Must visit places and things to do this Hari Raya break

Vishnu Krishnan
Jun 5, 2018
3 min read

Hari Raya is the most festive of religious celebrations in Malaysia. Along with it comes much-needed holiday time. As locals disperse the cities and return to their hometowns and family kampungs, many of the well-known tourist spots around Kuala Lumpur and popular destinations around the country become empty.

This is the perfect time for you to relax, unwind and embark on a little adventure. The Raya public holiday (*updated for 2018) is from Friday June 15th for three days, so if you can swindle a few extra days off, you’ll have a nice little holiday!

Malaysia is home to some of the most biodiverse and gorgeous scenery in the world. Pristine resorts and hotels nestled into Malaysia’s jungles and beaches provide the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the native flora and fauna. Gayana Eco Resort on Gaya Island off the west coast of Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia, heads this list. The tropical paradise has 5-star villas for all preferences, with their dive package offering door-step access to amazing coral reefs and an an amazing spa package for all-day pampering.

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Lake House Cameron Highlands Resort is a charming rustic colonial-styled country house with antique furnished rooms, wooden beams and fireplaces. There is a British-themed pub with standard British cuisine and an old-world lounge. This resort is definitely the best place to escape the scorching heat of KL with the mountain air certainly invigorating. The resort surrounds are covered with tea plantations, meaning you’re guaranteed to wake up to a fresh pot of tea.

Feeling pressed for time or not fully up to travelling much? There’s plenty of hidden gems in KL itself. Normally, you would have to face traffic congestions and parking issues, but with most of KL away, exploring the best eateries, retreats and cultural treasures is a lot easier.

Tamarind Springs Restaurant is a gastronome delight designed to tantalise all senses. The award-winning restaurant serves perhaps one of the best selections of Indochinese cuisine in Malaysia. Decor reminiscent of Balinese, Thai and Khmer culture affords you the experience of Indochina just 15 minutes outside the heart of KL.

For an outdoor haven within one hour of KL, check out Sekeping Serendah. They’ve successfully merged architectural genius and nature into a design masterpiece. This private retreat is minimalistic in its features with outdoor showers and unadorned glass structures that remind us that simplicity is sometimes perfection — give 360 degree views of adjacent Orang Asli settlements and the Serendah golf course.

There’s also plenty of places to avoid this Raya. Stay clear of major towns outside of KL like Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Kota Bharu and Kuantan, as you’ll be greeted by kilometre-long jams. Shopping malls in KL might also be very packed as those who have stayed behind will more than likely decide to all shop at once. Certain hotels and resorts within KL may also be over-booked and crowded.

If nothing on this list tickles your fancy, you can always head down to Drift Dining and Bar over Hari Raya holidays. We're open and business as usual! Join us for : * Happy hour everyday 4-7pm. * Weekend BBQ grilled fresh and Sunday's Live Jam Sessions from 6-9pm. Check out a clip of 'Who's that Band?' jamming out!

Cover of The Beatles - Saw her standing there.

* Join us on Sunday 17th June, 2018 for a first time ever Cocktail Masterclass! Want to learn how to craft your very own signature concoction? Book now to save your spot, seating limited! Click the image below to send an email. Check out the FB event page.