Malaysia, sometimes called the Land of Promise, is a beautiful country full of ancient cultures and scenic landscapes.
The diverse ethnic groups and cultural traditions that make up Malaysia offer an intriguing blend of history and culture for visitors to explore.
One can find tropical rainforests in the north, beautiful beaches in the south, and bustling cities with nightlife on every corner.
From Kuala Lumpur to Penang Island, there are amazing places to visit in Malaysia for anyone looking for a unique holiday destination.
The 14 Extremely Beautiful Places to Visit in Malaysia
In this article, we're going to introduce you to 14 beautiful places you should add to your bucket list if you're visiting or planning on moving there!
1. Kuala Lumpur
The beautiful capital of Malaysia is a must-visit. Home to iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and delicious food stalls – there's so much to see in Kuala Lumpur that it can be hard to know where to start!
Best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur:
- Petronas Towers
- Menara KL Tower
- Lake Gardens Park
- Batu Caves
There are beautiful places everywhere you look. You'll find beautiful sights around every corner if you make the effort to explore this city.
There are plenty of great things to do in the city center as well as countless beautiful parks with colorful flowers all over the place for taking pictures.
The huge lake park surrounding the towers is also worth checking out before heading up one of them or down into Chinatown for its night market.
2. Langkawi
Langkawi is a paradise island for those who love a tropical climate and stunning beaches. It's also home to some of the best limestone caves in the world and rainforests teeming with wildlife. It's an ideal place for hiking, picnicking, and sunbathing. You can even swim in crystal-clear waters. Its tangled jungles are home to exotic birds, including colugos. There are also a few bars and live bands if you're looking to have fun on the beach.
Langkawi is one of the best places in Malaysia for a tropical vacation. Its beaches offer stunning views of the sea, while you can take a day trip to explore the island's countryside and rice fields. Another popular attraction is the SkyBridge, a curved cable car that glides thousands of feet above the island's jungle.
The sky bridge in Langkawi is a must-see attraction. This 125-meter-long pedestrian bridge is suspended above the island's forested slopes and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. You can also ride a cable car to the top of the bridge, where you can take a look at a variety of sights. It's also possible to visit the 3D Art in Paradise Museum or the Oriental Village.
3. Taman Negara National Park
For wildlife lovers, Taman Negara is one of the best places to visit in Peninsular Malaysia. It spans 4,343 square kilometers and is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It also has unique species of plants and animals, including the Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, and gaur. Visitors can also enjoy canopy walks or go on a hike to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
You can also try a variety of activities at Taman Negara, including rapid shooting. This is an exhilarating way to explore the rainforest. You can start the activity from either Kuala Tahan or Kuala Terengganu, and then travel by boat from one end of the park to the other. You should take the necessary equipment with you, including a caving Hamlet, battery pack, and suitable clothes.
Before you start your adventure, you will receive a briefing about the caves and how to use the equipment. The guide will walk you through the chamber and provide instructions so you can stay safe. You will also be required to wear a life jacket for safety reasons.
Taman Negara National Park is home to many different species of birds. You can also find various insects and amphibians in the park.
4. Cameron Highlands
Located four hours from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands are some of Peninsular Malaysia's most distinctive tourist attractions. Their cool climate and beautiful topography are reminiscent of rural England. The area was originally a British colonial hill station retreat and retains the colonial, northern European atmosphere of a bygone era. This high-altitude area is popular among both domestic and international travelers.
The Cameron Highlands is also known for their strawberry farms. While the locals are generally welcoming, tourists are reminded to respect their culture and don't take their pictures without permission. Other attractions in the area include lavender, rose, and cactus farms. The region also boasts Malaysian temples, including the famous Sam Poh Temple in Brinchang.
Getting Around: Travelers should consider hiring a taxi while in Malaysia. While some places are easy to reach by car, others require a car. If you don't have a vehicle, you'll need to hire a taxi, which is an easy task if you know where to find them. You can hire a taxi by the hour or by the day. Taxis are easily available at Tanah Rata Bus Terminal and can also be flagged down on the street.
5. Malacca
Malacca is known for its delicious food. While the country is mostly Muslim, pork is widely available at many restaurants. You can also try Ais Kacang and Cendol, two local desserts. A popular street in Malacca is Jonker Street, where you can find good restaurants, cafes, and snacks. The street is also popular for night markets and has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Malacca has a rich cultural heritage. It is home to the Malacca Museum, which is housed in an old prison. Inside, visitors can explore galleries dedicated to the jails of Malacca. There are some graphic displays, but the museum is not too overwhelming for families with children.
