Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country between Thailand and Singapore, comprising the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It’s home to friendly locals, tropical rainforests, spectacular natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage. Malaysia is also a popular destination for both adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing getaway. This country is worth visiting, from its vibrant cities to its picturesque beaches and breathtaking national parks.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top attractions to explore during your travels in Malaysia:
Overview of Malaysia
Malaysia is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. Thailand borders the country to the north, Indonesia to the south, and Brunei to the east. Malaysia offers visitors stunning beaches, warm tropical weather, ancient rainforests, and an interesting mix of cultures. Malay, Chinese, and Indian all live peacefully together in this fascinating country, making it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
Although most of Malaysia consists of two large peninsulas – Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia – forming divergent landscapes, its diverse topography ranges from lowland rainforest-covered hills to coastal plains with sandy beaches. Peninsular– or West–Malaysia also includes the island of Singapore and its densely populated capital city Kuala Lumpur.
The East Malaysian state of Sabah on the tip of Borneo Island is popularly known for its varied attractions, including the UNESCO-crowned mountain range Kinabalu Park, scenic Nuuanu Tea Plantations, and dive sites at Sipadan Island Reserve full of coral reefs.
Malaysia’s weather is warm year-round but best enjoyed between November and February during monsoon season when humidity levels are low, and rains do not pour as consistently compared to other months when monsoonal showers often disrupt outdoor activities.
International flights that arrive directly at major tourist destinations like Langkawi Island, Tioman Island, or Penang typically land at western peninsula airports serviced by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). At KLIA, passengers can take connecting flights to secondary cities like Kota Bahru (East Coast) or small islands lying off the coast like Redang Island or Kapas Island by domestic carriers like AirAsia or Fireflyz Airlines as well as ferries operating year-round along easy connections from both peninsulas’ mainland or lower landing points at East Malaysian ports for water taxis setting off for offshore paradises such as Selingan Turtle Island or Bakumpulam Beach near Semporna Town in Semporna Islands District further towards southern seas bordering with Indonesian waters near Sandakan State–Sabah Federal Territory where various tropical adventures await visitors in Malaysia offering unforgettable allures for nature lovers and beach bums alike!
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Malaysia is a tropical country with two distinct climate seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from November to March and is characterized by heavy rains and humidity. The dry season, which is cooler with little rain, runs from April to October.
The best time to visit Malaysia depends on your interests. During the wet season, there are fewer tourists, and many scuba diving sites offer some of their best conditions with fewer divers around. In addition, the waters are warmer and clearer on the west coast due to the Southwest Monsoon during this time of year. However, during this period, there is an increased risk of flash floods in low-lying areas such as Kuala Lumpur city center and Langkawi island due to heavy rainfall, so plan if you’re visiting during this period.
On the contrary, during the heavenly dry season, temperatures remain mild to hot with long sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities like adventure sports like trekking or mountain biking through national parks or relaxing on one of Malaysia’s amazing beaches! Moreover, it makes it perfect for sun-seekers looking for a tropical holiday destination that enjoys balmy evenings and peaceful days spent by turquoise waters lapping at white powdery sand – perfect for a summer holiday!
Accommodation
Accommodation is a key factor when planning a trip to Malaysia. You can find something suitable for any budget with a wide range of properties, from luxury resorts to budget hotels. Additionally, you can easily find accommodations that provide good value for money, with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the types of accommodation that you can find in Malaysia:
Hotels
Traveling to Malaysia offers a wide selection of accommodation options, from luxury five-star hotels to family-run budget lodging.
For a quality stay, look for hotels offering quality services and well-appointed rooms, such as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, The Nutmeg Hotel & Suites, and Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur. Many of these high-end establishments are conveniently located in key cities such as Kuala Lumpur and incorporate multiple onsite facilities such as gyms, infinity pools, spa treatments, business services like conference venues, and LCD televisions with cable/satellite channels in the bedrooms.
Midway up the scale is midlevel hotels that tend to have clean, comfortable lodge rooms though not all outlets may include complimentary breakfast or provide the same level of service as those from luxury establishments. Some popular hotel brands around Malaysia include Hotel Sentral Puchong, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Putrajaya, and Thistle Johor Bahru City Centre, among many others.
