This guide to the best places to visit in Malaysia is the one thing that you should keep with you at all times. Malaysia is one of the top favorites of people looking for a good time during their vacations. A melting pot for a good number of cultures that call Malaysia their home, you can find the same variety in all of the places and experiences here. Be it the daunting highs of the Petronas Twin Towers or the beautiful underwater life at the Aquaria KLCC, or be it the mesmerizing scenes from the Langkawi cable car, or the green scrapes of the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia is the true Asian experience there ever was.
You can find something for everyone here, and that is why Malaysia is a must-visit in this season, or in any seasons to come. Visit the famous Langkawi Sky Bridge and get panoramic views of nature around. Malaysia is known for being a rich region when it comes to biodiversity. And speaking of biodiversity, there are several spots all over Malaysia where you can see why exactly is this place so famous for it.
You can visit the famous Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Kota Kinabalu and the Bako National Park in Kuching for the best experiences with the wild side of Malaysia tourist places. As mentioned, there is a wide variety of places here, there is also a historic quarter in the form of an entire city in Melaka. It is a recognized World Heritage Site and full of wonderful experiences. That is exactly what Malaysian is, an experience. The true Asian experience is waiting to be explored.
Must Visiting Places
1 Petronas Twin Tower
The Petronas Twin Towers are famous because they were once the tallest building in the world. They held that title from 1998 until 2004; they are still the tallest double structure in the world. Petronas Twin Tower located in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, standing at 451.9 meters.
Apart from being an iconic structure on the Kuala Lumpur Skyline, it is also home to many world-class restaurants and breathtaking viewpoints from where you can see the entire city sprawled out under you.
2. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Authentic handicrafts from major international brands are all on sale in the masses of malls in Kuala Lumpur. The city’s traditional markets are equally enjoyable with atmospheric experiences. Visiting KL during March, May or December during the mega sale event is an escapade in itself for the shoppers.
Kuala Lumpur is a non-stop banquet. From dining at lavish restaurants to eating with the locals at the street stalls, almost all of Malaysia’s culinary specialties can be found in KL. Do stop by the hawker stalls and traditional neighborhood kopitiams (coffee shops) to sample the best of the local delicacies. Kuala Lumpur is also the gateway to Malaysia’s contemporary art scene with numerous visual arts galleries and exhibition centers.
3. Langkawi
Langkawi is renowned amongst local and foreign tourists thanks to its unmatched natural landscape and the pearl white sand beaches along with a strategic geographical location.
Langkawi flaunts serene beaches interspersed with cliffs and rainforests, expansive rice paddies, chic promenades, historical relics, art galleries, bustling bazaars and duty-free shops. Can explore these places also to learn more about Langkawi and Malaysia’s history at Galeria Perdana Museum, Mahsuri Tomb and Museum, take a mangrove cruise at Kilim Karst Geopark, spend fun-filled afternoons at Eagle Square, and unwind at natural hot spring baths in Air Hangat Village .
4. Menara Kuala Lumpur
A race is organized here annually, where participants compete in a bid to reach the top of the stairs before anyone else. It is also used to observe the moon to declare the month of Ramadan.
Menara is the Arabic term for lighthouse tower and its architecture of the tower represents Islamic architectural heritage. With amazing restaurants, interesting entertainment centers and a great view, this tower should be a must-visit on your bucket list!
5. George Town
George Town is the colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. It’s home to the island’s famed heritage houses and street art, not to mention some of the island’s best hawker stalls and street food.
The entirety of Georgetown is overlooked by Penang Hill, offering forested hiking trails, campsites and a funicular railway. Georgetown boasts some of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved colonial architecture. Seek blessings at Wat Chayamangkalaram, Mahamari Amman Temple, and Masjid Kapitan Keeling. Peer into Georgetown’s local soul at the Penang Road Market, where tourists shop for souvenirs, traditional garments, handicrafts and street food. Then, navigate through alleys bustling with music, clothes and food at Georgetown’s Little India, spread across Chulia, Market and Queen Streets.
6. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Sunway Lagoon is an amusement park located in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia owned by Sunway Group. Experience the best of 5D cinematic movies at the waterpark and tune in for a gripping slingshot ride at X Park lagoon. This is an adventurous blend of six different lands, including, water pools, wildlife, extreme sports, a lost lagoon, a scream park, and cement ground. This theme park is glorious with Malaysia’s first simulator ride known as the Flow Rider in 2010.
7. Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is an integrated resort development comprising hotels, casinos, shopping malls and the latest Sky Worlds Theme Park in Pahang. Dubbed the “City of Entertainment” is renowned for its spirited nightlife, luxury hotels, huge shopping complexes and world-class casinos.
The mesmerizing hill town is full of attractions namely Awana Horse Ranch, Butterfly Wonderland, Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm, Happy Bee Farm, Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall and Mohamed Noah Foundation Mosque.
8. The Aquaria KLCC
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Malaysia. The Aquaria KLCC is the world’s largest aquarium, with a glass underwater tunnel holding over 5000 freshwater and marine creatures, which include massive arapaimas, giant groupers, garfishes and many more. Some of the major attractions of the aquarium are the scary tiger sharks, bright coral fishes, lethal sea snakes, seahorses, and blue rays. It’s located beneath Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre within Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
9. Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is a gorgeous hill station nestled in the hills of Pahang in Malaysia. This hilly district is home to eight different settlements that boast stunning views, expansive plantations, nurseries, colonial bungalows, and hidden waterfalls. The postcard-perfect valley is home to the famous BOH tea plantation and the Kea Strawberry Farm, where patrons can pick their produce!
Indulge in a relaxing, serene weekend at Lavender Garden or Butterfly Farm, spending time with chirping birds and fluttering butterflies. As you stroll through the European-looking landscape, visit the many Tudor-style inns that serve aromatic teas and scones. Those people who love to do adventure will enjoy the winding trekking paths to the ethereal Mossy Forest that offers panoramic views of the valley.
10. Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, commonly referred to as KK, is the capital of Sabah. The city lies on the fringes of the South China Sea and is home to the majestic Mount Kinabalu, after which it is named. It’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforests. It’s known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches, and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
Within the confines of the city limits, tourists can indulge themselves in a lot of shopping, whether in the large luxury shopping malls or the traditional markets. In addition, Kota Kinabalu has several artisan markets to be explored, where visitors can browse through items to take back as souvenirs. Apart from shopping, there are art galleries, museums and a few historical sites to explore for a more traditional touristy experience.
11. Bako National Park
Bako National Park is a national park in Kuching District, Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. The park holds seven distinctive rainforest ecosystems. Then it’s a lovely jungle trek exploring the remarkable diversity of wildlife based here and reaching a secluded beach.
From this beach, one can hire a local boat to watch sea stacks. Langurs (leaf monkeys), wild boar, flying squirrels long-tailed macaque monkeys, and monitor lizards as well as hundreds of different bird species all are available here.
12. Ipoh
Ipoh is a city in northwestern Malaysia, known as a gateway to the Cameron Highlands hill station. In the former Hakka Miners’ Club, Han Chin Pet Soo is a museum about the tin-mining industry and the Hakka community. Sam Poh Tong is a Buddhist temple in a limestone cave. To the south, Kellie’s Castle is an unfinished mansion built by a Scottish planter. Southeast, the vast Gua Tempurung cave has dramatic rock formations.
Ipoh is Malaysia’s charming sleepy town with an exciting food, culture, and arts scene. Besides good old Ipoh white coffee, tau Fu fah, and murals, Ipoh is also home to beautiful limestone karst mountains, caves, and serene hot springs. Not only is Ipoh the Gateway to the Cameron Highlands, but it also enthralls visitors with its gorgeous street art and heritage sites.
