Highlights of Malay Peninsula

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Malay Peninsula. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cultural attractions of Malay Peninsula

Chiang Mai
The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai

The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Northern Hilltribes
Northern Thailand has many traditional hilltribes and minority groups who have maintained their own culture, customs and languages. Among these groups are the Palong, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Shan, Yao and Hmong people. The tribal villages can be explored on foot, bicycle or even by taking an elephant ride.

Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the cultural capital of Java with a myriad of cultural influences including 8th century Buddhist and Hindu temples, 18th century Islamic palaces and colonial Dutch architecture. Its main attraction is the Sultan's Palace complex, a huge walled city containing the 18th century Kraton Palace as well as markets and mosques. There are many museums to learn about Javanese history including the Sonobudoyo Museum, which contains an excellent collection of Javanese masks, batiks and puppets. The markets in Malioboro Street offer opportunities to purchase batik, silver and leatherware. Cultural shows in Yogyakarta include gamelan concerts with traditional dancing, Wayang or shadow-puppet shows and Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is the cultural capital of Java with a myriad of cultural influences including 8th century Buddhist and Hindu temples, 18th century Islamic palaces and colonial Dutch architecture. Its main attraction is the Sultan's Palace complex, a huge walled city containing the 18th century Kraton Palace as well as markets and mosques. There are many museums to learn about Javanese history including the Sonobudoyo Museum, which contains an excellent collection of Javanese masks, batiks and puppets. The markets in Malioboro Street offer opportunities to purchase batik, silver and leatherware. Cultural shows in Yogyakarta include gamelan concerts with traditional dancing, Wayang or shadow-puppet shows and Ramayana Ballet, an adaptation of the Hindu epic.

Ubud
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Located on the lush slopes of the central mountains, it is home to numerous temples, museums, art galleries and craft centres. Balinese art flourished under the patronage of the Dutch colonisers and is renowned for its high quality and its reflection of Balinese culture and traditions. The surrounding countryside has a number of attractions including the Goa Gajah (or Elephant Cave) which houses a bathing pool and carvings of Shiva and Ganesh, the temple complex at Pejeng, Sumatran elephant rides at the Pujung Kelod Elephant Park or the handicraft villages near the city.

Ubud

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Located on the lush slopes of the central mountains, it is home to numerous temples, museums, art galleries and craft centres. Balinese art flourished under the patronage of the Dutch colonisers and is renowned for its high quality and its reflection of Balinese culture and traditions. The surrounding countryside has a number of attractions including the Goa Gajah (or Elephant Cave) which houses a bathing pool and carvings of Shiva and Ganesh, the temple complex at Pejeng, Sumatran elephant rides at the Pujung Kelod Elephant Park or the handicraft villages near the city.