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Best Places to Visit in Malaysia: Your Ultimate Guide

TeamAckoJan 21, 2025

Looking for the best places to visit in Malaysia? You’ve come to the right place!

This guide takes you on a journey to uncover the best places to visit in Malaysia, with a mix of iconic spots and hidden gems to make your trip truly unforgettable. Inside, you’ll find:

A list of famous places in Malaysia that every traveller should check out
Hidden gems and unique places to visit in Malaysia
Mini-destinations within each place to dive deeper
And tips to help you make the most of your trip

Ready to explore the diverse wonders of Malaysia and create memories that will last a lifetime? Let’s dive right in!

Best

Contents

Here are the top 10 places you must see in Malaysia.

1. Kuala Lumpur

If you’re heading to Malaysia, you can’t skip Kuala Lumpur. It ranks among the world’s top 10 most visited cities. You’ll find plenty of tourist attractions in Malaysia here, from shopping malls and street markets to cultural landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur:

Petronas Twin Towers: No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without admiring these architectural wonders. Snap a photo, then head up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Batu Caves: Climb the 272 colourful steps to discover a series of caves and temples inside a limestone hill.
KL Tower (Menara KL): Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from one of the world's tallest telecommunication towers.
Merdeka Square: History buffs will appreciate this colonial-era square where Malaysia’s independence was declared.
KL Bird Park: This sprawling park is home to more than 200 species of birds, making it one of the world’s largest covered bird parks.
Chinatown (Petaling Street): The bustling area is known for its street food and shopping.

2. Penang

Next up is Penang, the food capital of Malaysia. Known for its street art, colonial charm, and absolutely delicious food, Penang is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia.

Top Things to Do in Penang:

George Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, George Town is filled with colourful historic buildings, quirky street art, and awesome food spots.
Penang Hill: Escape the heat and hike up to Penang Hill for some fresh air and sweeping views of the island.
Kek Lok Si Temple: This Buddhist temple is one of the largest in Southeast Asia and offers stunning views of the island and an amazing pagoda.
Penang Street Art: Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around George Town; the streets are alive with vibrant murals and fun displays.
Penang Butterfly Farm: If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy this peaceful butterfly sanctuary, home to thousands of species.

3. Langkawi

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands, is a tropical paradise known for its beaches, clear waters, and natural beauty. This tropical island is one of the most famous places in Malaysia.

Top Attractions in Langkawi:

Langkawi Sky Bridge: Offering some of the best views in Malaysia, this suspension bridge is a thrilling experience.
Pantai Cenang: This busy beach has everything you could want: water sports, shops, or just relaxing in the sun.
Langkawi Cable Car: Take the cable car up to Gunung Mat Cincang and enjoy the amazing views.
Underwater World Langkawi: There are thousands of species to see at this zoo, so if you like sea life, you have to go.

4. Malacca

Go to Malacca to feel like you're in the past. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of history and culture. The Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British all had an impact on the area. It's a fun place to explore because it has cute streets and important historical sites.

Best Places to Explore in Malacca:

A Famosa: Check out the ruins of the Portuguese fortress. It is one of the oldest pieces of European architecture still standing in Asia.
Jonker Street: Shop, eat, and explore on this famous street, home to traditional markets, antique shops, and street food.
Stadthuys: The Malacca Museum is now located in the Dutch colonial building. It tells stories from the city's long and interesting past.
Christ Church Malacca: The Dutch built this beautiful red-brick church. It is a great example of colonial design.
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum: This beautiful house is where you can learn about the unique mix of Chinese and Malay cultures.

5. Cameron Highlands

This is the place to go to get away from the very hot weather. This hill town is a peaceful get-away from the busy cities thanks to its cool weather, lush tea plantations, and lovely hiking trails.

Best Things to Do in Cameron Highlands:

Boh Tea Plantation: The biggest tea plantation in Malaysia is a great place to enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Mossy Forest: This is a one-of-a-kind jungle where the trees are covered in moss and the air is cool and clean.
Strawberry Farms: You can pick your own fresh strawberries and eat tasty treats made with strawberries at one of the many farms.
Cameron Lavender Garden: This peaceful garden has fields of bright lavender and other flowers.
Rose Garden: This beautiful garden is full of different kinds of roses and is a great place to take a relaxing afternoon walk.

6. Taman Negara

Taman Negara is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia if you love nature. It has some of the oldest jungles in the world and is full of wildlife, hiking trails, and exciting things to do.

