Every month, the Going Places team handpicks the best experiences across Malaysia
1. Get front row at KL Fashion Week
From 4-10 Aug, KLFW turns Suria KLCC into a catwalk, bringing out the best of Malaysian fashion talent. Look out for exclusive capsule launches, fashion talks, celeb appearances and a whole lot of street style inspo. instagram.com/klfashionweek
2. Celebrate a jazz icon’s 20 years on stage
From 15-17 Aug, Janet Lee lights up DPAC with Lucky Lee, a genre-blending musical journey featuring jazz, theatre, storytelling and multilingual flair. Directed by Nell Ng with music by Tay Cher Siang, this is Malaysian stagecraft at its most dazzling. dpac.com.my
3. Catch a concert (or three)
Music lovers, Malaysia’s stages are on fire this August. Hong Kong legend Jacky Cheung returns to Kuala Lumpur for two epic weekends (15-17, 22-24 Aug) as part of his “60+ Concert Tour”. Expect cinematic water-themed visuals, a 53-piece orchestra, dramatic rain effects and more at Axiata Arena. On 16 Aug, get nostalgic with Richard Marx at Resorts World Genting (an hour’s drive from Kl Sentral) – sing your heart out to “Right Here Waiting” and “Endless Summer Nights”. Meanwhile, K-pop fans, mark your calendars! RIIZE lands in Petaling Jaya on 16 Aug at IDEA Live Arena with their RIIZING Loud tour, serving Y2K aesthetics and infectious dance-pop. starplanet.com.my, rwgenting.com, my.bookmyshow.com
4. Go full anime in Selangor
From 23-25 Aug, the AniManGaki festival takes over Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre with its wild mix of anime, manga, gaming tournaments and cosplay. This year’s edition promises a sensory overload for ACG superfans. Come for the fantasy, stay for the fanfare.
animangaki.com
5. Celebrate Merdeka in the capital
Malaysia’s National Day Parade returns on 31 August at Dataran Merdeka, the historic site where independence was first declared in 1957. Expect marching bands, cultural showcases, military parades and evening fireworks. Pro tip: arrive early, take public transport and dress for the heat.
6. Sip tea with a twist in Damansara Uptown
Two years after reimagining the grab-and-go tea scene, Beca Tea has entered a new chapter with a refreshed flagship in Damansara Uptown. Designed by Wünderwall, the sleek, fluid space blends water features and generative art – modern zen with an edge. Run by fourth- and fifth-gen tea makers from one of KL’s oldest tea families, Beca is rewriting the rules of tea culture. Its new “experience menu” trades tradition for play: choose from DIY Tea Mixology, co-created with award-winning mixologist Tracia Chan; Tea + Tisane Pairings is brewed tableside, paired with bites like truffle mushroom pielette and vegan chocolate crumble; or an intimate Tea Omakase with CEO PC Koh himself. becatea.com
7. Savour Sabah’s soul food
Over in Kota Kinabalu, Chef Daniele Milliani is shaking up Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s menus by weaving Italian technique with local flavours. Expect dishes made with wild herbs, fresh seafood and a commitment to sustainability – from glass-to-sand recycling to farm-fresh sourcing. His personal pick? Tuaran mee, a humble Sabahan classic packed with heart. instagram.com/shangrilarasaria
8. Escape to a beachside paradise in Johor
Need a mid-month recharge? The Anantara Desaru Coast Residences offers a next-level coastal escape. These beachfront villas are made for laid-back luxury – think private chef-prepared meals, infinity pools, and glass-walled living spaces that open to the sea breeze. This might just be your last chance to own a slice of paradise – or simply indulge like you already do. As an owner, you’ll enjoy 24/7 butler service and full access to the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas’ five-star facilities – from indulgent spa experiences to award-winning dining. There’s also the option to join the resort’s rental programme, seamlessly managed by Anantara’s expert team. anantaradesaru-residences.com
9. Taste Merdeka on a plate
Celebrate Merdeka month with bold bites from Malaysian kitchens reimagining tradition. From kampung classics with attitude to fine-dining flair, here are three hot tables to book now:
Cili Kampung
Known as “Cili Padi” by fans, this modern kampung kitchen brings the heat. Think Asam Pedas Tenggiri, Masak Lemak Hornshell and Sambal Cili Api Chicken served in a cosy-chic space at Suria KLCC. cilikampung.com
Akar Dining
This 26-seater in TTDI is where chef Aidan Low fuses French technique and Japanese precision with Malaysian soul. The Mekar tasting menu stars slipper lobster in pumpkin jus, crab claypot rice, and gula apong–kissed desserts. akardining.com
OpenHouse Conlay
KL’s glam jungle dining room serves up refined heritage fare with flair. Try the Rojak Paku Prawn Salad, Rendang Tok and cult-favourite Cempedak Cheesecake. And don’t skip the six-sambal tasting flight. openhouse.my
