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Set in a beautiful location, Whangarei is the only city in the northernmost reaches of New Zealand; it is a gateway to the amazing natural wonders all around it. With a laidback vibe in the town, things are slowly changing; a new art museum, shopping center and restaurant complex have opened up and there are some great bars and cafes around town. While there are lots of fabulous beaches around Whangarei to relax on, most people head to the Poor Knights Islands for their fantastic scuba diving, or to the delightfully scenic Bay of Islands.

Now the fifth-largest city in the country, Tauranga has steadily been growing over the years, as retirees and young families alike flock here in search of the cheaper housing options. While its busy port, petrol refineries and traffic-filled streets mean that it may not be the prettiest of cities, its lovely beaches and lively waterfront definitely make it a nice place to stop by. With some fantastic restaurants and bars on offer, Tauranga’s distinctive Mount Maunganui is a stunning spot with a world-class beach. Visitors can also take a trip to nearby White Island – an awesome live volcano to explore.

With stunning Mount Taranaki dominating the horizon, New Plymouth is a picturesque port town that is surrounded by sprawling farmland. It has a lively, cosmopolitan feel to it, and there is a thriving arts and culture scene – you can attend some brilliant concerts and festivals here during the year. There are many great cafes and restaurants to be found and some delightful surf spots and beaches nearby. Don’t miss out on the nearby spectacular Mt Egmont National Park.

With stunning scenery greeting you almost everywhere you look, New Zealand’s coastal cities are set amidst some astounding natural sights and really are amazing to behold. Mountains and volcanoes surround them and lakes, rivers and islands border them; the best cities in New Zealand have a plethora of incredible outdoor activities for you to take part in. Away from the adrenaline-inducing zip-lines and river-rafting, some fantastic festivals and cultural events take place in New Zealand and there are some great museums and galleries to explore. With some top-notch wineries on offer and a bustling craft brewery scene, paired with delicious cuisine and fantastic restaurants, your taste buds are in for an absolute treat. The intoxicating mix of Pacific Island and United Kingdom cultures makes its cities captivating and enlightening to explore.

If you’re a fan of J.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit, you’ll definitely want to take a day trip from Auckland to the Home of Middle-earth at Hobbiton Movie Set. More than 150 locations in New Zealand were used to film the two movie series, but a significant number were filmed at Hobbiton Movie Set on a family farm near Hamilton. Movie officials picked this site because it reminded them of ancient England. The set is available through guided tours, which must be booked in advance. You’ll visit sets such as hobbit holes and Bagshot Row.

Drive three hours southeast of Auckland, and you’ll approach Rotorua. Settled by Maoris in the 14th century, Rotorua is a major tourist draw in North Island. It’s best known for its Maori culture and geothermal activity, including geysers and hot mud pools, since it’s on a caldera. (Some of the hot springs smell pretty bad because of high sulfur content.) It gets its name from nearby Lake Rotorua, one of 17 lakes in the region. Rotorua has been a tourist spa since the 1800s because of the curative powers of its natural hot springs. Government Gardens is also worth a visit.

Drifting down an underground river through limestone caves is an adventure not to be missed, especially if it’s the Waitomo Caves. This is how most tourists will visit the caves. Don’t like black water rafting? You can also walk through parts of the cave system; extreme sports enthusiasts can cave crawl through more difficult caves. What makes Waitomo Caves so special is the lighting system: gazillions of glow worms. You’ll also see stalactites and stalagmites, but it’s the glow worms that will grab your attention.

Waitakere Ranges is a good place to savor the outdoors while breathing in some fresh Kiwi air. Administered by the Auckland Council, this regional park has much to tempt the recreationalist in you. There are plenty of rainforest walking and hiking trails, including the Hillary Trail for the more adventuresome. Some walks, like Kitekite Track, are suitable for the whole family. You can also swim in a pond underneath one of the park’s pretty waterfalls, go fishing, or tramp along the black sand beaches. The waves are good for surfing.

If you’re in California, 42 km (26 miles) across the sea will take you to Catalina Island. If you’re in New Zealand, 42 km (26 miles) across the island will take you to Muriwai. With its 50 km (30 miles) of unbroken beach, this black sand beach is one of the most popular beaches near Auckland, extending up to the Tasman Sea coast. Surfing is the most popular activity here, but you can also go hang gliding, fishing, “bush hiking” on a boardwalk or paragliding. Because the sand is so firm, you can also drive on the beach. You’ll also not want to miss the gannet colony on the steep cliffs at the southern end of the beach.

