20 Pictures That Will Inspire You to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia is such a beautiful and diverse country. Its population of over 32 million people is mainly made up of three cultures, Malaysians, Chinese Malaysians and Indian Malaysians. Because of this there is no shortage of various traditions to experience from Hari Raya, the end of Ramadan in June to Chinese New Year in January/February depending on the Lunar Calendar and the Hindu festival Deepavali which falls in November.

It also means there is a vast array of food to taste - from local Malay dishes such as Nasi Lemak and Rojak, Chinese Char Kuey Teow and Wonton Soup and Indian specialties like Banana Leaf Rice and Roti Canai. Tourism in Malaysia is increasing year on year with a significant lift of 4% in 2016 from 2015, it's economy is becoming stronger, there is much talk of Malaysia becoming a high income country by 2020 and it helps that the weather is good here most of the year round with the exception of monsoon season in some parts of the country.

All of these reasons and the below 20 pictures should go towards inspiring you to book Malaysia as your next destination.

1. Petronas Twin Towers

KL isn't KL without thinking of the Petronas Towers. The best viewpoints are from Skybar, located on the 33rd floor of The Trader's Hotel or across looking back from the KLCC park. Make sure you go around dusk so you can see the lights come on.

2. Markets, markets, markets

You cannot go too far in Malaysia without coming across some form of a market. Whether it be a fresh produce day market or a street food night market, there are lots to choose from and all amazing in their own way. My favourite markets across the country are:

- Jonker Night Market, Malacca

- Bangsar Sunday Market, Bangsar

- Ipoh Walk Night Bazaar, Ipoh

- Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Georgetown, Penang

3. Street Art of Penang

Penang is famous for it's street art. Ernest Zacharevic who hails from Lithuania, has splashed his creative, rustic pieces all over Georgetown for free enjoyment. There is a trail map you can find on Google or more than likely your hotel/hostel will provide you with one when you check in. There is lots of other street art besides Ernests' so you will have lots to see and snap.

4. Clear Blue Waters and White Sand of Perhentian Islands

Some of the best beaches in Malaysia are found over on the east coast side, Perhentian Islands being one of the main spots. Perhentian Besar is the more exclusieve, resort type destination whereas Perhentian Kecil (below image) has a more laid back feel to it with more budget accommodation and shack type bars and restaurants.

5. Lanterns during Chinese New Year at Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in South East Asia. It is impressive all year round due to it's intricate detailing and beautiful colourings, however during Chinese New Year it is even more so for the elaborate decorations for the holiday. There are red lanterns poised from every possible location. It really is a spectacle to behold.

6. The Blue Mosque

Unknown to most tourists, the Blue Mosque or Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque is one of the most stunning mosques around. It is always lovely to see by day however at night when it is lit up it really is like something out of a Disney movie. You can take a free guided tour around inside but as a woman remember to cover those knees and shoulders.

7. Rafflesia Flower in Borneo

Rafflesia is the largest and one of the smelliest flowers in the world. It can only be found in South East Asia mainly in Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. It has a short 5 day life span so it can be very rare to spot one. This beauty was seen in Borneo, Malaysia.

8. Kuching Laksa in Sarawak

Laksa is always an amazing bowl of goodness, however there is just something about the Sarawak Laksa that has a cutting edge on the rest. I guess that is why it is uber famous all over Malaysia. The best Laksa I have ever had was from Poh Lam Laksa stall at Chong Choon Cafe in Kuching. They have seriously perfected the Laksa art.

9. Sabah City Mosque

Sabah City Mosque is similar in colouration to The Blue Mosque mentioned above however there is something extra special about this one, mainly due to the still waters out front causing a mirrored effect as in the below pic.

10. The Tea Plantations of Cameron Highlands

Many people enjoy the Cameron Highlands when visiting Malaysia due to it's much cooler climate. This climate is perfect for growing tea which is what this area is famous for. The main plantation is BOH which is lovely to take a trip to, see inside their tea factory and buy some of their tea from a vast selection of flavoured varieties. The views are pretty spectacular too, beware of the climb up, it is steep but worth it when you get to the top.

