A potpourri of all things Asian, Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. An intriguing blend of diverse wildlife, idyllic islands, magnanimous mountains, rainforests, and rich culinary landscape makes it one of the most visited tourist places in Asia. Malaysia has something to offer for everyone. Families can have the best of their time in Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands which are highlights of visiting Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is the one-stop destination for all the shopaholics.

The best time to visit Malaysia is between March to early October, when one can avoid the worst of the rains, and there is comparatively less humidity during this period. The weather in Malaysia is said to be hot and humid throughout the year with short spells of rain. When you are planning to visit Malaysia, the first thing that you need to decide is which part of Malaysia you’re planning on visiting, i.e. the west coast or the east coast. The best travelling months will depend on the choice of your region and also the kind of activities that you are planning on enjoying.

A true paradise for foodies, Malaysia serves a diverse range of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other international cuisines that are delicious and inexpensive. To know more about Malaysia and its culture, travellers can savour local food items like Nasi Dagang, Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Roja, Sang Har Mee and many other cuisines. With a bevy of famous restaurants, including Mamak Stall and Jalan Alor Street, there are a plethora of options to treat your taste buds to tantalizing food.

Malaysia is a boon to every tourist who cannot resist the shopaholic in themselves. One can visit the local street markets like Macallum night market, Petaling Street and Cecil street Market to buy apparels, electronics and accessories like bags, purses and watches. Other than that, travellers can also find international clothing and accessory outlets at various malls in the country. Most famous ones include Pavillion Shopping Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, Star Hill Gallery and the Garden. Indulge in great shopping with Malaysia tourism.

The national language of Malaysia is Malay, apart from being one of the two official languages. Also called Malaysian Malay or Malay, it is spoken by over 80% of the population. The second official language of Malaysia is English, which is also one of the most commonly spoken languages. The three main Malaysian languages are Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. The diverse Malaysian country is home to a diverse 137 living languages!

1. KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur, popularly referred to as KL, is the capital city of Malaysia. Officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, it is also the largest city of the country, spreading over almost 245 sq km. Steel-clad skyscrapers, mega shopping malls, renowned monuments, bustling markets and burgeoning nightlife – that is Kuala Lumpur for you!

Kuala Lumpur is divided into separate districts, each known for something extraordinary. However, the main draw of the city is the Golden Triangle comprising of Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown areas. Popular as the entertainment hub of the city, these are home to some of the trendiest nightclubs, lounges and bars.

Places to visit in Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower, Chinatown, Batu Caves, SuperPark Malaysia, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Jalan Alor, Aquaria KLCC, Kl Tower Mini Zoo, Perdana Botanical Gardens

2. LANGKAWI

Attracting over 3 million travellers annually, Langkawi, or the Jewel of Kedah State, is an archipelago of 99 islands in Malaysia. Sprawled over the turquoise Malacca Strait, Langkawi flaunts serene beaches interspersed with cliffs and rainforests, expansive rice paddies, chic promenades, historical relics, and art galleries, bustling bazaars and duty-free shops.

Langkawi’s beaches like Pantai Kok, Pantai Tengah and Tengkorak are not only perfect for sunbathing but also feature white sands, nearby museums, and seafood cafes. Pulau Payar Marine Park is a diving hotspot, as are Tanjung Rhu and Pantai Cenang Beach for snorkelling. Popular hiking destinations include Gunung Raya, the region’s tallest peak with a golf course at its foot, Skytrail Jungle housing 500-year-old flora, and Langkawi Wildlife Park. Tourists love walking on the glass bridge at an elevation of 2,300 feet around Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls.

Places to visit in Langkawi: Langkawi Sky Bridge, Underwater World, Pulau Payar Marine Park, Tanjung Rhu Beach, Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise, Skytrex Adventure

3. GEORGETOWN PENANG

As Malaysia’s fourth most-populated city, Georgetown is the colourful, multicultural capital of Penang Island. Once an eminent trading hub on the Straits of Malacca, the UNESCO-listed city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shop houses, temples, mosques and pristine beaches. Beyond the old town, Georgetown is a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping malls.

Places to visit in Georgetown: Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, Khoo Kongsi, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Blue Mansion

4. GENTING HIGHLANDS

Located in Pahang, Genting Highlands is a beautiful hill station in Malaysia which is only an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur. Dubbed as the “City of Entertainment” is renowned for its spirited nightlife, luxury hotels, huge shopping complexes and world-class casinos.

Resting on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, Genting Highlands incorporates the First World Hotel which was listed in the Guinness World Book of Records for being the largest hotel in 2006. The only place in Malaysia that offers legal gambling, Genting also has cave temples, amusement parks and water park. Awana SkyWay and Genting SkyWay are the two accessible cable car services for reaching Genting Highlands.

