why tourist visit malaysia

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Malaysia

By Vanessa Holmes · Last updated on October 3, 2023

The country of Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, is an incredible mixing pot of cultures. Bordering everything from Thailand and the South China Sea to Brunei and Indonesia , Malaysia has a central location that shouldn’t be skipped when exploring Southeast Asia.

What makes Malaysia so fascinating is its diversity. In the same country, you can explore thriving, modern cities, explore colonial architecture, relax on some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and hike through lush green jungles. Here are just some of the top reasons to visit Malaysia on your next trip to Asia.

10. Modern Architecture

The city of Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic place to admire the more modern architecture found in Malaysia, and in particular the contemporary skyscrapers that create one of Asia’s most iconic skylines. If possible, take time to see the Petronas Twin Towers in the district known as the Golden Triangle.

Once the tallest buildings in the world, and now connected by a skybridge, the Petronas Twin Towers are just a short walk from other incredible structures like the KL Tower and its viewing deck.

9. Chinatowns

Malaysia has been influenced and colonized by cultures from around the globe. Proximity to China means that Malaysia is home to excellent Chinese cuisine and a vibrant heritage. You can experience this influence first hand by exploring one of the Chinatowns in Malaysia, the largest of which is in George Town.

In this Chinatown, you can see a 200-year-old Kuan Yin Teng Temple or indulge in the local street fare. Don’t miss dining at one of the local dim sum restaurants or trying the hot egg waffles sold from vendors right on the street.

8. Tea Plantations

The tea industry has long been a part of development and trade in Malaysia, particularly in areas like the Cameron Highlands . There, near the highest point of the country, temperatures are cool enough for tea plantations.

In the Cameron Highlands, you can take a guided tour of the nation’s largest tea company, hike through the plantation itself or sip local teas at some of the smaller plantations in the vicinity.

Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Malaysia, but the country actually boasts a number of excellent hiking spots. None, however, can compare to Mount Kinabalu. In the state of Sabah, Mount Kinabalu boasts miles of hiking trails that pass through six distinct vegetation zones at varying elevations. To climb the entire summit, expect to spend two days hiking with a night of camping in between.

6. Colonial Architecture

With Malaysia’s long colonial history, it boasts an array of colonial architecture. If you’re interested in this blast from the past, there can be no better spot to visit than Melaka . The city has been ruled by the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese, and its architecture reflects that.

Just some of the buildings you can explore include the ruins of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia and the Stadthuys Town Hall, which still stands as the oldest as well as the largest Dutch colonial building in the region.

One of the most popular reasons to visit Malaysia is for the chance to go diving. Just off the tip of Malaysian Borneo is Sipidan, known as one of the world’s best dive sites. Diving in Sipidan’s protected waters is limited to just a set number of people each day, and it provides the chance to see things like turtles, barracudas, sharks and parrotfish.

If you can’t make it to Sipidan, islands like Redang and Tioman are also excellent, although their diving seasons are more limited.

4. Diverse Culture

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Malaysia is its diverse culture. In addition to colonial influences, there are a mixture of Asian cultures present in the country. Malays make up approximately half of the population, Chinese make up roughly one quarter and there is a strong Indian community.

In addition, the Orang Asli people, a group indigenous to Malaysia, still makes up 12 percent of the population. These groups live together harmoniously in Malaysia and give the country its vibrant culture and heritage.

3. Wildlife

Much of Malaysia is undeveloped, allowing wildlife to roam freely. One of the top spots to admire wildlife in its natural habitat is in Taman Negara National Park. Among waterfalls and canopy walks, you can spot tapirs, wild boar, deer, monkey and countless birds and insects.

In Borneo, you may be able to see even bigger animals, and guided tours can get you up close and personal with the likes of elephants, tigers, rhinos and orangutans.

2. Beaches & Islands

Malaysia is a tropical country with a warm climate and miles of coastline, so it should come as no surprise that beaches are plentiful. While there are excellent beaches on the mainland, it is Malaysia’s islands that are the most popular for beach lovers. Langkawi is the ultimate spot for a relaxing beach vacation, complete with shopping and dining. If you’re after a more secluded, less touristy getaway, Redang is a pristine island that also serves as a turtle sanctuary.

In Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, is Gunung Mulu National Park. This park has a history dating back for more than 3,000 years, and it is best known for its incredible caverns. On guided tours, you can explore Turtle Cave, the so-called Garden of Eden or the Wind Caves, all of which are in the park.

Some caves require you to bring flashlights and rapel, but others are simple strolls in incredible environments. If you’re staying closer to Kuala Lumpur, you can set off on a day trip to the Batu Caves, which are made from limestone and offer some challenging hikes as well as amazing scenery.

Share this post:

10 Best Malaysia Beach Resorts

23 Top Tourist Attractions in Malaysia

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Malaysia: DIY Itinerary

15 Best Cities to Visit in Malaysia

12 Most Beautiful National Parks in Malaysia

12 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

10 Best Beaches in Malaysia

10 Best Malaysian Islands You Should Visit

6 Most Beautiful Regions in Malaysia

10 Top Attractions in Penang Island

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

10 Reasons To Visit Malaysia That Will Trigger Your Wanderlust

As they say, Malaysia is Truly Asia. This is one country where you can set foot and get to experience the best of what Asia has on offer. A multicultural country, Malaysia gives you a glimpse of the heritage of Chinese, Indians, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries as well. In terms of landscape, this country allures with beaches, hills and even glistening cityscapes like that of Kuala Lumpur. It has its arms open wide to greet travelers from across the world, serving them delicious food, pampering them with a buzzing shopping scenario and traditional spas.

Top Reasons To Visit Malaysia That Will Compel You To Pack Right Away

If you ask us to give reasons to visit Malaysia, we’d suggest you to take a deep breath as the list is going to be lengthy. But, in this post we have managed to keep it short, listing the top ten reasons that are indeed irresistible.

1. This is a tourist destination for every pocket

Image Source

Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or are looking for a splurging vacation, Malaysia will please you! You can choose to stay in a welcoming hostel or pick a luxury hotel with all the modern amenities. Most of the sightseeing attractions in this country have reasonable entry charges. You can also save money on commute by opting for frequent public transportation. Or if you want some special treatment, you can always hire a limo for yourself.

Malaysia Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Go on a trip to Malaysia. Explore it’s lush green landscapes, tropical rainforests or magnificent underwater world. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Lowest Prices Guaranteed. Book Now

Malaysia & Singapore Honeymoon 6D/5N Package @ Rs 29,999

Plan your trip today!

Remarkable Singapore Malaysia Honeymoon 7D/6N @ Rs 33,999

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Singapore & Malaysia Tour 7D/6N Packages @ Rs 39,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Idyllic Singapore & Malaysia Honeymoon 8D/7N @ Rs 42,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Singapore Malaysia Honeymoon 8D/7N Package @ Rs 49,999

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Malaysia will mesmerize you with its stunning beach getaways

Almost everyone wishing to travel to Malaysia knows about the beauty that Langkawi is. But that’s not this country’s tropical beauty is all about. There are number of archipelagos here in Malaysia, which honestly will put even the Bahamas to shame. You will agree too! Just sneak a peek of Perhentian Island and you’ll ride on the same boat.

Best beach and island getaways in Malaysia: Langkawi, Perhentian Island, Tioman Island, Redang Island and Borneo

Must Read: 10 Blissful Beaches In Malaysia

3. The country is bestowed with lush rainforests

longtailed-macaque amid wilderness in Malaysia

We don’t even need another reason once we realize how affluent Malaysia is in terms of nature and wildlife as well. Almost two-third of this country is covered in rainforests, serving as a habitat to twenty percent of world’s animal species. Trekkers and wildlife and bird enthusiasts from around the world find themselves being pulled by the beauty and rawness of its nature.

