Live Your Best Lives
I'm Yifei, the Southeast Asia product manager for China-TravelNote. I'm a backpacker who's been traveling around Southeast Asia for years. Today, I'd like to talk about a "boring" country.
There's a country in Southeast Asia that
doesn't have the bright lights of Thailand
, the internet celebrity buzz of Indonesia
, the religious relics of Cambodia
, or the modern prosperity of Singapore.
It's Malaysia,
a country that has a little bit of everything, but not too much of any of it. 
But if you really think Malaysia is all about these
, you might have missed its most charming "boredom trap."
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Administrative Center: Putrajaya
Official Language: Malay, English and Chinese are widely used
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM)
Population: Approximately 34 million (Multi-ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Aboriginal, etc.)
Religions: Islam (state religion), Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, etc.
Climate: Tropical rainforest climate, warm and humid year-round (23℃-32℃)
Looking at a world map, Malaysia resembles a dazzling pearl embedded in Southeast Asia. 
West Malaysia, encompassing the Malay Peninsula, borders the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Andaman Sea to the west, and Thailand, making it a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. 
East Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo, boasts vast tropical rainforests and azure waters, a paradise for nature lovers.
Together, these two regions create Malaysia's unique geographical and cultural landscape.
Semporna, a small, unremarkable fishing village with some underdeveloped infrastructure, might seem like just another seaside town upon first arriving, but once you board a speedboat and step onto the stunning glass-covered sea, your vision suddenly opens up.
The water is as clear as glass, and the coral reefs and tropical fish on the seabed are clearly visible. Here, you can take a glass boat ride, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful seabed scenery without any obstruction. Visitors who like adventure and excitement can also experience deep diving or directly get a diving certificate.
In addition, there are water houses of different styles. You will be awakened by the sound of waves in the early morning, and you can see the endless sea view when you open the window.
Contrast: Stunning Glass Sea
Tour from Hangzhou, Kota Kinabalu, or... | 6 Days, 5 Nights
Wandering in Semporna, Malaysia | Dive into the dreamy blue of the Windward Country
￥4680 from 813 people have registered Register nowAlthough Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, it is as low-key as a county town. However, the nearby Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, gives it a unique soul.
Mount Kinabalu, also known as Mount Kinabalu, is majestic and magnificent, shrouded in mist and clouds, like a mysterious veil. Climbers embark on their quest to conquer Mount Kinabalu with awe and anticipation.
Along the way, you will be accompanied by exotic flowers and trees and rare wild animals in the tropical rainforest. If you are lucky, you may even encounter cute orangutans.
When you finally reach the summit after all the hard work, the sense of accomplishment is undeniable. Furthermore, Kota Kinabalu's cuisine is truly exceptional, with a dazzling array of seafood, prepared with unique cooking methods and seasonings, sure to delight every gourmet.
Contrast: Southeast Asia's Highest Mountain
, 5 Days, 4 Nights from Kota Kinabalu
5-Day Mount Kinabalu Climb in Sabah | Challenging Southeast Asia's Highest Peak at 4,095 Meters
￥6680 From 11 people have registered Register nowSandakan, a remote and quiet town, may seem inconspicuous, but it is actually a great place for hunting and river travel.
Take a canoe through the rivers in the tropical rainforest, where tall trees, cheerful birdsong, and the chirping of insects form a vivid natural picture.
A professional guide will take you to explore this mysterious area, where you may encounter monkeys and rare birds.
The beaches in Sandakan are also unique, with fine sand and clear blue waters that will make you intoxicated.
Contrast: River Safari Resort
Kuala Lumpur, with its tall buildings and bustling traffic, may not be as prosperous and clean as Singapore, but if you go deeper into it, you will discover its unique charm of a fusion of diverse cultures.
There is a diverse ethnic population here, with Malays, Chinese and Indians living in harmony. The traditional Malay architecture highlights the characteristics of Islamic culture, the Chinese temples and Chinatowns are full of Chinese style, and the Indian temples showcase Hindu culture with gorgeous decorations.
The collision of diverse cultures creates a unique food culture, including Malay nasi lemak, Chinese Cantonese cuisine, Indian parathas, etc., to satisfy your taste buds.
Contrast: Diverse Derivations of Culture and Race
Penang, a Chinese city, is very small, but it is known as the "food paradise" and there are countless street snacks in Penang.
A bowl of steaming hot chicken wings has a smooth texture and rich soup, and the fried rice noodles are fragrant. Every bite is full of the flavor of life. There are also various exquisite cakes, such as red tortoise cakes, green tea cakes, etc., with a delicate taste that makes people linger.
Not only that, Penang is close to Pahang, the original home of the Musang King durian, so you can enjoy the freshest and most authentic Musang King durian here. Its rich, mellow taste, which melts in your mouth, and the fragrance of the durian permeates your mouth, make it a must-try for those who love it.
In addition to delicious food, Georgetown in Penang also has many colonial buildings. You can ride a bicycle through the streets and alleys, admire the ancient murals, and feel the traces left by time here.
Contrast: Food and Durian Paradise
, Departing from Kuala Lumpur | 6-8 Days
Malaysia · Fireworks in Southeast Asia | Diverse City/Gourmet Town/Treasure Island
￥ 5280 New products Sign up nowWhen it comes to Malacca, you may think it is just the name of a strait, but it is actually a Nanyang city full of rich historical atmosphere.
Once a crucial hub on the Maritime Silk Road, it witnessed the exchange and collision of Eastern and Western cultures. Strolling through the streets of Malacca, one finds ancient buildings everywhere. The Dutch Red House, a red brick structure that stands out in the sun, is a prime example of Dutch colonial architecture, carrying the memory of history.
St. Paul's Church, still standing tall through the ages, its murals and carvings tell stories of the past. Stroll along the Malacca River and journey back to an era of bustling trade, when merchant ships gathered.
You can take a boat and listen to the boatman's narration of Malacca's history and experience the city's rich cultural heritage
.
Langkawi, as a representative island of West Malaysia, may seem no different from an ordinary island when you first arrive, but its duty-free shopping advantage makes it stand out among many islands.
This is a great place to shop, with a wide selection of internationally renowned brands, from high-end luxury brands to affordable fashion items. Duty-free prices will ignite your shopping spree. After a day of shopping, you can relax on the beach.
Langkawi's beaches have fine white sand and clear blue water. You can lie on a beach chair and enjoy the sun, waves and breeze.
In addition, Langkawi's natural scenery is also breathtaking. Attractions such as the Seven Fairies Well and the Tianqian Floating Bridge have unique geological landscapes and fascinating legends.
Contrast: Duty-free shopping paradise
Ipoh doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of big cities or the noise of famous tourist attractions, but it is the birthplace of white coffee and has a unique appeal for coffee lovers.
Here, you can walk into the White Coffee Museum and learn about the development history of white coffee. From the planting and roasting of coffee beans to grinding and brewing, every link contains the hard work of the craftsmen.
In addition to white coffee, Yibao is also the hometown of many celebrities. Well-known figures such as Michelle Yeoh and Guang Liang were both born here. Strolling through the streets of the town, looking at the quaint buildings and leisurely residents, time seems to have slowed down here.
Contrast: White Coffee Origin & Celebrity Hometown
By the way, 2026 is also Malaysia’s Tourism Year. I believe Malaysia must be holding back a “big move” at this moment to bring more preferential policies to tourists.
So, besides Malaysia, do you know which other countries have a strong sense of contrast? Are there any places that you thought were unremarkable before you set off, but were deeply amazed after you visited? You are also welcome to chat in the comment area and share those unexpected surprises during your travels!
