MALAYSIA

Last time we were in Malaysia in July 2023 with the family, we spent a couple of days in Malacca soaking up some cool history and vibrant street life. We checked out the famous Dutch Square with all those red colonial buildings, explored the ruins on St. Paul’s Hill, and wandered through Jonker Street at night for street food and souvenirs. We popped into a local museum - the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about Peranakan culture. Riding the super-colorful, music-blaring trishaws (becas) in Malacca—with their flashing lights and cartoon themes—was a total blast for the family and is a must-try city highlight. We cruised past Dutch Square, Jonker Street, and St. Paul’s Hill in style, loving every minute of the fun parade-on-wheels. We also visited the Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, located along Harmony Street; it’s a unique spot with its colorful facade and peaceful atmosphere. 

This year, in June 2025, we headed off to Ipoh and Cameron Highlands. In Ipoh, we visited a couple of pretty unique cave temples—Sam Poh Tong and Nam Thean Tong—and spent some time at Kellie’s Castle, which is this unfinished, slightly spooky mansion surrounded by green hills. After that, we drove up to Cameron Highlands, escaping the heat for fresh air and scenic mountain views. We toured the BOH tea plantation (the tea and the views were both awesome!), got up early to watch the sunrise at Mount Brinchang, had fun at the Butterfly Garden, which was filled with animals, butterflies and other little creatures, and finsihed off by exploring the wide-open flower fields at Flora Park.