top 10 tourist places in malaysia

Things to Do in Malaysia

Common Greetings

Currency in Malaysia

Scams to Avoid

Visiting Kuala Lumpur

Neighborhoods to Know

Best Hotels

Public Transportation Guide

Top Things to Do

Guide to Malaysian Street Food

Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur

Eating at Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Alor

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Kuala Lumpur International Airport Guide

Top Destinations in Malaysia

Malaysia's Top 10 Destinations

The Most Popular Places to Visit in Malaysia

The most popular places to visit in Malaysia are stunning — and the country's excellent infrastructure makes getting to them relatively painless.

Although Malaysia is always ranked well among the most visited countries in Asia, China usually steals the limelight and #1 spot. Long-term budget travelers often shun Malaysia as being "too expensive" (mostly because alcohol does cost more than in Thailand). Meanwhile, short-term vacationers in Southeast Asia seem to skip Malaysia for lack of time.

But Malaysia has a lot of beauty, diversity, and adventure on offer, as showcased by these tempting top destinations.

Kuala Lumpur

You'll most likely fly into Kuala Lumpur when traveling to Malaysia, so this one's a no-brainer. But unlike some other big cities in Asia where travelers arrive and get out of town as soon as possible, Kuala Lumpur is a worthwhile destination of its own.

The mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influence means you'll have no shortage of culinary exploits in Malaysia's capital city . The cultural diversity is a big part of Kuala Lumpur's allure. Take a short walk or jump on the extensive train network and you can see the delights of numerous cultures.

Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of unique neighborhoods to explore . Interesting sights such as the Petronas Towers , the Perdana Botanical Garden, and the Menara KL Tower provide plenty of enjoyable distractions before you head farther afield in Malaysia.

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Malaysians are proud of their big island on the west coast — and they should be! The colonial city of Georgetown was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has plenty to offer in the way of museums, a seaside fort, historic homes, and most importantly, a famous street-food scene.

Numerous artists have left their marks in the form of murals along the streets of Georgetown. Cafes, shops, and things to do can be found dotted throughout.

Penang is considered one of the best places in Southeast Asia to sample delicious street food of all types. The waterfront esplanade known as Gurney Drive in Penang is lined with stalls and eateries for trying local Malay, Chinese, and Indian treats , among others.

The Perhentian Islands

Backpackers and budget travelers love Malaysia's Perhentian Islands , especially Perhentian Kecil — the smaller of the two islands — where fine sand and excellent snorkeling/diving fill the day before parties start at night.

Nearby Perhentian Besar — the big island — caters more to families, couples, and travelers who are willing to spend more to enjoy the blue water and skip some of the partying. Regardless of the island you choose, getting to the Perhentians requires taking a speedboat. There are a few challenges for setting up shop on the islands .

The Perhentian Islands are very seasonal . Accommodation can be difficult to find on Perhentian Kecil in July, the peak month, but the islands are mostly empty during the winter months due to rain and stormy seas.

Malaysian Borneo

The option to exchange dirty concrete for green rainforests and abundant wildlife is only a cheap, quick flight away ! Visitors to Malaysia often stick to the mainland and forget about the natural wonders on earth's third-largest island only a short hop away.

The Malaysian part of Borneo is divided into two states: Sarawak in the south and Sabah in the north. Both have different vibes and charms . The Rainforest World Music Festival held outside of Kuching each summer is one of the most exciting music-and-culture events in Southeast Asia.

From endangered orangutans to rainforest canopy walks and some of the best diving in the world, Malaysian Borneo should definitely be a part of any trip to Malaysia.

Spelled locally as "Melaka," Malaysia's Peranakan city of Malacca is a worthwhile stop for cultural, historical, and colonial sites . UNESCO even declared Malacca a World Heritage Site in 2008.

Visitors are rarely disappointed by the old town in Malacca. If nothing else, the relaxed vibe is pleasant enough to keep people around for a few days. The close proximity to Kuala Lumpur makes getting there by bus easy. Train isn't an option in Malacca.

Tip: Many shops and museums close in Malacca on Tuesdays — plan your visit accordingly!

Taman Negara

Westend61 / Getty Images

Taman Negara literally means "national park" in Malay, and well, that's what it is! Taman Negara is Malaysia's oldest national park and is considered to be one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. A long canopy walkway gives visitors a chance to see life high in the trees that normally isn't visible from the ground.

You can enjoy waterfalls and beautiful trekking, bird spotting, rafting, fishing, night safaris, and there's even a chance to see wild elephants — if you're very lucky. Tourists sleep across the river in Kuala Tahan and then take cheap boats to the park entrance.

Some serious guided trekking is available in Taman Negara as is caving.

Cameron Highlands

Malaysia's green Cameron Highlands are one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you'll actually want a jacket or warm blanket at night. After sweating across tropical climates, you may appreciate the change of climate.

The Cameron Highlands are like nowhere else in Malaysia. You'll see plenty of lush scenery, tour beautiful tea plantations, and enjoy access to decent hiking trails that weave through plantations and around volcanoes.

Strawberry farms, butterfly gardens, and flower greenhouses are all enjoyable distractions to be found in the Cameron Highlands. The climate provides good conditions for growing fresh vegetables and producing delicious local honey.

Tioman Island

Located on Malaysia's east coast not too far from Singapore, Tioman Island is a different kind of island destination . Accommodation and excellent diving are surprisingly inexpensive; development is relatively minimal for such a nice island. Abundant nature and scenery make up for the island's severe shortcomings in the culinary department.

Tioman is carved into many different beaches; you'll have to choose when arriving by boat. Some beaches are secluded and surrounded by jungle. ABC Beach is arguably the most popular beach, particularly for budget travelers. Moving between beaches by boat is the regular option, unless you're up for a jungle hike through the interior.

Tioman Island enjoys duty-free status just as Langkawi does, but don't even consider taking your tax-free liquor across the border into Singapore !

simonlong / Getty Images

Located off the northwest corner of Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi is one of the top island destinations in Malaysia for both foreign tourists and Malaysians.

With an airport and ferries connecting it to the mainland, as well as a large tourist infrastructure, Langkawi could unfairly be called Malaysia's version of Phuket, the busiest island in Thailand.

Langkawi has many tourist attractions on offer such as Malaysia's largest indoor aquarium, a cable car, and the Sky bridge that allows views across the island. Unfortunately, the drone of jet skis cause the busiest beaches to be less serene. Duty-free status means that beer is sometimes barely more expensive than bottled water!

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi can be found for as cheap as US $20! Getting to the island is fast and inexpensive .

Selangor actually describes Malaysia's most developed and populated state that leads up to Kuala Lumpur's urban sprawl. Here you'll find a Formula One racetrack, the National Zoo of Malaysia, and enormous theme parks including an indoor snow park.

Selangor is busy and booming; shopping malls sprawl in many directions. When you can't possibly shop anymore, head to the nearby Genting Highlands — Malaysia's version of Vegas perched on top of a mountain. The First World Hotel and Plaza is the world's largest hotel with 10,500 rooms and a theme park.

But Selangor isn't just about concrete and glowing signs: The famous Batu Caves there are a Hindu shrine with the largest statue of Lord Murugan (the god of war) in the world. The Batu Caves draw large crowds, especially during the Thaipusam holiday .

When you're ready to be wooed by nature, the abundance of fireflies along the river in Kuala Selangor is a dazzling spectacle worth seeing!

The Top 12 Things to Do in Malaysia

Top Islands in Southeast Asia

Weather in Malaysia: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Taman Negara in Malaysia: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Malaysia: The Complete Guide

Where Is Kuala Lumpur?

The Best Time to Visit Malaysia

July in Asia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Malaysia's Perhentian Islands: Pocket Paradise

Southeast Asia Countries to Travel

Langkawi, Malaysia Travel Guide

How to Find Cheap Flights to Borneo

The Banana Pancake Trail

Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Asia

June in Asia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Important Tips for Malaysia's Perhentian Islands

Dive Into Malaysia

Top 20 Best Things To Do In Malaysia [Malaysia Bucket List]

Planning your next trip and want to know the top things to do in Malaysia?

With a landmass of over 30,000 square kilometres, Malaysia has a lot to offer tourists. From the high rises of Kuala Lumpur to the beaches on its coasts and islands to its UNESCO World Heritage sites to its hill stations and diversity of cultures, there really is something for everyone in Malaysia.

The mixture of its Malay, Chinese and Indian people combined with a colonial past leads to an interesting and mixed history which is evident in its architecture, food and cultures. From the peninsular Malaysia to the mysterious Borneo to a zillion little islands, there are many great tourist sites in Malaysia waiting for you.

You may already have some ideas about the top activities in Malaysia, like visiting the Petronas Twin Towers or lounging on a beach in Langkawi, and perhaps you want some more ideas or off the beaten track suggestions for what to visit in Malaysia.

Or maybe you are working out whether Malaysia is somewhere you would enjoy and you want to know some of the fun things to do in Malaysia to see if it’s for you.

Whatever the case, you are sure to have 20 new items to add to your Malaysian bucket list by the time you finish reading this list of Malaysia top things to do that I compiled with other travel bloggers.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top 20 Best Things To Do In Malaysia

Enjoy petronas towers views from traders hotel.

With any visit to Kuala Lumpur it is hard not to be drawn, like moths to light, to the rather magnificent Petronas Twin Towers which can be seen from pretty much all over the city. But to make the most of a visit, I will forever recommend a stay at the Traders Hotel which shares probably the best views of the Petronas Twin Towers and Malaysia’s crown jewel in Southeast Asia. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia for a reason.

The towers are framed perfectly, up close and intimate, with front row seats to the symphony of lights as the sunsets over the city. So I while l will always recommend at least 1 night at the hotel (Traders Twin Tower View Room: RM500), there is always the more affordable option of the Traders Hotel’s rooftop Skybar, with some serious cocktails and intoxicating views of the twin towers.

To get there, a quick shuttle service connects both the hotel and the Suria KLCC mall at the base of the towers, although the surrounding KLCC Park and fountains also make for a serene beeline between the two.

Contributed by Allan from Live Less Ordinary

Click here to read our full guide to Kuala Lumpur or here to read my review of the Traders Hotel KL.

Get Up Close To Elephants At The Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre is by far my favourite of the unique things to do in Malaysia especially as it’s just a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. This is because this government-run sanctuary is here to help raise awareness and understanding of the importance of these beautiful animals. With elephants in Malaysia at the brink of extinction, this centre is there to educate the public and care for the animals on site.

The centre itself is free. However, I encourage you to hire one of the many volunteered guides for RM50 or make a donation at the registration office as all money goes to the care of the elephants.

Arrive early as they only allow the first 100 people to bath the elephants, this too is an extra cost of RM10 (adults) and RM5 (children). Prepare to get wet, so bring an extra pair of clothes. There are other free options around the centre and these include educational videos, elephant crossings, feeding the elephants and enjoying the observation areas.

The easiest (and most affordable) way to get to Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre is by hiring a car from Kuala Lumpur and driving the 105 kilometers yourself. If this is not an option then many tours offer this service which you can book by clicking here now.

Contributed by Paula

Read all our Kuala Lumpur guides here.

Splash Around At The Beaches Of Port Dickson

If you are travelling around South East Asia you will probably end up in Kuala Lumpur at least once. It’s the main aviation hub in this part of Asia. While there are many awesome things to do in KL, spending time in the big city may not be for everyone. If you want to find a green oasis close to Malaysia’s capital city, head to Port Dickson.

This small town, located about one hours drive from KL, may not have the most beautiful beaches in the country. Still, it has the closest beaches to Kuala Lumpur since KL doesn’t have direct access to the sea.

Pantai Cahaya Negeri and Blue Lagoon are arguably the best beaches in Port Dickson . If sunbathing isn’t really your thing, you can always try some water sports. There are some great accommodation options in Port Dickson as well with affordable luxury in over-water pool villas.

The easiest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson is to rent a car or take a taxi. You can also travel by public transport. There is no direct train or bus from KL to Port Dickson. You have to go to Seremban first and then take a bus to Port Dickson. Read more details of how to do this here. You can also easily take a taxi directly from KL Airport.

Contributed by Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog

Find all our Port Dickson guides here.

Enjoy A Melaka Boat Tour

If checking out the history of Melaka (also spelt Malacca) is on your list of best things to see in Malaysia, a Melaka boat tour will give you a great first glance into Malaysia’s colonial past.

The 45 minute return trip takes in the views of old shop houses, modern street art, colourful bridges and glimpses of traditional Malaysian life and architecture. The cool breeze along the river is a welcome relief from the heat and humidity in the city. Night tours are a great way to see Melaka lit up in the colours of the rainbow.

There are 3 jetties where you can start your cruise, the most central one being Muara Jetty which is situated next to the Quayside Heritage Centre, close to the Maritime Museum. Tourist maps are available at the tourist information booth opposite Red Square.

You can aboard your cruise at the Taman Rempah Jetty next to the Hang Jebat Bridge or alternatively combine a retail experience with your boat tour and commence your trip at The Shore Jetty, next to The Shore Malacca.

Grab one of Melaka’s favourite drinks, an icy cold mango smoothie and sit back and soak up the sites of the UNESCO world heritage city.

Melaka River Cruises are open daily from 9 am to 11:30 pm. Boat tours depart every 30 minutes and a return trip will cost you RM30 for adults and RM25 for children. An inexpensive way to familiarise yourself with the wonder that is Melaka.

Click here to buy a discounted tour from Kuala Lumpur.

Contributed by Julie from A Not So Young Woman Abroad

Click here to find our full guide to Melaka.

Get Back To Nature At Taman Negara National Park

It is hard to believe that what is said to be the oldest rainforest in the world is just a 3-hour drive from the bustling Kuala Lumpur. This national park is a great choice of the things to visit in Malaysia to get to know the flora and fauna of Malaysia and get a feel of the rainforest.

You can opt to stay in Mutiara Taman Negara Resort inside the national park or in one of the many small guesthouses in the nearby villages. The resort is large and comfortable, if a little old, and you have the benefit of waking up in the jungle and heading out to hikes from your doorstep.

There is a variety of walks available, from easy ones on boardwalks to multi-day expeditions into the interior of the park, as well as boat trips on the river or visits to the villages of the Orang Asli, the aboriginal people of the area. Don’t expect to see big mammals – the forest is thick and the areas near the resort are fairly busy.

Bring mosquito repellent, sturdy footwear and swimming costume for a cooling dip in the river.

You will need to pay a RM1 park fee and a RM5 as a camera fee at the park office next to Mutiara Taman Negara resort.

Click here to buy discounted tour tickets now.

Contributed by Kirsi from Happy Go KL

Have The Most Fun Day Ever At Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia is a giant lego-themed theme park in two parts. There is the standard Legoland Theme Park but there is also a Legoland Water Park which is a great place to cool down in the hot Malaysia weather. The perfect age for visiting Legoland is about ages 3-12 years, our kids were a bit older so we got through it in one day. However if your kids are young, I recommend staying two days and utilising the onsite Legoland Malaysia Hotel.

Just opened in May 2019, there is a new attraction at the Legoland Malaysia site, SEA Life Malaysia. This interactive learning experience will teach the kids all about the ocean and how to care for it. The 180 degree ocean tunnel has black tip sharks swimming around and over your head, and the rock pools create a touch and feel environment that kids will love.

Not only is it convenient it is also a very affordable activity for all the family. There are many special deals available here that make Legoland Malaysia a great price especially if you buy combo tickets with entry to the different parks.

Legoland Malaysia is in Johor Bahru, just over the border from Singapore so you can visit this one of the things to do in Malaysia with family from either Singapore or Malaysia. It take about an hour to get there from Singapore depending how long it takes to cross the border. Alternatively, you can stay in Johor Bahru. Getting to Legoland Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur takes approximately 3 hours, making it very difficult to do in a day trip.

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Contributed by Sally from our3kidsvtheworld or you can read our full review here.

Help Sea Turtles On Tioman Island

My family and I volunteered with the Juara Turtle Project on Tioman Island, and it was an amazing experience! Volunteers from all over the world support the dedicated staff to monitor for new turtle nests, to keep eggs safe in their hatchery, maintain the Project’s headquarters, release hatchlings into the water,and help with community education and clean ups.

We were lucky to be able to see many baby turtles scurry to the water for the first time at this Malaysia travel spot, excavate a nest that had hatched, and help with transferring eggs to the Project’s hatchery. We also met many new friends, patrolled the beaches, learned much about turtles and corals, enjoyed amazing food, and swam in the most beautiful beach we had ever seen!

Volunteers are requested to spend a minimum of a week at the Project. The cost to volunteer is RM1000 for 7 nights over the turtle season, and discounts are given for longer stays, children and volunteering through the off-peak season. The cost includes fully cooked breakfast and lunch daily, use of the Project’s recreational equipment and facilities, and rustic shared accommodation.

You can also just visit Juara Turtle Project if you’re staying on Tioman, and staff or volunteers will give you a tour and explain all about their excellent work.

Tioman Island is off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and still has pristine jungle surrounded by amazing coastlines and mangroves. Several coral reefs attract divers and snorkellers to Tioman, and a couple are in Juara Bay. It takes about two hours on a ferry from Mersing to get to Tioman, and Juara Bay is on the other side of the island to the jetty.

Contributed by Emma from Small footprints, big adventures

Click here to read our full guide to Tioman Island.

Snorkel At Gem Island

One of the Malaysia spots to visit for snorkelling is Gem Island (Pulau Gemia). It is a privately owned island in the South China Sea.

Gem island has a small 3-star resort and spa on site. Fortunately, Gem Island has a house reef so you can snorkel straight from the shore. There are several types of villas with an overwater villa at an affordable price.

The easiest way to get to Gem island is to fly into Kuala Terengganu. A road transfer to Marang Pier and finally a short boat ride, complete the journey across to the island.

Snorkelling hire was available. Other water sport options offered by the resort include kayaking and diving trips. Although not formally offered, a fishing trip with a traditional fisherman is also possible. It was an eye-opening experience in the middle of the South China Sea.

Like the rest of the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Gem island is closed from October to February. The house reef was great, but there was a significant rip. Wearing a life vest is highly recommended.

If you want a beautiful, secluded and affordable resort with some of the best snorkelling in Malaysia, Gem island is just the place.

Contributed by Alana from Family Bites Travel

Snorkel The Perhentians

The Perhentian Islands lie off the east coast of Malaysia and are one of the Malaysia best things to do. They’re a popular place to visit for diving and snorkelling trips where you can feed the fish, see sharks and often times swim with turtles. Reaching the Perhentians is easy, take a bus to Kuala Besut, then a fast boat to the islands ( more information here ).

There are two Perhentian Islands, both have accommodation, tours and places to eat. Perhentian Kecil is usually the most visited as it has cheaper accommodation.

You’ll need to pay the RM30 National Park fee (for foreigners, it’s RM5 for locals and RM2 children) as well as the fast boat fee to get here. There can also be a transfer fee from the fast boat to the shore depending on your end location, unless you want to swim your bags in.. You’ll want to stay several days and chill out, but the main things to do here is to see the sea life.

Snorkelling in the Perhentians is fabulous, especially if you visit in the low season. There are turtles and huge numbers of vividly coloured fish. Sadly, there is not much coral, although the evidence of people who’ve stood on it is very obvious. There are even black-tipped reef sharks here too, although they’re a little too fast to photograph!

The snorkelling tours in the Perhentians give a great variety of sea life, in calm, easy waters – and certainly when we travelled there were only a few others in the water, making it a superb experience.

Contributed by Sarah from A Social Nomad

Find all our guides to the Perhentian Islands here.

Visit The SkyBridge And SkyCab in Langkawi

If you’re in Langkawi, make sure you visit the SkyBridge and SkyCab – one of the most popular tourist attractions in Langkawi.

To reach the SkyBridge you must take the SkyCab which goes up the second highest mountain called Gunung Machinchang and so it has incredible views. Before reaching the very top, the SkyCab makes one stop before reaching the very top. The views from here are absolutely amazing and you can see over all the beautiful islands of Langkawi.

Once you have finished admiring the views, you should head for the Langkawi SkyBridge. The Langkawi SkyBridge is the longest free span and curved bridge in the world. It is 2,000 feet above ground and is 400 feet long and it hangs between two mountains above the jungle. There is a small section that has a glass walkway beneath your feet. The views from here are spectacular and given it is a suspended bridge, you will feel the slight movement from side to side.

The SkyBridge and SkyCab are easy to each, but unless you have a car, you will need to get a taxi there.

The area does become extremely busy with tourists so it’s recommended to come first thing when it’s a bit quieter.

Entry for the SkyCab is RM55 per person and the SkyBridge is RM5 per person.

Contributed by Melissa from Thrifty Family Travels

Read our full guides to Langkawi here.

Look For Street Art In Penang

Penang is a state on the north-west coast of the Malaysian peninsula. The old part of Penang Island, George Town, is listed as a Unesco Heritage site, but in recent years, Penang has become famous for its street art.

This springs from the work of Ernest Zacharevic for the 2012 George Town Festival. The Lithuanian artist expected his murals only to survive a few months, but they have become icons for the town – inspiring other street art too. Big wrought-iron caricatures illustrate the history of George Town, and now there is also more graffiti made by other artists too.

It’s fun, easy and free to walk around Penang graffiti-spotting, but when you get ambitious and want to find them all then you have to work a bit harder. Our search turned into a two-day project. On the first day, we just wandered about and spotted as many as we could. But now we were hooked.

So on the second day, we located all the works on Google map and completed our hunt on foot. To make the job easier, you can also rent a four-seater pedal car. This is a funny bicycle structure designed for two adults pedalling at the back and two kids in the front.

We found lots that we had missed on the first day; some were just around the corner from where we had been. It didn’t matter; the whole two-day hunt was super fun. We have great photos and many happy memories.

Contributed by Ania from The Travelling Twins

Read our full Penang Travel Guide here.

Go On A Habitat Walk On Penang Hill

The Habitat Walk on Penang Hill offers a brilliant escape from the vibrant mix of colours, flavours and cultures on offer in nearby George Town. Set amongst a 130 million year old rain forest, and giving spectacular views of the island, it’s a must do during any visit to Penang.

