If you're here looking for things to see and do in Malaysia , let us tell you, it's an amazing destination! In fact, we think it's one of the most well-rounded countries you can visit in Asia. And yet, it's not usually the first destination that comes to mind when people think of that continent.
But, for all practical purposes, Malaysia is the logistical heart of Southeast Asia and is a perfect country for any type of traveler: in Malaysia, among other things, you can enjoy beautiful islands, go trekking in the jungle itself, visit a modern and cutting-edge capital, immerse yourself in an incredibly curious cultural mix and fall in love with an immense and delicious gastronomy.
We've made several trips to Malaysia; in fact, it's where we started our 9-month journey through Southeast Asia, and we've been back about 5 or 6 times since (we lost count, oops). What we do know is that we love Malaysia and we don't plan on stopping our visits.
We usually recommend staying at least 2 weeks, but believe us: even with a month you won't get bored. There is so much to visit in Malaysia that you could stay for a whole year and still have places left to discover.
1. Taman Negara National Park
Embark on an adventure in the rainforests of Taman Negara National Park, the oldest rainforest in the world, dating back 130 million years. Enjoy boat trips, observe wildlife at night, hike through the jungle, and stroll through the canopy.
Relax in the cool waters of the impressive Lata Berkoh, for example, and discover the local flora and fauna, including tigers, macaques, exotic fish, and monitor lizards, as well as the flowers of the raphlesia, which can reach a meter in diameter. It's best to stay here for several days to fully experience the national park.
2. Batu Caves
Located approximately 10 km north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves comprise a collection of impressive limestone caves and Hindu temples. Upon arrival, you will be captivated by the magnificent setting. Behind the 42.7-meter-high golden statue of the deity Murugan, 272 multicolored steps lead down to the cave.
With its soft lighting and numerous Hindu statues and paintings, explore this mystical place, home to many monkeys. If you visit the Batu Caves in the morning or evening, you will encounter many locals who come here to pray.
3. Petronas Towers
Standing at 453 meters tall, the Petronas Towers are the symbol of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia . The complex includes a natural history museum, shopping malls, the Malaysian Philharmonic Hall, and an art gallery.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur from the 172-meter-high Skybridge, located between the 41st and 42nd floors, or from the observation deck on the 86th floor. Finally, if you wish to admire the Petronas Towers themselves, the best place is the SkyBar at the Traders Hotel opposite, where you can enjoy a cocktail.
4. KL Tower
Besides the iconic Petronas Towers, the Menara KL Tower is the main feature of Kuala Lumpur's spectacular skyline. It rises to a height of 421 meters. Since it's hard to tire of this view, be sure to visit the Skydeck's panoramic terrace.
From up there, you'll see the city center, as well as the verdant fields, forests, and villages surrounding the Malaysian capital. In and around the KL Tower, you'll also find many other activities to enjoy, such as visiting the aquarium or having dinner with a view.
5. Chinatown
Jalan Petaling is the main street of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown. On every corner, you'll find small restaurants offering Chinese specialties and souvenir shops that constantly attract travelers. As night falls, the area truly comes alive. That's when its incredible night market begins, lasting until 2:00 AM.
Keep in mind that the many goods on offer don't have fixed prices, so you'll have no choice but to haggle. Finally, be sure to visit the Guan Di Taoist Temple, the Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple, and the Masjid Negara National Mosque.
6. Little India
Malaysia is a true Asian melting pot. In addition to the famous Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, discover Little India in the central Brickfields district. Indeed, although you are in the heart of Malaysia, you will feel like you are in Mumbai.
Colorful houses, Indian shops and restaurants everywhere, and Bollywood music echoing through the alleyways await you here. Sample authentic Indian street food, such as panipuri or rice wrapped in banana leaves. Finally, visit several temples, churches, and mosques, such as Thean Hou Temple, one of the largest Taoist temples in Southeast Asia with its six stories.
7. Malacca
For many, this is the most beautiful city in Malaysia. Discover Malacca by strolling through its charming streets. Visit numerous must-see sites such as Saint Paul Church, where Saint Francis Xavier was buried; the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, built in 1645 and the oldest intact Chinese temple in the country; and Dutch Square with its red town hall, the Church of Christ, the Clock Tower, and the Queen Victoria Fountain.
Finally, don't miss the Porta de Santiago, one of the gates of the Portuguese fortress "La Formosa," built in 1511; the Kampung Kling Mosque; or the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, all of which are also well worth a visit.
8. Pangkor Island
Located off the west coast of Malaysia, Pangkor Island is a true holiday paradise. During the week, an idyllic calm reigns here, and although it's busier on weekends, the atmosphere remains relaxed.
Enjoy the almost deserted Nipah Beach to watch the sun set behind the fishing boats, or simply take a dip at Coral Beach. Don't miss the Masjid Terapung floating mosque in the southeast with its impressive architecture; it's the island's highlight. However, the temples in the village of Sungai Pinang Besar are also well worth a visit.
9. Kota Kinabalu
Overlooked by the mountain of the same name, which rises to 4,095 meters, Kota Kinabalu is ideal for exploring the Malaysian part of Borneo . It's also the gateway to the incredible Kinabalu National Park, home to four distinct climate zones, nearly 4,500 plant species, approximately 100 mammal species, and almost 300 bird species.
Don't miss its vibrant markets or the fascinating Mar Cultural Village. Finally, just offshore lies Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. This park comprises several islands with dense rainforest and coral reefs, where you can enjoy water sports on its pristine white-sand beaches.
