This south Asian country occupying the Malay Peninsular region is known for its incredible green cover, relaxing serene beaches, happening nightlife, unique culture, delectable cuisines and amazing skyscrapers. Although small in its area the place attracts a crowd of tourists from all over the world looking for a memorable time soaking the sun and attaining peace. There is no dearth of things to do for visitors in Malaysia and it offers something for everyone making a vacation here extremely memorable.
If you are looking to spend your holiday here then these are the top 20 places that you must visit in Malaysia:
01. Petronas Twin Towers
This famous world’s tallest towers is visited by a huge throng of tourists from all over the globe who come here to witness its sheer magnificence. Ranked as being one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur the towers inside serves as the headquarters for the national petroleum company of Malaysia. Bothe the buildings are 88 stories high and are identical in their make and appearance. The prime attraction here is the Sky Bridge that connects the 41st and 42nd floor that allows the people to travel to and fro.
- Timing: 9 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 9 pm
- Entry Fees: 1,352/-
- How to Reach: 43 minutes from airport
- Things to Do: Walk on the skyway bridge, take pictures, experience a bird’s eye view of the world from above, witness the fountain show etc.
02. Langkawi Cable Car Ride
This cable car or sky cab is one of the most amazing attractions of the famous and serene Langkawi Island. It offers a panoramic sight since it serves as the aerial link from the oriental village of Teluk Burau and terminates at the peak of Gunung Machinchang and it is also the place for the ropeway sky bridge of Langkawi. The ride journey gradually goes up the steep slope with the maximum slope at 45 degree Celsius. This thrilling ride will take you across some of the most panoramic views of the lush greenery and the unending sea.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: 600/-
- How to Reach: 15 minutes from airport in Langkawi
- Things to Do: Visit the 3D art museum, go on this 20 minutes of cable car ride, indulge in photography activities etc.
03. Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower
This sky touching tower is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world and is one of the top tourist attraction in Malaysia. This place successfully adds on to the beautiful skyline of Malaysia and makes you realise why this is one of the most modern urban destinations in the world. The building in the inside is ustilised as the telecommunications office and is famed for being the 4th highest towers of its kind in the world.
- Timing: 9 am to 10 pm
- Entry Fee: 756/-
- How to Reach:5 hours of distance from KL airport
- Things to Do: View the world from above through the KL tower sky deck, eat out at the restaurant here called atmosphere 360, attend the cultural shows, witness the mesmerising light show on the tower etc.
04. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
This is one of the most fun way of spending your day in Malaysia. Cool off by going in this theme park and have a fun wholesome time. An ideal place to visit surely if you are travelling with kids and assure that you have a vacation of a lifetime. With over 80 different attractions here and set up over an area of 88 acres this magnificent park is based on several adventure experiences like – water park amusement park, Wildlife Park and scream park.
- Timing: 10 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs, 2,516/-
- How to Reach: 25 minutes from KL airport
- Things to Do: Visit surf beach, little Zimbabwe, Grand Canyon river, Colorado splash, wildlife encounters, bungee jumping, go karting, archery etc.
05. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
This unique park is located across 5 different islands here and is home to some of the most incredible adventures that you can think of. You can have a fun time here by being a part of the fun beach activities here among other adventure water sports activities. You can take your ferries to commute between the islands and have a great time in witnessing nature in its truest forms.
- Timing: 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: 890/-
- How to Visit: 2 hours and 30 minutes of flight journey from Malaysia
- Things to Do: Snorkelling, scuba diving, witnessing the coral reefs and marine life etc.
06. Melaka Historic City
If you are the type of a traveller who loves to feel like a part of the place that they are travelling to then a visit to Melaka historic city should be on your list. The cultural and traditional aspect here is prevalent and well preserved in the form of temples, heritage centres, museums, jewellery shops, spas, rivers and monuments. The vibe here is very pure and the presence of historic cathedrals makes it one of the best UNESCO world heritage centres here.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: Free entry
- How to Reach: Almost 2 hours of road journey from airport
- Things to Do: Visit the top attractions here like the Jonker Street, temples, jewellery museum, St. Paul’s hill etc.