We spent a couple of hours wandering along the (pram-friendly) paths with our 7 and 8 year olds, taking in the amazing flora on display and taking plenty of photos. There are numerous places to stop along the way and simply sit and take in the scenery, and there is also a walkway which extends out above the forest canopy giving you literally a bird’s eye view.

Also, make sure you climb to the top of the 13 metre Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk – a viewing platform that gives you the very best uninterrupted views.

The easiest way to get to Penang Hill is with Grab, a taxi app. It’s about a 15 minute drive from the heart of Georgetown. Once there, you will need to buy tickets to the funicular train, witch cost RM30 for adults and RM15 for 4 – 12 year olds for non-priority seats. The train itself is a real experience, being the longest funicular track in Asia.

Once you are at the top of the hill, hunt out the Habitat ticket tent which is in the courtyard area just up from the food outlets. Tickets for adults are RM53 and RM31.80 for kids between 3-12 years. Once you have the tickets there is a shuttle service which drives you the kilometre or so to the entrance.

Click here to buy tickets now.

Contributed by Kylie from Visiting Dordogne

Read our full guides to Penang here.

Explore The Ipoh Cave Temples

Exploring Ipoh’s mystical cave temples is one of the major reasons for visiting the city of Ipoh in Perak State, Malaysia. Ipoh’s magnificent limestone karsts are dotted with several Chinese Buddhist cave temples just begging to be explored. These include Perak Tong, Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong.

Perak Tong is the most popular choice for its enormous cavern, stunning murals and panoramic views. Located just six kilometres north of central Ipoh, Perak Tong is just a short taxi ride away. Tucked into the side of a cliff face, the exterior of Perak Tong temple disguises the cavernous space within. Perak Tong Buddhist cave temple is home to stunning murals and Chinese calligraphy adorning the cavern rock face.

The cave has a mystical feel with bronze statues of Buddha sitting peacefully in niches, together with other deities from Chinese mythology. Climb a steep set of stairs on the outside of the hill to reach a small viewing platform for panoramic views of Ipoh town.

Perak Tong Cave Temple has no entrance fee, but a small donation is greatly appreciated.

Contributed by Marie from A Life Without Borders. Find all our Ipoh guides here.

Learn History With The Archaeological Heritage Of The Lenggong Valley

The Lenggong Valley is Malaysia’s lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, and comprises a series of caves and archaeological sites scattered around the quiet village of Lenggong, about 50 kilometres north of Kuala Kangsar along interstate 76. The valley itself was cut into the surrounding hills by a meteorite that fell here a staggering 1.83 million years ago.

Regardless of the poor publicity by local tourism boards, the sites around the Lenggong Valley are one of the Malaysia top sights given their incredible archaeological importance, as they represent the oldest evidence of human civilization outside the African continent.

The Lenggong Valley is particularly famous for the remains of the Perak Man, Southeast Asia’s oldest, most complete human skeleton, which dates back to 7,000 years ago. Scientists believe that this early man, affected by a physical deformity, was indeed revered as an ancient shaman. His skeleton was found inside the Gua Gunung Runtuh, surrounded by hundreds of shells and tools, and curled into a fetal position. Today, the Perak Man lies under glass inside the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Museum in Kota Tampan, about 5 kilometres south of Lenggong town.

It’s a perfect place to learn about the history of the area, and entrance is free of charge. You have to contact the director of this museum if you want to take a tour of Lenggong’s interesting cave complex, which has been fenced off to avoid further vandalism.

The tours are free of charge (a donation to the museum is appreciated) and must be booked in advanced from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

Contributed by Marco from Penang Insider

Take A Boat Ride From Kuala Sepetang

We think that a boat ride from Kuala Sepetang is one of the best things to see and do in Malaysia. The town of Kuala Sepetang lies on the west coast about half an hour from Taiping and is fringed by mangrove forests and islands that dot the estuary out to sea.

It is a bit of a mystery why the town is not better known to tourists as it has a great mix of natural attractions and characterful old wooden buildings that overhang the water.

It is only really from the water that you can get the best out of Kuala Sepetang so our advice is to hire a boat for an hour or two and visit some of the attractions.

The standard tour will take you down the main ‘street’ of the town that is flanked on either side by old weather-beaten fishermen’s homes, to the mangrove forest, to a fish farm and they will feed the sea eagles so that they swoop down all around your boat.

The fish farm was a particular highlight for our young children who got the chance to hold puffer fish and giant horseshoe crabs.

If you have more time you can take longer boat trips that include all of the above and also visit some other villages.

For our boat trip, we found a boatman near to the jetty in town and paid RM30 per adult and RM20 for a child (babies are free). These prices seem to be fairly negotiable.

Contributed by Chris from More Life In Your Days

Go Diving At Sipadan Island

For those who love to dive, Sipadan island is one of the top adventurous things to do in Malaysia. This small island, formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, is one of the richest marine habitats in the world.

Over 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in the waters surrounding Sipadan. It’s not abnormal for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on a single dive! There are twelve dive sites around the island, each with its own distinctive views of coral and aquatic life. During interval stops, divers get the chance to relax and recharge on the beautiful beaches.

Sipadan island is located in the state of Sabah, in the northern part of Borneo. It is not possible to stay on the island overnight. You can either stay in the town of Semporna, or on the nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai. The closest airport to Sipadan is Tawau, about an hour drive from Semporna.

Prices vary depending on how many dives you do and with what shop. In 2018, I paid RM950 for a 3-tank, all-day dive tour from Semporna. If you plan to go diving at Sipadan Island be sure to book in advance. Dive permits are limited to 120 a day and space can fill up quickly.

Contributed by Lora from Explore with Lora

See Orangutans At The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Ever wanted to see an orangutan up close in the wild? Here’s your chance!

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a must visit tourist destination in Malaysia. This famous rehabilitation centre in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve covers 43 square kilometres and is set up to care for and rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans (as well as other animals) before returning them to live independently in the forest.

Visiting this one of the Malaysia things to see is an easy way to both see orangutans and help support this conservation effort. There are two feeding times a day on platforms where you can see the orangutans up close. These take place at 10am and 3pm. Since these are wild animals, there are no guarantees, although there are usually at least a few that show up. We saw many when we visited.

It’s estimated a couple of hundred orangutans currently live here although since this is a huge area, you definitely will not see all of them.

You can also visit an outdoor nursey where you can see younger orangutans. I recommend you turn up at least an hour before the feeding times so you can see a presentation and video about the centre and orangutans. This starts an hour before each feeding time.

Located in the state of Borneo in Sabah, this is a slightly more difficult to reach best tourist spot in Malaysia. However, it is located just a short distance from Sandakan Airport so you can fly in here and catch a taxi directly to the centre. There are also regular buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

It costs RM30 for foreigners and an additional RM10 to take a camera.

Contributed by Julia from Dive Into Philippines

Visit The City Mosque In Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a beautiful city to visit in Sabah, and one of the most iconic places to see is the City Mosque. Everyone is welcome at the mosque, regardless of their religious affiliation. After being given appropriate clothing and a short tour, you can wander around the mosque and take as many photos as you wish.

It is a much larger complex than it looks, and we enjoyed the washing rooms, main prayer rooms, and relaxing rooms. The guides were so open and welcoming. When we went we asked many questions while we ooh’d and ah’d over the intricate geometrical designs that cover the walls, floor, and ceiling.

From the city center, it is easy to take a bus or taxi to the mosque if you don’t have a rental car, and it’s free to enter. You may have to pay a small fee to rent clothing, but it’s nominal, only enough to take care of the cleaning fee. If you are an early bird, the absolute best time to go is at sunrise for some great shots, but even if you go later, the mosque is beautiful.

The minarets and dome are reflected in the man-made pond outside. There is a gift shop and some food stalls on the premises. Don’t miss out on this cultural gem, and while in Borneo visit the City Mosque.

Contributed by Corinne from Reflections Enroute

Take A River Tour In Kuching

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. One of our very favourite things to do in Kuching is to take a river tour. Cruising along the river lets you get a glimpse of local life and lets you see an amazing array of wild animals.

The adventure starts in the afternoon where you board the boat as we did with 3 other families. We were lucky enough to see wild proboscus monkeys, crocodiles and fireflies! After a dinner snack on the boat of fruit and rice, we headed to the local Muslim stilt village that is isolated from the rest of the mainland relying on generator electricity.

We were met with the most beautiful smiles and all the kids on our boat loved playing with the local kids and watching their everyday life. We got to see how their houses were built up on the water and how they fished for food and chatted with the kids about attending the village school. It was a great cultural and engaging adventure for everyone.

We booked our boat trip through Brendan at Basaga Residences a small school turned guesthouse in Kuching. It included transport to and from our accommodation plus the boat trip and dinner.

Adults were RM150 and kids were half price at RM75.

Contributed by Bron from Smiths Holiday Road

Try The Local Coffee At A Traditional Kopitiam

Trying the local food and drink is an essential experience in any foreign country, and no less so when visiting Malaysia.

Malaysia is renowned for its Kopitiams, also known as coffeehouses. Noisy, hot and frenetic, you won’t find fancy décor and food here. People visit the Kopitiam for one thing – kopi.

So what makes kopi unique? Unlike most coffee roasters in the west who prefer arabica beans, kopi is made with robusta beans that have been roasted in butter and sugar. In the Kopitiam the beans are ground and filtered through a coffee sock to produce an intensely dark coffee drink.

Traditionally served with condensed and/or evaporated milk, Kopi is a sweet, rich coffee style. Order whatever snacks the locals are eating and enjoy.

The increasing popularity of contemporary coffee chains in Malaysia has meant a slow decline in the number of traditional coffeehouses across the country, especially in Kuala Lumpur. But if you are looking for a genuine Malaysian food experience, a visit to the local Kopitiam should be on your list of things to do in Malaysia.

Contributed by Rachel from Creators of Coffee

Looking for more things to do in Borneo? Read our list here.

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Have you been to Malaysia? What are your suggestions for the top 10 things to do in Malaysia?

Click here for a list of the best resorts in Malaysia or here for more planning resources. You can also find our ultimate article to planning your trip to Malaysia here.

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

14 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Sep 24, 2021

Malaysia is a country of contrasts-an eclectic mix of colonial architecture, stunning parks and beaches , contemporary skyscrapers, and a unique landscape covered in tea plantations . A melting pot with influences from neighboring lands, as well as Western countries, Malaysia has something for everybody-from the world-famous Petrona Towers to the cultural and religious diversity that makes this a destination like no other.

Whether you're already planning a trip or just exploring possibilities, here's a list of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

1. Kuala Lumpur

2. george town, 3. gunung mulu national park, 5. perhentian islands, 6. borneo rainforest, 7. langkawi, 8. cameron highlands, 9. taman negara, 10. kota kinabalu, 11. batu ferringhi, 13. malacca city, 14. tioman island, map of places to visit in malaysia.

Malaysia's capital and largest city has much to offer travelers. Perhaps best known for the Petronas Twin Towers (the world's tallest twin towers), KL is a very popular tourist destination and routinely makes the list of top 10 most visited cities in the world.

A mix of colonial, modern, Asian, and Malay architecture flows through the city, giving it a unique look you don't usually find in other Southeast Asian capitals. The National Palace and the House of Parliament are two examples of stunning KL architecture-well worth a look even if you don't plan on exploring inside.

More great things to do while you're in Kuala Lumpur include visiting Merdeka Square, shopping at Chinatown's Petaling Street, and exploring KL Bird Park.

Kuala Lumpur is considered one of the best shopping destinations in Southeast Asia -not only does the city have almost 70 shopping centers, but it's also full of indoor/outdoor markets (like the gigantic Central Market, with over 800 shops and stalls) and a great place to pick up hand-carved wood and pewter.

If you don't mind a quick trip out of town, the massive limestone Batu Caves , home to holy shrines and thousands of bats, are less than an hour away.

The older part of Malaysia's second-largest city has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site-but George Town is just as famous for its food as it is for its architecture. Known as " the food capital of Malaysia ," George Town offers some of the best street food in Asia, best experienced in places like seafront Gurney Drive and Chulia Street, a popular backpacker's destination and one of the oldest streets in the city.

While George Town's port and waterfront area is a tourist's favorite, there's much more to see and do here. The city's tallest skyscraper is home to the U-shaped Rainbow Skywalk , an outdoor glass viewing platform set 68 floors up in the air. For a less nerve-racking view of the city, take the tram up to the top of Penang Hill-the cityscape is particularly beautiful at night.

Less adventurous travelers might want to check out the Batik Painting Museum Penang before they grab some batik souvenirs from a local market, or visit the colorful 19 th -century Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple.

The park, named after Mount Mulu, attracts visitors from all over Asia who come here for trekking, caving, hot springs, and the natural beauty that caused this place to receive a UNESCO World Heritage Site classification.

Climbers can reach the top of Mount Mulu after a 24-kilometer trek with an elevation of 1,200 meters that starts at the park headquarters-but for those looking for a more relaxing day out, there are also easier trails within the park.

The park's main attractions are, however, its caves and the millions of bats that inhabit them. Set deep into the surrounding rainforest and karst cliffs, the caves are record-breakers in several ways-including featuring Southeast Asia's longest cave system and the world's largest cave passage. And at 115 meters high and 600 meters long, Sarawak Chamber is the largest cave chamber in the world, which is tricky to reach and can only be explored as part of a guided tour.

Kayaking, mountain biking, and taking a walk in the 500-meter-long canopy skywalk are also popular park activities.

Because of its location right against the South China Sea, it's perhaps no surprise that Kuantan's main call to fame is its beaches. Teluk Cempedak Beach is just minutes from the city center and offers a tree-lined, clean shoreline, while nearby Cherating Beach is home to a turtle sanctuary , as well as a cultural village that produces and sells traditional batik .

The Sungai Pandan Waterfall and Esplanade Park -from which you can take a boat to get a completely different view of the city-are also popular attractions and offer plenty of chances to explore the surroundings and hike or swim.

The Tin Museum , located on the site of a former massive underground tin mine, is a unique attraction worth a visit. Nearby, visitors will also find a hanging rope bridge and the Charah Cave complex (be prepared for an hour-long hike among tropical palm trees to reach the caves), which houses a large reclining Buddha.

These coral-fringed, secluded islands offer plenty of opportunities for kayaking, exploring, snorkeling , and scuba diving (including the popular site of a sugar hauler wreck), as well as a chance to volunteer with local organizations in green and hawksbill turtle conservation efforts.

The islands have remained underdeveloped, which means no major hotels, restaurants, or facilities are available on the island. For those wanting to stay overnight, there are a couple of guesthouses and homestay options but little else.

Jungle trekking is another major draw, as paths here zigzag through the islands, connecting beaches with each other and cutting through dense forests where monitor lizards and monkeys live. Paved trails also connect Coral Bay with a nearby beach, as well as a picturesque fishing village.

The island of Borneo (which is divided and belongs partly to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei) is densely covered in one of the oldest rainforests in the world and serves as a natural refuge for endangered species, such as the eastern Sumatra rhino and the Bornean orangutan.

If you want to see orangutans up close while supporting a good cause, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is the most eco-friendly way to do just that.

Visitors go to Borneo for the rich indigenous culture, the jungle wildlife, and some of the best wild trekking in the world-much of which can be explored at the Rainforest Discovery Center , an educational destination that provides a great introduction to the island.

For those looking for more active pursuits, the two-day climb up Mount Kinabalu is a popular option.

A group of 99 islands off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is home to three protected Geoforest parks and many coconut tree-lined shores that are among the best beaches in Malaysia . Some beaches, like Pantai Cenang beach, are very popular with tourists, while beaches on the smaller northeastern islands have a backdrop of limestone cliffs and are more secluded.

For the best views of the islands and ocean, you can take the island's cable car to the top of one of the tallest mountains on the island. Once here, you can get on the 125-meter-long Langkawi Sky Bridge , a pedestrian walkway 660 meters above sea level. Just a few minutes from the cable car there's also the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls , which offer beautiful clear pools for swimming, as well as a jungle trail that runs up two different mountains.

The small museum and rice fields at the Laman Padi Rice Garden make for an interesting quick stop, while the 50-acre Legenda Langkawi Park offers a great space to explore the heritage and history of the area through manicured gardens, traditional buildings, and sculptures of ogres, mythical creatures, and other Langkawi folkloric figures.

The Cameron Highlands is a hilly region with a long tradition of tea growing on the sloping mountainside. The tea plantations are still a major attraction today and one of the most photographed spots, but the Cameron Highlands are also home to lavender and strawberry farms; orchards; herbal gardens and nurseries; and the Mossy Forest boardwalk, an always-foggy tropical evergreen environment with designated footpaths to see the local flora and fauna up close.

If you only have time to visit one plantation, BOH Tea Plantation is a good choice-not only is this the largest producer of tea in Malaysia, but visitors can also join tours to see the tea-making process up close, visit the gift shop, and explore the walkways that cut through the land.

For an inside look into the agricultural and farming practices in Malaysia, the Mardi's Agro Technology Park is an unexpectedly fun destination where you can tour the fruit orchards (including a large area dedicated to the unusual jackfruit) and even camp overnight.

Or visit the only memorabilia museum in Malaysia, The Time Tunnel , where you can see recreated rooms and shops from the early 20 th century, play vintage board games, and see photographs from pre-War days .

A protected area inhabited by a 130-million-year-old deciduous rainforest, Taman Negara offers activities and attractions to last for days. In addition to jungle trekking and bird-watching, visitors come here to climb Mount Tahan (considered one of the hardest hikes/climbs in Malaysia), try the canopy walkway, or jump on the Lata Berkoh river rapids.

Exploring the entire Gua Telinga limestone cave system would take weeks, but it's possible to join individual guided tours to see the main caves here, where you'll have to crawl, squeeze, through tight underground tunnels, and likely get wet to reach the main chambers.

The park is home to a number of endangered species, including the Malayan tiger and the Malayan peacock-pheasants-a rare sight of either one is an experience in itself.

Located against the South China Sea, the capital city of Kota Kinabalu or KK occupies the northern section of Borneo and is surrounded by virgin forest and large mountain ranges.

Nearby Mount Kinabalu (from where the city gets its name), is Malaysia's highest mountain and a highly regarded climbing destination . Because the mountain has protected status and is home to many endangered species (including orangutans and the giant vine known as Rafflesia-with five-petaled flowers that can reach up to one meter in diameter), climbing is only possible in the company of park rangers.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is another important tourist attraction-a park that covers almost five hectares and spreads over five islands. It offers visitors chances to sunbathe on the sloping, white, sandy beach ; explore the coral reefs ; or take to the many hiking trails that cut through the dense tropical forest.

For those interested in exploring the cultural side of KK, must-sees include the Sabah State Museum, Merdeka Square (where the declaration of Independence took place), and Monsopiad Cultural Village , where visitors can learn more about ethnic local groups.

Technically a suburb of George Town, Batu Ferringhi is a famous beach destination for both locals and foreign visitors with plenty to offer to both sunbathers and those looking for an active holiday under the sun.

Rocky outcrops and high-end resorts line the turquoise coastline here, and visitors have a chance to try parasailing and windsurfing or rent a jet ski right on the beach.

Once the sun comes down, Batu Ferringhi's most popular attraction is its night market, where travelers can get as much batik, handmade souvenirs, and local handicrafts as their heart desires.

Food stalls at the market offer the best chance in town to try traditional Malay food in a lively, colorful atmosphere of vendors and live entertainment. There's also a batik factory in town if you want to see how this unique painting technique works.

For a peek into Malaysia's jungle paradise, head to the Tropical Spice Garden , an eight-acre park with lush hiking trails, waterfalls, and an herbal garden.

The third-largest city in Malaysia is famous for its colonial-era architecture, traditional cuisine (which combines influences of Chinese, Indian, and Malay food), and beautiful unspoiled nature. Ipoh's Old Town is near the Kinta River, and it's a great place to see Chinese shophouses and the narrow "Concubine Lane," a chic area full of restaurants, pop-up stalls, and gift shops.

Ipoh's most unique feature, however, is its street art in the form of large murals drawn on buildings and bringing Ipoh's heritage to life.

While in town, make some time to stop by the Birch Memorial Clock Tower for some great pictures; visit D. R. Seenivasagam Park to see the Japanese Gardens ; or experience thrill rides at the Sunway Lost World of Tambun; a theme park that also features hot springs, a water park, and an adventure area offering ziplines and climbing walls.

Malacca City has been an important port town since the 15th century, though today it's best known for its colorful heritage buildings and fun cultural attractions. This quaint city is best explored on foot, so you can truly appreciate the eclectic mix of colonial and Peranakan architecture all around.

Malacca's main attraction is its picturesque waterfront, where you'll find plenty of lively cafés, entertainment venues, and places to visit. For example, there's the 17th-century Stadthuys building, which once served as the official residence of governors and now houses the Museum of History & Ethnography.

Jonker Street, in the heart of Chinatown, has a lively night market on weekends; great street food; and a number of important buildings, including the Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum, spread over three restored townhouses, and Malaysia's oldest Chinese temple, Cheng Hoon Teng.

Not far from here is the terra-cotta-red Christ Church Melaka, a Dutch structure dating back to the 1750s and one of the most famous landmarks in Malacca City. Other great places to visit include the Melaka Sultanate Palace and the A'Famosa Fort ruins.

Tioman is the default destination for those looking for a simpler, rougher beach life - a place where beaches remain underdeveloped, there are few roads, and you're likely to share the sand with the occasional macaque or other wildlife as you walk around the island.

Air Batang or ABC Beach attracts mostly budget travelers and offers excellent sunsets, while Juara Beach is quiet and perfect for swimming. For great snorkeling, head to Salang Beach instead.

For non-divers, Tioman Island is also a great starting point for kayaking, and it's filled with jungle trekking opportunities. Organized tours can take you snorkeling to Marine Park and Ringgis islands, and there are also special organized trips to visit Benut Beach, a turtle sanctuary.

Home » Travel Guides » Malaysia » 25 Best Things to Do in Malaysia

25 Best Things to Do in Malaysia

Malaysia is located in the Malay Peninsula and stretches to parts of Borneo where it shares a border with neighboring Indonesia , and as such visitors should not be confused by the terms Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, which comprises Sarawak and Sabah (also known as Malaysian Borneo).

