best places to visit in Malaysia
to help you!1. Gunung Mulu National Park
When it comes to visiting breathtaking natural attractions in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is among the tourists’ top choices. Gunung Mulu National Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Malaysia. This place is best known for its extraordinary limestone karst formation. The phenomenal cave systems are another highlight of the park. Gunung Mulu National Park features the world’s longest and largest cave systems.
Top Things to See and Do: Canopy Skywalk, Paku Waterfall, Pinnacles Hike, Garden of Eden Valley, and Mulu Botanical Heritage Trail
Entry Fee: RM 5 to RM 30
Helpful Info: Wear a comfortable dress and pair it with a good pair of walking shoes. Carry staples, including insect repellant, a quality torch, etc.
2. Langkawi
Langkawi is a must-visit place in Malaysia due to its stunning geography, location, and diverse facilities. Situated off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is a beautiful 99-island archipelago that flaunts the most picturesque beaches, mangroves, rainforests, and forest-clad mountains. Being a popular tourist destination, Langkawi has premier resorts, restaurants, hotels, and many other facilities to offer visitors the best of Malaysia’s natural and modern beauty.
Top Things to See and Do: Langkawi Sky Bridge, Dataran Lang, Langkawi Cable Car Ride, Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
Helpful Info: As you can expect to spend more time outdoors due to its compelling beauty, be sure to apply quality sunscreen and pack items like mosquito repellents.
3. Taman Negara
Taman Negara, supposedly the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, is one of the most famous adventure and ecotourism destinations. It’s located across north of West Malaysia and encompasses three states. You can enjoy sighting rare plant species, scarce animals, and exotic birds in this national park. People especially travel here to see Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, leopard cats, owls, and water dragons. Canopy walks and night safaris are worth experiencing in Taman Negara.
Top Things to See and Do: Canopy Walk, Gunung Tahan, Bukit Teresek, Meeting the Orang Asli tribe, Rapid Shooting, and Cave Exploration
Entry Fee: RM 1
Helpful Info: Wear comfortable clothes and breathable footwear. Other must-haves are a wide-brimmed hat (to protect yourself from the intense heat) and a waterproof jacket.
4. Kuala Lumpur
Once only a small tin-mining town within Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is now the country’s largest metropolis and federal capital. The city is a hub for various activities and shows off a vibrant mixed culture. Visitors love to see impressive skyscraping buildings, their distinct architecture, and the popular Merdeka Square. Petronas Towers is the most striking building across Malaysia, and the Golden Triangle represents the city on a modern front. Also known for fine dining and shopping, the city offers tourists one of the most memorable travel experiences.
Top Things to See and Do: Petronas Twin Towers, Menara Kuala Lumpur, National Mosque of Malaysia, Sunway Lagoon, Chinatown, Central Market, and Batu Caves
Helpful Info: With many attractions and experiences, plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur by reserving your entry tickets to popular attractions in advance.
5. Genting Highlands
This breezy hill station is one of Malaysia’s favorite weekend spots. Characterized by refreshing mountain air and lush landscape, it’s set within a 100-year-old rainforest. One of the best ways to get the most comprehensive views of this resort and its landmarks is to take a gondola-style cable car ride. You can add to the fun and thrill elements by riding a glass-bottom gondola.
Top Things to See and Do: Awana SkyWay, Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Genting Skyway, Butterfly Wonderland, Chin Swee Caves Temple, Gohtong Jaya, Casino De Genting, Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms, Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, and Happy Bee Farm and Insect World
Helpful Info: It is just 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur.
6. Penang
The rich culinary diversity and the glorious George Town make Penang Island a popular tourist attraction across Malaysia. Stunning architecture, diverse cuisine, and a spectrum of cultures thriving here are the highlights of this beautiful island. Missing a trishaw ride would probably keep your trip to Malaysia incomplete, while a walk around George Town would introduce you to the beautiful architecture of the British colonial period and some soothing Indian temples.
Top Things to See and Do: Street Art in Georgetown, Penang National Park, Kek Lok Si Temple, the Blue Mansion, amd Funicular Ride to Penang Hill
Helpful Info: Penang is known for its mix of old-world vibe and colorful structures; making a must-visit on your Malaysia holiday.
7. Kuching
Kiching is the largest city on Borneo Island and the base for visiting Borneo’s rainforest. The state of Sarawak can also be explored from here. Lots of historic landmarks and outdoor recreation are paired with bustling shopping markets. Don’t forget to plan a tour of Kuching Civic Center’s planetarium and the platform that offers an outstanding aerial view of the city.
Top Things to See and Do: Pulau Lakei Island, Satang Island, Cat Museum, Damai Beach, Sarawak Cultural Village, and Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Helpful Info: Kuching is worth adding to your Malaysia itinerary for its unrivaled natural beauty and unique attractions and activities.
8. Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah State. A rapidly flourishing tourist destination, It is located in the close proximity of rainforests, tropical islands, national parks, mountains, and wildlife refuges. The city has a large number of memorials, landmarks, and observatories, providing visitors with the city’s splendid views from different angles. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park consists of five small islands popularly known for activities such as diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Top Things to See and Do: Mount Kinabalu, Mari Mari Cultural Village, Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden, Atkinson Clock Tower, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Borneo Railway, and Sabah Tea Garden
Helpful Info: Don’t miss out on a stroll around Chinatown. Outdoor enthusiasts and watersport lovers can add activities like hiking, white water rafting, and scuba diving to their Kota Kinabalu program.
9. Cameron Highlands
Escape the heat of the lowlands and land to the Cameron Highlands, located in Titiwangsa Mountains. This place is among the oldest destinations in Malaysia and was later developed with an English garden style. The stunning beauty of this tableland offers forests, lakes, wildlife, lush green scenery, and outdoor recreation. With acres of sprawling tea plantations and blossoming flower farms, Cameron Highlands is the chief producer of tea and flowers.
Top Things to See and Do: Gunung Jasar, BOH Tea Garden, Cameron Flora Park, Cameron Lavender Garden, Kea Farm Market, Sheep Sanctuary, and Visit Strawberry Farms
Helpful Info: This refreshing spot offers a respite from Malaysia’s crowded cities. Visit here during the off-season to make the most of your Cameron Highlands exploration.
10. Melaka
Melaka has a rich heritage lined with excellent architecture, culture, cuisine, and traditions. Geographically located along the busy sea route that’s between India and China, it’s one of Malaysia’s most famous tourist attractions. The remains of the old fort, old Dutch architecture, and the characteristic charming villas make Melaka an ideal tourist spot.
Top Things to See and Do: Jonker Street, Melaka Sultanate Palace, Menara Taming Sari, Christ Church, St Paul’s Church, Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, and Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park
Helpful Info: Melaka’s culinary scene is as astonishing as its cultural and historic attractions.
11. Kota Bharu
Tourists visiting the Perhentian Islands often stop by Kota Bharu, which showcases a unique potpourri of shopping, cuisine, architecture, culture, and charm. The capital of the state of Kelant, the city is all surrounded by busy streets with old trishaws and pleasant coffee shops. Most of life here revolves around the Central Market, the largest marketplace in the city.
Top Things to See and Do: Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kelantan State Museum, Muhammadi Mosque, Bank Kerapu, Istana Jahar, and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum
Helpful Info: Kota Bharu is in Peninsular Malaysia and shares its borders with Thailand, thus serving as a transit city.
12. Sipadan Island
This volcanic island is a protected reserve and a paradise for scuba divers and enthusiasts of the underwater world. The island’s rich biodiversity with a trove of marine life will leave you in awe, from schools of colorful fish to reef sharks and green turtles.
Top Things to See and Do: Scuba Diving, Birdwatching, and Snorkeling
Helpful Info: It is a protected island, and activities like fishing are not allowed here.
13. Bako National Park
It is Sarawak’s oldest national park, where you’ll find some of the most distinctive species of flora and fauna, along with natural formations like beautiful waterfalls and immaculate beaches. And the only way to reach this park is via a 30-minute cruise from Bako Village.
Top Things to See and Do: Jungle Trek across the Telok Pandan Kecil Trail and Visiting Lakei Island
Helpful Info: This national park is especially famous for its rich wildlife, including animals like the Proboscis monkey and diverse bird species.
14. Perhentian Islands
It is unthinkable for beach lovers and water sports lovers to plan a Malaysia travel program without adding this spectacular island to it. It comprises two islands, located along the country’s east coast. They are endowed with exquisite beaches, lush coconut palms, and turquoise waters, making them a haven for swimming and scuba diving.
Top Things to See and Do: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Jungle Trekking, Sea Kayaking, and Camping
Helpful Info: These islands are untouched and remote, with limited shopping options. So carry all your essentials including medicines, toiletries, and insect repellent.
15. Lenggong Valley
Lenggong Valley in Malaysia’s Perak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its archeological heritage. Yes, it boasts many fascinating archeological sites that shed light on the country’s pre-historic phase, dating back over two million years.
Top Things to See and Do: Lenggong Archaeological Museum, Sunway Lost World of Tambun, Bukit Bunuh, Bukit Jawa, Lata Kekabu Eco Forest Park, and Telaga Biru
Helpful Info: It is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With this overview of Malaysia’s best places, you can definitely plan a vacation full of fun!
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