For extra savings when staying over in Malaysia on a long-term basis, such as for business trips or extended stays with family/friends at home, opt for budget or economy-level accommodation, which usually comes with just the basics, including complimentary Wi-Fi. Basic yet clean room may be found in hotel chains such as Mingle Hostel Melaka @Jonker Street, Tune Hotels which span across multiple states in this country, and Ethos Inn Berhad, which provide lodging in approximately seven locations around the peninsular region of Malaysia.
Hostels
Hostels can be found in most cities and towns throughout Malaysia. Hostels often provide basic accommodation with shared rooms and bathrooms, costing less than a hotel or vacation rental. Hostels may also offer self-catering facilities, common rooms, laundry services, and recreational activities or cultural events. Prices vary depending on location and the quality of service but generally start from as low as RM30 (USD7) per night.
To find hostels that suit your budget and needs, you can:
- Book online through popular travel websites such as Agoda or Booking.com.
- Alternatively, you can drop into hostels directly on arrival to inquire about vacancies and rates.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses, also known as homestays or bed and breakfasts, can be a great way to connect with local culture while having all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Local families often run these cozy establishments that invite travelers into their homes for an authentic experience.
At these guesthouses, you’ll usually find private rooms with either an en-suite bathroom or a shared communal area – depending on how budget friendly the option you are looking for is. In addition, it can make your stay more personable and give you a deeper insight into the region’s customs.
In Malaysia, most guesthouses offer air-conditioned rooms with basic facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, hot water showers/baths, televisions, fans, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Some may even offer extra options such as free Wi-Fi or complimentary breakfast. All these will vary according to the comfort level and price range you are looking at when deciding which homestay is best suited for your stay in Malaysia.
These low-cost options provide excellent value for money while also introducing travelers to some of the warm hospitality Malaysia is renowned for! Be sure to check if your chosen establishment offers any special discounts or packages before booking!
Transportation
Regarding transport, Malaysia has something for everyone, from modern highways and trains to local buses and traditional water taxis. So whether you’re looking to travel around the country or get around one city, various transportation options are available.
This guide will explore all the transportation options available in Malaysia – from flights to ferries – to help you get around the country.
Airports
Malaysia has three major international airports:
- The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
- The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)
- The Penang International Airport
KLIA is located in Sepang and about 50 km from Kuala Lumpur; KKIA is located in Kota Kinabalu and about 10 km from the city center; and Penang International Airport is just 10 minute drive from Georgetown. These airports provide flights to and from Malaysia and connect international destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and more.
Aside from these three main international airports, several other domestic airports around Malaysia connect many cities. These include:
- Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang (which mainly services airlines offering budget flights).
- Langkawi International Airport.
- Miri City Air Terminal.
- Labuan International Airport.
- Sabah Air Terminal in Sandakan.
- The Mulu Domestic Airport in Sarawak.
- Kapit Domestic Airfield in Sarawak.
All of these domestic or regional airports are either jet-capable or equipped with air-traffic control radar providing a variety of flights within Malaysia’s neighboring countries.
Buses
Buses are Malaysia’s main public transportation, connecting all cities and towns. It is an inexpensive way to get around, though not necessarily the most comfortable, as some routes can be long. Buses come in various shapes and sizes, depending on what route they are taking and what amenities they offer.
Most interstate buses offer reclining seats with ample legroom, televisions for entertainment, toilets, and either air conditioning or fans – all at very affordable prices. Minibus services abound throughout towns and cities in Malaysia, running regular routes daily. Tickets can be bought from convenience stores or the bus driver; however, many operators require exact change as they do not provide change for large notes.
Other options for inter-state travel are express buses that also stop at certain shopping malls to pick up passengers who have bought tickets in advance from appointed ticketing counters inside the mall. Larger buses run from major cities to Kelantan and Terengganu on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. In contrast, smaller ones serve shorter routes within a specific state – usually picking up passengers around the town before heading out of town to their final destination. These small buses may not always have to air-condition, so it’s best to plan your trips well in advance if you’re traveling during peak hours or have specific travel requests.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Malaysia, and it’s not uncommon to find people using them instead of buses or trains. Taxis are available throughout the country and can be flagged down on city streets if they have an empty passenger seat. However, Malaysian taxis have no meter, so ensure you negotiate the fare before getting in.
