5 Best Sights in Malaysia

Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple, Kek Lok Si ("Temple of Supreme Bliss") was founded in 1890 by an immigrant Chinese Buddhist. A maze of souvenir stalls leads to Ban Po Thar, a seven-tier tower that displays a Chinese base, a middle tier with Thai architecture, and a Burmese crown on top. On the hillside, above the pagoda, a huge bronze figure of Kuan Yin ("Goddess of Mercy") was completed in 2002. The temple faces the sea, and the view from the cable car and the upper levels is fantastic. During Chinese holidays, particularly Chinese New Year, the temple is a hive of activity and celebration.

A nearby cascade of water has given Penang Botanic Gardens the widely known nickname of the "Waterfall Gardens." Originally established by the British back in 1884 out of an old granite quarry site, the gardens lie in a deep valley and feature 30 hectares (75 acres) of tropical forests. Keep an eye out for long-tailed macaques, dusky leaf monkeys, and black giant squirrels, and be sure not to feed the monkeys—there are plenty of signs to remind you and a steep fine for anyone who breaks the law. Don't try and tempt them with snacks or bottled drinks either; they'll simply snatch them from you, occasionally aggressively.

For a better understanding of Penang's rich, multicultural history—and for a break from the heat—duck inside this stately white heritage building, formerly the Penang Free School. The museum introduces visitors to the history of Penang through photographs of old transportation, artifacts that include weapons and betel boxes, and paintings that capture the past. The art gallery houses a collection of modern and contemporary art—a combination of sculpture, prints and videos—from 1965 to the present. The pieces cover themes including urbanization, globalization, and the environment.

You can discover some 500 species of tropical flora and fauna during a wander around Tropical Spice Garden's three winding trails. The shaded Jungle Trail overlooks a stream and displays ferns and wild orchids, while exotic flora is tucked away in the heart of the valley on the Ornamental Trail. The Spice Trail is where you will find more than 100 spices and herbs used for cooking, as well as for medicines, dyes, and perfumes. Stop by the visitor center to learn about cooking courses on offer; sip on a cool lime soda in the Tree Monkey Restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the bay; and make sure to swing by the gift shop for spice-inspired souvenirs.