Malacca

The Straits of Malacca – the waters between Peninsula Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra – were named for this former power base and seat of a sultanate that ruled over the region 600 years ago. The town south of Kuala Lumpur has become one of Malaysia's heritage hotspots and the rich tapestry of architectural styles clustered along Malacca's riverside point to the city's storied history. Having been established in 1403 as a Hindu Sultanate, it has ancient temples and mosques of ancient Sumatran design, but there are also vintage colonial buildings left behind by Portuguese, British and Jesuit settlers. For a luxurious stay in this fascinating town, stay at the Majestic Malacca.

Culture and hertiage

Once a wealthy sea port, the old city of Malacca in the south-west of the Malaysian Peninsula is an intriguing mix of six hundred-year-old temples and mosques of ancient Sumatran design, and colonial buildings left behind by Portuguese and Jesuit settlers. The attractive tree-studded coastal city is perfect for sightseeing whether on foot, by tuk-tuk or on a slow cruise along the river.

To the north of the peninsula you can take the ferry from the town of Butterworth to the delightful enclave of Penang. A former British colony, the island was once known as the pearl of the orient. Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple – Kek Lok Si – is one of the island's most-visited sights.

Take a rickshaw tour around its atmospheric timeworn streets, preserved as they were 150 years ago. A jumble of Chinese shop houses, Hindu temples, Malaysian mosques and Victorian mansions are testament to the melting pot of cultural influences that converge in Malaysia. In Penang, this fusion has found modern expression in the excellent cuisine that makes the island a foodie favourite.

Staying on the Malaysian Peninsula, the city of Ipoh is also well worth a visit for a strong dose of local culture, food, temples and street art. The town's frothy white coffee is Malaysia's official national drink and the atmospheric colonial streets are still intact with a beautiful mosque at the centre. Just beyond the city, the Buddhist and Chinese cave temples of Sam Poh Tong are simply awe-inspiring. Temples, shrines, altars and statues have been built inside the dripstone caves and caverns, some opening onto the sky.

For encounters with Malaysia's distinct ancient tribes, head over to Malaysian Borneo for a road trip through the jungle from Kuching to the traditional tribal village of Annah Rais. Close to the border with Indonesian Borneo, the picturesque village of wooden longhouses joined by bamboo porches stretches on stilts along the riverbank. In northern Borneo you can dive into the island's legends and myths at the Monsopiad Heritage Village. Close to Kota Kinabalu, the model village is named after a local legendary warrior and preserves the beliefs and traditions of a local tribe of headhunters in a now-tranquil riverside setting in the rainforest.

For a snapshot of the island's different tribal groups, the Sarawak Cultural Village is an open-air museum in the centre of a lush wild park with a series of villages indicating each ethnic group. Set around a lake, there are live demonstrations of cultural traditions, music and hunting.