1. Penang: Sleep in heritage luxe
Just opposite Penang’s iconic Blue Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze – The Qing Suites offers a quiet heritage revival. Once the servants’ quarters built in 1904, the restored annexe is now a 13-suite boutique stay where history meets modern hospitality. With serene, design-led interiors and locally crafted details, it feels like how the late tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze might host his most treasured guests. cheongfatttzemansion.com
2. Penang: Speak Hokkien Penang
Rooted in Fujian heritage and shaped by the island’s multicultural rhythm, Penang Hokkien is a dialect full of colour, wit and local soul. Speak Hokkien!, a phrasebook by Netherlands-born Luc de Gijzel, returns with a fresh cover by acclaimed artist Tiffany Choong, featuring over 7,500 entries on daily life, festivals, grammar, expressions and cheeky slang. It perfectly captures Penang’s everyday voice – an essential companion for curious visitors. clarity8.com
3. Penang: Feast for all senses
At Umi Umi Penang, the island’s first dining theatre, dinner turns immersive. Its signature show, The Chronicle of Penang, brings 200 years of history through live performance, music and heritage-inspired courses – a cultural, multisensory night out. @umiumi_pg
7. Sarawak: Sun chasers
Kuching’s Borneo Cultures Museum turns up the heat with “Helios: The Sun”, an art installation celebrating life, humanity and hope, highlighting the sun’s vital role. On view until 17 July. @borneoculturesmuseum
5. Kuala Lumpur: Rare creations
Designed for the modern connoisseur, each Kaimirra piece blends rarity with romance, offering jewellery that moves with you and stories that last a lifetime.
The only brand globally dedicated to spotlighting rare ammolite and extraordinary meteorite, Kaimirra transforms prehistoric fossils and celestial space into wearable art. Ammolite shimmers with iridescent hues born over 66 million years ago, while meteorites carry cosmic patterns from the dawn of our solar system.
Steeped in Malaysian heritage yet embracing a global vision, Kaimirra’s creations are rich in provenance, emotion and individuality. Within this spirit of artistry, Kaimirra unveils Amour Fleur, a poetic collection celebrating love in all its forms.
Available at Isetan KLCC, Isetan Lot 10, Isetan The Gardens Mall, Parkson Elite Pavilion KL and online. kaimirra.com
6. Kuala Lumpur: Roll the dice
Whimsical and full of fun, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur turns game night into a complete escape. Celebrating its spot as the only hotel featured on the Monopoly KL edition, the Stay & Play package brings the game to life with a dedicated play corner, themed amenities, handcrafted keepsakes and curated snacks – all infused with the hotel’s signature local flair. @hotelindigokualalumpur
4. Kuala Lumpur: Get that Raya glow
As Hari Raya approaches with its calendar of open houses and family portraits, glowing skin becomes more than a beauty goal. For Eriyca Baiduri Abd Rashid, better known as Madammu, skincare should be simple, consistent and real.
She started health and beauty brand Noir from her home. Long before flagship stores, she gained a loyal following sharing honest beauty tips on Facebook Live as a full-time housewife.
“Inspiration for Noir comes from the real needs of women who want products that actually work,” she says. Radiant skin isn’t about piling on luxury creams, she says. “I believe in disciplined skincare – proper cleansing, enough hydration and protection.” Her secrets also include good sleep, stress control and balanced nutrition.
With Raya coming up and Noir’s Pavilion Bukit Jalil flagship now open, Madammu recommends the Wrinkle-Corrector Rich Cream and the Wrinkle-Corrector Rich Serum for hydrated, protected skin. noirbeautyworld.com
8. Selangor: School break adventure
School holidays coming up? Here’s a getaway that keeps both parents and kids happy. Designed with families in mind, Sunway Resort Hotel in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur offers spacious rooms such as the Waterventure Terrace, Family Terrace and Family Fun Suite, comfortably hosting two adults and two children with thoughtful in-room kids’ amenities and access to dedicated facilities.
Keep the children entertained at Wonderland Explorers, an interactive kids’ club with role-playing zones and tech rooms. When they’re ready for the outdoors, splash around at Waterventure, a water play area with shallow pools and playgrounds.
Parents can relax in the Premium Leisure Lounge with afternoon tea, cocktails and light bites. Meals range from an elevated breakfast at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill to a dedicated kids’ buffet at Sunset Terrace and indulgent treats at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. With Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Pyramid mall right next door, everything’s effortless, fun and memorable for the whole family. sunwayhotels.com
9. Kuala Lumpur: High steaks
Craving a steak fix? Firewood KLCC, the Klang Valley debut of Penang’s Michelin-selected open-flame grill, serves bold, smoky flavours and is Malaysia’s only spot for Australian Stone Axe full-blood wagyu sirloin. Beyond their premium meat selection, the charred corn and cauliflower are crowd-pleasers, and the Lemon Posset Brulee makes for a perfect, sweet finish. Reserve a table at their Star Boulevard outlet on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng. firegroup.my
10. Kuala Lumpur: Nordic pizza twists
Double Zero Pizza reimagines the classic with a Scandinavian twist – a 72-hour sourdough base topped with Nordic-inspired creations like Duck, Yeah! with rosemary duck confit and Odin’s Lox with beetroot-cured salmon. Natural sodas, kombucha and zero-proof wines round out this inventive Ampang dining spot. @doublezero.pizza
11. Kelantan: Precious threads
In Kota Bahru, Cik Minah Songket keeps Malaysia’s rich weaving heritage alive, with skilled artisans crafting intricate, nature-inspired motifs that have defined Kelantan songket for centuries. @cikminahsongket