With a total landmass of over 300,000 square kilometers, Malaysia is known for its capital city of Kuala Lumpur , a powerhouse financial and business hub in South East Asia, as well as its beautiful beaches, secluded islands, elevated hill stations, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There is also a strong commitment to diversity here, and as well as Malays and indigenous groups, there is also a sizeable Chinese and Indian population in Malaysia which is reflected in the architecture and cultural relics found in country. Visitors here can choose from a wide variety of activities from hiking, to diving, to shopping or sampling the local food. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Malaysia .

1. Visit the PETRONAS Towers in Kuala Lumpur

One of the most iconic sights in the world, the PETRONAS Towers, also known as the PETRONAS Twin Towers due to the fact that they come in a pair, are located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and are the tallest twin towers in the world. The architecture is postmodern in style and also features motifs found in Islamic art to represent the Muslim majority in Malaysia. The main attraction is the sky walk over the sky bridge that joins them together and visitors can admire the views that stretch across Kuala Lumpur and KLCC Park at the base of the towers.

Fast entry tickets : Petronas Towers: Skip-the-Line Ticket with Hotel Delivery

2. Sunbathe on Langkawi

If you fancy getting out of the city then head to Langkawi Island, actually an archipelago of over a hundred islands in the Andaman Sea, only two of which are inhabited and of which Langkawi is the largest with a population of over 60,000 inhabitants. Langkawi Island is popular with both backpackers and honeymooners alike and has something to suit all budgets. The island is also has duty-free status so visitors can stock up on souvenir items cheaply.

Book online : Langkawi: Mangrove Kilim UNESCO Geopark & Cave Tour

3. Sample some local flavor with Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is a staple food in Malaysia and actually means ‘mixed rice’, as customers are given a plate with rice over which they can choose a variety of toppings and sauces. Nasi Kandar is based on Tamil dishes due to the high number of South Indian immigrants and the flavors reflect this with an emphasis on curry powder and chili. Common Nasi Kandar dishes include chicken, fish, or seafood such as prawns or squid in curry sauce as well as vegetables like okra and cabbage cooked in mustard seeds.

4. Get out of town at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is actually a collection of five islands that are found off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. The park is accessible by ferry and some of the islands such as Sulug Island are almost untouched, while others such as Gaya Island are busier and more crowded. Common pursuits on the islands include hiking and trekking, as well as swimming and scuba diving opportunities.

5. Enjoy the culture in Malacca

Malacca or Melaka is also known as ‘The Historic State’ and lies next to the Malacca Strait from which it gets its name. The state is said to have the most interesting architecture in all of Malaysia as it was formerly colonized by the Portuguese and features a number of red lacquer buildings from the period such as Christ Church. Malacca also has a high concentration of museums, galleries, and places of historic interest for visitors to explore.

6. Meander around Penang

Penang is an island off the west coast of Malaysia that has Georgetown as its capital, named after British king, King George. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang has a focus on conservation and preservation and visitors can experience this at one of the many famous hotels in Penang, such as the E&O established by Stamford Raffles who also founded the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Penang is also famous for its Tropical Spice Garden that showcases the best of the region’s local flora and fauna such as the Torch Ginger, a plant used in many traditional Malay dishes.

7. Go trekking in Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara National Park is located in the state of Pahang as has several claims to fame that attract a steady stream of visitors. One of these is that this is the largest national park in peninsular Malaysia, as well as the fact that the park features the longest rope walkway in the world. The park also has some serious treks, as long as 100km round trip, as well as more gentle hikes for beginners. There is a wide array of wildlife and plant life in the park for nature lovers and the area is even home to an indigenous tribe named the Orang Asli or Original People, said to be the first inhabitants of Malaysia.

Available tour: Full-Day Group Tour to Taman Negara

8. Explore the culture in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is to be found on the west coast of Malaysia in the state of Kelantan and is an interesting change of pace and atmosphere to the east coast and many visitors to Malaysia fail to visit this city, perhaps due to its reputation as a more conservative region than much of the rest of the country. Standards of dress and comportment are stricter in Kota Bharu, however, there are a wide variety of mosques and other religious sites to visit such as the old royal palaces which are still the home of the current Sultan of Kelantan.

• 9.  Get away to the Genting Highlands

The Genting Highlands, also dubbed Resorts World Genting is a resort located in the Titiwangsa Mountains and sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. The resort is a popular destination with local visitors and has a wide range of attractions to enjoy. These include several different theme parks, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as a cable car attraction known as the Genting Skyway which previously held the title of the world’s fastest and South East Asia’s longest gondola lift. Due to its location, they are also several fruit and vegetable farms for visitors to explore and pick fresh produce.

Suggested tour : Genting Highlands and Batu Caves Day Trip

10. Observe the orang utans in Sepilok

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, East Malaysia, is found outside of the city of Sandakan and was the first orang utan rehabilitation centre of its kind in the world when it opened in the 1960s. The aim of the centre is to rescue orphaned orang utans who have been left to fend for themselves due to illegal poaching and logging, or who have been found being kept as pets (which is illegal in Malaysia), and administer healthcare and training to the mammals so that they are able to reintegrate and survive in the wild. Once they are able to do so they are released. Visitors can observe the orang utans in the centre and tours are aimed to coincide with feeding times when the animals are usually present on the feeding platforms.

11. Relax in Kuching

The city of Kuching in Sarawak in East Malaysia was actually named after a miscommunication between James Brooke who discovered the region, and the local indigenous population, who, when asked the name of the ground that the city stood on thought he was pointing to a stray cat. The name stuck, and the area is located on the island of Borneo that shares a border with Indonesia. Kuching is set alongside the Sarawak River and is often said to have a calm and relaxed feel to it and tours along the river are a common pursuit for visitors. There are also many examples of colonial architecture such as Fort Magherita and an abundance of cat statues that celebrate the city’s namesake.

12. Dive in at the Perhentian Islands

Actually a group of islands in the state of Terengganu, the Perhentians lie close to the coast of Thailand. The islands can be visited by ferry and water taxis operate between the various islands giving visitors the chance to island hop at their leisure. Key attractions in the Perhentians are the pristine beaches and water and scuba diving is considered a favorite activity in these parts. At night dine on freshly caught fish cooked over coconut husks on the beach.

13. Climb Mount Kinabalu

The highest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu sits in the Crocker mountain range and lies within Kinabalu Park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Kinabalu has a host of biodiversity including many types of flora, fauna, and fungi. The trek to the top of Mount Kinabalu is strenuous and not recommended to inexperienced hikers and due to the advanced elevation there is a risk of altitude sickness. All hikers must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times and there are two different routes to choose from although these intersect towards the summit. The hike can be undertaken by experienced climber in one day although many choose to stay overnight as there is accommodation available en route.

14. Take to the skies at the Langkawi Cable Car

Take off from the ‘oriental village’ at Teluk Burau and rise to the majestic heights of Mount Machingchang where you will also find the Langkawi Sky Bridge. The journey by cable car takes around fifteen minutes and offers visitors panoramic views of the island and on a clear day you can every see all the way to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.

15. Ascend Maxwell Hill in Taiping

A less well known spot that has the double claim to fame of having the only Chinese name in Malaysia and being the wettest city in the country, Taiping is located outside of Penang in Perak State. This second statistic is the more important one as it means that the local fauna is lush and fertile and some of the trees found in the Taiping Lake Gardens are over a hundred years old. There is also a hill station located at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet named Maxwell Hill that provides visitors with trekking and camping opportunities, and jeep rides to the station are a much loved attraction with locals and tourists.

16. Venture to the Lost World of Tambun

The ‘Lost World of Tambun’ in Ipoh is actually not an archeological wonder but rather a theme park and resort and is said to be one of the city’s premier attractions. The park features several ‘lost world’ rides and discovery adventures and also has a range of hotels and a large spa offering a variety of treatments for tired would-be archeologists. There is also a water park, a zoo, and an aquarium on site.

17. Wander through China Town in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia, in addition to Malay and Indian nationals, has a large Chinese population and as such China Town has developed as a predominantly ethnically Chinese area of the city. Essentially located in and around Petaling Street, the area features a market, Chinese food options, and Chinese cultural attractions such as temples.

18. Shop and eat at Gurney Drive

Gurney Drive in Penang is a seafront promenade that overlooks a series of beaches including North Beach. The area is well known at night when dozens of local food sellers set up in the area and visitors can buy local delicacies and snacks. If you prefer to do some shopping then head to Gurney Plaza. This large shopping mall has a mix of high end shops, restaurants, and smaller Malaysian outlets for visitors to stock up on souvenirs.

19. Marvel at the Islamic architecture of the National Mosque

Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s National Mosque is a sight to behold and can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any given time. Built in 1965, the mosque follows principles of Islamic architecture and has as a roof in the shape of a sixteen point star. There is also a strong emphasis on water features such as fountains and reflective pools throughout the mosque complex and visitors can tour the mosque but must wear appropriate dress which is provided to do so.

Available tour : Private Batu Cave, National Mosque & Religious Tour w/ Lunch

20. Seek out cooler climes in the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands actually refers to a hill station located in Pahang state, and was discovered in the 19th century by Sir William Cameron who lent his name to the area. Many local visitors flock to the area as the elevation of the hill station provides cool weather in which to enjoy outdoor activities such as tea and coffee plantation tours and fruit picking at one of the many different fruit farms. The highlands are also famous for their traditional English cream teas with fresh strawberries picked locally.

Book online: Cameron Highlands Private Day Tour

21. Go climbing in the Batu Caves

To explore the Batu Caves head outside of Kuala Lumpur to the region of Selangor and marvel at these limestone cliffs that are studded with caves and carved cave temples. The caves and temples are Hindu shrines and as such are a site of pilgrimage for the many Tamil residents of Malaysia. Aside from visiting the caves to worship, travelers can also experience the local flora and fauna including wild monkeys that inhabit the area as well as bats that dwell in the caves. For the more adventurous visitors, there are also rock climbing opportunities with over 160 climbing routes in the area.

Recommended tour : Batu Caves Half-Day Tour

22. Get back to nature at Gunung Mulu National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Mulu National Park is located near the town of Miri in Sarawak, East Malaysia, and is famous primarily for its caves and karsts formations (made from dissolved rocks such as limestone). The park takes its name from Mount Mulu which is the second largest mountain in Sarawak and visitors can explore the caves, the rainforest, and enjoy hiking and trekking opportunities.

23. Visit Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

Located in the town of Johor Bahru, on the border between Malaysia and Singapore, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is set in an area of rapid development and can be found nestled between several skyscrapers. The temple is thought to be around 130 years old although no clear records exist, and features several important historical relics such as plaques and a large bronze bell. The temple is also famous for hosting five important Chinese deities and visitors can explore the area and these important Chinese figures.

24. Head to Tioman Island

If you want to get out of the city then head to Tioman Island located in Pahang state. There are eight villages on the island and much of it is still covered with lush rainforest and visitors can go trekking from one side of the island to the other in a day. There are also pristine coral reefs for those who like diving to enjoy and several resorts and hotels on the island. Like Langkawi, Tioman also has duty-free status.

25. Go for a night out at the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is an area of Kuala Lumpur known for its nightlife, bar, clubs, restaurants, and hotels. The area extends over several streets but the central hub is said to be Jalan P. Ramlee where visitors can choose from a wide variety of venues to drink and party into the wee small hours. The area also includes a large shaping center for those looking for some retail therapy before a night on the town.

25 Best Things to Do in Malaysia:

• Visit the PETRONAS Towers in Kuala Lumpur
• Sunbathe on Langkawi
• Sample some local flavor with Nasi Kandar
• Get out of town at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
• Enjoy the culture in Malacca
• Meander around Penang
• Go trekking in Taman Negara National Park
• Explore the culture in Kota Bharu
• Observe the orang utans in Sepilok
• Relax in Kuching
• Dive in at the Perhentian Islands
• Climb Mount Kinabalu
• Take to the skies at the Langkawi Cable Car
• Ascend Maxwell Hill in Taiping
• Venture to the Lost World of Tambun
• Wander through China Town in Kuala Lumpur
• Shop and eat at Gurney Drive
• Marvel at the Islamic architecture of the National Mosque
• Seek out cooler climes in the Cameron Highlands
• Go climbing in the Batu Caves
• Get back to nature at Gunung Mulu National Park
• Visit Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
• Head to Tioman Island
• Go for a night out at the Golden Triangle

20 Things to do in Malaysia + Tourist Spots

Malaysia sits between Singapore and Thailand, literally and on the scale of how easy it is to travel.

The country is divided into two main regions, Peninsular Malaysia on the west, composed of Kuala Lumpur & nearby states.

And, East Malaysia, composed of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo Island.

You can enjoy many of Southeast Asia’s best heritage cities, natural spots, food havens and urban experiences in Peninsular Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur offers direct connections from major cities in Asia & beyond. It’s the primary hub of AirAsia, so finding cheap flights shouldn’t be hard to come by. There’s also the option to a bus or train and cross the border from/to Singapore easily within a day. Once you’ve arrived, getting to main tourist spots is convenient by land or air.

Venture to East Malaysia for the best beaches, diving & trekking. It is home to Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in archipelagic Southeast Asia (outside of Papua) as well as many beautiful off-shore islands.

Is Malaysia on your bucketlist? Inspire your trip with these must-visit places and top things to do for first-time travelers.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Location : Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Peninsular) . Save on Google Maps .

Kuala Lumpur is definitely worth exploring if ever you’re visiting Malaysia. The capital city’s urban landscape, dominated by iconic KL Tower and Petronas Towers, is dotted with grand heritage buildings, worthwhile museums, well-maintained parks, revered temples, and mosques.

How to go :

Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), the main flight gateway to Malaysia. It’s one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the world with direct flights to tourist hubs in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, South Asia and major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Major airlines include Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Lion Air, Malindo Air & Firefly. The airport is 30 minutes to 1 hour south of the city center by land. You can take the train, bus or private car.

From the Philippines, go on a flight to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Malaysia Airlines. Travel time takes nearly 4 hours. Flights to KL are also available from Clark, Cebu & Kalibo.

Kuala Lumpur Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

KL Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket

Malaysia 4G Data SIM Card (MY Pick up)

Malaysia 4G Pocket WiFi Hotspot (MY Pick up)

Malaysia Travel Essentials:

Where to stay in Malaysia (click below to see rates and book online) |

Malaysia Fares & Transport

Malaysia Tours & Discounts

Malaysia  WIFI/SIM Card

See also :   Places to Visit in Malaysia  |  Kuala Lumpur Itinerary  |  Singapore Travel Guide .

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference.

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2. Penang & Georgetown

Location : Penang, Malaysia (Peninsular) . Save on Google Maps .

Food in Georgetown, Penang is widely known as the best throughout the country and is reason enough to visit. It’s definitely my favorite place to visit in Malaysia. There is no place in Southeast Asia that can match its satisfying mix of old-world cosmopolitan heritage, relaxed feel, exotic allure, and lush natural landscapes.

Georgetown & Penang Island is one hour north of Kuala Lumpur by flight. Penang International Airport (PEN) serves frequent direct flights KL, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Taipei & many domestic destinations in Malaysia including Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, and Kota Bharu. Popular airlines include AirAsia, Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair, Jetstar & Cathay Dragon. You can also reach Georgetown by bus/train/car, after a 4 to 6-hour land trip from Kuala Lumpur.

Penang Travel Essentials

Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing

THE TOP Komtar Penang

The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

Location : Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Melaka (Malacca) is a former Portuguese-colonial trading port conveniently located between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. If you’re traveling to both cities by land, this heritage and food destination is worth a stopover.

Melaka is easy to reach by land from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The bus ride from Kuala Lumpur usually takes 2 to 3 hours. If you’re coming from Singapore, travel may take between 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the queue at the Singapore-Malaysia immigration checkpoints.

Melaka Travel Essentials

4. Langkawi

Location : Kedah, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

If you’ve been to the best beaches in the Philippines and Thailand, Langkawi’s natural scenery is probably not going to blow you away. That said, it still is a stunning place to visit with worthwhile things to keep you busy for a day or two. What I like about Langkawi the most is that is easy to travel yet remains approachable and largely underdeveloped. It’s also one of the few tax-free islands in Malaysia where you can enjoy duty-free shopping.

Langkawi is one hour north of Kuala Lumpur by flight. Langkawi International Airport (LGK) serves flights from KL, Singapore, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Penang, Guangzhou & Shenzhen, operated by AirAsia, Tigerair, SilkAir, Malindo Air & Malaysia Airlines. If you want to go by land & ferry, ride a bus or train from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis (6 to 8 hours travel time). Then, ride a ferry to Kuah in Langkawi Island. The sea journey takes around 1 to 2 hours. You can also arrive in Langkawi on a direct ferry from Penang or Satun in Thailand.

Langkawi Travel Essentials

Shared Ferry Transfers Between Langkawi and Koh Lipe

Ferry Ticket between Koh Lipe and Langkawi by Hi Lipe

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

5. Putrajaya

Location : Putrajaya, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Putrajaya is home to many of Malaysia’s most impressive monuments. Here, you’ll find grand mosques, government buildings, and iconic bridges surrounded by manicured parks and a 600-hectare lake. It can be reached on an easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur or on a drive-by to the airport.

Putrajaya is easy to visit from Kuala Lumpur. It is located between KL city centre and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. You can go by train on the KLIA Transit or by bus. Travel time may take as quick as 30 minutes or up to 1 hour depending on the traffic.

Putrajaya Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

6. Legoland & Johor Bahru

Location : 7, Jalan Legoland, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Legoland Malaysia is one reason to visit Johor Bahru, located just across the causeway from Singapore. It is the first Legoland theme park in Asia and features many cool attractions including a Lego-themed water park, Lego-themed hotel, and impressive miniature recreations of many of Asia’s best-known landmarks.

Most travelers visit Legoland & Johor Bahru on a day trip from Singapore. Travel time usually takes 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on the queue at the Singapore-Malaysia immigration checkpoint. If you’re traveling from abroad, Johor Bahru-Senai International Airport (JHB) serves direct flights from Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Surabaya & Shenzen. Fly with AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Sichuan Airlines or Spring Airlines. You can also reach Johor Bahru by bus or train from Kuala Lumpur. The travel time is 4 to 6 hours.

Johor Bahru Travel Essentials

Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket

Legoland Malaysia – SG Transfers

7. Kota Kinabalu

Location : Sabah, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Kota Kinabalu is a bustling yet laid-back city in Sabah, East Malaysia known as a gateway to Borneo’s amazing natural sites including Mount Kinabalu, Mulu Caves National Park, diving spots, and pristine jungles.

From the Philippines, you can fly direct to Kota Kinabalu from Manila on Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Flight duration is 2 hours.

Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours and 30 minutes easy of Kuala Lumpur by plane. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) serves flights from KL, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tokyo and many domestic destinations in Malaysia. Major airlines include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines & Malindo Air.

Kota Kinabalu Travel Essentials

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring

Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Visit & Boat Snorkeling Experience

Kota Kinabalu Sunset and City Night Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drinks

On My Bucketlist

8. Mount Kinabalu

Location : Ranau near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

9. Cameron Highlands

Location : 39000, Pahang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

10. Perhentian Islands

Location : Terengganu, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

11. Redang Island

Location : Pulau Redang, 21090 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

12. Sipadan Island

13. Tioman Island

Location : Pahang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

14. Genting Highlands

15. Mulu Caves

Location : Sarawak, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Location : Perak, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Ipoh Travel Essentials

17. Kuching & Sarawak

18. Sandakan

19. Pahang Taman Negara

Location : 27000 Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Pahang Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

20. Bukit Tinggi

Location : 28750 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Beyond Malaysia

Location : Southeast Asia (mainland) . Save on Google Maps .

Singapore Travel Essentials

Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket

Singapore 4G Data SIM Card (SG Airport Pickup)

Location : Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland) . Save on Google Maps .

Thailand Travel Essentials

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket

Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess Cruise

Pattaya-Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Malaysia that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Malaysia

Malaysia tourist spots, things to do in Malaysia, where to go in Malaysia & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Book your way to Malaysia

How much does it cost to travel to Malaysia? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites:

Where to Stay in Malaysia

Click below & search recommended Malaysia hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Malaysia Essentials & Top Discounts

Japan mobile data sim card/pocket wifi.

Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location:

Japan SIM card Pocket WIFI See all discounts

Popular discounts and tours booked by other travelers:

Kuala Lumpur Airport Train Ticket (KLIA Ekspres)

KL Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass

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December 11, 2015 at 4:09 am

How much po ba dpat ang show money sa airport for them to allow u to leave? Im gona stay in malaysia for 3 weeks

December 11, 2015 at 1:48 pm

There’s no set amount that’s required to be shown at the airport. You just have to justify that you have enough money to spend on your whole trip, depending on your budget. If your budget is P1,500 per day, for example, you simply need to have at least P31,500 on your bank account. It also helps to have extra, to show them you are able to pay for unforeseen expenses, like emergencies or last-minute flights.

November 20, 2018 at 1:30 pm

So many great destination ideas! Even though I have already had mine, I still like to get to know some nice destinations, even for holidays with my wife. I would also add one more place that we really like to visit, Bali in Indonesia

January 28, 2019 at 4:03 pm

Wow! Such a great resource you have here! Been in love with Malaysia since day 1 of our visit. The beaches and culture is outstanding! Sooo looking forward to our comeback. Wonderful guide! Kudos!

December 5, 2019 at 2:15 pm

The most famous places to be visited in Malaysia especially Kuala Lumpur is Twin Tower, KL Tower, Dataran Merdeka and many more.

May 5, 2020 at 8:35 pm

There are so many great places in Malaysia, it’s so hard to choose the best! Awesome round up :)

October 4, 2021 at 11:59 pm

You summed it all up in one post. Great coverage and definitely great recommendations.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Malaysia

Malaysia is a fascinating country that reflects an eclectic mix of ancient customs, traditions, and culture, with a splash of modernity thrown in for good measure. Malaysia’s tourism attractions include stunning islands, beaches, small villages, heritage sites, and adventure places, and the country has a lot to offer to discerning travellers. In this Malaysia Trip Planner, we have curated a list of the Best Places to Visit in Malaysia, that should definitely be there on your Malaysia Travel Bucket List.

