Every month, the Going Places team handpicks the best experiences across Malaysia
1. Kuala Lumpur: Time to shine
The 11th edition of Art of Time transforms Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s centre court into a playground for watch lovers from 29 October to 9 November, featuring prestige brands such as Tudor and Breitling. swisswatchglobal.com
2. Kuala Lumpur: Hit the dance floor
The World Bachata Festival takes over the Bentley Music Academy in Mutiara Damansara from 28 November to 1 December. Expect workshops, performances and parties with international artists, DJs and dancers. worldbachatafestival.com
3. Kuala Lumpur: Legendary night
On 8 November, Malaysia’s revered “Queen of Jazz” Datuk Sheila Majid celebrates four decades of music at Axiata Arena with timeless hits like “Sinaran” and “Legenda”. ticket2u.com.my
4. Penang: Ready to get lit
The Georgetown Literary Festival, Malaysia’s largest international literary event, runs from 28 to 30 November. Its 5th edition, themed Urban Myths and Memories, features writers such as Lize Spit, Madeleine Thien and Omar Musa. georgetownlitfest.com
5. Pahang: Cartoon legacy
Founded by cartoonist Abdul Razak Sofihi (aka Aza), the AZA Cartoon Gallery in Jerantut is Malaysia’s first dedicated cartoon and caricature gallery. Visitors can see original drawings, rare publications and rotating exhibits and workshops that nurture young talent. @azaartsgallery
6. Malaysia: Concerts to watch this month
Michael Learns to Rock (“25 Minutes”, “Take Me to Your Heart”) brings their Encore All the Hits tour to Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands on 9 November. rwgenting.com
Craig David’s TS5: Live in Kuala Lumpur show is on 10 November at Mega Star Arena. Get ready to sing along to “7 Days” and “Fill Me In”. myticketempire.com
Rock legends Deep Purple (“Smoke on the Water”) return after 15 years for a one-night-only show on 23 November at Mega Star Arena. ticket2u.com.my
7. Pahang: Royal detour
The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum in Pekan, housed in a former colonial residence for British officials, showcases royal heirlooms from the royal family, traditional Malay weaponry and ancient Chinese porcelain – a rare glimpse into the cultural exchanges that shaped the East Coast. heritage.gov.my
8. Perak: Coveted cup
From 22 to 29 November, Ipoh’s Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium hosts one of Asia’s top hockey events, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, drawing world-class teams. tms.fih.ch
9. Selangor: Sail the open sea
The Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta sets sail from Port Klang’s Royal Selangor Yacht Club from 14 to 22 November. Spanning over 300 nautical miles, the course includes offshore and harbour races around Penang and Langkawi. rmsir.com
10. Selangor: Opera opus
On 15 and 16 November, KL City Opera stages Ravel 150 at PJ Peforming Arts Centre, marking Maurice Ravel’s 150th birthday with a double-bill of piano works and L’enfant et les sortilèges, featuring young performers, the Dignity Foundation and the KLCO ensemble. onetix.com.my
11. Perak: Secret to share
True to its name, Rahsia – meaning “secret” – is a hidden café on the second floor of a shophouse in Ipoh’s Canning Garden. Minimalist interiors and natural light make it a cosy spot for coffee, cakes and conversation. @rahsia.ip
12. Kuala Lumpur: Short and suite
Book a minimum two-night stay in a one- or multi-bedroom suite at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur and enjoy up to 15% savings. The hotel will also throw in complimentary limousine transfers, flexible check-in/out and access to the MO Club Lounge with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Hot tip: suites from the 24th to 30th floors offer sweeping views of the skyline and Petronas Twin Towers. mandarinoriental.com
13. Kuala Lumpur: Distinctive art
At +n by UR-MU on Jalan Tun HS Lee, the highlight exhibition “Strategies of Dissent” showcases nearly 70 works from Ng Sek San’s collection, tracing protest art from the 1990s to today. Visitors can explore sections such as the intense “Tunjuk Perasaan” and playful “Jangan Main-Main”, along with floors on hidden histories and everyday struggles. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am–7pm. ur-mu.com
14.Selangor: Art of placemaking
SP Setia knows how people live, work and grow, and it shows in its award-winning developments. Its projects blend Malaysian culture with modern design, winning hearts and accolades.
Case in point: Setia Eco Templer clinched the Silver Award at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2025 for Residential Low Rise.
Beyond architecture, parks like Setia Utama Park in Setia Alam and LakePoint Park in Setia Alam Impian tell their own stories.
Future-focused projects include Carabella at Setia Alamsari with smart locks and EV-ready conduits, and Nadi 3 at Setia EcoHill 2 with 26-ft frontages and green spaces. Award-winning Setia Safiro highlights thriving eco-friendly communities. spsetia.com
15. Langkawi: Island in the spotlight
As Langkawi gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Datuk Seri Haji Iskandar bin Datuk Mohd Kaus, CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), envisions an island experience that is ambitious yet authentic
“The VM2026 campaign aims to create immersive, sustainable and high-value experiences,” says Datuk Seri Iskandar. New state-level packages will highlight geo-ecotourism, cultural heritage, agro-tourism, health and wellness, gastronomy and Muslim-friendly travel.
To attract global visitors, Langkawi is forging partnerships with airlines, hotels, media and Key Opinion Leaders, supported by incentives such as digital marketing campaigns, travel grants and charter flight promotions.
Visitors can soon enjoy luxury cruises linking Malaysian ports with neighbouring countries, private island escapes at Pulau Singa Besar and year-round water sports including jet skiing, kayaking and snorkelling.
Connectivity is also expanding, with tailored itineraries, cruise-focused experiences and premium wellness offerings. The island also offers hidden treasures such as Telaga Tujuh waterfall, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail.
Yet, the true magic of Langkawi lies in its people. As Datuk Seri Iskandar notes, “This spirit of welcome is not just part of the tourism experience, it is the soul of Langkawi, turning every visit into a lasting friendship.” naturallylangkawi.my
16. Selangor: Luxe escape in the city
If a luxurious stay with sumptuous dining is on your weekend agenda, Sunway Resort is the place to be. Book a 2D1N stay at their one-bedroom pool villa and start your morning with a floating breakfast by your private pool, or opt for an indulgent spread at Sunset Terrace. Come evening, enjoy a three-course dinner for two at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, then unwind with RM200 worth of rejuvenating treatments at Sunway Medispa. The package includes complimentary late check-out until 6pm. All this at RM2,300+, available until 31 March 2026. sunwayhotels.com/sunway-resort
