According to the world map, Darwin is the nearest major Australian city to Malaysia, but even so, there are no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin.
Therefore, if you want to explore Australia without having to change planes in the shortest time, Perth is the most ideal destination for Malaysians.
The flight takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. The city is located in Western Australia, and compared to other Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which are much busier, Perth is smaller and has a much more relaxed atmosphere.
If you enjoy traveling when the weather is cooler and you want to escape the sometimes unbearable heat of Malaysia, Perth is the perfect suggestion.
However, the cold is not extreme compared to winter in Europe, making it easier for people to stroll around during the day. Moreover, you won’t need to wear overly thick clothing.
Perth is a small and charming city. It’s not too crowded and easy to explore on foot. To make sightseeing easier, most tourists who come to Perth will rent a car booked online and picked up at the airport. This facilitates trips outside the city area, as Perth has many other interesting attractions outside its urban center.
Nevertheless, the public transportation system here is excellent. The city is connected by a network of trains and trams that traverse the main areas of the city and its surroundings.
One of the easiest ways to see the city is by taking the 'Hop On Hop Off' tourist bus that circles the city center and nearby areas. This bus stops at the major attractions of Perth, including King’s Park, a large public park adorned with stunning natural landscapes.
Not far from this park is the Blue Boat House, an iconic landmark of Perth. To be honest, it is just a house that was once used by fishermen and built over the water. However, due to its beautiful architecture and simple colour, many tourists love to immortalise memories here.
It is important to remember that anyone wanting to take photos here must queue and wait for their turn. If you want to avoid the long queue, be sure to arrive early in the morning.
Additionally, don’t forget to check out other landmarks in downtown Perth and take photos.
Make sure you swing by the Bell Tower, a bell tower featuring modern and futuristic architecture, and the large artistic structure at Elizabeth Quay.
If you wish to visit the nearest beach area, Scarborough is about 25 minutes from downtown Perth. This area is indeed calming.
In addition to many dining and commercial options, it is also an ideal location to watch the sunset.
As mentioned earlier, Western Australia has many other attractions outside the city, so travellers are encouraged to explore beyond Perth.
One interesting experience to try is taking a cruise to see dolphins up close in Mandurah. Mandurah is a coastal city located about 75 km from downtown Perth.
Many of its residents have built homes along the waterfront and own private boats.
This ocean area is also a gathering spot for dolphins coming from the open sea.
Mandurah Cruises offers this service, and many tourists come with their families to enjoy the wonder.
The experience of watching dolphins up close in the ocean from a boat, with the ocean breeze, is truly unforgettable.
As is customary when visiting Australia, no trip to the continent is complete without getting close to its wildlife, especially kangaroos.
So make sure to stop by Caversham Wildlife Park, which is also located outside downtown Perth and is easier to access if you are driving a rented car.
Visitors there have the chance to feed kangaroos and hold various other friendly animals like wombats, koalas, and several small reptiles. This is a must-visit destination if you're in Perth.
Moreover, for Muslim travellers, there are many halal restaurants in downtown Perth.
Not only halal but there are also restaurants serving Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. This is due to the fairly large Malay and Indonesian communities in Australia (especially in Perth, which is close to both countries).
So during your time in Perth, Muslim travellers will have no issues regarding food, as there are plenty of halal restaurants in the city center where you can try various dishes, from kebabs to satay and rice.
Not far from downtown Perth is a city called Fremantle, known for its variety of small shops selling crafts, food, local fruits, and much more. There is also a famous market there that is often visited by tourists.
Comfortable Accommodations
For accommodation, Perth has hundreds of hotels to choose from. From the most budget-friendly to the posh spots, the city has a nice mix of accommodations.
Vibe Hotel Subiaco, Perth
It is easy to reach because it is located in a very strategic area. The distance from the airport is only about 20 km, and the travel time from Perth Airport to the hotel is less than 25 minutes. This hotel also has its own uniqueness due to its beautiful and unique architectural design, as well as its location in the central Subiaco area. However, what makes it special is the swimming pool that offers a stunning view of the city as it is situated on the rooftop floor.
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
With a variety of contemporary and exclusive hotel rooms, this hotel also offers spacious accommodations. In fact, each room has a balcony that provides beautiful beachside views. What’s more, the hotel offers stunning sunset views in the evening. It is also close to many dining options, including several halal restaurants.
Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth
A more budget-friendly option, the hotel has several room types for personal and even family use. The best part is that it is located in the central city area of Perth, nearby public transportation, and just within walking distance to many other city attractions. It is also close to the Hop On Hop Off Bus stop. Worth every penny!
In short, besides the city of Perth itself, there are many other attractions outside the city that should be visited. So if you’re looking for a new experience in a different environment (without worrying about halal food and so forth), Perth is a very suitable destination for a vacation.
Not only is it close, but the flight tickets to get there are also not too expensive. If you have the opportunity, visit Perth soon!