Christmas in Malaysia

The best way to start a 10-day Malaysia itinerary is with a stopover in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. It is such a big city with a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. We decided to stay in Bukit Bintang, bustling during the day and vibrant at night, where our boutique hotel, The Journal, was located.

Right next door is some of the best local food you will find in the area at Congkak. From the sidewalk, you won't think much of it, but it’s often the most underrated gems that serve the best food, and this is one of them. Special mention to their nasi goreng and pucuk paku. The hotel also has a rooftop pool on the 11th floor, perfect for a break before heading out.

First stop: Asy-Syakirin Masjid, the mosque located in the center of the business district. The architecture is beautiful, and you can stroll around freely. For women, they will provide a cloth to cover you upon entering. Slowly make you way through the greenery of the park and head to the Petronas Towers, a must-see in the capital and always a cool picture to take. The last stop on our walk was Mesa on 51, a rooftop bar located in Permata Sapura tower, facing the Petronas Tower—a beautiful way to enjoy the sunset with a nice cocktail. They're open until late, so this can be a great spot for later on in the evening as well with the city fully illuminated.

Then it's time to visit another part of the city and head to Jalan Petaling, considered the Chinatown of KL. The vibe is local with traditional houses, away from the skyscrapers. You will find some great bars and restaurants on that street—plenty of options for any type of foodie.
Just to list a few: Penrose, an amazing cocktail bar listed on Asia Best 50; right next door, Da Bao is a delicious bao restaurant with a menu highlighting local ingredients; and just above is Kapitan Haus, a low-key Chinese cocktail bar with super fun recipes. Further up the street, you will find dozens of local street food stalls that will satisfy all types of cravings.

It has been a long day, so head back to Bukit Bintang and take a digestive walk through the Jalan Alor Night Market—the perfect opportunity to buy a few souvenirs. If you are up for a nightcap, walk through Changkat Bukit Bintang, a busy area with many bars and entertainment options.

Malaysia has so many possible destinations, but we decided to start with Langkawi for four nights, an archipelago made up of 99 islands. It is the ideal first stop as it offers the perfect mix of stunning beaches, lush forests, and a UNESCO geopark. We picked The Temple Tree as our home base for its traditional architecture and nature surrounding the hotel. We decided to head to Bon Ton right next door for our first lunch with a view of the rice field and some delicious delicacies, before spending a few hours at the resort relaxing by the pool.

The highlight of the day was our sundowner mangrove cruise organized by a local partner, with a pickup organized at our hotel. We had an amazing guide, Sabrina, who really made our experience so special, cruising with us through the stunning Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. She took us on a journey through ancient limestone formations and lush mangrove forests, entering a smaller mangrove channel and the Crocodile Cave.

We witnessed a diverse range of wildlife, from monkeys to snakes and the majestic eagles. Our ride ended with a short sea cruise into the Andaman Sea before heading to dinner on a floating restaurant for a home-cooked Malay feast. It was such a superb way to start our stay in Langkawi.

Today is exploration day. I created our itinerary, we rented a bike, and we decided to go at our own pace.

We started with the Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car. The view is just mind-blowing. I recommend taking a few hours to enjoy the view even though the place can be crowded at times. There are a lot of different passes and options, so it's really important to research first or seek advice from someone who has been before booking your ticket so you don't waste hours queuing. We opted for the cable car ride and the sky bridge/nature walk tour. Honestly, the view is unbeatable, and it is just a very nice experience to witness the beauty of Langkawi from the sky.

Our next stop was nearby, the Seven Wells Waterfall. A few minutes further down the ride, around 200 steps to climb and a short walk to finally arrive at the waterfalls. It is honestly quite spectacular considering the small amount of walking required to reach it. The water is super refreshing, easily accessible, and nice and deep after the nature walk at the sky bridge (you can actually see the waterfall while riding the cable car). It seems there are families of monkeys nearby, so do NOT leave your belongings near them, or they will 100 percent steal your clothes (I witnessed it) but near the water on the rock is safe—they only stick to one specific area so do not worry.

