The 25 Most Beautiful Places In Malaysia: Where To Visit

Last Updated: December 20 2023

Malaysia is a popular backpacking destination in Southeast Asia. It’s made up of the Peninsular mainland and Malaysian Borneo, which is located within the Malay Archipelago.

This incredible country is home to gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, delicious cuisine, and bustling cities. This means there really is something for every type of traveller!

Whether you’re looking to search for exotic wildlife, snorkel in the country’s crystal-clear waters, or take advantage of Malaysia’s street food scene, you won’t run out of things to do here.

Honestly, Malaysia is one of the most diverse countries we’ve ever been to. If this destination isn’t on your bucket list yet – it should be!

So let’s take a look at the most beautiful places in Malaysia! Just a note – these are in no particular order.

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The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Malaysia

1. Langkawi

Langkawi is a tropical island located off the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s often referred to as the Jewel of Kedah’ due to its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests.

Langkawi is a UNESCO Global Geopark – the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. This is partly why it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

There are tons of fascinating things to do in Langkawi ranging from birdwatching to watersports so there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular attractions include the Langkawi Sky Bridge, Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, and Pulau Payar Marine Park.

Not only that, but this island has a fantastic night market. Here, you’ll get to taste some of the delicious dishes that this country has to offer!

Langkawi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia so what are you waiting for?

To reach the island you can either fly to Langkawi International Airport or catch a ferry. Ferries run from several places on the mainland including Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang, and Satun.

For a guided experience, you can check out this private island tour. It will take you to all the popular spots including Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, Mount Mat Cincang, and Tasik Dayang Bunting.

2. Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Gunung Mulu National Park isn’t located on the mainland of Malaysia, instead, you’ll find this incredible place on the island of Borneo. It’s one of the most important natural sites in Southeast Asia so make sure it’s included in your trip itinerary!

Gunung Mulu is located in the state of Sarawak and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is most famous for being home to one of the most spectacular cave systems on Earth, which is one of the key reasons to visit.

In this national park, you’ll find The Sarawak Chamber which is the largest underground chamber in the world, Deer Cave which is the world’s largest cave passage, and Clearwater Cave which is Southeast Asia’s longest cave.

Not only is Gunung Mulu National Park home to extensive caves, but you’ll also find over 50,000 hectares of rainforest here. There are actually 15 types of rainforest in this national park which makes it extremely biodiverse.

Although Gunung Mulu is incredibly remote, you can fly to Mulu from Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Miri so don’t leave this place off your list.

3. Taman Negara National Park

If you’re looking for natural places to visit in Malaysia then make sure you head to Taman Negara National Park!

Taman Negara is the largest national park in the country and it’s one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests at an impressive 130 million years old. This prehistoric rainforest is home to towering mountains, rapid-flowing rivers, and tons of wildlife.

The best way to explore Taman Negara is by hitting up some of the hiking trails as this is a great way to spot the wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot elephants, rhinoceros, Malaysian tapirs, and macaques.

Not only that, but if you attempt a multi-day hike in the rainforest then you might even get to see tigers, leopards, and sun bears. For this reason, you’ll want to hire a nature guide to go with you!

Other popular activities in Taman Negara National Park include walking the Canopy Walkway, cruising along The Tembeling River, and visiting the Orang Asli Settlements.

Whatever you decide to do, you don’t want to miss out on one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia.

We’d recommend spending at least a couple of days here but if you’re in a rush then you can visit Taman Negara as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur!

4. The Perhentian Islands

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Malaysia but the Perhentian Islands are right up there at the top!

These gorgeous islands are located off the Northeast coast. They’re well known for their crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, and endless snorkelling opportunities. You’ll also want to visit here if you’re a keen diver!

The two main islands are Kecil which translates to ‘small’ and Besar which translates to ‘large’. To reach the islands you’ll have to catch a ferry as there are no direct flights available.

Besar tends to be the most popular option as it’s more tailored towards tourism, whereas Kecil is the quieter option. You’ll find fewer accommodation options on this island, but it’s located in the middle of a marine sanctuary.

Although these islands are undeniably beautiful, they tend to be less popular than the likes of Penang and Langkawi. This means you’ll encounter fewer tourists and will have a more authentic experience!

Aside from snorkelling and diving, you’ll find plenty of other things to do in the Perhentian Islands. This includes jungle trekking, sea kayaking, and island-hopping. The latter is a great way to explore the nearby islands so shop around and compare the prices!

