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25 Inspiring Instagram Photos to Make You Fall in Love with Malaysia

Ferry from Butterworth to Georgetown Penang
Ferry from Butterworth to Georgetown Penang | © Clay Gilliland / Flickr

While Kuala Lumpur may be the top reason to visit Malaysia, being the capital center (hosting two of the tallest towers in the world: the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers) the whole country of Malaysia has plenty of other sites to explore to your heart’s content. From the far seas off the coast of Sabah to the beautiful sandy bays of Penang, Culture Trip is here to show you what many sights you will encounter should Malaysia be your destination vacation.

The many murals decorating Georgetown, Penang showcase the beauty of this heritage site as a hub for artists all over the world gathering to appreciate talent and love.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTKBZIOFB2z/?tagged=penang

Sandy beaches lining the island of Penang is one of the main attractions for both the quiet travelers and the excited go-getters.

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Cool off from the hot tropical weather with the national favorites, cendol and ais kacang: shaved ice topped with coconut milk, palm sugar, red beans and other local treats.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOol0icjK4K/?tagged=chendol

The states on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia are well known for this fishy treat of keropok lekor, or fish chips. Always served with sweet chili sauce, these cheap treats can be found all over at roadside stalls or Malay eateries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSYW1k2FWEg/?tagged=keropoklekor

Don’t confuse this dish with curry mee (although sometimes their broth may be the same color). Laksa is an immensely popular dish at hawker stalls, and its taste grows from sour to spicy as it made its way from the north down to the south of Malaysia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTHjEXrjNQc/?tagged=laksa

The stunning Petronas Twin Towers are the only pair to claim the title of the tallest double-acts in the world. Nested at their base is the popular Suria KLCC shopping centre, where many luxury brands have retail outlets.

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The seventh tallest tower in the world, the KL Tower is home to a rotating restaurant that bestows the pleasure of fine sky dining like no other.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTIeVHZgHIC/?tagged=kltower

The Crystal Mosque in Terengganu is one of the many beautiful places of worship celebrating the country’s national religion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTJ55saFmCe/?tagged=terengganu

Religious art meets the great structures of nature at the Batu Cave Temples worshiping Lord Murugan.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTJi4jsh_FD/?taken-at=213045706

Nasi lemak, the country’s national dish, is a Malay delicacy of coconut rice served with sweet spicy sambal chili and a side of anchovies, nuts and egg.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTddiEoDSe6/?tagged=nasilemak

Yee Sang is a Southeast Asian-only dish served during Chinese New Year. The higher the salad is tossed signifies the more prosperity and luck, so the pre-meal ceremony can get pretty messy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ0DvVahKdY/?tagged=yeesang

Sunway Pyramid, a mall in Selangor is designed on very interesting influences. Its exterior is a pyramid with a lion-headed sphinx, while a section of its interior mimics the beautiful markets of Marrakesh.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTI_LgbAbNG/?taken-at=212986910

The island of Langkawi is one of Southeast Asia’s must-visit islands for the beautiful view of the Bengal Bay.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTJfB1sjcJ5/?tagged=langkawi

High in the cool hills of Cameron Highlands in Pahang grows the popular Boh Tea plantation, a staple for all the tea drinkers of Malaysia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTEQAvqgDUo/?tagged=cameronhighland

Genting Highlands, a hill topper of entertainment and relaxation, hosts the largest casino and theme park in Malaysia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTAlwZcjoN3/?tagged=genting

A view of the South China Sea from the Bornean bordered East Malaysia states of Sabah and Sarawak.

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A Malayan native equally as beloved as the elusive Malayan tiger, the tapir is an unusual creature.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTBCxxLlmxm/?tagged=tapir

The shy binturong, an animal people claim to smell like popcorn, is a near-endangered animal living in the oldest rain forests in the world.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSqNENbBSrI/?tagged=binturong

Batik prints, a specialty of Malay culture, are popularly worn as a sarong.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTTzd0nBb_q/

A typical Malaysian breakfast consists of RM1 meals such as the Indian roti chanai, Chinese economy bee hoon and a serving of teh tarik.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTGiSEqFa1g/?tagged=roticanai

Love it or hate it, durian, the King of Fruits is home-grown and incorporated into many local treats.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTKTN-pFFEK/?tagged=durian

The beating heart of Malaysia, the city of Kuala Lumpur never sleeps.

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Redang Island on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia has a reputation for turtle nesting, so check the seasons for an unforgettable visit.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTDLBE_BEoj/?tagged=redang

Experience the goodness of traditional street-side treats at the many night markets, or pasar malam, decorating roadsides.

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A Peranakan Nyonya trademark, the kuih lapis, or layer cake, is a jelly-like treat loved by everyone for its nostalgia and delicate sweetness.

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