Already plotting your #traveltomorrow plans? Colour yourself happy with a getaway to these vibrant destinations across the country
1. Sam Poh Tong Temple
Sam Poh Tong Temple is touted to be the biggest cave temple in Malaysia and can be found within the Gunung Rapat area, which boasts the highest concentration of cave temples in the region. Blending man-made beauty with nature, the temple features beautifully carved Buddha statues in various forms, interspersed among the cave’s majestic-looking stalactites and stalagmites.
2. Batu Caves
Last August, the 272 steps leading up to Batu Caves – a Hindu cave temple tucked within the limestone hills of Kuala Lumpur – received an eye-catching makeover, when they were painted over in hues of green, blue, red, purple, orange, pink and white. When viewed from afar next to the temple’s giant golden statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu deity of war, it makes for a colourful sight no traveller to KL should miss.
3. Entopia Butterfly Garden
When Entopia opened its doors in 1986 as the Penang Butterfly Farm, it was the first tropical butterfly and insect sanctuary in the world. Today, visitors can admire 15,000 winged creatures and over 200 species of flora in the sanctuary’s vivarium, along with waterfalls and caves.
4. Crystal Mosque, Terengganu
Located within the Islamic Heritage Park in Terengganu, the Crystal Mosque is widely considered to be one of Malaysia’s most spectacular-looking mosques. Built out of steel and glass, its well-earned name comes from its shiny domes and glistening azan (call to prayer) towers, which reflect the river surrounding the building. The mosque is able to accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers, and in tune with its modern exterior, comes complete with Wifi. Its striking facade also makes it a popular venue for wedding photoshoots.
5. The French-inspired villages of Colmar, Pahang
Colmare Tropicale Resort lets you travel to two ‘foreign’ destinations, all within the span of a day. Located on the slopes of Bukit Tinggi in Pahang, the buildings at this holiday resort feature symmetrical patterns, colourful facades and steep roofs, reminiscent of an old, provincial French village. Visitors walk past a stone bridge and an archway to enter the enclave, which has a moat filled with mallards, ducks and swans.
6. Avatar Garden Penang
Ever wanted to step into a scene of the 2009 film Avatar? If so, Penang’s Avatar Secret Garden is perfect for you. During daytime, this tropical rainforest located along the streets of Tanjung Tokong might fall under your radar. However by night, this section of jungle comes alive into a dazzling sea of fairy lights, fiber optics, neon lights all aglow in a striking and Instragram-worthy hues of pink, purple, green and blue.
7. Street art in George Town
Penang’s George Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and has been rapidly reinventing itself as a tourist destination ever since. It now showcases its unique heritage and culture along with arts, beaches, food and nature. The 109-hectare heritage zone takes in many exceptional old shops and townhouses which are being converted into chic cafés, smart restaurants, trendy bars and stylish shops as well as boutique hotels. Still a work in progress, Penang combines its past with the vibrancy of contemporary Malaysia.
Read more: 10 incredible destinations you won’t believe are in Malaysia
