School Advisor Articles

How Malaysia’s Landscapes Inspire International School Leaders and Their Families

Everyone needs a breather. It could be a quick island escape, a quiet road trip, or simply a long weekend, but ultimately, everyone needs some time to pause, recharge, and rediscover joy in the little things. And when it comes to taking a break, Malaysia is a dream. Few countries can boast such a perfect mix of vibrant cities, calm beaches, misty highlands, and lush rainforests, all within a few hours’ drive. It’s the sunrise hikes in Borneo, the fishing villages hidden along the coast, and the vibrant city life that truly heal the soul.

The Malaysian Tapestry of Scenery and Heritage

For Leigh Janett, Deputy Head of Junior School at The Australian International School Malaysia (AISM), every trip around Malaysia has been a reminder of just how lucky she feels to call this place home. “We adore living in Malaysia and have benefited from regular travel across this breathtaking country for over a decade,” says Leigh, who has spent years exploring every corner she can with her family.

Leigh Janett and her two children on a family trip. 

One trip that stands out was a family getaway to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. One morning, Leigh and her daughter decided to rise early to trek up the summit of the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve. This oceanfront forest, home to indigenous plants and animals, was the perfect haven for a sunrise retreat. “My daughter and I were mesmerised by the colours in the sky as the sun projected above the forest and waters with golden hues. Definitely locked in the memory bank for life!” The magical morning they witnessed together captured everything they loved about travel. The crisp air, the golden light, and the quiet sound of nature waking up were what made the world feel both vast and beautifully still.

Leigh Janett and her daughter admiring the sunrise view. 

Another one of Leigh’s most treasured memories is from Pulau Ketam, “Crabby Island,” a quirky little place off Port Klang made up of mangroves and boardwalks that weave between floating houses. The family found joy in the small wonders of the island, from watching crabs scuttle around to enjoying a boat trip across and tandem e-scooter rides. “Surprisingly, none of us have become emotionally connected with them as we’re all happy to eat chilli crab and sip iced drinks together after our adventuring around the island.”

Leigh’s family, much like Mr Benjamin Hale, Head of School at Oasis International School in Kuala Lumpur, understands the true essence of taking a break. When asked about his most adventurous holiday in Malaysia, Mr Hale recounts his trip to the Perhentian Islands. “The adventure was getting there. Car, aeroplane, car, big boat, small boat, and we finally arrived.” He fondly remembers snorkelling with his kids in some of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. “I would love to go again and maybe stay at a new location just to do something new,” he adds.


Mr Hale and his family in Perhentian. 

Nurturing the Best Connections from Travelling

As Mr Hale mentions, family is at the heart of every trip, and for Leigh, it’s no different. Her family often ventures out together to places like Melaka, where they once stayed at a charming heritage house by the river. When they arrived, they were welcomed by Yalu, a kind man who had grown up in the neighbourhood. What began as a simple stay quickly turned into shared meals, stories, and a heartfelt glimpse into everyday life in Melaka. Those streets became part of her children’s childhood. It’s the kind of warmth that makes you feel like a tourist and a neighbour at once.

Mr. Hale also shares his love for Melaka, a state rich in history and culture. “I think it is because I am a history nerd. The long history and blending of cultures in Melaka is fascinating to me.” He recalls an unforgettable experience meeting an elderly man in an antique shop who took him to his warehouse to see a treasure trove of historical items. “Connecting with a local expert with a mutual love of culture and history was an amazing experience,” he says. The fascinating antiques and relics told him stories that transported him through time and deepened his love for the place.

The Simple Pleasures of Travelling

Leigh reflects, “Often, it’s the journey to the destination that makes travel meaningful.” Her trips have included many moments of connection, like stopping by small stalls to taste local dishes like laksa and char kway teow. Similarly, for Mr. Hale, travelling locally feels like discovering new parts of his home. “Travelling around locally is like finding new and amazing parts of my own home,” he says. “Sometimes I say to myself, ‘Look where we are!’ in amazement, and we are still so close to home.”

When asked about their favourite holiday destinations, Leigh loves the variety that both cities and the countryside offer. She enjoys the food and vibrant energy of the city, especially Kuala Lumpur, with its modern amenities and cultural richness. “My favourite spot in the city is the Lot 10 Food Basement, which is a food lover’s paradise! It brings together Malaysia’s best national dishes in one place,” she says.

Mr Hale, too, appreciates the diverse offerings of Malaysia, balancing his love for the city with the tranquillity of the countryside. “Cities for the food, countryside for the views. Each one is important, right?” For him, his travels around Malaysia are not just vacations but a chance to reconnect with his family and rediscover the beauty of a place he calls home.

Souvenirs That Come in All Sorts 

Leigh’s family collects fridge magnets as souvenirs, marking every adventure they’ve had in Malaysia. When they moved recently, the magnets were lost, but Leigh saw it as an opportunity for more adventures. “It has made us excited about continuing our South East Asian adventures and recording a new chapter of core memories,” she says.
For Mr. Hale, memories are his souvenirs. “I generally don’t buy souvenirs because they end up being clutter. The memories are my souvenirs.”

Mr. Hale and his family with the KLCC Tower.

The Beauty of Taking a Break

Hearing Leigh and Mr. Hale speak makes you realise something simple: holidays aren’t just to rest, but to connect and reconnect. They reconnect us with family, with nature, with ourselves. They slow life down long enough for us to notice the sunrise, the laughter, the little crab scuttling by.

So where should you go next? If you’re craving cool air and mountain views, make your way to Cameron Highlands for tea-scented breezes and rolling hills. If you love wildlife, explore the Kinabatangan River, where orangutans and proboscis monkeys appear between the trees. For beach lovers, the turquoise waters of Perhentian or Redang promise the kind of calm only waves can bring. And if you want a hidden gem, take a detour to Taiping, a charming old town where rain and history meet beautifully.

Malaysia makes it easy to fall in love with travelling again. Each trip is a reminder of how rich life becomes when you take time to live it. As their stories show, the best journeys aren’t always far from home; they’re simply the ones where you slow down, explore with open eyes, and say yes to adventure.