You don’t even have to compromise on luxury while exploring these areas as you have many resorts to pick from. But if you’d rather keep it real, just pitch your tent wherever you please, just make sure you know it’s safe.

Best places in Malaysia for nature and wildlife: Taman Negara National Park, Kinabalu National Park, and Gunung Mulu National Park

Suggested Read: 14 Top Festivals In Malaysia In 2022 To Witness Its Vibrant Culture & Rich Traditions

4. There are a myriad of adventure activities to try

This country understands that travel is not limited to sightseeing, so it spoils you with choices of activities. You could be a beginner or an expert, there still be a long list of things to do in Malaysia for you. So scuba dive to witness the enchantment of marine life or jump out of a chopper to skydive; choice is yours.

Top adventure activities in Malaysia: Scuba diving, skydiving, white water rafting, paragliding, parasailing, bungee jumping and jungle trekking

Top places in Malaysia for adventure-seekers: Kuala Lumpur , Langkawi, Selangor, and Kota Kinabalu

Suggested Read: You’d Be Sorry If You Miss These Awesome Malaysia Tourist Attractions

5. It’s a melting pot of different cultures with intriguing history and architecture

As you wander through the streets of Malaysia, you will realize there are not just Malays who call this place home; the country also belongs to a significant amount if Indians, Chinese and Sri Lankans, as well as others. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, and this blend of different ethnicities is what makes this country stand out.

There are various UNESCO Heritage Sites here that narrate tales and flaunts a heritage that will inspire you from within.

Best places in Malaysia for culture-enthusiasts: Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Ipoh, and Putrajaya

6. The capital, Kuala Lumpur is a global city with attractions for all ages

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a city which leads with its futuristic infrastructure, nightlife and what not. This global city is in the list of travelers and immigrants regardless of their geographical boundaries. You could be traveling with kids, spouse or even solo, and there’s never going to be a time you’ll find a dearth of anything.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the main gateways to the country and will spoil you with choices, whether you are talking about accommodation, shopping, sightseeing or food. Just make sure you are dedicating significant amount of time to this city during your visit to Malaysia.

Best tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Tower , Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Merdeka Square , Aquaria KLCC, Petaling Street, and National Mosque of Malaysia

Suggested Read: 19 Cardinal Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur

7. The country will lure you with its buzzing shopping scenario

Want to pop tags of exclusive premium brands? Or would you rather go street shopping in Malaysia and bargain? Well, guess what Malaysia is a paradise anyway. This country is every shopaholics dream come true, even if they are traveling on a budget. Different cities such as Ipoh, George Town and Kuala Lumpur have shopping malls where you can find stores of brands like Zara, Armani and Gucci. While you also have option of shopping for local handicraft etcetera as you wander through street markets.

Best places in Malaysia for shopaholics: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Ipoh, Malacca and George Town

8. Malaysian street food will leave you asking for more

It’s said if you don’t let yourself indulge in the street food of Malaysia, your trip isn’t really complete. Here, you get to titillate your taste buds with a delicious blend of flavors and spices. This is where you get to relish the best of noodles, rice, soup and what not!

Best known for its continental food, Malaysia might not sound too appealing for vegetarians. But there is always something for them too, you can get to know better through this guide to Malaysia for vegetarians .

Top street foods to try in Malaysia: Assam Laksa, Rojak, Koay Chiap, Chee Cheong Fun and Ice Kacang

Suggested Read: 21 Malaysia Islands You Must Visit For Having The Best Holiday Of Your Life

9. Locals are friendly and welcoming

Let’s get real, as we travel overseas, or even a few hundred kilometers away from our home, the way locals treat the travelers can make or break an experience. Malaysia is one such countries where locals are welcoming and friendly. They are there to help you with directions, they’ll smile at you as you pass them in the streets, they will be around to talk about their culture and everything. The people here truly add on to the experience.

10. Thanks to its favorable year-round weather you can plan a trip to Malaysia anytime you want

The country experiences favorable weather conditions almost all around the year. Thanks to its huge size, you can always pick the best for yourself regardless of when you are traveling. As most part of the country is covered in rainforest, you will indeed enjoy pleasant weather.

There are indeed a zillion reasons why this country has to be in your bucket list, shortening that to a list of ten was quite a task, but we hope you got the idea about what awaits. If you are planning a visit, which we’re sure you are after reading the post, you must assure eradication of all the hassles, and Travel Triangle’s Malaysia tour packages will be your saviour in that.

Further Read: Best Hotels In Malaysia: For Those Who Love Living Life To The Fullest

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

TravelTriangle
International
International »
Tour Packages
Honeymoon Packages
Family Packages
Budget Tour Packages
Luxury Tour Packages
Adventure Tour Packages
Group Tour Packages
Maldives Tour Packages
Bali Tour Packages
Dubai Tour Packages
Singapore Tour Packages
Thailand Tour Packages
Europe Tour Packages
Sri Lanka Tour Packages
Tour Packages From Delhi
Tour Packages From Mumbai
Tour Packages From Bangalore
Tour Packages From Chennai
Tour Packages From Kolkata
Tour Packages From Hyderabad
Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
Thailand Tourism
Bali Tourism
Singapore Tourism
Maldives Tourism
Mauritius Tourism
Dubai Tourism
Europe Tourism
Hotels in Thailand
Hotels in Maldives
Hotels in Mauritius
Hotels in Bali
Hotels in Dubai
Hotels in Singapore
Hotels in Sri Lanka

13 Reasons to Visit Malaysia in 2024

Dan Around The World is part of the Amazon Affiliate program and may receive a small commission when you purchase products on this page at no extra cost to yourself.

Malaysia is one of my favourite countries. My very first solo travels were to Malaysia in 2010 and that’s where the travel addiction started.

Since then, I’ve been back countless times and have fallen in love with a different part of the country each time. Whilst it’s neighbours, Thailand and Indonesia, often get all the plaudits and tourism dollars, I think Malaysia is massively underrated. There are so many reasons to visit this unique county with a fascinating history.

I think their tourism slogan of “Malaysia Truly Asia” sums up this south east Asian country. It has a little bit of everything you think of when you think of Asia. The mix of local cultures from Chinese, Indian and Malay along with a modern western influence, gives Malaysia so many opportunities on the world stage as it is starting to grow into a regional economic powerhouse.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why you should visit Malaysia, I’ve got thirteen reasons below that will give you that little push to book that trip.

The 13 Reasons To Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has everything .

I won’t go into it too much here because otherwise there is no point in the rest of the post, but it really does have it all. From cities to jungle, street food to fine dining, traditional way of life and an ultra modern outlook. It’s one of those places that has a bit of everything for every taste.

The beaches

Some of the beaches in Malaysia are to die for. The picture perfect white sand in places like Langkawi are a holiday makers dream. Go to quieter destinations like Perhentian or Tioman for beaches without the crowds. And the white sand surrounded by coral reefs on Pilau Sipadan make it seem like you’re in dreamland.

Even when it may seem like you’re in a built up city in Penang, a golden sand beach isn’t that far away.

Malaysia is affordable

For those coming from western countries, Malaysia is an incredibly affordable destination for travel. Day tours start at £30, budget hotel rooms at £20 and a bowl of noodles from a street vender can be less than £1.

To get around is also cheap, flights on Malaysian Airlines to popular destinations such as Penang, can be less than £20 in a sale, or choose one of the ever increasing budget airlines for even more discount fares. Intercity buses have fares that cost RM15-20 for extremely comfortable seats for journeys of 2-3 hours.

For those that like luxury, its easy to find 5 star chain hotels for £90 per night.

Malaysia has the best food in the world.

There, I said it.

