12 x Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

Malaysia is a land of contrasts, where numerous languages and cultures converge to form a distinct Southeast Asian nation unlike any of its neighbors. There are always places to visit in Malaysia, from meandering around Unesco-listed historical marvels to exploring 130-million-year-old jungle.

Photo by Esmonde Yong on Unsplash

Malaysia has a lovely coastline, tropical islands, and sun-bleached coral reefs. The humid rainforests of Borneo and the peninsula are home to uncommon fauna, while the highlands provide a welcome respite from the heat.

Here are the best places to visit in Malaysia 2022 to help you plan your trip.

1. Malacca

Malacca is worth a visit for its cultural, historical, and colonial sites. In 2008, UNESCO designated Malacca as a World Heritage Site. The historic town of Malacca rarely disappoints visitors. If nothing else, the laid-back atmosphere is appealing enough to hold visitors for a few days. Because of its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, traveling there by bus is simple. In Malacca, taking the train is not an option.

2. Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's capital, known as KL by locals, is an exciting mix of ultra-modernity and hidden corners that meld Chinese, Mediterranean, and Indian influences. Kuala Lumpur, a destination for shopping from all over the world, is best enjoyed over a couple of days, which are sufficient to see the key sights.

Then walk to Bukit Bintang's entertainment district, which is perfect for an array of international dining options during the day and transforms into KL's most happening party district at night. Don't forget the nearby trek, packed with disco bars, eateries, and young locals looking to strut their stuff.

3. Pangkor Island, Perak

Pangkor Island is a must-visited place in Malaysia. Pangkor Hill, the highest point on the island, is 1216 meters high. Pangkor, like Penang and Langkawi, is a fantastic spot to visit. Visitors will have a great and luxurious holiday here. You can enjoy water sports and other activities while breathing in the fresh air of this location.

This lovely location is endowed with the best local restaurants. Make sure to sample the island's delectable staple meals. Enjoy a great snorkeling and kayaking experience every day of your stay here.

4. Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara is Malaysia's first national park and one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests and is located in the state of Pahang. A long canopy walkway allows visitors to witness life up in the trees that are not generally visible from the bottom. The park is home to a diverse range of vegetation and animals, including several species found nowhere else on the planet.

You can enjoy waterfalls and gorgeous hikes, bird watching, rafting, fishing, and night safaris, and if you're lucky, you can even see wild elephants. Tourists stay in Kuala Tahan across the river and then take cheap boats to the park's entrance. Within the park, there are also various indigenous communities where tourists can learn about the culture and way of life of the people who live there.

5. Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor is an island in the Malacca Strait off the coast of Malaysia. The island is located midway between Malacca and Penang, however, it is only visited by local Malaysians. It's a rustic place with a few hotels and guest houses, yet it offers many beautiful beaches and relaxing spots. 

It is a renowned tourist destination noted for its stunning beaches, crystal blue waters, and coral reefs. There are several tiny towns on the island, as well as a handful of resorts and hotels. Visitors to Pulau Pangkor can go snorkeling, diving, or fishing, as well as exploring the island's many temples and historic monuments. The island is also a convenient starting point for day trips to adjacent islands including Pulau Giam and Pulau Mentagor.

6. The Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers are Malaysia's most well-known landmarks and distinctive structures, located on Jalan Ampang Road in Kuala Lumpur. Although the towers' original function was to house the different offices out of Kuala Lumpur, it is now much more than that.

Its impressive height of 451.9 meters (1,483 ft) above ground, modern construction, and location have made it a famous tourist destination in the city. This spectacular tower's construction began in 1993 and was completed in 1996.

7. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, also known as KK, is the capital of Malaysia's state of Sabah. It is located on the northwest coast of Borneo and is recognized for its spectacular natural surroundings, which include Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's highest peak. This city, served by Kota Kinabalu International Airport, acts as a gateway to eastern Malaysia, particularly Malaysian Borneo. 

While numerous ancient monuments remain, Kota Kinabalu is quickly becoming as a modern tourist hotspot, with skyscrapers, stylish cafes and restaurants, and tropical coastal resorts and hotels. The city is a renowned tourist destination that provides guests with a variety of activities such as hiking, water sports, and cultural experiences. 

8. Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands, located in Pahang, is a glorious hill station in Malaysia about an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. The "City of Entertainment" is known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury hotels, massive shopping malls, and world-class casinos.

9. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a small archipelago off the beach of Terengganu in the South China Sea. These islands are famous as one of Malaysia's most beautiful spots. There are seven islands, and two of them are known as Besar and Kecil. The other five are uninhabited. If you like to spend your vacation here, imagine white sand stretching across sparsely populated places and crystal-clear water lapping against the coast.

You can enjoy several activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing. However, avoid visiting between March and October, as most hotels and guesthouses close.

10. Langkawi

Langkawi is a collection of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia's northwest coast. It is a famous tourist destination because of its lovely beaches, clear waters, and rich flora. The beaches of Langkawi, such as Pantai Kok, Pantai Tengah, and Tengkorak, are not only ideal for sunbathing, but also include white sands, neighboring museums, and seafood cafés. Tanjung Rhu and Pantai Cenang Beach are excellent snorkeling spots, as are Pulau Payar Marine Park and Tanjung Rhu.

There are several resorts and hotels on the islands, as well as tiny villages and traditional fishing communities. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the pristine waters of Langkawi, as well as visiting the islands' many beaches, forests, and caverns, are all popular activities for visitors. The islands also have several significant cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Langkawi Sky Bridge and the Langkawi Cable Car.

11. Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu, on Malaysia's east coast, is the capital of Malaysia's Terengganu state. It's conservative in nature, like much of the eastern shore, but equally interesting with an eclectic blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. 

The Crystal Mosque is the city's most well-known attraction, and this magnificent structure made of glass, steel, and crystal is a sight to behold. Kuala Terengganu is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside, which is home to several tiny villages and traditional artisan groups. The Crystal Mosque, the Central Market, and the Terengganu State Museum are among the city's most prominent tourist attractions.

12. Cameron Highlands

Green Malaysia Cameron Highlands is one of the few regions in Southeast Asia where a jacket or thick blanket is required at night. You may appreciate the difference in climate after sweating through tropical regions.

Cameron Highlands is unlike any other place in Malaysia. You'll see the lush countryside, see gorgeous tea farms, and have access to good hiking routes that wind through plantations and around volcanoes.