1. Kuala Lumpur: Sweet gifts
Newly opened in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kotsu Kotsu grabs your attention the moment you walk in with its row of light, fluffy cakes displayed in the 4m-long glass counter. The minimalist patisserie draws inspiration from Japan’s culture of thoughtful gift-giving, where travellers bring home sweets as tokens of gratitude and respect. Led by chefs Sho Sasaki and Rina Fukuda, the team crafts cakes that suit local tastes, using halal-certified ingredients while staying true to Japanese techniques.
@kotsukotsukl
2. Kuala Lumpur: Taste of Kerala
Fans of Kayra can now bring the restaurant’s signature warmth home with the Kayra Cooking Series – a collection of time-tested sauces delivering authentic Kerala flavours in just 10 minutes. Driven by requests from loyal diners, owner Meriam Alfonso, a third-generation Keralite-Malaysian, created this series for effortless home cooking. Just heat, add your protein and serve. kayra.com.my
3. Kuala Lumpur: Learning fun
After seven months of upgrades, the National Science Centre reopened in October 2025 with refreshed exhibits and modern facilities. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences and an immersive 360° digital ocean. Malaysia’s first freshwater fish tunnel, a new Prehistoric Trail and family-friendly spaces round out this hands-on learning adventure. psn.gov.my
4. Kuala Lumpur: Sky high
Literally taking dining to new heights is Dinner in the Sky at TREC. Suspended 50m above the ground, this culinary experience pairs a curated Western menu by Ceylon House with breathtaking skyline views. From now until 4 February, up to 22 guests can enjoy a three-course feast in the clouds. dinnerintheskymalaysia.com
5. Kuala Lumpur: Lit sequel
Beloved by book lovers, Kinokuniya has opened its second Malaysian store at Pavilion Damansara Heights. It’s a stylish new space echoing the literary charm of its Suria KLCC outlet, with curated books, stationery and magazines. malaysia.kinokuniya.com
6. Sarawak: Artful escape
In Kuching, Legacy Hill Hotel turns a former property into a 94-room boutique haven that blends European elegance with tropical charm. A retail space featuring rattan crafts by Penan Women Project reflects the hotel’s community spirit. legacyhillhotel.com
7. Selangor: Saddle up
Scenic riverside trails on horseback await at Kelab Berkuda Al Heyzum in Batang Kali. The equestrian club’s Joyride Adventure by the River is perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike, with each ride guided by professional coaches. @alheyzum
8. Kuala Lumpur: You’re golden
Selberan’s Seraphine collection channels the horse’s silhouette and power into easy, polished pieces. In white, rose or yellow gold, its necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings effortlessly bring understated shine and comfortable elegance to any outfit anytime. selberan.com
9. Kuala Lumpur: Soul food
Housed in a beautifully restored pre-war shophouse just steps from bustling food street Jalan Alor, Tong Shin Terrace lets you sample two of the city’s culinary gems – Limapulo’s beloved Peranakan flavours and Omah Jawa’s Javanese dishes – under one roof. @tongshinterrace
10. Penang: Making a splash
Opened in December 2025, the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery is Penang’s new cultural landmark. The seven-storey, turtle-shaped building along The Light Waterfront in Gelugor spans 88,000 sqft, showcasing hundreds of works by the China-born, Singapore-based artist Lin Xiang Xiong alongside global talents. lxxartgallery.com
11. Perak: Dredge it up
Just a 40-minute drive from Ipoh, Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No 5 (TT5) is Malaysia’s last remaining tin dredge and a window into the country’s tin-mining heritage. Built in 1938 and operational for 44 years, it is now open to visitors, who can explore the sprawling dredge and enjoy scenic views of the Kinta Valley Geopark, making for a fun outing. tt5perak.com
13. Kuala Lumpur: Art-tea sips
Chagee’s new flagship at WOLO KL elevates the tea-bar experience with its striking Culture Wall. Malaysian artists Afi Sulaiman and Charmaine Kamal blend illustration and fibre art to create a space where tea and creativity come together in a sensory-rich moment. chagee.com.my
