Places to visit in Malaysia

Often referred to as KK, this coastal city is the capital of the Sabah state of Malaysia. Friendly locals that greet you everywhere, breathtaking sunsets, rich culinary, busy markets, beautiful beaches, modern boardwalks and the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque make this one of the most happening cities in Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu is a major part of the country that is sure to overwhelm you with the experiences it has to offer. This place is a serene adobe for the mountain lovers and exhibits the true side of the country with the serpent scenes of Mount Kinabalu amidst the scarlet skies and dreamy clouds that give it a flawless postcard look.

A home for Kinabalu National Park that boasts a wide range of rare species and the ultimate destination for all the water babies, as it boasts the most gorgeous underwater life with beautiful coral reefs, island, and beaches that will fill your heart. The temperature here ranges between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius with humidity levels as high as 92%, giving you the perfect weather to take a dive in the pristine waters

Attractions: Signal Hill Observatory Platform, City Mosque, Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, Tanjung Aru, Monsopiad Cultural Village.

Activities: Water skiing, Parasailing, Mountain Climbing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Shopping.

Food: Mother India, El Centro, Kohinoor, Chilli Vanilla, Todak Waterfront, Suria Sabah, Sea Monster, Biru Biru.

Shopping: 1Borneo Shopping Mall, Centre Point Shopping Mall, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, the Wiska Merdeka Shopping Mall and the Imago Shopping Mall

Nightlife: B.E.D, The Loft, Beer Nest MIXO, Sunset Bar, Shenanigan's Fun Pub

The Christians festival of Christmas celebrated every year on 25th of December is an occasion of much jubilation.

When: December 25

The birthday, enlightenment and attaining of Nirvana in Lord Buddha's life are celebrated on this day in Malaysia. On this day, all the Buddhists gather at temples to meditate, pray and offer charity in the form of food to the poor.

Why you should attend this: A giant statue is Buddha is taken on a grad float procession all over the country, which is a sight to witness.

Who should attend this: All the believers of Lord Buddha cannot miss this wonderful celebration.

Deepavali is probably the most vivid and colorful festival celebrated by the Indians living in Malaysia. This celebration of lights signifies the victory of hope and light over darkness, symbolically shown in the form of diyas and fireworks lit all over the country. With intricate rangoli artworks spread across the streets of Malaysia and colorful lights that brighten the skies, Deepavali is a fun festival that will bring out the child in you.

Why you should attend this: There are several processions, fireworks, street-fairs, and get-together that take place amidst the aroma of dishes that lingers across the street.

Who should attend this: This festival can be attended by people who wish to see the fun side of Malaysia. 

The Islamic New Year or Eid al-Fitr, which is also known as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri in Malay, is the most important festival for the Islamic community. This two-day festival marks the end of the 9th month or the Ramadan month of the Islamic calendar. Most of the Muslim families host a 'Rumah Buka' where they welcome members of their community and the neighbors to their house to celebrate together. There will be sumptuous festive food served by the family to their guests which includes beef rendang, ketupat, lemang, cakes, tarts, curry chicken and, chicken satay. During Eid, the entire country lights up with vibrant lights in the streets, making it look surreal!

Why you should attend this: To get a deep insight into the Islam festival. It portrays a beautiful side of the country with lights everywhere and happy vibes that fill your soul with happiness. 

Who should attend this: This festival can be attended by almost everyone to get a spectacular view of the country lit up in lights!

This beautiful reserve is a rescue center for animals that have been injured, abandoned or orphaned. There are more than 10000 endangered species in this rehabilitation center, where they are released into their natural habitats to grow.

Location: Sarawak

Known for: Orangutan preservation program, feeding of orangutans, trekking, planet-walking, and more.

How to reach: Take a one hour ride on the bus number 6 leaving at the Jalan Masjid Station.

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 20-50 approximately per person.

Operating hours: 8 am to 5 pm; closed on weekends and public holidays.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Do not miss feeding the orangutans.

Type: Animal sanctuary.

One of the most remarkable hill stations in Malaysia, Penang Hill is an abode for honeymooners. The climate in the Penang Hills is always chilly, making it a perfect destination to visit throughout the year. The colonial style houses, dark blue peaks, and lush green pastures are an absolute delight to witness!

Location: Air Itam, Near George Town.

Known for: Scenic views

How to reach: Take 20 mins ride from the city center of George Town

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 70-100 approximately for one side ride.

Operating hours: Open throughout the year

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry warm clothes to guard yourself against the cold temperatures.

