Malaysia is a remarkable nation that is renowned for preserving a fascinating amalgamation of ancient customs, rituals, and culture together with a touch of contemporary influences. Malaysian tourist attractions such as stunning islands, beaches, charming villages, historical sites, and adventure places have a lot to offer discriminating travelers. If you’re planning a Malaysia holiday, here’s a fast list of the greatest locations to see in Malaysia – with no-miss caution. If you travel to these locations in Malaysia, you will definitely have a nice time there, regardless of whether you are more interested in nature, art, leisure, or thrill. So, if you want to experience the most of what Malaysia has to offer, make sure you visit all of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in Malaysia.

1. George Town

George Town, the main city of Penang Island and Malaysia’s sixth most populated city, was founded in 1786 as a British commercial port. It was the first British colony in Southeast Asia. The city is a popular tourist destination, with notable architectural monuments and fascinating street art distributed around the region, such as Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic’s collection “Mirrors George Town.”

There are various additional remarkable features in George Town’s historic core zone. One example is Beach Street, one of the city’s original streets and its commercial heart. Fort Cornwallis, Malaysia’s oldest and biggest fort, is another notable ancient relic inside the city of George Town.

2. Penang

Penang, located on Peninsular Malaysia’s northwestern coast, is one of the best Malaysian islands that you should not miss on your vacation. The region is well known as an exotic resort, and it has a lot to offer tourists. The Wonderfood Museum, Fort Cornwallis, the Reclining Buddha, the Burmese Temple, and Waterfront Village in this city are among the top tourist attractions in Malaysia to visit.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Penang

3. Batu Caves, Selangor

The Batu Caverns complex, located less than an hour west of Kuala Lumpur, comprises of three large caverns and a number of smaller tunnels, the majority of which feature sculptures and 100-year-old temples devoted to Hindu gods.

The largest cave at Batu Caves, known as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, is brightly colored and open to the public. In order to get to the main cave, you have to trek up 272 stairs that are built into the limestone cliffs. Hindu temples and other religious relics may be found in the first chamber of the main cave. In the second open-air cave-a pit cave with towering cave walls covered in jungle flora and an inner Hindu temple.

From Kuala Lumpur, there are many ways to get to these caves, such as trains, cars, and taxis.  Thaipusam is the most well-known festival of the Batu Caves. This is one of the best Hindu religious sites in Kuala Lumpur.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Selangor. 

4. Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is the capital city of Johor, the southernmost state in Peninsular Malaysia. The city is located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula, bordering Singapore to the south. With a population of approximately 1.5 million people, Johor Bahru is one of the fastest-growing cities in Malaysia and a popular tourist destination.

The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 16th century when it was part of the Johor Sultanate. The city was founded in 1855 by Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, who was appointed as the ruler of Johor by the Sultan of Johor. Johor Bahru was initially a small fishing village before it became a bustling city in the early 20th century. During World War II, Johor Bahru was occupied by the Japanese, and it was later incorporated into the Federation of Malaya in 1948. 

Johor Bahru is a popular tourist destination that offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. The city is home to several theme parks, such as Legoland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Town, which are popular with families. The city also has several shopping malls, such as the Johor Bahru City Square and KSL City Mall, which offer a range of shopping and dining options. For those interested in history, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple and the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque are popular landmarks to visit.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Johor Bahru

5. Klang

Klang is another Malaysian town known for its delicious native cuisine. Bak Kut Teh, or pig rib soup, is one of the most popular foods. Herbal flavors dominate the cuisine here. Visit the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery to learn about Selangor’s fascinating royal past. Port Klang, the country’s biggest port, is also located in this town.

6. Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the world’s tallest skyscrapers until 2004 when Taipei 101 surpassed them. However, the towers remain the world’s highest twin structures. The 88-floor towers are mostly made of reinforced concrete, with the front of steel and glass designed with Islamic art, reflecting the Malaysian Islamic faith.

The Petronas Twin Towers’ Observation Deck is positioned on the 86th level and offers views above the sky to test your bravery. Then walk the double Skybridge on the floor going from tower to tower. Inside the structure are world-class exhibitions and digital displays that describe the monument’s significant history.

While most of the floors in the towers are leased to businesses–IBM, Microsoft, and Huawei Technologies all have offices here–the lower floors are allocated for Suria KLCC, Malaysia’s biggest retail mall. This retail and entertainment facility will keep tourists entertained for hours, with over 300 boutiques, an art gallery, and even room for a Philharmonic Hall.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

7. Melaka

Maleka was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and has since been regarded as one of Malaysia’s must-see destinations. Melaka, situated two hours from Kuala Lumpur, is one of Southeast Asia’s most well-known commercial ports. Its antique architecture speaks much about its former majesty. The city is not to be missed since it is home to some of the top Malaysian tourist attractions. Are you going on a family vacation? Don’t forget to take the youngsters to Melaka’s historic attractions, such as the Nyonya Heritage Museum.

8. Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak, is a spectacular sight to see. Hikers appreciate the spectacular routes that provide a peek of the region’s lovely surroundings. It is one of top Malaysia visiting places to have a thrill oozing experience and is very popular among individuals with adventurous bones. 

Mount Kinabalu is a popular climbing destination, but reaching the peak may be difficult. The park issues only 185 climb permits each day, and tourists must make hotel bookings and hire a mountain guide in advance to be able to hike the paths. Although persons under the age of 16 are permitted to join climbing organizations, there are several limits.

Climbers should stay in Kinabalu National Park before attempting the climb, as the park is already at an altitude of about 1,800 meters, allowing for acclimatization before attempting to reach the summit.

9. Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is the place to go if you want to be in the highlands in Malaysia. This hill station, one of Malaysia’s oldest tourist destinations, was built in the 1930s and is currently inhabited by a varied collection of people who have an effect on the culture. Tea plantations, excellent weather, flowing waterfalls, strawberry fields, and beautiful orchards are all reasons to visit this location.

10. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a series of picturesque, coral-fringed islands situated around 19 kilometers northeast of Malaysia. It is a marine park, thus activities such as fishing are strictly forbidden. Perhentian is one of the most unusual spots in the nation to visit. It is also regarded as one of the best places to visit with friends in Malaysia.

Both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil are considered to be the main islands. Both of these islands include white sandy beaches that are bordered by palm trees and water that is turquoise in color.

The island of Perhentian Besar is home to more luxurious resorts that mostly appeal to couples. Long Beach is known for its lively nightlife, and Coral Bay is known for providing chances to witness sunsets that cannot be matched by any other location. Perhentian Kecil is an ideal destination for those who are searching for both an exciting and sociable experience. Activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and trekking are common on both islands due to the healthy and flourishing ecology, which is inhabited by creatures such as clownfish and gigantic sea turtles that swim through the seas.

11. Langkawi SkyCab, Kedah

The Langkawi SkyCab is a popular tourist attraction located on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. It is a cable car ride that takes visitors up to the top of Gunung Machinchang, which is the second-highest mountain on the island. The cable car system is around 2.2 km long and has three stations – the Base Station, Middle Station, and Top Station.

The SkyCab ride provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, rainforest, and the Andaman Sea. At the top station, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the SkyBridge, which is a curved pedestrian bridge that is suspended 100 meters above the ground. The SkyBridge is one of the longest curved bridges in the world and provides breathtaking views of the island and the sea.

The Langkawi SkyCab is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the last cable car ride departs at 6:00 pm. The ticket prices for the SkyCab ride vary depending on the type of ticket and age group. There are also various packages available that include other attractions on the island, such as the SkyDome, SkyRex, and 3D Art Langkawi.

12. Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a planned city that is located more than 30 kilometers outside of Kuala Lumpur and is home to the administrative headquarters of the Malaysian government. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist sites in the country. This developed metropolis portrays Malaysia’s aspirations and goals for the future via its spectacular architecture, monuments, green areas, opulent parks, and other tourist attractions. More than anything else, it is an excellent location to get a taste of the nightlife that Malaysia has to offer. At night, everything will be attractively lighted up, and there will be a large number of hip pubs and clubs beckoning you to enter. In addition, the city has a low population density, which makes it one of the least touristy and most tranquil spots to go sightseeing in all of Malaysia.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia has a tropical environment with significant humidity and year-round temperatures of 25–35°C. However, the west coast has monsoon season from May to September and the east coast from November to February. Thus, the dry season (March–October) is the best time to visit Malaysia. Visit the west coast from April to August and the east coast from March to October.

Additionally, Malaysia is known for its diverse cultural and religious festivals, which can make your trip even more memorable. Some of the popular festivals include Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, and Christmas. Hence, you may want to plan your trip around these festivals to get a taste of Malaysia’s culture and traditions.

How safe is Malaysia for tourists?

Malaysia is generally a safe country for tourists. As with any travel destination, tourists should be aware of safety concerns and take precautions to avoid risks.

What famous tourist attraction is found in Malaysia?

One famous tourist attraction found in Malaysia is the Petronas Twin Towers, located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. 

Why is Malaysia a popular tourist destination?

Malaysia is well-known for its tropical climate and ethnic variety. This makes Malaysia a foodie’s paradise. Malaysia provides something for everyone, including Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine. Different states have a wide range of variations and versions to offer.

What is Malaysia’s famous food?

Malaysia is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, which is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Some of the famous dishes in Malaysia include: Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Roti Canai,etc.