If you come to see spectacular scenery in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands won’t disappoint you. With 141 islands, it’s easy to see why Captain Cook, the bay’s first European visitor, named the islands Bay of Islands in 1769. It’s one of the most popular sailing and fishing destinations in New Zealand. If you have time, take a boat ride out into the bay following the historical “cream” route that brought cream from the islands to town. Russell, a quick ferry ride from Pahia, is worth a side trip, if only to visit the cemetery with its quaint tombstones.

On a clear day, you can see the Coromandel Peninsula from Auckland 55 km (34 miles) away, but a day trip there will be a lot more fun. The picturesque peninsula is named after the British navy ship that stopped there in 1820 for supplies. Today, it’s one of New Zealand’s hottest travel destinations, especially if you’re an ecotourist, yachter or scuba diver. A popular destination is Cathedral Cove (an arch through a limestone cliff looks like a cathedral), but it’s only accessible by foot or boat. You can also go offshore canoeing, walk through a rainforest or on white sand beaches.

New Zealand produces some nice wines and what better place to sample them than the vineyard. Matakana, about 40 minutes from Auckland, is home to more than 30 wineries where you can taste the fruits of the vine. Matakana also is a good place to sample local produce, perhaps buying the fixings for a picnic on a nearby beach. At the Saturday farmer’s market you can buy foods, including local cheeses and fresh baked breads, direct from the farmers, as well as pick up locally made handicrafts. You’ll also find quaint villages on your day exploring the Matakana coast.

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, has many things going for it. It’s home to the world’s largest Polynesian population. It’s built on an active basaltic volcanic field – the only such city in the world. It’s got great museums, the southern hemisphere’s largest marina, and a fabulous aquarium. Still, there’s a lot to appreciate outside the city limits. Great black sand beaches and rainforests are easily accessible on day trips from Auckland. You can also drift down an underground river illuminated by glow worms. Oh, the scenery outside of Auckland is pretty spectacular, too.

The Laotian capital of Vientiane, located on the Mekong River, was a French colony at one time, so visitors can expect to see traces of French influence, including street signs in French. The most popular tourist attraction in this city, also known as “the city of sandalwood,” is a Buddhist stupa, Pha That Luang, which dates back to 1586. The stupa stands 49 meters (147 feet) tall and is believed to contain relics of Buddha. Wat Si Muang, another popular site, is built on the ruins of a Khymer Hindu shrine. The city is a good place to buy silk.

Vang Vieng is a tourist city about a four-hour drive from Vientiane. Originally settled in the 14th century when it was known as Mouang Song, it was given its present name when Laos was a French colony. It is best known for its limestone karst hills. Because it is located on the Nam Song River, many tourist activities, including kayaking and tubing, revolve around the river. Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as hiking in the hills and exploring caves. Ethnic villages, including Hmong, are located close by.

Phonsavan, a name that means “hills of paradise,” is a good place to experience the U.S.’s Old West, only with Laotian characteristics. Since cattle raising is one of the city’s main businesses, it’s not uncommon to see Hmong “cowboys” wearing violet and brown cowboy hats. The city even hosts bullfights during Hmong New Year. Phonsavan is a good place to visit the Plain of Jars with its ancient megalithic structures that resemble jars. At one time, Phonsavan belonged to Siam, now Thailand, and then the French, with remnants of each culture still to be found.

Si Phan Don (meaning 4,000 islands) is a beautiful set of islands, set against a scenic section of the Mekong River in Southern Laos. The Mekong is impassable to river traffic here due to the Khone Falls, a series of rapids that stretch 9.7 km (6.0 miles) of the river’s length. The Mekong below the falls has a small population of the highly endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. The three principal islands that cater to tourists are Don Det, Don Khon and Done Kong. Most of the lodging available consists of simple, family run bungalows. Bikes and kayaks can also be rented here.

Wat Phu (or Vat Phou) is a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao, in the Champasak province. The Hindu temple structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. It was a part of the Khmer empire, centered on Angkor to the southwest in Cambodia. Wat Phu is small compared with the monumental sites at Angkor but the tumbledown pavilions, enigmatic crocodile stone and tall trees that shroud much of the site give Wat Phu a mystical atmosphere.

