The truth about this list of places to visit in Malaysia is purely done through my personal experience, as over the years, I have seen all of the places mentioned here.
I make it a point to visit all the places before writing about them, unlike many other Top 10 lists, which are simply copied from various websites and blogs.
10 Must Visit Places to Visit in Malaysia
My mission for this is clear - to promote Malaysia to the world using digital mediums like this travel blog site and various social media platforms to share information and photos.
Since the Malaysian mainstream media is constantly promoting the same places over and over, I have taken the initiative to share the many other exciting places around Malaysia with you here.
I hope you enjoy this article and the must-visit places to visit in Malaysia are;
Since the Malaysian mainstream media is constantly promoting the same places over and over, I have taken the initiative to share the many other exciting places around Malaysia with you here.
I hope you enjoy this article and the must-visit places to visit in Malaysia are;
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| Batu Caves in Selangor. |
10. Selangor
While the state of Selangor is the main place you will be arriving via flights (all the airports are located in the state of Selangor and not Kuala Lumpur, as many think), there are several popular tourist places to visit.
The most popular is the Batu Caves; yes, it is outside Kuala Lumpur, as you thought. Selangor also holds various Ecotourism sites like Kuala Kubu Baharu and beaches like Sepang for outdoor lovers.
The most popular is the Batu Caves; yes, it is outside Kuala Lumpur, as you thought. Selangor also holds various Ecotourism sites like Kuala Kubu Baharu and beaches like Sepang for outdoor lovers.
Places like Kuala Kubu Bharu or KKB offer various outdoor activities like river tubing and trekking,g. In contrast, Tanjung Sepat provides a day trip for fantastic local Chinese food around the Sepang coast. A Birds Nest Eco Farm is also found around the Sepang area.
However, the main fact remains that Selangor is home to many top shopping malls and the famous Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. One of the latest attractions in Selangor is iCity, a water and theme park located in Shah Alam.
Several world-class resorts are also found around Selangor, like the Avani Resort in Sepang Goldcoast and the Sunway Villas in Petaling Jaya. You can also refer to my article on Places to visit in Selangor.
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| Pantai Cenang Beach in Langkawi Island. |
9. Langkawi Island
A popular name among travellers, Langkawi has always been in the spotlight; therefore, it took a lot of work to include this island.
However, Langkawi does have some unique and interesting attractions besides the beach, islands and cable car.
Ecotourism has grown quite a bit with the mangrove tours heading in from the Tanjung Rhu side, where new players with modern boats, such as companies like Naam Tours, take visitors on an exciting mangrove adventure.
However, Langkawi does have some unique and interesting attractions besides the beach, islands and cable car.
Ecotourism has grown quite a bit with the mangrove tours heading in from the Tanjung Rhu side, where new players with modern boats, such as companies like Naam Tours, take visitors on an exciting mangrove adventure.
Forget the commercial side of things as those are readily available from list posts, leaflets and tourism sites; Langkawi is best explored by renting your motorcycle or car to see the traditional island life here.
Bird watching and nature tours open up flora and fauna for Eco travellers. For additional information,o refer to one of my earlier articles on things to do in Langkawi.
Another plus point is the duty-free shopping in Langkawi for those on a shopping vacation. The most popular place in Langkawi is Pantai Cenang Beach, where all the action is found.
Bird watching and nature tours open up flora and fauna for Eco travellers. For additional information,o refer to one of my earlier articles on things to do in Langkawi.
Another plus point is the duty-free shopping in Langkawi for those on a shopping vacation. The most popular place in Langkawi is Pantai Cenang Beach, where all the action is found.
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| Maliau Basin Canopy Walk in Sabah. |
8. Maliau Basin, Sabah
One of the most unexplored places on the island of Borneo, Maliau Basin sits in a massive protected primary rainforest reserve almost in the middle of Sabah, Borneo.
To get here, one must book a Maliau Basin Package from selected specialized tour operators, as this is the first time anyone can sell these tours.
The conservation here will suit anyone who loves the outdoors, adventure, trekking, wildlife and bird watching.
For the extreme trekkers or hikers, this is your place. Some trails here can take a few days to complete, but the result is rewarding as you will reach places many still need to.
