1. Kuala Lumpur: Creativity under one roof
In the heart of Bukit Bintang, GMBB is a 10-storey space for Malaysia’s arts, culture and independent creative scene. Home to more than 100 artists, artisans and creative businesses, it brings together studios, galleries, artisanal craft stores, independent bookshops, creative retail concepts and local eateries. Workshops, exhibitions and events take place throughout the year, giving visitors plenty to browse, experience and explore. @gmbb.kl
2. Langkawi: Your island, your way
Langkawi is rewriting the tropical island playbook, pairing barefoot luxury with wild landscapes, restorative wellness and experiences shaped around the traveller. A morning yoga session might lead to a rainforest adventure, private dinner or slow afternoon by the sea. Beyond the beach, discover sophisticated resorts, personalised experiences, ancient geological formations, mangrove waterways and island exploration. Come to switch off, reconnect, explore or indulge – the journey is yours to design, at your own pace. naturallylangkawi.my
3. Langkawi: Time for a reset
End the year on a quieter note at Four Seasons Langkawi, where The Geo Spa’s mangrove setting frames everything from sound healing and hammock sessions to family spa treatments. New wellness immersions run from one to seven nights, while nature-led activities offer a more active reset, from mangrove safaris to cycling through villages and rice fields. @fslangkawi
4. Sarawak: Wonder no more
Curiosity gets a five-storey playground at Sarawak Science Centre on Jalan Stadium, Kuching. Sarawak’s first immersive science centre has 22 thematic galleries and more than 400 hands-on exhibits, where visitors can test ideas, explore STEM and discover how things work. ssciex.org.my
5. Kuala Lumpur: A thorny good time
Just minutes from KLCC, KLDEX (Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre) offers a multi-sensory introduction to Malaysia’s king of fruits. Guided tasting tours cover different varieties and flavour profiles, alongside cultural performances celebrating local heritage. Gastronomy, storytelling and entertainment feature throughout, making this a fun way to spend the year-end holidays, especially if you love durian. kldex.my
6. Pahang: A breath of fresh highland air
There’s a new address in Tanah Rata: Oakwood Cameron Highlands, a 383-key serviced residence perched above one of Malaysia’s oldest golf courses. Spacious residences, panoramic views and refined interiors make it a tranquil and comfortable base for families and leisure travellers. Oakbistro serves comforting fare, while Oaklounge offers afternoon tea overlooking the misty fairways. @oakwoodcameron
7. Kuala Lumpur: Delve into life’s meaning
Ahmad Zakii Anwar’s first solo exhibition since 2019 brings together more than 75 works from 1995 to 2013, from the Steve Wong Art Collection. “Sementara”, presented by GDP and R+, looks at life and impermanence through paintings of still life, portraits, dancers, animals and everyday scenes. See it at GDP Campus in Bukit Damansara from 11 October 2026 to 10 January 2027. Admission fees apply. gdparchitects.com
8. Penang: Relive history
Step into Penang’s past at the Penang History Gallery, where 37 themed zones bring 1786–1957 to life through interactive displays, rare artefacts and recreated scenes. Explore colonial trade, secret societies and WWII, with Nyonya kebaya dress-up adding a playful touch. @penang_history_gallery
9. Kuala Lumpur: For art’s sake
At the heart of arts and lifestyle destination Ombak KLCC, Galeri Petronas occupies a purpose-designed space over 126,000 sqft, featuring Malaysia’s first cantilevered art gallery. Its contemporary venue includes exhibitions, art talks and creative experiences, with a café and merchandise shop offering curated prints and specially crafted souvenirs for visitors to browse after. galeripetronas.com
10. Malaysia: Cash back on the good stuff
Dining out, streaming or travelling abroad? The Maybank Cash Back Mastercard Platinum Credit Card gives 8% cash back on dining, online entertainment and digital lifestyle spending, with no annual fee. Cardmembers also get 0% FX mark-up when tapping or swiping in selected countries. Apply at maybank.my/platcashback
11. Kuala Lumpur: A piece of the action
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Kelvin Long Tze Chi and Chantelle Teoh Siok Koon, A Piece of Malaysia celebrates the country’s quirky creative spirit. Housed in Pejabat Pos Besar Lama, it stocks Malaysian labels, homegrown products, graphic tees and playful souvenirs inspired by local culture, food and slang. apieceofmalaysia.com
12. Penang: Literary speaking
Come curious and stay for the conversations. From 27–29 November, George Town Literary Festival brings writers, poets, translators and artists together to explore what makes a city truly cosmopolitan. Check out the line-up for programmes featuring National Laureate Muhammad Haji Salleh and novelists such as Tan Twan Eng. georgetownlitfest.com
13. Selangor: Arrive with confidence
Moving to a new country for university can be daunting, and having someone help you from the moment you land makes a difference. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is there to help with student visas, immigration, transport, airport transfers and all-important first steps towards campus life. The agency, which promotes Malaysia as an international education destination, has just won the Student Support Award at The PIEoneer Awards 2026, widely regarded as the “Oscars of international education”. Look out for its International Student Arrival Centre at KLIA, which operates 24/7 to support international students on arrival. educationmalaysia.gov.my
14. Malaysia: Drawing good fortune
Deepavali, meaning “row of lights” in Sanskrit, is celebrated on 8 November with centuries-old traditions and a message of hope. In Malaysia, homes are lit with kuthu vilakku oil lamps, while colourfully drawn kolam are believed to ward off negative energy. Families gather for oil baths, temple prayers, festive feasts and Deepavali bazaars.
15. Kuala Lumpur: A campus of culture
Malaysia’s story is written in many languages, cultures and histories, and one of the best places to see those threads come together is at Universiti Malaya. Turning 121 this year, the Kuala Lumpur campus has been part of the country’s story since its beginnings in Singapore in 1905, before moving to its present home in 1962.
Now ranked 56th in the world, UM has educated generations of Malaysians, including five former prime ministers, ministers, judges and technocrats who have carried its influence far beyond its gates. Its anniversary theme, UM121: Weaving the Future, feels apt for an institution that has long connected local knowledge with the wider world.
That outlook runs across the university, from the Universiti Malaya Business School, where students are taught to navigate complexity and lead responsibly, to disciplines ranging from medicine and law to engineering and the arts. Their approach reflects Malaysia itself: diverse, layered and constantly evolving.
For travellers, there’s plenty to explore beyond its lecture halls. The campus is home to several museums, including the Museum of Asian Art, Malay Ethnographic Museum, Medical Museum and Museum of Zoology, plus a Botanical Garden and leafy lakeside grounds. It makes for an easy afternoon detour from central Kuala Lumpur, and a chance to see a quieter, greener side of the city while discovering a place that has shaped Malaysia for more than a century. um.edu.my
