Malaysia

I wanted to love Malaysia more than I did. The positives exist: Batu Caves is genuinely impressive, Langkawi has moments of real charm, and roti canai is as good as people say. But public transport outside KL was a persistent problem throughout the trip and dragged the experience down. I've heard o…

I've been to a lot of countries and the thing I'll remember most about Malaysia isn't Mount Kinabalu or even the extraordinary laksa — it's the people. In Malacca and out in the countryside, I encountered a warmth and generosity that felt completely genuine. One local family essentially adopted me …

I went to Malaysia with modest expectations and left completely won over, largely thanks to time spent in Langkawi. The city has a pace and character that travel guides undersell. Found a great spot for satay on day two and went back every day after that. Batu Caves was the big planned experience a…

I'll be honest — I went to Malaysia primarily to see Mount Kinabalu, and it delivered beyond what any photo prepares you for. But the surrounding region surprised me just as much. Kuala Lumpur has a character I didn't anticipate, and wandering without a plan for an afternoon turned out to be one of …

I thought I was going to Malaysia for beaches, food, and Petronas Towers. I got all of those things. What I didn't expect was how emotionally affecting the trip would be. The history — particularly around Malacca — hit in ways that good travel sometimes does. affordable prices was the moment that c…

I came to Malaysia specifically for photography and the country delivered material at every turn. George Town street art at dawn was everything I'd hoped. Penang's streets at dusk are an endless source of light and texture. The people, once comfortable with a camera, are extraordinary subjects. ext…

Only had a long weekend — about 15 days — in Malaysia, based in Penang. More than enough to fall for the place. Did Batu Caves on day one and spent the rest of the time just walking and eating. The nasi lemak situation here is no joke — some of the best eating I've done anywhere. affordable prices …

Malaysia is a genuinely beautiful and interesting place. Batu Caves is worth every superlative thrown at it. The laksa is legitimately excellent. extraordinary multicultural food scene gave the trip real depth. What I struggled with: the tourist infrastructure around the headline sites in Kota Kina…

I travel for food more than anything else, and Malaysia shot straight to the top of my culinary travel list. roti canai alone justified the flight, but that was just the beginning. The variety and quality in Malacca is relentless — I didn't have a single disappointing meal in 16 days. Mount Kinabal…

This was my third visit to Malaysia and I keep finding new reasons to return. This time I explored beyond Penang and discovered a completely different side of the country. George Town street art never loses its impact no matter how many times you've seen it. The food still makes me happy in ways I …