5. The Kinabatangan River, Sabah

The Kinabatangan River is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia! It’s located in the state of Sabah, which is part of Malaysian Borneo.

It’s the second largest river in the country at an impressive 350 miles (560 km) long and is surrounded by lush rainforest and mangrove swamps.

This part of Malaysia is one of the best spots for wildlife watching – especially if you’re looking to see orangutans in the wild.

Not only will you have the chance to spot these elusive primates, but you might also get to see pygmy elephants, gibbons, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys among others!

The main place to stay along the Kinabatangan River is Sukau which is where the majority of the lodges are based. From here, you can head out on jungle walks, night trails, and river cruises, with the latter often being the best way to spot wildlife.

You’ll find a selection of accommodation options to choose from or you can go for a package deal. These often include accommodation, meals, and activities and can save you money in the long run!

If you don’t want to organize this experience yourself, then this 3-day tour will see you stay at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp. The tour focuses on wildlife and you’ll have a guide with you at all times.

6. Ipoh

Ipoh is known as the ‘gateway to the Cameron Highlands’ but it’s got a lot more to offer than just that. It’s the capital city of the state of Perak and is famous for its delicious food, colonial architecture, and street art.

However, one of the best parts about visiting Ipoh is getting to see the cave temples. These caves are all set within limestone hills and there are around 30 of them to choose from!

Some of the most popular cave temples to visit include Sam Poh Tong, Kek Si Tong, and Perak Cave.

Not only is Ipoh one of the most scenic places in Malaysia, but it’s famous for its food and kopi putih – which is white coffee. You’ve also got plenty of colonial buildings to admire including Ipoh Town Hall and the Old Post Office.

If you’re looking to see the best of Ipoh then this full-day heritage tour will take you to all the best spots. On this tour, you’ll walk down the Heritage Trail, visit Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, and wander around Kellie’s Castle.

For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at least 2-3 days in Ipoh so you’re not rushing around!

7. Cameron Highlands

If you want to see the true beauty of Malaysia then you need to spend some time in Cameron Highlands. Located in the state of Pahang, this region is made up of three main towns and a few other smaller towns.

If you decide to visit, then you’ll want to stay in either Brinchang, Ringlet, or Tanah Rata. We stayed in Tanah Rata and found it to be a great base!

The Cameron Highlands dates back to the 1940s during the colonial era so you’ll find a variety of unique architecture and food here. Due to a fusion of Malaysian and British cultures, this place is really interesting!

Some of the best things to do in the Cameron Highlands include hitting up some of the nearby hiking trails, visiting the local tea plantations, and admiring Sam Poh Temple.

If you’ve got the time then you’ll also want to visit the Time Tunnel Museum, admire the views from Mount Brinchang, and try some of the local cuisines.

The best time to visit this region is generally between February and May when the weather conditions are at their best. We’d recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the Cameron Highlands so you can truly make the most of your visit.

No matter how long you decide to stay here, take some time to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia!

8. Danum Valley, Sabah

For those visiting Malaysian Borneo, make sure Danum Valley is included in your Malaysia itinerary!

Danum Valley Conservation Area covers an area of 169 sq miles (438 sq km) and is home to one of Borneo’s oldest rainforests. In fact, these ancient rainforests are around 130 million years old!

Not only is Danum Valley home to some of the tallest trees in Malaysia, but there’s a wealth of wildlife to be found here. Much of the fauna is endemic too so they can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

If you’re lucky, you might get to spot orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, Bornean pygmy elephants, and mouse deer. The Sumatran Rhino, clouded leopard, and Malay sun bear can also be found here!

To reach Danum Valley you’ll first need to get to Lahad Datu. It’s the closest town to the conservation area, and you can reach it by air from Kota Kinabalu or overland via Sandakan or Tawau.

If you’ve got the time, then you’ll definitely want to visit Danum valley. It offers some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities in Malaysia and doesn’t disappoint.

Just make sure you book your accommodation in advance as there aren’t many options!

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9. Batu Ferringhi

If you’re looking for the most beautiful beach in Malaysia then make sure you head to Batu Ferringhi. The country is home to endless pristine beaches, but this coastal town is up there with the best.

Batu Ferringhi is located in Penang and is just an easy bus ride from George Town. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, eat delicious food, or spot wildlife, this town has plenty to offer.

