The city of Bandar Melaka is rich in history and culture. It was in 1414 that a Sumatran prince named Parameswara discovered Malacca. Later, it was conquered by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and finally the British before Malaysia received her independence. Today, a population of Portuguese people still live here, imparting their culture and traditions in the Portuguese Square with the occasional festival or two. Peranakan culture is also rich here. Also known as the Baba-Nyonya, Peranakans are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Malacca centuries ago, adapting Malay customs and culture. You can view their history in the Baba House Museum. For food, Malacca has an astounding array of culinary delights. The ‘Chicken Ball’ rice is very popular with visiting Singaporeans, which is simply rice rolled up into balls and eaten with roasted chicken. Nyonya restaurants abound, serving unique dishes such as ’Kangkung Belacan’; spinach cooked with spicy dried shrimp paste. There are many historical sights worth visiting in Malacca to learn about the former colonists and their influence on the local climate. Some places include the Stadhuys Building, St. John’s Fort and Jonker Street. For a lesson in culture and heritage, Malacca is an living book waiting to be read by everyone. Kuantan
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Kuantan is the capital city of Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. This beautiful place is a beachside destination with several magnificent beaches, including the popular tourist spot of Cherating. Tourism is a major economic activity in Kuantan, and here, you can experience traditional culture in the form of handicrafts, cuisine and fishing.
Kuantan was started by migrants from Sumatra in the early 18th century. These migrants settled around the banks of the Kuantan River, first calling it ‘Teruntum’. Eventually, it came to be known as ‘Kuantan’, but the actual origin of the name remains a mystery.
Kuantan first began life as a mining town before becoming a major tourist hub and beach retreat. Today, Kuantan attracts multitudes of visitors, both local and international, for its relaxing atmosphere, pleasant beaches and warm seas. Because of its location in Pahang, many nature-based attractions are located close by, such as Taman Negara and Cameron Highlands.
Kuching 
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Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia located on Borneo Island. It is the fourth largest city in the country and the most populated in East Malaysia. The name of the city comes from the Malay word for ‘cat’ with many theories attributing to its feline origin but no solid confirmation on any of them.
As a small city, Kuching enjoys a very peaceful atmosphere and traditional culture, made up from the many tribes of Sarawak alongside the predominant Malaysian races of Chinese, Malay and Indian. Kuching also has many museums such as the Sarawak Museum, Chinese Museum and Cat Museum. Shopping for handicrafts and antiques are also a popular activity here.
However, the main draws of Kuching are located just outside the city, in the form of nationals parks such as Bako, wildlife found in sanctuaries such as the Semenggoh Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Center and traditional longhouse villages located further up the river for a tribal experience. The sunsets in Kuching are also one of the most breathtaking sights in Malaysia.
Kota Kinabalu
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Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, Borneo’s most famous destination for nature and adventure among international visitors. Located on the northeast section of the island, Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to exploring much of Borneo’s natural treasures, such as Mount Kinabalu and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The city is also a rich melting pot of Kadazan (The largest tribe in Sabah) culture mixing with Chinese, Malay and Indian.
Kota Kinabalu was originally known as Jesselton and started by British Colonists under the British North Borneo Company, who occupied a local fishing village called ‘Api-Api’ and transformed it into a harbour and port. The entire town was razed during World War II to prevent Jesselton falling into Japanese hands, but it was eventually rebuilt into what it is today. Its current name ‘Kota Kinabalu’, takes its name from the majestic Kinabalu Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia.
Today, visitors can explore Kota Kinabalu and discover magical islands offshore and delightful beaches at certain parts of the coastline. Even more appealing are the number of National Parks scattered a moderate distance away from Kota Kinabalu, such as Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs. These natural treasures are what make Kota Kinabalu, and the rest of Sabah, such a popular place for intrepid travellers.
Ipoh
Ipoh city in Perak has a rich Chinese culture; the Chinese comprising 70 percent of the total population. The lifestyle here is relaxed and live moves at a quiet pace. This is why for Malaysians, Ipoh is known as a great place to retire to.
Ipoh began as a mining town, and many Chinese were made millionaires during this period in the 1920s’. Gradually, the tin resources were depleted, but rather than become a cosmopolitan city like Kuala Lumpur, it regressed into a quiet and peaceful place. Actress Michelle Yeoh, star of ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ was born in Ipoh.
Ipoh is also famous for its Chinese cuisine. The ‘Sar Hor Fun’, is a bowl of flat rice noodles served in soup. ‘Tim Sum’ is a collection of sweet and meat dumplings served in little bamboo canisters.
The city has many limestone caves and hump-like hills waiting to be explored. For example, the Sam Po Tong is a Chinese temple built within a gigantic limestone cave that houses quite a few giant tortoises too. The Kek Lok Tong is yet another temple in a cave that lies in a nearby range.
For a relaxing retreat, Ipoh may not have the cool of the highlands or the warmth of the beach but it does have a lot of heart and feel for visitors to experience.
Seremban
The Minangkabaus from Sumatra founded Negeri Sembilan and it is no surprise that its capital city today, Seremban, is the centre of Minangkabau culture. However, rather than being practised today, wide-spread elements of the Minangkabau culture are now reserved for shows, exhibitions and museums. In a way, this is also reminder to locals of its heritage. Some of the places you can visit are the State Museum, State Mosque and Cultural Arts Centre.
Seremban is now a busy commercial district rapidly growing in size and infrastructure. Shopping malls, offices and housing areas are sprouting up like mushrooms, increasing Seremban’s size and structure. The people have become a wide mix of races including Chinese, Indians and Malays.
In terms of food, Seremban’s ‘Siew Pau’, a Chinese pastry that is filled with sweet roasted pork is extremely popular. Also its beef noodles, found in the market square, is simply delicious.
Visiting Seremban is easy with new roads and highways leading from Kuala Lumpur. A trip here will enable visitors to see how a city like Seremban balances both historical heritage and modernity in the contemporary world.
Johor Bahru
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The capital city of Johor State is a favourite haunt for visitors from Singapore via the Causeway, and is fondly referred to as ‘JB’. Rich in culture, Johor has a wealth of traditional dances that include the ‘Ghazal’, a form of contemporary jazz-like Malay music, and ‘Kuda Kepang’ a dance imitating the movement of horses.
There are many landmarks to explore such as the Grand Palace, with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture and the Johor Art Gallery, where various art collections, artifacts and many items related to Johor's historical heritage are stored.
Shopping opportunities are aplenty in JB. From modern malls to handicraft centers and bazaars to markets, a large range of international and local products go on sale. This is also one of the reasons why Singaporeans absolutely adore JB.
When night falls over the city, a delectable array of food stalls and vendors open around the streets peddling the famous Laksa Johor, a dish of flake fish and gravy cooked with coconut milk served with noodles and vegetables.
If you’re looking for cosmopolitan sights, but something not too busy like Kuala Lumpur, JB is the place to go.
Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu, Kelantan’s capital and Malaysia’s very own ‘Newcastle’, is an Islamic city with a large Malay population. Hence, Kota Bharu has a rich Malay culture evident in the food, language, lifestyle and sights. It’s also the reason why alcohol is prohibited although there are some Chinese who will sell you beers behind closed doors.
Still, life here remains pleasant and peaceful. Old trishaws still ply the streets to pick up tourists, but most of the time, are busy transporting housewives to and from the Central Market.
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The Central Market is a popular market that practically everyone in Kota Bahru goes to for shopping. Come early morning, traders are busy setting up stalls; some smoke hand-rolled cigarettes while sitting cross-legged on a sheet of fruits and vegetables, others cradle babies in their hands. As the clock ticks, the central market itself becomes alive with the din of haggling.
For food, Kota Bahru has a special dish called ‘Ulam’. It is a local salad served with a special anchovy sauce and flavoured with thinly sliced 'kedondong' (a tropical fruit) and spicy hot chilli.
Batik, a form of silk, is a popular sale in shops as are traditional Malay handicrafts and apparels such as the ‘songket’ a type of Islamic prayer hat. For a good taste of history, visit the Royal Museum, also called the ‘Stone Palace’ for being one of the first establishments made of concrete in Kelantan.
A visit to Kota Bahru is a trip through the richness of Malay culture and tradition so don’t miss it!
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