Malaysia: M for Multilingual and Multicultural
- hummblylife
- Aug 23
- 11 min read
“What languages do you speak, or are you a local?” … We would ask our Grab driver (the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asian countries) to start a conversation, and the answer was always more elaborate and long, since people in Malaysia usually speak more than three languages. The most common ones are Bahasa Melayu (Malay), English, Tamil, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien. At the same time, this linguistic and ethnic diversity reflects the multicultural identity that defines Malaysia—and we’re not talking about tourists, but about its own citizens and residents.
It’s truly a fascinating country, and people are generally very eager to share their stories, whether through conversations, street art, magazines, or museums, among other means.
This summer (July–August 2025) we had the chance to explore the western side of Malaysia, also known as Peninsular Malaysia. We started from the south (Johor Bahru) and ended in the north (Penang). For traveling between cities we used interstate buses and trains, and everything was easy to book—the trains and buses departed right on time, and overall we had a very good experience.
Table of contents
🚆 Singapur to Malasia
There are several ways to get to Malaysia from Singapore, but based on our research, this was one of the best: the 3 PM Shuttle Tebrau train 🚃 from Singapore to Johor Bahru—and the train ride itself takes less than 5 minutes! The cost was 16 USD for four people.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is a city often visited by people from neighboring Singapore, as they are drawn by the lower prices the city offers on a wide range of products and services—from car fuel to diapers for little ones. In addition, many head to Johor Bahru because it is home to the Legoland theme park.
Normally, we look for cultural centers in the cities we visit, but unfortunately, the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum was temporarily closed. We also checked out other cultural options, but there weren’t many available.
However, Johor Bahru does offer other types of activities. For example: the Toppen Shopping Center: although it’s a bit outside the city center, it has plenty of family-friendly activities (not just shops). We recommend visiting "Game On", a family fun center.
Game On provides a space filled with various games and sports for USD 8 per adult and USD 7 per child. Activities range from a Ninja Challenge, climbing a Rubik’s block tower, Jump Basketball, trampolines, karaoke rooms, e-sports gaming, and Little World. 💡 If you have non-slip socks, we recommend bringing them along so you don’t have to buy them there, as they are mandatory.
Short but special: playing a game of taca-taca (as we call it in Chile, or foosball/table football in other countries) with a little friend we met there.
In the same mall, there’s the Kiddy Circuit Go-Karts, a super fun karting experience for all ages.
The rest of our time in Johor Bahru was spent along the coast near Danga Bay. At night, there were lots of people eating at this small Night Market right outside the shopping center.
We then took an interstate bus from Larkin Sentral, bus station in Johor Bahru departing to Melaka Sentral.
Melaka
Malacca (Melaka in Malay) is one of the oldest and most historically rich cities in Malaysia. Founded at the end of the 14th century by Prince Parameswara, it became an important trading port due to its strategic location on the Strait of Malacca. Over the centuries, it was colonized by the Portuguese (1511), then the Dutch (1641), and later the British (1824), leaving a rich blend of cultural, architectural, and religious influences. Today, Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical gem that showcases the diversity of Malaysia’s multicultural past.
It’s a city well worth visiting: 1. because it has a lot of charm and amazing food; 2. because it’s full of incredible historical and cultural heritage; and 3. because it’s the perfect stop right in the middle between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur.
Recommendations for Malacca:
This accommodation is super spacious, with a pool offering great views, and you stay in rooms at The Pines hotel, but at much lower prices.
Another option with a very good location is Swiss Garden Hotel.
or if you want to be even closer to the center, look for options near Jonker Street, such as Baba House.
One of the highlights of our entire trip… dinner at Wild Coriander. The food was delicious, the décor very special, and the prices were affordable. Highly recommended!
Another highlight for us was this place we found completely by chance. I think the photos are enough to show how much we loved this spot and all the wonderful friends we made 🥲.
🇮🇳 Little India and Patma's for breakfast.
The Rotis were really delicious! They’re somewhat like pancakes and can have a savory filling (cheese/egg) or a sweet one (banana or other fruits, etc.).
🏛️ Museums
Malacca has a wide variety of museums, ranging from small historic houses with old artifacts, such as House of Museums Melaka and Museum of the Sultan Palace in Melaka.
There are so many, search on Google Maps, you’ll see all the options like: Samudera Museum (Flor de la Mar), Fort Gallery, Baba and Nyonas Heritage museum, Prison Museum.
