The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
Malaysia is that country in Southeast Asia which often get’s overlooked by backpackers, but it has some rapidly growing cities and a lot of cultural points which make it a great destination for everyone too. The population of Malaysia is approaching 35 million, and it’s really easy to get around the country as they have cheap buses connecting all the cities and hotspots. Malaysia is super diverse, with beautiful islands, skyscraper filled cities, and lush green areas especially on the island of Borneo. Overall it’s a raw experience to backpack through Malaysia and I’ve compiled the main points of interest for you to plan your itinerary.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Language: Malay
When to visit: January to February, May to December
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1) Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the energetic capital of Malaysia, and it’s a city which is growing rapidly with skyscrapers popping up all over the place. It’s home to over 9 million people in the metro area, and the city is filled with shopping centers and food spots for everyone. Kuala Lumpur is a diverse hub in Asia, and tends to be the first stop for those visiting Malaysia.
Things to do:
Let’s start with the cities standout attraction, the Twin Petronas Towers. They stand tall in the city center, with KLCC Park sitting underneath, which I recommend taking a stroll through. They look especially gorgeous at night and make for a great photo op. From there, walk southwest and you’ll find an abundance of attractions. Visit the Chinatown district, specifically Petaling Street Market and it’s surrounding neighbors, and then continue walking to find icons of the city, including the National Mosque, the Islamic ArtsMuseum, Merdaka Square, and the lovely Thean Hou Temple further south. Lastly, after you’ve explored all the shops and street food, venture outside the city to Batu Caves, which is a huge Hindu temple complex built into limestone cave, complete with a colorful staircase.
How to get there:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) has loads of international connection helping you get into Malaysia.
The city is also connected very well with bus and rail to all nearby cities, including Singapore.
2) Penang
Penang may be considered the culture capital of Malaysia, and it’s a region of the country north of KL spanning a large area including onto the island connected to the mainland by bridge. The food here is great, and outside the cities, Penang also has beaches, jungle-covered hills, and nature reserves.
Things to do:
Let’s start with the capital of Penang, George Town. It’s the heart of the region, and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage city known for colonial architecture, street art, temples, and legendary food culture. Wander the old historic streets of the city, and as you stroll round make sure to stop at Khoo Kongsi, an incredible Chinese clan house. Then walk further down to Chew Jetty and see the old houses which are built on stilts at the waterfront. Make sure you visit the neighborhoods of Little India and Chinatown, and don’t forget the Kapitan Keling Mosque and Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Outside of George Town, you should ride the Funicular up to Penang Hill for amazing views. Close to it is Kek Lok Si Temple, which is built into the hillside and looks incredible. And the main beach spot of Penang is Batu Ferringhi, so venture out there if you crave the sand and water.
How to get there:
Penang International Airport (PEN) is great for domestic flights from within Malaysia.
You can also take the bus from around Malaysia up to Butterworth, then take the ferry across to George Town easily.
3) Langkawi
Langkawi is a very popular destination amongst backpackers, and it lies as an island up in the very north of Malaysia, next to Thailand. Technically, it’s a tropical archipelago but here I’m focusing on the main island. It’s Malaysia’s main beach and resort destination, but it’s also known for nature and outdoor scenery rather than just nightlife.
Things to do:
The main beach and tourism area is Pantai Cenang, so I’d recommend staying around here for the best opportunity on the island. From there, you should definitely get out and walk the Langkawi Skybridge. You take the cable car high into the mountains, then walk above the rainforest and get amazing views. Definitely hit up the north of the island, where you can find some paradise style spots like Datai Bay and Temurun Waterfall as well. Spend your days and nights at the beach partying or just relaxing, and I even suggest taking an island hopping tour to experience the Archipelago in a fun way.
How to get there:
Langkawi International Airport (LGK) is best for getting to Langkawi domestically.
Otherwise, some ferries run to Langkawi from mainland Malaysia and southern Thailand.
4) Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands are the best way to escape the cities in Malaysia, and it’s a region of rolling hills and plantations just east of Ipoh. It’s a special spot to travel to because of the landscape, and it gets especially beautiful when the hills disappear into the low fog.
Things to do:
For your hiking experience, look up a map online and you’ll see that the trails are all named Trail (Number), making them easy to navigate. Pick whichever one has the length you prefer, and wander through the abundant greenery which feels like a fairytale world. You should also visit and walk through the Mossy Forest Reserve, and even stop at the Strawberry Farm whilst you’re in that area. It’s basically a great place to get away from the city life, and drink tea and do as you please.
How to get there:
Direct buses run to the Cameron Highlands from KL, Penang, and Ipoh.
5) Ipoh
Once one of the world’s richest tin mining cities, Ipoh is now the place to visit to see colonial architecture within Malaysia. The city sits in a valley surrounded by dramatic limestone hills, which makes it a popular spot when you see that blending in with the cities heritage. Nearly 1 million people live here, and it’s like a quieter version of Kuala Lumpur.
Things to do:
Obviously you have to start in the Old Town of Ipoh, where you can walk through the streets and see pieces of Malaysian history in building form. Ipoh has murals and art scattered everywhere, so it’s pretty similar to George Town in this sense. The magic of Ipoh comes from outside the city, specifically at Kek Tok Long Temple. It’s an old temple which is built in to the limestone cave and is complete with a garden and lake, so definitely worth a visit. Another one of the famous cave temples is Perak Tong, and I actually prefer this one because the giant Buddha statue is very cool. You can access them with public transport or guides. Lastly, try walking around to the Mirror Lake area past the airport and see the temples and water around it.
How to get there:
The easiest way is a quick KTM ETS train from KL or Penang. You can also take a bus if you prefer.
6) Melaka
Melaka is actually one of the most historically important cities in Malaysia, and can be found on the southwest coast. It was once one of the most important trading ports in all of Asia, and today sits as a popular place for tourism thanks to it’s unique design. There is a LOAD of funky buildings from all eras in Melaka, and to me it felt raw and kind of preserved at the same time.
Where is it:
The most famous street is Jonker Street, which is packed with cafés, street food, antique shops, murals, and night markets. Walk the Jonker Walk and check out all the shops and Asian statues and temples. Walk past the Red Dutch Square over to the Portuguese fortress remains ‘A Famosa,’ and you’ll be able to see a lot that the city has to offer. You should definitely walk alongside the river at night because all kinds of lights turn on, and you could even take a river cruise during the day to experience the city from the water. Watch out for Monitor Lizards though.
How to get there:
Take a long distance bus from any major city in Malaysia.
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