Places to Visit in Malaysia

Located on the west coast of Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain peak in Malaysia, standing at a whopping height of 4101 meters. This humongous mountain is abundant in the different species of flora and fauna at various altitudes. It is renowned for its biodiversity of plants that serve as a vast array of natural habitats for animals to thrive. The fantastic views and the thrill urges visitors to go trekking on this mountain. 

Skytrail Jungle Trekking provides a one-of-a-kind experience of going up Gunung Machinchang, Malaysia's oldest mountain range and home to one of the world's most ancient rainforests. The 45-minute hike allows you to see Langkawi's magnificent rainforest with an expert guide and take an exciting cable car ride. Once on the top, you can catch spectacular panoramic views of the rainforest, Andaman sea, and the whole Langkawi island, worth cherishing forever.

Beat the heat of Kuala Lumpur and hop in for an extraordinary experience at the magical theme park of Sunway Lagoon. With six different zones featuring thrilling bungee jumping rides to classic turbulence water slides, you are in for a treat. Experience the best of 5D cinematic movies at the waterpark and tune in for a gripping slingshot ride at x park lagoon. 

KL Forest Eco Park is the only natural rainforest situated in Kuala Lumpur. Formerly it was known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, and it was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1906. It is one of the oldest forests in Malaysia. To visit the KL Eco park, you need not pay any entrance fee; however, you need to be careful of the weather, broker trails, and dangerous animals like scorpions, bee snakes, etc.

Bukit Bintang is the shopping and entertainment hub of Kuala Lumpur that is known for luxurious hotels, plush malls and dynamic bars pulsating high-spirited energy in the streets. Bukit Bintang is an upscale neighbourhood that houses popular landmarks like Berjaya Times Square Theme Park and Menara KL Tower. The streets are flanked by food stalls serving delicious street food and flea markets featuring low-priced apparels.

Pavilion Kl is a sparkling clean, airy shopping mall featuring various upmarket brands on different floors. The mall is exquisitely decorated for multiple occasions throughout the year. If you want your shopping experience to be sterile, the mall is for you—the main attraction is Tokyo Street, where small Japanese-themed storefronts and eateries can be seen. Also, if you are coffee lover, you can grab an excellent coffee from a famous coffee shop at the mall.

The Tanjung Aru Beach is spread on the west coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. It is located close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. With a 1.3 mile stretch of the silky golden beach glistening under the sun, this beach has been successful in capturing the heart of its every visitor. People visit this beach to sight the most iconic sunsets and posing for sunset selfies. The tranquil aura of this place helps one relax in the most beautiful setting of nature here. 

The Tanjung Aru Beach is subdivided into four areas namely First beach, Prince Philip Park, Second Beach and the Third beach. One can see the beach originating in the northernmost point from the entry here and then turning in the southward direction. The whole area is renowned as the First Beach. This place is an abode to the best beach sports activities, hawker stalls serving lip-smacking Malaysian food and exquisite hotels. The first beach resides almost everything that a visitor seeks in a vacation and hence it is the most popular spot of the Tanjung Aru beach.

As the first beach ends, Prince Philip Park marks its way from there. This park is a popular picnic spot and was built in the 1960s. The beautiful fauna like oriental pied hornbills and blue naped parrots residing at this park are picture perfect midst lush aura.

After the prince philip park, the second and third beach can be sighted extending till the airport. One can enjoy fishing, sports activities and Tai Chi hero. Most of the locals can be seen here spending quality time. These beaches are not very popular among the tourists and thus are less crowded than the first beach.

Also Explore: Kuala Lumpur Tourist Spots

Suria KLCC is one of the notable Malaysian landmarks and one of the top fashion destinations, with over 300 worldwide and local labels and unique businesses. The Petronas Art Gallery, Aquaria KLCC, and Petrosains, a science discovery centre, are all located within this premium shopping complex.

Aquaria KLCC is the largest oceanarium in Malaysia that houses over 5000 creatures of the marine kingdom. It is a state-of-the-art aquarium with a 90-metre long underwater walkway featuring a clear-glass tunnel through which visitors can get a close look at the sea creatures. There are eight unique exhibit zones where you can closely interact with the aquatic animals and learn all about life under the ocean.

Batu Caves is a prominent heritage site that encloses a series of limestone caves and cave temples. Sri Subramanian Swamy Temple, guarded by the tall and majestic Lord Murugan Statue at the foot of the cave, is regarded as sacred and frequented by devotees from all over the world. The Ramayana Cave that depicts the story of the epic is another splendid attraction at Batu Caves.