Beautiful coastlines, tropical islands, and sun-bleached coral reefs may all be found in Malaysia. Rare wildlife thrives in the humid jungles of Borneo and the mainland, and the highlands provide a welcome respite from the heat.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the top Malaysian Destinations, that should also be on your 7 Day Malaysia Travel Itinerary to visit with your family and friends for a fun short vacation. Prepare to be enthralled and to enjoy the best sightseeing experience Malaysia has to offer.

Now that Malaysia is Visa Free for Indian Travellers, for a period of 30 days (valid until 31 Dec 2024), it’s time to plan an epic trip to Malaysia, without any further delay.

Kuala Lumpur

Redang island , perhentian island, pangkor island , george town, cameron highlands.

Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital and largest city, should be the first stop on any trip to Malaysia. Although it may appear to be a huge metropolis at first, once you’ve found your bearings, you’ll recognise that here is the modern Malaysian heartland. The brightly illuminated Petronas Towers and gleaming skyscrapers cast a shadow over the old markets and colonial buildings.

Get the Kuala Lumpur Klook Pass and save up to 30% on the Top sights and attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

Top Hotels in Kuala Lumpur – Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur  |  EQ Kuala Lumpur  |  The RuMa Hotel and Residences  |  Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur  |  Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The Redang Island cluster is made up of nine islands that make for a unique day trip from the mainland. Redang Island Marine Park, in Terengganu State, is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, and one of the Top Places to Visit in Malaysia. This picturesque archipelago, located near the Perhentian Islands, draws adventure and nature enthusiasts looking for a luxurious vacation rather than a backpacking expedition. On these islands, you can stay in some of Malaysia’s greatest hotels and resorts for a luxurious vacation. Redang’s scuba diving scene makes it one of Malaysia’s most fantastic tourist destinations, in addition to its elegance and spectacular views.

The Perhentian Islands are a series of magnificent coral-fringed islands located nearly 19 kilometres off the coast of northern Malaysia. It is a component of a marine park where some activities, such as fishing, are severely forbidden. It is one of the most unusual spots in the country to visit. 

If you’re looking for peace and quiet with the right blend of beauty and serenity, Pangkor Island – one of the most serene places to visit in Malaysia, is the place to go. This is one of the top Malaysia’s tourist attractions, with unoccupied beaches, crystal clear and pure water, and lush jungles enveloping the island’s core. You’ll adore the opportunity to tan among swaying palms with no one else around. Visit the Dutch Colonial Fort, photograph a typical wooden jetty, and feed hornbills at the Sunset View Chalet while you’re here.

Melaka was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and has since become one of Malaysia’s must-see destinations. Melaka is one of Southeast Asia’s most well-known trading ports, located two hours from Kuala Lumpur. Its historic architecture is a testament to its former majesty. The city is not to be missed since it has some of Malaysia’s top tourist attractions.

Are you planning a family vacation to Malaysia?

If yes, then remember to take the youngsters to the Nyonya Heritage Museum, which is a must-see in Melaka.

George Town, also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies Malaysia’s multiculturalism. This gourmet haven is located on the island of Penang and offers roti for breakfast, a warm bowl of Chinese dumplings for lunch, and a delectable Indian curry for supper. Every day of the week, the streets are alive with character and street art, and there is a vibrant nightlife.

Get the Penang Klook Pass and save upto 30% on the top sights and attractions in Penang.

Kota Bharu is located on Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast and is most known for being the starting point for trips to the Perhentian Islands. Stay a little longer than a transit through, because Kota Bharu is one of the country’s most typical Malay cities. This is a conservative neighbourhood, but it’s an intriguing one since you’ll witness a side of Malaysia that’s been forgotten in many of the east coast areas for a long time.

The Semporna Archipelago is one of Malaysia’s most attractive tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all over the world. Due to the archipelago, this city has only recently become a popular tourist destination, despite being a busy city with a lot of traffic. This should be at the top of your bucket list if you’re visiting Malaysia and want to see regions with less tourist attractions and more natural beauty. 

Cameron Highlands is the place to go if you want to be in Malaysia’s mountains. This hill station, which is also one of Malaysia’s oldest tourist destinations, was founded in the 1930s and is now home to a varied population that has influenced the culture. Tea plantations that are mesmerising, excellent weather, tumbling waterfalls, strawberry farms, and beautiful orchards are all reasons to come here.

Top Hotels in the Cameron Highlands –  Cameron Highlands Resort – Small Luxury Hotels of the World  |  Copthorne Cameron Highlands  |  Wan Alyasa Hotel  |  Century Pines Resort Cameron Highlands  |  Hotel De’ La Ferns, Cameron Highlands

The planned city of Putrajaya, located approximately 30 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, is one of the most scenic places to visit in Malaysia and is home to the government’s administrative body. This developed metropolis, which is home to spectacular architecture, monuments, green areas, opulent parks, and other tourist attractions, shows Malaysia’s ambition and vision for the future. Above all, it’s a fantastic place to sample Malaysia’s nightlife. It’ll be attractively illuminated at night, with a plethora of trendy bars and clubs drawing you in. The city is also sparsely populated, making it one of Malaysia’s most unusual and serene tourist destinations.

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s wealthier and more modern locations, providing a diverse range of sights and activities. The places mentioned here are only a few of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. Don’t miss out on this incredible country, which boasts delectable cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating history and culture.

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Asia , Malaysia , Travel Guides · July 6, 2019

25 Most Incredible Places to Visit in Malaysia

Planning a Malaysia itinerary and wondering where to go? Fuel your wanderlust with these 25 most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia!

Malaysia is one country that simply has to be on your destination hit-list! Diverse in all senses imaginable, it is a beautiful country full of gorgeous scenery, history, delicious food, and some of the most incredible landmarks in Asia .

But with all the culture to experience, history to uncover, fascinating cities to visit, and gorgeous beaches to kick-back on, choosing where to go in Malaysia can be a tricky task. That’s where this guide comes in! We cover everything from must-go places, like Kuala Lumpur , Georgetown, Ipoh, Melaka, and Sipadan Island to lesser-known gems like Kapas Island, Port Dickson, the gorgeous Perhentian Islands, Danum Valley, and more!

Ready to spend less time planning and more time discovering all of Malaysia’s best bits? Read along to find the very best places to visit in Malaysia!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before you visit these places in Malaysia

If this is your first visit to Malaysia, it’s important to know that the “Land of Mountains” is huge! The country is divided into two main islands – West and East Malaysia. West Malaysia, also known as Peninsular Malaysia, is probably the most popular side for mainstream tourism. In contrast, East Malaysia is famous for Borneo’s lush jungles full of diverse wildlife, fantastic hikes, and off-the-beaten-path islands.

So, how to decide where to go and what to see in Malaysia? Well, that will ultimately depend on your interests and what you’d like to get out of your Malaysia itinerary. 

However, since we’ve included ALL the best places to visit and different trip suggestions, this Malaysia travel guide can easily be tailored to match your needs, interests, and budget – whether you have 1 week in Malaysia or more!

Before choosing which where to go and what to do, these handy  Malaysian travel tips will also come in handy.

In a rush? Pin The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia for later.

The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia Quick Overview

Malaysia packs the perfect mix of lush jungles, jaw-dropping islands, bustling cities, and charming little towns! All in all, there’s something for everyone in Malaysia!

However, since there is so much to do and see, I reached out to fellow blogging friends to compile this epic list of Best Places to Visit in Malaysia ! Here’s a quick look at which places are covered in this guide:

Peninsular Malaysia :

Kuala Lumpur

Port dickson, johor bahru, tioman island, kapas island, taman negara national park, cameron highlands, perhentian islands, sungai lembing.

West Malaysia :

Sipadan Island

Danum valley, kinabatangan river valley, kota kinabalu.

• Kampung Meritam’s Mud Volcanoes

Mulu National Park

Niah national park.

Without further ado, here are the 25 best places to visit in Malaysia plus all our PRO tips on where to go and what to do to help you plan the perfect Malaysia itinerary.

Places to Visit in Malaysia Peninsular / East Malaysia

Malaysia’s capital hub, Kuala Lumpur, is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and colorful architecture. 

The  perfect KL travel itinerary  starts with a visit to the most iconic landmark –  Petronas Twin Towers  –  towering above the city at 451.9m. After getting a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape, drop by the Thean Hou Temple, the National Mosque of Malaysia, and the famed  Batu Caves . 

Central Market is another must-visit spot full of traditional handmade arts and crafts. Nearby, Petaling Street Market’s bustling alleyways also offer the chance to bargain for cheap knockoffs and local souvenirs.

Another great draw to Kuala Lumpur, apart from its scenic streets and loads of places to explore, is that  nature is within easy reach . Some of the best green spaces to explore include the Botanic Gardens and the KL Forest Eco Park, where you can wander through a rainforest on a forest canopy walkway.  Right in the heart of the city!

If it’s delicious food you’re after, KL has a booming street food scene, and one of the easiest ways to sample the city’s eclectic local fare is on a  street food tour .   Alternatively, head straight to one of the bustling street markets, where you’ll find everything from Malay to Chinese and Indian to Western cuisines!

Pro Tips: Since there are so many things to do in KL , spend at least 3-4 days here to get a real feel of what the city has on offer. It’s also good to know that KL has a comprehensive subway system. However, we found taking the Hop On Hop Off bus and Grab Taxi cheap and quick modes of transport. More adventurous travelers looking to explore the area in an entirely unique way, could also consider cycling in Malaysia .

ALSO READ: The Best Layover Cities in Asia

Recommended by Karolina | Lazy Travel Blog

Port Dickson is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. This haven for nature lovers lies just south of  Kuala Lumpur . 

The town has a long coastline dotted with beaches that lead to Tanjung Tuan, one of the country’s biggest wildlife reserves. You will also find a 16th-century lighthouse, a 14th-century Islamic tomb, and megaliths in this beautiful area for a dash of history. To add a bit contemporary flare, there’s also a 3D art gallery that will literally take you to another world.

Port Dickson can be reached from Mainland Malaysia or Singapore . The best way to get there is by car, as it allows the flexibility to explore the area. By taking the Seremban-Port Dickinson Highway (E29), which connects to the North-South Expressway (E2) from Kuala Lumpur, it will take around 1h30 to reach the destination. A drive from the Lion City through the Causeway will take 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The cheaper option is to take the bus to Port Dickson. Hop on a bus to Seremban and there, change buses to Port Dickson. The trip will take around an hour and will set you back RM4, which is less than a US Dollar.

Recommended by Campbell & Alya|Stingy Nomads

The small and cozy town of Malaka is a great place to come for a weekend from bustling Kuala Lumpur. Located just 150km from the Malaysian capital Malaka is easily accessed by bus. It takes about 2 hours, and the ticket costs US$3. The town looks very different from other places in Malaysia with its canals, boats, bridges, colorful houses, and many cafés.

There are many things to do in Malacca like visiting the city’s attractions, wandering around the Malay Village, going on a boat along the canals, enjoying the city view from the Menara Taming tower, and of course, tasting and trying local delicacies at the Night Market on Jonker Street. The main tourist attractions in Malaka are the Dutch square, Kampung Kling mosque, St.Paul’s Church, Maritime Museum of Melaka, Stadhuys, and the Botanical Garden.

You can easily move around on foot, or if you get tired, hire one of the famous trishaws. It’s a local version of a rickshaw with three wheels. Carts are richly decorated with flowers and lights, and riding these at night is an exciting activity. Another option to move around the town is by bike. There are several cycling routes and tours in the city.

The best area to stay in Malaka is at the Malacca River. Here you will find many hostels, hotels, and guesthouses. Some of them are located close to Jonker Street, which guarantees a stay right in the town’s busiest nightlife area. For a quiet holiday, rather choose one of the places on the other side of the river.

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Johor Bahru doesn’t really have many unique points of interest that are not in other places in Malaysia. However, the presence of Legoland Malaysia and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town turned Johor Bahru into a popular tourist destination among families, especially those traveling from Singapore.

Johor Bahru is easily accessible from Singapore by private vehicle or public bus.  Crossing the border from Singapore to Malaysia will take less than an hour, including border controls. Because of its proximity, people usually do Johor Bahru as a quick day trip from Singapore. However, I would recommend families to stay in Johor Bahru for at least 3D2N. This will allow you one day for Legoland Resort, another for Legoland Water Park, and a few hours in Puteri Harbor and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town.

Airbnb also has several listings of top quality condominium units, which a family can book for less than US$20 per night. 

How to get to Johor Bahru

To reach Johor Bahru from Singapore, catch a bus right outside the MRT Kranji Station. You can even use your Ezlink card with at least SGD1.39 credit (or pay SGD2 cash to the driver). This way, you won’t need to reserve a ticket online.

If coming from elsewhere in Malaysia, take a local bus to Larkin Bus Terminal. And from there, take Grab Taxi to your chosen accommodation in Johor Bahru.

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Tioman Island is a beautiful place to visit in Malaysia. It is relatively unspoiled, with the jungle within it still pristine, and several coral reefs sought for diving and snorkeling. There are also waterfalls and great hiking options within the island. Not to mention, some mangroves that you can kayak through and spot wildlife like monkeys and snakes.

The beachfront of Juara Bay is stunning and not crowded like most other beaches of its quality. The water is calm, and it’s safe for swimming all year round, and there are several dive shops to hire equipment from. Also, there are many excellent local cafes on the beach serving fresh Malay and Western food.

There is accommodation to suit every budget on Pulau Tioman, some even with their own private beach.  Juara Turtle Project  – a sea turtle conservation program is well worth a visit. You can also opt to volunteer with them for a week or more and help with many tasks while meeting other travelers from around the world.

To get to Pulau Tioman, catch one of the daily ferries from Mersing on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It takes two hours to reach Tioman Island and arrives at the main port, Tekek. Plan to stay at least a week to really enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer! By the time you’ve relaxed sufficiently in your hammock, explored the amazing natural wonders, and feasted on heaps of great food, you’ll be struggling to leave Pulau Tioman!

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Malaysia is home to some truly spectacular islands and beaches, but one of the best hidden gems is Pulau Kapas , more commonly known to tourists as Kapas Island!

Located just a few kilometers off the west coast of Malaysia, nearby to Kuala Terengganu, it’s become a popular destination for weekend trips. While there isn’t actually that much to do there besides go snorkeling right off the beach, enjoy delicious beachside restaurants, and watch beautiful sunsets every night – you will definitely be amazed at the relaxing atmosphere found here. The island is simply stunning, and the color of the water will leave you speechless!

While it could be easy to stay there for a week or longer, most people find that a 3-4 day stay is more than enough to experience the Kapas magic. Accommodation options range from beach camping (for the budget travelers), beach chalets, or the more expensive resort on Gem Island, just a 5-minute boat ride away from Kapas. It’s a truly remarkable place in Malaysia, and shouldn’t be skipped while planning your itinerary through the country!

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In the heart of Malaysia lies Taman Negara National Park, an ideal introduction to what the Malaysian jungle has to offer visitors. The best way to reach Taman Negara National Park is by a 3-hour scenic boat ride, which departs from Kuala Tembeling and costs 35 Ringgit (USD 8.40). Buses or minivans depart from Kuala Lumpur or the Cameron Highlands heading to Kuala Tembeling each day. Alternatively, you can bus to Jerantut, then bus to Kuala Tahan, the village next to the national park.

You have to take a boat across the river from Kuala Tahan to reach Taman Negara’s main visitor center. Entry to the park costs 1 Ringgit (USD 0.25). You can depart on many treks from the visitor’s center – some are only a few kilometers, and others are overnight treks. Whichever hike you embark on, you are sure to see some interesting insects, plants and flowers, and views over the jungle! If you’re lucky, you may see some jungle animals too.

There are a few tours that you can do in Taman Negara National Park, such as a guided trek at night, to try and see nocturnal animals. Inside the park are some elevated animal viewing huts and a fun canopy walkway where you can walk from platform to platform far up in the trees! Overall, Taman Negara is a great place to experience walking in the dense Malaysian jungles and spend time in nature. Unless you’re an avid jungle trekker, I recommend staying 1-2 nights in Kuala Tahan for visiting Taman Negara National Park.

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A visit to the Cameron Highlands is not to be missed when traveling Malaysia, especially since it is one of the most famous landmarks in Malaysia . The wide tea plantations, lush jungles, and mysterious mossy forests at the significantly cooler highlands will amaze you. 

This region, named after British explorer and geologist William Cameron, ranges from 2,600 to 5,259 ft above sea level and is a Malaysian Garden Eden. There are over 700 species of plants growing here, and the vegetation changes according to the ascent of the mountains.  Around April , a guided hike to the jungle is a must since the famous Rafflesia Arnoldii, a stemless blossom looking like some weird red cabbage, being the largest single flower of any flowering plant, is in full bloom. If it’s not the season, you do not need a guided tour to explore the jungle trails around.

But the highlands are especially known for tea farms – BOH being the most popular one. Therefore, the views of the breathtaking landscape are obstructed by ugly, plastic-covered hothouses. But no worries, it gets better. Once you get into the woodlands, you’ll be amazed by the perfect and undisturbed ecosystems. Besides the sumptuous flora, this area is also a shelter for various animals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

There are two main places to stay in the Highlands, namely Brinchang and Tanah Rata. Brinchang is a rather touristy place frequented by groups, while Tanah Rata is more popular with the laid back backpacker crowd. To get to the highlands is easy since there are frequent buses going from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang. Also, accommodations can arrange direct trips being a little more expensive but much faster and more comfortable.

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Ipoh has to be one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. Despite being the largest city in Perak state, it has a great small-town feel to it and a cool, retro vibe. You will find street art, hawker markets, cute architecture, and trendy cafes all in the relatively small historic center of the town in Ipoh.

If you are a foodie, you will love Ipoh, which many people consider Malaysia’s culinary capital. At night, hawker food markets spill out into the streets and alleyways. And, you will be spoiled for choice when deciding how to fill your tum! Ipoh is also the birthplace of Malaysia’s famous white coffee. This you can enjoy at one of the many retro cafés around the town center.

Stay in the town for at least a couple of days to give you a chance to soak up the vibe and visit some of the other attractions nearby. Be sure not to miss the many cave temples or Sunway Lost World (ideal if you have kids) on your visit here.

Ipoh is easy to get to from Kuala Lumpur and is around a 3-hour journey from the capital. We prefer the train for this journey, but you could also take the bus. Other tourist destinations like the Cameron Highlands and Penang can also be reached from Ipoh by bus.

Penang Island

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Perhaps no place in Malaysia better encapsulates the country than the island of Penang. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Georgetown is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia in its own right. Still, the entire island is also worth inclusion on your Malaysian itinerary.

From soaring skyscrapers and lush jungle to white sand beaches and bustling street stalls – you can find nearly everything that Malaysia is known for packed into this small island, which can be traveled from end to end just over an hour.

There are so many great activities in Penang to keep you busy during your stay. So, I recommend at least three to four days to truly do the island justice. 

Try hiking to the aptly-named Monkey Beach for a rewarding jungle trek that ends with a picturesque beach filled with the critters who gave it its name. Or you can ascend the longest and steepest funicular track in Asia to the top of Penang Hill, where you’ll be treated to heavenly views of the island and surrounding water. And of course be sure to check out one of the many hawker food stalls that dot the island for a taste of the cultural vibrancy that makes this place so special. 

Whatever you do, Penang is sure to be an island that will capture your heart! 

No Malaysia itinerary would be complete without visiting Georgetown – Penang’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So it comes as no surprise that this little town is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia! 

Georgetown packs the perfect mix of culture, history, and Instagrammable places. One of the most popular things to do in the city is to hunt for street art. The town is chock-full with cute and quirky street art dotted along colorful streets lined with broken down shophouses, colonial-style buildings and age-old temples. The best way to find these gems though, is to grab a Street Art Map as soon as possible. Many of the murals are hidden, which means finding them on your own can be tricky.

Getting an  iconic view of the cityscape at Komtar  is another must while visiting here. Go at sunset for magnificent views and, more importantly, cooler temperatures! The Clan Jetties is another popular point of interest. Here you can get a closer look at Chinese settlers’ local life and snap up some great pics of the colorfully decorated stilt houses. Of course, ioining a fun food tour  is yet another great pastime here. Head to one of the hawker stalls where it’s easy to mingle with locals and get a real taste of authentic Malay cuisine.

Whatever you do, try to spend at least 2-3 days in Georgetown before exploring the rest of the island in-depth.

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This beautiful island, situated in the north of Malaysia, is one of the most incredible places to visit in Malaysia. Endless beaches with white sand and tall palm trees are waiting for you here! Every corner of this island is simply postcard-perfect.

Langkawi is well known for snorkeling and island hopping, but there are many other things to do too. You can visit the Langkawi Sky Bridge, which offers the most beautiful views of the island. Alternatively, visit the amazing Seven Wells Waterfall . The waterfall is a popular attraction among both locals and tourists. You can explore the falls or swim in the small pools formed at the base of the waterfall. It’s the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day.

To get to Langkawi, you can take the fast boat for a few hours from Penang. I recommend spending at least two days in Langkawi . You will be amazed by the beautiful beaches and the island’s incredible natural beauty. While you’re in Langkawi, don’t hesitate to try the seafood. Simply delicious!

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When considering an island getaway in Malaysia, Langkawi is the first thing that comes to mind for most people. But, just off Malaysia’s northeast coast lies the ultimate tropical paradise: the stunning Perhentian Islands. Upon arrival, you will be met with lush jungle, calm turquoise water, and pristine white sand beaches that aren’t packed with tourists.

The Perhentian Islands are made up of two main islands: Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar. The island you choose to stay at comes down to the type of traveler you are. Besar, the larger of the two, is known for its luxurious villas and resorts. Whereas, Kecil caters to backpackers and budget travelers.

No matter which one you choose, the laid back island vibes make this place truly unique. With no roads or cars and limited Wi-Fi, time just seems to slow right down. Besides spending your time relaxing on the beach, you might wonder what people fill their days with.

The main attraction of the Perhentian Islands is what lies beneath the surface of those crystal clear waters. For a surprisingly affordable price, you can enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving here. Fancy swimming with turtles and snorkeling with reef sharks? Look no further! Depending on how much diving/snorkeling you’re planning to do, 5 nights is the perfect amount of time to spend on the Perhentians.

The reason you don’t see tourists lining these perfect beaches is that getting to the Perhentians is no simple task. Depending on where you are coming from, it can take up to a full day of travel. The quickest way to get there from Kuala Lumpur is to fly into the city of Kota Bharu. From there, take a taxi (1hr) or a bus (1.5hrs) to Kuala Besut.