Boasting pristine white sands, lush forested areas, and crystal-clear waters, the beauty of this area is unparalleled. For more epic scenery, you can head to Penang National Park which is easily accessible via bus.

Here, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails and plenty of wildlife including silver leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, sea eagles, and giant monitor lizards.

After spending a day exploring the national park, you should head to the night market at Batu Ferringhi. There are endless authentic dishes to try here, although we recommend the local chicken curry or roti canai.

Other things to do in Batu Ferringhi include taking a cooking class at the Tropical Spice Garden, trying out some watersports, and visiting Penang Floating Mosque! You can also look out for eagles right from the beach.

If you’re looking to visit beautiful places in Malaysia then you don’t want to leave Batu Ferringhi off your list!

10. Tioman Island

Tioman Island (also known as Pulau Tioman) is the place to go if you’re looking for beautiful beaches in Malaysia. This island is located off the East coast and is known to be one of the country’s geological wonders!

Boasting a hot climate throughout the year, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, this incredible destination has so much to offer.

There are seven villages on the island with the largest being Kampung Tekek. This village is seen to be the commercial hub of Tioman and is home to a bank, clinic, airport, and school.

Although Pulau Tioman is relatively small in comparison to other islands in Malaysia, it’s home to plenty of shops. Not only that, but the island is duty-free so you can get some great bargains here!

However, the main draw of this island is its sheer beauty. Not only will you be able to relax on gorgeous beaches, but there are lush rainforests to explore too.

There’s a 7 km hiking trail that runs across the middle of the island and is where you’ll get to see a variety of wildlife. This includes mouse deer, black giant squirrels, binturong, and frigatebirds.

Tioman is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with endless activities available. The most popular activities are water-based and include surfing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

When it comes to beautiful places in Malaysia, Tioman Island is right at the top of the list!

11. Bako National Park, Sarawak

Bako National Park is one of the best places to spot wildlife in the country. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia!

Home to lush rainforest, secluded beaches, waterfalls, and a variety of hiking trails, this park has everything you could ask for. It’s also incredibly biodiverse so you’ve got a great chance of spotting wildlife.

Some of the species that call this national park home include the endemic proboscis monkey, the Bornean bearded pig, monitor lizards, otters and langurs among other wildlife.

Aside from wildlife-watching, you’ll want to hike to some of the park’s viewpoints. Two of the best to visit include Tg. Sapi and Ulu Assam as they’re only a relatively short hike away from the entrance!

The best (and cheapest) way to reach Bako National Park is to catch the No.1 bus from Kuching to the park terminal. From there, you’ll pay for your entrance fee and boat ticket which will take you into the national park.

If you’d prefer not to visit by yourself, then you can always hop on this Bako National Park tour from Kuching City. This 8-hour tour will allow you to head out on a jungle walk with a guide, spot wildlife, and admire unique rock formations on a boat ride to the park.

12. Johor Bahru

If you’re looking for an interesting place in Malaysia then you need to visit Johor Bahru. It’s the second largest city in the country, and you’ll find plenty to do here.

Johor Bahru is located at the Southern end of Peninsular Malaysia. In fact, there’s a causeway here that connects the city of Singapore. Although you can visit either on a day trip, both need at least two days for the best experience.

Originally known as Tanjung Puteri, this area used to be a small fishing village until it was eventually founded as a city in 1855.

There are plenty of awesome places to visit in Johor Bahru including Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, Johor Ancient Temple, and Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque.

However, one of the most popular attractions in this city is Legoland. Not only is the first Malaysian Legoland park found here, but you’ve also got Legoland Waterpark and a Sea Life Aquarium. This makes it the perfect destination for families!

You’ll find plenty of awesome attractions in this city, but it’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking to learn about Malaysia’s history. Home to temples, mosques, and colonial buildings, there’s something for everyone in Johor Bahru.

Not to mention there’s a fantastic food scene!

 

13. George Town, Penang

George Town is the capital of Penang Island and it’s one of the most multicultural destinations in the country.

Within this melting pot of cultures, you’ll find Indian, Chinese, and Malay influences. Not only that but George Town was actually a trading port of the British East India Company in the 1700s. As a result, you’ll find plenty of colonial architecture here.

With so many influences it’s not hard to understand why George Town has such a fantastic food scene. One of the best places to experience this is the Wonderfood Museum, where you’ll get to learn all about Malaysian dishes.

You’ll also find plenty of incredible places to visit in George Town including Kek Lok Si Temple, Chew Jetty, Gurney Plaza, and Khoo Kongsi.

