10 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Malaysia

Malaysia is a vibrant travel destination packed with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and world-class attractions. Whether you're a foodie, adventure seeker, or history buff, this Southeast Asian gem offers unforgettable experiences that cater to every traveler.

From the towering Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Malaysia.

I’ve explored Malaysia’s diverse regions, uncovering the best activities for tourists and locals alike. If you love nature and wildlife, you can trek through the Borneo rainforest, home to rare orangutans and exotic flora. For history lovers, the UNESCO-listed George Town in Penang offers a mix of colonial charm, street art, and delicious hawker food. And let’s not forget the bustling night markets, where you can try authentic Malaysian street food like Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, and Satay.

Beyond city life, Malaysia boasts breathtaking islands like Perhentian, Redang, and Tioman, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing. If you're into adventure, head to Mount Kinabalu, the country's highest peak, or explore the mystical Batu Caves just outside Kuala Lumpur.

This guide will take you through the top attractions in Malaysia, helping you plan an incredible itinerary filled with culture, adventure, and relaxation. Ready to discover the best things to do in Malaysia? Let’s dive in.

What to see in Malaysia, our top 10

Before we begin with our summary of the must-see places to visit in Malaysia on a first trip, let us give you some information as a little pill so that you have a little more idea of what the Asian country is like:

Malaysia is made up of two very different parts: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo . In this article we are going to recommend places to visit in both areas…
Travelling around Malaysia is safe, easy and cheap. There is a wide network of buses and trains, and here you will also find the hub of Airasia , the cheapest (and best) low-cost airline in all of Asia.
You do not need to apply for a visa to enter Malaysia: upon arrival your passport will be stamped with a free 3-month visa (at least for Spaniards and Italians). For South Americans, it will depend on the country. You can check it on this website .
We recommend travelling to Malaysia (and Asia in general) with travel insurance with health care . We have never had any problems of any kind, but we do know people who have become ill and had to be hospitalised. Take a look before leaving home, an interesting option is Iati travel insurance, with which you get a 5% discount if you purchase it from this link .
Malaysia is a melting pot of very different cultures and traditions: Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists and Christians all live together under the same sky . It will be like travelling to different places in the world without crossing borders!
And as difficult as it may seem, they live together in true peace and harmony. Malaysia is a safe country that we recommend you arrive to with an open mind and a smile on your face… The people are some of the most hospitable we have ever met (even when I travelled alone)!
We recommend a minimum of 15 days to visit Malaysia. If you have less time, you should reconsider your wishlist and start the process of crossing things off.
And of course, having internet always helps. Here we tell you which SIM and eSIM cards to buy in Malaysia

Now, we are going to tell you which are the 10 best things to see and do in Malaysia :

1. Kuala Lumpur

There are travelers who just can't seem to get the point, although for us the capital of Malaysia seems to be one of the most complete in all of Southeast Asia : in the same day you can have breakfast in an Indian market, take a selfie in front of the Petronas towers (and go up them , of course!), get lost in a tropical jungle and visit a mosque or a Chinese temple.

We personally love it! Along with Bangkok and Tokyo, it is our favourite city in all of Asia, so we recommend spending 2 or 3 days here.

⭐ If you want, you can find more information in our article on what to see and do in Kuala Lumpur.

Top 3 Highlights of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - WanderWisdom — *Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital*

Tours & Activities

2. Georgetown

Georgetown (Penang) is the perfect place for lovers of urban art : its streets are full of murals, iron sculptures and street art that mixes graffiti and everyday objects such as bikes, motorbikes or swings. In short, a very original city, which has managed to transform art into its main attraction and sign of identity.

And if this weren't enough, the historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thanks to its unique architecture, with Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences. Its streets are full of old buildings, temples, mosques and churches, reflecting the cultural diversity of the city and the country. Personally, we think it's the most beautiful city in Malaysia (along with Kuala Lumpur, which we also love!).

⭐ We leave you a map of the city with the main works of art and don't miss our experience visiting Penang.

3. Taman Negara, one of the top places to see in Malaysia

Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest forests on the planet : at 130 million years old, it has no competition! The most typical thing to do here is to book a trek, for one or several days, and explore its ecosystem in depth.

