Simon Richmond - Lonely Planet Discover Malaysia & Singapore

This is Malaysia & Singapore

Southeast Asias dynamic duo offer wildlife-rich jungles, beautiful beaches, idyllic islands, culinary sensations, and multiethnic culture in 21st-century metropolises.

Malaysias primary jungle is among the most ancient ecosystems on earth. Significant swathes remain intact, protected by national parks and conservation projects. Join a ranger-led nature walk and youll be alerted to the mind-boggling biodiversity all around: the pitcher plants, lianas and orchids of the humid lowlands, and the conifers and rhododendrons of the high-altitude forests. The icing on this verdant cake is the chance to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. The most common sightings will be of a host of insects or colourful birdlife, but you could get lucky and spot a foraging tapir, a silvered leaf monkey, or an orang-utan swinging through the jungle canopy. The oceans are just as bountiful you can snorkel or dive among shoals of tropical fish, paint-box corals, turtles, sharks and dolphins.

Urban explorers wont be disappointed either. Singapore is a city showstopper that combines a historical legacy of elegant colonial buildings with stunning contemporary architecture and world-class attractions like its zoo, museums and amazing botanical gardens (two of them!). Malaysias capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) is less organised but perhaps more appealing because of that a place where Malay kampung (village) life stands cheek by jowl with the glitz of the Petronas Towers, and shoppers shuttle from traditional wet markets to air-conditioned mega-malls. The historical cores of Melaka and George Town (Penang) are inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list for their unique architectural and cultural townscapes, developed over a half a millennium of Southeast Asian cultural and trade exchange. Both should be high on your to-visit list.

The regions potpourri of cultures mirrors the natural environments diversity. Each ethnic group has its own language and cultural practices that you can best appreciate through a packed calendar of festivals and a delicious variety of cuisines.

Kek Lok Si Temple (), Penang
KEVIN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES

Malaysia & Singapores Top Experiences

Penangs Street Food

In Malaysia the best food is served in the humblest surroundings and involves the least amount of fuss. The countrys seemingly countless vendors serve delicious dishes from mobile carts, stalls and shophouses, many employing recipes and techniques handed down through the generations. In addition to informality, ubiquity and quality youre also spoilt for choice on a single Malaysian street youre likely to encounter Malay, regional Chinese, southern Indian and Western cuisines. Like most locals we reckon the best street food is found on Penang ( ).

Indian market stall in George Town's Little India (), Penang
DAVID PARKER/ALAMY