• Stepping Back in Time in Georgetown, Penang: A stroll through the heart of Georgetown reveals old-time shops where you can buy provisions, such as medicine or coffee, or get clothing mended, have bicycles repaired, or even get a shave with a straight razor. Thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, all historical preservation done here is handled extremely carefully, and there are some gorgeous examples of recent restoration here. These streets have some of the best opportunities for travel photography.
  • Embracing Religious Harmony in Melaka: Melaka's "Street of Harmony" stands as a ray of hope for peace among the world's disparate religions. Along Jalan Tokong, the Taoist Cheng Hoon Teng temple, the Muslim Kampung Kling mosque, and the Hindu Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moohi temple are friendly neighbors, demonstrating how the three main religions of Malaysia coexist peacefully. This street, located in Melaka's historical Chinatown district, is a great source of pride for locals, and visitors are warmly welcomed inside each. Not far from here, centuries-old Christian churches are open to visitors as well.
  • Looking for Marine Life: Malaysian dive sites like Pulau Redang, Layang-Layang, and Sipadan are known as some of the world's finest dive spots, but there's no need for PADI certification to enjoy the sights in Malaysia's waters. Wade into almost any cove in the South China Sea with a loaf of bread, and within minutes, you'll be surrounded by a swarm of brilliantly colored fish, swirling around and plucking bread from your fingertips. Rent snorkel or dive gear to see rays, sea turtles, and even small sharks.
  • Shopping for Local Crafts in Kuala Terengganu: The few who make it to Kuala Terengganu on Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast are rewarded with the ultimate Asian handicraft experience. This region is home to many of the country's best cottage industries, and the Central Market offers traditional batik cloth, sarongs, and clothing; songket cloth woven with gold and silver threads; indigo-dyed ikat cloth made into table runners, bed covers, and place settings; basketry of all shapes and sizes; silver worked into hammered housewares or delicate filigree jewelry; brass fashioned into elaborate urns and curio boxes; plus cultural souvenirs like wau (colorful kites), gasing (Malay style tops), and keris (wavy-bladed daggers).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.