Type: Village.

When you make a list of the best cities to visit in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur should top the list. The capital of Malaysia with a modern skyline that is dominated by the massive Petronas Twin towers, Kuala Lumpur is technically the biggest city in Malaysia with a population exceeding 1 million. Half of the urban population of Malaysia resides in Kuala Lumpur and includes a diverse group of Tamilians, Malay, Indigenous and Chinese inhabitant.

Numerous mosques and temples reflect the true diversity of the city along with architectural structures and skyscrapers that leave you gasping. Tucked in the Klang Valley at the point where Klang and Gombak rivers converge, it is the most developed city in the country with the busiest international airport of Malaysia, The Kuala Lumpur International Airport. There are also landmarks in the city belonging to the British-colonial era like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

The temperature in Kuala Lumpur ranges between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius with humidity levels as high as 87percentage. Be it the food stalls, local markets, towers, skyscrapers or the mosques, Kuala Lumpur is the perfect destination for everyone.

Attractions: SkyTrex Adventure, Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower, Chinatown, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Aquaria KLCC, Batu Caves, Jalan Alor, Genting Highlands Theme Park, Little India.

Activities: Bird Watching, Shopping, Skydiving, Bungee Jumping, Canopy Walk, Rock Climbing, Microlight Flying, Firefly Tour, Helicopter Sightseeing, Genting Highland Skyway Cable Car.

Food: Marini's on 57, Troika Sky Dining, Thirty8, Enak Restaurant, Prego, Celestial Court, Marble 8 on 56, Nobu, Prime, Maison Francaise Restaurant.

Shopping: Mid Valley Megamall, Berjaya Times Square, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street Market, Central Market, Royal Selangor, Plaza Lowyat, The Curve, Sunway Pyramid, Suria KLCC.

Nightlife: SkyBar, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Heli Lounge Bar, Zouk KL, Club Kyo, Under9, Play Club, Marini's on 57, Elysium Bar and Terrace, Changkat Bukit Bintang. 

One of the world's largest architectural wonders, The Petronas Twin Towers are the headquarters of the national petroleum company of Malaysia, Petronas. These pyramid-shaped towers are linked to each other at the 41st and 42nd floor with a sky bridge that allows people to travel from one tower to the other. This structure is one of the best attractions of Malaysia.

Location: Kuala Lumpur city center, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Known for: Shopping malls, food courts and the view from the top.

How to reach: Take the rapidKL rail that stops at the KLCC station.

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 1000-1200 approximately per person

Operating hours: 9 am to 9 pm

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your camera along with you. Book a ticket online for the night show to get a breathtaking view of the skyline. 

Type: Notable Building

Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a home to seven thousand artifacts that give a deep insight into the Islamic world. There are 12 galleries in the museum that are further divided into three groups based on their levels.

Location: Jalan Lembah Perdana, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur.

Known for: Islamic artifacts.

How to reach: Take the KTM Komuter to the Old Railway Station and walk to the museum.

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 200-250 approximately for an adult and free for children under six years of age.

Operating hours: 10 am to 6 pm

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.:  Wear appropriate clothes as it is a cultural site.

Type: Museum.

The most extended free span bridge in the world, Langkawi Sky Bridge is suspended from an altitude of 82 meters. This is a curved bridge which was built on land initially and then placed on a mountain with the help of a helicopter.

Location: Langkawi, Kedah.

Known for: A glimpse of the unexplored parts of the island and the mountain Mat Cincang. You can also witness the second largest peak, Telaga Tuluj.

How to reach: Ascent from the Oriental Village near Pantai Kok

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 50-100 approximately

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Take your binoculars to get a more unobstructed view of the mountains 

Type: Landmark. 

Your trip to Malaysia will be incomplete if you do not indulge yourself in scuba diving on this island. It is a home for more than 3000 species of rare fish and hundred coral reefs that make it the best place for your scuba diving expeditions.

Location: Celebes Sea, Sabah State, Borneo Island

Known for: Scuba diving.

How to reach: Take a ferry ride to Sipadan from Semporna

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 4000-30000 approximately depending on the level of dive you choose.

Operating hours: From morning to night

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: There is no availability to stay overnight in Sipadan, so ride back to Semporna for staying overnight. Also, you will need a permit to dive in the waters of Sipadan. 

Type: Village.

One of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia, with lovely coral reefs and rich marine life that play a major role in its tourism. This island is famous for all varieties of water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.  

