Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
211
2
MALAYSIA FOR HISTORY BUFFS &
CULTURE VULTURES
This route brings you to Peninsular Malaysia's most historically significant destinations:
Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and M alacca. You'll learn about the earliest trading por ts and
colonial history, and have time to shop and sav or local treats.
Days
1
&
2
: Arrive in
Kuala Lumpur
After arriving in M alaysia's capital city ,
allow yourself a full day to recover and just
spend y our time wandering thr ough the
city's streets. Start at
Merdeka Square,
the
focal point of colonial KL. Just behind the
Moorish Sultan Abdul Samad Building, in
the streets surrounding the Jame Mosque,
you'll find KL's Little India of sor ts. Con-
tinue your walk to the
Central Market
, where nearby coffee shops can pr ovide a
place to rest. After exploring stall after stall
of M alaysian handicrafts at the Central
Market, if y ou still hav e time and energy ,
cross the str eet to
Chinatown,
wher e
you'll find more shopping, a str eet bazaar,
and the
Sri Mahamariaman Hindu Tem-
ple.
See p. 227.
Day
3
: Melaka (Malacca)
Take an early-morning bus to M elaka and
spend the day exploring the town's historic
heart. The most impor tant things to see
here ar e the
Stadthuys
(p. 238), the
history museum, located in the har d-to-
miss r ed colonial building; the
Cultural
Museum
(p . 237),
in a r eplica of a
Malay-style palace; and the
Baba Nyonya
Heritage M useum
(p . 237), located
inside an old millionair e's mansion. From
the Baba Nyonya Museum, head to
Jonker
Walk
to wander thr ough temples and
antiques shops. See p. 239.
Day
4
: Penang
Take an early-morning bus back to KL,
then board a flight to Penang. Allow 1 day
for the journey. Check into y our resort at
Batu F eringgi
so that when y ou arriv e,
you can unwind with a cocktail as y ou
watch the setting sun fr om the beach. S ee
p. 245.
Day
5
: Georgetown
Here's what I hav e to say about G eorge-
town: D on't plan y our time too closely .
Start off at the
Penang Museum and Ar t
Gallery
(p. 249), wher e you'll get a
brilliant o verview of the island 's histor y
and cultur es, then just spend y our time
walking thr ough the str eets. A ttractions
are all situated within walking distance,
but don't r ush: Take time to peek in the
shop doors and snack on the local tr eats
you'll find along the way . J ust make
sure you're at the
Cheong Fatt Tze Man-
sion
(p. 245) in time for the 11am
or 3pm tour—consider it a must! After-
ward, mosey over to the
E&O Hotel
12
(p. 245) for either lunch or high tea in the
old colonial dame. See p. 241.
Day
6
: Penang Hill
The funicular train up the side of P enang
Hill was built in 1923 to take British colo-
nials up to the cooler climate of the hill,
where they built lovely country homes and
gardens. Get there before 9am to beat the
long queue. A t the top of the hill, y ou'll
find restaurants, temples, and trails, one of
which will lead you down to the botanical
gardens. See p. 250.
Days
7
&
8
: Back to KL
Hop a flight back to KL to pr epare for
your return home. I f you have time, y ou
can stock up on gifts at
KL Craft Com-
plex
(p . 228)—y ou'll find something for
everyone on your list, in all price ranges, at
this handicrafts showroom. See p. 215.