The provincial capital of Luang Namtha is the largest city in northwest Laos. It is a destination popular with backpackers, many of whom stop here while hiking from China to Laos. It is a good place to start treks into the hills to visit ethnic hill tribes. Renting a mountain bike or motorcycle is a good way to travel to nearby villages and waterfalls. After a day’s ride, visitors can relax with an herbal sauna. Night markets offer an opportunity to sample a wide variety of local foods cheaply.

Tham Kong Lo, also known as Kong Lo Cave, is a limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park. Located on the Phu Hin Bun River, the cave has been described as a geological wonder of Southeast Asia. The karst cave is more than 6,5 km (4 miles) long and up to 91 meters (300 feet) high. It contains an emerald-colored pool that locals believe is sacred, saying it reflects the skin color of Indra, a Hindi god. Previous cave visitors praise a boat ride through the cave, calling it a grand adventure. Staying in a private home is easy to arrange for those in need of overnight accommodations.

Nong Kiau, sometimes called Nong Khiaw, is a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang Province because of its many walking, mountain climbing and biking opportunities. A must-see site is the bridge across the Nam Ou River that was built by China. The bridge connects the two parts of Nong Kiau, and is a good place to see stunning views of the river and mountains. Nong Kiau is a rustic village, so visitors shouldn’t expect truly luxurious accommodations. Spelunkers may enjoy exploring the Pha Tok Caves that are located about a mile from town. The caves housed villagers during the Second Indochina War.

The Bokeo Nature Reserve was created to protect its population of the black-cheeked gibbon, rediscovered in 1997, which was previously thought to be extinct. A visit to Bokeo Nature Reserve is not complete without a stay at the Gibbon Experience, an eco tourism conservation project. Guests stay in tree houses and travel by zip line through the forests in search of the Black Gibbon. Besides the elusive black gibbon, visitors to the reserve may also see elephants, bears, tigers and wild buffalo. The Gibbon Experience also works to rehabilitate and return to the wild animals that were captured by poachers. With mountains ranging from 1,600 to almost 5,000 feet in altitude, the reserve also is a good place to watch birds.

Laos provides a pleasant change of pace for travelers who are used to Thailand or Vietnam. This small Southeast Asian country has stunning scenery, from limestone mountains to dense forests and spectacular waterfalls. It’s a great place for adventuresome travelers or those who don’t mind roughing it. Some of the best places to visit in Laos can be difficult to get to, but it’s all part of the adventure of exploring a developing country known for its ethnic peoples.

Simply referred to as Le Touquet, this seaside town near Calais was only founded in the early 1900s, a baby by French standards. Also known as ‘Paris by the Sea’ and ‘Pearl of the Opal Coast’, Le Touquet was built as a gambling and golf resort by wealthy British. For a century, the town has attracted both Parisians and British to its sandy beaches. Even President Macron has a home here.

As the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, Lille feels more like Belgium than France. Given that France’s fifth largest metropolitan area is only about a 30-minute drive from the Belgian border, it’s really no surprise. Between the Flemish architecture, beer culture, belfries, and friteries {French fry stands}, Lille is a lovely deviation from stereotypical France. Explore Vieux Lille {Old Lille} for its perfectly restored 17th century architecture and eat a Welsh at one of the many cafés. Don’t miss the original Meert shop for a vanilla waffle or Notre-Dame de la Treill, Lille’s cathedral.

Only about a fifteen-minute drive from Beaune, Meursault is a commune in Burgundy most famous for its wine. Meursault is an AOC wine found in the Côte de Beaune sub-region, primarily making white wines from Chardonnay grapes. Beyond the vin, Meursault was built on a former Gallo-Roman camp, with the remains of the fort still seen on the hillside. So, why is this tiny commune one of my 18 places to go in France in 2018? Well, it’s just so dang cute. Plus, there’s the wine.

Metz is 331 km away from Paris and located at the convergence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers. It’s a city rich with history dating to the days when it was a Celtic settlement. Visit Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, said to be the oldest church in France or the Cathedral of Saint Stephen of Metz. With 69,920 square feet of stained glass by artists such as Marc Chagall and Hermann von Münster, it’s the largest expanse in the world. The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole dates to 1752 and is the oldest working opera house in France. The main train station, Gare de Metz-Ville, has been voted as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Don’t miss the views of the Seille River at Porte des Allemands. The military fort dates to the 13th century and is the most preserved of Metz’s ramparts. For something from this century, look to Centre Pompidou-Metz, a branch of Paris’ modern and contemporary art museum.