11. Jalan Alor Street Food Street in Kuala Lumpur

When in Asia it is so important as a foodie to try as much food as possible in the most authentic way possible. While Jalan Alor is quite a touristy area, you can expect the food to be top quality street food and also at rather surprisingly at non-touristy prices as well. The atmosphere is electric, having that real Asia hawker style feel. Sai Woo restaurant is my no. 1 choice on Jalan Alor.

12. Sunset in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Everyone loves a sunset. There is something quite soothing about the transition of day to night. Some of my favourite sunsets were on my 7 day holiday to Sabah. Every night was quite different to the previous yet each had it's own special individuality.

13. Rickshaws in Malacca

Rickshaws are quite a common form of transport for tourists throughout South East Asia however no one has as much fun with them as the rickshaw drivers in Malacca. They are adorned from top to toe with all kinds of kids characters from Despicable Me minions, Hello Kitty to Winnie the Pooh. If you are considering taking a trip in one, wait until night when the drivers switch on the lights and crank the music.

14. High Tea in the Orchid Conservatory at The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

I love High Tea. It is one of my favourite things to do with my girlfriends. One High Tea in particular blew me away and that was my experience at The Majestic Hotel. You can book a normal High Tea in their big dining room or you can go that one step further and treat yourself to an afternoon in their Orchid Conservatory. Throughout your exquisite High Tea, you are surrounded by fresh, colourful orchids of all kinds adorned across all of the walls. The staff are dressed superbly in crisp white dinner jackets and bow ties and they are so attentive not to mention the savoury and sweet treats are beyond delectable. 10/10 for me.

15. Lights of I-City

I-City is located approximately 30 minutes outside of KL city. I had never heard of this place despite living so close by in Subang Jaya. It was only when I read about it in a local newspaper that I decided to visit. We went on a Saturday night which has to be the busiest night of the week. I was not expecting the huge crowd this place had drawn. According to some friends, this is a super popular spot for Malaysians to come with their family on the weekends. You can understand why as the whole place is full of multi coloured pretty lights, theme park rides, lots of fun for the kids and best of all the night temperature is a lot cooler making it more enjoyable.

16. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Merdeka Square is one of the most visited spots in KL City. It is steeped in history and is where the National Parade takes place every year at the end of August. One of the impressive buildings is directly across from Merdeka Square and it is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building which is currently home to the Ministry of Information. As with many other buildings throughout Malaysia, the architecture is so admirable. KL city is a balanced mix of modern meets traditional.

17. Street Art of Ipoh

Following on from Ernest Zacharevic's successful and stunning street art in Penang, he then moved on to Ipoh in Perak with some more inspiring pieces. There were seven that he originally carried out however unfortunately rumour has it that one of them was painted over by the owner of one particular building. Not to worry there are still six more fab pieces to see.

18. Thaipusam Festival at Batu Caves, Gombok

I visited the Batu Caves on numerous occasions with various friends and family when showing them around KL however no visit will compare to the one we took with our Indian friend to Thaipusam festival. I could not get over the crowds, the action and the traditions that all unfolded before my eyes in a 2-hour stint. There was colour, offerings, kavadis, confetti, lights and traditional music along with memorabilia and food stalls. It was my most hectic, enriching experience so far in KL and I can't wait till next year already.

19. The Best Indian Food at Chat Masala, Little India, Brickfield's

It is very hard to find bad Indian food in Kuala Lumpur. There are so many restaurants serving up the most amazing dishes from rotis to tosais to the sweet coconut appam. My mind was blown however when I came across Chat Masala. Their unique, mouth watering flavours bring me back time and time and time again. I just did not know that it was possible that I could try any better food than what I had already experienced so far but Chat Masala proved me so wrong and I couldn't be happier about that!

20. Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

Kek Lok Si is such a beautiful temple found high up on the Penang Hill. Not only is the architectural detail totally mesmerizing but the views of Georgetown from the top are just incredible. If you are an avid lover of a good photo then this is the place to come. It is impossible not to get a good shot from any angle.