07. Islamic Arts Museum
Famed for being the largest Islamic art museum in South East Asia this incredible arts museum was opened for public in 1988. with around 7,000 artefacts and 12 different galleries this place is divided entirely into different groups which is based on their levels. From displaying Chinese, Indian and Islamic architecture this plays also consists of a number of textile, jewellery, ceramic works and armour among a plethora of other objects and artefacts.
- Timing: 9:30am to 6 pm
- Entry Fee: 14/-
- How to Reach:5 hours from KL airport
- Things to Do: go through each floor one by one stopping and looking closely at the artefacts and important objects there.
08. Aquaria KLCC
Famed for being the world’s largest aquarium and home to around 5,000 marine and freshwater creatures this place is a true tourist attraction here in Malaysia. Some of the major water attractions here include tiger sharks, coral fishes, sea snakes, blue rays etc. it takes you through the tunnels covered on all the sides with live fishes and you will be able to have a closer look at them.
- Timing: 10 am to 8 pm
- Entry Fee: 823/-
- How to Reach: 1 hour from KL airport
- Things to Do: Take walk through the tunnels and see the fishes hovering above you, take pictures with the marine life, witness some of the most unique and colourful species of fishes here etc.
09. Bako National Park
Famed for being the oldest national park in Sarawak this naturally beautiful national park houses some of the most diverse ranges of wildlife here. The rainforest ecosystem present here allows you to explore this wildlife in close proximity which consists of macaque monkeys, Langurs, monitor lizards, flying squirrels etc. a visit here will definitely be worth every second of your time since this experience is incomparable to anywhere else in the world.
- Timing: 8 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: 168/-
- How to Reach:5 hours of road journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Explore the wildlife, indulge in wildlife and nature photography, visit the secluded beaches etc.
10. Cameron Highlands
If you are looking the explore the hilly scenic beauty of Malaysia the Cameron highlands is the place for you. The green undulating hills and a pollution free environment in the lap of nature will be a rejuvenating experience. If you are looking to get away from the bustle of the tourist crowd then this is the place for you. From mossy forests and pilgrimage centres to tea estates and lavender gardens a visit here is a must.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach: 4 hours of bus journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Visit the strawberry farms, enjoy the pleasant climate, explore the waterfalls and orchards, learn about their culture by visiting heritage centres and galleries.
11. George Town Heritage Walks
Located within the Malaysian island of Penang and known for being a significant trading hub, this town has developed vastly as a city with its roots deeply seated into their culture and beliefs. Walk in this town of Shophouses is a great way of exploring the top attractions here and knowing a little bit more about their culture. Take a self-guided tour across this tourist cultural town.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach:5 hours of bus journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Visit to Kapitan Mosque, Leong San Tong Khoo mansion visit, town hall etc.
12. Batu Caves
This famous Hindu shrine is located in the Selangor region of Malaysia and due to its religious significance has managed to attract a huge number of devotees from all over the world. The peaceful surroundings and lush greenery here blends perfectly with a deep sense of spirituality that helps in creating an aura of rejuvenation and devotion. The caves here are home to a lot of different species of insects and animals. Protected by the Malaysian Nature society this 10th-century cave is a must visit.
- Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
- Entry Fee: free entry
- How to Reach: 1 hour and 15 minutes of road journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Explore the inner and darker parts of the caves, offer your prayer at the shrine inside, take incredible pictures etc.
13. Mount Kinabalu
This is one of the most breathtaking and charming hilly hamlets and a Malaysian landmark which is also regarded as the tallest peaks of south East Asia. The entire region is rich in ecology and boasts of a vibrant and comprehensive biodiversity. It is especially a delight for outdoor adventure enthusiasts like trekkers and hikers. A dream come true for the seekers of peace and lovers of nature.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach: 3 hours of road journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Hiking, trekking, bird watching, exploring the flora and fauna, climbing activities, mountain biking etc.
14. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Spanning over an area of almost 100 sq. km this place is truly a memorable destination that is famous for its swamps, incredible beaches, vertical jagged hills that point out towards the Andaman seas. It adorns the north eastern tip of the island of Langkawi. The geo forests here houses some of the widest range of wildlife here along with a number of birds and marine life.
- Timing: 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: 3,362/- to Rs. 8,401/-
- How to Reach: 45 minutes of road journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Take a nature tour, go kayaking, savour some delicious local food, go cruising, explore waterfalls etc.
15. Taman Negara
This vast Malay Peninsular national park is a sprawling tropical rainforest and us famed for being almost 130 million years old. The lush green cover here is home to some of the most mind-boggling collection of flora and fauna. You will be surrounded by an unbelievable amount of greenery that will leave you rejuvenated in every possible way. Home to tigers, macaques and an exotic selection of avian variety here this place is a memorable experience.
- Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Entry Fee: free entry
- How to Reach: 5 hours of road journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Walk on the canopy walkway, go hiking and trekking, try some of the most delicious local cuisines here, boat cruise here etc.
16. The Perhentian Islands
If you are looking to take break from the bustle of the city life and teeming tourists this island is one of the best getaway destinations in Malaysia. Currently this beach destination surrounded by vast open seas and forest cover and pristine beaches here was initially used as a stoppage point while travelling between Bangkok and Malaysia. It is in every sense a true tropical paradise and is also home to some of the most fun and interesting water based activities.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach: 1 hour of flight journey from Malaysia then on to a jetty ride from here on to the island
- Things to Do: Relax at the scenic and rejuvenating beaches here, witness the glorious sunset, walk along the shoreline etc.
17. Sungai Kinabatangan
Explore the 2nd longest river of Kinabatangan and stretching at a length of 560 km this place is surrounded by immense greenery and a peaceful solitude. The shape of this river coils like a serpent and forms a beautiful shape while making its course. The forests here possess immense beauty and swarms with wildlife here and offers some of the most panoramic views of the rainforest here.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach: 2 hours and 40 minutes of flight journey from KL airport
- Things to Do: Go bird watching, explore the flora and fauna collection, go on hiking and trekking trails etc.
18. Penang Hills
This is one of the famous and the most breath-taking hill stations in Malaysia and offers some of the most scenic and pristine views of the surrounding valley below. Waking up every day to some of the most amazing views of the surrounding will definitely be worth it especially if you are a nature lover or a peace seeker. The blue peaks all around and with clear wide open skies this place is replete with British influence and interesting places of attraction.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach:5 hours from KL airport
- Things to Do: Visit sky walk, owl museum, explore the rich flora and fauna, relax at kopi hutan, go on nature walks etc.
19. Tioman Island
This group of stunning islands is located at a distance of 32 km from the state of Pahang and houses some of the most traditional villages that promote agro-tourism. This popular location is surrounded entirely by the wide open seas as far as the eyes can see and is covered entirely within the lush greenery of the forests here. You can indulge in several water based or outdoor activities and if not then you can relax by the beach and get to know more about the lifestyle and culture here.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach: 4 hours of road journey and 45 minutes of jetty ride
- Things to Do: Witness the monitor lizards, explore white coral reefs, scuba diving, village walking tours, snorkelling, free diving etc.
20. Sipadan Island
Located off the coast of Sabah and found in the heart of the Indo pacific basin is the pristine island filled with incredible serenity and unmatched natural beauty. People come here from all over the world to observe some peaceful time among nature, explore the marine and aquatic life, and also indulge in some fun water-based activities. This is one of the most offbeat locations and allows you to have a wonderful time here with your family and loved ones.
- Timing: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- How to Reach: Off the east coast of Sabah state of Borneo Island
- Things to Do: Scuba diving, walking on nature trails, relaxing by the shore, witnessing the coral reefs etc.
