Every month, the Going Places team handpicks the best experiences across Malaysia
1. Penang: Be at the centre of it all
Amid a sea of boutique hotels, The Edison George Town stands out, blending heritage charm with modern luxury. Originally a grand 1906 mansion designed by architect David Nathaniel for tycoon Yeo Wee Gark, it later became a hotel and is now a conservation icon. Staying here means waking up in the heart of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage zone, perfectly placed to explore the island’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture and legendary street food. With only 35 rooms, personalised service is a given. A 24-hour complimentary snack lounge – stocked with nostalgic Malaysian childhood treats and fresh fruits – adds a thoughtful touch that keeps guests coming back.
2. Kuala Lumpur: Rhythm and blues
Get ready for a night of soulful melodies as the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) sets the stage in honour of International Jazz Day. On 26 April, the MPO presents a musical journey that blends timeless classics with a modern Asian twist. Under Gerard Salonga’s masterful baton, the night brings together Kuala Lumpur’s vintage pop trio, The Shang Sisters – featuring Janet Lee, Winnie Ho and Mian Tan – who infuse nostalgic favourites with fresh reinterpretations. Joining this stellar lineup is WVC, one of the region’s top contemporary ensembles, ensuring an unforgettable performance filled with pure rhythmic magic.
3. Kuala Lumpur: Less is more-ish
Tucked behind an unassuming façade along Jalan Kemuja in Bukit Bangsar, Studio offers a dining experience you won’t forget. At the helm are Christian Recomio and Jenifer Kuah, who blend warm hospitality with bold, flavour-forward cooking, all set against a backdrop of moody greys and soft lighting.
The menu reflects chef Christian’s Scottish roots and global adventures, with an emphasis on the sea, comforting flavours and creative reinterpretations. A standout dish? Crispy local potatoes with whipped rosemary mascarpone, rosemary oil and sticky jus gras, served with warm crème fraîche rolls and cultured butter – simple yet remarkable.
The restaurant was one of the first to champion natural wines in Malaysia, offering pairings that bring out the best in every bite. Thoughtfully crafted yet refreshingly unpretentious, Studio proves that when it comes to great dining, less really is more.
4. Kuala Lumpur: Your luxe beauty destination
In just two years, Trove has made its mark in luxury beauty, curating niche fragrances and premium skincare. Think avant-garde scents from Lesquendieu and The House of Oud, plus powerhouse brands like Niance, Cellcosmet and Espa. With boutiques at The Starhill, Pavilion Damansara Heights and The Exchange TRX, it is the go-to for beauty lovers – whether for a rare perfume or transformative skincare.
5. Malaysia: Set sail for adventure
Sailing through some of Asia’s most exciting destinations – including Penang, Port Klang, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and South Korea – the Costa Serena offers world-class dining, sparkling pools, a luxurious spa and a grand theatre, creating the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Part of Costa Crociere’s Italian cruise fleet, the Costa Serena starred in Cruise Ship Diaries and witnessed Hwajing Travel & Tours make Malaysia a cruise homeport.
6. Negeri Sembilan: Golden years shine bright
Forget everything you think you know about retirement – Millennia Village is redefining senior living with style, community and purpose. As Malaysia’s first purpose-built senior living resort, this lush 32-acre sanctuary in Seremban just an hour from Kuala Lumpur is where golden years shine even brighter. Each resident’s room is thoughtfully designed with warm hues, expansive windows for natural light and private balconies overlooking stunning landscapes.
The resort is equipped with facilities including a gym, swimming pool, a multipurpose studio, a library, games room, theatre and event spaces for up to 200 guests. Daily activities like tai chi, line dancing, senior yoga, aqua aerobics, arts and crafts and even a community kitchen offer endless opportunities to learn, move and connect.
Dining is an experience in itself at Saffron, the resort’s all-day restaurant, while The Rooftop provides a more laid-back setting with drinks and panoramic views – the perfect spot to toast to the good life.
7. Perak: Hometown inspiration
Malaysian contemporary art is making waves, and Zulkefli Jais is at the forefront. He recently represented the country at the prestigious Gwangju Biennale in South Korea, where he showcased “Project Temporary Marking” – a deeply personal yet globally resonant installation rooted in his hometown, Teluk Intan in Perak.
His birthplace continues to inspire his work, resulting in his latest, “Project: Found Fossil”. A permanent public sculpture at Kapallorek Art Space, he envisions it as a time capsule bridging the past and future through a retro-futuristic lens – one fossilised artifact at a time.
Visiting Perak? Let Zulkifli’s artistic journey be your guide to the state’s thriving creative scene, from indie galleries to hidden cultural gems.
Kapallorek Art Space. Founded in 2014 by artist Fadly Sabran, this independent, non-profit space in Seri Iskandar is a hub for emerging new media artists. Beyond exhibitions, it hosts workshops, performances and dialogues, fostering local talent while facilitating connections between creative minds across borders.
PORT. People of Remarkable Talents (PORT) is more than a name – it’s a movement. Backed by the Perak state government, this cultural powerhouse has been shaping the arts scene since 2011. Through festivals, exhibitions and bold programming, PORT champions both local and international talent, making it a hub for creative expression and exchange.