The Menara Kuala Lumpur is a communications tower built right in the heart of the city, very close to the famed Petronas towers. It is one of the most recognisable structures of the entire city and is also considered to be a building of cultural importance. The tower, being a part of the World Federation of Great Towers, is often used by various organisations for their broadcasting requirements.

Besides the awe-worthy spectacle of the tower being used for Falak observation, the tower has over time also become a venue for interesting and amusing events. A race is organised here annually, where participants compete in a bid to reach the top of the stairs before anyone else. It is also used to observe the moon to declare the month of Ramadan.

As the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world, it is visible from a majority of locations around the city. It stands at the height of 421 meters and offers the most splendid of the entire city. The original design of this tower represented the human journey for achieving perfection in life.

The architecture of the tower represents Islamic architectural heritage. With amazing restaurants, interesting entertainment centres and a great view, this tower should be a must-visit on your bucket list!

Also Checkout and Book: KL Tower Tickets (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

Tanjung Rhu Beach is one of the clearest and cleanest beaches in the entire country of Malaysia. This beautiful beach has white sands with emerald blue waters, rightfully owning its title as one of the cleanest beaches of the Langkawi island chain. Away from much commercialization, this beach is a home for relaxation and light-hearted activities. Frequently used as a place for picnics and staycations, Tunjung Rhu Beach is also known as the Bird watcher’s paradise possessing 20 different species.

KLCC Park is an urban park in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre designed to add some greenery and beautify the surrounding areas including the Petronas Tower and Suria Shopping Complex. The artificial lake, Lake Symphony, and the huge As Syakirin Mosque are the most notable attractions at KLCC Park. The jogging track, children’s playground and water fountain are other features that attract the residents nearby.

Langkawi Islands in Malaysia is a group of 104 islands whose visibility is subject to high and low tides. These islands are known as the “Jewel of Kedah” owing to their lush green beauty presented in the emerald waters. A boat ride to the Langkawi islands includes beautiful sightseeing of the islands and visiting craft villages, museums, aquariums, and many more attractive places. These islands are a hub for water activities such as paragliding, cable car ride, snorkeling, swimming, banana boat ride, water skiing, etc. 

The Malaysian country has well preserved the Hindu tradition and the best of its cultures and traditions can be seen at the incredibly beautiful Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, this temple has a fine and aesthetic architecture, a staggering Gopuram representing the South Indian temple architecture and more. Offer your prayers at this temple and take home splendid memories from your Malaysian excursion.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which is located inside the historically significant Merdeka Square, is undoubtedly a sanctuary for historians and architectural enthusiasts. It is a building that is solely dedicated to the Sultan of Selangor. It now houses Malaysia's Ministry of Information, Communications, and Culture.

Nestled in the Perdana Botanical Gardens, the KL Bird Park is a sanctuary for all bird lovers and bird watchers and has a tropical setting that serves as a gorgeous backdrop. It is the home to over 3000 kinds of animals and migratory birds and hence attracts the numerous bird watchers, both novice and expert, into its premises.

Looking for a subtle Kuala Lumpur Chinatown nightlife experience? Head from the main road (Jalan Petaling) to the narrow side and get to the Petaling Street Night Market. The thriving street market with the stalls cluttered close to one another stock everything from the Hello Kitty watches to fake-label Gucci clutches. To get your stuff at the best price, you can stroll along doing ‘window-shopping’ first and then return back to the stall that gives you the best price. All the prices quoted by the seller are usually marked up by approx 50%.

Gunung Mulu National Park is a beautiful national park situated in Sarawak that comprises caves and karst formations in the setting of the mountainous equatorial rainforest. This national park is highly renowned for its impressive collection of caves and rich dense rainforests. It is also home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, thereby offering a perfect escapade from the humdrum of city life close to the lap of nature.

Endau Rompin National Park is a beautiful place in Malaysia that houses the second-highest mountain peak in the country. This national park is an abundance of natural wonders that will surprise you with its magnificence. While the waterfalls, rivers, and pools line the premises of the park, you can stroll along the ancient landscape or go for some delightful hiking.

Also known as Taman Negara Pulau Pinang by the local people, Penang National Park is located at the north-western tip of Penang Island and is the first protected area that is legally gazetted under Malaysia’s National Park Act of 1980. This national park features a seasonal meromictic lake, mangrove forests, lovely pristine beaches, and lowland dipterocarp forests. You will also find a plethora of flora and fauna in the park that will leave you astonished with its remarkable beauty. 