The mix of cultures, of Indian and Chinese, gives rise to an incredible mix of foods and flavours that an unlike anything else. Penang is known for its incredible street food such as char kuey teow and mee goreng (both noodles dishes) due to the heavy Chinese influence.

Curry noodles, beef rendang, laksa (a spicy and sour noodle soup), nasi lemak, amazing seafood. I could go on and on about the variety and quality of foods in Malaysia.

Friendly people

I have found time and time again that Malaysians are genuinely friendly. I have struck up random conversations with people in the street who are just curious about you and want to get to know you.

I have found in other countries in the region that the people are friendly, but you are still a tourist to them and they will still want something in return. In Malaysia, you’re just another person who they want to get along with.

Man in traditional Malay dress, Dan, Kuching, Malaysia

(If you are looking for a card that doesn’t charge ATM or currency fees abroad, I highly recommend Wise which I have now used in over 15 countries! Use this link to start saving abroad now !)

A mix of cultures

Malaysia is made up of a variety of cultures that all live and mix togther.

The traditional Malays are muslim and have been living on the Malay peninsula for generations. Chinese settlers came as traders from southern China over the last few hundred years and brought their own culture and food. Indians arrived first as traders, then as workers on farms msotly from southern India bring Tamil culture and language with them.

As these cultures mixed, European cultures were also added creating Nyonya and Perankanan cultures which is best describes as a fusion between them all.

And that hasn’t even touched on the variety of ethic groups and tribes in Sabah and Sarawak where Christian missionaries coverted a lot of the Dayak, Iban and countless more of the more than 30 ethnic groups from Borneo.

Incredible nature

I feel like you could film and entire David Attenborough documentary in Malaysia.

The rainforests of Borneo, known as one of the most remote and inaccessible places on the planet, offers one of the last places on earth to see orang utans in the wild. Add to this probiscus monkeys in Bako National Park , the variety of sea snakes that can be found on some smaller islands, lush tropical rainforest in Taman Negara…. I could go on and on…

Alpha male orangutan, eating, semenggoh, Kuching, Malaysia

Many UNESCO sites

Malaysia has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Georgetown in Penang and Mulu National Park in Sarawak. Mount Kinabalu and Malacca are also included as is the Lenggong Valley, home to one of the earliest records of human kind outside of Africa.

Each of these sites has been added to the list for different reasons; wild rainforest, soaring mountains, European colonial architecture and Chinese culture. I think those reasons sum up the difference in Malaysia.

SCUBA diving

Malaysia is know for having some of the best scuba diving in the world . Around Mabul and Sipadan, crystal clear waters, healthy coral and schools or fish are in abundance. The diving there is literally world class and if often on lists of the best dive sites in the world. Pulau Tiga, Pulau Tioman, Perhentian and Langkawi also offer diving of various qualities throughout the year.

Can climb mountains

If getting deep isn’t your kind of thing, what about getting high?

Climb the highest mountain in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu and watch sunrise from 4095m above sea level. The highest point between the Himalayas in India and the Southern Alps in New Zealand, it’s a relatively straightforward climb that can be done with a good level of fitness and no mountain climbing experience.

Go with a guide and make the trip in 2 days return.

It’s modernising rapidly

Malaysia is a rapidly modernising country with the capital Kuala Lumpur , epitomising it. With the Petronas Towers being built in the late 90’s creating an iconic skyscraper and world monument standing tall in the middle of the city, it is now surrounded by similar size buildings.

The brand new Mereka 118 will be the second tallest building in the world when it fully opens in 2024. Smartphones are QR codes are everywhere with even the smallest hawker stall having the possibility to pay with their phone.

Easy visa entry for many

For many nationalities, it’s possible to enter with just your passport and receive a 90 day visa on arrival for social visits. Although nearly 3 months isn’t enough to see everything in Malaysia, it’s possible to leave and re-enter shortly after.

Flying into Kuala Lumpur airport is the major gateway of entry, but with cheap flights to Singapore and Bangkok, a short connection makes it easy to visit via a variety of routes.

A growing digital nomad destination

With the growing hordes of digital nomads heading to neighbouring hotspots of Chang Mai and Bali in Thailand and Indonesia respectively, Malaysia is often overlooked. However, with a new digital nomad visa, excellent internet speeds and an affordable cost of living, I don’t think it will be long until Malaysia is a preeminent digital nomad destination in its own right.

Currently, Penang and Kuala Lumpur are hotspots for digital nomads, although Langkawi isn’t far behind.

Why you should visit Malaysia

Ever since my first trip to the country in 2010, Malaysia has been one of my favourite destinations. Each time I return, I find another reason to rank Malaysia as highly as I do.

What most people look for in a great destination (good food, good people, good weather, good nature), Malaysia has in abundance. The thing that appeals most to me is the variety that is on offer. Whether you want to travel slow and be awed by nature or relax on a beach in a resort, Malaysia has just the option for you.

All these and many more reasons to visit Malaysia should make it top of your list when looking for your next destination.

Check out my other posts for travelling around Malaysia:

13 Reasons to Visit Malaysia

Essential Malay Phrases For Travellers

Visiting Bako National Park From Kuching: A Detailed Guide
How To See Orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Visiting Mulu National Park: The Essential Guide

Kuala Lumpur

How To Get From KL International Airport To The City Centre
What To Do In Kuala Lumpur: Top 10 Things
Which Lounge Should You Choose at KLIA
Petronas Twin Towers vs KL Tower: Which Is Best To Visit?
Visiting Pantai Pasir Panjang, Penang from Georgetown
The Best Coffee Shops in Georgetown, Penang
What You Must Eat in Penang: Top 10 Foods To Try
16 Things to See and Do in Langkawi
Langkawi Digital Nomad Guide

Dan is an avid traveller from London. His first big adventure was in 2010 living in Malaysia for 3 months. He has been on the road almost constantly since 2015 travelling to destinations that aren’t on the mainstream tourist trail and working full time and travelling since 2021.

Best Things to See & Do in Kuwait: The Complete Kuwait Travel Guide

13 EPIC Reasons Why You Should Visit Malaysia

Pretty Malaysia is now well and truly established as an essential port of call on the Southeast Asia circuit and it is very easy to see why. Malaysia naturally & effortlessly melds together influences from all across Asia offering the flavours of Southeast Asia (but without the crowds) mixed with tantalising far-Eastern delights.

In so many ways Malaysia is an ultimate backpacker travel destination – cheap, cheerful and packed with adventure. It is a country where the old meets the new and where tradition collides with modernity. This makes it a perfect backpacking destination and many travellers have now placed at the top of their travel bucket lists.

From the secluded Tropical Spice Gardens in Penang, to the peaceful quiet resorts, we will show you exactly why you too should be excited about visiting Malaysia. So, let’s take a look at our 15 EPIC Reasons why you should visit Malaysia.

1. Malaysian Street Food

2. explore kuala lumpur, 3. see the wildlife of borneo, 4. take in the malaysian rain forests, 5. drink endless cups of tea, 6. hike kinabalu national park, 7. visit penang, 8. shop at malaysian markets, 9. celebrate the festivals, 10. get bang for buck, 11. the pulau gemia private resort, 12. unwind on malaysian beaches, 13. meet the malaysian people.

Ok so why visit Malaysia? Well the food for one!

I am starting with this one partially because Malaysian street food is amongst the best in the whole world, but also because it’s getting kinda close to lunchtime and I think my stomach is trying to send a message to my brain.

Malaysian street food is a delicious mix of Asian cuisines with appreciative nods towards the culinary scenes of Thailand, China and Vietnam. Classic Malaysian Street foods dishes include “Penang Assam Laksa” (drunken rice noodles in a fish soup), “Lok Lok” (mixed skewers cooked in broth) and “Apom Balik” which a sweet, savoury sticky rice pancake.

