Looking for places to visit in Malaysia? As one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has everything you need; great food, diverse culture, modernity, flora, fauna and a bunch of different states to explore. Here are 10 of the best places to visit in Malaysia:
1. Kuala Lumpur
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We’ll start off with arguably the most popular place on this list. A generic entry but one that cannot be excluded, Kuala Lumpur or KL for short, is a bustling metropolis located at the heart of Malaysia.
It is the capital of the country and a true reflection of Malaysia’s progress over the years. It is recognised for popular landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower, Independence Square, Petaling Street and more.
It’s also a great place to shop and eat due to amenities such as Pavilion KL and KLCC. KL is the entry point for most international tourists, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) being one of the busiest in the region.
2. Kota Kinabalu
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Your Malaysian vacation will not be complete without a trip to the land below the wind. Kota Kinabalu or KK, is a city located in Sabah, a state situated on the island of Borneo. The city is a gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Malaysia.
This includes mountains, beaches, islands and rainforests. These landscapes are a testament to the biological diversity of Sabah and Borneo as a whole. Popular spots include Mount Kinabalu, Danum Valley, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (the tip of Borneo) and many more. KK is also known for its diverse culture and delicious food!
3. Sipadan
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A 9 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu will take you to Semporna, a small fishing town. Sipadan is a world renowned diving spot found off the coast of Semporna. This island is a diver’s paradise, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
It is famous for its rich marine biodiversity, giving you the opportunity to see sea turtles, reef sharks, and thousands of species of fish! The island itself is protected, meaning there are strict limits on the number of divers allowed each day.
Some of the world-class dive sites include Barracuda Point, Turtle Cavern, and Drop-Off.
4. Malacca City
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Malacca or Melaka is known for its unique history. The city is situated between KL and Singapore, making it a popular stop for travellers exploring the west coast. The city offers a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.
This is reflected in its mix of architecture, religion and food, earning Malacca the title of UNESCO World Heritage. Popular spots include Jonker Street, A Famosa and Christ Church Melaka to name a few.
These spots are great for food hunting, history exploring and picture taking!
5. George Town
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Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town is a city located in Penang. The city is known for its blend of unique architecture and cultural townscape, similar to Malacca.
This is shaped by centuries of commixing between different cultures and religions. The city also has a reputation for being Malaysia’s food capital! You can find everything from traditional Penang asam laksa to wok fried char kuey teow.
Albeit its cultural influences, George Town is also a modern city with skyscrapers and malls. You will have a great time indulging in traditional aspects of the city while enjoying modern conveniences.
6. Langkawi
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You can’t have a “places to visit in Malaysia” list without Langkawi on it. Located off the coast of Kedah, Langkawi is a tropical paradise made up of 99 islands! It is surrounded by jewel waters, known as the “Jewel of Kedah”.
Langkawi is also famous for its beaches, rainforest and marine life. Some of the most popular geoparks in Southeast Asia can be found here. This includes Mount Machincang Cambrian, Kilim Karst and the Dayang Bunting.
These parks offer diverse landscapes and ecosystems, making them ideal for nature enthusiasts.
7. Kuching
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Kuching, which translates to “cat” in Malay, is one of the most popular cities in Borneo. As the capital of Sarawak, Kuching is the gateway to many wild locations. This includes Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park.
The park is a haven to all sorts of flora and fauna including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs and pitcher plants. Another popular destination is the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
The centre focuses on rehabilitating rescued orangutans and releasing them back into the wild. Kuching city centre is also a popular location, known for its rich history and accessible streets.
8. Gunung Mulu National Park
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Still in the state of Sarawak, we turn our attention to the outskirts of Miri (Sarawak’s second largest city). This is where the Mulu Nation Park is located, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is one of the most important natural sites in Southeast Asia, a must visit for all! It is famous for its limestone karst formations, dense rainforest and extensive cave systems.
One of the park’s highlights is the Mulu Caves, which includes the Deer Cave—one of the world’s largest cave passages. As you explore the cave, don’t miss the daily Bat Exodus, where millions of bats leave the cave in a mesmerising spiral!
9. Cameron Highlands
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A popular hill station located in Pahang, Cameron Highlands is known for its cool climate and tea plantations like BOH Tea. The region attracts many visitors, both local and international.
Visitors flock over to enjoy the cool weather, which seldom stray higher than 30°C (86°F). Other than tea, the weather is perfect for growing strawberries and other forms of flora. You also have the chance to hand pick your own berries!
Other attractions include, the mossy forest, flower nurseries, time tunnel museum and cactus valley.
10. Ipoh
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Ipoh, the capital of Perak was a mining town during the late 1900’s. Over the years, it has transformed into a city with rich history and great colonial architecture. It is located two hours from Kuala Lumpur and is often overlooked by tourists.
Nonetheless, the city offers plenty of hidden gems such as limestone hills and cave temples. Popular temples include Perak Cave Temple and Kek Long Tong, where visitors can explore and admire the shrines and architecture.
Ipoh also has a growing food scene, most notably for its coffee. Other delicacies include bean sprout chicken, dim sum, curry mee, kuey teow and peanut soup.
Malaysia is littered with beautiful locations, and a list of 10 barely scratches the surface. Nonetheless, we can confidently say that these are some of the best places to visit in Malaysia and we hope you feel the same, whether you’re travelling with us or on your own.
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