Fast boats to the Perhentian Islands depart regularly daily from the jetty at Kuala Besut . It’s not necessary to book your boat ticket in advance. However, if you wish to do so for peace of mind, find more information here .

ALSO READ: What are the Best Islands to visit in Asia?

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Once a bustling tin mining town that was home to the deepest and largest tin mine in the world, Sungai Lembing was fading into oblivion with the collapse of tin ore prices in the 80s. It is experiencing a revival as a tourism spot in recent years, mostly among locals but with a growing reach.

The biggest draws at Sungai Lembing are its mining history, the surrounding nature, and the local food. At the mining museum, it is possible to explore parts of the old mine and learn about its history and miners’ lives.

For more nature, the two popular morning hikes from town are to Panorama Hill and Rainbow Waterfalls. Both start pre-dawn and are done on separate days.

Finally, the ingredients and food made in Sungai Lembing, from noodles to beancurd to broths, draw visitors from all over Malaysia. Mainly because the mountain spring water used to make them, give the food a unique flavor not found in similar dishes elsewhere.

Given the two morning hikes that are often part of the itinerary, a weekend trip of 3 days would be ideal for covering the main attractions and exploring the old town a little. Most people travel to Sungai Lembing by car or with tour coaches. To experience some of that old-time vibes, with accessible hikes and fabulous food without the crowds, Sungai Lembing would be the perfect candidate, at  least until everyone else hears about it.

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Places to visit in East Malaysia / Borneo

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Most people come to Tawau flying from Kota Kinabalu as a pit-stop on their way to Semporna and its famous islands. Besides a good coastline and some incredible food, it doesn’t have many attractions for travelers to linger longer. But that’s a pity because Tawau’s outskirts have some interesting things to do for nature lovers.

Tawau Hills Park

First of all, 20km north of town is  Tawau Hills Park , a treasure for nature lovers and people interested in spotting tropical snakes. Guests can stay in the charming wooden accommodation at park headquarters. It’s possible to see hornbills fly overhead, spot colugos, many frogs species, and hundreds of local insects. 

But with at least three days on your hands, you should hike to Mount Lucia, one of the three peaks in the park. This 10-km trek brings you through pristine forest and a mountain ridge inhabited by clouded leopards – feel extremely lucky to spot one. You need a ranger and a guide for this trek, and you will stay in a dorm on top of the ridge, with plenty of great jungle walks around you, and the chance of seeing gibbons and wild Malay civets.

SABAH SOFT WOODS

Not far away from Tawau is the Sabah Soft Woods plantation and their Plant4Borneo Elephants project. Guests come to join jeep safaris to see the herds of wild elephants who have taken up residence in this huge plantation. As part of the trip, they also help plant trees that serve to reforest a wildlife corridor the animals will later use to move between this area and the nearby Danum Valley Conservation Area. A 4 days/3 Nights tour of both Tawau Hills Park and the elephants cost RM1700 per person and is organized by the NGO 1StopBorneo Wildlife. 

You can otherwise go to the park yourself, but it takes a bit of time and effort to organize guides if you wanted to trek further – getting on a tour is the most time and cost-effective way to go. 

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In Borneo, Malaysia, Sipadan Island is regularly ranked as one of the best dive destinations in the world. And it’s not hard to see why. This small island, formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, is one of the world’s richest marine habitats.

When  diving Sipadan Island ,   you can expect to see giant green sea turtles and hawksbills all over the place, tornadoes of barracudas, parrotfish, sharks, and morays, all in one dive. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in the waters surrounding Sipadan.

There are twelve dive sites, and each has its own distinctive views of coral and aquatic life. But the Barracuda point is definitely the highlight of the trip. This dive site has a great barracuda shoal where you can see thousands in a tornado-like formation. During interval stops, divers get the chance to relax and recharge on Sipadan island’s beautiful beaches.

The island is located in the state of Sabah, in the northern part of Borneo. It is not possible to stay on the island overnight. You can either stay in the town of Semporna or on the nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai. The closest airport to Sipadan is Tawau, about an hour’s drive from Semporna. From Semporna, you can arrange dive trips to the island through any dive shop. Be sure to book in advance, though. Dive permits are limited to 120 a day, and space can fill up quickly.

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Most foreign visitors pass through Semporna rather quickly to go diving or snorkeling on one of the nearby islands like Sipadan or Mabul. But if you can spare a day, it’s really worth stopping to experience something beyond the typical tourist attractions and see what life is like for the locals in Borneo, particularly the Bajau people who live in Semporna.

The most prominent building in town is the main mosque, which stands proudly painted in green and white and is topped with golden onion domes. A great way to while away a morning is by strolling through the local markets. As you might expect in a coastal town, there is a busy fish market, where you will see fish and other sea creatures that have been caught in the nearby waters.

Vegetarian and vegan visitors to Malaysia will probably prefer the produce market, which is quite colorful and much less smelly. Around the mosque and the jetty, you will see many ramshackle houses built on stilts.

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One of the best places to visit in Malaysia Borneo is the Danum Valley in the Sabah area. This is one of the few parts of Borneo that has never been logged by humans. The primeval rainforest is magical. There are towering trees with enormous buttresses that are draped in thick vines and shrouded in the early morning mist.

The only place to stay in the Danum Valley Conservation Area is Borneo Rainforest Lodge, an upscale lodge that provides guided hikes and night walks and drives. A typical stay is three days/ two nights. 

The lodge has an office near the airport in Lahad Datu, where a jeep or minivan picks you up for the two-hour drive to the resort. There are hikes up the escarpment where you can look out over the lodge and rainforest. Alternatively, hike to waterfalls deep in the jungle, shallow creeks, or along the canopy walkway. 

There is also a guided night walk and a night drive in the back of an open truck, with a powerful spotlight and an expert guide to help spot wildlife. Possible sightings include orangutans, pygmy elephants, red leaf monkeys, giant flying squirrels, flying frogs, and even rare clouded leopards. 

After the hikes, you can relax in the open-air restaurant and bar or have a spa massage. This is a truly incredible experience rightly deserving a spot on your best places to visit in Malaysia list!

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The Kinabatangan River  in Malaysian Borneo is the second-longest river in Malaysia and is located not far from Sandakan’s town. It’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of which can’t be seen elsewhere globally. The river and the rainforest banks are home to the probosci’s monkey, orangutans, monitor lizards, macaques, and many different birds.

The river’s area is also home to the Borneo pygmy elephants – the smallest elephants in Asia, and there are only 1,500 of them left. They’re distinctly different from mainland elephants, having evolved when Borneo’s island separated more than 300,000 years ago. Even when these elephants are fully grown, they look like babies. And they are seriously cute when viewed from a distance.

Visit the Kinabatangan River from Sandakan by taking a bus and boat transfer. Most visitors will pre-book a stay in one of the lodges located on the river banks. There are both basic and luxury options available. The Kinabatangan River is not a protected area, so there’s no National Park fee to pay, but you are likely to see wildlife directly from your lodge. Otherwise, boat trips are available, and wildlife spotting is best early morning or early evening. Don’t miss out on nighttime walks to see another side of the rainforest. 

You should spend at least two days and one night here, although two nights will give you a better sense of the area.

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Sandakan is a quiet city in the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo that has maintained it’s local feel quite well. It is only a 1-hour flight from Kota Kinabalu, making it an easy choice for those wondering ‘where to go next.’

You won’t find much in the way of resorts and high-end restaurants here. However, you will find a connection to nature and a city known as a haven for foodies. Food is definitely a major draw, and visitors should prepare to feast on a wide range of spectacular Cantonese and Malaysian food. Things like Bak Kut Teh (pork soup with a rich broth) and Char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles) are dishes that visitors must try.

If you only have a day in the city, it’s a good idea to check out the Sim Sim Fisherman’s Village, the Sandakan Central Market, and the War Memorial at Sandakan Park. 

Sandakan lends itself to nature lovers and active travelers, as many of the highlights are located outside of the city. If you have a bit more time, there are a great number of exciting day-trips in the area. Some highly recommended excursions include visiting the Gomantong Bat Cave, taking a cruise on the Kinabatangan River, or seeing one of the many nearby sanctuaries. For a truly bucket-list experience, consider spending the night on Turtle Island!

Situated in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is a fairly newish city with plenty of development still underway. Despite mainly serving as a pit-stop to those wanting to climb Mount Kinabalu, explore the nearby islands, or trek through the lush jungles here, the city itself is a great add-on to your list of places to visit in Malaysia. 

There’s a lovely promenade at the KK Waterfront where you can stroll along and enjoy a sundowner or fresh seafood dinner. Those wanting to immerse themselves in the local life, head to one of the daily markets where fresh produce and seafood are on display. The “Floating Mosque” is another great attraction in the area, and so are the white sandy beaches nearby. 

When you’re ready to explore the outdoors, hop on a speedboat to the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Taking a day trip to  Sapi and Manukan Islands   is the perfect way to soak up some island vibes. Spend the day relaxing on the beach and swimming in the turquoise waters. Adrenaline junkies can also get their fix by doing an array of water sports. Or better yet, zip line through the lush jungles! 

Be sure to also head to Mount Kinabalu – even if you aren’t into hiking. There’s a great trail through the botanical garden where you can familiarize yourself with the unique plant life. Alternatively, book a  Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring   tour for a hassle-free experience. 

With three to four days, you’ll have ample time to get to know the city and explore its surroundings. 

Kampung Meritam’s Mud Volcanoes

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Not many people have heard of  Kampung Meritam’s mud volcanoes . Fewer people have visited the spot. Located in the Sarawak district of Malaysian Borneo, the mud volcanoes are rather hard to reach. Especially seeing that you have to drive through the Brunei borders. However, they are worth the effort and still ranks as one of my favorite things to do in Borneo.

Caused due to tectonic activity, these volcanoes are a curious sight to see. If you have seen a real volcano, these look like little pimples in the ground. The grey clayey mud that spills out of them is warm to the touch and quickly dries as it is exposed to the hot surroundings.

It is much fun to smear it on your face, and you will find that it is rather cooling. You can also immerse yourself in one of the larger mud pools formed by some of the volcanoes if you want. Just make sure to see if the tanks are filled with water for a bath post your soak.

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Mulu National Park is a Unesco World Heritage site in the Miri Division of Sarawak.   In the heart of the tropical rainforest, Mulu’s main attraction is the show caves.

The show caves are unique and can only be visited on day tours with a national park guide.   Inside the caves are some of the world’s most exceptional examples of stalactites and stalagmites.

There are four caves to visit; the Deer Cave has the largest cave passage globally and is home to millions of bats. You can watch the bats leave the cave at dusk. It’s a spectacular sight as they form waves of black swirls in the sky. At the end of the passage is the Garden of Eden. Here a hole in the cave allows light to filter through, and a plethora of flora and fauna grow below.

Another spectacular cave is Clearwater, which is the longest cave in Asia. There’s a river through the center, with stunning scenery to admire from the well designed wooden walkways inside the cave.

To experience the rainforest from a different angle, you can participate in a sky canopy walk. The 480km rope bridge swings high in the sky, and you can see all the trees and vegetation from above. You can also get a little closer to the monkeys that swing amongst the treetops.

Another spectacular cave is Clearwater, which is the longest cave in Asia.   Through the centre, there’s a river, with stunning scenery to admire from the well designed wooden walkways inside the cave.

Pro Tips: The only way to get to Mulu is by air. Flights go from either Miri or Kuching and can be booked through Malaysian airways. The best hotel in the area is the  Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa . To experience the caves and explore a couple of trails around the park, you need at least 3 days. Although, staying longer is recommended, especially if you want to do some of the overnight treks.

Located on the Malaysian part of Borneo’s island,  Niah National Park  is often overlooked by tourists. The closest town to this gorgeous place is Miri. The National Park is located around 80 kilometers from Miri, and you can reach the park in 1h30.

One of the interesting things about the park is that it encompasses a part of Borneo’s tropical forest. This makes it an interesting experience to walk through. The boardwalks and well-marked trails make it easy to explore the park, and you do not need a guide.

The highlight of the park, however, is the Niah Caves, which are enormous. The interconnected network of caves will leave you spellbound. Make sure you carry a torch, though, as one of the caves is explored in pitch darkness. If that wasn’t enough, at the end of the cave, you could marvel at wall paintings that date back to the Iron age.

The walk itself is long, so set out early and carry water. It isn’t strenuous and can be done easily but watch your step as it can get slippery in parts. If you are in the Sarawak area of Borneo, make sure to put it on your list places to visit in Malaysia! 

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Fancy visiting the Cat City of Borneo? Kuching is a fascinating place. Both within the city and on day trips. There’s everything from jungle hikes (Orangutans, insect-eating plants, mud-skipping fish), street-art trails and a Cat Museum.

Firstly about those cats. The word Kuching means “cat.” The place is full of cat statues, and you can even listen to Cats FM radio. Visit the museum in North City Hall containing thousands of moggie images, and even a cat mummy (the Egyptian kind.)

The lovely character of Kuching city follows through with more street art, including our favorite: a wheelbarrow full of orangutans.

If this is your first trip to Borneo, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village early. It gives an enjoyable and painless introduction to ethnic diversity and is a great place to explore in its own right. Staff demonstrates the timeless pursuits of the jungle economy in a village of reconstructed folk-houses.

Then go on into the real jungles and parks. Bako is close to Kuching and is one of Borneo’s richest wildlife areas (and the world.) Explore diverse habitats and see those mud-skipping fish, snakes, lizards, and endangered probosci’s monkeys. On other day trips from Kuching, we saw orangutans and the ghastly Rafflesia plant with its one-meter diameter flowers smelling rotten meat.

We loved our five-day stay in  Kuching with kids  as it combined fascinating learning with the fun of spotting rare and exciting living things. All in a vibrant, friendly place.

Where to go in Malaysia Conclusion

As you can see, there are heaps of amazing places to visit in Malaysia! I hope this guide has helped you decide where to go and what to do!

That’s all I’ve got on Malaysia for now. Have you visited Malaysia yet? If so, what tips do you have for fellow travelers planning a Malaysia itinerary? Feel free to share your tips on best places to visit, best things to do and see, and anything in between below!

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Wander-Lush

Where to Go in Malaysia: Top 30 Unmissable Destinations

Where to go in Malaysia – 30 of the very best places to visit in Malaysia, as recommended by locals and travel experts.

From the steel-and-glass metropolis of KL to the jungles of Borneo, Malaysia has to be one of the most diverse countries in Asia.

Visitors drawn in by Malaysia’s legendary national parks and tropical islands usually find the food culture , street art and layered history is reason enough to linger a little longer.

Despite having visited Malaysia half a dozen times, I’ve still only scratched the surface of this diverse nation. To help with curating this list of the best places to visit in Malaysia, I asked a group of experienced travellers and locals to share their recommendations.

This guide explores some of the best things to do in Malaysia for every interest, travel style and budget. From must-see cities to small towns, cultural sites and religious monuments to hiking and ethical wildlife encounters, the best beaches, islands and resorts, this list has something for everyone.

If we’ve forgotten to include your favourite place in Malaysia, please let us know in the comments!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

How to get around Malaysia

I use Bookaway to reserve bus and train tickets when I travel in Malaysia. You can use the site to check up-to-date routes and times and compare prices between different companies. Online payment is secure and it’s easy to change or cancel your tickets if plans change.

→ Check timetables and book tickets online through Bookaway .

Where to go in Malaysia: Cities & culture

Kuala lumpur.

Anyone who’s wondering where to go in Malaysia will inevitably wind up incorporating Kuala Lumpur into their itinerary. Malaysia’s capital city is simply a must-see for first-time visitors. The scale of the city will blow you away.

KL has the glossy veneer of a big, anonymous city, but beneath the surface, it’s a hotbed of history, culture and cuisine. Whether you only have time for a short layover in KL or you’re planning an extended stay, there are a couple of things you need to check off your list.

The first is the iconic Petronas Towers . Viewed from the park below, they cut an immaculate figure against the inky blue night sky and define KL’s urban horizon. Take a trip up to the viewing deck (advance reservations essential – book tickets here ) for a magnificent view of the city.

Spend a few hours wandering the Central Market and Chinatown precinct (be sure to visit Petaling Street and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple ), both lively destinations for shopping, eating and socialising. Save some of your pennies for KL’s beautiful boutique gift shops, including Batik Boutique where you can find gorgeous handmade souvenirs . A stop at the National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) and the nearby Islamic Arts Museum is another must-do.

When night falls, head to the Jalan Alor Night Food Court and see how many Malaysian delicacies you can squeeze in. If you have more time, there are dozens of convenient day trip opportunities from KL – keep reading to discover the best of the best!

George Town (Penang)

Possibly Malaysia’s most popular tourist destination, George Town is the biggest city and capital of Penang island. There are three things George Town is best known for: Street food , street art , and vibrant laneways dotted with heritage architecture .

You could easily spend a week or more in George Town exploring the UNESCO Heritage Listed Old Town , which consumes the eastern end of the island. Stroll down the iconic Penang five-foot ways and step back in history, keeping an eye out for Ernest Zacharevic’s best murals along the way. Join a food tour to sample the best Penang eats – there are simply too many to list here – and immerse yourself in the local craft scene at the Batik Painting Museum .

Other must-sees include Cheong Fatt Tze (The Blue Mansion) and the nearby Goddess of Mercy Temple . Climb Penang Hill for an epic view of the island. Set aside an evening for Chew Jetty , a laid-back waterside clan community where you can get a small taste of what Penang must have been like during its heyday as a Straights trading hub.

The quieter cousin of George Town, Ipoh boasts many of the same virtues – amazing street art, historic laneways and architecture, a fantastic hawker market scene – only without the crowds of Penang.

The capital of central Malaysia’s Perak state, Ipoh is a captivating city that oozes history and charm from the cracks in the plasterwork and flaking shutters of its buildings. Walk the Ipoh Heritage Trail , a mapped route that takes in 27 of the city’s most important landmarks, including the British Colonial railway station , to peel back the layers of Ipoh’s history.

Some of the best things to do in Ipoh revolve around eating and drinking. Malaysia’s iconic white coffee , an iced drink made with coffee beans soaked in margarine, was born here in Ipoh and is served in sweet little local cafes across the city. Ipoh Bean Sprout Chicken is a must-try for dinner and can be found at any of the hawker markets.

While you’re pounding the pavement, keep an eye out for the large-scale murals painted by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic (the same man responsible for George Town’s street art). Hundreds of smaller works by local artists and collectives are sprinkled throughout the city, concentrated around Mural Art’s Lane .

Beyond the city limits, Ipoh gives way to the lush landscapes of Perak, with its thick rainforest and limestone caves . Mirror lakes and hidden temples are waiting to be explored via walking tracks – including the magnificent Perak Cave Temple .

Capital of Malaysian Borneo’s semi-autonomous Sarawak state, Kuching has a lovely laid-back feel. The Kuching Waterfront precinct sprawls out along the beautiful Kuching river, reflecting the golden roof of the New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building .

Dilapidated shophouses, curling alleyways and eclectic architecture define Kuching’s centre. Wander the brightly painted alleyways around India Street , with their fabric vendors and fragrant spice markets, and spot orang-utan-themed street art by Ernest Zacharevic .

Like all Malaysian cities, Kuching has a great food scene. Choon Hui Cafe is a local institution – the prawn laksa and popiah ( Fujianesespring roll) are both must-eats. Other dishes to try in Kuching include kolo mee (yellow noodles cooked Kuching-style) and Sarawak laksa .

Culture lovers will appreciate Kuching’s excellent museums. The Museum of Sarawak , which catalogues Iban culture, Textile Museum and Tun Jugah Collection , a private collection of hand-woven textiles displayed alongside Iban artefacts, are all worth the ticket price. For the perfect Kuching souvenir , look for Iban black-and-white rattan mats and other Bornean antiques in Kuching’s Main Bazaar .

Kuching is a departure point for exploring Sarawak’s natural beauty and Iban culture, with river boat rides, longhouse homestays and jungle treks all within a few hours of the city. Don’t miss Semenggoh Nature Reserve (more on that later), a wonderful orang-utan sanctuary just outside Kuching.

Kota Kinabalu

Recommended by Khushboo, Munni of All Trades

The capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu – or KK as it’s fondly known – is considered the gateway city for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Borneo. However, it’s fast emerging as a popular tourist destination in its own right.

To experience the true beauty of Kota Kinabalu, you must visit the Jesselton Point Waterfront . It’s perfect for anyone who’s looking for delicious local food and scenic views. Tourists also have the option to take a ferry to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park or one of the five islands that are just 15 minutes away. Sipping on a beer in a local cafe at Jesselton as you watch the sun set or enjoying karaoke with friends is a wonderful way to end the day after your island trip.

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is a great place for anyone looking to experience Sabah’s rich heritage. During your half-day trip to Mari Mari, you can witness traditional dance performances, hunting and fishing practices practiced by the region’s five ethnic groups: Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, Murut and Dusun.

For adventure enthusiasts, a hike to Mount Kinabalu is of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu . The hikes are often overbooked so it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Be sure to spend an evening by the iconic city mosque, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu , where you can enjoy some peace and solitude.

A convenient day trip from Kuala Lumpur , Melaka (Malacca) is a historic port city set on Malaysia’s southwestern coast. With its layers of Malay, Nyonya, Portuguese, Dutch and English heritage, Melaka perfectly captures Malaysia’s multicultural spirit and multifaceted history.

Start in the Dutch-era Stadthuys square , Melaka’s most recognisable landmark. The 1753-built Christ Church stands proudly at top of the square, surrounded by a flurry of colourful vendors and cafes organised around beautifully manicured gardens. The cacophony of food, souvenir and bric-a-brac stalls continues down Jonker Street . If you’re wondering what to eat in Melaka, Nyonya Laksa is the best local dish to sink your teeth into.

Above the waterfront, St. Paul’s Church and Famosa Fort offer interesting ruins and panoramic viewpoints. The Melaka Straits Mosque , which juts out into the water on a narrow peninsular, is one of the most beautiful mosques in all of Malaysia.