Places to visit in Genting Highlands: Genting Skyway, Ripley’s Adventure, Skytropolis Theme Park, Resorts World Genting, Chin Swee Caves Temple, Strawberry Farm

5. CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Cameron Highlands is a gorgeous hill station nestled in the hills of Pahang in Malaysia, in the northwestern tip of the country near the South China Sea in Southeast Asia. Bordered by the Malaysian states of Perak and Kelantan, this hilly district is home to eight different settlements that boast of stunning views, expansive plantations, nurseries, colonial bungalows, and hidden waterfalls.

Stretching to 700 square kilometres, this wonderland is home to cool weather and picturesque views that are a stark contrast to the bustling cities of Malaysia. The postcard-perfect valley is home to the famous BOH tea plantation and the Kea Strawberry Farm, where patrons can pick their own produce!

Places to visit in Cameron Highlands: Boh Plantation, Butterfly Farm, Lavender Gardens, Thompson Falls, Sam Poh Temple, Mossy Forest

6. BATU CAVES

Batu Caves is a series of limestone caves and one of the most popular Hindu shrines located outside India. It is situated about 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur in the district of Gombak, making it an unmissable day trip from the city. The main highlight of the Batu Caves is 140 feet tall Murugan statue, the tallest in the world.

The limestone hill comprises three main cave temples among which the Museum Cave and Art Gallery Cave are located at the base (foot) of the hills that host different Hindu sculptures and paintings. The Cathedral or the Temple Cave is the largest cave that also happens to the most significant one. There are other multiple smaller ones like the Ramayana Cave, Hanuman Temple and Dark Cave.

Places to visit in Batu Caves: Ramayana Cave, Temple Cave, Sinma Giant, Lord Murugan Statue

7. PENANG HILL

The top of Penang Hill can be reached via the Penang Hill Railway, an air-conditioned funicular that makes the 2,007-meter-long climb up in five to 10 minutes. Although there are mid-stops between the base station and the highest point, these are done only on request and mostly used by residents who live at those stops.

The top of Penang Hill offers beautiful green views over the city and is home to the Habitat Penang Hill, with a 1.6-kilometer nature trail cutting through the rain forest and a number of tropical gardens; a canopy walk 40 meters up in the sky; ziplines; and the Skyway, which offers three viewing decks and a 360-degree view of the bay and islands.

Places to visit in Penang Hill: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang Butterfly Park, Penang House of Music, Glass Museum Penang, The Top Komtar Penang, Tropical Spice Garden

8. TAMAN NEGARA

A must-visit travel destination for wildlife lovers, Taman Negara is a national park that has been conserving a tropical forest of around 130 million years old. Take a strenuous walk through the forest, and grab a chance to enjoy the sight of Malayan tiger, red jungle fowl, and other wildlife creatures.

Places to visit in Taman Negara: Kampung Orang Asli or the aborigine settlement, Gunung Tahan

9. TURTLE SANCTUARY BEACH

One of the best places to visit in Malaysia for beach lovers is the Turtle Sanctuary Beach. The beach, located in Besar, has beautiful waters and palm shades that give a beautiful look to the place. It is like heaven on earth where the love birds reach by boat and spend the day with each other in solace.

10. KOTA KINABALU

Kota Kinabalu, commonly referred to as KK, is the capital of Sabah. The city lies on the fringes of the South China Sea and also hosts Mount Kinabalu. KK also forms the gateway to the Borneo Island.

KK is a coastal city, looking out on sparkling waters. Tourists throng this place each year and visit the many markets and beaches. Another popular landmark of this city, apart from Mount Kinabalu of course, is the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, located on the waterfront. The city also claims to have some of the best sunsets on the continent!

Places to visit in Kota Kinabalu: Mount Kinabalu, Manukan Island Resort, Mamutik Island, Kokol Hill, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah State Museum, Mari Mari Cultural Village tour, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Observation Tower, Gaya Street Sunday Market, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and many more.

11. TIOMAN ISLAND

Tioman Island is located in Rompin District of Pahang, Malaysia. The 20km long and 11km wide island has cascading waterfalls, rigorous jungles, laid-back fishing villages and idyllic beaches. Major area of the island is forest cover and is a habitat to a variety of flora and fauna.

Places to visit in Tioman Island: Paya Beach, Genting Village, Juara Beach, Juara Turtle Hatchery, Asah Waterfall, Mukut, Marine Park Information Centre, Air Batang, Nipah, Gunung Kajang

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