Dedicated to nature lovers, this is one of the most unique places in Sabah and Malaysia. Trips here come at least three days and a maximum of 10-20 days, depending on the traveller. They have excellent accommodations and dorms.
One of the most unexplored places on the island of Borneo, Maliau Basin sits in a massive protected primary rainforest reserve almost in the middle of Sabah, Borneo.
To get here, one must book a Maliau Basin Package from selected specialized tour operators, as this is the first time anyone can sell these tours.
The conservation here will suit anyone who loves the outdoors, adventure, trekking, wildlife and bird watching.
For the extreme trekkers or hikers, this is your place. Some trails here can take a few days to complete, but the result is rewarding as you will reach places many still need to.
Dedicated to nature lovers, this is one of the most unique places in Sabah and Malaysia. Trips here come at least three days and a maximum of 10-20 days, depending on the traveller. They have excellent accommodations and dorms.
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| Bario Highlands in Sarawak. |
7. Bario and Ba'kelalan Highlands, Sarawak
Located 3000 feet high north of Sarawak Borneo along the Bario Highlands, these two villages are among the least visited tourist places here.
Bario and Ba'kelalan are far apart,t and the most practical way to visit these two places would be to fly in on a small 16-seater propeller plane operated by MasWings from Miri or Lawas.
The beauty of these two places is that they have yet to be modernized, and time moves very slowly here. The highlight would be the culture and heritage, which is still strong and active here.
The landscapes here are stunningly beautiful, minus the modern roads or buildings. The Lun Bawang people here still go about farming with rice paddy and natural salt processing as the primary source of income.
Bario and Bakelalan are great for anyone wanting a different kind of Malaysian or Bornean experience with a passion for culture, heritage, and nature.
Located 3000 feet high north of Sarawak Borneo along the Bario Highlands, these two villages are among the least visited tourist places here.
Bario and Ba'kelalan are far apart,t and the most practical way to visit these two places would be to fly in on a small 16-seater propeller plane operated by MasWings from Miri or Lawas.
The beauty of these two places is that they have yet to be modernized, and time moves very slowly here. The highlight would be the culture and heritage, which is still strong and active here.
The landscapes here are stunningly beautiful, minus the modern roads or buildings. The Lun Bawang people here still go about farming with rice paddy and natural salt processing as the primary source of income.
Bario and Bakelalan are great for anyone wanting a different kind of Malaysian or Bornean experience with a passion for culture, heritage, and nature.
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| Legoland Water Park in Nusajaya, Johor. |
6. Nusajaya, Johor
The new kid on the block in the most southern state before Singapore. Nusajaya has been the trend in Malaysia ever since the opening of Legoland Malaysia, followed by Hello Kitty Town and, recently, the new Angry Birds Park.
*Update Nov 2019: Hello Kitty Town is closing by the end of 2019, and Angry Birds Park is also closed.
Families flock here for the all-around entertainment for everyone. At the same time, there is even Malaysia's first proper factory outlet - Johor Premium Outlet or JPO and all of these are within a certain radius, making travelling easy.
*Update Nov 2019: Hello Kitty Town is closing by the end of 2019, and Angry Birds Park is also closed.
Families flock here for the all-around entertainment for everyone. At the same time, there is even Malaysia's first proper factory outlet - Johor Premium Outlet or JPO and all of these are within a certain radius, making travelling easy.
This is the must-visit place for families with children as the number of activities can keep the kids going for days here.
Another reason why Nusajaya is so popular is because of the close proximity to Singapore's Universal Studios; therefore, many will stay in Johor and make a day trip across the border to get the best of both worlds.
Another reason why Nusajaya is so popular is because of the close proximity to Singapore's Universal Studios; therefore, many will stay in Johor and make a day trip across the border to get the best of both worlds.
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| Old heritage buildings in Jonker Street, Melaka |
5. Melaka (Malacca)
Another tourist-winning spot after all these years, Melaka or Malacca, still holds solid tourist value.
You may already have heard of Jonker Walk or Jonker Street, but these places have mostly stayed the same over the years except for including a weekend night bazaar.
Other places of interest fall around the core heritage zone, historic structures. After all, Melaka is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Cities in Malaysia.
You may already have heard of Jonker Walk or Jonker Street, but these places have mostly stayed the same over the years except for including a weekend night bazaar.
