Take your selfie skills to the next level at Skyscape in Johor Baru. — Photos: Filepic
There are many long weekends – or potential long weekends – occurring this year. While some people have already planned where they want to go during these breaks, there are also those who prefer to make last-minute decisions.
That’s fine too, especially since airfare for domestic flights are pretty reasonable these days. Local airline Batik Air covers several domestic routes including to Penang (PEN), Johor Baru (JHB) and Kuching (KCH) in Sarawak, flying from either the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KUL) or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Selangor.
This is especially convenient for travellers living within the Klang Valley, or even in the surrounding areas.
Penang
If you’re the type to go on holiday during the low tourism season, make your way to Penang and see what the state – particularly George Town – is like when it isn’t too crowded with tourists. This was what I did just before the school holiday recently, and I was pleasantly surprised.
George Town is a walkable city, though it can get a little too hot and humid on some days. But nothing a little hat, a powerful USB fan, lots of sunscreen and a double-walled reusable water bottle can’t fix.
The best way to experience George Town on foot is to take lots of breaks in between – and there are many cafes and kopitiams where you can do this.
The Chew Jetty is one of the top tourist spots in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
In the morning, hit the Chowrasta Market for some good eats, then continue to any of the cafes nearby for your second cup of coffee or tea.
Be wary that the lines can be very long at popular or “viral” food hotspots like Toh Soon Cafe (famous for its roti bakar), Joo Hooi Cafe (char kuey teow, asam laksa, cendol), China House (cakes and pastries), and Hamee-diyah Restaurant (nasi kandar), even during the low seasons.
Head to the Hin Bus Depot for some cool art stuff and performances. Do check their social media pages to find out what’s on during your time there, and for specific schedules.
Add the newly-opened Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery to your itinerary as well, although it’s too far to walk there – it’s about 10km from Komtar.
For some cultural and historical experiences, visit the Chew Jetty, Blue Mansion, and Indian Heritage Museum Penang.
If you have more time in Penang, hit the road and head to iconic spots like Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple, or check out viral photo spots like Gertak Sanggul in Pasir Bulan (“sky mirror”), and Kampung Terang in Balik Pulau, where two huge art installations can be found.
The Borneo Cultures Museum is a must-visit in Kuching. (Right) Take your selfie skills to the next level at Skyscape in Johor Baru. — Photos: Filepic
Kuching
The capital of Sarawak is also a walkable city, at least where the main tourist areas are concerned.
Kuching is such a laidback city and so easy to navigate on foot. There are a few main roads and streets to take note of: Carpenter Street, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Main Bazaar, Jalan Tabuan and Ewe Hai Street.
Countless kopitiams, food courts and cafes are found along these roads, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. It’s pretty easy to find local favourites like kolok mee, Sarawak laksa, tomato mee and kueh chap, but there are also a handful of eateries that serve Bidayuh cuisine, and other traditional fare.
Make your way to the Kuching Waterfront and take the tambang (water taxi) to get to the other side of the Sarawak River and visit the historical Fort Margherita.
Near the waterfront is where you can hunt for some souvenirs like traditional handwoven bags and textiles, and kek lapis.
Don’t forget to visit the internationally-acclaimed Borneo Cultures Museum; the old museum is currently undergoing massive restoration and renovation works, though some travel websites still list it as a “must-visit” attraction.
As a challenge, search for the three iconic cat statues – it’s really not that hard – as well as some pretty murals around the city.
If you have more time, rent a car and go to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (around 20km from the city centre) to see some orang utans. You can also sign up for a half-day tour package for this excursion if you’re not bothered to drive there yourself.
Johor Baru
The Visit Johor 2026 campaign is running alongside Visit Malaysia 2026, and over 100 programmes are expected to be held throughout the state in the 12 months.
“Majestic Johor: The Jewel of the South” is the campaign’s theme, while “Meh lah Johor” is its cute tagline. They have mascots, too: a pair of Malayan tigers named Cuping and Jucy.
In Johor Baru, walk along the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street to see a handful of pre-war buildings that have been turned into modern cafes, art galleries, boutiques and others business premises.
Go early to get your hands on some freshly-baked banana bread at the popular Hiap Joo Bakery.
Of course, Johor is also where you will find Malaysia’s first and only Legoland theme park. Located in Iskandar Puteri – about 20km from JB city centre – Legoland is especially popular with families. But adult fans of the classic toy will also love the place.
Another big theme park to check out in Johor is the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast in Bandar Penawar, which is around 90 minutes away from JB by car.
While Desaru Coast is a great integrated resort to explore, the Desaru coastline is more than 20km long so there are many beaches to check out here. Tanjung Lompat, for example, is great for surfing; you can find a few surfing schools along the cape.
Batik Air flies from KUL to PEN 28 times weekly, and from SZB to PEN 14 times weekly. The airline also flies from SZB to KCH 10 times weekly, and from KUL to JHB 18 times weekly.