Malaysian street food is ubiquitous and you can usually find it anywhere, any time of day so you won’t go hungry when visiting Malaysia. It is also very damned cheap – which is perfect for budget travel in Malaysia – but unless you exercise some serious restraint, you may gain a waist size of two. To find the best stuff you can simply head out and explore, ask the locals (provided you get over the language barrier) or join a street food tour where your guide can show you the best places.

There are now Malaysian Street food stalls cropping up all over the world but absolutely nothing beats the real thing.

Classic Malaysian Street Foods

Penang Assam Laksa – Rice Noodles in Fish Soup
Ipoh Hor Fun – Flat Rice Noodles Served in Broth
Hokkien Mee – Yellow Egg Noodles in Soy Sauce
Nasi Lemak – Breakfast Dish Served in Banana Leaf
Char Kuey Teow – Flat Noodles Cooked in a Hot Chinese Wok

When I was a kid and I heard people mention Kuala Lumpur on the television, I honestly thought it was a made up place like Never-never-land, Hogsmeade or Kathmandu. I guess I just presumed that a city named after a hybrid between a cute little Australian bear and a not-so-cute, orange chocolate factory worker had to be some kind of a joke?

But I was wrong! Kuala Lumpur is a real city and what a real fine city it is. Kuala Lumpur represents bright, bold new Asia at its very best and over the last decades have transformed into a modern metropolis. There are loads of great places to visit in Kuala Lumpur and a city tour is one of the very best things to do Malaysia.

The skyline is now dominated by high-rise glass skyscrapers and is a sugar rush of shopping malls, street vendors and Malaysians on the go. Of course, the city has still retained its own charm and you’ll still find Kuala Lumpur’s colonial neighbourhoods , quaint suburban areas, and one of the biggest China towns outside of China.

Best Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur

If you only have a short time in KL then we recommend the following Kuala Lumpur itinerary for a handy microcosm of Malaysia;

The Iconic Petronas Twin Tower
Batu Caves Hindu Shrine
Sultan Ahmed Building – Moorish style former British HQ

Your Malaysian odyssey may well well either start or end at KL as this is where the major airport is. It is definitely worth hanging out for a few days. However, the city can get a bit intense and the real magic of Malaysia is found outside of the capital.

Check out Kuala Lumpur’s best hostels .

And the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur .

Plan your trip itinerary to Kuala Lumpur .

Or take swanky Kuala Lumpur Airbnb instead?

Borneo is my go-to image of all things exotic, lush & untouched and the island is covered in some of the most enchanting, green forests on earth.

Straddling both hemispheres, Borneo is actually the 3rd largest island on earth and is currently divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei. Malaysian Borneo is home to Orang-utans, Malaysian Gorillas and some incredibly unusual animal species the likes of which are found nowhere else on earth.

You can go and visit them too. There are wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and eco-resorts dotted up and down Malaysian Borneo.

In case you get bored of seeing animals in the wild, then instead go and check people living (kind of) in the wild. The Iban people of Borneo continue to live a traditional way of life even with the application of mod-cons. They were once feared warriors but these days are quite welcoming and you can arrange to stay on their land and live amongst them.

There are regular, good value flights from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo and you can visit using your Malaysian visa as long as you are staying in the Malaysian controlled areas.

Borneo is for many, the very best of areas in Malaysia and an experience not to be missed.

The rainforests of Malaysia are one reason to visit.

In case you don’t have the time or money to get to Borneo, there are also some incredible rain-forests back on the mainland as much of the country is covered in them. You can arrange guided tours, treks or even stays at eco-resorts to get your fill of nature, tranquility and fresh air. There are even bungalows for rental just outside of Kuala Lumpur just in case you can’t bear to me more than 50km from the nearest Starbucks.

Considering the rate at which humanity seems determined to destroy the rainforests, you really should go and visit now while you can.

Sorry to put you a bummer there. Don’t worry, I’ll make it all better in the traditional British way – with a nice cup of tea!

Why visit Malaysia? Malaysian tea plantation.

Who doesn’t love a nice hot tea? Whether you take black, green, milky or sugary, a good old cuppa is a go-to ritual across cultures. Tea is used for starting the day, ending the day, socialising or for a fix of energy. It’s probably even used as an aphrodisiac someplace but to be honest, that’s not a place I ever wanna go.

Malaysia is blessed with countless acres of tea plantations, making it one of the world’s major producers. The stepped, tiered plantations are absolutely breathtaking and make for some seriously impressive photographs. You can take tours of the tea plantations and see for yourself how the stuff is grown, harvested and blended.

You may even get the chance to brew your own and take some back as a souvenir if you behave.

Alternatively, seek out the forest trail, plan to stay in the Cameron Highlands for a while. There are loads of one-day or multi-day treks through the tea zone – this is another highlight of Malaysia.

Not that many people know about it, but there are quite a lot of places to go on epic hikes in Malaysia , especially in Mayalsia’s national parks .

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Borneo. The area surrounding it has become the Kinabalu National Park. The primary attraction of the park is scaling the mountain and at just above 4000 metres, it is very doable. You can book a 2 tour trek which will take you up and down the summit with the aid of a guide.

Packages cost around $400 and it no longer possible to DIY it. It’s still about $96,600 cheaper than Everest and you are less likely to die here too!

audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

The island state of Penang sits adrift the north-western tip of Malaysia. “The Pearl of the Orient” is widely held as being the food capital of Malaysia so if you are hungry after all that mountain climbing, dig in!

The best things to do in Penang include staying in the city of George Town famed for its colonial architecture, iconic street art and the Chinese mansions. Then there is the serene Tropical Spice Garden and the delightful sandy beaches of Tanjung Bungah. The Buddhist Snake Temple also has real-life Vipers so you won’t get me in there.

Penang is home to one of the most entertaining Malaysian festival ; The Dragon Boat Festival. The event has been running for over 30 years and the experience is not to be missed.

Backpackers, book a Penang budget hostel !

And then scope out Penang’s coolest sights .

Need some help with your Penang itinerary ?

Or planning where to stay in Penang ?

In case all of that time spent in rainforest and up mountains was a bit boring for you, then you will be delighted to know that Malaysia is also a consumerists paradise (in fact, consumerism is fast overtaking Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism as the major religion of Malaysia).

There are day and night markets across the country although the biggest are found in KL and Georgetown. The markets of Malaysia are a great place to pick up “Made in China” wares ranging from USB chargers to Yo-Yo’s to novelty vacuum cleaners.

Thankfully, there are also artisan markets selling traditional wares which make great souvenirs. Do be sure to leave some extra case in your backpack for all the extra stuff you are gonna buy. Or if your backpack is full, simply buy a new suitcase at the market and then fill it up!

The sheer breadth of cultures here ensures that somebody somewhere is celebrating something at pretty much any time of day or night. There are festivals for Chinese New Year, Ramadan, the Hindu festival of Diwali and that’s without even taking into account the countless indigenous festivals.

Which festival in Malaysia is happening will depend on when exactly you visit.

Still wondering why to visit Malaysia? Well you will love this next reason! OK so another great reason to visit Malaysia is simply its price tag. Like much (all?) of Southeast Asia, a holiday in Malaysia won’t set you back too much at all and the country is pretty cheap.

For example, a hostel dorm in Kuala Lumpur will cost you $8, soft drinks under $1 and street food is usually around $3-$4. Note that beer is pretty expensive and may cost $5 – I have noticed this also happens in “cheap” countries like India, Morocco & Pakistan too and is kind of annoying.

Of course, cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful and sometimes we need to splurge. But Broke Backpackers can be encouraged to learn that with a few budget tips and tricks , a cheap trip to Malaysia is more than possible.

If you have 70 euros to spend on a night, we advise considering a visit to the private island resort of Pulau Gemia.