13. Lost World of Tambun
Nuzzled between jade-colored tropical forests, limestone formations, and pools of natural hot springs is this ecological theme park which is your one-stop destination for all the fun and excitement.
This is the largest park in Southeast Asia that is also working to providing conducive learning around the conservation and preservation of natural resources. There are several water rides, seven attraction parks, and the Lost World Hotel among many other features.
14. Melaka
Melaka historic city of the Straits of Malacca has developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is filled with historic cathedrals, museums, rivers, monuments, temples, heritage centers, spas, architectural wonders and many intricately built places that are hard to miss. Do not miss top attractions like Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum, Jonker Street, Cheng Hoong Teng Temple, St. Paul’s Hill, Malacca River and Red Square.
15. Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a mote that has a series of caves and cave temples in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia. The limestone hill comprises three main cave temples among which the Museum Cave and Art Gallery Cave are located at the base (foot) of the hills that host different Hindu sculptures and paintings. The Cathedral or the Temple Cave is the largest cave that also happens to be the most significant one. There are other multiple smaller ones like the Ramayana Cave, Hanuman Temple and Dark Cave.
16. Semenggoh Nature Reserve
This wildlife center has a thriving population of healthy adolescent and young adult semi-wild Orangutans. Semenggoh Nature Reserve is also a habitat for rare flora and fauna, including giant squirrels, pigmy squirrels, gibbons, and a variety of birds, making the nature reserve an ideal place for nature lovers.
17. Tioman Island
All the nearby areas and islands are declared as marine parks and marine reserves. Tioman, thus, has some excellent hiking trails. The island also offers some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Malaysia and it is one of the few places to spot the pods of dolphins. Since Tioman is rich in coral reefs, one can witness the different sizes and colors of these reefs while snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear water. The Tioman rainforest awaits with cascading waterfalls to be explored by adventurous hikers.
18. Taman Negara
The park is home to tigers, macaques and birdlife, as well as the enormous flowers of the rafflesia plant. Being one of the top ecotourism destinations in Malaysia, the place is apt for canopy walks, jungle trekking, jungle walks in the night hours, visiting aboriginal settlements at Orang Asli, rapid shooting, Boating trips, feeding fishes, wildlife observation, fishing, exploring and visiting caves, trekking at Gunung Tahan, exploring four-step waterfalls, bird-watching and more.
19. Kuching
The experience that the local cuisine and eateries provide here is highly revered among Malaysians, making this city an important destination for food lovers. Traditional dishes such as Laksa Sarawak and Kueh Lapis are highly sought after. Trendy cafes and restaurants too have fast emerged, offering a global cuisine experience to both tourists and locals alike.
Kuching annually holds numerous cultural events like telecom expo, wildlife conferences, start-up festivals and fests like cartoon galleries street art festivals, and food fairs. In addition, Kuching, for the past several years, has been hosting the renowned Rainforest Music Festival and also inaugurated the Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival.
20. Gunung Mulu National Park
You can get an educational experience after seeing the ancient limestone carved caves, rainforests of Borneo, biodiversity richness and uniqueness of the flora & fauna collections found here, Threatened or endangered species are well-protected in this national park, with able support from the local government.
It is situated inside the park, and is the 2nd tallest in the state of Sarawak. Don’t let it miss adventure caving, canopy walks, trekking, boat rides and waterfall exploration when you come here.
21. Perlis
Perlis, also known by its honorific title Perlis Inderal Kayangan, is a state of Malaysia no the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Perlis has a famous snake sanctuary and research center at Sungai Batu Pahat. Perlis State Park and Gua Kelam are among the popular tourist attractions.
This Islamic Malay state of Perlis offers some of the most delicious seafood, such as the famous Puyu Fish, which is cooked into the state’s signature gastronomy. Perlis relishes traditional Malaysian cuisine as well such as Nasi Kandar and Roti Canal.