It is also important to note that most taxi drivers will only accept cash as payment. There are four types of taxis – Budget Taxis, Premier Taxis, Express Taxis, and Taxi-Cabs. Budget Taxis are the cheapest and most widely available, with fares ranging from RM2-5 depending on your destination. They come in various colors but usually feature a fluorescent yellow sign on top of the car. Premier Taxis offer more comfortable rides with higher fare rates. In contrast, Express Taxis offer services from major airports and railway stations to areas within Kuala Lumpur at slightly higher rates than budget taxis. Lastly, Taxi-Cabs offer a 24-hour service for a predetermined rate and do not require advanced bookings; they are ideal for night trips or long journeys out of Kuala Lumpur.
Attractions
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country comprising two distinct regions, Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. With several natural attractions and rich cultural history, Malaysia is a great place for travelers to explore. From the waterfalls of Taman Negara to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, there is something to fit the interests of everyone.
In this section, we’ll examine some of the top attractions that visitors should consider when planning a trip to Malaysia:
Natural Wonders
If you’re looking to get out of the city and explore some of Malaysia’s natural wonders, the country’s varied landscape is sure to offer something for everyone. From lush rainforests and dramatic coastal cliffs to sprawling cities and stunning mountains, visitors will find plenty of opportunities to explore the wild side of this Southeast Asian country.
The national parks in Malaysia offer some truly breathtaking sites. Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest jungles on Earth, offering visitors a chance to witness living prehistoric trees that date back 100 million years. Gunung Mulu National Park offers extensive limestone cave systems with a huge chamber roofed with a complex array of stalactites and stalagmites, which have set a world record. Not only will you have all the fun here, but you can also discover hidden beaches tucked away in secret coves and explore secluded waterfalls that crash into jungle pools.
In addition, Malaysia also has some beautiful islands off its coast waiting to be explored. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Langkawi is worth exploring – boasting crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green rainforest jungle interiors – it’s no surprise that Langkawi is considered one of Malaysia’s top natural attractions! Visitors can ride up SkyCab gondola lifts at Machincang Mountain for picturesque views or takes a dip in waterfalls inside Temurun National Park. Pulau Perhentian offers a secluded escape for divers seeking unspoiled coral reefs and an abundance of turtles coming up for air along its shoreline!
Whether you are looking for adventure or want some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Malaysia’s natural wonders provide exciting activities that are sure to leave lasting memories.
Theme Parks
Malaysia is home to many exciting theme parks and water parks that offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages. So whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, interactive games, or just a pleasant place to spend the day, there is something for everyone.
The Sunway Lagoon theme park is one of the top attractions in Malaysia. It features six distinct zones devoted to different activities and styles. For example, the Water Park features wild rides, including water slides and wave pools, while the Wild Wild West theme includes a Pirate’s Revenge ride and an old-fashioned Town Hall with shops and restaurants. The park’s newest area is Scream Park, which has several horror-themed attractions. Other popular zones include Cartoon Network Amazone, Extreme Park with extreme sports activities such as paintball shooting and go-karting, and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon with its 3D interactive animation studio by DreamWorks Animation.
Other famous theme parks in Malaysia include:
- Legoland Malaysia Resort in Johor Bahru
- Sanrio Hello Kitty Town on Sentosa Island in Johor Bahru
- KRAZYFish Theme Park in Perak’s Ipoh City Centre
- Lost World of Tambun water park featuring geothermal hot springs located in Ipoh
- Escape Theme Park Adventure Land at Berjaya Hills Resort near Kuala Lumpur
Each one offers its own unique set of experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Cultural Sites
Malaysia offers a variety of cultural sites and attractions that draw in locals and tourists who come to explore the region’s diversity. Whether it’s the exquisite structures of traditional royal palaces or even the most simple of monuments, these treasured places act as living museums, representing different historical eras and influences.
Kuala Lumpur’s famous Petronas Twin Towers and Putrajaya’s breathtakingly ornate Prime Minister’s official residence are among the most famous cultural attractions. Other iconic landmarks include Batu Caves, Rahmah Mosque in Malacca, St Patrick’s Church in Penang, Ipoh’s Perak Tong Cave Temple, Johor Bahru’s Sultan Abu Bakar state mosque, and many more.
