25 Photos That Prove Malaysia Is the Most Colorful Place on Earth

Jamie Ditaranto is a traveler in a love triangle with writing and photography. Follow the drama on Twitter @jamieditaranto and Instagram @jamieditaranto.

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A melting pot of color and diversity, Malaysia has everything from stunning beaches and world-class resorts to steamy jungles and fascinating wildlife. And it’s a crossroads for many cultures and religions, too. These photographs tell the story of cultures converging and collaborating in one of the Southeast Asia’s most picturesque settings.

Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is the cultural hub for Malaysia's diverse population.

(Photo: Night View of Kuala Lumpur Skyline via Shutterstock)

Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is the cultural hub for Malaysia's diverse population.

(Photo: Night View of Kuala Lumpur Skyline via Shutterstock)

The Markets at Kuala Lumpur

The capital city is buzzing with outdoor bazaars where you can buy fresh ingredients and indulge in some authentic Malaysian street food.

(Photo: M M via flickr/CC Attribution)

Thean Hou Temple

The Thean Hou temple is decorated with intricate carvings and embellishments inspired by a blend of Buddhist and Tao philosophies.

(Photo: The ornate architecture at Thean Hou Temple during Chinese New Year via Shutterstock)

Malacca Straits Mosque

This mosque sitting along the Malacca Straits is most beautiful at night when you can see the lights reflecting off the water.

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

Lantern Lighting

With Chinese culture as a strong influencer, lanterns appear all over temples in Malaysia.

(Photo: Georgette Tan via flickr/CC Attribution)

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is celebrated with the traditional Malaysian lion dance.

(Photo: Malaysian Traditional Lion Dance via Shutterstock)

Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the most stunning sights in Malaysia is Kek Lok Si Temple in George Town. At night, it's a fully illuminated festival of color.

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

Temple of Supreme Bliss

Also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.

(Photo: Cindy via flickr/CC Attribution)

George Town

The inner city of George Town has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and is celebrated for the unique colonial architecture that developed under British rule.

(Photo: Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia - February 19, 2015 via Shutterstock)

George Town Hills

Here you can see Kek Lok Si Temple during the day with the misty Georgetown Hills in the background.

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

Tamu Besar Parade

Every October in Kota Belud, the Tamu Basar takes place. It is a festival of color and sound with buffalo races and colorful parades.

(Photo: Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia, Oct 18, 2014 via Shutterstock)

Colonial Influence

The colonial British style has also heavily influenced the streets of Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square.

(Photo: Merdeka Square in downtown Kuala Lumpur Malaysia via Shutterstock)

Old and New

Antiquity and modernity live side by side in Kuala Lumpur with skyscrapers and temples adding to the city's beauty.

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

Petronas Twin Towers

These iconic towers held the title of tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004.

(Photo: Wotjek Gurak via flickr/CC Attribution)

Seri Wawasan Bridge

This futuristic cable bridge is one of the main bridges in the city of Putrajaya.

(Photo: Elviz Low via flickr/CC Attribution)

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is a significant region for Malaysia's production of flavorful and aromatic teas.

(Photo: Yasser Abusen via flickr/CC Attribution)

Tea Plantations

Tea produced in the Cameron Highlands is often referred to as "Cameronian" tea and is revered for its full-bodied flavor.

(Photo: Tea Worker picking tea leaves in a tea plantation Cameron Highlands Malaysia via Shutterstock)

Wildlife

Malaysia has some of the most diverse wildlife on Earth, with more than 10 species of monkeys and two types of Macaque monkeys, such as the one seen above.

(Photo: C. Rich Imagery via flickr/CC Attribution)

Rafflesi Arnoldii

Malaysia is home to the world's biggest flower, commonly referred to as the "corpse flower" for the horrible fragrance it produces.

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

The Batu Caves Temple

The Batu Caves Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia. Its 140-foot-high statue depicts Murugan, the Hindu deity of war.

(Photo: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - August 3, 2014: Tourist and local people can seen exploring around the Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur. via Shutterstock)

Interior of the Batu Caves

There are three main caves that make up the interior, the biggest of which is referred to as the Cathedral Cave. In order to reach it, visitors must climb 272 steps to the top.

(Photo: Hadi Zaher via flickr/CC Attribution)

Sakaran Marine Park

This marine park is rich in diverse marine life and one of the world's greatest spots for diving.

(Photo: Malaysia Sabah Borneo Scenic View via Shutterstock)

Penang Beaches

The beaches in Penang are some of the most beautiful in Malaysia and are highly sought-after resort locations.

(Photo: Beach Scene in Penang, Malaysia via Shutterstock)

Kelanten International Kite Festival

This international kite festival takes place every May at Getting Beach in the town of Tumpat.

(Photo: Kelantan International Kite Festival at Geting Beach,Tumpat. via Shutterstock)

Langkawi

Langkawi is a series of islands located off the coast of northwestern Malaysia. It's best known for its incredible beaches and is a hotspot for resorts.

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Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who is always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

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