Malaysia by MasterChef Travel
With a strong multicultural population, Malay cuisine has been influenced by Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Portuguese flavours, as well as those from indigenous Sabah tribes.
From the hectic and bustling street markets of Kuala Lumpur to the relaxed and cooling climes of the tea region of the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s history and culture has always had its food at the centre.
Tasty nasi lemak, pungent sambal, sour and spicy laksa, nutty satay and fluffy roti canai are just some of the delectable examples Malaysia’s diverse influences have produced.
Sip on sweet teh tarik
This drink of black tea sweetened with condensed milk is a flavour hit. Before it’s served it is ‘stretched’ or poured at a great height from one jug to another, leaving it with a frothy, bubbly top.
Cook up Nonya fusion cuisine
This cuisine combines traditional ingredients from Chinese and Malay cooking. Curry Laksa is one example – this popular and spicy noodle soup combines fragrant spices, coconut milk and chillies to create a lip-smacking, moreish dish.
Savour spicy sambal
This flavoursome chilli sauce is found everywhere in Malaysia. A mixture of chillies, belacan (toasted shrimp paste), palm sugar and lime juice, this sauce adds intense flavour and dishes are often cooked in sambal or it is added as a dollop on the side.
Don’t miss the national dish
Nasi lemak is eaten at all times of the day. The rice is soaked in coconut cream and steamed with pandan leaves, served alongside ikan bilis (crispy anchovies), peanuts, a hard-boiled egg and sambal, plus a piece of fried chicken or beef rendang.
Dine in the open-air markets
Take to Persiaran Gurney in Georgetown, Penang and dine on anything from freshly fried fish, topped with sauce of your choice, to char kway teow, a local noodle dish – all the while breathing in the sultry sea air.
Explore the lively capital
Wander the King’s Palace, Merkada Square and the National Museum, and admire the tallest building in Malaysia – the Petronas Twin Towers, which afford a stunning view over the sprawling city below.
Cruise down the Malacca river
Be transported to another time, when waterways were the only means of moving through the city. Admire the views as you sweep past, and take the opportunity to dine at one of the waterside restaurants.
Visit the sacred Batu caves
This impressive limestone structure consists of three main caves, peppered with Hindu shrines. Walk past the 140 foot statue of the deity Murugan, and up the 272 steps to reach the main cave – and watch for loitering monkeys on your way up.
Keep cool in the highlands
The ultimate escape from the heat, the climate of the Cameron Highlands has historically been a draw for British merchants. A well-known spot for tea estates, take the opportunity to explore the leafy plantations and enjoy a well-earned cup of tea afterwards.
Promenade around Penang
Head to Penang Island, and wander the Unesco world heritage site of Georgetown, stuffed with colonial buildings, temples, mosques and churches – all a nod to the multiculturalism of the area. Visit Fort Cornwallis, built in the late 1700s, or simply take a stroll along the seafront.
Location: Malaysia is split into two main regions across the South China Sea – Peninsular Malaysia, and East Malaysia (better known as Malaysian Borneo). Peninsular Malaysia borders the landmass of southern Thailand, and sits to the east of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, across the Malacca Strait. Singapore sits right at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Religion: Islam (61%), Buddhism (20%), Christianity (9%), Hinduism (6%), Other (4%)
Etiquette:
- As the main religion is Islam, visitors are expected to dress conservatively, with loose clothing, and with long sleeves and trousers or skirts past the knees
- Remove shoes at the entrance of Malay homes and before entering mosques
- Pointing with fingers is generally considered rude, so many Malays use their thumb instead
- Traditionally food is eaten with the hands – though be sure to only use the right hand for this function
Languages: Bahasa Malay (official), English
Population: 30,193,000 (approx.)
Size: 329,847 sq km
Time zone: GMT +8
Currency: Ringgit (MYR)
Visa requirements: Holders of British citizen passports do not require visas for travel for a visit of up to 90 days.
History:
The history of Malaysia has been influenced by a number of different cultural groups. The first evidence of humans was 40,000 years ago, and then influences from India and China arrived, as well as Islam. In more recent history, Portugal, the Netherlands, the British empire and Japan all entered Malaysia, before the agreement of independence was signed on 31 August 1963. After two years, a bill was passed to separate Singapore from the federation. Many historical landmarks can be found within the cities of Malacca and Penang, and the historical influences can still be observed within Malaysia’s modern culture.
What to read
The Malay Archipelago
by Alfred Russell Wallace
This book chronicles the author’s scientific exploration of eight years, from 1854 to 1862. Travelling through Malaysia, Indonesia and New Guinea, here he tells of his adventures, the difficulty of travelling and the help he received from people along the way – all the while collecting a total of 125,660 specimens. Published in 1869, the book is illustrated with truly beautiful engravings by six separate illustrators, including TW Wood.
The Long Day Wanes: A Malayan Trilogy
by Anthony Burgess
This trilogy of books follows the ups and downs of a local British schoolteacher in Malaysia, while also widely commenting on the country’s withdrawal from empire. The titles, in order, are Time for a Tiger, The Enemy in the Blanket, and Beds in the East. Burgess himself was a schoolteacher in north-west Malaysia from 1954 to 1958.
What to watch
Malaya
Starring James Stewart and Spencer Tracy, this 1949 film was set during the second world war in colonial Malaysia.