Every month, the Going Places team handpicks the best experiences across Malaysia
1. Kuala Lumpur: Let’s get loud
From 17 to 26 Oct, KL turns into Southeast Asia’s creative hotspot with RIUH x ASEAN 2025. Think 200 brands, 100 food stalls, 40 performances, 30 workshops and 20 cool activations. It all kicks off early with Riuh Gallery on 1 Oct, popping up around Klang Valley with indie music, comedy, and art. And don’t miss the first-ever FrequenSEA ASEAN Music Conference on 21 Oct. @riuhinthecity
2. Kuala Lumpur: A decade of great food
Nobu Kuala Lumpur marks 10 years with a special menu prepared by the legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself on 9 & 10 October. The next day promises an unforgettable dining experience, priced at RM522 nett per person. noburestaurants.com
3. Kuala Lumpur: Minimalist dining, rich flavours
On the 37th storey of Ilham Tower, K takes Japanese kaiseki and gives it a Malaysian twist, with local gems like Bario rice and turmeric buds alongside precise, elegant plating. Every dish tells a story of respect for produce – from charcoal-grilled Sabah lobster to biodynamic century egg with burnt coconut jelly. With only 12 seats, it’s a rare, refined way to taste how Malaysia’s ingredients shine on a global stage. @kkualalumpur
4. Sabah: Birds of a feather
The Borneo Bird Festival at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre is part competition, part celebration of biodiversity. The 24-hour Bird Race pushes teams to spot the most species, but it’s the guided walks, talks and photo contests that remind you how rich and fragile Malaysia’s ecosystems are. borneobirdfestival.com
5. Sarawak: High-stakes race
Catch the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta from 25 to 27 Oct at Kuching Waterfront. Teams from around the world race to the beat of the drum, with cultural shows and local eats adding to the festive vibe. regatta.sarawaktourism.com
6. Kuala Lumpur: Tutus and pirouettes
Swan Lake glides into KL on 11 Oct, performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre at Plenary Hall, KLCC. Featuring soloists from the legendary Mariinsky Theatre, it’s a must-see for ballet fans. megatix.co.id
7. Kuala Lumpur: Five-star stay
Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, IHG’s first Kimpton in Malaysia, opens with 466 rooms designed for stylish, modern living designed by Hassell Studio. From skyline views and lush textures to witty brand touches like social hours and the “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” amenities kit, it’s a fresh reminder that Malaysia’s capital is constantly reimagining how we travel and stay. @kimptonnaluriakl
8. Kuala Lumpur: Run for a good cause
The KL Standard Chartered Marathon returns 4 & 5 Oct with a new route from the city centre to Stadium Merdeka. Join the Run For A Reason initiative and support charities with every step. kl-marathon.com
9. Kuala Lumpur: Live the magic
Hong Kong-born singer Jackson Wang hits KL on 25 Oct as part of his MagicMan 2 World Tour. With his latest album breaking Billboard records, expect a high-energy show. Venue TBA, so stay tuned. @teamwang
10. Kuala Lumpur: For meat’s sake
Maria’s SteakCafe now serves certified Kobe beef – a big milestone for their 25-year journey. Meanwhile, Plan New has brought MiGyeongSan Hanwoo to Malaysia. This halal-certified beef, richer and rarer than even the renowned Hanwoo, is prized by connoisseurs for its buttery texture and deep flavour. Grab it at Culina, Four Seasons Shoppes. marias.com.my @plannew.my
11. Kuala Lumpur: Where couture dreams are made of
Fashion lovers, head to Rizman Ruzaini’s new flagship at Shangri-La KL. Known for red-carpet glam and Dubai Fashion Week looks, their two-and-a-half-floor space is a haven for bespoke couture. @rizmanruzaini
12. Selangor: Rave it up
Before the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (23 to 26 Oct), party hard at the MotoGP pre-party on 18 to 19 Oct. HardTech and Transmission take over the Sepang Circuit Helipad with acts like Sub Zero Project and Tweekacore. ticketmelon.com
13.Kuala Lumpur: Dancing in the moonlight
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for reunion – and Malaysia makes it delicious.
- Oversea upholds its tradition of crafting mooncakes from recipes passed down since the 1980s. Think Lotus, Shanghai, Golden Starlight and the indulgent Musang King Durian flavours. overseamy.com
- Four exquisite flavours comprise Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur’s limited-edition mooncake set: White Lotus with Single Yolk, Momoyama Green Tea with Red Bean Coconut, Jade Custard and Citrus Red Bean. @imperiallexiskl
- Dim sum chef Tan Tiong Guan crafts a refined selection of baked and snow skin mooncakes for Li Yen at The Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
- Choose four among eight available flavours from W Kuala Lumpur’s mooncake collection. We like the Shanghai Pandan Lotus and Chocolate Lotus with Sea Salt. w-hotels.marriott.com
- Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur introduces new flavours such as Dubai Chocolate, Red Velvet Avocado and Milky Pecan Nuts & White Lotus Paste along with an expanded selection. mandarinoriental.com
14. Malaysia: Save the forests
Ever wondered what keeps Malaysia’s rainforests green and thriving? Behind the scenes, the Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) is driving conservation through its Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC), which supports initiatives ranging from gazetting new forests and developing management plans to restoring degraded areas and empowering local communities. Each FCC is tailored to the unique needs of different ecosystems, ensuring lasting impact, with six FCC projects currently underway in Kedah, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah and Sarawak. myforestfund.com.my
15. Malaysia: Ready, jet-set, shop!
At KLIA, even duty-free comes with perks. Spend RM450 with a Maybank credit card (Mastercard, Visa or American Express) and get RM45 back – a savvy reason to linger longer at Malaysia’s international gateway. maybank.my/eraman
16. Terengganu: Coastal gems
Terengganu keeps its traditions alive through festivals that mix culture and community. Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, Tourism Terengganu director Hilman bin Hajijan tells us about the state’s must-visit attractions and cultural experiences.
Join the locals in the age-old tradition of squid jigging at the Candat Sotong Carnival, held between April and August when squid spawn near the shore. After nightfall, fishermen lure them with bright lights before catching them on special hooks – a ritual now celebrated with live music, food stalls and cultural performances.
Equally anticipated is Karnival Pantai, which draws over 150,000 visitors annually. Browse stalls selling traditional kuih and handcrafted goods, and enjoy the festive vibe with cultural showcases and themed-stall competitions. “This event is a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products,” says Hilman.
For a magical Ramadan experience, Pelita Raya lights up the season with rows of glowing lamps arranged in intricate patterns – a nod to the traditional kerosene lamps used to decorate lawns during the holy month.
Add riverside charm to your trip at Dataran Batu Putih and the Marang Floating Market, where you can watch artisans make nisang coffee, dodol and nipah roofs – an authentic glimpse into local traditions.
And don’t leave without seeing Kuala Terengganu’s iconic drawbridge, the first in Southeast Asia and inspired by London’s Tower Bridge. Adorned with Islamic motifs, it’s at its most breathtaking during sunset. terengganutourism.com; beautifulterengganu.com
Hilman’s hot tips:
1. Rent a bicycle to explore the kampungs, stopping to chat with local vendors and experience everyday life.
2. Ask locals for the best spots to try Terengganu’s famous nasi dagang, keropok lekor and laksam.
3. Respect reef and coral conservation – avoid damaging marine life while snorkelling or diving, and always choose licensed eco-operators.