Things to Do in Taman Negara:

Jungle Trekking: Go on a jungle walk to see the lush rainforest. Don't forget to look out for animals!
Canopy Walk: This is one of the longest canopy walks in the world, and you can walk through the trees and see the forest below.
River Cruise: Get on a boat and go on a trip down the river, stopping at small towns along the way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Wildlife Watching: Tigers, elephants, and a huge variety of other animals live in Taman Negara, making it a great place for nature lovers.

7. Ipoh

Want to visit a cute city that has a lot of history, culture, and delicious food? You may not have heard of Ipoh, but it's one of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

Things You Have to See in Ipoh:

Ipoh Old Town: The colonial buildings and art murals in Ipoh's old town make it a great place to walk around.
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple: This beautiful cave temple is tucked away in a limestone hill and makes for a great place to relax and take pictures.
Lost World of Tambun: A perfect spot for families, this theme park is great for children.
Concubine Lane: This cute street is full of old-fashioned shops, cafes and historic buildings that you can check out.

8. Kota Kinabalu

If you’re headed to Borneo, then Kota Kinabalu is your gateway. This city in Sabah offers a range of outdoor adventures, such as climbing Mount Kinabalu or checking out the beautiful beaches in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Best Places to Visit in Kota Kinabalu:

Mount Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. You can climb it or drive around its base to see amazing sights.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Explore the beautiful islands and coral reefs at this nearby marine park.
Sabah State Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Sabah with exhibits on local life, art, and traditions.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: Among the most beautiful sights in Kota Kinabalu is the City Mosque, which is built on water.

9. The Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a great place to go if you like to swim, dive, or just relax on the beach. People love these islands for their calm atmosphere, clear seas, and colourful coral reefs.

Top Things to Do on the Perhentian Islands:

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving: Dive into the clear waters and explore the stunning coral reefs and marine life.
Long Beach: Relax on the white sandy beach, or enjoy beachfront dining and vibrant nightlife.
Island Hopping: Take a boat ride to explore the other islands and their pristine beaches.
Turtle Watching: Visit the turtle sanctuary to learn about conservation efforts and spot nesting turtles.

10. Johor Bahru

Last but not least, Johor Bahru is a place with lots of arts, shopping, and fun things to do with kids. An hour's drive from Singapore, it's one of the best places in Malaysia to get away for a short time.

Top Things to Do in Johor Bahru:

Legoland Malaysia: This theme park is great for families because it has rides, shows, and other activities for kids of all ages that are based on the popular toy.
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque: It's a lovely building that combines Moorish and Victorian styles.
Danga Bay: It is a famous place to relax by the water with cafes, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Straits of Johor.

How Travel Insurance Can Help?

Before you head off to explore the best places to visit in Malaysia, don’t forget to pack some extra peace of mind: travel insurance! It’s one of those things you hope you don’t need, but if something goes wrong, like a missed flight or emergency hospitalisation, it’ll have your back. Just a little something to keep you covered, so you can focus on having fun without the worries.

Time to wrap up

Now that you know the best places to visit in Malaysia and the hidden gems waiting to be explored, it’s time to start planning your adventure. Whether you're after iconic landmarks or off-the-beaten-path spots, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. Safe travels, and may your journey through Malaysia be filled with unforgettable memories!

Here are some questions about best places to visit in Malaysia

How many days are recommended for a trip to Malaysia?

To fully appreciate Malaysia's beauty and explore famous destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, it's advisable to plan a trip of a minimum of 6-7 days, allowing time for various activities and experiences.

Where should I go for a 2-day trip to Malaysia?

For a short trip to Malaysia, include visits to popular tourist attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya, Bukit Bintang, KL City Gallery, and Mitsui Outlet Park.

Is Malaysia a safe destination for tourists?

Malaysia is quite a safe destination for tourists.

What is Malaysia known for?

When vacationing in Malaysia, don't miss its coastal regions like Langkawi, the delectable local cuisine, and the striking Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

What is Malaysia's signature cuisine?

The most renowned dish in Malaysian cuisine is nasi lemak, made with steamed rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, typically served with various meats.

Is it worthwhile to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia is consistently ranked among the top destinations in Southeast Asia, making it a must-visit for travellers at least once in their lifetime.

Do Malaysian tourist spots have a particular dress code?

No dress code is followed in Malaysia. Generally, people prefer to dress modestly. So although there is no ban on any type of dressing, avoiding very skimpy or revealing clothes is preferable.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.