Malaysia: A Personal Reflection
Malaysia... It wasn't exactly "wow" like some reviews said, but somehow, it's left a little mark on my heart.
I'd had Malaysia on my travel list for ages. Finally, on a trip from Singapore, I got the chance to explore it.
I didn't have huge expectations or over-research. My mindset was simple: let's see what it's like. Now, I want to jot down some thoughts, so I can look back and remember later 🤭
Malaysia isn't picture-postcard perfect. It didn't immediately "wow" me. But the more I travelled, the more I found something genuine, unique, and gentle.
Kuala Lumpur - A City That Doesn't Try Too Hard
KL welcomed me with a light drizzle and grey skies. Maybe the rain made the city feel...real. Not flashy, not pretending to be beautiful, just being itself.
BookXcess impressed me, a truly local spot. A huge, slightly worn bookstore, with shelves upon shelves. But what I loved most were the little vintage corners, dusty and tucked away. The front and sides of the building had the vibes I adore.
Chinatown: quieter than I expected, with old traditional medicine shops and long-standing Chinese restaurants. The old brick roads, a little worn, but with character. Not trying to be modern for tourists, just being authentically Chinese.
I spent the afternoon strolling around Bukit Bintang: a shopping and food hub. Not really my thing, but if you like the hustle and bustle, KL has a "downtown" scene for you.
Melaka
Just a few hours drive from KL, Melaka had a completely different vibe. The pace felt slower.
Wandering around Dutch Square, with the red church, red buildings, and colourful trishaws, felt like stepping into an old postcard.
Jonker Street was quiet during the day, but came alive with lights and energy at night. Sitting by the Melaka River in the late afternoon was super chill, listening to the water and watching the boats go by, almost sleepy...because it was so peaceful.
Penang
George Town – this was my favourite spot.
The city felt like an architectural harmony of British, Chinese, and Dutch influences:))). Pastel houses, wooden doors, balconies... so many colours and styles... so interesting.
Wandering through the street art alleys, I saw the culture and daily life of the locals painted on the walls. It felt less like decoration and more like art telling a story – so unique.
Penang is small, with fewer sights, but its character is strong :))
I spent a whole day walking around the small streets of George Town. I didn't plan much, just followed my instincts. I discovered so many cool things, like old cafes with faded signs, vintage shops hidden in alleys, and old murals telling stories.
Something lovely around every corner. Just a little foot-weary.
Food
Malaysian cuisine is a playground for your tastebuds: a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavours. Because of its Halal nature, the taste might be a little different. Some might find it difficult to get used to. I'm not a fan, I run from Indian spices. I recommend trying nasi lemak (coconut rice, dried fish, and sambal).
I didn't love Malay food, but travelling is about experiencing things, so that's okay. I mostly found Chinese food to satisfy my hunger. Delicious.
Getting Around
I used Grab almost the entire trip. So cheap, so convenient. I also walked a lot, so I...lost weight.
In Summary
Malaysia isn't trying to be "flashy". But if you're looking for a trip that's:
- Not pretentious or noisy
- Not expensive or chaotic
- Enough to slow down and breathe deeply
- And enough to remember later...
...then Malaysia might be perfect for you.
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