6 Beautiful Places to Visit in Malaysia and Complete Guide
The vibrant and diverse capital city Kuala Lumpur, endless rolling tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, tropical rainforest in Taman Negara, pristine beaches in Langkawi, mouth-watering food in Georgetown. These are some of the wonderful places to visit Malaysia. Read on to find out more!
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Malaysia is a gorgeous country and a fascinating melting pot of culture and race which is reflected in its languages, customs, cuisines, festivals and religions.
It’s hands-down one of my favourite countries in South East Asia. It’s also one of the most underrated destinations in this area of the world meaning it’s less touristy and landscapes are raw and untouched.
Malaysia has something to offer everyone. Pristine white sand beaches on secluded islands, ancient tropical rainforest, diverse cities where old beautifully fuses with new, quaint historic cities, incredible food and rich wildlife.
In this guide to six beautiful places to visit in Malaysia, I’ll share with you the top things to do in each place as well things to know before going to Malaysia including the best time to visit, getting around, how long I’d recommend, currency and much more.
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Contents
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, also commonly referred to as KL, is more than just the gateway to Malaysia.Â
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most diverse cities in South East Asia. It’s a cultural melting pot and a fascinating fusion of old meets new. Where magnificent towering glass skyscrapers and luxurious restaurants and hotels brush shoulders with mosques, colonial buildings, bustling markets and historic temples.
One of the biggest draws to this city and an icon in Kuala Lumpur’s skyline are the Petronas Towers. One of the best things to do in Malaysia is to head up to the observation deck for sweeping views across the city or simply stand beneath them and marvel at their grandeur.
For the city’s most famous and mouth-watering cuisine, make sure you visit Jalan Alor. A street with hawkers and stools spilling out onto the streets with tourists and locals soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Another of the best things to do in Malaysia is a day trip from KL to the Batu Caves. These impressive cave temples set in towering limestone hills are one of the most significant Hindu shrines outside of India.
As the vibrant capital city, Kuala Lumpur is definitely one of the top places to visit in Malaysia. Head to our guide on the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur to really make the most of your visit.
Cameron Highlands; one of the top places to visit in Malaysia
With its temperate climate, endless lush tea plantations, picturesque waterfalls and bounty of walking trails the Cameron Highlands is definitely one of the most stunning places to visit in Malaysia.
Escape the tropical heat of the lowlands and head for the hills!
The Cameron Highlands were once a British hill station after expedition leader Sir William Cameron founded the area in 1885.Â
During the 1920s, a lot of British Colonists flocked to the region tempted by the cooler temperatures and the hill station grew to prominence.
Obviously, us Brits can’t live without a good cup of tea so it wasn’t long before tea started being produced. The Cameron Highlands were the perfect climate for cultivating tea and it soon became Malaysia’s biggest tea exporter.
The cooler environment is also conducive for growing plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables. One of the best things to do in the Cameron Highlands is visit one of the strawberry farms where you can pick your own juicy strawberries.
One of the highest points of the Cameron Highlands is the Mossy Forest; one of the few cloud forests in the world.
The Mossy Forest is an intriguing area with lush green vistas as far as the eye can see. Continue up the main road to reach the summit of Mount Brinchang; the second-highest mountain in the Cameron Highlands.
After an active morning on one of the region’s many hiking trails, relax with a cup of tea at The Boh Tea Company; Malaysia’s first highland tea plantation.Â
Here, you can learn about how the country’s most famous brand of tea is harvested and grown before sampling some of the signature brews with views over the lush green terraces. This is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia for the Cameron Highland’s magnificent scenery!
Taman Negara; with the best adventure activities in Malaysia
Taman Negara is Malaysia’s oldest and largest National Park and at 130 million years old, is one of the world’s oldest rainforests. This was one of my favourite places to visit in Malaysia so make sure it’s on your list!
With a plethora of activities on offer, this is the perfect place if you love the great outdoors, want to get back to basics and are looking for the best adventure activities in Malaysia.
Taman Negara spans 4,343 square kilometres of jungle, rivers, mountains and beautiful flora and fauna. One of the most exciting things to do in Taman Negara National Park is scramble across the world’s longest canopy walk.Â
This spans a distance of 530m and is suspended 40m in the air! From the walkway, you can take in the majesty of the park and potentially spy some of the many birds and monkeys that call this park home.Â
Our Top Tip: get here as early as possible. This is Taman Negara’s main attraction and day trips from Kuala Lumpur are incredibly popular. You want to arrive before they do.