We clearly deserved a lunch break after all the walking, and for this next stop, we found a special hidden gem among the Langkawi forest, the Crab Farm, where the crabs are grown on site. You select the size of your crabs (they charge by 100 grams) and the type of cooking style you prefer, and they cook it for you. Let me tell you that the price and the taste is just unbeatable. We ate until we couldn't anymore. We had three crabs with spicy Malay sauce, some fried rice, and veggies a feast for 118RM (less than $30). In Singapore, you will have the exact same meal for $150, so this was just an incredible deal.

Time to relax, swim, or read a book before heading to our last stop for the day, Sandy Skulls beach. Hidden from the main road, make sure to use Google Maps or you won't find it otherwise. You can easily park and then walk a few minutes before reaching this little piece of paradise with transparent water and a real nice hidden creek to end the day and refresh.
When you are ready, head back to the hotel and enjoy the resort, the pool, or the spa—you have earned it!

Any food lover will love today's program: a very special cooking class in the middle of a farm. I was looking for a unique local experience and that's how I found Langkawi Cooking School at Buluh & Tebing Organic Farm, a true farm-to-table experience that opened six months before we visited.

The cooking school is a beautiful bamboo house located on a farm, hidden away from the main street among trees, a fish pond, and an organic garden. We opted for the morning experience, which started with a visit to the local market, from the wet market to the fresh vegetables and spices. This is an opportunity to buy a few souvenirs to take home so you can practice your Malaysian cooking skills after the class.

The cooking class offers several dishes you can choose from depending on your dietary preference. We opted for chicken satay, pumpkin and chicken soup, stir-fry turmeric chicken, beef rendang, and a delicious pandan dessert. All the ingredients you will be cooking with are sourced locally with fresh vegetables from their own farm and handpicked produce from local markets.

Rose and her team are with you through the whole process, sharing stories and tips and guiding you throughout this cooking experience. The whole experience is a total of four dishes, and after cooking each, you will sit down at the communal table to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The cooking groups are small, a maximum of eight people; we were six, which was perfect for interacting and getting to know each other. The morning session lasts for around five hours, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, which they will generously arrange.

For anyone who loves to Immerse themselves in local culture, I really recommend this experience where you get to discover vibrant flavors, sustainable cooking practices, and the cultural heritage of Malaysia. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, this hands-on experience connects you to nature and the heart of Malaysian cuisine.

After all this effort, you deserve a free afternoon by the beach or by the pool. There is always a happy hour nearby, so don't forget to check your hotel's offer. For dinner, we went to a very unique pizza place named Pizza Hills, owned by a Malaysian couple.

There is a bit of storytelling here, which makes their pizzeria even more special. The story began with a farming dream—Lance and Amira, the owners, initially envisioned transforming their hilltop space in Langkawi into a small farm. They planted seedlings and even trucked in soil, but the plan was met with unexpected challenges: geographical limitations, a lack of agricultural knowledge, and a troop of monkeys that frequently destroyed their crops (monkeys are really everywhere in Langkawi and they are not shy)!

Despite Amira's efforts in researching and attending agricultural courses, they eventually realized that farming in that environment was unsustainable. Still driven by the desire to create something meaningful, they pivoted their focus and built a wood-fired oven, which organically led to the creation of Pizza Hills, a place now known for artisanal pizzas and heartfelt hospitality.

There is no menu at Pizza Hills—they will just ask if you have any restrictions and based on that they will surprise you with a pizza freshly made with local ingredients just for the day.
Let me tell you that the place is packed and without a reservation you have no chance to dine. The pizza joint is hidden but if you are a foodie, that won't stop you and the word got around quickly since they have opened.

We got lucky enough to try two pizzas: one delicious margherita with fresh burrata and a calzone with minced beef. Both were mouthwatering; I had expectations after reading reviews online, but the taste just surpassed it all.

Pizza Hills has no pretension—it is a simple pizza place on top of the hill, but the love and care put in each pizza is not simple at all. A must-try.

December 24th, Christmas Eve—what better way to start this day than with island hopping? We headed to the jetty around 9 am and hopped on a small local boat that took us around a few islands among the 99 that make up Langkawi.