More modest cultural sites include an array of beautiful temples found throughout various Malaysian cities. Aside from Chinese temples such as Kuan Yin Teng and Maha Mariamman temple, interesting cultural sites such as Kapitan Keling Mosque in George Town and Kampung Laut Mosque in Kelantan offer an insight into local history while bringing travelers closer to age-old Malay traditions.
Cultural centers give Malaysian culture a platform for beautiful performances, such as traditional dances from different states like Silat and Joget. Traditional artifacts like Mavis singer Rantai Berhibur can also be found in museum collections. Each site has unique significance to Malaysia’s rich heritage – definitely worth seeing!
Food and Drink
Malaysia is a food lover’s paradise with its unique mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. From hawker-style street food to traditional dishes served in restaurants, you can find a variety of flavorful dishes in Malaysia.
This guide will go over the most popular dishes and the best places to go for a tasty meal so that you can get the most out of your Malaysian food experience:
Local Cuisine
Malaysia is renowned for its culinary diversity and the cross-cultural influences that gave rise to it. Traditional favorites like nasi lemak and laksa connect the nation, visited by Malaysians of all backgrounds, with global classics from Chinese char kway teow to Italian pizza.
Visitors can get the most authentic local fare in some towns from street vendors and mom-and-pop eateries. However, in bigger cities, along with more recognized yet equally delicious restaurant offerings, locals keep coming back for the true flavors of Malaysian cuisine in which capital cities like Kuala Lumpur have come to specialize.
From a local banquet featuring iconic dishes like rendang and sambal fried noodles in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown district to flavor’s found nowhere else in the world like Kelantan’s mamak mee patah. Malaysia’s foods are not just rich in variety but intensively seasoned with all kinds of spices giving each dish an unmistakable fragrance that can truly be defined as unique.
Experience Malaysia’s widely varied culture through its food during your visit here – with hundreds of dining options to please any palate, you will not go hungry. Start by sampling some locally-brewed beer or fresh pressed sugarcane juice paired with deep-fried snack treats like curry puffs and samosas unique only to this region!
Street Food
Street food vendors often sport bright umbrellas, colorful signage, and trolleys housing the various ingredients of the dishes they sell. It’s hard to walk down a Malaysian street without stopping by one of these vendors for a tasty snack. So if you’re visiting Malaysia and looking to sample the local cuisine, street food should be on your list of things to try.
Several iconic street food items can be found all over Malaysia. These include nasi lemak, bak kut teh, satay, roti canai, and char kway teow. However, other local delicacies such as laksa, noodles in soup (mee soup), murtabak (stuffed paratha bread), and yong tau foo (pieces of vegetables or tofu with fish paste) can also be found. In addition, most outlets serve select items at specific times – for instance, rice dishes are mostly served during meal hours, while fried snacks tend to be served at night – so be sure to check when you visit each outlet.
Other must-tries when enjoying Malaysian street food are the various drinks available there – these include teh tarik (pulled hot tea mixed with condensed milk), milo gao (hot chocolate with condensed milk), and air bandung (rosé syrup and evaporated milk). The prices range from RM3-10 ($0.70–2.30 USD) per serving, depending on your order, so it’s also fairly affordable!
Coffee Shops
You won’t be able to take a step in Kuala Lumpur and beyond without encountering choices of coffee spots. A few of the more popular chain cafes you will find during your travels include Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaves, and The Loaf. These places often come with air-conditioned seating that is great for some hot days in Malaysia. Besides the coffee drinks you may recognize from home, additional items like teas and snacks are available.
While the chains offer reliable service, it can be fun to explore smaller establishments when traveling in Malaysia. For example, some locals swear by kopitiams—traditional local coffee shops—for an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort or quality. These lovely spots served as meeting points before sidewalks were common, so they have been around since at least colonial times! They’re identifiable by distinctive red awnings containing names written with Chinese characters rather than Roman script. Common orders at kopitiams include single-origin coffee brewed the traditional way: briskly stirred up with cold water until frothy, bitter but not too intense (check out kopi-C for a sweeter drink).
Shopping
Shopping in Malaysia is a great way to experience the culture. There are markets, shopping centers, and boutiques filled with trinkets, souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and more. Shopping in Malaysia is a must for any traveler looking for a unique, fun experience filled with new and interesting products. From traditional batik fabric to exotic fruits and spices, you’ll find it all here.
