Stunning Historical Places Worth Visiting in Malaysia

Having been ruled and occupied by several empires during the colonial eras—the Portuguese (1511), Dutch (1641), British (1824), and Japanese (1941)—combined with the strategic location of its ports (Melaka and George Town) that once attracted foreign merchants, Malaysia is one of the most multi-ethnic and multicultural nations in Southeast Asia. The diverse foreign influences and its multi-ethnic society are reflected in its food, architecture, and cultural heritage. 

Melaka and George Town, two of Malaysia’s prominent trading towns, boast unique architectural and cultural townscapes that are unparalleled in East and Southeast Asia, earning them the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008. As we approach the country’s Independence Day on 31 August, it’s a perfect time to explore these remarkable historical sites and delve into Malaysia's rich history. Here are our top recommendations: 

Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur 

Situated within the Perdana Botanical Gardens with a land area of 12.14 hectares, Carcosa Seri Negara was home to Malaya's first British Resident General, Sir Frank Swettenham. The building consists of two colonial mansions, Carcosa and Seri Negara. Carcosa, completed in 1897, was used as a residence with at least eight bedrooms. Seri Negara on the other hand was completed in 1913 and was used as a government guest house for high-profile dignitaries. Also known as the King’s House, Seri Negara witnessed the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement between the Malay Rulers and the representative of Her Majesty the Queen, the High Commissioner, Sir Donald MacGillivray. 

After Malaysia gained Independence in 1957, Carcosa and its land were given to the British Government and used as the residence of British High Commissioners, while Seri Negara was used as the official guest palace of the then Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman. After the return of ownership of Carcosa to the Malaysian Government in 1987, both Carcosa and Seri Negara were restored and reopened as a luxury boutique hotel (1989–2015) before finally being turned into a museum (2017 – 2019). Although it is currently not open to the public, the iconic building can still be viewed from a distance outside the gate. 

In case you need a guide to show you around the city, simply search ‘tour guide’ or ‘travel agency’ on CariCari Listings and you will be spoiled for choice with the various agencies available. 

Carcosa Seri Negara

Penang Town Hall and City Hall 

The Penang Town Hall is a two-storey structure that occupies a land area of 21,553 square meters. Situated along Jalan Padang Kota Lama (formerly Esplanade Road), facing the famous Esplanade, the Penang Town Hall is the oldest Municipal building and among the earliest public buildings erected in Penang that still survives. The historic building, which served as a public hall, was said to have been designed in the British Palladian architectural style by two military engineers. It consists of a front portico, an assembly hall, a ballroom with adjoining supper rooms, a performance stage, office rooms and a library. 

It was opened on 6 August 1880 by the Straits Settlements Governor, Sir Frederick Weld, with a public ball. Since there was no electricity at the time the entrance and ballroom were lit by coconut oil lamps supplied by the Katz Brothers. The Town Hall’s rooms were used as municipal offices until 1903 with the completion of the City Hall (formerly known as the Municipal Offices until 1957 when Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II declared George Town a city) next door. While the City Hall housed the municipal offices, the Town Hall continued to be a popular venue, especially among European elites who gathered there for social events such as theatrical performances, balls, art exhibitions, and concerts. Today, the venue serves as a public space that hosts art exhibitions and the yearly George Town Festival. 

Apart from its many historical buildings, Penang is famous for its vibrant food scene. Check out the CariCari Listings page to hunt for the best eateries and restaurants in the city. 

Penang TownHall

The Stadthuys and Christ Church Melaka 

The name Stadthuys is an Old Dutch spelling which means city hall. The massive red building, built on the ruins of the Portuguese fort, is believed to be the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East. The construction took place between 1641 and 1660 under the commission of the Dutch East India Company, nine years after conquering Malacca from the Portuguese. 

During the Dutch era, the building complex, including courtyards, covered approximately 1 hectare of land and served as the Dutch’s main administrative center until Melaka was handed over to the British in 1824. The complex continued to serve as the government’s administrative complex until 1957 before it was finally converted into a state museum in 1984, showcasing the different phases of Melaka's history. 

Just next to the Stadthuys is the Christ Church Melaka, Malaysia’s oldest functioning Protestant church. The building was constructed between 1741 and 1753 to commemorate the centenary of Malacca’s capture by the Dutch. 

Looking for a place to stay while hunting for historic places in Melaka? CariCari Listings features numerous hotels and resorts, allowing you to gather details before deciding on the best option. 

Christ Church Melaka

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Johor

Constructed between 1892 and 1900 under the commission of the first sultan of “Modern Johor”, Sultan Abu Bakar Daeng Ibrahim, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is the oldest mosque in Johor Bahru. The mosque’s architecture is heavily influenced by the Moorish and Victorian styles which are evident with its distinctive domes, four-story minarets, and intricate wall mouldings. 

The main prayer hall which can accommodate up to 2,000 worshipers at a time, is fitted with Roman-style pillars, bright marble panels from Italy on the floor, gleaming chandeliers, and a gilded mimbar from Turkiye. Located on top of a 30-meter-high hill facing the Tebrau Strait, the mosque offers a panoramic view of Johor Bahru and the straits of Johor. Due to its strategic location, the mosque was once used as a military observation point during World War II. 

If you are looking for some entertainment or leisure activities while traveling, CariCari Listings features a variety of service providers such as karaoke places, snooker clubs, and golf courses. 

Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar