We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Malaysia is inundated with tourists at all times of the year and it’s easy to see why. With its tropical weather, delightful beaches and laidback atmosphere, it’s a great tourist spot. Even Kuala Lumpur with its frenetic pace has its own charms and offers a number of enjoyable activities for people of all ages.
Often, it gets confusing for people to decide the places to visit in Malaysia. Most people head for Kuala Lumpur with its modern fripperies and comprehensive shopping options. Others prefer to visit Langkawi with its soft sandy beaches and the iconic Dataran Lang, or the Eagle Square which serves as a stunning backdrop for many a photographer. Here’s a list of some of the top Malaysia tourist places that you should certainly include in your itinerary when visiting Malaysia.
It goes without saying that the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur is one of the must visit places in Malaysia. It’s the commercial hub of the country but it’s also a great place for a vacation. The iconic Petronas Twin Towers are awe-inspiring as they’re the tallest twin towers in the world. The Menara KL Tower affords some excellent views of the city while the Batu caves with its ancient limestone caves are always a draw, making it one of the popular places to visit in Malaysia. Several other tourist spots such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building or the sprawling Lake Gardens with the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens ensure that Kuala Lumpur is one of the top Malaysia tourist places.
Among the places to visit in Malaysia, Penang which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, is right at the top. Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is also considered as the food capital of Malaysia. Penang Hill is one of the most popular attractions here while those looking for an adrenaline rush will love the Escape Adventureland which specialises in ziplining. There are excellent choices for food here while Batu Ferringhi is the most favoured beach spot here, making it one of the most popular places to go in Malaysia.
Known as the largest state in Malaysia, and as the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak is a nature lover’s haven. With the Gunung Mulu National Park and Bako National Park, visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping and scuba diving. Apart from the rainforests and the rivers, there’s also the Damai Beach which is perfect for water sports as well as bird watching. History lovers will no doubt enjoy a visit to the Chinese History Museum and the Islamic History Museum. Sarawak’s capital Kuching blends tradition and modernity in a quiet and unassuming manner. It’s no wonder then that most tourists include this in their list of places to go in Malaysia.
Johor’s deep historical and cultural heritage ensure that this state should definitely go on your list of Malaysia tourist places. Its capital Johor Bahru is connected to Singapore through the Causeway. Some of the other interesting places to visit here include the Desaru beaches where there’s plenty of water sports, the Endau-Rompin National Park with its humongous fan palm tree and the 248-million-year-old rock formations or the Kite Museum in Pasir Gudang which hosts the annual International Kite Festival.
Some of Malaysia’s most famous beaches such as Cherating can be found in Pahang state. Dense tropical rainforest covers a large part of the state while some of the idyllic and tourist friendly destinations here are Cameron Highlands, Berjaya Hills, Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands. Genting is often high on the list of Malaysia tourist places because of its reputation as the City of Entertainment. There are indoor and outdoor theme parks as well adventure sport activities such as ziplining and indoor rock climbing. It’s also home to Malaysia’s largest strawberry farm. The cable car rides here offer stunning views, making it one of the top places to visit in Malaysia
Melaka’s Christ Church is a popular Malaysia sightseeing spot. An 18th century structure built by the Dutch, it’s the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. For those who love to explore architectural spots, this building stands out for its bright façade while inside the church, there are interesting things to see too.
Among the places to see in Malaysia, the Batu Caves are a popular choice among tourists. Although one has to climb 272 steps to reach the Cathedral Cave, it is surely worth the effort. At the entrance, there’s an arresting sight of a giant statue of a Hindu god. Batu Caves are especially popular during the festival of Thaipusam, which is celebrated with a lot of fervour in Malaysia.
Located in Sarawak, this is an interesting Malaysia sightseeing spot, especially for those with a love for plants and trees. The world’s largest flower, the rafflesia grows here, all the way up to three feet in diameter. Known to have a smell of rotting meat, this is, perhaps, not an attractive flower but is still highly valued for its size and uniqueness. The park has more to offer by way of beaches and hiking.
Penang’s Georgetown is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. This is must visit for those who love to see the intersection of east and west. Modern, yet with buildings that reflect its colonial heritage, Georgetown is a delight for those who enjoy architectural delights. Penang has a Chinese majority population and has a certain charm of its own which can be seen in some of the buildings such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Fort Cornwallis and Kek Lok Si Temple.
Malaysia’s numerous sightseeing spots, its lively beaches and excellent water sport options ensures that there’s a steady stream of travellers who are heading here for a remarkable and unforgettable vacation. If you want to join them, do check out the SOTC website for the numerous deals and offers which will make booking your Malaysia trip a breeze.
The unmissable iconic twin towers that stand tall over the city of Kuala Lumpur are all of 88 floors and made with reinforced concrete while the exteriors are a sparkling combination of chrome and steel in a striking Islamic design. The towers, among the top most Malaysia tourist attractions, are now the tallest twin towers in the world and there’s a viewing deck as well. There’s a sky bridge connecting the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors. If heights don’t faze you, then do check out Menara KL as well which offers splendid sights from its viewing deck which is even higher than that of the Petronas Towers.
This tropical paradise is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. The pristine beaches and gently burbling waterfalls attract all sorts of nature lovers while the excellent duty-free options ensure that shoppers won’t be disappointed here. Some of the places to see here include the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park that has limestone caves that are more than 500 million years old along with mangrove swamps and even a floating fish farm. Gorgeous beachside views at Pantai Cenang ensure that you get in a quietly contemplative mood as you settle down for dinner, sampling some of the tasty local fare, making it one of the must visit places in Malaysia. Langkawi’s other attractions include the Langkawi Sky Bridge (only for those without any vertigo) and its cable car ride.