Encore Melaka is an impressive theatrical show featuring an innovative 360-degree rotating stage, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The production combines dance, music, projections, and special effects to tell the story of Malacca through the centuries, from its cultural roots to its current ethnic diversity. With a cast of over 200 local performers and immersive scenery, it’s a unique experience that blends modern technology with tradition, making it perfect for the whole family. While ticket prices are a bit high, the show is truly special and unmissable in Malacca!
Before going to Malacca, we thought it would just be a small city with not much to see or do, but this city completely surprised us. Without a doubt, it’s a place we recommend including in your itinerary to learn about the history and background of the people of Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s vibrant capital. Known for its stunning Petronas Towers, one of the tallest twin towers in the world, the city blends modern skyscrapers with more traditional buildings, street markets, and massive shopping centers.
Its name means “muddy confluence,” referring to the meeting of two rivers. Kuala Lumpur is ideal for families, offering many educational activities, delicious food, and culture to explore.
On our first day in Kuala Lumpur, we visited Menara Kuala Lumpur. You can choose to pay for entry to the observation deck, or pay a bit more to enjoy the buffet at the revolving restaurant. The 3:00 p.m. High Tea at Orbit, the revolving restaurant, includes a tasting of various Malaysian and international dishes while the restaurant slowly rotates, offering a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur.
From Menara Kuala Lumpur, we could see from afar the new skyscraper: Merdeka 118
Merdeka 118 is the tallest skyscraper in Malaysia and the second tallest in the world, standing at 678.9 meters. Located in Kuala Lumpur, its name “Merdeka” means “independence” and commemorates the country’s history, as it is near Merdeka Stadium, where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957.
(It is not yet open to the public as the interior finishes are still being completed.)
KL Highlights
Kidzania is an interactive indoor theme park where kids can role-play real-world professions in a fun, educational environment.
Favorite jobs?
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Petrosains Discovery Center (Petronas Twin Towers)
We love going to museums… especially the interactive ones! Just like in Singapore, in Malaysia we also came across many school groups on their summer excursions. This gave us the chance to interact with some students, which is always special, no matter how brief the moment.
Petrosains is an educational science and technology center located on level 4 of Suria KLCC, inside the iconic Petronas Towers. Perfect for families and science enthusiasts, it combines learning with fun, hands-on experiences.
Useful Tips
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Allow at least 2 hours to explore it at a relaxed pace.
Buy tickets online (e.g., Klook) to skip the lines.
Wear comfortable shoes: there’s a lot of walking, it’s bigger than you might expect!
Check if there are any special exhibitions or workshops on your visit date.
The center has rest areas with a café and ice cream shop, a nursing room, and a gift shop.
Muzium Negara
Amid the modern hustle of Kuala Lumpur, the Muzium Negara offers a respite full of history and culture. Although it’s not a huge museum, walking through its galleries feels like flipping through a living book of Malaysia: from prehistoric remains to the struggles for independence.
The first thing that surprises you is the building itself: a mix of traditional Malay architecture with modern touches that already invite you in. Inside, each room is a journey through time.
In the prehistory section, for example, you’ll find the famous Perak Man, the oldest human skeleton found in the country, directly connecting to the origins of this land.
In the second room, traditional costumes, weapons, and royal regalia showcase the splendor of the ancient Malay kingdoms.
The third room is dedicated to colonial history, featuring documents, artifacts, and photographs that reflect the foreign influences that shaped the country.
Finally, the galleries devoted to contemporary Malaysia reveal how this young nation developed and built its current identity.
It may not be a very large or highly interactive museum, but it is genuinely authentic. In just a couple of hours, visitors can gain a panoramic view of Malaysia’s history, told not only through objects but through symbols rich in identity.
Shopping Centers
KL is known for its shopping malls, and in a city this hot, everyone looks for places with air conditioning. We mainly went there for the food courts. We recommend these two in the central area:
The Exchange and its food court: we tried different options from various stalls, and honestly, the variety and quality were excellent, all at very affordable prices!
Kuala Lumpur has so much more to discover and explore. We’re grateful for the days we had and the family time we enjoyed there 🧡.
Penang
Penang was our last destination in Malaysia: George Town, with its UNESCO World Heritage status, is a mosaic of narrow alleys—most without crosswalks or traffic lights—charming shops that continue to thrive amid the constant hum of traffic.
