Every month, the Going Places team handpicks the best experiences across Malaysia
1. Sarawak: Rhythm of the rainforest
One of Malaysia’s most anticipated music events, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching, Sarawak, is happening from 20–22 June at the foot of Mount Santubong. This award winning festival brings together 20 music groups from 20 countries, with 184 performers lighting up the stage. Expect a vibrant mix of world music alongside cultural workshops and markets.
2. Selangor: A taste of Italy
Created by owner-chef Simon Phillips, d’Alti Gusti (AG) is a private fine dining kitchen in a Petaling Jaya (Section 21) bungalow that brings people together over good food, fine wine and warm hospitality. Guests are treated to an intimate, five-course Italian tasting menu – each dish reimagined with Phillips’ creative take on the classics and served with stories from the chef himself. Want to get hands-on? Book a masterclass to recreate AG’s dishes or learn pasta-making.
3. Pahang: Birder’s paradise
Save the dates: 20–22 June marks the return of the 36th Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race – Malaysia’s oldest birding competition. Drawing birders, photographers and nature lovers from around the world, the event challenges participants to spot and record as many bird species as possible within 24 hours, with categories for pros, novices and students. There’s also a photo race, photography contest, guided birdwatching tours, talks, exhibitions and booths to explore – all set against the cool, misty charm of Malaysia’s popular highlands.
4. Penang: Stylish escape to Dioriviera
With its blend of colonial-era charm, golden beaches and vibrant city sights, Penang has long been a favourite destination for both local and international visitors. Now, there’s an extra reason to plan a getaway: Dior Malaysia brings its dreamy Dioriviera Pop-up to the island from 13 June to 11 August. First launched in 2018, the Dioriviera capsule collection reimagines the luxury brand’s classic motifs. This season, expect entrancing shades of turquoise and pink. An exciting new variation, Toile de Jouy Palms, depicts a lush jungle. The Dioriviera Pop-up in Penang comes on the heels of a successful showcase in Desaru.
5. Negeri Sembilan: Straight from the garden
The phrase “farm to table” takes on a literal meaning at Aunty Aini’s Garden Café in Nilai. Located at 16th Mile, Jalan Sepang (Kampung Chelet), this home-based restaurant is set within the eponymous owner’s edible garden, where ingredients like hibiscus petals, sawtooth coriander and chilli leaves are grown and used in the kitchen. The setting – a typical Malay kampung – adds to the experience. Negeri Sembilan cuisine is served with pride and a deep respect for heritage. Dishes feature a menu of traditional recipes such as gulai masak lemak cili api (spicy turmeric coconut curry), rendang itik (duck rendang) and pucuk paku kerabu (fiddlehead fern salad).
6. Kuala Lumpur: Fashionable art
Footwear brand Skechers has teamed up with Kedah-born artist Haris Rashid, turning nature into wearable art. Featuring tees and totes adorned with local flora, fauna and cultural motifs, the limited-edition SkechVibe Collection blends Haris’ bold, heritage-inspired style with everyday comfort. Available at select Skechers stores across KL and online via Shopee and Lazada.
7. Kuala Lumpur: Good coffee, chill vibes
An offshoot of Asylum Coffeehouse in Singapore, this new Bangsar outpost is attracting coffee lovers with its signature Keluak espresso-based blend, roasted right across the Causeway. Set in a bright and cheery space with an inviting patio, the pet-friendly café also stocks tins of roasted beans and quirky merchandise. Don’t miss the PB&J Latte – a made-for-Malaysia blend of peanut butter, milk and jelly jam espresso.
8. Penang: Art for everyone
Making art more accessible, the Kecik-Kecik Group Show returns to Hin Bus Depot in George Town from 6-9 June. Works are priced under RM2,000 – an ideal entry point for new collectors and a boost for local talent. First launched in 2007 by KL-based art lovers and now run by Penang Art District, the show features a vibrant mix of contemporary works from both emerging and established Malaysian artists. This year, each artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Arteesan.
9. Malaysia: Shine bright like a candle
Two Malaysian brands are bringing their own unique glow to the art of home fragrance. Youzenan, founded by former interior designer Catherine Lai, merges art, spirituality and nature. Each soy wax candle is hand-poured with luxe oils from perfume house Drom and adorned with crystals or natural minerals – no two are alike.
Cahaya Candles. From Melbourne to KL, Sheena Teo champions modern self-care with clean-burning candles made from botanical wax and plant-based scents. With eco-friendly packaging and globally sourced ingredients, each candle is a mindful escape.
10. Kedah: Time for a reset
Unplug, unwind and reconnect at an exclusive yoga retreat in Ambong-Ambong Langkawi from 29 June to 3 July. Set in a serene rainforest resort, this intimate experience welcomes all levels – from first-timers to seasoned yogis – for a rejuvenating blend of yoga, meditation and cleansing rituals. Deepen your practice while soaking in the sights and sounds of the island’s lush tropical surroundings.
11. Malaysia: Freeflow fun
According to Trip.com’s latest booking data, Malaysia’s Genting SkyWorlds and Sunway Lagoon rank among Asia’s five most-booked attractions, right up there with Universal Studios Japan, Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland. If you have yet to visit, Genting SkyWorlds in Pahang offers movie-themed rides, immersive attractions and plenty of photo-friendly spots. Meanwhile, in Selangor, Sunway Lagoon packs in seven themed zones of non- stop fun, from splashy water rides to wildlife encounters and spine-tingling haunted attractions.
12. Kuala Lumpur: Tops for the pops
Looking for a special gift for dad this Father’s Day? Kapten Batik has you covered. Founded by two Malaysians passionate about preserving heritage, the brand reimagines classic motifs with bold colours and tailored cuts – perfect for both casual and formal wear. Beyond menswear, the brand offers styles for women and kids, too. Find them in stores across the Klang Valley, Penang and KLIA Terminal 1.