The crystal-clear waters are populated by turtles, rays and sharks and the quiet and peaceful beaches will certainly help you unwind quite easily. The charge per night is far from being a fortune, and the resort administrators frequently organize kayak incursions in the surrounding waters and islands.

If you go kayaking, make sure to visit the neighbouring island of Kapas, which will make a sensory delight. The white sands here have a flour-like texture: puffy and fine.

If you have the money to spare, this could be one of your personal Malaysia highlights. And even Broke Backpackers need some creature comfort sometimes.

backpacking Malaysia budget travel guide

Most tourists to Southeast Asia know all about the incredible beaches of Thailand and Indonesia but not many appreciate that Malaysia also has some amazing beaches .

Whether you are on the mainland, Penang or Borneo, Malaysia has some cracking beaches that are 1000 times quieter than the ones in neighbouring Thailand.

The beaches in of the Langkawi area and archipelago is possibly the most well. It is renowned for accessible snorkelling although there are plenty of other things to do in Langkawi Beach if you are not comfortable in the water.

Long Beach in Perhentian Kecil is great for backpacker parties and turquoise waters and Perhentian Besar is one of our favourites in the region.

Make sure you tick off as many Malaysian islands as you can, because these places are like a buffet of tropical awesomeness

Note that some areas of Malaysia observe pretty conservative Islamic values. Nude or topless sunbathing is not encouraged anywhere. Pay attention to regional dress norms and follow local cues but remember that as a rule of thumb, beach-wear is for the beach.

Finally, we meet the people!

Malaysia is well renowned as an Asian melting pot and peoples from across the continent have settled here over the centuries from Thailand, India & China. There are all kinds of historical, political, economical reasons for this. Whilst we will not go into them here I totally suggest you do learn all about the, once you are in Malaysia by checking out the fine museums, taking walking tours and hanging out in neighbourhoods.

But the upshot of this rich fusion of Asian cultures can be tasted in the food which borrowers ingredients from China and Thailand and in the nation’s architecture. You can also experience it in the nations spiritual side.

All 3 of the great Asian religions are practiced here (sometimes simultaneously). The Batu Cave temples are one of the holiest Hindu sites outside of India, there are Buddhist temples across the nation and the big Mosque in Kuala Lumpur is a marvel of modern religious architecture.

This also means that there are religious festivals happening pretty much all the time.

For me, it is usually the people that make or break a country. When people ask me why my favorite countries are Colombia, Spain and Romania then my answer is simple – the friendly, helpful, amazing people (or in Colombia’s case the female people…).

Whatever you are seeking from a backpacking adventure in Southeast Asia , you will find at least a little piece of it in Malaysia. From street food to Orang-utans to pristine beaches, and then back to street food, you will have an amazing time in Malaysia.

Did you find our guide to the best things to do in Malaysia helpful? If so, let us know. Or maybe you missed out your personal best place in Malaysia? Well let us know that!

Always Be Insured

Don’t forget to sort your travel insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of the travel insurance for Malaysia, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads now, our favorite travel insurance provider.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Aiden Freeborn

Why You Should Visit Malaysia Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

Hi Aiden, Hallo from Tanah Aina resorts, Malaysia !

11 reasons to visit Malaysia that will trigger your wanderlust

facebook-f-brands (1)
twitter-brands (1)
linkedin-in-brands
envelope-solid

From shoes to spas and highlands to islands; for the young or old, thrill seekers or sun seekers – Malaysia is an extraordinary country that offers it all.

Steeped in history and rich in culture – there is never a dull moment for the inquisitive traveller.

From the buzz of city high fashion, trendy hot-spots and modern cuisine, a natural escape is never far away. Be it sandy beaches or highland rainforests, a visit to the many spa or country resorts in Malaysia is a must.

Some like it luxurious, others like it organic – whatever it may be, there’s something here for everyone as Malaysia Truly Asia awaits to amaze you.

1. Kuala Lumpur

The experience begins from the moment you arrive at the world-class Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where smiles and friendly greetings welcome you to the country. For a city that never sleeps, Kuala Lumpur will leave you hungry for more – be it the food, colourful culture, shopping, spas or nightlife. In this city where East meets West, architecture of all sorts – colonial, traditional and religious – all share the same space with ultra-modern infrastructures to create a spectacular cityscape. The multiracial element of Malaysia defines the nation and contributes to its exceptional concoction of culture, tradition and food.

2. Mind-blowing wilderness experiences

Malaysia is plentiful in its rainforests, national parks and wildlife. An escape from the daily noise into the wilderness is a therapeutic experience that you cannot miss.

Did you know that 75 per cent of the animals live on the crowns of the rainforest? What better way to watch these animals than by walking along the world’s longest rainforest canopy walk. Sungai Sedim’s Tree Top Walk is 925 metres long and stands 26 metres high from the forest floor. Along this walk you can bird watch and spot animals. You can also take part in jungle trekking, tubing and white water rafting.

Lose yourself in the 130 million-year-old pristine rainforest at Danum Valley . The 43,800-hectare area is home to more than 500 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Danum Valley is also home to the world’s tallest tropical tree; the 100.8 metre Yellow Meranti or Shorea faguetiana was discovered by a team of scientists from the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

3. Endless beach getaways

Soak up the sun at any of Malaysia’s pristine beaches. We’re talking about spots such as Langkawi , Mataking Island, Penang, Perhentian Islands and Sabah .

You can recline in the sun or make a splash with water activities like snorkelling, diving or water sports all day long. Plus the convenience of first-class luxury and budget accommodation means you can stay just footsteps away from the sand and sea.

4. Adventure park thrills

Unleash your inner child at Malaysia’s many amusement and adventure parks. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, as a couple or solo, a theme park is always a thrilling experience.

Adventure-seekers should head to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park , Selangor to slide their way down from an 11-storey slide tower. The Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is also home to the 5D Waterplexx, the first of its kind in Malaysia. It offers an amazing cinematic ride with multi-sensory thrills of wind, fog, mist, sprays, lasers, and more to give you a close-to-real water adventure.

Do you dare to walk 100 feet above the ground? Those yearning for that adrenaline rush can stroll across the sky on the glass cliffs at Tower Walk 100 while enjoying the beautiful cityscape of Kuala Lumpur.

If heights aren’t really your thing, perhaps you’d prefer the thrills of the sea. About two hours from Kuala Lumpur, the Kampar River is a hotspot for water rafting. The river provides three thrilling classes of rafting and along the way you can appreciate the natural beauty of Gopeng Forest.

5. Wellness travel

Why not pamper yourself at a luxury resort with traditional massages and spas? Or try glamping within ancient rainforests with waterfalls as your natural jacuzzies. Malaysia is the ultimate destination for wellness travel.

Enjoy a traditional Malaysian Urut massage at the Banjaran Hot springs Retreat , Ipoh, Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat. The retreat’s techniques have been handed down for generations, including the recipe for its distinctive herbal massage oil, which is painstakingly prepared by boiling palm oil with various herbs and spices with warming and detoxifying properties.

For five-star luxury head to Tanjong Jara Resort . The resort offers accommodation, dining and an award-winning Spa Village. It has gardens, pools and houses a therapy centre featuring programs for relaxation, reinvigoration and stress relief based on traditional Malay, Arab, Indian and Chinese healing methods.

6. A foodie’s paradise

No visit to Malaysia is ever complete without a gastronomic adventure of the country’s multi-ethnic culinary diversity.

Each region in Malaysia has something unique to offer. If you’re in Penang, you can’t go past an Assam Laksa, which was rated seventh on the World’s Best Foods by CNN Travel.

