charles Cham, featuring abstract face and figures painted against bright backgrounds. While not a hit with the local Malaysian community, buyers have flocked from the West to The Orangutan House to buy some of his works. read more »

Kuala Lumpur's very own Chinatown is centred around Petaling Street, and is also known as 'Chee Cheong Kai' (Starch Factory Street), after its early involvement in tapioca production. It came about during the British colonial period, as a place for the Chinese in KL to congregate and settle. It remains steeped in Oriental culture and history, and is known as a place that never sleeps. read more »

Housing more than 7000 artefacts, the Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia is Southeast Asia's largest museum of Islamic Art. It reflects the growing interest in Islamic Art in recent years. Visitors will find an exceptional library of Islamic-art books here, and an extensive collection of art objects on display, ranging from minute pieces of jewelry to the huge model of the Masijid al-Haram in Mecca. read more »

Situated along Burma Lane in Pulau Tikus, the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple has a long history, being founded in 1803. It was known as 'Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple' back then. It is one of the earliest and the only Burmese Temple in Malaysia, and was identified as one of the 15 historic under the 'visit penang year 1988'. read more »