For those who can’t get enough of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in Paris and Versailles, I give you Rambouillet. The town between Versailles and Chartres is most well known for Château de Rambouillet, a former medieval fortress. Located on the edge of the forest, the château was Louis XVI’s hunting lodge. It’s also where King François I died, where King Charles abdicated the throne, and where Napoleon I stayed before being exiled to Saint Helena. Until recent years, Château de Rambouillet served as the summer residence of French presidents. As a result, the château has hosted international leaders, royalty, as well as the first G6 Summit in 1975. Located near the château are many points of interest, including the Bergerie Nationale, which housed Louis XVI’s Merino sheep. Nearby is the Laiterie de la Reine {Queen’s Dairy} that was built by Louis XVI for Marie-Antoinette. Also in the forest is Chaumiére aux Coquillages {Shell Cottage}. Built in 1779 by Queen Marie-Antoinette for her...

Just about six miles south of Paris lies Parc de Sceaux. André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect who created the Tuileries and Versailles, designed this expansive park. At approximately two-square kilometers, the park is filled with walking and running trails, fountains, a cherry tree grove, and symmetry that will please even the most OCD person {me!}. The main feature is Château de Sceaux, which is home to Musée d’Ile-de-France. Find the history of Paris from the 17th century to the middle of the 20th century, as well as one of the largest collections from the School of Paris. Wander down the Plaine des Quatre Statues {Plain of Four Statues} behind the château; meander along the Grand Canal; enjoy Les Cascades {the Waterfalls}; and in the springtime, don’t miss the spring cherry blossoms at Plaine de Chatenay.

Located in the Calvados department of Normandy, Trouville may border Deauville, but it feels worlds apart. As one of France’s first seaside resorts, Trouville initially attracted artists and writers. In the mid-19th century, the wealthy also started vacationing there and building ostentatious homes. Unlike its glitzy neighbor Deauville, Trouville still has a fishing village vibe. Visit Marché aux Poissons located on the waterfront for freshly caught seafood. Take away the purchases or have them prepared and delivered to the high-top tables at the market. Try your luck at Casino Barrière for machine and table games.

Verdun is located in the Meuse department of northeast France. Dating to the 4th century, Verdun was founded by the Gauls and played a significant historical role throughout the centuries, but it’s now most known for part during World War I. Memorials and museums dot the area, including Fort Vaux, Mémorial de Verdun, Voie Sacrée, Verdun Memorial, Verdun Underground Fortress, World Center for Peace, Liberty and Human Rights – Verdun Episcopal Palace, Monument for Victory and the soldiers of Verdun, and the Ossuary. During the Great War, the Battle of Verdun lasted 300 days and is said to be one of the deadliest in history, with 230,000 dead {700,000 casualties}. The Ossuary is a memorial to those lost during the ‘Hell of Verdun’. Inside the Ossuary are the skeletal remains of approximately 130,000 unidentified French and German soldiers, which can seen from small windows on the back of the building. The inside of the building is engraved with some of the names of the deceased French...

Often overshadowed by Château de Versailles, the town of Versailles has much more to offer than the palace. Of course, you can’t go to Versailles without seeing one of the most popular attractions in all of Europe. Built by Louis XIV in 1623, Château de Versailles was the epicenter for French political power. Almost as impressive as the palace are the Gardens of Versailles. The nearly 2,000 acres were designed by André Le Nôtre and boost 200,000 trees, 210,000 annually planted flowers, 50 fountains, and 620 water jets. When in Versailles, save time to visit the Grand Trianon {built by Louis XVI} and Petit Trianon {a refuge for Marie Antoinette}. Perhaps stop at Marché Notre-Dame or Marché Les Halles, both exceptional food markets, for picnic lunch supplies. Before leaving the city, wander Quartier Saint-Louis, located to the south of the palace, and Quartier Notre-Dame, located to the north. This is where those who served the king and worked inside the palace led their lives. These ar...