For a taste of authentic Malaysian street food visit Jalan Alor . Located near the ever-bustling area of Bukit Bintang, the whole stretch of Jalan Alor is designated for hawker stalls. Sample the best street food from Malaysia’s different cultural communities including the Malays, Chinese and Indians, as well as the many ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak.

7. A land of myths and legends

Stories that are told and passed from generation to generation are an integral part of Malaysian culture. These stories are told by tribal and community leaders and deliver important lessons about life.

Today, these stories are told at tribal gatherings, through street art, shadow plays and traditional dances.

You can hear or see the telling of these stories at Moon Shadow Stories , Convergence, the street art murals of Penang or Perak , or watch a play at the Malaka Encore theatre.

8. Cultural diversity

The term multicultural is an understatement when describing Malaysia. The country has its own unique blend of religions, traditions, festivals and people that truly embody the spirit of diversity and unity.

Cultural activities and festivities are celebrated all year round, and visitors are welcome to take part. During Hari Raya (Eid Ul Fitr), at the end of Ramadan, it has become a long-standing tradition for Malaysians to open their homes to gather and feast.

Celebrate Chinese New Year by sampling some of Malaysia’s most popular dishes such as Yee Sang, Char Kuey Teow and Bak Wa. Then, head to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur to experience lion and dragon dances as well as fireworks.

Witness Deepavali (also known as Diwali) preparations in Kuala Lumpur’s Brickfields district, known locally as ‘Little India’. Or visit the Batu Caves just outside of the city. The stunning natural limestone caves are adorned with temples and shrines and are a place of pilgrimage for Hindu devotees.

9. A home away from home

You’ll feel at home with Malaysia’s world-renowned hospitality. For a truly authentic cultural experience, take part in one of the country’s many homestay programs.

Experience living with the indigenous people of Sarawak with a Longhouse stay . Replace hot showers with cool and refreshing river dips and reconnect with nature in this immersive and communal living space. Here you can dance to traditional music played on unique Sarawakian instruments, sample local dishes and listen to stories, folklore and legends.

Enjoy traditional Malaysian village life with the Mescot Kopel eco-tourism initiative. Take part in activities such as cooking, farming, wildlife encounters and village sports.

10. Rich heritage

Malaysia as we know it combines the tradition of indigenous communities with colonial influences and contrasting modernity. The result? A melting pot of architecture and history, as diverse as the people that inhabit it.

Embark on a historical trail and watch heritage unfold. In Penang, the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site features Malaysia’s best restored traditional architecture as well as a multitude of heritage trades and arts. Inside, the ‘Street of Harmony’ reflects the influence of the diverse communities that have made Penang their home. The World Heritage Site is compact enough to be explored on foot, bicycle or trishaw (a three-wheeled bike with a driver).

Discover Malaysia’s treasure-trove of iconic historical buildings. In the Penang region, visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion , an ornate abode combining Chinese, Malaysian and European design. When in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to visit the hyper-modern Petronas twin towers and Saloma Bridge. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is another must-see, one of Malaysia’s most prominent and treasured heritage buildings.

11. Mountain adventures

Malaysia’s terrain is built for adventure with hundreds of peaks just waiting to be conquered.

Take on Mount Kinabalu , one of the highest mountains in South East Asia. Witness the beauty of Borneo from above on the ‘Walk The Torq’ trail, suitable for hikers of all fitness levels.

At the summit of Mount Brinchang in Pahang sits the enchanting Mossy Forest . Said to be the oldest forest in Malaysia (around 200 million years old), a visit with a local guide is a must.

Or discover dizzying views on the Mulu Canopy Skywalk , one of the longest tree-based walkways in the world.

This article on 11 reasons to visit Malaysia was produced in partnership with Tourism Malaysia .

Image credits: Tourism Malaysia

Looking for more inspirational Vacations & Travel stories? Try these…

Travel Video We Love

Subscribe to our newsletter

Email address:

Latest Posts

Latest Features

Australia natural wonders: Horizontal Falls Western Australia

Top 6 Instagram locations in Australia’s North West

The hilly streets of San Francisco

5 reasons why Malaysia is the unsung hero of Southeast Asia

Like many travelers, I only planned on skimming Malaysia. A day in Malacca. Maybe two in Kuala Lumpur. Perhaps – if there’s time – a stop in Georgetown.

As I disembarked the bus in Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage city on the south-western coast of peninsular Malaysia, I remember a less-than-thrilled impression. “This is it?”, I pessimistically thought, side eyeing the mini-mall that doubled as a terminal. “This was crowned a UNESCO World Heritage city?”

But as the classic adage states, don’t judge a book by its cover. Or rather, a world heritage city by the desolate depot on the outskirts of town.

The mundane and unremarkable dissipated as I taxied closer to the soulful citycentre. Half-baked mid-rises transformed into colourful colonial churches. The snaking river was lined with heritage housing, gardens and street art. We shared the cobblestone road with bedazzled trishaws. Chinatown’s flamboyant architecture was particularly enthralling.

Before we hit my hostel, I was in love with the land of the Malay.

“Just a day in Malacca” turned into five, and, “maybe two in KL” became a week. A side trip to the Cameron Highlands was penciled in. Internal debate raged if I had the ringgit to ferry the Perhentian Islands. In the end, I spent so much time in magical Malaysia I never did quite reach Cambodia, my preplanned pinnacle destination.

I’d discovered Southeast Asia’s unsung hero and it was going to take time to explore.

If you’re interested in sojourning Malaysia, I’ve charted out the country’s highlights below. From buzzing cities to beautiful beaches, an incredible cuisine and verdant countryside, Malaysia has even more to offer – in my opinion – than its neighbours. And the cheaper price tag sure doesn’t hurt.

Kuala Lumpur – or “KL” – is the country’s capital and largest city. It hums with activity at any hour as its diverse residents buzz from the central business district to trendy karaoke bars, dinner at hawker centres and shopping in wet markets. It’s impossible to list every must-do, -see and -taste in KL, but the undisputed highlights are Petronas Towers and Batu Caves, the latter an ancient Hindu site teeming with statues and stalactites, not to mention mischievous monkeys and the occasional bat.

For history buffs, check out the previously mentioned Malacca with its Dutch-influenced architecture.

Georgetown is the country’s culinary crown jewel. It has also become synonymous with its graffiti.

READ MORE: 7 AMAZING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES TO HAVE IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a melting pot of cuisines and cultures. Chinese, Indian and Western are as accessible as more traditional dishes. The food is defined by its tropical ingredients and a robust selection of spices. Laksa is the country’s famed noodle soup. Each bowl is ladled with either a rich coconut-milk or sour asam broth and topped with chicken, fish or shrimp. Satays and skewers are bbqed on seemingly every street corner. Meanwhile, oyster omelettes are prized among locals.

A vendor with fried snacks

While Thailand’s shores are littered with tourists, Malaysia’s eastern and western coastlines remain hidden oases. The country’s beach culture really shines throughout The Perhentian and Borneo Islands where snorkelling, diving and kayaking are a lifestyle.

The Perhentian Islands are particularly well-known among backpackers for their snow-white sand. At night, head back to the beach to find 20-somethings lighting bonfires and gazing up at the crystal-clear constellations.

CHECK OUT INTREPID’S 15-DAY ‘BEST OF MALAYSIA’ TOUR FOR ALL THE COUNTRY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Located on the equator, Malaysia hosts a plethora of primary rainforest. A slew of wildlife is on display in Taman Negar National Park, the largest rainforest in peninsular Malaysia. A ranger can point out endemic orchids and pitcher plants. Junglefowl, argus and other impressive birds will flit and flutter in the canopy above.

While The Cameron Highlands is well-known for acres of tea plantations, it’s also home to impressive cloud forests. Rafflesia – translation “corpse flower”, so named for its distinct rotten flesh scent – is one of the region’s largest attractions. No, literally “the largest”, with the average bloom reaching three feet in diameter.

