Short Trips, Flights, And Getaways From Kuala Lumpur

CULTURE + HERITAGE: Penang (1 hour from Kuala Lumpur)

Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, this island has been ranked as one of the very best travel destinations in the world! Street arts are not uncommon in Penang as there are many alleys in this vicinity and you can discover the mural of a little boy and half-faced Chinese opera beauty among many others. You may not want to leave the island without indulging in the famous local dessert called Cendol which is managed by the Tan brothers at Lebuh Keng Kwee. You can also pay a visit to the Kek Lok Si temple which is one of the finest and largest temple complexes within the region.

Lone Pine Hotel, 97, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11050 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, www.lonepinehotel.com. Tucked away in an idyllic spot along Penang's coastline, this hotel is perfect for the beach lovers!

BEACH: Langkawi (1 hour from Kuala Lumpur)

Langkawi is an island off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and is also known as one of the country’s most popular beach destinations. It has rich, natural landscapes and iconic structures that are definitely worth travelling for. Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 metre-long curved pedestrian bridge that offers an exhilarating view of the island. For the thrill-seekers, Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors on a 15-minute ride to the top of mount Mat Cincang which is nothing but breathtaking.

Aseania Resort Langkawi, Jalan Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, www.aseanialangkawiresort.com

CULTURE + HERITAGE: Siam Reap, Cambodia (2 hours from Kuala Lumpur)

Built by Suryavarman II (r 1112–52) and surrounded by a vast moat, Angkor Wat is the ultimate expression of Khmer genious. Along the temple complex is an 800m-long series of bas-reliefs, and rising 55m above the ground is the central tower. Allow at least two hours for a visit to Angkor Wat and plan a half-day if you want to decipher the bas-reliefs with a tour guide and ascend to Bakan, the upper level, which is open to visitors on a timed ticketing system. Also cruise Tonle Sap Lake to Kompong Phluk on a half-day tour from Siem Reap, and explore the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You’ll see communities that thrive at the edge of the water, pass floating schools and markets, and visit a local home to get a glimpse of daily life and culture.

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, 0369 NR6, Krong Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia, www.boreiangkor.com

CULTURE: Hanoi, Vietnam (3 hours from Kuala Lumpur)

Experience majestic Halong Bay via the Red River Delta. Aboard a traditional Chinese junk, you’ll cruise past an epic landscape of limestone pillars and tiny islets. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, take a kayak or bamboo boat ride, and visit stunning caves like Thien Cung and Dau Go. Best to pre-book your cruise for experiences like this to avoid disappointments.

Hôtel Mercure Hanoï la Gare, 94 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoàn Ki?m, Hà N?i 100000, Vietnam, www.accorehotels.com. The historical railway station is situated a couple of minutes away from this hotel.

FUN ACTIVITIES: Singapore (1 hour from Kuala Lumpur)

For a unique experience in Singapore enjoy a Singapore Zoo breakfast with orangutans where you’ll enjoy a jungle breakfast buffet in the company of a family of orangutans. These great apes are part of Singapore Zoo’s orangutan-breeding program, one of the most successful in the world. Then take a tour of the zoo by tram to see the rest of the 3,600 animals. At night, marvel at the illuminated sights of Singapore by visiting top attractions including a synchronized light and music show at the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. Visit the Sands Skypark Observation Deck and end with a cruise on the Singapore River. For the thrill-seekers, Universal Studios Singapore awaits you.

Furama RiverFront, 405 Havelock Road, Singapore 169633, www.furama.com

CULTURE, BEACH + NATURE: Bali (3 hours from Kuala Lumpur)

The famed island of the Gods offers a fantastic mixture of tribal culture, picturesque beaches, exciting activities and world-class amenities and is indeed a paradise that has something for everyone to enjoy on vacation. The capital city of Denpasar in the south of the island provides a cultural and business hub, which is a good starting point for Bali tourists. Located close to Denpasar is the impressive Nusa Dua area that has some of the Bali’s best hotels, restaurants, and shops. Further inland, in Ubud, are various small villages that offer an insight into the Balinese culture which houses many of Bali's performing arts venues, art galleries, ancient heritage sites as well as the famous Monkey Forest.

The Evitel Resort Ubud, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia, www.theevitelhotels.com/ubud

Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center, Jl. Gatot Subroto Barat No.283, Pemecutan Kaja, Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80231, Indonesia, www.astonhotelsinternational.com

HERITAGE AND WILDLIFE: Brunei Darussalam (2.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur)

HERITAGE: Bangkok, Thailand (2 hours from Kuala Lumpur)

Explore Bangkok’s most important cultural sights - Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Traimit and learn about the country’s royal heritage as you explore the palace, whose elaborate stepped roofs are the height of Siamese design. Visit the coronation halls and see the sacred Buddha carved from solid jade. Continue to Wat Traimit to see a centuries-old golden Buddha, and leave an offering in the gleaming sanctuary. Also visit the floating markets and Bridge on River Kwai Tour from Bangkok for the perfect escape from the energy of urban streets.

The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, 559 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand, www.berkeleypratunam.com. This hotel is located just 1km away from the city center and a 30 minutes drive from the airport.

NATURE, WILDLIFE + BEACH: Sabah, Malaysia

With an abundance of sea, sun and tropical island beaches, this makes a perfect holiday getaway. In Manukan Island, enjoy a range of activities during your beach sojourn, ranging from beach volleyball to sunbathing to snorkeling and more. Journey into the jungles of Borneo on this incredible tour of the Sandakan Sepilok Rehabilitation Center. Learn about conservation efforts being made to protect wild orangutans and watch a dedicated team of naturalists teach these orphaned primates the survival skills necessary to exist once they are released back into the wild.

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu, Jalan Singgah Mata, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, www.cititelexpress.com/kk. The commercial district, banks, government agencies, local eateries and various tourist sites are at a walking distance from this property. 

WILDLIFE + CULTURE: Sarawak, Malaysia

Venture south of Kuching to Semonggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and get an up close look at how dedicated locals and naturalists help to preserve, protect and rehabilitate orangutans that have been injured, orphaned or captured. Next, be won over by Kuching’s natural charms and lose yourself in the maze-like alleys of Old Kuching, practice your haggling skills at the bustling Central Markets and pay a visit to the fascinating Sarawak Museum. This comprehensive tour also includes many of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Cat Statue, Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, the State Mosque and the Astana.

The Waterfront Hotel, 68, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, www.thewaterfrontkuching.com. Experience comfort and convenience as this hotel is located in the heart of Kuching city.