We had three main stops. The first was Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park. From the boat drop-off, you won't think much of it, but after heading inside the forest and walking a few minutes, you will arrive on top of a mesmerizing lake, hidden inside the island. There is a hiking track that will take you around up to a viewpoint. You can also rent kayaks for 30 minutes and paddle around the lake (I personally prefer this option) or simply jump in the lake and enjoy the water. The stop is around an hour, so it leaves you plenty of time to explore without rushing.

Next stop is Pulau Singa Besar, where you witness really closely a feeding session for the eagles. They come really close to the boat and dip in the water to pick up their food before flying right back up. It is really impressive.

You will then head to Pulau Beras Basah, your last stop for snorkeling, relaxing on the beach with blue water, and practicing any water sport they have to offer. This is the perfect time to relax and sunbathe as well, with fresh coconut available at the entrance of the island. You will be staying there for more than an hour or so.

Overall, we had a great time. Each place is different, you are not rushed, and it's a good overview of what the Langkawi islands have to offer. You have different boat options, from a local sharing boat to luxury cruise options, depending on your budget and preferences.

Back at the jetty around 1 pm, we went on for lunch to one of the locals' favorite restaurants on the island (we were the only foreigners, so this is really a legit statement). Dangau Langkawi, surrounded by rice fields, is a Malaysian restaurant that offers traditional cooking. Upon arrival you will be guided by the team who was really kind as the whole menu was in Malay, so we had no idea what to order.

We picked a freshly caught fish and some squid and prawns. Everything is weighed in front of you and then you add your cooking style and side dishes if any—the whole order cost us less than 100RM (around $25$ for two). They will then assign you a little cabana. Ours was in the middle of the rice fields, and I honestly could not have asked for a better on a Christmas Eve lunch.

The tradition is to sit on the ground and eat with your hands, but they definitely have cutlery on request. The flavors were amazing, with local music playing in the background, and we really felt lucky to be here and to have found that hidden gem.

Take the rest of the afternoon free before heading out for dinner. Our hotel had a nice dinner with a live band playing, but there are many other options in town depending on your preferences. We found a very nice spot called the Fat Frog, offering a complete vegetarian menu in a beautiful garden, along with a pickleball court and a little store selling souvenirs and beautiful handmade jewelry and clothes.

As Malaysia is a Muslim country, they do not typically celebrate Christmas, but living off of tourism, almost all restaurants had a special menu on that night. But if you are not up for anything traditional, there are plenty of local choices and street food around the island.

We are now heading to another island, Penang, for the next four days. We spent our first two nights in George Town, a city protected by UNESCO for its traditional shophouse architecture and multitude of influences. The city has a lot to offer, and walking around its streets is the best way to discover its richness.

Another thing George Town is famous for is its street food. From Malay to Chinese to Indian and Thai, there are so many flavors all around town that it is difficult not to fall in love with such a food paradise.

I trusted Chef Tour, a company that organizes food tours all over the world, to take us through a 15-stop tour around town. We started in Little India with some traditional chaat, samosas, roti, and milk tea. Trust me, they advise you not to eat lunch, and there is a reason for it—you will be tasting so much food that the only way to enjoy it is to come with an empty stomach.

Then, we continued with some traditional Chinese dishes: stir-fried fish, sweet-and-sour chicken, and Hakka pork. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but they must be shared prior to the tour via email to ensure they plan ahead and provide an alternative (I do not eat pork, and they made sure there was always another option available). We continued with some traditional Malay dishes—chicken curry with blue rice, pickled vegetables, and sambal sauce—all super delicious.

The tour is on foot and lasts a total of four hours, with some stops just standing for a quick bite and others sitting down for heavier dishes. The walk is very easy, and you do not need to be in great shape to take the tour. Plus, the city is flat, so there is no climbing or hills.

We moved on to a traditional noodle restaurant, where we tasted some Singaporean and Chinese noodle dishes. Honestly, there is not one dish I did not enjoy. Our guide, Grace, was amazing, sharing her passion for the local culture as well as stories and tips about the town. It is not just a food tour but also a cultural and historical experience at the same time. It is also a great way to discover the city on your first day and enjoy the street art and the stories behind each piece.

We ended with dessert at our last two stops. By that time, it was already raining, but rain or shine, the tour pushes through, so it is always good to have an umbrella or a raincoat.

