While we’re obligated to #DudukRumah (translation: stay at home) to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we’ve had to suppress the wanderlust in us - even though we’re all just dreading to go out and explore! Surely, we’re not the only ones that miss travelling - yes, even going through airport security and long-haul flights.

So, what we find quite helpful to spark a little wanderlust at home is to plan and look forward to our next trip. And where better to start than Malaysia - the place we call home.

From the steel-and-glass metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, the historical UNESCO-listed George Town, to world-class diving sites and stunning beaches, Malaysia has to be one of the most diverse countries in Asia. It might have taken a global pandemic for us locals to learn to appreciate and take advantage of what our beautiful country has to offer. With international borders closed indefinitely, domestic tourism is definitely set to rise. If you’re a Malaysian, here are a few reasons why you should travel locally.

While we wait for the interstate travel ban to be lifted, here are some #CutiCutiMalaysia / #TravelMalaysia inspiration for you - including the usual suspects as well as the underrated, hidden gems. Read on to find out more!

1. Foodie Adventure

Let’s start things off with the obvious, and what many of us Malaysians would happily drive hours for - FOOD! Malaysian food is much like the country itself - culturally rich and diverse. We’ve inherited a vast array of cuisines from our melting pot of cultures. Drawing from Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities, there is definitely no shortage of flavour and options. In fact, due to overwhelming choices, we’re constantly scratching our heads and asking, “Where to eat?”

Well, we’ve gathered the local experts and put together some unmissable foodie experiences - including the fan favourites as well as the hidden gems that may have flown under your radar.

For world-famous street food, the place that pops into our head is none other than Penang - with its lip-smacking char kuey teow and its sweet, decadent cendol. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of food options Penang has to offer, so the strategic solution is to get a travel buddy to help you maneuver through it all. Here’s what we’d suggest - kick start your day with the ultimate Penang street food experience, burn off some calories with a romantic heritage walk, and bar-hop your way through the evening.

Click here for more foodie adventures, not just in Penang!

2. Cultural Immersion

In a place as diverse as Malaysia, we should take the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local living culture. Not just by cafe-hopping or taking touristy photos at landmarks, but by learning about the history and perhaps even going on a cultural excursion that’ll allow you to truly connect with the place you’re visiting. After all, what’s the point of just skimming the surface? We should travel deeper and more meaningfully - go off the beaten tracks, interact with locals, and discover the hidden gems!

Dubbed as ‘The Historic State’ and crowned a UNESCO World Heritage City, Melaka is thriving with rich culture and remnants of the past dating back to the 15th century. With plenty of historical sights to see and authentic cuisine to try, this dynamic city is a great destination for history buffs, foodies and adventure-seekers.

Explore the old charms of century-old Kampung Morten, experience the disappearing Peranakan culture with the Chetty community, and catch Melaka after dark for a unique perspective of the city.

Click here for more unique things to do in Melaka aside from the obvious attractions like the Dutch Square and Jonker Walk.

3. City Staycation

When someone says ‘staycation’, you’re probably thinking 5-star hotel stays and room service. But why not take it up a notch and become a tourist in your own city? After all, we live in one of the world’s greatest multicultural metropolises! KL might seem like any other big anonymous city, but beneath it all is a melting pot of history, culture and cuisine. Stroll through Kuala Lumpur’s oldest neighbourhood, explore Chow Kit Market, get your photos taken by a professional photographer and cap the night off with locally inspired cocktails.

We’ve got plenty more off-the-beaten-track experiences that will give you a whole new perspective of KL, check them out here!

4. Nature & Outdoor Exploration

Ah, the great outdoors! We’re incredibly lucky to be living in a country full of natural wonders and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Great for when we need a break, not just from slaving away at work but also from the concrete jungle we live in. When was the last time you went out and did something adventurous?

Here are a few ways you can reconnect with Mother Nature - embark on a trail through the protected rainforests of the Orang Asli Temuan community, go on a rock climbing adventure or try waterfall abseiling at Batu Caves, and perhaps tick paragliding off your bucket list.

Get in touch with nature and challenge yourself to an outdoor adventure - click here for more experiences!

5. Edutourism

Edutourism can be defined as travelling for the purpose of study, self-improvement or intellectual stimulation. So, we’re not just talking about travelling to pursue a higher education, but also travelling to learn - whether it’s a new skill or a particular topic of interest.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you might want to go on a trip to discover pink dolphins with marine biologists, or perhaps shadow the footsteps of a Dusky Langur researcher. With current travel restrictions, you can even go on a virtual safari experience with the Bornean Sun Bear.

Classes and workshops also fall under the category of edutourism. Learn how to make your own silver jewellery or try kuih making and food art in a farm.

The next time you visit a new place, why not check out the classes they have to offer and bring home not just souvenirs but also a new skill! Check out more educational experiences here.

For those who can’t wait for borders to open up, you might want to consider virtual travel - a new and innovative way to travel the world and experience new things without leaving our couch. If you’re looking for virtual tours to check out, read about our feature on New Strait Times!

For now, let’s #stayathome and do our part to flatten the curve. Although we can’t physically travel, it doesn’t mean we can’t plan now and look forward to our next excursion! Hopefully this article has given you some inspiration. While you may already know some of the places listed above, there’s always more to discover! If we’ve forgotten to include your favourite place or things to do in Malaysia, do let us know in the comments.

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Buddyz is an experiential travel platform powered by locals, a.k.a. the most knowledgeable and interesting experts, the ones that know the country best! We want to encourage people to travel more meaningfully, to immerse themselves in local culture, and to connect with people from the places they visit.

So on our platform, you will find what we call ‘Experiences’ for every interest - ranging from cultural walks, intimate meals at secluded local eateries to creative workshops and classes. All of which are led by locals and are vetted for quality.

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