Aside from the museums, you should also spend some time on the river. You can also take a river cruise and see the enchanting murals in action. The city is small, but it offers a colorful surprise at every turn.
6. Ipoh
Ipoh has many attractions and things to do. It has a sprawling market that takes up an entire street. You can also check out the Ipoh Museum, which has large murals showing geological formations, dinosaur fossils, and the history of mining in Ipoh.
This museum also has guided tours. Another popular attraction in Ipoh is the Kwan Yin Tong Temple, which is located atop a limestone cliff. It is home to a giant Buddha statue, and you can also enjoy a tour of this religious site.
If you're a history buff, you can visit the Ipoh World museum to learn about the history of Perak, Ipoh, and the Kinta Valley. There are rotating exhibitions, too, so you can learn a bit about the area's past.
If you're planning a trip to Ipoh, Malaysia, make sure to take a tour of the Kinta Riverfront. This scenic area is best seen at night when it is illuminated with colorful LED lights. You can also rent bicycles and ride through the scenic area.
7. Kuching
If you are interested in nature, Kuching is a great destination. The Gunung Gading National Park has many hiking trails and waterfalls and is home to the rare rafflesia flower. It's also a two-hour drive from Kuching. The park offers a great mix of wildlife, waterfalls, and lush rainforest.
If you have time to spare, you should visit the old courthouse, a pastel-colored colonial building that was built in 1871 and once served as the administrative center of the city. It occupies a prominent location on the waterfront. The building features a round tower, verandahs, and pavilions, all with an interesting mix of architecture from different periods.
If you have the time, you can also visit the Kuching Waterfront, which has a lot of attractions. The waterfront is home to many restaurants and bars, which means that you can get a great meal while you're there.
8. Pulau Tioman
If you're looking for one of the best places in Malaysia to spend a day, Pulau Tioman should be on your list. This island has a beautiful sandy beach and is one of the most popular places for Malaysians. You can rent snorkeling equipment for a few dollars and snorkel right off the beach. It's a great way to see the amazing marine life that inhabits the nearby reefs.
Pulau Tioman is a popular destination for active travelers and is home to a number of hiking trails. There are several hikes you can take, including one up the twin peaks. You can also hike through jungle and stone forests. Some hiking trails have water points, so it's advisable to bring water and snacks.
Located off the east coast of Malaysia, Tioman Island is a must-visit destination for visitors from Singapore. It is a small island but offers plenty to see and do. It's also a great place to go snorkeling or scuba diving and is duty-free.
9. Semenggoh Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is home to many bird species, including orangutans. You may also see other species of wildlife like elephants and monkeys. This is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia if you love animals. You can even go on a safari here if you wish.
Semenggoh is famous for its orangutan orientation program, where orangutans that have been orphaned or rescued are taught how to live in the wild. Seeing the orangutans in their natural habitats is a fascinating experience, and you might even decide to make it a point to visit Semenggoh again.
Semenggoh Nature Reserve is about 30 minutes drive from Kuching, so you can take a cab or take a bus to reach the reserve. The ride will cost about RM 20 one way.
10. Borneo Rainforest
The rainforest of Borneo is home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are highly endangered. The lowland Dipterocarp forests are the most diverse and threatened. These forests grow up to 45 meters tall and are the main source of timber for people in Borneo. However, these forests have suffered massive logging since the 1970s. In 2002, Langner and Siegert estimated that over thirty million hectares of lowland Dipterocarp forest had been cleared.
There are several endangered species of animal life in the Borneo Rainforest, including the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros and Bornean orangutan. In addition to these mammals, there are more than 12 species of monkeys and primates. The region is also home to endangered species such as the probosci's monkey, which has tiny, underdeveloped noses.
The main driver of deforestation in Borneo is oil palm plantations. In fact, Indonesia and Malaysia produce 87% of the world's oil palm. While this might sound like an extreme measure, the destruction of these forests is a clear manifestation of human indifference to their environment.
Throughout the twentieth century, Borneo was largely uninhabited. There were few people in the region, and it was only after World War II that missionaries finally got to the remote blowgun hunters. Now, they are mostly Christian, though some still hunt and build new camps of raised pole huts every few weeks. Although they remain remote, these isolated people of the central highlands are acutely aware of modern life, which is destroying their habitats.
11. Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian)
If you've ever wondered where Pulau Perhentian is located, you are not alone. It is a Malaysian island located in the Besut District of Terengganu. The island is an idyllic place for a romantic getaway. There are plenty of things to do on Pulau Perhentian, from scuba diving to snorkeling.
The island has a range of accommodation options, including resorts and hotels. There are also a number of homestays and chalets. The cheapest places to stay are found on Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, which are both popular with backpackers. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a wide range of options.
As the island is still a relatively young tourist destination, you will want to plan your visit accordingly. There are a number of regulations and laws governing the island's tourism. Tourists are not allowed to use spearfishing equipment, litter, or collect aquatic life. Make sure you adhere to these rules to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities.
When you're done soaking up the sun on the beach, head inland. You can even rent a hammock to enjoy the sunset. Most travelers spend their time on the beach and in the water, but if you have the time, you might want to explore more of the island.
12. Redang Island (Pulau Redand)
A holiday to Redang Island is a must-do if you love the beach and spend quality time with family. You can enjoy a sun tan on the beautiful beaches on the island. However, there is much more to do on Redang Island than simply sunbathe. Despite its name, the island has a rich history and culture, and the island is also one of the best places for families with kids in Malaysia.
The natural environment on Redang Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving in some of the most beautiful places on the island. You can also visit a turtle hatchery and hike up a hill to enjoy the panoramic view of Redang Island.
To get to Redang Island, you must first travel to Kuala Terengganu. From there, you can take a bus or a ferry. However, make sure you have enough cash for all activities. There are two small supermarkets on the island where you can buy sun creams, snacks, and souvenirs. Also, you can use credit cards at hotels on Redang Island.
Snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular activities on Redang Island. The crystal clear waters of the island make it possible to observe the corals and fishes up close. You can also get your PADI or Open Water diving license from one of the several diving schools that are located on the island.
13. Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu)
If you're looking for a mountain to climb in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu is one of the must-see destinations. It's easily accessible from both the Malaysian and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. The mountain is located at a height of 3,012 meters and is a great place for hikers to test their fitness. The surrounding area is lush and beautiful, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
If you're looking for a more thrilling climb, Mount Kinabalu offers a variety of Via Ferrata routes. You can try climbing the mountain using a rope and harness. You can hire equipment for the activity from Mountain Torq. You'll need a helmet, rope, and carabiners. The company will also provide lanyards and other safety equipment.
There are numerous activities to keep you occupied while visiting Mount Kinabalu. A walk along the rocky coastline and people-watching on the beach are other popular activities. You can also try kite-flying, picnicking, or sunset-watching. There are also several popular attractions in Kota Kinabalu, including the famous Prince Philip Park.
If you love plants, then you'll love the botanical garden on Mount Kinabalu. It's home to 5000-6,000 plant species and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is also known as a Centre of Plant Diversity in Southeast Asia. The park is home to more species of plants than are found in Europe or North America! You can see beautiful plants all around you, and take a short hike to the park's base for a closer look at the peak.
14. Kinabatangan River
There are a number of attractions in Kinabatangan, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. In addition to a boat trip, there are a number of other activities that can be enjoyed in the area, including forest trails and night walks. While you're here, be sure to visit the Rainforest Discovery Center for the best bird watching in Malaysia. You can also take a tour of the nearby rainforests, where you can observe animals and birds.
Wildlife is the main draw of the Kinabatangan. You'll see pygmy elephants roaming the forests, as well as orangutans, long-tailed monkeys, and more. You can also spot exotic birds, crocodiles, snakes, and otters.
For those who don't feel like camping or rafting, there are several lodges on the Kinabatangan River. Most of them have boat trips and offer accommodation in different price ranges. Most of them offer free pick-up and transfer, as well as the ability to book excursions.
Travelers can take a bus or overland journey from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, which takes about 5 hours. Then, they can take a speed boat on the Kinabatangan River for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride from Sandakan to Sukau. A variety of bus companies operate in the area, including Bunga Raya Express, Sida Express, and Tung Ma Express. You can check out their timetables at BusOnlineTicket.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 14 beautiful places to visit and things to do in Malaysia that are definitely worth adding to your bucket list! No matter what type of traveler you are, Malaysia has something special to offer everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