Overall, it was an amazing experience. I am a foodie, so I always love a great food tour. Anywhere you travel, it is, for me, a must—especially if the city is known for its street food. Even though I love creating my own itineraries, in a scenario like this, with hundreds of options, it is better to rely on professionals to ensure you get the best experience possible.

I’m the tour guide today, and we have a busy day ahead of us.

We divided the day in two since it was quite hot outside, and almost all visits are walkable, so it is really recommended to take a few breaks throughout the day. Starting with the famous street art, which is located in the old town, it is a very nice walk where you will witness a mix of temples, souvenir shops, beautiful art on the walls, and galleries.

In that same area, it is worth visiting Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, one of the biggest temples in the country.

Then head to the Clan Jetties, the traditional villages where all the houses are on stilts above the water. Some of those have now turned into small stores or souvenir shops, but some have remained original, without being affected by tourism. There are a total of seven jetties, all different from each other. It is worth doing a little research so you can pick based on your preferences, and I suggest visiting at least two.

In that area, there are also plenty of small coffee shops where you can stop for a refreshment. Take your pick when you are ready for a break. After almost two hours, we decided to head back to the hotel for a short break and to drop off all our errands.

Next, we headed to Yummy Cottage, a food court open for lunch (most are not, so it is important to check first), where we tasted a few new dishes. Usually, you will find a mix of Chinese, Malay, Thai, or Indian options. We opted for noodles with oysters, fried fish, and Chinese fried rice. Everything was delicious, and it cost us less than 30 RM for two. Right next to the food court is Jalan Kek Chuan, awarded the 17th prettiest street in the world (by a US publication) due to its colorful facades, traditional architecture, and vibrant heritage.

We still had a little appetite, so we made our way to 888 Hokkien Mee (a Michelin-listed street food spot), where, for 30 years, they have been serving Hokkien-style noodles in prawn soup. They are only open starting at 3 pm, and we arrived just early enough to be the first ones. By 3 pm, there were already dozens of people lining up. The same house also hosts one of the best oyster omelets I have ever had. We were not hungry anymore, but we just had to try it.

After so much food, we decided to walk to our last stop in Little India, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the former residence of 19th-century Chinese tycoon Chung Keng Quee, now turned into a museum. It is quite opulent but interesting to see, and it will not take you long. Tickets can be purchased on the spot.

Do not hesitate to stroll around the streets of Little India—you will find amazing street food and other delicacies. You have well deserved a few hours of rest, by the pool or at the hotel. Pick your poison.

For dinner, we are heading to Communal Table by Gen, an avant-garde restaurant that offers modern Malaysian cuisine with fun wines and fresh ingredients. It is basically a chef’s table with one long counter where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you. The food is as playful as it is tasty and full of flavor, a very nice experience with some out-of-the-box wine options (I tasted a Chinese pinot noir for the first time in my life, and it was good).

There are a few bars around, within walking distance of the restaurant, so if you are up for a nightcap, there are plenty of options.

On our last morning in George Town, we took it slow and decided to visit the Blue Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze, located right across from our hotel. It is important to pre-book, as all tours run at fixed times (guided or self-guided), and they are usually full.

It is a masterpiece of architecture, entirely indigo blue, with a fascinating history that you will discover during the tour. The Blue Mansion also houses a restaurant as well as a small coffee shop on site, perfect for a drink after your visit.

For our last lunch in town, we headed to Emily Darling, a lovely coffee shop offering an excellent selection of French pastries with a local twist. They also have a small selection of sandwiches, perfect for brunch, along with a delicious assortment of teas.

Ending our time in George Town, we made our way to the forest of Penang, Malihom, about one hour away by car. A true sanctuary perched on a hill and surrounded by nature, it is the perfect place to relax and reset after two very busy days. With only a few rooms, the estate feels very private. All the houses are traditional teakwood rice barns, many of which are over 100 years old and now classified as Thailand’s National Heritage.

This is truly a retreat, so the goal here is to rest. You can spend the afternoon by the pool, reading a book, or enjoying the hammock and the incredible view from your terrace. I specifically chose the cabana we stayed in for the open bathtub with a 180-degree view of the forest.

