- Enjoy sampling tea in Cameron Highlands, an extensive hill stations famous for its tea plantations.
- Climbing Mount Kinabalu without mountaineering equipment. It is also known for its botanical and biological biodiversity.
- Relax in the beaches of Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands.
- If you are a budget traveler, visit the Perhential Islands that offers sandy beaches but with plenty of cheap accommodation.
- Explore Mulu Caves in Gunung Mulu National Park. One of its underground cave chamber, Sarawak chamber is the largest cave chamber in the world.
- Take in the view from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur
- Walk along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old George Town Street in Penang, one of Malaysia's top-visited tourist destinations
- Venture out on one of the world’s longest rope walkways at Taman Negara National Park
- Go off the beaten path to the mesmerizing beaches of Kapas Island
- See orangutans in the wild in Malaysia Borneo
- Taste Nasi Kandar, a common mixed-rice dish with which you can pick a variety of toppings, from okra to squid
- Live the island life in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, with quiet Sulug Island and bustling Gaya Island
- Get a history lesson on Malaysia in Malacca, with some of the region’s most interesting architecture
Best Things to Do in Malaysia
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Things to do in Malaysia - Expert's guide
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1. Mulu Caves & Batu Caves
One of the top natural attractions in Malaysia, the Mulu Caves are located in the Gunung Mulu National Park. Explore the caves and karst formations, including the famous Sarawak chamber, the largest cave chamber in the world.
If you’re visiting Mulu Caves in the evening, watch for the exodus of Wrinkle-lipped bats as they go out in search of food. If you’re touring Kuala Lumpur, make a point to visit the Batu Caves for their Hindu artwork and giant Hindu god statue in Cathedral Cave.
2. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center & Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Malaysia trips with a wildlife focus typically include a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. The center, in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, is home to about 60 to 80 orangutans, who are trained on how to survive in the wild before their re-release. The orangutan rehabilitation center is one of the top attractions in Sabah.
Wildlife lovers visiting Malaysia may also consider tours that visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see orphaned and rescued orangutans, best seen during their morning and afternoon feedings.
3. Perhentian Islands
A must-see destination during a Malaysia or Thailand trip, the Perhentian Islands are a favorite of budget-oriented travelers and divers. Visit Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil for their beautiful beaches and azure seas.
4. Langkawi
Some of Malaysia’s most popular beaches can be found in Langkawi, a top Malaysia vacation spot in the Andaman Sea. There are 99 islands making up this paradisiacal archipelago, the largest being Pulau Langkawi. Look for palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, jungle-clad hills and mountains and a wide range of restaurants. It’s easy to see why Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s most-visited destinations.
5. Petronas Twin Towers
The tallest twin buildings in the world, the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers are a must-see in Kuala Lumpur. Walk the skybridge between the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors. An icon of Kuala Lumpur, the towers are a great place to stop if you’re checking the world’s tallest buildings off your bucket list. Don’t miss the Observation Deck on the 86th floor, with 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur.
6. Taman Negara
Visit one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, Taman Negara. Malaysia wildlife tours include this incredible park for its jungle treks, the world’s longest canopy walkways, soaring trees and crashing waterfalls and the chance to see endangered species. You may glimpse Asian elephants, leopards, rhinos, tapir, tigers and multitudes of birds, making this one of the best places to see wildlife in Malaysia.
7. Sipadan
This epic diving destination in Malaysia boasts more than 3,000 kinds of fish and hundreds of types of coral. Explore Sipadan on a Malaysia diving tour and swim with manta rays, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, whale sharks and more. When you’re out of the water, there’s plenty of time to relax on Sipadan’s gorgeous sandy beaches.
8. Bako National Park
For travelers who enjoy the great outdoors, Malaysia’s Bako National Park is a top choice. The park is located in Borneo and is one of the best places in Malaysia to see local wildlife, including the proboscis monkey. Hike along gentle nature trails or take a full-day hike through this small, but mighty Malaysia park. There’s everything from beaches and impressive sea stacks to rainforest and waterfalls.
9. Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia tours that include Kuala Lumpur offer a look at the other side of the country. An antidote to the jungle and beaches elsewhere in the country, bustling Kuala Lumpur features one of the world’s biggest malls - Benaya Times Square - as well as a trendy entertainment district - Bukit Bintang.
10. Kek Lok Si Temple
Tour the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia - Kek Lok Si Temple - along with pilgrims from all over Southeast Asia. The main attractions at Kek Lok Si is the Temple of Rama IV with 10,000 Buddha carvings.
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Andy
Mar 2025
Malaysia and Singapore Explorer
Need extra day / days in Singapore and definitely an extra day in Kuala Lumpur. The whole tour was amazing. Malaysia is hugely interesting. The food is out of this ...
S
Steve
Mar 2025
Malaysia and Singapore Explorer
An excellent trip to Singapore and Malaysia. We arrived a few days ahead of the start of the tour and spent time exploring Singapore, which is easy to navigate when ...
T
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Malaysia and Singapore Explorer
Excellent itinary made all the better by our guide, Andrew, who made sure we saw the best options in our free time and even took us on an extended walking tour durin...
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Useful Links
- Malaysia's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- Additional Information About Malaysia
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Visa Needed?LinkUS N (< 90 days)Visas to Malaysia for United States citizensUK N (< 90 days)Visas to Malaysia for United Kingdom citizensCA N (< 90 days)Visas to Malaysia for Canadian citizensAU N (< 90 days)Visas to Malaysia for Australian citizensNZ N (< 90 days)Visas to Malaysia for New Zealand citizensIN YVisas to Malaysia for Indian citizensAbout Travelstride
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