Malaysia Tourism: Visit Resorts and Restaurants to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Memorable

Malaysia Tourism: Visit Resorts and Restaurants to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Memorable

Malaysia’s popularity as a tourist destination is not just because of its unique offering of sun-kissed beaches but also because of the mesmerizing skyline. Malaysia makes it to most of our holiday destination bucket lists because of the countless experiences it offers, from the sea to the tropical forests to cheap shopping hauls along with the nightlife. This country draws people from all over the world because of the variety of places to visit in Malaysia, such as Langkawi, Penang, and Terengganu. The true beauty of Malaysian tourism is that you can enjoy all the country's different offerings on a budget. Unlike all your other holiday destinations, the list of things to do in Malaysia runs long, and everything is pocket-friendly!

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

As is the diverse experiences that Malaysia tourism provides, so is its geographical location. The country extends in a way that depending on the places to visit in Malaysia, the best time to visit Malaysia differs. It is, however, a tropical monsoon climate. Apart from the seasons, before planning a trip to the country, one must also look out for the festivals that should be at the top of your list of things to do in Malaysia. Avoiding the wet seasons, the best time to visit Malaysia is generally between December and April. Because of the tropical climate, this does not guarantee a completely dry season. You should be ready to experience sudden showers which only add to the excitement of being in the country.

In summer, the best time to visit Malaysia is during the Rainforest World Music Day and the Malaysian Independence Day. When planning things to do in Malaysia, it is best to include these two festivals, which are full of life and entertainment, at the top of the list. Depending on which island you choose to visit, the best time differs. If you plan to go during winter, when the rains are the heaviest, it should be for the celebration of the Chinese New Year, which is the largest festival of the year in the country.

How to Reach Malaysia

While travelling to Malaysia, the best way to reach the country is by air. The flights to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur are often inexpensive. The other major airports that you can choose to arrive at, depending on your decided places to visit in Malaysia, are Senia International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport. If you are travelling around Southeast Asia, you can also choose to fly to neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Thailand and take a flight to Malaysia that will have a short flight duration and affordable tickets.

When looking for other ways how to reach Malaysia, the most exciting option is by sea. As a nation of islands and surrounded by the sea, this makes for an exquisite affair. Since it is connected to other countries closely in South East Asia, you can take the relaxing route by sea and reach Malaysia by ferry. You can take a cruise to Malaysia, which gives you the chance to start your holiday even before arriving at the location. But this is generally a 2-part journey, where you take a flight from India to a neighbouring country, and then depending on where you land, the journey by sea will differ in duration. Singapore and Phuket offer a variety of luxury cruises when you are looking for options on how to reach Malaysia by sea.

Stay with Club Mahindra Malaysia Resort

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where most Malaysian travel guides will lead you, this Club Mahindra Malaysia resort is a testament to a true Malaysian experience. The Parkroyal Services Suites in KL are easy to get to from the airport and right in the soul of the bustling city. If your things to do in Malaysia list include visiting the towering skyscrapers, monuments, and mosques, along with the cheap and exciting shopping hauls, then this is your go-to Malaysia resort. In close proximity to the city’s mesmerizing and extravagant offerings, right from the famous Bukit Bintang to the futuristic elegance of the city seen in the Petronas Towers, it is all from here. For an experience like a local, this resort gives you the perfect balance of fun and style.

Restaurants in Malaysia

Street Food in Malaysia

No trip to Malaysia is complete without trying the iconic street food. Here are some essential dishes:

1. Nasi Lemak: Considered the national dish, nasi lemak is a fragrant coconut rice dish served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and a boiled egg. Kuala Lumpur’s Kampung Baru is famous for its vibrant nasi lemak street stalls.​
2. Char Kuey Teow: A beloved stir-fried noodle dish, char kuey teow combines flat rice noodles, prawns, and bean sprouts in a smoky soy sauce. Penang is celebrated for this dish, attracting visitors eager to sample authentic street food in Malaysia.
3. Roti Canai: A versatile flatbread often enjoyed with dhal or curry, roti canai is available at mamak stalls across Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are ideal places to find this flaky treat and experience the best of Malaysia street food​.

Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Malaysia

For a taste of traditional Malaysian flavors on a budget, these Malaysia restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences without the high price tag.

1. Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock: Designed to reflect a traditional Malaysian coffee shop, Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock combines nostalgia with comfort in its ambiance, capturing the spirit of old Kuala Lumpur. The menu focuses on classic Malay, Indian, and Chinese dishes that make up the local cuisine. Signature offerings include their nasi lemak, a quintessential representation of the food of Malaysia, alongside mee goreng and a traditional Malaysian kopi (coffee). This is a Malaysia restaurant that takes patrons back in time with every meal.
2. Sri Nirwana Maju: Sri Nirwana Maju, located in bustling Bangsar, is known for its banana leaf rice served in a vibrant, casual setting. Here, banana leaves replace plates, adding a layer of authenticity as diners enjoy various curries, vegetables, and the popular fried bitter gourd. The restaurant offers a quintessential food of Malaysia experience with its flavorful vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, all at accessible prices, making it a favorite Malaysia restaurant for both locals and tourists.
3. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul: A must-visit in Penang, this iconic stall serves traditional chendul, a refreshing iced dessert that perfectly complements Malaysia’s warm climate. This Malaysian restaurant offers a unique blend of flavours, with sweet coconut milk and green rice flour jelly capturing the essence of street food in Malaysia. They also serve asam laksa, making it a one-stop shop for sampling two of Penang’s most loved dishes, reflecting the food of Malaysia’s northwestern regions.
4. Kedai Kopi Yee Fung: Situated in Kota Kinabalu, this quaint coffee shop has a relaxed, local vibe, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or lunch. Famous for its laksa and claypot chicken rice, Kedai Kopi Yee Fung provides an authentic taste of street food in Malaysia but with the comfort of indoor seating. Their spicy and tangy laksa is particularly popular and a must-try for travellers wanting to experience the flavours of Sabah.

High-End Restaurants in Malaysia

For those seeking upscale dining, Malaysia’s high-end restaurants bring innovative techniques and fresh, local ingredients to the forefront. These Malaysian restaurants offer refined versions of Malaysian food with an added touch of luxury.

1. Dewakan: Dewakan, located in Kuala Lumpur, is an innovative Malaysian restaurant that pays homage to Indigenous flavours through a fine dining lens. With a minimalist, modern decor, the restaurant emphasizes Malaysia’s diverse local ingredients. Dewakan’s tasting menus include unique dishes like cured mackerel and smoked buah keluak (a local nut) that celebrate the depth and variety of the food of Malaysia, offering diners a refined take on traditional flavours.
2. DC Restaurant: Known for its French-Malaysian fusion, DC Restaurant by chef Darren Chin combines modern elegance with a touch of local flair. The setting is sleek and intimate, making it ideal for a luxurious evening out. The menu features seasonal ingredients prepared with French techniques, including signature dishes like the Hokkaido scallop with Malaysian herbs, presenting a sophisticated experience of Malaysian restaurant dining.
3. Marini’s on 57: Situated atop the Petronas Towers, Marini’s on 57 boasts panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur, offering patrons a glamorous dining experience that pairs beautifully with an Italian-inspired menu. This high-end Malaysian restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and fine wines, making it a preferred destination for those wanting to pair the exquisite food of Malaysia with an unforgettable skyline view.
4. Orinea by Farquhar Mansion: Located in Penang, Orinea offers a Western-Asian fusion menu in a high-end setting with panoramic city views. The ambience is refined yet relaxed, with an emphasis on creating a memorable fine dining experience. Dishes such as truffle-infused risotto and Wagyu beef showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality, positioning it as a top Malaysian restaurant for gourmet dining.

Featured Restaurant: Si Chuan Dou Hua at Club Mahindra’s PARKROYAL Serviced Suites, Kuala Lumpur

For a blend of luxury and authenticity, Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at Club Mahindra’s PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur is an exemplary Malaysian restaurant. Known for its Sichuan cuisine, the restaurant in Kuala Lumpur creates a harmonious balance of flavours that highlights the bold spices and delicate flavours of Sichuan cooking. Guests are treated to an elegant ambience that pairs traditional Chinese decor with modern comfort, making it a standout dining experience among the food of Malaysia. Signature dishes include the Mala Hotpot and handcrafted dim sum, expertly prepared for a memorable culinary journey. Additionally, the restaurant features a tea-pouring ceremony, adding a cultural touch that elevates the dining experience, making Si Chuan Dou Hua a must-visit for those seeking refined Malaysian restaurant options.

About Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India's leading leisure hospitality company, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership. MHRIL offers a 25-year membership along with other products – Bliss, Go Zest, and Club Mahindra Fundays for corporates through its flagship brand, Club Mahindra.

Holiday Club Resorts Oy (HCR), Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe, has 33 Timeshare Properties (Including 9 Spa Resorts) across Finland, Sweden, and Spain.

Visit us at www.clubmahindra.com.