7 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, spectacular cave temples in Ipoh, pristine beaches in Langkawi and mouth-watering food in Penang. These are some of the wonderful places to visit in Malaysia. Read on to find out more and things to know before going to Malaysia.
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Malaysia is a beautiful and diverse country with a fascinating melting pot of culture and race which is reflected in its languages, customs, cuisines, festivals, architecture and religions.
It’s hands-down one of our favourite countries in South East Asia. Because of the country’s rich cultural history, Malaysia has an intriguing blend of predominantly Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures, and everyone lives harmoniously and respects everyone’s customs and beliefs.
Malaysia is truly unique and has something to offer everyone. Pristine white sand beaches on secluded islands, ancient tropical rainforest, quaint colonial cities where old beautifully fuses with new, cool highlands, magnificent cave temples, incredible food and rich wildlife. It’s also still under the radar compared to neighbouring Thailand so it’s less busy and landscapes are more raw and untouched.
In this guide to seven beautiful places to visit in Malaysia, we’ll share with you the top things to do in each place and things to know before going to Malaysia including the best time to visit, how to get around, how long we’d recommend for a Malaysia itinerary, 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 high-end 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 is 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 admire them.
For the city’s most famous and delicious 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.
Other top things to do in Kuala Lumpur are:
- Exploring the lively and colourful Chinatown – discover vibrant and impressive street art, haggle for souvenirs on Jalan Petaling and savour some of Kuala Lumpur’s best food in the restaurants and street food.
- Stroll through KLCC Park; a tranquil oasis in the heart of KL with some of the best views of the Petronas Towers.
- Head to the observation deck at the KL Tower for sweeping 360-degree views across the city.
- Go for a hike in KL Forest Eco Park – one of Malaysia’s oldest forest reserves located at the base of the KL Tower. You’ll find canopy bridges, walking trails and maybe even some monkeys.
- Visit Masjid Jamek Mosque – the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur and a beautiful example of Moorish and Islamic architecture.
- Visit Masjid Negara Mosque – Malaysia’s national mosque and it’s beautifully peaceful to walk around.
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 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, we 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 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
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, this is the perfect place on your Malaysia itinerary if you love the great outdoors and want to get back to basics.
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 Malaysia is scramble across the world’s longest canopy walk which you’ll find here in the jungle.
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: arrive as early as possible. This is Taman Negara’s main attraction and day trips from Kuala Lumpur are some of the most popular things to do in Malaysia. You want to arrive before they do.
A must-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. Having a tour of their village was truly fascinating; 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 both local and western dishes.
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 takes 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.
Ipoh; one of the most underrated places to visit in Malaysia
Ipoh was one of my favourite places to visit in Malaysia. It’s known as ‘Penang’s little brother’ and it’s easy to see why.
Colourful colonial shopfronts, contemporary street art, street food stalls wafting delicious smells of a diverse food scene through the streets, trendy boutiques selling funky and unique items, charming cafes and quirky bars.
In the centre of Ipoh, head to Concubine Lane lined with colourful traditional Chinese-style shophouses. Here, you’ll find charming shops selling unique clothes, bags, jewellery and souvenirs. There are also plenty of food and drink spots.
Then, explore Market Lane and Wife Lane and the surrounding streets for vibrant street art, colourful umbrellas, interesting decorations and lanterns hanging between the historical buildings.
A huge draw to Ipoh and one of the best things to do in Malaysia is the nearby cave temples set amongst spectacular natural scenery.Â
Explore the hidden gem Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake) and experience the sheer beauty and tranquillity of huge limestone karsts, hills and trees which, at certain times of the day are reflected in the water.
Located in the nearby limestone hills are several magnificent and colourful cave temples that are without a doubt some of the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia.
In total there are around 30, however, only a few are open to tourists. Fortunately, they’re close together so you can visit several of them by walking between them. The cave temples to visit are:
- Sam Poh Tong
- Lin Seng Tong
- Nam Thean Tong
Penang
One of Malaysia’s most popular destinations is the charming 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 fascinating island where historical buildings go hand in hand with modern skyscrapers, bustling hawker centres rub shoulders with upmarket restaurants and traditional shophouses sit next to quirky cafes and trendy bars.