Location: Tenggol Islands

Known for: Watersports activities.

How to reach: Take a ferry ride from Terengganu coast.

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 80-100 approximately for the park entry and INR 150-200 approximately for the rides.

Operating hours: Open throughout the year, but June-October is the best time for watersports.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Be cautious before entering the waters and pay careful attention to the instructors. 

Type: Park.

This delightful rainforest in Malaysia is a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. It offers a wide range of activities that will satisfy your adrenaline.  

Location: Pahang

Known for: Canopy walks, jungle walks, jungle trekking, boat trips, wildlife observation, trekking, bird-watching, rapid shooting and more.

How to reach: Take a train or bus to Jerantrt and then a taxi from Jerantrt to jetty at Kuala Tembling.

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 15-20 approximately for entry and the rest depends on the activities you choose.

Operating hours: Open throughout the year.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry comfortable shoes for trekking and jungle related activities.

Type: Park.

Abode to Lord Murugan, Batu Caves is a series of caves formed from limestone. There are three caves; the cathedral cave, art gallery cave and museum cave inside it.

Location: Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia.

Known for: 15 feet tall Hanuman Temple and 140 feet tall Murugan Temple.

How to reach: Take the train to Batu station and walk 200 meters to reach the caves.

Approximate Cost: No entry fee

Operating hours: 7 am to 8 pm every day

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Do not smile at the monkeys or carry food when you are climbing the steps. Wear traditional clothes when you are visiting the temple.

Type: Temple

The capital of Penang island, George Town is the most colorful and vibrant towns of the country. This British colonial bastion is a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. This town is famous for its British colonial buildings, mosques and Chinese shop-houses. As the night falls, people in the town would be rushing to the puds and nightclubs to have the time of their life in this pretty city. With skyscrapers that fill the skies, tons of shopping malls, and food centers, George Town is one of the best cities in the country. The temperature ranges between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius with humidity levels as high as 90%.

Attractions: Old Georgetown Streets, Penang hill, Pinang Peranakan Museum, Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, The Camera Museum and Asia Camera Museum Penang, Khoo Kongsi, Fort Cornwallis, Penan Botanical Gardens, Nattukotai Chettiar Temple, The Butterfly Farm.

Activities: Heritage walks, Kek Lok Si, Exploring Fort Cornwallis.

Food: Chin's Stylish Chinese Cuisine, 1885 Restaurant, New Lane Hawker Centre, Nasi Kandar Line Clear, Farquhar Mansion Fine Dining and Lounge, Macalister Mansion, Joo Hooi Cafe, 32 at the Mansion, Suffolk House Restaurant.

Shopping: Chinatown, Chowrasta Market, KOMTAR, Little India, Little Penang Street Market, Penang Bazar, Prangin Mall, Penang New World Park.

Nightlife: Slippery Seniorita, F.A.M.E, Farquhar's Bar, Mois, Momo, Soi II Unplugged Bar and Restaurant, Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, Uptown Pub and Bistro. 

Another hill station in Malaysia filled with green tea plantations, delightful climate, natural vegetation, waterfalls, forests, orchards and many more.

Location: Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Known for: Forests, gardens, galleries, museums, farmlands, and waterfalls.

How to reach: Take the North-South Expressway and reach Tapah. From here, you can take route 59 to reach the highlands.

Approximate Cost: Depends on the place you are entering.

Operating hours: Open throughout the year.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Wear comfortable shoes and carry warm clothes.

Type: Village.

This massive aquarium is the most important place to visit in Malaysia. Often regarded as the world's largest aquarium, Aquaria KLCC is a home to more than 5000 different species of freshwater and marine creatures.

Location: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Known for: Tiger sharks, coral fishes, sea snakes, blue rays, and seahorses.

How to reach: Take a taxi from the city center.

Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 1000-1500 approximately per person.

Operating hours: 10 am to 8 pm

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: No precautions required.

Type: Amusement Park

Holding a spot in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list, Melaka is filled with ancient cathedrals, mountains, rivers, museums, heritage centers, temples and spas which are built beautifully with intricate details.

Location: Melaka

Known for: Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, Jonker Street, Malacca River, Red Square, and Cheng Hoong Teng Temple.

How to reach: 2 hours ride from Kuala Lumpur and 4-hour ride from Singapore.

Approximate Cost: Entry fee depends on the place you enter.

Operating hours: Open throughout the year.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: The timings of each tourist place are different, so bring a Melaka attractions map to be sure of the schedules.

Type: Historic Site.