1. Kuala Lumpur: Cultural takeover
KL Festival 2026 is your invitation to experience Kuala Lumpur like never before. Running 6–31 May, this 26-day cultural moment transforms the city’s historic core into a living stage, with over 80 events and activations across 25 venues and public spaces, 700 hours of art, music, performances, workshops and immersive installations. It’s all part of Warisan KL’s bold vision to breathe new life into the city’s heritage and soul. Best of all? Most events are free. This is KL at its most creative and alive, so don’t miss it! Visit their website for the full schedule of events. klfestival.com.my
2. Sarawak: Reinventing an icon
Set against an evolving skyline, Pullman Kuching reimagines a 16-year-old icon, blending Sarawak’s soul with modern global energy. The 389 redesigned guestrooms are calm, Borneo-inspired spaces, with soft tones and smart workspaces offering a seamless balance of focus and rest, with views of the Sarawak River or the city.
Days drift by easily: a leisurely swim by the Liquid Pool Bar, after-hours drinks at The Junction bar lounge or linger over Culina’s curated all-day menu.
With Kuching’s largest pillarless ballroom, 13 advanced meeting rooms and a history of hosting high-profile events, it’s a space where lifestyle comforts and business efficiency coexist in a central, polished property. pullmankuching.com
3. Kuala Lumpur: Serve’s up
More than a pickleball court, The PxP in Pavilion Damansara Heights is KL’s latest hub for sports, wellness and social interactions. Serve and smash on custom-built courts, refuel at the restaurant and bar, relax in recovery lounges or work in cosy nooks. An immersive interactive room adds a playful twist for events. thepxp.playbypoint.com
4. Malaysia: A taste to remember
Dôme’s Nasi Lemak Malaysiana is a soulful homage to a beloved classic for Visit Malaysia 2026. Savour slow-cooked coconut basmati rice, signature ayam berempah, house sambal, sambal sotong and a specially prepared pindang egg, then wash it down with teh tarik. Available throughout 2026. @domecafe.malaysia
5. Johor: Luxe getaway
A first for the brand, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast marks its debut beach resort in the region. Inspired by the Malay translation of Desaru, “village of soft palms”, the resort feels blissfully removed from reality, tucked between rainforest and sea and shaded by 300-year-old banyan trees. With just 44 expansive suites and a showstopping four-bedroom Pool Villa, each stay comes with a private plunge pool and a dreamy veranda.
It’s big on family time too, from Junior Chef sessions to nature adventures. At sunset, sip Straits-inspired cocktails at Dusky Monkey or take a buggy to Ember Beach Club for Asian barbecue and laid-back beachside moments. mandarinoriental.com
6. Kuala Lumpur: Soup for the soul
Modu, Malaysia’s first premium Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) specialist, has opened at The Exchange TRX. Diners can choose from six 12-hour, slow-simmered broths – Beauty Collagen, Black Sesame and more – drawn from Korea’s restorative boyang-sik tradition, followed by tofu-based gelato for dessert. modu.com.my
7. Kuala Lumpur: Heads up
Goyo has opened its first Korean head spa at KLGCC Mall, blending neuroscience-driven wellness with a hanok-inspired aesthetic. Misted lighting, soothing aromatherapy and a circuit-style layout feature six single suites, couple rooms, scrub chambers and a luxe lounge. Signature Head Spa treatments include AI scalp scans, personalised rituals and Japan-imported Takara Belmont seats.
goyo.my
8. Kuala Lumpur: Learning beyond borders
Set within Malaysia’s thriving capital, Universiti Malaya occupies a rare position: a campus steeped in history yet fully attuned to the present. Established in 1905, it is the country’s oldest university, with a global outlook that attracts students from across the world.
More than 4,400 students from over 85 countries study here, creating a multicultural campus environment where ideas, cultures and conversations extend well beyond the lecture hall.
The university offers more than 200 programmes across foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Flexible pathways, such as double majors and major-minor combinations, allow students to shape their degree around both academic interests and career goals.
Beyond the classroom, the experience is just as dynamic. Internships, mobility programmes and industry collaborations give students real-world experiences, while partnerships with leading universities worldwide open doors to dual degrees and international exposure. Its embrace of digital learning, from online modules to micro-credential programmes, also keeps education accessible and future-ready. With its wide range of programmes, a multicultural environment and hands-on learning opportunities, students are equipped with the skills and experience needed to compete in a global job market.
Consistently ranked among the world’s top universities – 58th globally and 15th in Asia in the QS Rankings – Universiti Malaya is also a premier research institution.
Additionally, its strategic location between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya puts students close to transport, housing, food and city life, while remaining relatively affordable compared with other major study destinations. um.edu.my