Other places of interest fall around the core heritage zone, historic structures. After all, Melaka is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Cities in Malaysia.
However, for new visitors to Melaka, I highly recommend the food trail here as Melaka is one of the top places in Malaysia for food, but note this: not at Jonker Street in Melaka, as many claim.
The places here could be more touristy; however, if it is your first time here, then it is recommended you start here.
Walking is also highly recommended as many highly-rated historical monuments are found around the central area.
The places here could be more touristy; however, if it is your first time here, then it is recommended you start here.
Walking is also highly recommended as many highly-rated historical monuments are found around the central area.
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| Sepilok Orang Utan Conservation Center in Sandakan, Sabah. |
4. Sandakan, Sabah
The best place in Malaysia for wildlife and nature tourism is, hands down in Sandakan. Located on the east coast of Sabah Borneo, the site is also home to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Conservation Center and the unique Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center.
While Sandakan is noted as a city, the place is still laid-back, looking like an old trading town from the 80s, often called Little Hong Kong.
While Sandakan is mainly a port town, barter trading still goes on here for those who do not know, and many traders are second or third-generation Chinese who operate most businesses here.
Most travellers come to Sandakan as the main gateway into the Kinabatangan River for their wildlife and bird watching activities or Gomantong Caves, as a unique experience to see the birds' nest harvesting.
Spending three to four days here would allow you to experience going on a Kinabatangan River cruise to see wildlife such as the Orangutans, Sun Bears and even the unique large-nosed Proboscis Monkeys.
The best place in Malaysia for wildlife and nature tourism is, hands down in Sandakan. Located on the east coast of Sabah Borneo, the site is also home to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Conservation Center and the unique Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center.
While Sandakan is noted as a city, the place is still laid-back, looking like an old trading town from the 80s, often called Little Hong Kong.
While Sandakan is mainly a port town, barter trading still goes on here for those who do not know, and many traders are second or third-generation Chinese who operate most businesses here.
Most travellers come to Sandakan as the main gateway into the Kinabatangan River for their wildlife and bird watching activities or Gomantong Caves, as a unique experience to see the birds' nest harvesting.
Spending three to four days here would allow you to experience going on a Kinabatangan River cruise to see wildlife such as the Orangutans, Sun Bears and even the unique large-nosed Proboscis Monkeys.
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| Heritage Buildings in George Town, Penang. |
3. Geroge Town, Penang
Most tourists or travellers would already know George Town in Penang as a must-visit destination in Malaysia.
Also, because of the assistance of Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor and many other leading travel websites for the highly recommended food and historical qualities that Penang offers.
Known commonly as the Pearl of the Orient, George Town offers many experiences for the would-be tourist with one of the country's best local hawker food selections.
Also, a UNESCO World Heritage City, walking or cycling around exploring the pre-war buildings are one of the highlights here.
The beauty of this old place is walking through the lanes and streets and seeing how life goes about from the locals. The famous Street Art is also featured in various locations around George Town.
I recommend you explore the local food scene around George Town and avoid commercial spots like Gurney Drive.
For foodies, nothing beats exploring the hawker food in Penang by visiting the many local coffee shops and food centres around the city.
Last but not least, I did an article in early 2014 called free things to do in Penang for those on a budget.
Most tourists or travellers would already know George Town in Penang as a must-visit destination in Malaysia.
Also, because of the assistance of Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor and many other leading travel websites for the highly recommended food and historical qualities that Penang offers.
Known commonly as the Pearl of the Orient, George Town offers many experiences for the would-be tourist with one of the country's best local hawker food selections.
Also, a UNESCO World Heritage City, walking or cycling around exploring the pre-war buildings are one of the highlights here.
The beauty of this old place is walking through the lanes and streets and seeing how life goes about from the locals. The famous Street Art is also featured in various locations around George Town.
I recommend you explore the local food scene around George Town and avoid commercial spots like Gurney Drive.
For foodies, nothing beats exploring the hawker food in Penang by visiting the many local coffee shops and food centres around the city.
Last but not least, I did an article in early 2014 called free things to do in Penang for those on a budget.
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| Sunset in Kuching, Sarawak. |
2. Kuching, Sarawak
The least recommended place in Malaysia, Kuching, is the gateway into the rainforest of the Bornean jungles.