These excursions usually include boat rides on the river to enter the jungle, walks on hanging bridges (canopy), spending the night in one of the shelters strategically placed to observe nocturnal animals , etc. Although if you are an adventurer there are options to visit this jungle on your own, but think twice, the same thing could happen to you as happened to Rubén and Lucy from the blog algoquerecordar who had to spend 11 hours on top of a tree.

what to do in malaysia taman negara — *Taman Negara, an incredible place to see in Malaysia*

4. Mount Kinabalu

Reaching the top of the highest point in all of Southeast Asia is a must on a trip to Malaysia . From its summit you can enjoy one of those sunrises that you will never forget. It will not be easy to forget the muscle aches of the following days either.

The problem is not only your physical condition, climbing Mount Kinabalu costs a lot: calculate about 500-600 ringgit, which is around 125-150€ for the package of accommodation, park entrance, climbing permit and guide. Using this fact as an excuse, many travellers are left wanting to ascend to the sky of Southeast Asia. However, if you are passionate about mountains and don't mind shelling out this money... we totally recommend it.

5. Eating, one of the best things to do in Malaysia

From the famous satay (grilled meat skewers covered in peanut sauce) to more exotic dishes such as hokkien mee (noodles prepared with soy sauce, meat, cabbage and pork rind) and the delicious rotis ... mmm Malaysian food is spectacular , the secret is that the 3 main ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians) have managed to create unique and delicious flavours.

⭐ We summarize the 10 dishes you should try in Malaysia

what to see and do in malaysia — *Eating, one of the best things to do in Malaysia yum!*

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6. Borneo

Borneo is one of the best places in the world to get to know orangutans and their environment up close . These beautiful animals, which are in danger of extinction, are in constant danger due to massive deforestation in favour of palm plantations (to obtain palm oil).

Luckily, it's not all bad news, and on a trip to Borneo you can visit several orangutan rehabilitation centres that do excellent work. Here we introduce you to two of them: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Semenggoh Wildlife Center . Here, injured, disoriented and sick orangutans find a new home where they can recover and gradually reintegrate into the wild. You can book your visit here.

⭐ These are the 10 must-see and must-do things in Malaysian Borneo.

7. Islands and beaches to see in Malaysia

If there is one thing that Malaysia does not lack, it is beaches, and what beaches! They are dream beaches bathed by turquoise waters where you can splash around for hours and hours and where you can put on your snorkeling goggles and go in search of thousands of colorful fish.

Our favourite islands are on the east coast: Perhentian , Redang and Tioman (we are really looking forward to Pulau Kapas , a small island near Redang that we have heard very, very good things about).

We cannot forget the part of Borneo, which has some of the best diving destinations in the world such as Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai.

8. Batu Caves

The Batu Caves, just outside Kuala Lumpur, are one of Malaysia's most iconic and culturally interesting sites. It is a complex of natural caves and Hindu temples that welcomes more than 1 million pilgrims each year.

We will be greeted by a 42-metre-high statue of the Hindu God Muruguan, son of Shiva and Parvati, to whom the main cave is dedicated. To access it we will first have to climb the 272 steps carved into the rock face. But don't worry, you'll be more worried about the monkeys stealing your ice cream than dying of suffocation.

Going on your own from Kuala Lumpur is easy, but if you prefer you can take a very interesting guided tour to the Batu Caves .

⭐ How to visit the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur

9. Cameron Highlands, a few days among tea fields

The Malaysian Highlands ( Cameron Highlands ) are the perfect place to take a few days of total relaxation. They are a mountainous region of Malaysia , known for their cool and pleasant climate , which contrasts with the tropical climate of the country. But beyond the coolness, it is a tourist area thanks to its extensive tea plantations, which offer spectacular views of undulating green tea fields.

Here, among tea plantations, fresh air and hiking trails , you can discover the greenest side of Malaysia. There are even convenient tours from Kuala Lumpur that will take you to this idyllic corner (we went by minivan from Penang!).

Cameron Highlands - Wikipedia

10. Melaka, another must-see place in Malaysia

Melaka was one of the most important ports in all of Asia thanks to its strategic location in the Strait of Malacca (between Malaysia and Indonesia). Chinese, Indians, Arabs and Europeans passed through it, and it was a Portuguese, Dutch and British colony . A very striking architectural trace remains of this colonial past: walking through Melaka is like being transported to a different place, far from Malaysia.

Another reason to visit Melaka is to visit its famous weekend market , where you will end up buying some souvenirs (and you might even end up on stage singing karaoke!).

⭐ We leave you a tour to visit the best of Melaka

These are our recommendations. We hope that you liked the 10 things to see and do in Malaysia and above all that they encourage you to travel to this beautiful country.

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