Although crossing a street can sometimes feel like a challenge in itself, the historic center is surprisingly walkable, and it’s on foot that you best appreciate the hidden murals and the aromas of street food.
Outside the city, Penang shows another side: in the north, at Batu Ferringhi, large beachfront resorts coexist with night markets and seaside strolls.
Further inland, families often escape to places like ESCAPE, an adventure park with slides and ziplines, or Entopia,, a huge butterfly greenhouse that fascinates children.
Penang is like this: a curious balance between chaos and calm, urban and natural, a place to enjoy good food, a legacy of the Peranakan, and specifically the Nyonya.
The legacy of the Nyonya in Penang lives primarily in its cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Malay roots that has shaped some of the island’s most distinctive flavors. More than just recipes, it’s a tradition passed down through generations, found today in both small cafés and heritage restaurants in George Town.
n, y en específico de las nyonyas.
Penang Recommendations
🛌 Where to stay?
Budget stay in the center of Georgetown Carnavon Suites by Reunion
Family friendly Resort: Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
🍴 Where to eat?
👀 Things to do
Hin Bus Depot Sunday Pop-up market Only opens on Sundays, such a great vibe with art, live music, vintage stores, great food, etc.
Tech Dome Penang is an interactive science and technology center located in the iconic Komtar building in George Town. With hands-on exhibits and educational zones, it aims to spark scientific curiosity in visitors of all ages, especially families and students.
For the kids, the favorite activity in Penang was without a doubt ESCAPE an adventure park we arrived at while it was pouring rain! Nevertheless, we had an unforgettable day there, as it features several attractions listed in the Guinness World Records:
Longest Tube Water Slide: 1,111 meters long.
Longest Zip Coaster: 1,135 meters long.
Longest Tubby Racer: 453.3 meters long.
Largest Tipping Bucket: holds 28,757 liters of water.
In addition to these record-breaking attractions, the park has various sports and challenge zones, such as these:
Our final stop in Penang: Coin Laundry + UNO game.
With hearts full of gratitude, awe, and love for this country and its people… we say goodbye to Malaysia.
Thank you so much, Malaysia!
It’s not all perfect: the traffic can be overwhelming if you’re not used to the typical urban chaos of Asia. However, it’s a surprisingly affordable country, where people speak multiple languages and a variety of cultures coexist, reflected in its food, its people, and its traditions. It’s truly moving to see how, together, they continue building Malaysia in both a literal and figurative sense—better infrastructure, for example, with a metro system currently under construction in Penang. Hardworking, honest people, cuisine rich in flavors, interactive museums, lush nature, and countless family activities make Malaysia a very special country 🧡.
Useful Info
Before traveling to Malaysia, make sure to complete the Digital Card of Arrival online within three days prior to your trip. This is a mandatory requirement for all visitors and helps speed up the immigration process upon arrival. Filling it out in advance saves time and ensures a smoother entry into the country.
To use Google Maps and other online tools during your trip, we recommend getting an eSIM if your mobile phone supports it. For Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand, we recommend this NOMAD eSIM. Use our referral code to get a $5 discount: ANGEURTPBL
Download the Grab app, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber (available in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, etc.). In Malaysia, we learned the lesson to always choose the “Standard Grab” or “Grab Plus” option, even if it costs a few extra ringgits. When we selected “Just Grab”, we were sometimes assigned drivers who gave us more than a few scares and cars that were not in great condition. Especially when traveling with children, we recommend always choosing GrabCar or GrabCar Plus.
Some useful words in Bahasa Melayu to learn
Selamat Datang = Welcome
Keluar = Exit
Terima Kasih = Thank you
Mee = Noodles
Teh = Tea
Muzium = Museum
Sini tandas dekat mana ya? = Where is the toilet?
Ya / Tidak = Yes / No
Awas = Caution
Beherti = Stop
"Sos Cili" = Chili Sauce. Fun fact: McDonalds in Malaysia offer these 👇🏻
In Kuala Lumpur’s metro, you can find women-only carriages.
This special carriage reserved for women aims to provide a more comfortable and safe ride, especially during peak hours. My daughter and I tried it, and it was very pleasant.
Who can use it?
Women of any age.
Boys up to 12 years old, as long as they are traveling with a female family member or guardian.
According to online sources, about 60% of metro passengers during peak hours are women, which highlights the relevance of this measure.
We hope this information is helpful or inspiring!
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