Let’s look at some of the best places to shop in Malaysia:
Shopping Malls
Shopping Malls are the most popular and convenient way to go shopping in Malaysia. The country’s major cities have modern shopping malls, many featuring a wide selection of international brand stores and local retailers selling everything from electronics and fashion to souvenirs and knick-knacks. In addition, most malls also offer food outlets, cafes, movie theaters, and other leisure activities. Listed below are some of the most well-known shopping malls in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
- Suria KLCC – The largest mall in Kuala Lumpur, located at the base of the Petronas Twin towers. This upscale mall has more than 500 retail outlets offering a vast array of international brands and a food court stocked with popular local dishes.
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – A high-end shopping mall with more than 600 retail stores housed over seven levels offering both luxury brands and mid-range labels. It also has an ice skating rink, bowling alley, and karaoke complex for entertainment options beyond just shopping!
Johor Bahru
- Komtar JBCC – This joint development by Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) & Koufu comprises three integrated components— Shopping Mall (Komtar JBCC), Shopping Centre (City Square), and a Suites Hotel (Double Tree by Hilton). At Komtar JBCC, you will find a fusion of local specialty stores alongside recognized global brands such as Uniqlo, Tesco Lotus Supermarket, and Parkson AEON Fantasyland Theme Park integrated with Boulevard Oasis Water Frontier. For leisurely pursuits, catch a movie at TGV Cinemas or plan a family outing to TEA+ Landshark Sea Adventure Park.
Penang Island
- Gurney Plaza – The largest three-story lifestyle mall in Penang is strategically located along Gurney Drive next to G Hotel & Gurney Paragon Mall redevelopment project, which consists of phases I & II that encompasses 655000 square feet in retail space spread across 460 outlets offering designer labels, global highlights boutique specialty shops continuously bringing alive the passionate experience shoppers have been dreaming about. Just like any other Malaysian mall Gurney Plaza offers many luxurious branded retail shops, including popular outlets such as Apple Store, Guess, Hugo Boss, MNG & H&M. It houses over 20 F& B outlets making it an ideal spot for dining purposes like the one for well known Ming Star Seafood Restaurant chain serving fresh seafood flawlessly on the platter that tantalizes your taste buds.
Markets
Markets are a quintessential part of Malaysia’s shopping experience. From night markets to busy downtown bazaars, shoppers can find everything selling at prices much cheaper than in a stationary shop.
Besides the government-run wet markets locals frequent for food and other essentials, plenty of open markets will take you on a cultural journey through crafts, handmade items, and trinkets related to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Popular market options include the Pasar Malam (night market), Pasar Borong (wholesale market), and Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur.
The night markets offer a variety of wares for sale, ranging from clothes to electronics, footwear to trinkets; depending on the location of your visit, there may also be food stalls where you can sample Malaysian delicacies like char kway teow or barbeque satay in exchange for some coins. Meanwhile, more adventurous bargain hunters should check out Pasar Borong Selayang or Pasar Penguasa Labu in Kuala Lumpur, where wholesale products are available at shockingly low prices but only if you’re willing to haggle. At the same time, Pasar Petaling offers counterfeit goods at competitive prices.
Whether it’s traditionally handmade crafts or cheap clothes and accessories, Malaysia’s markets provide an authentic shopping experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Boutiques
Malaysia is a great shopping destination, with boutique stores offering unique items. Of course, many larger cities have upscale mall avenues of clothing stores and luxury boutiques, but there’s plenty to discover while strolling the streets, which house some lovely hidden gems.
Boutiques in Malaysia cover everything from high-end fashion to traditional batiks and kitschy crafts. In addition, there are upmarket designer boutiques with shops from world-known designers such as DKNY, Gucci, and Armani, often located in major shopping malls, and local designer fashions like Ixora Studio or ANMA Design House for those seeking to take home something authentically Malaysian.
Malaysia’s creative scene is growing by leaps and bounds. Taking the time to seek out some smaller boutiques can result in finding ethically made clothing, handmade ceramics, or hand-worked precious jewelry – all at budget-friendly prices. Boutique shopping around Malaysia also offers more unusual options – patrons can search for peculiar antiques such as old typewriters at classic shops like Galerimuka (Kuala Lumpur), peruse embroidery works from boutique seamstresses like Afracrochet (Penang), or even purchase artworks from beadwork didgeridoo makers like Rainbow Loom It (Kuching).