During your time here, you’ll want to visit Penang Botanical Gardens too and admire the spectacular views from Penang Hill. If you don’t fancy walking up to the top you can always take the funicular up.

Last but certainly not least, spend some time walking around the city to admire its fantastic street art!

This Penang highlight tour will show you the best of George Town, but you’ll also get to visit other destinations including Batu Ferringhi.

14. Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is known as the gateway to the Perhentian Islands and as such, many people choose to just pass right through. However, if you’ve got the time you’ll definitely want to spend a bit longer here!

Often referred to as KB, this town is the state capital of Kelantan. As it’s close to the border of Thailand, you can organise a Thai visa here. It’s also the reason why you’ll encounter lots of Thai influence in Kota Bharu.

Compared to other towns and cities in Malaysia, KB is extremely walkable and there’s not too much to see. However, it offers a much more authentic experience than other destinations in the country.

Aside from a stop-off when visiting the Perhentian Islands, the other reason people visit is to ride along the iconic Jungle Railway. The views are breathtaking meaning it’s not an experience you want to miss!

In KB you’ll find a variety of unique museums including Tour Istana Jahar, Istana Batu, and Muzium Negeri Kelantan. There are plenty of other things to do here too like taking a boat ride down the Galas River and visiting the Central Market.

Like many places in Malaysia, Kota Bharu has a fantastic food scene. One of the reasons for this is that its dishes are influenced by both Malay and Thai culture!

15. Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah – a state located in Malaysian Borneo. Due to its location, it offers fantastic transport links all over the state including Kinabalu National Park, the Kinabatangan River, and Sepilok.

It’s the gateway to many destinations and for that reason, many people just choose to pass right through, like Kota Bharu which we just mentioned.

However, we’d recommend spending at least two days here to make the most of your visit!

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city that’s surrounded by rainforest. Boasting pristine beaches, bustling markets, and beautiful mosques, this place has a lot to offer!

Some of the best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu include Tanjung Aru Beach, the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, and Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. If you’ve got the time, you’ll also want to have a ride on the North Borneo railway and wander around the Sabah State Museum.

Kota Kinabalu is famous for its art galleries, local markets, and awesome restaurants too so you’re never going to run out of things to do!

You can even take a day trip out to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park if you wish. This snorkelling tour has you covered as it includes all equipment, lunch, fees, and taxes.

16. Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is one of the most unique places to visit in Malaysia! It’s known as the ‘City of Entertainment’ and is where both locals and tourists come for a fun getaway.

It’s one of the country’s hill stations and has been compared to a smaller version of Las Vegas. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels, huge casinos, amusement parks, and shops. For that reason, you’ll find so much to do in Genting Highlands.

Other popular places to visit include Ripleys Believe It or Not and Chin Swee Caves Temple. If you head to the latter, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding area.

Another great thing about Genting Highlands is that it’s a pleasant escape from Malaysia’s usual heat and humidity. Although this place is only an hour away from the capital, the temperatures here are much cooler.

This makes it a great spot for hiking and one of the best trails will take you to Sungai Sendat waterfall. The scenery here is beautiful so don’t forget your camera!

If you don’t have time to stay at Genting Highlands then you can always visit on a day trip. This day tour starts from Kuala Lumpur and includes a return ticket for the cable car, round-trip transportation, and a guide.

17. Batu Caves

If you’re looking for beautiful and interesting places to visit in Malaysia then make sure you head to Batu Caves! This special place can be visited on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur which makes it easily accessible.

Located in Gombal, Selangor – Batu Caves is just a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre. You can easily get there by hopping on the KTM Kommuter Train, which runs every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day.

If you’d prefer not to visit yourself, then you can head there via this half-day tour. Not only will you get to see this incredible place, but you’ll also get to see a rural Malay village and a Batik factory.

Batu Caves is a scenic limestone hill that’s home to a series of caves. Within these cave systems, you’ll find a variety of temples making them one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India.

These caves were formed over 400 million years ago but were only officially discovered in 1878 by an American Naturalist. There are three main caves here with Cathedral Cave being the largest.

Two of the most popular sites at Batu Caves include the famous rainbow steps and the huge Lord Murugan statue. The latter is one of the largest Hindu God statues in the world at an impressive 43 metres (140 feet tall).

18. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah

Mount Kinabalu National Park was Malaysia’s first ever designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being one of the most important biological sites in the world, it’s no wonder that you’ll find a wealth of flora and fauna here.

Within Kinabalu park, you’ll find an extensive range of plants with the total number of species being more than Europe and North America combined! One of the most popular flowers is the rafflesia which is one of the biggest flowers in the world.

If you’re lucky you might spot a variety of wildlife too, with some of the rarer species including sun bears, leopard cats, Bornean gibbons, and orangutans.

Although the park covers an area of 754 square kilometres (291 square miles), it’s the towering Mount Kinabalu that dominates this incredible place. Being one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, it’s no wonder so many people want to add this climb to their bucket list.

Although expensive to climb, you’re in for a once-in-a-life experience if you do! This 2D1N tour includes everything you need like your park entrance fees, climbing permit, insurance, and mountain guide fees.

If that sounds too extreme for you, then there are plenty of day hikes that you can do instead! Either way, you don’t want to miss out on visiting one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia.

19. Kuching, Sarawak

There are plenty of beautiful places in Malaysia but if you’re heading to Malaysian Borneo then don’t miss out on staying in Kuching. It’s the state capital of Sarawak and is actually situated along the Sarawak River.

One of the best things about Kuching has to be its cultural diversity with Malay, Chinese, and British influences. The next best thing has to be the food – in particular our favourite dish, roti canai. In all honesty, no trip to this city is complete without tasting this delicious food!

During your time in the city, you’ll want to visit Sarawak Cultural Village, stroll along the waterfront, visit the Astana building, and check out the Cat Museum. In Kuching, you’ll also find the Sarawak Museum, Fort Margherita, and Kuching Mosque.

Not only is there plenty to do in Kuching itself, but there are lots of day trip opportunities too! We based ourselves in Kuching for around a week to visit some of the nearby destinations.

Some of the best day trips from the city include Bako National Park and Semenggoh Nature Reserve. You’ve also got plenty of other national parks within reach including Gunung Gadang, Kubah, and Tanjung Datu.

Public transport is pretty efficient in this area so you won’t have any problems getting around. Taxis are relatively cheap too, especially if you use the GRAB app.

20. The Jungle Railway

If you’re looking for photogenic destinations then we’d recommend taking a ride along the Jungle Railway.

This railway spans over 500 km and runs between Tumpat which is located near the Thai Border and Gemas. From there, the track joins up with the west coastline which connects Singapore and Bangkok.

The Jungle Railway was built in the early 1900s (between 1910 and 1930). However, during the war stretches of the railway were removed to be used on the historic ‘Death Railway’ line between Thailand and Burma.

Today, this railway is most famous for its epic scenery and it’s not hard to see why! The line will take you through endless rainforests, across rivers, and past forest-covered mountains, so make sure you’ve got your camera ready.

For the best experience, make sure you schedule your train journey during the day. This way, you can admire the breathtaking views along the way and even spot some wildlife if you’re lucky!

Many people choose to travel between Gemas and Kota Bharu. If you don’t have the time to do that, don’t worry! It’s important to note that you don’t need to do the whole railway journey to enjoy the views.

Whichever way you decide to enjoy this railway, you’re in for an incredible experience!

21. Semenggoh Nature Rerserve, Sarawak

Semenggoh Nature Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Malaysian Borneo. This reserve is used to protect habitats for semi-wild orangutans, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to spot one or two!

This place was set up in 1975 and its purpose was to care for animals that had been found injured, were orphans, or had been kept as illegal pets. Not only were these orangutans cared for, but many of them have now been successfully released into the reserve.

Even better, some of these released orangutans have had little ones of their own! The majority of the animals spend most of their time high up in the trees but some of them do return to the feeding platform at the centre.

There are two feeding times at Semenggoh; 9 am and 3 pm. This is the best time to visit as you’ll increase your chances of seeing these beautiful creatures!

As we mentioned earlier, you can visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve on a day trip from Kuching. We booked a taxi through the GRAB app which was extremely cheap. There’s also a local bus that runs there too!

For those who’d prefer not to organise the trip themselves, you can take this 3-hour tour from Kuching. This way, you won’t have to worry about the transport and you can ask your guide any questions.

22. Pangkor Island

On the west coast of the mainland, you’ll find Pangkor Island – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia! Although the island only covers an area of around 18 km² it has so much to offer!

Boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts, this is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. Only a small portion of the island is inhabited, with the rest of it being covered in lush rainforests.