LAKAR. Laman Karya Lumut (LAKAR) is Lumut’s creative heartbeat, where artists, musicians and creatives gather. With a recording studio, video production setup and weekly concerts, the place is always buzzing. Beyond the arts, you’ll find thrift stores, galleries, hip cafés and even a hostel – perfect for backpackers eager to soak in the scene.
8. Johor: A coastal retreat that feels like home
Wake up to the sound of waves and step onto your private deck, where soft sand and endless sea stretch before you. Nestled in Johor’s sought-after coastal town, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences blends luxury with beachfront living, offering a serene retreat that’s also a smart investment. Choose between a single-storey beachfront villa or a grand duplex villa, both featuring four elegant bedrooms, open-plan living spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light.
Designed for families and entertaining, the duplex villa includes an extended pool deck, private bar, mini theatre and a sun lounge with panoramic ocean views. Residents enjoy full access to the adjacent Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villa’s five-star amenities, from indulgent spa treatments and world-class dining to dedicated clubs for kids and teens.
A resort-managed rental programme adds extra convenience. Easily accessible via the Senai–Desaru Expressway or a direct ferry from Singapore, the residences are minutes from Adventure Waterpark, the renowned Els Club golf course and pristine beaches – offering endless ways to unwind.
9. Selangor: No ordinary bookstore
Located in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, Sunda Shelves is more than a bookstore – it’s a love letter to nature. Founded by conservationists Surin Suksuwan and Dylan Jefri Ong, this literary haven invites travellers and book lovers to explore stories of biodiversity, adventure and our connection to the planet. Adding to its charm is a cosy café, the perfect spot to unwind with a good book and enjoy its signature Maleepap curry puff. For those looking for a lighter read, Sunda Shelves offers a thoughtfully curated selection of fiction for children and adults, inspiring readers to explore, imagine and see the world through a different lens.
10. Kuala Lumpur: Inspired living
Poltrona Frau unveils its gorgeous new Bangsar showroom in partnership with Stanzo Italia, offering a haven for design lovers. Spanning two levels, it invites visitors to explore a seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary elegance. The showroom also welcomes Ceccotti Collezioni, introducing Malaysia to its exquisite Tuscan craftsmanship.
11. Penang: Seas the day
The all-new M Social Resort is turning heads in Tanjung Bungah, a prime beachfront escape just minutes from Batu Ferringhi. This chic retreat offers 318 stylish rooms and suites across two contemporary towers, plus a stunning outdoor pool for all-day fun.
The Azure Wing is perfect for families, with spacious rooms designed for parents and little ones to relax in comfort. Looking for breathtaking ocean views? The Sunset Bay Wing delivers panoramic vistas of Penang’s northern coast.
Dine at Beast & Butterflies for Peranakan-meets-global flavours, sip handcrafted drinks at The Social Hub or enjoy poolside snacks from Breezy Bites.
12. Malaysia: Designed to travel far
For 50 years, Tumi has been a trusted companion for travellers, professionals and adventurers alike. The brand celebrates this milestone with “Made for You Since 1975”, a campaign that spotlights the diverse lifestyles of its customers, featuring timeless collections like Alpha, Voyageur and 19 Degree. Some pieces have become icons. The Alpha International Dual Access Carry-On is a go-to for frequent flyers, designed for effortless organisation and quick accessibility. Meanwhile, the Voyageur Celina Backpack offers a stylish yet practical way to stay organised, whether you’re navigating daily life or heading off on your next adventure. But the journey is far from over. With exciting new launches on the horizon, you might just discover your next perfect travel companion.
13. Selangor: Out-of-town nostalgia
Ninja Private Kitchen is a hidden gem in Sekinchan, 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur. The brainchild of celebrity photographer Zung Heng and his family, this reservation-only spot offers Teochew home cooking with fresh seafood and nostalgic charm. Dine amid batik-draped tables, vintage keepsakes and teepees beneath an open sky. Nearby, haystacks, a retro bicycle and a bamboo tub complete the dreamy setting.
14. Kuala Lumpur: A warm embrace for the soul
For some, coffee is a ritual, a comfort or a moment of indulgence. Since 1995, Dôme Café has been shaping Malaysia’s café culture, now with 20 outlets nationwide. Its latest chapter unfolds at The Gardens Mall, where a newly relocated space on the first floor introduces a bakery-style concept, serving fresh pastries and artisanal bread. Signature treats include the Nutella Cruffin, Chocolate Tartlet, Lemon Curd Cruffin and Crème Brûlée Tartlet – each a delightful bite. Start your day right with Dôme Café’s RM16+ Morning Coffee & Croissant combo, available daily at all their outlets until 12pm.
15. Malaysia: Cosmic timing
Bell & Ross charts a new course with the BR-03 Astro, a limited edition of 999 pieces that reimagines timekeeping through celestial movement. At its core, a satellite completes its orbit around the Earth in 60 seconds, the Moon tracks the minutes and Mars displays the passing hours. The aventurine quartzite dial mirrors the night sky, creating an illusion of endless exploration. Encased in 41mm black ceramic, it features an anti-reflective crystal hollowed at the centre in the shape of a spherical cap, amplifying the depth of Earth’s image. A true collector’s piece, the BR-03 Astro is crafted for visionaries who measure time in light-years.