Compared to Taman Negara, Bako National Park is a lot smaller in size but is by no means any less impressive. With a variety of jungle trekking trails that range from scenic walks to huff-and-puff hikes, Bako National Park is a suitable and fun experience for all ages. With swamp and mangrove forests along with lovely coves and beaches, the park contains arguably every type of vegetation found in Borneo. But the main attraction at Bako National Park is the chance to meet the Prime Minister of Mala…I mean the rare proboscis monkeys that are only found in Borneo *nervous laugh. With less than 300 of these unique animals remaining in the wild, you can be sure that spotting them while trekking will be a highlight that you’ll remember for a long time.

From one primate to another. The Semenggoh Nature Reserve can best be described as an orangutan haven. Rescued orangutans are reintroduced into the wild and given a chance to thrive and breed. It’s an ideal place to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition, many species of exotic birds can also be found here, making it a good destination even for passionate birdwatchers. Another worthwhile mention is the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve in Sabah. As the name suggests, the centre nurses orphaned orangutans and prepares them for life in the wild. You can even adopt one if you want to!

The Kinabatangan River in Sabah is the second longest river in Malaysia and with the surrounding area containing habitats like limestone caves, swamp, mangrove and lowland forests, it is home to an important ecology of wildlife. You’ll be able to spot Asian elephants at Kinabatangan in addition to other wildlife. Most importantly, you’ll be able to spot the rare Bornean hornbill, the representative bird of neighbouring Sarawak. You may also cruise along the river or hire a guide to take you through the dense forests as you spot and encounter various flora and fauna.

I’ve mentioned the UK Argo Farm from Kluang, Johor, once in an article about places in Malaysia with natural scenery akin to New Zealand. Apart from the gorgeous scenery, the farm specialises in sheep and goat dairy products. Visitors to the large-scale farm will be able to witness the process of feeding and milking the animals and even cuddle baby sheep! Close by, the Zenxin Organic Farm is the largest of its kind in Peninsular Malaysia and a must-see for a fun, educational visit. For food, the nearby Kluang Food Street, located inside Kluang Mall, is a hidden gem of hawker stalls and delicious food.

One of the most significant religious sites in Malaysia is the Batu Caves in Selangor. Every year, during the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam, thousands of devout followers visit the location and climb up to the temple cave and shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, whose statue stands tall at the temple’s main complex. The interior of Batu Caves is a network of limestone caves that were once inhabited by the aboriginal tribes in the area. When it’s not being crowded during religious festivals (it is open all year round), Batu Caves is a site for rock climbing and cave exploration, with multiple species of plants and cave animals being found here.

The Islamic Heritage Park, sometimes known as Islamic Civilization Park, is a relatively young addition to Terengganu’s list of tourist destinations, having only been open for less than 10 years. It features detailed replicas of 22 important Islamic infrastructures from around the world, mostly mosques, tombs, and minarets. Aimed at providing a fun experience and for educating people on the development of Islamic civilisation, the park also contains a water wheel and a paddle lake. But most magnificent is the nearby Crystal Mosque, famous for its unique design and sophisticated beauty.

Marketed as a “living museum”, the Sarawak Cultural Village is a must-visit destination for anyone who wishes to immerse himself or herself in the local cultural heritage of Sarawak. Featuring seven different longhouses of the different aboriginal tribes, visitors will be able to experience first-hand the local customs and traditions of Sarawak’s rich native history. Interact with the locals; learn their dances, their music, their lifestyles, all of which are on display for the curious traveller. Hike through the Penan Trail towards the Santubong River and enjoy a good meal made up of traditional recipes to end the day!

You’ve probably heard of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, but what about this beautifully cultivated garden right below? Enjoy 50-acres of land designed by the late Roberto Burle Marx (a Brazilian master of gardens). There’s plenty of places to sit and rest, a 1.3km jogging track, as well as a swimming pool and playground for children. During the evening, the fountains at Symphony Lake put on a musical water performance.  To get here, you can always take a taxi or utilise the Kelana Jaya LRT line that stops right below the Twin Towers (KLCC). If you’re coming from inside the mall, take an escalator up to Ground (G) Floor and make your way to the bubble lifts in the centre. The entrance to the park is just opposite the lifts. If you prefer to walk, you can also use the elevated, air-conditioned KLCC to Bukit Bintang Pedestrian Walkway if you’re near to the Bukit Bintang area or Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Opening Hours: Daily from 7am to 10pm Location: Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre,...