However, it’s the white sand beaches that often steal the highlight. Not only can you spend your time sunbathing, but you can also hire a kayak to explore the island’s more remote areas.

Although this is the perfect place to relax, there are plenty of things to do as well! Aside from the beautiful beaches, there are lots of cultures to be found here.

During your time on Pangkor, you’ll want to visit the island’s largest Taoist temple, explore Chinatown, and wander around the ruins of a 17th-century colonial fort.

For the wildlife lovers out there, head to Sunset View Chalet as you’ve got a great chance of spotting colourful hornbills. You can also hike up Pangkor Hill which is the island’s highest point, and from here, you’ll be treated to sweeping views.

23. Malacca

Malacca (or Melaka) is one of the most popular places in Malaysia. Being just a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city centre, it’s no wonder that this place is so well-liked.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historical sites, delicious local dishes, and for being one of the oldest cities in the country. In fact, Malacca is thought to have been founded in 1400 so it’s got plenty of history.

Some of the most popular places to visit here include St. Peter’s Church, Malacca Tower, and Jonker Street which is home to plenty of awesome street art. You’ve also got the Dutch Square (or Red Square) which is an interesting place to explore, and Melaka Straits Mosque which is simply beautiful!

For those that are a bit short of time, you can always visit the city as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. We caught the local bus to Malacca and then spent the day exploring before catching the bus back.

You can also go on a day tour of Malacca that will include all your transport, your entry ticket to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and your lunch! Tours like this allow you to see a variety of places in a short amount of time!

24. Pulau Sipadan, Sabah

Pulau Sipadan offers some of the best scenery in Malaysia and is the only oceanic island in the country. Situated off Sabah’s East coast, this island is found in one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world.

For this reason, it’s no surprise to learn that it’s one of the top diving locations on Earth. Home to hundreds of coral species and a variety of marine life, there’s nothing quite like this place.

If you choose to go diving here (which you definitely should) then you’re likely to see a wealth of wildlife. This includes green and hawksbill turtles as they mate and nest here. If you’re lucky, you might get to see up to 20 turtles at once!

Other marine life found here include barracuda, Bumphead parrotfish, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays. Lucky divers might even get to spot whale sharks depending on the time of year!

To reach Sipadan, you’ll first need to get to Semprona Town. The closest airport is Tawau and flights run here from both Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to dive here and these are in high demand. There are only 176 permits available daily for this island. These are allocated between dive centres and around 24 resorts so you’ll need to plan in advance.

If you’re looking for beautiful places in Malaysia then make sure you head to Sipadan Island!

25. Kuala Lumpur

Although Kuala Lumpur isn’t often thought of as a place of natural beauty in Malaysia – you’ll find plenty of scenic places here.

KL is one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia and is famous for its towering skyscrapers, awesome attractions, and incredible food scene.

It’s also the largest city in Malaysia and is the country’s capital, so you won’t be short of things to do here. However, there are a couple of places that you need to include on your Kuala Lumpur Itinerary!

During your stay here, you need to visit the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Forest Eco Park, KL Tower, and KLCC Park. We’d also recommend heading to some of the city’s cultural sights including Thean Hou Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, and The Federal Territory Mosque!

This Kuala Lumpur Instagram Tour will take you to the city’s most popular spots and offers you the chance to capture some amazing photographs!

For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at least three days in the city, but preferably four if you have the time. This will give you enough time to visit all the city’s hotspots. However, you’ll also have time to simply relax and enjoy Kuala Lumpur’s culture.

Where will you go in Malaysia?

As you can see there are plenty of beautiful places in Malaysia so where will you visit?

That will all depend on what you want out of your vacation; do you want to see wildlife? are you looking to relax on the beach? or would you prefer to explore the country’s incredible cities?

If it’s the latter then we’d recommend heading to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, or Johor Bahru! Whereas, if you’d prefer a beach vacation then your best off choosing to visit Langkawi, The Perhentian Islands, and Pangkor Island.

Lastly, if you’re looking to spot some wildlife then the best places to visit include Taman Negara National Park, the Kinabatangan River, and Bako National Park.

If you’ve enjoyed this guide then here are some other articles that you might find useful:

• 1 Month Thailand Itinerary: The Ultimate Thailand Backpacking Route
• 1 Month Cambodia Itinerary: Where To Go Backpacking In Cambodia
• Asia Backpacking Route: 23 Destinations For The Best Asia Itinerary

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