We opted to have all our meals prepared by the hotel (this must be pre-arranged), and everything was freshly cooked and delicious.

A whole day of peace and quiet lies ahead of us, but there are some activities available if you are eager to discover your surroundings.

Here are a few options:

• Explore Balik Pulau with a local guide on a half-day tour and immerse yourself in the local culture.

• Go for a hike across the plantation.

• Indulge in a 90-minute massage in the comfort of your barn.

• Refresh in the spring-water pond.

• Go for a run up and down the hill if you are up for a good sweat.

We were lucky enough to enjoy a super sunny day, and we made the most of it around the pool, reading and playing. There is also a game room available, perfect if you are traveling with kids.

We truly enjoyed all the food cooked by the chef—everything was fresh and different at each meal. If you have any special dietary restrictions, you can simply let them know in advance.

The road to reach the hills is quite steep and secluded, so it is best to arrange a car with the resort to drop you off at the airport to avoid any delays.

Last full day in Malaysia, heading back to Kuala Lumpur to make the most of the capital for our final 24 hours.

This time, we decided to stay in a different neighborhood, Chow Kit, known for its vibrant life and heritage. It is very easily accessible by MRT, has plenty of dining options within walking distance, and is home to the famous Chow Kit Market, which sells fresh, local produce.

We made our first stop at Tommy Le Baker, a unique bakery known for its fresh sourdough bread and excellent selection of sandwiches. Everything was super delicious, enjoyed in an open space surrounded by street art.

Then we headed to Batu Caves, a must-visit if you are in Kuala Lumpur, just a 20-minute car ride away.

It is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the country. In the first part of the visit, you will have the chance to explore the inside of the cave, which has been carefully restored and features statues and information about several Hindu shrines. For the second part, head to the Lord Murugan statue, a 42.7-meter-tall gold-painted monument—the tallest in Malaysia and among the tallest in the world—before climbing the 272 steps of the iconic rainbow staircase. At the top, you will reach another cave, but the real highlight is the view from below and all the monkeys running around the steps.

Count this as a workout. It is a solid walk up and down and through the caves, so plan for a few hours of rest afterward.

Toward the end of the day, we decided to visit REX KL, a cultural hub hosting a mix of clothing shops, vintage antiques, food stalls, a library, a coffee shop, and several other stores. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs before heading out. From there, we made our way to PS150, a speakeasy located in Chinatown, just a short walk away. Do not be fooled by the prewar shophouse facade—it is intentionally deceptive. Once you push the door, you will find a long corridor leading into a small, cozy bar serving excellent cocktails.

For our last meal in town, we found a fantastic spot just a few minutes from our hotel: JOLOKO. Known for its Afro-Caribbean vibes, it serves generous, flavorful dishes alongside spicy cocktails and an extensive mezcal selection. It is both a bar and a restaurant and a great place to spend the evening.

For those with a sweet tooth, right next door, the same owners have opened a new concept, Licky Chan, which serves homemade boozy ice cream (with non-alcoholic options as well).

After 10 full days of traveling, it was time to head back home. Before that, we had one last morning in Kuala Lumpur (our flight was at 5 pm), so we decided to go for a morning hike in KL Eco Forest Park. Located right next to the KL Tower (you can easily visit the tower first—just be sure to pre-book your tickets online), the park offers nine hectares of forest right in the middle of the city.

You can start with the canopy walk—only 200 meters long and beautifully built—walking you through the trees with great views of the surrounding skyscrapers. If you are up for more, the park has several walking trails, all clearly marked with signage. It makes for a great morning workout, and it is best to come prepared with workout clothes and water. Despite the heat and humidity, you will remain shaded under the trees. Note that the park has two entrances, so ideally, start on one side and finish on the other to explore most of it.

After a quick shower and packing our luggage, we headed out for one last lunch at Florentine La Bisteccheria, within walking distance of the hotel. They offer a lovely covered outdoor terrace as well as indoor seating, serving coffee and pastries alongside a full à la carte menu. We opted for lighter, fresh dishes after the morning exercise (trying not to undo it all): burrata and fig bruschetta, a chicken panini, a salad, and shakshuka, paired with fresh juices. The food was delicious and was the perfect way to end our trip.