1. Kuala Lumpur: The biggest show on wheels
After wowing crowds across North America, Europe and Latin America, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire is roaring into Asia, and Malaysia has the distinct honour of kicking things off. Catch it 16–18 October 2026 at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, with show times at 1pm and 8pm. Tickets start from RM118 on Tri-Tix, with special kids’ pricing available, making it a roaring good time for the whole family. hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com
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2. Kuala Lumpur: Luxe KL escape
Fresh off earning its first Michelin Key, The RuMa Hotel and Residences is leaning into what it does best: quiet luxury with real Malaysian soul. The Kuala Lumpur Escape is a curated stay package for discerning Asean travellers, which includes Twin Tower views, bespoke afternoon tea served on traditional congkak boards, wellness rituals at UR Spa, guided heritage walks, cocktails at Seven Lobby Bar and leisurely dining at Atas and Santai, all tied together with thoughtfulness that’s hard to fake. theruma.com
3. Kuala Lumpur: Padel it up
Club Med Malaysia has taken its signature resort spirit off the beach and into the city, partnering with House of Padel at The Campus Ampang for its first urban padel collaboration. It’s a natural fit as sport, community and good vibes are very much in Club Med’s DNA. On the courts, expect junior padel programmes, kids’ coaching, city tournaments with holiday prizes, wellness retreats and the Malaysian debut of the Club Med Padel Cup. clubmed.com.my
4. Kuala Lumpur: Sensory pause
In a city that never slows down, Trove Haven is your permission to pause. The spa offers intentional hands-on treatments from Ayuna and Natura Bissé, two of Spain’s celebrated beauty brands. Expect facials and body rituals
done right, making it worth every minute. Bangsar Shopping Centre and The Starhill; @trovehavenmy
5. Penang: Meet the original Penangite
Long before George Town’s shophouses and street art, there was the “Penang Woman”. The Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery introduces visitors to Malaysia’s first complete Neolithic skeleton through sleek, immersive displays that trace ancient lives, prehistoric crafts and the island’s deep-rooted human story. It’s the kind of place that makes history feel alive, equally rewarding for school groups, archaeology buffs and curious travellers alike. Open daily 8am–5pm (closed on public holidays); RM10 for locals, RM20 for tourists. Facebook/Galeri Warisan Arkeologi Guar Kepah
6. Kuala Lumpur: Brunch, but make it izakaya
Forget the predictable buffet spread. Every second Saturday at Ensō Izakaya & Bar inside Hyatt Regency at KL Midtown, the Roaming Bar Brunch turns the afternoon into a full-blown Japanese flavour festival. Executive chef Masami Okamoto serves up refined izakaya-style plates while award-winning bartender Ivon Soon works the room with tableside cocktail pours. @enso.izakaya.kl
7. Penang: Soak it all in
Penang-born wellness brand The Overthink Co brings Japanese-inspired bath and skincare rituals to The Edison George Town on Leith Street, one of the city’s most beloved heritage stays. Think essential-oil-infused baths – the kind of unhurried wind-down you actually want on holiday. Still can’t get enough? The brand’s flagship boutique (pictured here) is just a stroll away on Beach Street. @theoverthink.co
8. Sabah: Stay by design
Kota Kinabalu’s first creative design stay is everything a hotel should be. The Luma Hotel draws from the spirit of North Borneo’s rainforest, with 115 contemporary-style rooms that offer a strong sense of place. Steps from the Sabah State Museum and the Gaya Street Sunday Market, it’s the ideal base for exploring the city. thelumahotel.com
9. Selangor: Holistic wellness
Malaysia’s next wellness destination is here. Set against a tranquil lake, Ren Wellness Retreat takes a whole-body approach. Partnered with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, it brings together personalised consultations, TCM therapies, rehabilitation, counselling, fitness, resort stays and mindful dining under one roof. Prevention, recovery, balance: everything you need, exactly where you need it. renwr.com
10. Sarawak: Enter the dragon
Not all landmarks announce themselves; this one lets its scale do the talking. Believed to be Sarawak’s largest dragon sculpture, the Musi Dragon in Kampung Musi, Bau is the work of local artist Edwin Goh, blending community pride with raw imagination. An unexpected cultural stop. Facebook/Persatuan Penganut Dewa Lung Hua Kong Musi
11. Kuala Lumpur: C’mon let’s celebrate
KL nights out just got a whole lot more interesting, and the HaveFun Live Show at The Arch Galeries on Jalan Tun Razak is why. With plush private suites and terrace views upstairs and a live entertainment floor below pulsing with more than 20 performers every night, any special occasion becomes one worth remembering. @havefunliveshowmy
12. Kuala Lumpur: Flow state
Alo Yoga’s second Malaysian outpost at The Gardens Mall is every bit the sleek, calm sanctuary the brand is known for. The 223m2 space stocks performance activewear and everyday essentials for men and women. Also available at The Exchange TRX. @alomalaysia
13. Sabah: A treasured trail
Kota Kinabalu’s Atkinson Clock Tower Square and Signal Hill Trail is a huge reason to explore the city on foot. Beginning at the iconic 1905 clock tower, the route winds through a leafy canopy walkway, landscaped terraces and viewing decks before arriving at the Signal Hill Observatory Tower. The tower is currently closed for renovation, but you can still enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline along the trail. sabahtravel.com