One of the best things to do in Taman Negara is meet the Orang Asli. These are Malaysia’s indigenous peoples who have settlements throughout the National Park.Â
The settlement I visited was only accessible by boat. It was truly fascinating having a tour of their village; seeing their homes and schools, learning about how they hunt for food and even having a go shooting a blowpipe gun!
After a day of hiking, rapid “shooting”, fishing and safaris, have dinner on one of the floating restaurants that serve a range of yummy local delicacies.
How to get to Taman Negara
Kuala Tahan is the main village and gateway in Taman Negara National Park and can be accessed via Jerantut. Buses run to Jerantut from Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands and each take around 4 hours.
From Jerantut, you can either wait for the connecting bus to Kuala Tahan which takes an hour or hop on a boat from Kuala Tembeling jetty. This takes 2-3 hours and although scenic, is more expensive.
If you’re short on time or want the hassle and planning taken away, book a tour from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara.
Penang
One of Malaysia’s most popular destinations is the delightful little island of Penang. With no shortage of cultural sights and natural scenery, Penang is definitely one of the top places to visit in Malaysia.
Penang is a vibrant island where historical buildings go hand in hand with modern structures and shopping malls.
George Town
If you’re a bit of a history buff, George Town is your ideal base. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which won’t surprise you as you amble past pretty temples, colonial buildings, museums, gardens, quirky street art and the historical Fort Cornwallis.
For over 500 years, due to its strategic location, George Town was an important trading hub for India, China, Europe and the Middle East. This cultural exchange blessed the city with a distinct multicultural heritage.
George Town is also a culinary paradise! You’ll find the best food in Malaysia here owing largely to the Chinese, Tamil and indigenous Malay communities that Penang is home to.Â
This multiculturalism has rewarded the island with an incredible and diverse food scene which has become world-famous! The traditional and best food is found on the street from hawkers. Creamy rice dishes, noodle broths, fiery curries, you name it. For the best experience, top recommendations and one of the best things to do in Penang, book a food tour.
Batu Ferringhi
Stay in Batu Ferringhi if you prefer sun, sea and relaxation. Boasting a large stretch of white sandy beach, a variety of hotel and dining options and a range of watersports, there’s never a dull moment here.Â
The night market in Batu Ferringhi is also quite legendary and the place to shop for bargains. It sells everything under the sun including watches, jewellery, clothes, bags and DVDs. There’s also a great street food scene with a variety of dishes such as noodles, Barbecued meats and fried rice.
Batu Ferringhi has a vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re looking for a quieter beach, check out Tanjung Bungah. This area is also known for its floating mosque which was built in stilts over the sea.
Both Batu Ferringhi and George Town can get pretty busy with tourists so if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the crowds, head to Penang National Park.
This is the perfect place if you’re outdoorsy and want to spend time reflecting with nature. There are a variety of trails that lead to secluded sparkling beaches so pack yourself a picnic and spend the day exploring.
Langkawi
Surrounded by the alluring Andaman Sea, Langkawi was awarded UNESCO World Geopark Status in 2007. Home to gleaming beaches of soft sand, lush rainforest, waterfalls, mangroves, caves and limestone cliffs, Langkawi is one of South East Asia’s most idyllic islands.
Langkawi is perfect for more laid-back travellers wanting to lay on the beach all day with a cocktail and a good book. The island has a very chilled out atmosphere that’s very different to other areas of Malaysia.Â
However, if you’re more outdoorsy and active this island also has so much to offer!
One of the top things to do in Langkawi is the cable car; the best place for a birds-eye view of the island. Boasting unparalleled views over the island’s vistas, you can also take a walk on the Skybridge; the world’s longest free span and curved bridge!
Langkawi is home to numerous waterfalls with Telaga Tujuh being the most impressive. Its name means Seven Wells Waterfalls which is in reference to its 7 natural pools. Perfect for a dip after you’ve walked up all the steps to the top!
The island is also duty-free with a lot of duty-free shopping malls. The ideal place to stock up on souvenirs to take home to the family.