A dream destination for all the wildlife and nature lovers, Kinabalu Park, encompasses around 5000 plant species and over 90 mammal species. The gigantic Mount Kinabalu range forms the major highlight of this park. This heritage park, which is also the starting point of Kinabalu trek, is conveniently located at an altitude of 1585 metres. If you want to add a dash of adventure into your trip, engage in activities like birding, mountain biking, golf, and farm tours. You can also capture the beauty of this place in your camera as a memento your way back home.

Located on the west coast of Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain peak in Malaysia, standing at a whopping height of 4101 meters. This humongous mountain is abundant in the different species of flora and fauna at various altitudes. It is renowned for its biodiversity of plants that serve as a vast array of natural habitats for animals to thrive. The fantastic views and the thrill urges visitors to go trekking on this mountain. 

Located on the Penang Island of Malaysia, this hill is a group of hills. Penang hill is the highest peak with its western hill at 833 meters above sea level. The highest peak is accessible by Penang Railway Station and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Malaysia. The lush rainforests of the hill are one of the main attractions dating back to 130 million years in the past, older than Amazon rainforests. This beautiful hill is listed in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve (WNBR).

Entopia Penang is one of Malaysia’s largest butterfly farms and is home to more than 15,000 butterflies that can fly freely inside the park premises. Entopia is also home to more than 200 species of flora and over 150 species of fauna. Apart from butterflies, the other resident species include insects and creepy crawlies. Visitors get to learn more about nature and its smallest creatures at the interactive edu-stations situated amidst the recreated natural habitats of numerous species.

Splash Out Langkawi is the very first water park on the famed island of Langkawi and is located about 20 minutes from the island's airport in Kuah Town. The park's 12 thrilling rides and attractions cover 12 acres and promise an experience unlike any other. 

Regarded as one of the oldest national parks in Malaysia, Bako National Park is home to several beaches, cliffs, and rock formations. Enveloping the peninsula of Muara Tebas, the park highlights exceptional wildlife, like proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, and squirrels. The scenic coastlines and bays at the Bako National Park also provide a unique combination of the forest by the beach.

Underwater World Langkawi, one of Malaysia's largest aquariums, is a magnificent destination to see more than 4000 different species of aquatic animals up close. It educates visitors about the importance of marine life through themed zones such as Freshwater, Tropical Rainforest, Sub-Antarctic, and Temperate. From witnessing exotic aquatic life in a 15-meter-long tunnel to touching and feeding sea creatures, every experience at the aquarium is exhilarating.

The Genting Cable Car is one of the most prominent highlights of Malaysia’s blend of the ultra-modern and nature, the Genting Highlands. The aerial gondola ride connects Awana SkyWay, which lies mid-slope, to the SkyAvenue Station at the peak, with an optional stop at Chin Swee Station. Witness an enthralling 360-degree view of the lush rainforest as you breathe in the fresh mountain air and rise to a height of more than 600 metres in ten minutes.

Breakout Malaysia is a unique experience of stimulating your brain in different spine-chilling game rooms based on real-life scenarios. At this place, you and your friends will make a perfect escape plan together by solving riddles and bringing out the instincts of a detective that lies within you. The experience in Breakout Malaysia improves teamwork and advances problem-solving skills.

Serving as the largest chain of water parks in Malaysia, the Wet World Shah Alam Water Park is a promising park that provides fun times for all groups of people. It offers a perfect escapade for adventure seekers and water activity enthusiasts with around eight different rides and attractions. You can spend a wonderful time with your family at the water park or relish the delectable dishes that are being served inside the park.

The Lost World of Tambun is an exhilarating, family-friendly multi-themed adventure park set amidst a lush tropical jungle, hot springs, and a 400-million-year-old stunning limestone hill. It includes seven fantastic adventure parks, making it a one-stop location for fun, adventure, and relaxation for tourists of all ages. Experience entertaining water park attractions, restorative hot springs, thrilling animal encounters, and more in the park, boasting something for everyone, day or night!

Dataran Merdeka, also known as Merdeka Square, is a place of historical significance in Kuala Lumpur in which the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in 1957. Currently, it is rejoiced as a picnic spot and all the visitors, kids and adults alike, have a great time unwinding here and playing in the large playground.

As the name indicates, this theme park is filled with various rides and attractions, all constructed out of Lego Bricks. It is the first international theme park in Malaysia and attracts thousands of tourists of all age groups year after year.

The majestic, National Mosque of Malaysia is also referred to as the Masjid Negara. Built in 1965, it was constructed to mark the celebration of the Malaysia’s independence. Being, one of the South East Asia’s largest mosque, it can accommodate about 15,000 people. The key features of the mosque include a 73-metre-high minaret and a 16-pointed star concrete main roof. Even Non Muslims are welcomed to visit this beauty outside of the prayer time. 