The main area of Penang and where you ideally want to stay is George Town; the multicultural, colourful capital of the island.
Spend at least 2 full days exploring this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site full of intricate temples, vibrant colonial buildings, museums, funky street art and lovely boutiques.
The food in George Town is unbeatable! Here, you’ll find the best food in Malaysia owing largely to the Chinese, Tamil and indigenous Malay communities that Penang is home to.
This multiculturalism has rewarded the island with an incredible and diverse food scene which has become world-famous! Head to the hawker centres for the most authentic dishes; noodle broths, fiery curries, laksa, char kway teow, satay, you name it. For local recommendations and one of the best things to do in Malaysia, book a food tour.
Other top things to do in Penang are:
- Visit the Clan Jetties – these are settlements on stilts above the sea where the Chinese clans live. They were established in the 19th century to house Chinese labourers and each pier houses a separate familial clan for which the piers are named.
- Explore Penang National Park – hike on trails through lush tropical rainforest or hop on a boat to secluded wild beaches.
- Check out Batu Ferringhi Beach – relax on a large stretch of fine white sand lined with hotels, bars and restaurants.
Langkawi
Surrounded by the shimmering Andaman Sea, Langkawi was awarded UNESCO World Geopark Status in 2007. Home to gleaming beaches of soft sand, lush rainforest, waterfalls, dramatic sunsets, mangroves, caves and limestone cliffs, Langkawi is one of South East Asia’s most idyllic islands.
Langkawi is ideal for some true relaxation, especially if you’ve been on the go exploring Malaysia for a little while. There’s a very chilled out vibe and slower pace of life compared to other areas of the country.
However, if you’re looking for activities and things to do, Langkawi still has a lot to offer:
- Ride the Langkawi Cable Car – travel 1,700 metres for sweeping 360-degree views across Langkawi’s lush mountainous interior and across the ocean scattered with secluded islands and walk across one of the world’s longest curved suspension bridges.
- Explore Kilim Geoforest Park – hop on a boat and discover an ancient geological heritage, spectacular natural scenery, rich wildlife, impressive mangrove systems and white sand beaches.
- Hike to Seven Wells Waterfall – the most impressive of Langkawi’s waterfalls and perfect for a dip in one of the 7 natural pools.
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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.
The Perhentian 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 is 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 and this is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia for fantastic visibility, beautiful reefs and an abundance of marine 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.
Two islands 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. It’s 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
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 take a speedboat transfer for 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 from 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 for a Malaysia itinerary
We’d recommend at least a 2-week Malaysia itinerary, ideally 3 weeks as you’ll be able to travel more leisurely.
Getting around Malaysia
Getting around Malaysia is fairly straightforward thanks to its reliable public transport systems.
The bus network is comprehensive and easy to use with regular buses between all major towns and cities. Just pop to the bus station a day or two before you want to depart and buy tickets for your next destination.
Ferries sail to many of the islands off Peninsular Malaysia including Penang, Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands. Note – you can no longer take a ferry between Penang and Langkawi. You’ll either have to go back to the mainland or take a flight. Flights are super cheap and are only 30 minutes.
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.
It’s also popular to hire a car and drive your Malaysia itinerary as the road conditions are very good.
Finally, you can book taxis and transfers between each of your destinations which is how we travelled on our honeymoon. This removes all the organisation and stress and you’ll have door-to-door service. This will be a lot more expensive than the other options, however, very good value and saves a lot of time.
Currency in Malaysia
The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. At the time of writing 1 USD is 4.43 MYR.
Service charge and taxes
One of the top things to know before going to Malaysia is service charges and taxes most often aren’t included in the costs you initially see. Service charge we believe is imposed by the government as it’s everywhere (except street food stalls). It’s usually between 10% and 12.5% and it’s mandatory to pay.
Tax is also most commonly added to bills rather than it being on the menu/price tags in shops. This is between 6% and 8%.Â
There’s also a tourism tax of RM10 per room per night.
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 guides below.
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2 thoughts on “7 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.