Recommended by Sharon, Dive into Malaysia

For somewhere off the tourist trail with plenty of local charm, visit Taiping! Located near the west coast of peninsular Malaysia close to Penang, Taiping is easy to visit by train or bus from Kuala Lumpur or anywhere in the western region of Malaysia.

Taiping itself has similar charms to Penang with street art, great food and colonial architecture , but without the crowds. It was one of the first cities to be established in Malaysia and has many firsts – the first railway station, first museum, first post office, first wet market and more.

A trip to Taiping should start with a walk around the central colonial area to see the well-preserved architecture while looking out for street art. Next stop is Muzium Perak to learn more about this part of Malaysia. Finally, finish at Taman Tasik Taiping , Taiping’s famous gardens. These 64-hectares of lagoons and grassland are a great place to relax, look out for monitor lizards or take a paddle on a paddleboat. Read more about Taiping here.

The most delicious way to cool down from the heat is at Ansari Famous Cendol for one of Malaysia’s best shaved ice treats. To taste many of the local dishes, head to Pusat Makanan Taman Tasik , a popular foodcourt by the lake.

For a comfortable place to stay in a central location, try the Louis Hotel .

Bukit Mertajam

By Marco Ferrarese, Penang Insider

Everybody goes to UNESCO-listed George Town on Penang island for an overdose of food and street art. Few people realise that right across the Penang bridge, the town of Bukit Mertajam in Seberang Prai, the mainland part of Penang state, has plenty of interesting stuff to do as well.

Bukit Mertajam is an offbeat, beautiful town with strong ties to the local Chinese triads (yes, the local mafia). Set next to the hill of the same name, there’s hiking galore in Cherok Tokun reserve .

The old town of Bukit Mertajam, developed around the Pek Kong Cheng temple (sadly partially destroyed by fire in 2019), has a lot of great food. Try BM Best Cendol (self-titled as such, and for good reason) and the ‘Black Man Rojak’, a praised local stall selling Malaysian rojak – pieces of tropical fruit drenched in thick, black sweet-sour sauce. Also try the famous BM Cup Rice, which dishes up delicious duck and pork meat with local rice.

Don’t forget to look around – Bukit Mertajam’s old town has decrepit, old-world buildings that are much more authentic than Penang’s gentrified boutique hotels and cookie-cutter cafes.

There are many opportunities to get out and about in nature near Bukit Mertajam. For starters, you can try the Cherok Tokun hiking trail that leads to the TV towers on top of Bukit Mertajam. Take a stroll at Bukit D.O. , a nature park for local hiking enthusiasts. Pay a visit to St. Anne’s Church , an important pilgrimage site for Catholics from all over India and Southeast Asia who come here to celebrate every year at the end of July.

During Malaysia’s nation-wide Hungry Ghost Festival , Bukit Mertajam hosts the tallest statue of the King of Hell Tay Su Yeah.

Penang’s gentrification? Please leave it across the Penang bridge and come to Bukit Mertajam for a timeless Malaysian experience.

Kuala Kangsar

Located in central Malaysia’s Perak state, the town of Kuala Kangsar is an easy day trip from Ipoh by train. Known as the ‘royal city’, it served as the seat for the Shah of Perak between 1877 and 1887.

Ubudiah Mosque is considered one of Malaysia’s most distinctive mosques and is reason enough to take a trip to KK. Designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback (also responsible for Kuala Lumpur’s railway station), it’s defined by golden domes and towering palm trees. The bands of colour on the facade are created from Italian marble. When the mosque was being built, it’s rumoured that two of the Sultan’s elephants damaged some of the marble tiles, delaying construction!

Apart from the mosque, KK boasts a number of other distinctive landmarks, making it an architecture-lover’s paradise. The Istana Kenangan , a distinctive building that houses the Royal Museum of Perak, Baitul Anor , a decrepit mansion house that was once home to Perak’s prince, and turn-of-the-century-built Victoria Bridge are just some of the highlights.

Recommended by Sonakshi and Mainak, Places In Pixel

Putrajaya is the present federal administrative centre of the Malaysian Government. Being only 35 km from KL city centre, it can easily be explored as a day trip from KL .

The most sought-after place to visit in Putrajaya is the Putra Mosque . Its nickname, the ‘pink mosque’, comes from the rose-tinted granite. Putra Mosque’s Islamic-architecture artistically blends traditional designs, local craftsmanship and the use of indigenous materials. As with any mosque, modest dress is essential if you want to enter the prayer hall and enjoy the elegantly designed interiors.

No trip to Putrajaya is complete without taking a tour of the Perdana Putra complex , which houses the Prime Minister’s Office and other administrative offices. Although visitors are not allowed to go inside, it’s free to admire the exterior and gardens (which includes a couple of Instagrammable spots!).

Other interesting things to do in Putrajaya include driving the beautiful Seri Wawasan Bridge , enjoying the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta , visiting the Putrajaya Botanical Garden , and the Steel Mosque . For adventure seekers, Putrajaya lake offers multiple outdoor activities including stand-up paddle boarding, water jetting and flyboarding.

Johor Bahru

Recommended by Ania, The Travelling Twins

If you want a bit more modern city life before diving back into the jungle or exploring Malaysia’s beaches, Johor Bahru makes for an interesting change from Kuala Lumpur. The city is located right down in the south of the mainland peninsula, on the border with Singapore .

And indeed Johor Bahru could be called Malaysia’s answer to Singapore. It is set up to attract visitors from the neighbouring city state with much of the sparkle, but at much lower prices. Excellent shopping and fabulous restaurants are what JB is known for.

If you want to go from JB to Singapore itself, then it’s just a 45-minute bus ride away. But don’t just pass through – this place is a destination in its own right.

With Legoland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Town both in close proximity, this is a great destination for families with young kids.

Batu Caves in Selangor, just north of KL, can be counted among Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. As well as being rather Instagram-friendly, this is an extremely important spiritual pilgrimage site. I recommend visiting with a local guide to make the most of the experience.

The limestone cave complex is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. In late January/early February, the Hindu Thaipusam festival is celebrated here. If you can brave the heat and humidity, this is the perfect time to visit.

Outside of festival time, visitors can explore the largest cave, Temple Cave , accessible via 270 steps (now painted in a rainbow of colours). The towering gold statue of Murugan is the tallest of its kind in the world.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Recommended by Rose, Where Goes Rose

Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple on the island of Penang is yet more proof of Malaysia’s diversity. While there are Hindu and Taoist temples, mosques and churches in the nearby city of George Town, this iconic temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over Southeast Asia. 

Built in 1980, Kek Lok Si is home to temples, statues, prayer halls and towers with impressive views over Penang. You could easily spend a half-day exploring the complex. Don’t miss the three-storey shrine (as the tallest building for miles around, it would be hard to), donated by King Bhumibol of Thailand. Here there’s a vegetarian restaurant as well as a few shops. You also have the option to pay 3 MYR to catch a lift to the enormous Kuan Yin female goddess statue.

An ideal time to visit Kek Lok Si is for Chinese New Year celebrations in February when the whole temple is illuminated by strobe lights and a firework show takes place.

It takes just 30 minutes to reach Kek Lok Si Temple from George Town by bus or taxi. The nearest town is Air Itam, where you should stop afterwards for a bowl of assam laksa at Pasar Air Itam Laksa , voted one of the best foods in the world by CNN.

Where to go in Malaysia: Nature, adventure & wildlife

Cameron highlands.

Recommended by Luke, The Coastal Campaign

Cameron Highlands is a spectacular part of the Malaysian hill country covered in lush green tea fields. Visitors come here to see the beautiful mountain scenery and to enjoy the cooler temperatures that comes with the higher elevation.

The number one thing to do in Cameron Highlands is visit a tea plantation and enjoy a cup of the local brew. One of the most popular choices is the BOH Tea Plantation , and that’s because the tasting room has spectacular views from the veranda perched on the hillside. Visitors can also enjoy hikes in the surrounding jungle, the local farmers’ markets , and a walk through the enchanting Mossy Forest .

After a full day of exploring, try Restoran Kumar which serves delicious Indian-style food for very reasonable prices. It’s found in the town of Tanah Rata.

Cameron Highlands is a beautiful part of the country with unique scenery and climate compared to the rest of Malaysia and is absolutely worth visiting.

Teman Negara

Recommended by Stephen, Asia-Hikes

Taman Negara (literally ‘National Park’) is the first protected area in Malaysia, established in 1939, and one of the oldest deciduous rainforests in the world . Easy to visit as a weekend away from Kuala Lumpur (but worthy of a month of exploring in its own right), this expanse of more than 4,300 square kilometres has options for every traveller.

Laid-back weekenders out of Kuala Lumpur might opt for easy exploring – boat rides and short hikes to remote jungle waterfall, Lata Berkoh , canopy walks high in the treetops, or just relaxing at the luxurious Mutiara Taman Negara Resort , which offers guided interpretive walks on the in-house boardwalk.

More adventurous travellers might opt for two to three-day guided hiking in Taman Negara , overnighting in the famous ‘Elephant Cave’ and slipping along muddy jungle trails and through countless streams. For the ultimate Taman Negara adventure, consider the strenuous weeklong round trip to the top of Gunung Tahan , the highest point of Peninsular Malaysia at 2,187 metres.

Almost all tourist services, including restaurants and accommodations, are based in the village of Kuala Tahan across the Tembaling river from the entrance to Taman Negara. A wide range of budget and mid-range accommodation options are available, and a plethora of tour operators make it easy to book guided hikes and other excursions on-site.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Recommended by Oksana and Max, Drink Tea & Travel

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Malaysia’s true gems. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extensive underground cave network and unique mountain peaks.

Mulu Caves is the longest cave system in the world by surface area. Take some time to explore the Lang Cave, Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave, Wind Cave and Lady Cave. They each have their own unique attributes such as rock formations, coral structures, and interesting patches of habitat.

At Deer Cave, you can see the mass bat exodus . From 5pm to 7pm each day, bats numbering in the thousands leave the cave at the same time in search of food from the forest. There is a viewing platform and the event can last for 45 minutes.

Outside of the caves, Gunung Mulu National Park is famous for the Mulu Pinnacles , a series of otherworldly limestone formations that require a three-day hike to reach. It is a somewhat difficult hike, but well worth the exertion.

Recommended by Rachita, Nomllers

Safely tucked away on the largest island in Asia, Sabah is a relatively unexplored destination in Malaysia. Sabah is home to more than 32 different ethnic groups and is a great place to learn more about local culture. Apart from that, Sabah is also quite well-known for its rainforests, beaches, and abundant wildlife . Most of the state is covered with reserves or parks.

When visiting Sabah, make sure you try a few local dishes such as Tuaran noodles, Butod, Roti Cobra, and a lot more. While the best local food is served at homestays , you have to try Roti Cobra at Kedai Makan Islamic Restoran in Kota Kinabalu . It is simply delicious.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and is a popular hiking spot. If you’re interested in exploring the coral reefs , then head to the nearby islands for a fun diving experience. And if you’re a nature lover, then a visit to Kinabalu Park , Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must.

From climbing Mount Kinabalu to meeting headhunting warriors and nomadic sea gypsies, Sabah is a place you won’t soon forget.

Danum Valley

Recommended by James Ian, Travel Collecting

Danum Valley is an area of virgin rainforest in the Sabah area of Malaysian Borneo. While much of the island has been deforested in order to create palm oil plantations, the Danum Valley Conservation Area has been protected.

There are only two places to stay – the Danum Valley Field Center, just outside the area, offers basic accommodation and limited guides. The second option, Borneo Rainforest Lodge , is smack bang in the middle of the virgin rainforest. Rates include meals served inside the beautiful, open lodge that faces a forested escarpment.

Danum Valley is one of the best places in Borneo to witness Malaysia’s incredible flora and wildlife. Highlights include guided hikes to lookouts, waterfalls, and a small river where fish come and nibble your feet (great for exfoliation!), a canopy walk built through the tops of trees (with excellent chances of seeing orang-utans and hornbills ), and a night drive in the back of a truck with a powerful spotlight (possible sightings include giant flying squirrels, lemurs and even cloud leopards ).

Gua Tempurung

Recommended by Iuliya, Vidadeliya

Gua Tempurung is something of a ‘secret’ spot, even among Malaysians. Tucked away in Gopeng, Perak – some 3 hours’ drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur – Gua Tempurung is the largest limestone cave in West Malaysia .

The best thing to do is join one of four caving tours . If you’re particularly adventurous, try the epic 4-hour long Grand Tour. This not only takes you through the incredible limestone stalactites and stalagmites, but also deep into the belly of a cave once used as a communist hideaway. You will have to crawl through narrow cave rivers, climb steep slopes and slide down ledges, all in the pitch dark! For a full account of what it’s like, check out this blog post . 

If caving doesn’t take your fancy, there are many other things you can do nearby, including whitewater rafting , jungle trekking (to search for the ever-elusive Rafflesia!), or waterfall abseiling .

For food, the foodie hub of Ipoh is a mere 30-minutes away. Top choices include the local salty chicken and taufufa , a sweet tofu-based dessert.

Recommended by Marya, The BeauTraveler

Situated in the Kelabit Highlands near the Indonesian border in East Kalimantan, Bario is a small community of 13 to 16 indigenous Kelabit villages . If you’re looking for a remote place to experience authentic indigenous culture, Bario is a great choice.

Bario may be less popular than other destinations in Sarawak, such as Niah Cave or Gunung Mulu, but it’s no less interesting. Organise your accommodation at one of the longhouses and immerse yourself in the local culture during your stay in town. Some accommodations include meals in the booking package, so you can taste the local food provided by your host.

A great time to visit Bario is in June/July, when the area hosts Pesta Nukenan , a showcase of local food and culture.

Travelling overland takes days, thus flights from Miri, Marudi or Kuching are the most convenient way to get to Bario. Before you go, make sure you have enough cash with you since there’s no ATM available (there’s no phone or internet connection either).

Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Semenggoh Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Kuching is one of the most accessible places in Malaysia to see semi-wild orang-utans. If you want a quick taste of the Borneo jungle, this is a perfect half-day trip.

Established in the 70s, the patch of rainforest is home to more than 30 endangered orang-utans , all orphaned or rescued from captivity. The centre trains them to survive in the wild.

A tightly controlled viewing area is open twice daily at 9am and 3pm. Carers provide fruit to entice the orang-utans – but whether or not they surface from the thickets is entirely up to them. The best time to visit Semenggoh is during the fruiting season. We went in August and saw half a dozen orang-utans.

Semenggoh is located just 30 kilometres from Kuching and is easy to reach by car or taxi.

Where to go in Malaysia: Islands & beaches

Recommended by Cathy, Mummy Travels

This beautiful tropical island in the north of Malaysia might be small – you could drive around it in just 3 hours – but Langkawi has plenty to tempt visitors, from glorious golden beaches to the wildlife of its lush jungle.

The biggest attractions are the Skycab and Skybridge . The world’s steepest cable car takes you from the Oriental Village complex to a bridge suspended 100 metres in the air for amazing views across the island. If you’re feeling energetic, you can trek partway.

Along with its other attractions, Oriental Village is home to Art in Paradise , Langkawi’s 3D art museum, the biggest of its kind in Malaysia, where you can pose with artwork designed to trick the eye. Huge fun, it’s also ideal during rainy season or as a way to escape the heat.

But Langawki’s biggest attractions are natural. Take a boat tour through the mangroves of the protected Kilim Geoforest park , see bats roosting in Gua Kelawar cave , eagles soaring above the karst peaks , and head out to some of the smaller islands.

Not to forget the beaches: the white sands of Tanjung Rhu are among the loveliest, busy Pantai Cenang is great for water sports and beach bars, while minerals turn the sand of Pantai Pisar Hitam black.

Port Dickson

Recommended by Allison, Urbanite Diary

Port Dickson is a coastal town about 1.5 hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur. One of the country’s most popular beach destinations due to its proximity to the capital, the English name originated from the British High Officer, Sir John Frederick Dickson, who was posted at the Straits Settlement during the end of the 19th century.

Top things to do here include a visit to the many beaches along the coastal road. Teluk Kemang is the most popular one, and due to the street market located right in front of it, the most crowded. Other famous sites to visit are the Cape Rachado Lighthouse , the oldest lighthouse in Malaysia built by the Portuguese, as well as the Wan Loong Temple , an ornate Chinese Temple that pays homage to several oriental deities, such as the Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) and the Monkey King. For family travellers with kids, the Port Dickson Army Museum is an interesting place to visit.

Being so close to the sea, Port Dickson has some great seafood restaurants for foodies. Local favourites include Weng Yin Seafood Village, Chardin Seaview Restaurant and Double Queue Thai Cuisine.

Last but not least, one of the highlights of Port Dickson is staying in an overwater chalet . Although the sea water here is not as pristine as some of the other beach destinations in Malaysia, it is still an enjoyable experience to look out to the sea from your room while listening to the sound of the waves. Recommended hotels are Avillion Port Dickson and Lexis Hibiscus .

Sipadan Island

Recommended by Campbell and Alya, Stingy Nomads

Sipadan island in Borneo is the top dive spot in Malaysia and often rated as one of the best places to dive in the world .

Surrounding the island, there is a massive coral wall close to shore that drops 300 metres straight down. Strong currents flowing past the reef bring sharks, big pelagic fish and unreal marine life, creating an amazing wall dive.

This is an incredibly biodiverse spot with huge green turtles , big schools of massive bumphead parrot fish, big eye trevally, and reef sharks hunting in the area. The island’s most famous dive site is Barracuda Point , where you are often engulfed by massive schools of barracuda.

All these incredible marine animals swim close to shore and in the past, divers could walk from their hotel room and jump from the beach into this amazing natural aquarium. If you’re not a diver, Sipadan also offers fantastic snorkelling .

The Malaysian government has taken bold steps to preserve this diving mecca and the island. Since 2004, only divers with the necessary permits are allowed on the island. All resorts were relocated to nearby islands, and only 178 divers per day are granted permits. This is policed and strictly enforced.

Sipadan is very popular, so book your accommodation and diving from the nearby island, Mabul, ahead of time.

Perhentian Islands

Recommended by Lotte, Phenomenal Globe

The beautiful Perhentian Islands are located just off Malaysia’s northeast coast. The largest islands are Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, but there are several small, uninhabited islands in this amazing archipelago as well.

For adventurous travellers, diving in the Perhentian Islands will be an unforgettable experience as the underwater world here is spectacular. If you don’t want to go scuba diving, consider snorkelling instead. There are several (short) hiking trails on Perhentian Kecil , just be sure to bring plenty of water as it gets very hot and humid, especially between April and June.

Coral Bay is located on the west side of Perhentian Kecil and is the perfect place to admire the sunset while enjoying a cocktail on the beach at one of the restaurants or bars. For food, there is no better place to eat fresh seafood (often barbecued). Be sure to try some freshly caught fish during your stay.

If you choose Perhentian Kecil as your base, BuBu Resort is a great place to stay. At Perhentian Besar, the Tuna Bay Island Resort is an excellent option.

Redang Island

Recommended by Kirsten, Sand in My Curls

There are many reasons to visit Malaysia , and Redang Island is definitely one of them. Pulau Redang is one of those postcard-perfect islands with bright white sand and warm azure water.

Located off the east coast of Malaysia and part of the Coral Triangle between Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Indonesia, it’s a global centre for marine biodiversity. No trip would be complete without snorkelling or scuba diving . You can learn to scuba or get started with a discovery dive.

But there are more than just water activities available on the island.

Head to the Taaras Resort for a visit to the SEATRU Turtle Lab . Here, you’ll learn all about the turtle life cycle, predators, and how the lab measures the gentle creatures. April to October is hatching season and the perfect time to see the baby turtles being released into the sea. 

The interior of the island is packed with jungle, and there are a bunch of hiking routes choose from. Most aren’t that difficult and will only take a couple of hours. If you’re lucky, you’ll see rare plants, monitor lizards, monkeys and all sorts of colourful birds.

The best place to eat in Redang is at the Laguna Food Court , where you can sample local delicacies at affordable prices. Be sure to try the fish head curry – it’s a favourite in Malaysia.

Tioman Island

By Vivien and Aaron, The Dharma Trails

Tioman Island is located off Malaysia’s east coast and is accessible by ferry. It’s a perfect getaway for anyone interested in eco travel due to its natural beauty and abundant wildlife .

Apart from the stunning beaches and amazing coral reefs, there are jungle walking trails and waterfall hikes that offer unique insight into the tropical flora and fauna.

Alternatively, you can relax on the beach with an ice-cold beer and enjoy some of the great local restaurants. Be sure to check out Golden Dish Cafe , who grow their own organic vegetables, use locally caught fish, and can also whip up some traditional, herbal drinks with medicinal properties.

The Juarta Turtle Project at Mentawak Beach works with the local community to educate and protect marine life. They offer volunteering experiences for those willing to stay a while.

Where to go in Malaysia: Resorts

Avani sepang goldcoast resort, sepang.

Recommended by Stephanie, History Fangirl

The gorgeous town of Sepang is home to the Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort , which has the distinction of being one of the least expensive overwater bungalow resorts anywhere in the world.

Located on the coast roughly halfway between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, it’s the perfect place for couples and solo travellers looking to relax and rejuvenate. If you are a spa lover, check into the resort and soak up all the amenities. Schedule yourself a few treatments so you can take full advantage of your surroundings.

If you want to explore Sepang itself, visit the beautiful nearby mosque, or enjoy a mangrove river cruise . Make sure you set aside some time to see the absolutely stunning sunsets over the water. They are some of the most vibrant anywhere in the world.

You can get to Sepang from Kuala Lumpur by bus, train, or by hiring a private driver.

Resorts World Genting, Genting Highlands

Recommended by Sandy and Vyjay, Voyager

Resorts World Genting is an integrated leisure centre on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali, about 55 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. It’s a favourite holiday getaway popular among locals as well as tourists.

Resorts World Genting is a collection of premium hotels, resorts, shopping arcades, theme parks, and restaurants. It is a complete leisure and entertainment destination that also has the advantage of enjoying pleasant temperatures throughout the year. One of the largest hotels in the world, the First World Hotel , is located inside.

Some of the top things to do in Genting include a visit to the Chin Swee Temple , a virtual reality experience at The Void , and the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park. Whether you’re looking for local cuisine, Mexican, Italian or Pan Asian vegetarian fare , there are a plethora of cafes and fine dining restaurants to cater to every palate. The famous local desserts like ice kacang and cendol are not to be missed, either.

Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi

Berjaya Hills is a resort theme park set in the cool hills above KL, adjacent to the Genting Highlands. Similar to Vietnam’s Ba Na Hills in Danang , it was created in the picture of a European village (in this case, France’s Colmar Tropicale). It’s definitely one of the more touristy places to visit in Malaysia, but if you’re travelling with kids, it’s a fun way to break from the city.

The centre of the small town is dominated by Bavarian-style houses , each containing a restaurant or cafe (most of them dishing up European cuisine). Botanical Gardens and Japanese Gardens , a golf course and a number of shrines are embedded in the forest beyond the town.

Malaysia essentials

Here are some of the resources I use when planning a trip to Malaysia.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Malaysia on Kiwi.com , a booking site that mixes and matches airlines to find the best route (if you miss your connection, you get your money back).

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Malaysia and apply for an expedited visa online.

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book a private transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to your hotel or pre-purchase your KLIA Airport Train tickets online and skip the queue.

SHORT ON TIME? Try this KL layover city tour to see the best of the city in a short period of time.

SIM CARD: Purchase an Airalo eSIM for Malaysia and get instant access to the net when you arrive.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Malaysia on Agoda or book a Malaysia hostel .

BUS & TRAIN TICKETS: Buy your bus or train tickets online in advance using Bookaway .

MARKET TOURS & COOKING CLASSES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Malaysia here on Cookly .

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Malaysia here on Get Your Guide.

MALAYSIA GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Malaysia .

Which of these beautiful places in Malaysia do you want to visit? Do you have any extra recommendations for travellers wondering where to go in Malaysia? Share your best tips in the comments below!

Where to go in Malaysia: Share it on Pinterest

17 comments.

Hai Thanks for sharing the list of places to visit in & around Malaysia it help me as a ready reckoner for me to visit the places. I’m planning to visit the incredible country Malaysia Truly Asia in the coming Yr.2024 Thanks once gain !

So nice of you. Very good explanation and beautiful places you mentioned.

So many great places in Malaysia that I missed. I will just have to go back soon!

Ahhh you and your photos make Malaysia seem absolutely incredible and enticing. I hope one day I can go to every one of these places. It’s hard to pick a top place, though. Maybe Kilim Geoforest park or Gunung Mulu National Park? Thank you for this comprehensive post!

So many amazing places I haven’t visited in Malaysia yet! Can’t wait for travel to open up again and explore some of these places. And maybe even go back to places and take better photos;) I’ll keep this list handy for when I do travel.

After reading your post, I am dying to visit Malaysia. I hope I start travelling soon after everything settles down. I am saving this post for future reference.

Thanks for this comprehensive blog! I’ve had Ipoh on my list for some time now, but I see I need to add sooooo many more places thanks to your blog 🇲🇾Pinning & saving it for future travel inspo.

Thanks Shelley! Ipoh is my favourite place in Malaysia for sure 🙂

Malaysia is such an incredible country! I’ve been twice and there is still so much more for me to explore. Definitely pinning this to reference for my next trip!

All of these spots look so beautiful! Malaysia is next on my Southeast Asia bucket list. I’m definitely keeping this article handy. 🙂

This is such a great post!! I already know that there are so many beautiful places in Malaysia but with this article, I know that I will love this country!

What an awesome list of the best places to visit in Malaysia. I’ve been to Malaysia but I definitely did not see enough. Next time, I’m in Malaysia, I will definitely use this blog!

The most unusual location is the one with the Bavarian-style houses. I had no idea about it!

Thanks for this excellent post!

Thanks Diana! Yes, that’s definitely one of the more out-of-the-box destinations! I love how diverse Malaysia is 🙂

When I backpacked SE Asia, I was only in Malaysia for 2-3 days. This blog post makes me want to go back and spend a whole month there. Thanks for such a comprehensive list!

A month might not even be long enough! There are so many beautiful places in Malaysia; it’s such a diverse country. Definitely worthy of a return visit!

What a cool place! George Town looks really interesting. Thanks for sharing

I’m so bummed I never got to visit Malaysia when I lived in Thailand! It looks amazing and I love how diverse it is! Can’t wait to go back to Southeast Asia and explore all Malaysia has to offer 🙂

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Malaysia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

With a long and fascinating history, Malaysia is home to an intoxicating mix of different cultures and people – this is what makes its cities so fascinating to explore. Buddhist temples, skyscrapers and bustling markets can be found alongside colonial architecture and Malay buildings, while a mesmerizing array of beautiful landscapes border the cities themselves.

With its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and welcoming, friendly people, the best cities in Malaysia are unlike any place you´ve been before.

15. Alor Setar

Known as ‘the rice bowl of Malaysia,’ Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah State, which is full of padi fields and delightful curving hills. The city itself is a bastion of Malay culture and has some interesting galleries to visit, as well as some lovely architecture on show.

Nearby is the stunning Pulau Langkawi, a tropical island with idyllic beaches. This is where most visitors stop by when exploring the state. Part of an archipelago with around hundred islands, it is this contrast of padi fields and beautiful beaches that makes Kedah such a delight to discover.

14. Semporna

A hectic place without any historic or cultural attractions of note, tourists stop by Semporna for one reason only – to get to the nearby Semporna Archipelago. Full of traffic, if visitors do stay in the city for any period of time, they invariably head to a check out the mosque and the distinctive hotels on stilts lining the waterfront.

Although some people do stay in the city´s cheap hotels to save money for a couple more dives, in general, you are much better off simply using Semporna to reach the nearby islands with their divine diving sites.

13. Putrajaya

Lying around thirty kilometers from Kuala Lumpur , Putrajaya is a planned city that hosts the government´s administrative body. Impressive to behold, there are some great monuments and architecture on show here, as well as some fantastic green spaces and parks.

Beautifully illuminated at night, the city is well below its intended population, which makes it a bizarre and slightly unsettling place to visit. Well worth a visit, Putrajaya testifies to Malaysia´s ambition and vision for the future.

12. Sandakan

Looking out over the bay of the same name, Sandakan´s strategic location meant that it was heavily bombed during the Second World War. Despite this, there is a nice waterfront and some quaint colonial buildings and war memorials on offer – though in truth, Sandakan is seldom frequented by tourists. From here you can take a scenic boat ride down the Kinabatangan River, where there is a plethora of wildlife on show, or visit the orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok.

11. Kuantan

The capital of Pahang state, Kuantan´s unattractive sprawl of concrete buildings and lack of cultural or historic attractions means that it often gets overlooked by tourists. However, the second largest port in the country does have a couple of nice points that make it worth exploring, with the oldest part of Kuantan, the Padang, being the highlight.

There are some nice beaches nearby, and people often use Kuantan as a base from which to explore the nearby Gua Charas cave temple, or the royal town at Pekan with its fantastic palace.

10. Johor Bahru

The most southern city in Malaysia lies on the border with Singapore. As such, most people only stop by on their way to the neighboring country. A chaotic, traffic-filled place with poor air quality, in recent years, Johor Bahru has tried to reinvent itself – things are slowly getting better, with more large developments still to come.

A bustling city, it has more than enough museums and cultural attractions to make it worth visiting. It also has some great shopping malls and lively nightlife.

9. Kuala Terengganu

Formerly a tiny fishing village, the discovery of oil transformed the face of the city – skyscrapers now rub shoulders with quaint old buildings. Despite the proliferation of modern developments, Kuala Terengganu is still a charming place, with a particularly lovely Chinatown and some delightful beaches along the coast.

Mostly used as a base to explore the surrounding region’s mesmerizing jungles and beautiful islands, the city has enough to keep visitors entertained for a couple of days.

8. Kota Bharu

Located in the far northeast of the Malaysian peninsula, Kota Bharu is mainly visited by people looking to head on to nearby Thailand or the Perhentian Islands. The city itself, however, is the perfect place to gain an insight into Malay culture, with the interesting and educational Culture Centre being particularly captivating.

With some lovely old architecture on offer, as well as some fantastic Buddhist temples and lively markets, Kota Bharu is a good location from which to explore the delights of Kelantan state.

Fueled by oil money from the petroleum industry, Miri has modernized and expanded into the large city we know today. A modern place full of life, the city has numerous fine restaurants, hotels and bars for visitors to choose from, as well as some shopping malls and bustling markets.

Due to its diverse population, it is possible to try dishes from all around Malaysia and further afield. As it is a major transport hub, many people stop by Miri on their way to other cities in Malaysia.

Despite being the the largest city in Borneo , Kuching is a laid-back, relaxing place to visit, with a lot to see and do. Lying on the banks of the Sarawak River, the city has a charming waterfront promenade and many interesting museums. There are also numerous restaurants, bars and cafes that highlight the multicultural side of Kuching.

Skyscrapers rise as if from amidst the jungle, and it is this, along with its colonial architecture, that makes for such a picturesque setting. A great base for exploring the rest of the island and the nearby national parks, in Kuching you can organize treks into the jungle as well as trips along the coast.

5. Kota Kinabalu

Although Kota Kinabalu may not initially appear very enticing due to its sprawling concrete buildings, once you get to know it, you´ll soon become enamored with all that it has to offer. Located in Borneo, the city looks out over the South China Sea and has a vibrant waterfront and some incredible sunsets.

With malls, markets, fantastic cuisine, and a vibrant arts and music scene, Kota Kinabalu has everything that you could want in a city. With so many sights lying nearby, it´s definitely worth checking out. From here you can hike Mount Kinabalu, go scuba diving off the coast, or visit the spectacular islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

The capital of Perak state, Ipoh lies between Kuala Lumpur and the Thai border, and is a lovely place to stop by. Its old town is pleasant to stroll around, with lots of little shops and cafes dotting its tiny streets. The new part of town has many great restaurants serving up traditional local dishes.

A plethora of impressive temples catering to all religions lie within the city, with the Perak Tong cave temple being the highlight. A nice place to get away from the bustle of larger cities, Ipoh is also a gateway to the nearby Cameron Highlands.

Lying on the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, Malacca (Melaka in Malay) is a unique place to visit due to the British, Dutch and Portuguese all having ruled here at one point. As such, there is a wealth of lovely colonial architecture to explore, with each nation having left its mark in terms of the buildings left behind and the cultural impact that they had.

With a lively night market and a wide range of different cuisines on offer, this charming city is understandably a popular tourist destination in Malaysia.

2. George Town

An eclectic mix of cultures greet you as you wander around George Town´s chaotic streets – this is what makes it so captivating to visit. An attractive place, beautiful mosques and temples can be found scattered about, while skyscrapers and shopping malls compete for space alongside the old colonial architecture and local Malay buildings.

Its narrow streets that take you past little old shrines, bustling cafes and lively bars are fun to get lost in, and there are plenty of great street art murals. With delicious cuisine that is a blend of the various cultural influences readily available, the second largest city in the country is well worth a visit.

1. Kuala Lumpur

With so much to see and do, Malaysia´s massive multicultural metropolitan capital really does have something for everyone. Appearing to be almost endless, the city stretches away to the horizon, with domineering skyscrapers and the Petronas Towers reaching towards the heavens. With its infectious energy and plethora of attractions , wandering around its temples, mosques, shopping malls and busy markets is intoxicating.

Because it is home to a diverse population, Kuala Lumpur´s unique cultural heritage really does shine through. Colonial architecture is on show around Merdeka Square, while fantastic restaurants and cafes are spread throughout other neighborhoods such as Little India and Chinatown.

See also: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Old mixes with new, as this rapidly expanding city continues to grow. While modern developments spring up along the riverbanks, traditional Malay villages in the heart of the city – such as Kampong Bharu – still survive.

Map of cities in Malaysia

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October 27, 2019 at 8:52 pm

HI thanks for featuring my home country. Semporna is not a city, it is a small town actually. You can promote Tawau as a city and it is also the main gateway to Semporna and surrounding islands. There are many thing to explore in Tawau too.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

by Oendrila De updated June 29, 2019, 6:35 pm

Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, is a great combination of history and modernization, and is a great tourist spot. The place is a cultural mixing bowl of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous customs and heritage, and while for most people, the name Malaysia only brings pictures of Kuala Lumpur, there is a lot more to it. Let us take a look at 10 best places to visit in Malaysia.

Best Places to Visit in Malaysia – Top 10 Highlights and Attractions.

1. kuala lumpur.

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a common favourite. Unlike most of the cities in the world, it is more than where the visitor lands and then goes off to other places, because Kuala Lumpur itself offers a lot. The beautiful skyline, adorned by Menara KL Tower and Petronas Tower , is a must-see. The Perdana Lake Gardens is another great sight. Excellent transport system is ready to help explore the city sights. The cuisine is a must-try, what with the mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influence.

2. Malaysian Borneo

In contrast to the bright lights and concrete of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Borneo offers an abundance of green rainforests and wildlife. It is the third largest island in the world and definitely one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. It often goes forgotten by those who stay mesmerized by the mainland. But one must not miss Borneo’s repertoire of natural wonders . Only a short, cheap flight away lies the options of scuba diving in Sabah, caving in Sarawak , and the many other adventures.

3. Selangor

Selangor defines the most developed and populated states of Malaysia, closely following the urban sprawl of Kuala Lumpur. It has the National Zoo of Malaysia and a Formula One racetrack. There are theme parks including indoor snow parks frequented by hordes of travellers. It is a hot shopping zone, and the country’s gambling capital, Gentling Highlands. Contrarily, there are the Batu Caves with Hindu shrines . Along the river in Kuala Selangor, one can see the exotic abundance of fireflies.

4. Langkawi

Langkawi is located off the northwest corner of Malaysia, connected to the mainland by ferries and an aircraft, and tops the list of Malaysia’s island destinations, frequented by both foreigners and Malaysians, especially because of great connectivity and a large tourist infrastructure. It can rightly be called the busiest island of Malaysia, with many tourist attractions , like the country’s largest indoor aquarium, or the Pregnant Maiden Lake, a beautiful body believed to make women fertile.

Penang is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. This big island on the west coast of Malaysia is one that the country is proud of, and for valid reasons. For one, its historic capital city, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what with its landmark homes, fort, temples and museums. Penang offers an excellent spread, including some incredible street food. Some of the best treats and tastes are available at the food joints lining the waterfront esplanade named Gurney Drive.

The Peranakan city of Malacca is locally spelled as Melaka, and is another of the best places to visit in Malaysia. It is, in fact, a must-visit, because visiting Malaysia and missing the rich cultural, historical and colonial sites is too big a loss. The old town is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and never ceases to transcend all expectations. Apart from the historic wealth of the place, there is a level of pleasantness in this city. One can get many options of shopping, too, except on Tuesdays.

7. Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands is like a heaven for budget tourists. Daytime on Perhentian Kecil can be occupied with adventurous activities like snorkelling and diving, while, as the night befalls, parties begin on the beach with fine sand. Perhentian Besar, the larger of the two islands, is a favourite with families and smaller resort crowds, since it offers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the blue waters, away from the crowd. While in July, crowds make it difficult to find accommodation, winters are tranquil.

8. Tioman Island

Tioman Island is set in the east coast of Malaysia, where it is carved into different beaches, and it is unlike most of the other travel destinations of Malaysia. It is not too far away from Singapore , but is minimal in terms of development. Interestingly, the accommodation is great, though available at low costs. The diving activities here, too, are low-priced. While, depending on seasons, ABC Beach stays busy, there are some secluded parts. From speed boat rides to jungle hikes, everything is possible.

9. Taman Negara

‘Taman Negara’ literally translates to ‘national park’ in Malay. The name is appropriate for the oldest national park in Malaysia, and one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. In the thick foliage are waterfalls and some beautiful scenery. One can opt for trekking, rafting, fishing, elephant or bird watching, or taking a walk along the long walkway to catch a glimpse of the life high up on trees. Visitors can stay in Kuala Tahan across the river, and take an inexpensive ride to the park entrance.

10. Cameron Highlands

Malaysian peninsula is not all about the waters, islands, forests, and the tropical climate. The Cameron Highlands are a stretch of green tea plantations with trekking trails meandering through them, volcanoes and chilly temperatures. The nip in the air during the night is particularly noticeable, yet enjoyable. Trekking is one of the key activities in the Cameron Highlands. For the less active ones, there are butterfly gardens, strawberry farms, and flower greenhouses to explore here.

Thus, Malaysia is a perfect fusion of a variety of cultures and different topographies. It is the perfect mix of nature and urbanization. The best places to visit in Malaysia offer many activities to indulge in, parties to attend, religious places of visit, and one can just spread the legs and relax.

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7 Most-visited Tourist Attractions In Malaysia

Malaysia is an attractive Southeast Asian country where offers foreigners a remarkable journey learning about unique Malay cultural and natural diversity. Welcoming influxes of tourists every year, Malaysia is a dynamic hub of Southeast Asia for people of all ages. Two distinct Malaysian peninsulas, with their irresistible highlights ranging from local to international, from cultural to natural heritages, boast about a lot of interesting sites and attractions across the country. Getting to know the most famous places in Malaysia will surely make you a dream travel plan here. And seven Malaysian tourist attractions below are among the most-visited spots that you should not miss:

1. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia's capital as well as the country's biggest trading & cultural centre, is a fantastic city brimming with the timeless beauty ranging from modern skyscrapers, buzzing streets, lively ambience to numerous historical hotspots and unique culinary art. The gorgeous city encapsulates within itself the richness of local delights such as shopping, dining, sightseeing, and delving into the multi-ethnic community of the people here. As the main gateway to Malaysia via the popular eponymous international airport, Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly a must-visit place for any foreign visitor in the country. Most Malaysia tours & packages will start & end at Kuala Lumpur, which made it one of the busiest tourist centres in Malaysia. There’re a lot of iconic landmarks around the city worth visiting from the world-famous Petronas Twin Tower, bustling Chinatown to traditional Chinese and Hindu Temple, magnificent mosques & avenues, etc.

2. Batu Cave

Site of an iconic Hindu temple and a popular tourist attraction, Batu Caves is an unmissable spot for Hindus and visitors alike travelling to Malaysia. Just approximately 10 kilometres to the north of Kuala Lumpur, the site is located in a limestone hill with three main temple caves and some smaller ones, most are full of Hindu statues and paintings. Right at the entrance, you will see the large statue of Lord Murugan, which is also the highest gold-plated statue of Lord Murugan in the world, and the 272 colourful steps up to the Cathedral Cave with some monkeys frolicking around. Batu Caves is also the focal point of Thaipusam, the annual Hindu festival, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world.

3. Cameron Highlands

Endowed with temperate weather and stunning landscape of lush greenery, dense forests, and sprawling tea plantations, Cameron Highlands is an ideal retreat to the north of Kuala Lumpur. Here, you will be deeply immersed in the fresh air and cool breezes, which arouses the interest of unwinding amidst the calmness of nature. Also, Cameron Highlands is commonly known as the home to numerous fresh vegetable farms, butterfly gardens, flower greenhouses, and decent hiking trails weaving through tea plantations and verdant picturesque hills. It comes as no surprise that highlands of Cameron are the favourite stop for visitors during their vacation in Malaysia. Whether you’re seeking a getaway from the busy city life, an excursion for great shots of nature photography, or a vigorous expedition marvelling at the breathtaking views of the vast green hill station, Cameron Highlands is one of the few places in Malaysia could offer you all!

4. Old Towns of Malacca & George (Penang)

Escaping from the modern life of the bigger metropolises, Malacca and George Town in Penang are two historic attractions featuring unique cultural heritage of East-meets-West architecture and multi-ethnic community. Once thriving and busy ports, two towns are the home to numerous colonial buildings, ancient shophouses, and magnificent traditional sites, which showcase their hundreds of years of cultural and trade exchange between the East and the West in the past. Also, Malacca and George Town are famous for tasty cuisine that features the rich blend of multi-culture here. Nowadays, Malacca and George Town's beautiful architectures, various cuisines availability, and the laid-back vibe of old cities enchant many tourists who are seeking an excursion catching a glimpse of Malaysia's unique heritage.  

5. Langkawi 

Dubbed as the Pearl of Kedah state, the archipelago of Langkawi off the northwestern coast of West Malaysia is arguably a famous place of amazing beach vacations. Blessed with notable natural highlights of tropical weather, Langkawi is one of the top island destinations in Malaysia for both locals and foreigners. Langkawi offers a wide variety of travel experiences from sun-sand-sea activities to indoor recreations, from romantic couple offers to exciting natural expeditions. There are a lot of pleasant things to do and see on the lush islands, among of which must-do things here are joining in island-hopping tours, experiencing the cable ride to Mount Machinchang – the finest viewpoint of Langkawi, and make the most of your free time for relaxing on the sandy beaches or entertaining activities at the central areas.

6. Taman Negara National Park

One of the world's oldest rainforests, Taman Negara National Park is an inviting destination for any nature lovers. Spreading a large area of three states including Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu, the park provides the ultimate jungle experience with a wide range of outdoor activities ranging from trekking, canopy walking, hiking, tribe village visiting, to mountain climbing, wildlife observing, fishing, boating, camping, etc. Getting back to nature, taking a deep immersion in the wilderness, and exploring unspoiled beauties of the tropical life's biodiversity, all are awaiting you in Taman Negara National Park.

7. Kota Kinabalu Park

Malaysia’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park is one of the most popular tourist spots on the west coast of Sabah , Malaysian Borneo for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Stretching over an area of 754 square kilometres surrounding Mount Kinabalu with 4 climate zones, this park is a scenic delight of thick rainforest and towering mountains covered in mist, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. If you’re not much for mountain climbing, take your time at the Botanical Gardens where you can see a broad collection of endemic plant species in the region. Alternatively, you can relax in Poring Hot Spring for a soothing sulfur bath or for a little adventure, admire the grandeur of the rainforest along the impressive Canopy Walkway.

Travelling in Malaysia and visiting the most iconic sites here, travellers will get an amazing opportunity to experience the remarkably famous treasures of the country to the wholeness. Due to the prominent highlights, seven attractions above are must-have stops on your Malaysia travel bucket list. If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia , find more options for ideal tours and packages that covering these places available on our website or contact directly to our professional travel insiders of Asia Tours Expert Team.

