Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s forgotten paradises. While tourists buzz between Bali and Bangkok, Malaysia somehow gets overlooked. It shouldn’t. Located slap-bang in between Indonesia and Thailand, Malaysia has the same wild jungles and painfully pretty beaches (with seawater as freakishly blue as Chris Pine’s eyes) but it doesn’t have the hordes. And as blue as the water might be, you don’t just visit Malaysia to lie on a beach, you also go to experience the incredible culture. Made up of residents of Indian, Chinese, and Malay descent, Malaysia is like visiting three places in one—talk about getting your money’s worth! Here’s how to spend your time wisely.

The Kuala Lumpur skyline at dusk. Photo: Alamy

Spend a Night in Kuala Lumpur

If your only experience of a Southeast Asian city consists of walking down Khao San Road in Bangkok, wedged between 40,000 sweaty tourists buying hemp caftans and tie-dyed beach dresses, then you haven’t experienced a Southeast Asian city properly. Kuala Lumpur is one of the world’s most advanced cities, with gleaming skyscrapers and sci-fi-like highways. One of its biggest draws is the shopping. Sure, you didn’t travel all the way to Asia to hang out inside a mall, but some visitors do come here just to shop, so why not explore a few shopping malls while you’re here? Lot 10, Fahrenheit 88, and Starhill Gallery are among the best in the city. When you’re done draining your bank account, head to the Hotel Majestic for afternoon tea in the Orchid Conservatory, where you can sit among the Instagram-worthy blooms. The colonial Hotel Majestic is oh-so-majestic, and if you’re going to spend a night in KL, you should spend it here.