10. Batang Ai National Park
With an area of 250 square kilometers, its large lake, and numerous rivers, this national park is ideal for boating and paddleboarding. So don't hesitate to explore this tranquil setting of blue water and lush green forest. In fact, the main mode of transport here is the longtail boat.
Furthermore, thanks to numerous guided hikes of varying difficulty levels, enjoy unique experiences in the jungle among wild animals such as orangutans, gibbons, and rhinoceroses. Finally, meet the local inhabitants of the national park, the Iban people, who live in traditional longhouses.
11. Kuala Selangor
Kuala Selangor is located just outside the capital, Kuala Lumpur. This city is considered a major attraction, primarily for one reason: it's home to the world's largest colonies of glowworms. So, take a boat trip in the early evening on a dry day.
During the trip, you can admire their luminous display. However, glowworms aren't the only reason to visit Kuala Selangor. You can also explore a nature park that shelters over 100 species of birds, the 18th-century Altingsburg Fort, the Sri Shakti Devasthanam Hindu temple, or a traditional fishing village.
12. Langkawi
In Malaysia, Langkawi is considered the premier beach holiday destination. Explore the mangrove forests on a boat trip or hike. Enjoy relaxing moments on white sand beaches like Cenang, Pasir Tengkorak, and Tengah Beach, which offer magnificent sunsets. Discover Pasir Hitam, a unique black sand beach.
Finally, don't miss the cable car that connects Oriental Village, home to a 3D museum, to the summit of Gunung Machinchang or the Langkawi Sky Bridge, where you can admire the incredible landscape from observation platforms.
13. Kek Lok Si Temple
George Town is the captivating capital of Penang Island . The ubiquitous street art, colonial houses, and street food stalls create a unique urban landscape. It's also home to Malaysia's largest temple: the Sino-Buddhist Kek Lok.
This impressive complex houses the world's largest bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy, the seven-story Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, and a turtle pond, the Liberation Pond. While in George Town, be sure to take the cable car up Penang Hill for an unforgettable view of Penang, especially at sunset.
14. Tioman Island
The small island of Tioman is a rapidly developing seaside resort. It has managed to retain its traditional charm with its rustic wooden huts, authentic fishing villages, and jungle trails. While Tioman is not yet a mass tourism destination, it is attracting a growing number of backpackers and diving enthusiasts.
Indeed, you can dive into an incredible underwater world teeming with magnificent corals and multicolored fish. If you prefer to stay on land, stroll along the rainforest waterfalls in the company of butterflies and monkeys, or relax in the evening with a drink at a beach bar.
15. Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands have become one of Malaysia's most popular destinations thanks to their exceptional beauty. This true island paradise boasts white sand beaches like Tuna Bay, Flora Bay, Teluk Pauh, and Turtle Bay, turquoise waters, superb diving spots, lush rainforest, and excellent tourist infrastructure with luxury spas and superb restaurants.
For snorkeling, don't miss Fish Point in particular, Lighthouse, or Turtle Bay to swim among giant sea turtles. So don't wait any longer to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax on the Perhentian Islands.
16. Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands mountain region is a natural paradise of verdant tea plantations, waterfalls, and lakes. Hike up Mount Batu Brinchang, 2,031 meters high, where a TV tower with a superb viewing platform offers stunning views of the region's breathtaking scenery.
Visit tea plantations, such as the Sungai Palas Tea Garden, to learn about tea production on a guided tour before enjoying a cup of this beverage. Also, don't miss The Time Tunnel museum, which recreates life over the past 100 years using thousands of everyday objects.
17. Jalan Alor
Jalan Alor is Kuala Lumpur's most famous night market for street food. As the lights of lanterns and neon signs twinkle overhead, sample Malaysia's top culinary specialties, such as satay skewers, nasi lemak, or desserts like pandan cake.
If you're staying in Kuala Lumpur for several days, be sure to return often to explore the endless variety of delicacies that Jalan Alor market has to offer. It's not just the food; the whole atmosphere is worth the trip, as this is where you'll experience the authentic metropolitan life of Kuala Lumpur.
18. Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is a 1,760-meter-high peak in the Titiwangsa Mountains. It's home to a resort town that bills itself as an "entertainment city." A cable car connects the valley to the entertainment areas, which feature a variety of rides for the whole family.
You'll also find restaurants serving Malay, Chinese, and Western cuisine, as well as a shopping center with approximately 90 shops. If you'd like to escape the hustle and bustle, take a stroll down the street to the Chin Swee Caves Taoist temple. A mushroom farm and a large strawberry farm are also located nearby.
19. Sabah Museum
The Sabah State Museum offers exhibits on topics ranging from Islamic civilization, archaeology, and history to natural history, technology, and ceramic and brass artifacts. During your visit, also explore the zoo, botanical garden, and associated open-air museum to immerse yourself in local culture.
This museum comprises several traditional structures from the region, including a Bajau house, a Murut longhouse, a Chinese farm, and a bamboo hut. After exploring this fascinating site, don't miss the historic village, which promises a very interesting visit.
20. Penang National Park
Malaysia's smallest national park is located on Penang Island. Despite its limited area, it boasts remarkable flora and fauna. Don't miss the chance to explore this fascinating place on foot or by boat and discover its idyllic atmosphere.
During your journey through the park, you'll encounter tortoises, monkeys, colorful birds, and over 1,000 plant species. For hiking, you have a choice of two trails. Take the Monkey Trail to the beautiful and tranquil Monkey Beach, perfect for relaxation, or choose the Turtle Trail, which leads to Turtle Beach. Here you'll find a lighthouse and a turtle sanctuary.