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Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Malaysia

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm
• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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Top 10 hikes in Malaysia

Feb 25, 2022 • 12 min read

The ascent of rugged Mt Kinabalu is Malaysia's most famous hike © R. M. Nunes/Shutterstock

Hiking in Malaysia is the perfect way to get away from the country’s teeming cities and get close to the sights, sounds and sensations of Southeast Asia’s oldest tropical rainforest. Malaysia's quintessentially tropical sea-meets-jungle terrain is best appreciated from the top of its forest-clad mountains.

The Malaysian peninsula is split in two by the 2183m (7162ft) Titiwangsa Range – the last refuge for the country's elusive population of wild tigers and Asian elephants. This hilly backbone fractures into dozens of lesser hills and peaks spilling all the way to the jungle-backed coastline, where more foliage-clad islands await.

Across the South China Sea in the Malaysian part of Borneo, more mountain ranges and limestone massifs soar above the verdant rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak , offering still more chances to get off the beaten track and test your limits.

Ready for some sweaty tropical workouts? Then lace up your hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget to pack a pair of leech socks... Here are the 10 best hikes in Malaysia.  

Mt Kinabalu, Sabah

Best high-altitude multi-day hike.

8.5km (5.25 miles), 2 days, easy to moderate

Rising like a pointy fang from the jungles of northern Borneo, Mt Kinabalu is Malaysia’s highest peak, and it's a sacred site for the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people of Sabah. The clouds that seem to perennially shroud its 4095m (13,435ft) summit – known since colonial times as Low's Peak – are believed to be formed from the resting souls of their ancestors.

Getting to the top of Low’s Peak is a physically challenging but relatively straightforward climb starting from the Timphoon Gate, beyond the flower-studded park that covers the lower slopes of the mountain. The trail winds up through mossy forests draped with orchids and clumps of pitcher plants and colorful stands of rhododendrons up to 3000m (9843ft), where hikers spend the night at one of several rest houses. 

The final push for the summit involves a 2am start, timed to deliver hikers to Mt Kinabalu’s barren, wave-like tip as the sunrise explodes in myriad shades of purple above a quintessentially Malaysian awan karpet (carpet of clouds). 

Penang Hill, George Town

Best urban hike.

5.8km (3.6 miles) round trip, 4–6 hours, moderate

Mention Penang , and most will think of the street art, hip cafes and colonial architecture of its capital George Town , not the forested hills stretching from the town limits to the northwestern corner of the island. This natural wonderland covers 12,481 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, but most visitors see just the small section around Penang Hill – colonial Malaya’s first hill station, famed for its views over the Straits Sea and the Malaysian mainland.

Since 2021, this expanse of forest has been protected as Malaysia's third Unesco Biosphere Reserve. The most popular way to reach the 830m (2723ft) summit is on one of the world’s steepest funicular railways, but we recommend taking the scenic route via the tangle of interconnected jungle trails that snake their way up the hill from Penang Botanical Gardens . You can also start the hike from Penang City Park (aka Youth Park), or from Moongate, a circular Chinese gateway that was once the gateway to a millionaire’s estate.

The most straightforward route is the Heritage Trail, a knee-grinding staircase ascent that follows the steep tracks of the funicular railway, but it's more rewarding to take more circuitous jungle trails. There's a good chance of encounters with endangered and endemic flying lemurs, dusky leaf monkeys, hooting macaques and a staggering 144 different types of orchids.

If you have the time and stamina, after reaching the top of Penang Hill, you can continue for a further five hours through dense dipterocarp forest to the top of 725m (2378ft) Laksamana Hill, Penang’s second-highest peak. Wind up by descending to the beaches at Teluk Bahang for a well-deserved rest, before taking the Rapid Penang bus back to George Town.   

Bukit Beruang, Melaka

Best easy day hike.

5km (3.1 miles) round trip, 2–3 hours, easy to moderate Rising above the Portuguese churches, Chinese shrines and river-facing guesthouses of former Dutch enclave, Melaka , Bukit Beruang (Bear Hill) doesn't seem like a tough hike. The summit is just 116m (381ft) above sea level. But it all depends on which of the three trails to the summit you take. For the easy option, walk up via the 2.5km (1.5 mile) paved road to the telecommunications tower that dominates the hilltop.

If you want something more fun, two sweatier and more inspiring trails climb through thick walls of forest on the other side of the hill. Pick up these well-marked paths in either Taman Bunga Raya or Taman Muzzaffar Height. However you reach the top, proceed from the tower to the nearby lookout point known as "Eye on Melaka," where the historic streets loom into view.  

Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill)

Best hill station hike.

20km (12 miles) round trip, 10 hours, moderate

Malaysia’s second-oldest hill station opened in 1884 at the top of 1250m (4101ft) Bukit Larut, also known as Maxwell Hill. This steep range of viridian hills stands like a protective fan above the exquisite lake town of Taiping . The route to the top of Bukit Larut wasn’t a very attractive affair until the end of 2021, when the organizing committee responsible for the yearly Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival opened three new summit paths through the jungle, as an alternative to the paved road used by jeeps.

These trails snake from the base of the mountain to the Box, one of the old colonial bungalows that pepper the atmospheric mist-covered summit of the hill, and the skeletal Telecom Tower that dominates the far side of the ridge. To make the climb, you'll need a RM10 (US$2.40) permit and a mandatory guide (RM15/US$3.60).

At 350m (1148ft), take a stop at the sloshing Ranting Waterfall before making a steep ascent through ancient dipterocarp forests that thicken as the trail climbs into the clouds. Beware of the leeches, and don’t forget to carry a raincoat, as bouts of heavy rain are almost daily occurrences in Taiping. The bungalows on the top are open for group stays, or you can camp (RM20/US$4.80) near the waterfall or at the bottom of the hill.

Gunung Tahan, Taman Negara National Park

Best multi-day jungle trek.

55km (34 miles) round trip, 6 to 7 days, hard

The best – and toughest – way to explore the rainforest wonderland that is Taman Negara is to cross it on foot, via the 2187m (7175ft) summit of Gunung Tahan , the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. Ringed by the world’s most ancient rainforest, this is serious wildlife-spotting country, and you'll need a guide to escort you (RM1200/US$287 for up to seven days), plus camping equipment and enough food supplies to last for a week.

The best way to tackle this adventure through elephant, tiger and tapir territory is to enter and exit from Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara’s main entry point. Alternatively, you can come in and out via Sungai Relau, the national park’s northwestern entrance near the town of Merapoh. Shorter and easier four-day, three-night treks that combine a jeep ride and a hike to Gunung Tahan’s summit also start and end here.

Broga Hill, Kuala Lumpur

Best hike near kuala lumpur.

3.4km (2.11 miles) round trip, 90 minutes, easy

The quaint village of Broga, near Semenyih, has a 400m (1312ft) hill that attracts a steady stream of enthusiastic hikers from Kuala Lumpur . It only takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the treeless hilltop with its undulating sea of lalang grass, but the climb is steep in places and the walk will get your heart pumping.

There are stunning views over the Kuala Lumpur skyline and the surrounding Klang valley from the grassy plateau, but the place can get packed, especially on weekends. It’s best to climb on a weekday and at sunrise to beat the crowds. Aim to start by 6:30am to catch the sunrise at around 7:15am. If you have any energy left, a path leads from the summit to 675m (2215ft) Gunung Tok Wan, a more challenging hike through jungle scenery (but without the valley views).

The Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park

Best adventure hike.

4.8 km (2.9 miles) round trip, 4–5 hours, hard

Tucked into the densely-forested interior of northern Sarawak, the giant caves and turbid streams of Gunung Mulu National Park thoroughly deserve their status as a Unesco World Heritage Site . One of the highlights of a visit to this stunning reserve is the tough hike up 1750m (5740ft) Gunung Api to marvel at the Pinnacles – a series of razor-sharp limestone outcrops that look like petrified flames, some rising 50m (164ft) from the jungle floor.

The first stage involves a 9km (5.6 mile) slog through a dense, flat area of dipterocarp forest to reach Camp 5. From this basic riverside shelter, the hike proper will start the next day at the crack of dawn. Hikers who fail to reach the upper slopes quickly enough may be turned back by guides, as they're not considered fit enough to carry on with the extreme final climb to the Pinnacles viewpoint at 1200m (3937ft). The vertigo-inducing final stretch, via a series of impossibly-perched metallic staircases, will test your calves and your nerves.

Panorama Hill, Pahang

Best hike for sunrise views.

4.8km (3 miles) round trip, 1–2 hours, easy

The Sungai Lembing river is a well-known destination for eco-tourism in southeastern Pahang state , and Panorama Hill is its main drawcard. One of the main reasons people flock to this 271m (889ft) viewpoint is its perfect location – the summit is only 150m (492ft) away from the main road, via a well-manned flight of stairs that can be climbed in just half an hour.

To beat the crowds, start hiking as early as 6am to reach the ridge summit by 7am, as the sunrise paints the clouds in tones of purple before the mists dissolve to reveal the Sungai Lembing valley and the karst outcrop containing the Buddhist Charas cave .

Batu Punggol

Best offbeat hike.

244m (800ft) round trip, 2 hours, hard

Sacred to the Murut people of southwestern Sabah, this rocky outcrop is not for acrophobics. Batu Punggol is only accessible by a canoe ride along a jungle river, followed by a strenuous hike through untamed rainforest to reach the base of the crag. The reason for coming here is to attempt the scary, two-hour ascent of this lonesome limestone pinnacle, which sticks up like a rocky thumb above a carpet of hooting jungle.

Batu Punggol is best reached from the Orou Sapulot ecotourism project with the help of local guides, who can steer you up the tricky last stretch of this almost vertical ascent over bare, sharp rocks. It’s certainly a testing workout, but the views from the top stretch as far as Kalimantan in Indonesia and are well worth the adrenaline and sweat it takes to reach the top.

Tawau Hills Park

Best hike for wildlife-spotting.

26km (16 miles) round trip, two days and one night, easy to moderate

Offbeat Tawau , Sabah's southern frontier city, has grown in status as a hub for natural adventures and wildlife-spotting in recent years. The climb to the volcanic summit of 1240m (4068ft) Mt Lucia starts right from the headquarters of Tawau Hills Park , and you'll see rare hornbills, supersized jungle insects and Bornean frogs along the trails.

Reaching the top of Mt Lucia involves a day-long slog up a well-marked trail, following a forested mountain ridge strewn with large trees. At the summit, hikers can stay overnight with local park rangers in a rustic but comfortable chalet that's a great base for night hikes. Look out for Malay civets, Sambar deer and other night critters.

You may be stirred from your slumbers by the whoop of a gibbon, or the echoing coo of the rare helmeted hornbill, before you make a call on whether to return to the park headquarters or stay longer and continue hiking for another 4km (2.5 miles) to reach 1310m (4298ft) Mt Magdalena.

Tips for hiking in Malaysia

When it comes to the rainforest, you don’t play play (mess around), as they say in these parts. Never set out on a hike without letting someone know where you are going – you really don't want to get lost with nobody looking for you. Even better, hire a guide - they're recommended for a reason, especially in Borneo.

Here are some more essential tips.

• Always carry plenty of drinking water (or a water filter to purify water as you go). More popular trails may have rest stops for hikers where you can find water, but carry plenty of your own just in case.
• Trails are generally maintained by locals rather than by the authorities, so don’t expect clear signage and comprehensive facilities. Make sure you are clear on the route before you set off, or take a local guide.
• Always carry a fully charged smartphone (and ideally a backup power bank) and load it with offline GPS applications such as Maps.me , Gaia GPS or Relive , which all have excellent mapping covering the most popular trails in Malaysia.
• Never set off on your own. At ground level, the jungle looks like a wall of continuous green and it's very easy to miss a turn and get lost. Plenty of local hikers head out to the trails on any given day, and there are several Facebook hiking groups where you can find friendly trail mates.

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The 10 Best Places to Visit in 2024

T O BORROW from the poet Mary Oliver, what will you do with your few wild and precious vacation days? Now’s the time for figuring that out—and after looking at the latest travel trends, notable openings and immersive itineraries, we’ve got ideas. On this list of the 10 places we’re most excited about visiting this year, you’ll find spots still refreshingly free of tourist crowds but also new reasons to love the blockbuster destinations you thought you already knew. Whatever your preferred style of travel—from island-hopping by canoe in the Land of 10,000 Lakes to following your stomach around one of South America’s most exciting culinary hubs—we’re confident something here will unlock an urge to pack up and go.

The pandemic might have brought Belmond’s swanky Eastern & Oriental Express train to a temporary halt, but the luxury travel company used the downtime to refresh the train’s wood-paneled cabins with wickerwork and Malaysian embroidery, and brought Taiwanese chef André Chiang on board to steer restaurants that will feature a fusion of Southeast Asian cuisines. The train’s new routes, which launch in February, spotlight Malaysia’s wildly diverse landscapes. Excursions include Vespa tours around historic George Town, beach breaks on jungle-cloaked Langkawi island and treks in the rainforests of Taman Negara to spot hornbills, tapirs, and—for the very lucky—Malayan tigers. Fresh hotel openings in Kuala Lumpur, a food-mad city that just launched its first Michelin guide, make for an excellent excuse to linger before heading to the train station. Homegrown brand Else Retreats opened its first boutique hotel in the 1930s Lee Rubber Building in Chinatown, and the Park Hyatt will soon take over the top floors of Merdeka 118, the second-tallest tower in the world.

Lamu, Kenya

Kenya’s wildlife-rich safari parks remain its main draw, but new developments in Lamu, a palm-tufted island just off the country’s northeastern coast, offer sunseekers a pleasingly culture-packed and hushed alternative to the big-ticket resorts of Mombasa and Zanzibar. Global highfliers weathered the pandemic in the whitewashed luxury villas of Lamu’s ritzy Shela village, but the new Jannah Lamu, a scattered collection of suites by Kenya-raised designer Anna Trzebinski, makes the cobblestoned Old Town, East Africa’s oldest Swahili settlement, newly enticing. The recently launched NaiSabah, a traditional Omani dhow boat with three staterooms and a breezy deck decorated with intricate woodwork, offers multi-night itineraries around the Lamu archipelago, promising days packed with beach picnics, diving expeditions and nature walks. Finally, the Lamu Museum, which reopened last October after a year-long refurbishment, delivers a dose of cultural and historical context to this fascinating one-time trading hub—and a welcome respite from all that sunshine.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

The “Black Summer” bush fires of 2019-2020 destroyed half of its wildlife habitat, but in the years since, Kangaroo Island—9 miles off Australia’s southern coast—has bounced back. Nicknamed Australia’s Galápagos, this 1,700-square-mile speck of land is once again one of the best places to encounter wild koalas and kangaroos, along with penguins, whales, platypuses and wallabies. Two new lodges come staffed with seasoned guides who take the guesswork out of finding these creatures. Sea Dragon, a boutique hotel planted atop 250 acres of sea-facing land, reopened in 2023 with stargazing and bird-watching walks as well as new safari-style expeditions. Southern Ocean Lodge, which burned down entirely, reopened in December in a lair-like seacliff aerie, offering sunrise run-ins with wild sea lions and sunset sessions fueled by local wines and forest truffles. New trails on the island include a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk to the aptly named seaside granite formations of Remarkable Rocks and the first sections of the planned 23-mile-long Dudley Peninsula Trail, beginning at the historic Cape Willoughby Lighthouse.

Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, has long drawn in-the-know visitors from mainland Asia. But lately a supersize dose of new tourism projects has made its night markets, temples and onsen (hot springs) more widely accessible. Last year saw the opening of Hoshino Resorts’ budget-friendly OMO5 in the buzzy city of Kumamoto, as well as the glass-wrapped Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka. This year, Hotel Indigo Nagasaki opens in a former orphanage for atomic bomb survivors, and indie upstart Takasaki Stay allows for more-comfortable visits to the nearby, laid-back Goto Islands. Kyushu’s Tourism Organization also launches four new itineraries focusing on local cuisine, ceramics and nature. Densha otaku (train geeks) will celebrate a new 5-hour sightseeing route launching in spring and serving seasonal bento boxes alongside views of the hissing volcanoes and rocky coastlines between Fukuoka’s Hakata Station and Beppu, Japan’s seaside onsen hub.

Kansas City, Mo.

Given the zeitgeist, it would be understandable to think Kansas City made this list because of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. But the city was set to deliver the goods long before it became a fixture of gossip columns. CPKC Stadium, one of the few soccer stadiums in the world built for a top-division women’s team, the Kansas City Current, will open in March, doubling as a venue for concerts, festivals and farmers markets. In other athletic firsts, KC will host pickleball’s inaugural PickleCon in August, with 100 courts devoted to the unstoppable sporting fad. Rock Island Bridge, a waterfront highline, will soon connect Kansas and Missouri with a string of bars and cafes. The outdoors-oriented will also be able to canoe or kayak in the Kansas River below. Pennway Point, a downtown entertainment district opening this spring, will feature a beer garden, a BBQ joint, live music and a Ferris wheel. Those looking for the city’s famous smoked meat and jazz can rest easy that even under the celebrity spotlight, the soul of the city remains intact.

Prague, Czech Republic

“Prague never lets you go. This dear little mother has sharp claws,” wrote Franz Kafka. And, judging by the tourist numbers, those claws have reach. This year ushers in a new reason, however, to visit the much-loved city. Kafka’s hometown is marking the 100th anniversary of the Czech-born, German-speaking Jewish writer’s death with events across the city. Beginning in March, Prague City Tourism will offer literary walking tours, and a vintage tram will carry bibliophiles to sites where the author lived and worked. In May, the Museum of Czech Literature unveils a new exhibition featuring multimedia installations, letters written by the author and early editions of his books. All summer, the Jewish Museum will host Kafka-focused film screenings in Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish quarter, while a mobile app called “Searching for Odradek,” a reference to a Kafka protagonist, will help re-create the Prague Kafka knew. Finally, the Goethe-Institut, a German cultural center, will be putting on a string of readings and theatrical productions. And when the Kafkaesque existential dread gets to be too much, the city’s legendary pubs await.

Quintana Roo, Mexico

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula may be dismissed by some as a haven for spring breakers, but this year brings proof that there’s much more to the state of Quintana Roo than all-inclusive resorts. SHA Wellness Clinic, known for specialized longevity treatments, opens a branch this month in the town of Costa Mujeres. Architect Fabiano Continanza designed the slopes and spirals of the retreat’s building as a nod to the shape of the DNA molecule. An hour south, the Riviera Maya Edition hotel at Kanai just opened in a 620-acre nature reserve, its neutral-hued décor suggesting a sense of urban cool teleported deep into the jungle. Last month’s ribbon-cutting of a new airport in Tulum adds more fuel to that town’s decadeslong boom, but its quiet side still thrives at new boutique sites like XELA Tulum, a once-private villa renovated into a minimalist hotel. Near the border with Belize sits Bacalar, a diminutive town hugging a 26-mile-long translucent lagoon. Big chains like Banyan Tree have announced plans to move in soon, so get there before they do and check in to the new Boca de Agua hotel, crafted by Frida Escobedo, who was recently tapped to design a forthcoming contemporary art wing at New York’s MoMA.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

In Buenos Aires, an often-lauded culinary scene is shining brighter than ever. The neighborhood of Belgrano presents a handy introduction to two core elements of daily life in Argentina: fútbol and meat. After a match at El Monumental, South America’s largest stadium, dine at Corte Comedor’s modern parrilla (or grill) with hard-to-find cuts of beef, succulent veggies and charcuterie from sister spot Corte Charcuteria. In the art-gallery-packed neighborhood of Villa Crespo, head to Chuí, which offers a surprisingly varied plant-based menu, or Julia, a 22-seater specializing in colorful French-leaning fare. In Chacarita, try the newcomer Ácido, which takes inspiration for its menu—plus its delightfully kitschy china—from grandmothers everywhere. At MN Santa Inés, in the low-key barrio of La Paternal, chef Jazmín Marturet plays with recipes developed during trips to Asia and Latin America. And for travelers who follow the stars, the grand finale awaits at the art-on-a-plate adventure on offer at Aramburu, granted two Michelin stars in November. Buen provecho.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minn.

You can still drink straight from many of the 1,200 lakes in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, the million-acre liquid maze just shy of the Canadian border. Often navigated via multiday canoe camping trips, this boreal wilderness grants its 250,000 annual visitors time on solid ground, too, in rustic lodges and on extensive island hiking trails. With mining interests eyeing the region, every tourist visit this year plays a pivotal role in the area’s conservation. Start yours with a drive along the Gunflint Trail, a 57-mile national scenic byway leading to the Boundary Waters. At midpoint, grab a cardamom roll from Loon’s Nest Coffee, opened in the fall of 2023, before joining a guided paddle with one of the many locally run outfitters. Come nightfall, check in to the freshly updated Gunflint Lodge, or upgrade your campsite with a mobile sauna delivered to your patch of woods by spa operators Sisu + Löyly. In the morning, wake up with the loons—and dunk your cup straight into the deep-blue water to hydrate.

Balearic Islands, Spain

Spain’s Balearic Islands are ditching their dance-all-night rep for something more Zen. Think fewer foam parties, more meditation circles. Ibiza, once synonymous with shot-slinging nights, now appeals to mindfulness mavens, a metamorphosis on full display at the Mirador de Dalt Vila, a Relais & Châteaux hotel aimed squarely at relaxers, not ravers. In Mallorca, Richard Branson’s new Son Bunyola hotel ditches the island’s DJ parties in favor of scenic cycling and languorous afternoons in the 92-foot-long pool. Rafael Nadal’s ZEL hotel beckons with a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Basque fare and a pro-approved gym. On the island of Minorca, protected status keeps a short leash on development, so newcomers focus on renewing existing properties rather than bulldozing and building. Take the island’s latest outpost, Son Vell, an 18th-century Venetian-style manor turned into a 34-room hotel featuring yoga classes, al fresco movie screenings and, best of all, not a thumping bass line within earshot.

Contributors: Kiera Carter (Kansas City), David Farley (Prague), Adam H. Graham (Kangaroo Island and Kyushu), Jacqueline Kehoe (Boundary Waters), Jordi-Lippe-McGraw (Balearic Islands), Suchi Rudra (Buenos Aires), Chris Schalkx (Malaysia and Lamu) and Michaela Trimble (Quintana Roo)

Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
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Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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