Malaysia adventure: Borneo's jungle secrets

You've got your suitcase in hand, your sunglasses on and a big grin on your face. Today's the day! You're ready to make your long-awaited Malaysian dream come true! You can hardly wait to explore the country and experience every facet of it. Vibrant cities, green highlands and mystical jungles – it's the perfect mix for the trip of a lifetime! 'So, when will this plane finally land?'

Either you were so excited about what's to come that you woke up before you landed or you dreamt all the way to the airport. In either case, as you roll down the runway, look out the window and see the city getting closer and closer, you're definitely wide awake.  You're just so excited to start your adventure! And your bus to Melaka is already waiting in Kuala Lumpur. During the ride, you take in your first glimpses of Malaysia and look forward to all the adventures you're about to experience.  Did you know that Melaka is on the UNESCO World Heritage List? The Portuguese, the Dutch and the British have all left their footprints in these streets. The result is a colourful mix of cultures that you'll want to explore right after checking into your hotel. And Jonker Street is the best place to start. From Chinese antiques to Malaysian street food, there's all sorts of things to discover here. And in the evening, the street turns into a bustling night market. So make sure to come back later! Next stop: Harmony Street. Here, you'll find the colourful Cheng Hoon Temple – one of the oldest of its kind in the country. And in the old town, the city's colonial heritage is particularly splendid. Drift through the streets and soak up the magic of Melaka! 

You start the day off easy with a stroll along the Melaka River – camera in hand, because there's all kinds of street art to see! And with all the cafés, bars and breakfast spots to choose from, you stop for a bite to eat. Next up: the Red Square, where the past comes alive in colourful reds and the Stadthuys, Christ Church and Clocktower tell stories of the Dutch colonial period – 100% photogenic, 300% historic! Afterwards, strengthen your calves with a climb up to St Paul's Church, from where you can enjoy a mad view of the city and the sea. Then travel back down in style in one of the colourful, tune-blasting rickshaws. What a vibe! And if you're up for something truly epic, check out the Masjid Selat Mosque, which is built on an artificial island and seems to float at high tide – a sight that's simply magical!

Melaka is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. And no wonder, because everywhere you go, you come across buildings artfully decorated in the brightest of colours. You may have already checked off your must-sees, but that doesn't stop you from taking another stroll along the banks of the Melaka River. Suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of Morten Village – a historic Malay village near the city centre. Our tip: hire a guide (optional, payable on site) and be whisked away on a journey through time to the village's vibrant past. Still gobsmacked by all the stories, the sun starts to sink beneath the skyline, and a true insider travel tip is unveiled right in front of you: the unforgettably beautiful sight of small, traditional houses gleaming in the reddish glow of the sunset – magical!