Malaysia, truly Asia.” Now, if you’ve spent any amount of time within the last 20 to 25 years in Malaysia (I know, it’s actually been THAT long), chances are you’ve definitely heard this slogan an infinite number of times in many, many different ways.
It was the tagline of a campaign by the Malaysian Tourism Ministry aimed at promoting Malaysia as one of the best travel destinations in the early 1990s and it the phrase has just stuck around since then. Malaysia truly has a lot to offer the enthusiastic traveller, so here’s a quick rundown of the top 24 destinations to visit in Malaysia, some of them well-known, some of them just waiting to be discovered.
Psst, I say ’24’ but I’ve snuck in a few extra locations in the descriptions because there’s just so much to cover!
Psst, I say ’24’ but I’ve snuck in a few extra locations in the descriptions because there’s just so much to cover!
The Usual Suspects:
1. Penang
We start off with the obvious. Penang has long been known globally as one of the most popular tourist destinations ever. From mouth-watering street food and hawker fare to iconic locations such as the Kek Lok Si Temple and the hip and trendy street murals in Georgetown, the city is more or less the poster boy of Malaysian tourism. Steeped in history and adorned with modern skyscrapers, Penang is a cultural cauldron of tradition and modernity. Definitely a world-class holiday destination and a must-visit for any self-respecting traveller in Malaysia!
2. Melaka
From one UNESCO World Heritage Site to another! Melaka, which lies a little way south of Penang, is a popular tourist destination in its own right. Apart from being home to famous historical landmarks such as A Famosa Fort and Christ Church, the state of Melaka also boasts being the go-to place for delicious Malaysian delicacies such as satay celup, chicken rice balls and Nyonya cuisine. Having been an important trading port during Malaysia’s (or Malaya, if you want to be even more accurate) colonial era, you will also find remnants of the past here, such as the Portuguese Settlement and the Dutch Heritage Trail. And if you’re a fan of night markets, then the Jonker Street Night Market is surely an experience not to be missed!
3. Ipoh, Perak
Compared to the previous two entries on the list, Ipoh is slightly more underrated, often slipping under the radar of even the most experienced of travellers. Located in the state of Perak, Ipoh is a place of good food, and wonderful natural scenery. Its water theme park, the Lost World of Tambun, is a classic favourite among Malaysians for a weekend getaway. In addition, the Kek Long Tong Cave Temple Gardens and the Gunung Lang Recreational Parkare just some of the locations which exemplify Ipoh’s beautiful natural scenery. For a cultural fix, visit the Ho Yan Hor Museum and Ipoh World, which showcases the important historical roots of the Hakka community in the city.
4. Kuala Lumpur
The metropolitan capital of Malaysia is arguably the most populous city in the entire country, so you can be sure that there is much to do here. The Central Market is a bustling location of activity as vendors peddle their wares ranging from traditional handicraft to hip apparel and, most importantly, local street food. Within the market is also a space called the Annexe where local artists occasionally hold galleries showcasing their work. For a fun night out on the city, visit Bukit Bintang which is the main pubbing/clubbing district of the city. Here you’ll find plenty of establishments with rustic atmospheres and homey ambience to enjoy a few drinks with friends. And of course, no trip to K.L. is ever complete without a snapshot of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
5. Kuching, Sarawak
East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak) are often forgotten as most tourists flock to destinations like Penang and Malacca on the peninsula. However, Malaysian Borneo has much to offer and one of my personal recommendations is Sarawak’s capital city, Kuching. Beyond delicious food like laksa and kolo mee, Kuching is also home to many heritage locations such as the Sarawak Museum and the Chinese Museum. You’ll be able to visit an authentic Bidayuh tribe village and take a relaxing cruise on the Santubong River as well. What’s more, time your trip to perfection and you’ll be able to experience the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, which is one of Malaysia’s biggest celebrations of music all year round!
Theme Parks:
6. Genting Highlands, Pahang
Known as the City of Entertainment, Genting Highlands is another top destination in Malaysia for a fun and (literally) cool getaway. Located high up in green hills and mountainous terrain, the weather in Genting is far removed from the tropical heat synonymous with Malaysia. While it is most famously known as the Las Vegas of Asia due to its casinos, you could visit attractions like Snow World or the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Exhibitfor some great family fun too. What’s more, the Arena of Stars often features amazing performances and concerts to thrill and excite! And let’s not forget that the world’s first ever 20th Century Fox theme park is scheduled to fully open sometime in late 2017! I think it’s high time I paid another visit myself!
7. Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
Bukit Tinggi in Bentong, Pahang is often overshadowed by its more illustrious cousins, Genting and Cameron (we’ll get to that) Highlands. Unlike Genting Highlands, Bukit Tinggi isn’t exactly a high octane location of entertainment. Rather, it’s a place of relaxation and literal Zen. Modelled after a French town, Bukit Tinggi is known amongst locals as the Little France, complete with cobblestone pavements, street performances, cafes and European-style architecture. Visitors can even learn the art of Japanese tea-making at a Zen-inspired Japanese village!
8. Legoland, Johor
Last time I checked, Legoland Johor is the only theme park of its kind in South East and East Asia. As the name suggests, the theme park is a celebration of those beloved (sometimes painful!) building blocks. It’s fun for the whole family as you get to visit attractions like Mini Land, which houses miniature Lego versions of iconic Asian monuments like the Angkor Wat and Taj Mahal. Visitors of all ages will also enjoy the many interactive rides and activities and kids will especially love the Water Park and Lego City, the space where children engage in role play as adults and where they can learn to drive or fly a plane! So, what are you waiting for? Lego!
Beaches and Islands:
9. Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Featuring pristine beaches and a tranquil ambience, Port Dickson is one of the top destinations for a beach resort getaway in Malaysia. While the Upside Down Art Gallery, Army Museum and Cape Rachado Lighthouse are must-visits along with its pristine beaches, I highly recommend the Turtle Hatchery Centre. It is basically an educational facility about the conservation and protection of endangered sea turtles. You’ll be able to witness turtle hatchlings in the aquarium and the incubation process of turtle eggs.
10. Sipadan, Sabah
As enchanting as a visit to a grand aquarium may be, nothing beats swimming alongside schools of fish in person. Sipadan Island is located in the Celebes Sea, off the eastern coast of Sabah in East Malaysia. The location is well-known among diving enthusiasts that Sipadan is one of the most heavenly places in the world to go scuba-diving and snorkelling. Containing diverse marine life including turtles, whale sharks and thousands of species of fish and coral, it is one of the most enchanting places in Malaysia and certainly one not to be missed for an unforgettable experience of marine life. The fine sandy beaches are a bonus as well!
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