For anyone looking for a modern city-like experience, this is different from your place. Kuching City is catered for explorers and adventurers who generally appreciate real tourism.
The city holds exciting museums and bazaars rich with cultural heritage and souvenirs.
Food tourism is high on the list here, as a majority of the local authentic Sarawakian food can be found in and around the central city of Kuching.
Temples and old colonial-inspired streets are must-walk experiences in the older part of town. Here is additional information from my earlier article on what to do in Kuching, Sarawak.
The least recommended place in Malaysia, Kuching, is the gateway into the rainforest of the Bornean jungles.
For anyone looking for a modern city-like experience, this is different from your place. Kuching City is catered for explorers and adventurers who generally appreciate real tourism.
The city holds exciting museums and bazaars rich with cultural heritage and souvenirs.
Food tourism is high on the list here, as a majority of the local authentic Sarawakian food can be found in and around the central city of Kuching.
Temples and old colonial-inspired streets are must-walk experiences in the older part of town. Here is additional information from my earlier article on what to do in Kuching, Sarawak.
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| Amazing sunset in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. |
1. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The 'Bali of Southeast Asia' as some call this place, Kota Kinabalu, has always impressed many travellers due to the unique selection of tourism genres available in the city and its outskirts.
You can find all of these in one city area from culture, heritage, islands, beaches, mountains, wildlife and rivers.
Kota Kinabal,u or KK as everyone calls this place,e is also the main gateway to some of the best mountain climbing in the region,n with Mount Kinabalu as the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.
Beautiful islands with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches are a mere 10 minutes by boat from the main jetty in KK town.
Here, you can try the world's longest zip line from island to island, snorkelling, and even sea walking.
Scuba diving is also available on the islands, and several world-class resorts are here.
There are also a couple of cultural villages to visit to better understand the Sabahan people, while a nostalgic railroad trip on board an actual steam train from the 50s is one of the highlights here.
For the nature lover, there are even wildlife parks such as Lok Kawi and river cruises at Klias River to see wildlife, all in a day trip.
For more information, you can also read my earlier articles on Things to do in Kota Kinabalu or check out some famous places in Kota Kinabalu.
Conclusion
Before making a booking for accommodations and transport to any of these destinations in Malaysia, we recommend looking at Saleduck Malaysia as they offer some exciting discount codes for Expedia, Hotels.com, Busonlineticket, Redbus, and Agoda, which would help you get some good deals.
There you have it, a list of the 10 Must Visit Places to Visit in Malaysia compiled solely by me as I have personally been to all these places, some of them multiple times in the last year alone.
Most of my work involves product updates and exploring these places' off-the-beaten parts.
The 'Bali of Southeast Asia' as some call this place, Kota Kinabalu, has always impressed many travellers due to the unique selection of tourism genres available in the city and its outskirts.
You can find all of these in one city area from culture, heritage, islands, beaches, mountains, wildlife and rivers.
Kota Kinabal,u or KK as everyone calls this place,e is also the main gateway to some of the best mountain climbing in the region,n with Mount Kinabalu as the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.
Beautiful islands with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches are a mere 10 minutes by boat from the main jetty in KK town.
Here, you can try the world's longest zip line from island to island, snorkelling, and even sea walking.
Scuba diving is also available on the islands, and several world-class resorts are here.
There are also a couple of cultural villages to visit to better understand the Sabahan people, while a nostalgic railroad trip on board an actual steam train from the 50s is one of the highlights here.
For the nature lover, there are even wildlife parks such as Lok Kawi and river cruises at Klias River to see wildlife, all in a day trip.
For more information, you can also read my earlier articles on Things to do in Kota Kinabalu or check out some famous places in Kota Kinabalu.
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| Gaya Street Market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. |
Before making a booking for accommodations and transport to any of these destinations in Malaysia, we recommend looking at Saleduck Malaysia as they offer some exciting discount codes for Expedia, Hotels.com, Busonlineticket, Redbus, and Agoda, which would help you get some good deals.
There you have it, a list of the 10 Must Visit Places to Visit in Malaysia compiled solely by me as I have personally been to all these places, some of them multiple times in the last year alone.
Most of my work involves product updates and exploring these places' off-the-beaten parts.