The Cameron Highlands

On Borneo, rainforests such as Kinabalu National Park only get more remote. If you’re lucky you may spot the proboscis monkey with its phallic nose and ombre of white, gold and amber fur. Be sure to stop by the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

READ MORE: THE MAGIC OF MALAYSIA’S RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

Malaysia’s seas are as diverse and wild as its rainforests. The west coast of peninsular Malaysia sits on The Andaman. To the East is The South China. All of Malaysia’s waters are in the coral triangle which is home to 75 percent the world’s coral species.

If you prefer wrecks to reefs, head to Labuan Island where a number of famous vessels have sunk and since become vibrant ecosystems for colourful schools as well as the odd barracuda and white tipped reef shark.

Ready to visit this awe-inspiring destination? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group adventures in Malaysia.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel x3, Carl Hiehn, Intrepid Travel, Carl Hiehn.)

Feeling inspired?

Carl is a Toronto-based digital marketing specialist. His nomadic nature has taken him around the globe where he’s experienced travel highs (a quiet sunrise atop Mt Batur) and lows (scabies; he’d rather not talk about it, thank you very much). If you're so inclined, follow his sporadic updates on Instagram @carlhiehn

The 7 best places to go on a..., galapagos or madagascar which unique destination should be..., travelling to chile here’s the best time to..., 10 reasons to visit samoa, the 10 antarctica questions you want answered, australia or new zealand where to go on..., 10 epic spots to stop at on your..., small group travel vs coach tours: which is..., costa rica or mexico: which country to check..., 7 of the best destinations for solo travellers..., machu picchu or chichen itza which historical site....

Ten Good Reasons to Visit Malaysia

Updated September 1, 2017

// By Margherita

We have spent the whole of April retracing the steps of our trip to Malaysia, to celebrate Visit Malaysia 2014. We got lost in the jungle and witnessed ancient festivals, tried delicious food and explored amazing nature.

Do you need any more convincing? To say farewell to Malaysia, we have rounded up ten good reasons to visit this great country.

1) Locals are kind and friendly

Cameron Highlands Ridiculously Photogenic Tea Picker

There’s something different from the rest of South East Asia. None of that walking ATM feeling; fewer touts, no attempted scams, and a general feeling of being safe at all times. To us, Malaysians seemed genuinely happy to see tourists and were always ready to help whenever we found ourselves in trouble.

On top of that, English is widely spoken, courtesy of the fact that Malaysia used to be a British colony. It was easy to chat, on the bus and in food courts, on beaches and in hostels. Some of these connections became wonderful travel memories.

Get the best price for stunning hotels in Sipadan !

2) wildlife.

Whoa, don’t get me started! Wildlife was one of the reasons why we decided to visit Malaysia, and perhaps THE reason why we flew over to Borneo for two weeks. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed. We visited Sepilok, an orangutan rehabilitation centre , that allowed us to get close to these wonderful creatures. Then, we spent an amazing three days in the jungle , where we saw wild orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and thousands of colourful critters.

From jungles to mountains, hills to beaches, Malaysia offers a variety of beautiful landcapes that will please even the fussiest photographer and landscape junkie. We fell in love with the jungle of Taman Negara and the tea plantations of Cameron Highlands ; and there are several scenic spots we did not have time to visit, such as Gunung Mulu National Park and the Perhentian Islands . Well, another excuse to get back!

Get the best price for charming hotels in Cameron Highlands !

4) trekking.

Malaysia is a land of natural beauty, and exploring on foot gives you the chance to get close to nature. There are plenty of trekking opportunities; we explored the jungle of Taman Negara independently (even though we did end up getting lost… ), trekked around Penang Hill and Mount Kinabalu , and spent two days hill walking in Cameron Highlands. And this is not all. We heard about the great beach scene of Langkawi , a tropical island paradise, and that the world’s tallest trees have recently been discovered in Borneo .

Get the best price for luxury lodges in Borneo !

This is probably the reason why we loved Malaysia so much. Few countries are as culturally diverse as Malaysia, and that becomes instantly clear walking around cities; mosques give way to Taoist pagodas, while South Indian temples appear just around the corner. Malaysia today is the product of three different cultures, Malay, Indian and Chinese. Truly Asia, indeed.

6) Festivals

Great festivals are a direct consequence of cultural diversity. We visited for a month between January and February, and we had the chance of witnessing two great celebrations; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year . Every month there are festivals around the country; religious or secular, sports and cultural events. Malacca is also supposed to be an amazing place, definitely on our list for our next visit!

Get the best price for great hotels in Penang !

7) value for money.

It may not be the cheapest South East Asian country, but Malaysia offers great value for money. Prices are more than reasonable in comparison to Western standards, and the quality of accommodation and transport is excellent. On average, we spent between RM 50 and RM 80 for double rooms in hostels and budget guesthouses, often even with air-con and private bathrooms. Buses and trains are also a step up from cramped Thai and Laotian affairs!

I have a soft spot for big cities in Asia. I love the traffic and the buzzing atmosphere, the food courts and the street markets, faiths and cultures mingling. Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) is one of South East Asia’s best cities, with enough sightseeing to keep you busy for a few days. However, the real surprise for us was Penang ; our favourite destination by far. A great city, delicious food, cultural sights and incredible nature packed into a small island.

Get the best price for top city hotels in Kuala Lumpur !

We are not beach people, one day or two is plenty enough for us. Having said that, we did find some amazing beaches in Malaysia. Pulau Sapi off the coast of Kota Kinabalu makes for a wonderful day trip, and there are some lovely stretches of coast on Langkawi , a honeymoon island a short ferry ride from Penang. Diving enthusiasts will also be spoilt for choice; the coast of Pulau Sipadan is considered among the top dive sites in the world !

Get the best price for stunning hotels in Langkawi!

Fried tofu with spring onions and chilli

There was no other way to conclude this list; pure and simple, Malaysian food is the best in the world. The best of the best in our opinion is the food from Penang; have a look at our Penang in Ten Dishes post , but be careful if you’re hungry!

Do you have any other Malaysia tips? Great places, treks, beaches or festivals? Places to go to sample Malaysian food?

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you book your accommodation through these links I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which will help me maintain the site!

32 thoughts on “Ten Good Reasons to Visit Malaysia”

Nice list of reasons! Being a Malaysian, I might be a bit biased though, heh! 😉

In my blog, in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign, I have a monthly guest post section for local Malaysian travel bloggers to write about top things to do/see in their hometown from their (a local’s) point of view. Some of the recommendations are quite interesting and different, even for another local like me. Feel free to check them out here:

http://www.rambleandwander.com/search/label/Top%20Things%20to%20Do%20and%20See%20in …

Thanks! Loved the post and will definitely share it of I hear of people visiting Malaysia!

Hurrah! So glad you enjoyed your visit to Malaysia. I haven’t even been to East Malaysia although I grew up here. Perhentian is definitely worth coming back for, and Mulu is a UNESCO site — can’t get any better endorsement than that!

Thanks May! I would love to come back so much, I feel Sarawak calling my name!

An excellent post of traveling to Malaysia, all of those resonate with me and my experience there, although my favorite small city filled with cultural and historic significance is Malacca and the food there outstanding!

Hey Noel! Unfortunately we didn’t visit Malacca, yet another reason to visit!

We definitely have to make some time to visit at least one or two spots in Malaysia this year. It’s so close – we’re not taking advantage!

Hey Bronwyn! You should definitely visit Malaysia if you live close, the food (and everything else, of course) is so amazing you’ll always want more!