Changkat Bukit Bintang or commonly called the times square of Kuala Lumpur, is a heavenly one stop destination for all party animals and clubbing lovers. This street avenue has an active night light, and its plethora of bars and restaurants and popular clubs will make you come back for more.

I-City Theme Park is an extravagant amusement park in the urban hub of I-City at Shah Alam in Selangor. The theme park is divided into five different attraction zones, each of which features fun-filled rides and entertainment activities. In addition to these rides and games, there are also many food stalls and restaurants serving flavourful food. 

Situated atop a hill, Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest place to visit in Sabah. If you are looking for a place to spend 1-2 hours peacefully, this is a perfect spot. Atkinson is a square-shaped structure with a height of 50 feet. Though there is nothing special about the area around the clock, as soon as you walk up the stairs, you will be stunned by the valley view.

Pantai Kok Beach is a home to some of the most high end and upscale resorts such as the Sheraton and Tanjung Sanctuary. Beautiful with clear waters and clean sands it is definitely a great tourist attraction. It is peaceful and calm, making it a popular spot for young couples.

KidZania Kuala Lumpur is a 'miniature town' that gives kids a unique and imaginative opportunities to explore the career they've always wanted or to walk in their parents' shoes. Your kid will be thrilled to dress up as a chef, a firefighter, a nurse, a doctor, a scientist, or anything else they want to be when they reach adulthood to become responsible adults, thanks to the 80+ occupations available.

The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is known to be the oldest Taoist temple situated in Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. This temple was built way back in 1864 and the two supreme deities Si Sze Ya and Sin Sze Ya, from Kapitan Yap Ah Loy are prominently worshiped here. He claimed both deities helped him to earn the status of Kapitan during the war of 1870s. The temple has a majestic memorial plaque of Yap Kwan Seng, Yap Ah Loy, Yap Ah Shak, and Chan Sow Lin.

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is the place which never sleeps and is always filled with colors and bustles all the time - Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. If ever visiting Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown must definitely be in your ‘to-visit’ list, especially if you are a true bargain hunter, as it is also famously known as the ‘Bargain Hunter’s Paradise.’

You can find everything here, from the Chinese herbs to the imitation goods. Especially at night, the place is a shopper's’ paradise and turns into a lively and vibrant night market.

Location: The Chinatown is located on the Petaling Street, also known as ‘Chee Cheong Kai (Starch Factory Street.)

It is a veritable secret paradise where you can see butterflies dancing nonchalantly in clumps of fern flowering vines and amidst scented beautiful flowers. The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is crowned the best in the world with no comparison by the renowned Discovery channel. It is the most extensive butterfly garden in the world, occupying a beautiful landscape having more than 5,000 live butterflies, ferns, butterfly-host plants, and other exotic plants. 

Brickfields Little India is a medium-sized town situated within Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The place is named so due to the high percentage of Indian residents and businesses. You can experience modern high-rise buildings, village-style and colonial houses here. Its streets are filled with all kinds of Indian cultural things, right from Indian food, shops, to clothing etc.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, which is nestled in the city's core, houses about 7,000 relics that puts a spotlight on the Islamic world. The museum has been well received since its opening in 1998, and it has drawn visitors of all faiths from all across the world. It indeed is the largest and most celebrated Islamic Art Museum in South East Asia.

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park is the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia that houses a plethora of rides and attractions. The theme park is a one-stop destination for ultimate entertainment and fun that is suitable for people of all age groups. Besides the rides and game, the park also has function venues to host events.

Peninsular Malaysia's Taman Negara is a national park renowned for its flora and fauna. With different geographical and ecological features, the park has become one of the most serene Malaysian destinations. Hiking to Gunung Tahan, recognized as being one of Malaysia's most difficult trails, is among the most exhilarating activities available in Taman Negara.

If you are an adventure seeker and a nature enthusiast, visit the picturesque Gunung Gagau peak in Malaysia. Standing at a height of 4513 feet, Gunung Gagau borders the states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. It is a popular trekking destination and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. While hiking around the beautiful green hills, you can also spot a variety of medicinal herbs and catch splendid views of the surrounding areas.

Hailed as the most popular attraction in Sabah, Gomantong cave is a part of Gomantong Forest Reserve. The cave is known to be housing millions of bats and cockroaches since ages. It is composed of two primary chambers, namely The White Cave and The Black Cave. While the Black Cave can be easily approached by tourists, the White Cave remains inaccessible.

A walk across this cave will leave your shoes dirty. Hence, it is advisable to cover your shoes with plastic bags before stepping inside the cave. If you want to choose a safer way to reach the cave, you can also walk through its wooden pathway.