If the Malaysian Peninsula isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be. Bordered by Thailand on the north and Singapore on the south, this roughly 700-mile-long peninsula is simply bursting with an incredible melting pot of European, Asian, and Indigenous cultures, lush landscapes, hidden gems, and more delicious food than you could savor in a lifetime.

From soaring skyscrapers to colorful temples and old growth rainforests to bustling night markets, all the options can make your head spin, but in the best way. Not sure where to start? Check out these top Malaysian destinations—plus our recommendations on the local foods you should try when you work up an appetite.

George Town, Penang Island

The capital of Penang Island, George Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architectural style and rich history as a trading hub, going as far back as 1786. It’s best explored on foot, where you can easily trace the rich history through the port city’s buildings. Architectural styles range from stately British colonial mansions to ornate Chinese shophouses and stately mosques to colorful Buddhist temples. Keen observers will likely spot works of street art throughout town—the catalyst of the modern street art movement here began in 2012 when Lithuanian artist-turned-resident Ernest Zacharevic was commissioned to create a series of murals for the George Town Festival.

Don’t miss: No trip to George Town is complete without making the quick trip to the suburb of Air Itam to marvel at the Kek Lok Si Temple. One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, its scale is hard to imagine without seeing it yourself. The centerpiece is the seven-tiered Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas (Ban Po Thar), which towers over meticulously landscaped gardens, gilded prayer halls, and thousands of yellow and red paper lanterns.

Stop and savor: George Town is known as the culinary capital of Malaysia for its dynamic street food scene. Swing by a local hawker center (an open-air food market) to taste Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan dishes. Peranakan, also known as Nyona, is a blending of Malay, Indian, and Eurasian cuisine. The most famous Peranakan dish is ayam buah keluak consisting of chicken (ayem) stewed with fermented black nuts (buah keluak) that are harvested from local mangroves and served with rice.

Porto Malai, Langkawi

Craving some rest and relaxation after visiting some of the Malaysian Peninsula’s most vibrant cultural capitals? Head to the waterfront town of Porto Malai, located on the southwestern coast of the island of Langkawi. The best way to get a lay of the land is on the popular Langkawi Cable Car. During the 15-minute ascent to the top of Gunung Machinchang, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, verdant forests, and rushing waterfalls. If the steep ride to the top helped conquer your fear of heights, continue on to the Langkawi Skybridge, one of the longest curved suspension bridges in the world.

Once you’re ready to return to sea level, you’ll find a scenic marina and boardwalk, upscale resorts, watersports, and postcard-perfect beaches. Choose from resort-style beaches right in town or quieter, remote stretches of sand on the outskirts.

Don’t miss: Although Langkawi boasts hot, humid temperatures throughout the year, a visit to the natural springs of the Seven Wells Waterfall will cool you off. The lower falls are the most easily accessible, while the upper falls require climbing almost 650 steps through the forest.

Stop and savor: The island is abundant with fish, so it’s not surprising that their local specialty is ikan bakar, fish marinated in sambal, turmeric, chili, and fermented shrimp paste, then wrapped in a banana leaf and broiled over charcoal. It can be quite spicy, so it’s usually served with steamed white rice. Hungry travelers can find this flavorful dish everywhere from roadside stalls to local waterfront restaurants.

Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur

Head an hour inland from Port Klang and find yourself in glittering Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city. While most national capitals are quite diverse, Kuala Lumpur takes it to the next level. One of the most multicultural cities in Asia, it’s a true melting pot and home to a mix of ethnic groups including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and a variety of indigenous groups.

For visitors, this provides a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of art, architecture, religions, food, music, festivals, and more. Stroll through Merdeka Square, where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957. Explore the Hindu temples and hidden shrines of the limestone Batu Caves. Shop your way through the vibrant market streets of Chinatown. Enjoy the unique modern architecture of the National Mosque.

Don’t miss: Undoubtedly the most famous feature of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, the Petronas Twin Towers are the world’s tallest twin towers, at a soaring 1,483 feet. Day or night, they put on a captivating show that every visitor should check off their bucket list.

Stop and savor: In neighborhoods across Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find casual, quick-service restaurants called nasi kandars. Stop in anytime (many are open 24 hours) and take your pick of rice drenched in flavorful curries and stews, such as slow-cooked beef in coconut milk, fish head curry, or spicy prawns in sambal chili paste.

Malacca

Like George Town, the west coast city of Malacca (also spelled Melaka) has a rich trading history that dates all the way back to the 15th and 16th centuries—Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture prove the point. While only about two hours from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca is a world away. A small, walkable city, Malacca welcomes travelers with a slower pace of life and is bursting with charm.

Spend a day wandering and you’ll come upon many treasures. The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple was founded by the town’s Chinese population and is the oldest temple in Malaysia, dating all the way back to the 1640s. Want to go even farther back in time? Rent a bike and cycle to Porta de Santiago, the ruins of a Portuguese fortress from 1511.

Don’t miss: Just a short drive from the center of town, the Melaka Straits Mosque seems to float just above the waterline. A newcomer to town, it was completed in 2006 and features a gold dome and beautiful stained glass. While it’s beautiful at any time of day, it really shines at dawn and dusk.

Stop and savor: When you want to try a little bit of everything, head to Jonker Street. This area is the best place to sample the many flavors that make up Malaysian cuisine. If you’re visiting during the day, pop into a casual restaurant or cafe and try a Perakanan dish you’ve never tasted before, like satay celup (skewered meat, seafood, or vegetables dipped in boiling peanut sauce) or nyonya laksa (a spicy noodle soup).

Feed your senses in Malaysia

Colorful, fragrant, vibrant Malaysia has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or just want to be the first of your friends to experience this dynamic destination. Explore Malaysia all from the comfort of your ultra-luxury retreat at sea on a Seabourn cruise that puts multiple cities and ports within reach.