This popular destination is situated within the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park and presents visitors with tropical flora, soothing waterfalls, well-maintained landscaped gardens and many other attractions. Established in the 1880s, it is deemed the oldest recreational park in Kuala Lumpur. Here, you’ll have access to a massive children’s play area, numerous outdoor exercise equipment, walking or jogging paths and also a cafe which opens from 9am to 6pm. There are plenty of well-established themed gardens to explore (e.g. the Orchid and Hibiscus Garden). If you wish to avoid the crowd, you can always visit the park during the weekdays instead of the weekend. Free guided walks are also available on Sundays from 8am to 10am and visitors are treated to an interesting and informative walk around the gardens by an experienced guide. To get here, you can hop on the RapidKL Bus No.B112 from the Pasar Seni LRT Station. Alternatively, you can also take the KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus that disembark...

Established in 1885, Royal Selangor is deemed the maker of the world’s finest pewter. Guests are welcomed with complimentary guided tours of the Visitor Centre which houses museum exhibits and even a chance to watch pewter crafting in real time. For those up to the challenge, you can try hammering a pewter sheet to get a feel of the process. The guided tour is available in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese. The entire viewing is also wheelchair accessible. Free shuttle van services are available at selected hotels to the Visitor’s Centre. There’s also the option of a five-minute taxi ride from the Wangsa Maju stop on the Kelana Jaya LRT line. Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm Location: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya 53300 Kuala Lumpur Phone Number: +603 4145 6122

This four-storey gallery is home to several of Malaysia’s leading artists and designers. Depending on when you visit, you’ll also get the chance to appreciate any number of touring exhibitions as well as experimental works. Since it’s located in the vicinity of Titiwangsa, you can also visit Titiwangsa Lake Gardens for a peaceful stroll. It’s not the most accessible location to get to and the easiest transportation option would be taking a taxi. You could also take the RapidKL Bus No.B103 that runs from Bukit Bintang to Titiwangsa via the KLCC route. Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm Location: 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur Phone Number: +603 4025 4990

Established in 1993, this non-profit visual art gallery is open to the public in KLCC to promote the continuity and development of Malaysian art. You can also participate in free art classes promoting local techniques. To view the current and past list of exhibitions, do visit their website.  To get here, you can always take a taxi or utilise the Kelana Jaya LRT line that stops right below the Twin Towers (KLCC). If you’re coming from inside the mall, take the escalator or lift up to the 3rd Floor. If you prefer to walk, you can also use the elevated, air-conditioned KLCC to Bukit Bintang Pedestrian Walkway if you’re near to the Bukit Bintang area or Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm (closed on Mondays) Location: Lot 341-343, 3rd Floor, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur Phone Number: +603 2051 7770

Malaysia houses a diverse selection of cultural crafts and many of it can be viewed in the open-concept building of the Cultural Craft Complex situated at Jalan Conlay. The building is divided into several sections; mainly the museum, artists’ colony and craft village, the batik gallery and the souvenir shop. Here, you’ll get a first-hand opportunity to view the handiwork and process of master craftsmen and craftswomen for traditional basket weaving, batik making, pottery and so much more. For a token fee, you’ll also get to try your hand at various crafts. You can get there by hailing a taxi but you can also choose to go on foot as it is a few minutes walk from KLCC and Aquaria.  Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5.30pm Location: Level 8, Bangunan Sri Anjung, Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, Section 63, Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Phone Number: +603 2164 9907 / 08

Drive a little more than 10km from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, and you’ll end up at this famous limestone hill made up of several caves and indoor temples. Devotees of the Hindu God, Lord Murugan, regularly visit the temples to pray and give offerings. If you’re not particularly fond of crowds, you’ll want to avoid coming during Thaipusam as it packed full of devotees and visitors. During this festival, the Silver Chariot procession will make its way from Kuala Lumpur the night before to Batu Caves the following day. Visitors to this popular destination will have the chance to climb 272 steep rock stairs before reaching the first cave. If you’ve just started rock climbing, this is a good spot to practise and test out your climbing skills. It’s better to arrive earlier to pick out a good climbing spot, but there are also plenty of routes available. Just remember to bring your own climbing gear. Taxis are always available to this destination. Otherwise, you can also take the Intrakot...