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Perhentian Islands; one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Malaysia
The Perhentian Islands are without a doubt one of the most spectacular places to visit in Malaysia. They’re the ultimate tropical getaway and Malaysia’s crown jewel of islands!Â
Perhentian means ‘to stop’ and that’s exactly what you’ll do once you’ve stepped foot onto the fine white sand.
These islands aren’t yet on the tourist trail so the beaches are very quiet. You can easily find secluded bays and have them all to yourself!
The only motorised transport are boats and there are no roads. There are no high-rise buildings and accommodation tends to be more basic and rustic.
Diving and snorkelling are the most popular activities. Prices for dives are very competitive and you can enjoy fantastic visibility, beautiful reefs and an abundance of aquatic life.Â
Keep your eyes peeled for reef sharks, barracudas, turtles and even the odd whale shark and seahorse. You can either join a snorkelling trip or you can walk out from the beach.
There are two islands that make up the Perhentians; Kecil and Besar. Both have very different characters. Kecil, or ‘small island’ is popular among backpackers and budget travellers. Accommodation is cheaper and there’s more of a beach party vibe.
Besar, or ‘big island’ is popular with families, couples and honeymooners. The vibe is more laid back and the resorts are more high-end with more facilities. Undoubtedly, whichever island you stay on, you’ll be rewarded with crystal clear water, pristine white sand and an ample amount of marine life.
Both islands run on temperamental generators that provide electricity. This may leave you in darkness from time to time which just adds to the secluded jungle island experience.Â
The Perhentian Islands were one of my favourite places to visit in Malaysia! They were my last stop after 1 month in Malaysia and perfect to unwind after a very busy few weeks.
How to get to the Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are located on the northeast coast of Malaysia not far from the border of Thailand. Boats depart from Kuala Besut and take around 45 minutes.Â
You have a couple of options to get to Kuala Besut depending on your budget. You can either take a bus which drops you off within walking distance of the port. Or, fly to Kota Bahru or Kuala Terengganu and take a taxi.
When you get to Kuala Besut, you’ll need to take a speedboat transfer the final leg. Boats depart when they’re full between 9am and 4pm. Boats will probably be overcrowded and the crossings are quite bumpy so your belongings may get wet.
Access to the Perhentian Islands is virtually impossible during the rainy season; November to March. The sea is very rough and most of the businesses are closed. June to August is peak time but accommodation can get quite pricey.
Things to Know Before Going to Malaysia
The best time to visit Malaysia
As different areas have different seasons, the best time to Visit Malaysia is actually any time of the year. Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid all year round and there’s always the chance of showers.Â
The Cameron Highlands experiences its heaviest rain September to early December but due to its location can experience showers all year.Â
The islands on the west coast are best visited between December to February, whereas the islands on the east coast are best visited between June and August.Â
How long to spend in Malaysia
I’d recommend at least 2 weeks in Malaysia. 3 weeks is better if you have the time, you can travel more leisurely.
Getting around Malaysia
Getting around Malaysia is fairly straightforward thanks to its reliable public transport systems.
I used buses for most of my 1 month in Malaysia. The bus network is comprehensive and easy to use with regular buses between all major towns and cities.
Ferries sail to many of the islands off Peninsular Malaysia including Penang, Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands.
Several low-cost airlines also operate around much of Malaysia offering direct flights between many major cities and towns. You may have to connect in Kuala Lumpur for smaller regional airports.
Currency in Malaysia
The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. At the time of writing 1 USD is 4.65 MYR.
What plug do I need?
The plugs used in Malaysia are type G; the same as in the UK.
Do I need a visa?
UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Malaysia for stays up to 90 days. For any other nationalities, check your entry requirements to Malaysia here.
We hope you’ve found this post useful in helping you decide what places to visit in Malaysia. Make sure to check out our other South East Asia posts below.
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2 thoughts on “6 Beautiful Places to Visit in Malaysia and Complete Guide”
Best post. Malaysia has a lot to offer to all kinds of travelers from big cities to beautiful islands. You must travel to all the interesting places in Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its friendly community and a melting pot of Asia’s well-diverse community. Malaysia’s diversity in culture makes Malaysia a food haven and one of the few countries with hundreds of celebrations and festivals all year round.