You’ve seen more of Malaysia than I have, and I’ve been here for 3 years. I agree it’s a great place to visit or even live. I think that the blending of cultures, multitude of festivals and fantastic food are why I love it so much. Ever since the monkeys stole my clothes and roaches infested my car, the wildlife has been a love-hate relationship for me.

hey Michele! I guess that’s what always happens. You end up visiting more when you travel than when you live somewhere, but experiencing different lifestyles is just as good as travelling, if not better!

Thankyou for sharing such amazing tips! I love the idea of the Cameron Highlands! We loved Penang culture and food so much!

Hey Bron, Cameron Highlands are really stunning! I’ve written a whole post about the area, if you want to check it out, here it is https://www.thecrowdedplanet.com/five-things-cameron-highlands/ feel free to contact me for advice!

Just stunning! I travelled around Malaysia 16 years ago, and I think it’s time I went back! Such a great place! 🙂

Hey Emma! You should, it’s amazing!

I love the pictures!! That picture of the Cameron Highlands is just stunning! I’ll be in SE Asia beginning of next year, and really hoping to make it to Malaysia.

Definitely save some time for Malaysia in your itinerary! It’s often overlooked, but it was my favourite South East Asian country!

I want to go so bad! Love the pics

Thanks! You’ll love Malaysia!

So many good reasons! #10 is enough for me but everything else sounds great too 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #SundayTraveler again!

Malaysian food is so good, definitely reason enough to travel! Hope you make it down there one day!

Great round up, guys! Not surprised you felt in love with the Cameron Highlands – the scenery is really breathtaking. I also like the fact that you’ve encountered fewer touts, and no attempted scamps. Enjoyed reading your Penang in Ten Dishes post. Everything on your photos looks delicious.

Thanks guys, glad you liked the post. Malaysian food is tops, I will never get tired of it!

You can visit, it’s amazing place…

It is indeed! Thanks

For people with kids, I can add another reason! It is a fabulous country to visit with kids. I actually wasn’t a fan of Malaysia until we went with our young children. To me, it felt like there was a warmness missing, compared to when we have been to Bali or Thailand. Kids changed all that. People were so welcoming and loving towards our children. It made it a real pleasure to spend time in Malaysia.

Great to hear that Sharon. I thought Malaysians were great people, I can only imagine how warm and kind they would be with children.

I have about one more week of vacation to plan and I want it to be this fall. It’s going to be Jordan but now I am in doubt because I got a really cheap offer to fly to Malaysia and it sure looks stunning. I’d only have about 10 days though… the Cameron Highlands seem so gorgeous!

Hey Antonette! Jordan is amazing too, keep Malaysia for your next vacation as ten days won’t be enough!

Great list, and I agree with all of your points. I’ve been to Malaysia three time, with side trips to the state of Sarawak — to me, the most amazing part of this amazing country. But every part of Malaysia has great things to discover. I recently wrote a post highlighting my six best undiscovered destinations, and Malaysia was at the top of the list.

When we visited Malaysia last year, I didn’t really know what to expect.

However, I fell totally in love with it. It is such a friendly country, with so much history and culture. And you are definitely right about the food – delicious!

We spent a month there and managed to visit Melaka, KL, Cameron Highlands, Penang and Langkawi…. But there is still so much I want to see! Definitely need to go back!

Oh same here!Love it so much!

I’m malaysian. Thank you for a best review about my country. Malaysia is indeed the food paradise and have a magnificent of cultural diversity. we really flexible about food. we like to try new food from around the world too, that’s why you can find a diversity of foreign restaurants here. Thank you again and please welcome to my country again and again and we’re very pleased to give a warmth welcome to tourists. 🙂

Comments are closed.

Dive Into Malaysia

Top 21 BEST Places To Visit In Malaysia [2024]

Malaysia is a popular travel destination but when many visitors think about where to visit in Malaysia, they settle for the big city of Kuala Lumpur and the beautiful beaches in Penang and on the island of Langkawi, leaving so many other best cities in Malaysia to visit.

The reality is that there are so many more Malaysia tourist attractions to see. Malaysia spans several large and small islands, and the truth is there are many answers to the question “where to travel in Malaysia”!

A diverse country, there are so many wonderful and attractive places in Malaysia. Not just in its pristine beaches and islands but nature parks too. You could spend months visiting Malaysia tourist places and not cover it all.

Top 20 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia [2021]

What’s more, Malaysia is very budget friendly, the locals are warm and welcoming and the food is inexpensive and delicious.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!

So, if you’re wondering Malaysia – where to travel or perhaps you need more encouragement to visit Malaysia? Read on for our list of 21 of the best places to go in Malaysia. This is our ultimate list of the very best Malaysia travel destinations and you’re sure to find some must see places in Malaysia that are perfect for your vacation!

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Top 21 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia

Kuala lumpur.

A list of the best places to visit in Malaysia would be incomplete without the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Top on my list of Malaysia attractions 2024, KL is often the first place people think of when planning where to go in Malaysia, and regularly features as one of the top cities to visit in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia, the major financial center of a melting pot of different cultures. This makes it one of the most exciting cities in Malaysia and shouldn’t be missed.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur include a trip to the world famous Petronas Towers if you’re looking for the best place to visit in KL, taking a trip to the ancient Hindu temple at the Batu Caves, sampling some of the most amazing street food, visiting markets, mosques, theme parks, shopping and much more.

There’s no shortage of wonderful places to visit in Kuala Lumpur and you’ll likely struggle to fit in all the Kuala Lumpur tourist spots in a single visit. When it comes to the Malaysia best places to visit, Kuala Lumpur is a very strong contender, and it’s also one of the most fun places to visit in Malaysia.

If you’re wondering where to start with where to travel in Malaysia 2024, then you can do no wrong with starting in KL.

Getting to Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur has two major airports – KLIA and KLIA2. It is also well connected to the rest of Malaysia by bus and train.

Top Attraction to visit: The Petronas Towers are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Top place to stay: Berjaya Times Square Hotel – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Kuala Lumpur here .

One of the top travel destinations Malaysia has (especially for beach vacations), Langkawi is a Malaysia must see and many would argue the best island in Malaysia. Not only a beautiful destination with great beaches and attractions, there’s something to suit everyone in Langkawi on either ends of the main island.

When you picture best places to visit Malaysia in your head, it’s very likely the image you see is of Langkawi. This island is definitely one of the options for best place for vacation in Malaysia.

Langkawi is actually an archipelago but the main island offers a range of different locations to visit and stay. Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular beach destinations and home to Underwater World. Other more peaceful destinations are dotted throughout the island. If you love beaches, Langkawi is definitely one of the places to visit in Malaysia that you’ll want to consider.

Temurun Waterfall is another popular attraction in Langkawi, as well as the Langkawi Cable Car which takes you to the peak of Gunung Machinchang where you’ll find restaurants, shops and other attractions. This is the best way to see that this option of Malaysia best places is not just about gorgeous beaches but also gorgeous jungle interior.

Getting to Langkawi: The best way to get to Langkawi is to fly. Flights leave multiple times daily from Kuala Lumpur and other cities.

Top Attraction to visit: Langkawi Cable Car

Top place to stay: Ritz-Carlton Langkawi – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Langkawi here .

Want Help Having An Awesome Food Experience in KL?

Join a Simply Enak (aka delicious) Food Tour!

There are three different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food, nightlife or off the beaten track places.

No matter what you pick, you’ll taste a range of fabulous local food and drinks while learning the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur.

There’s no better way to discover this great city.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30 for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your option s .

Another popular Malaysia tourist spots and top destinations in Malaysia is the state of Penang. This state offers many Malaysia places to visit for both first time and return visitors as it’s quite diverse, and it’s one of my personal favourite places to go Malaysia.

There’s a multicultural mix of influences and plenty of beaches, interesting architecture and affordable resort style accommodation. It’s also one of the best places in Malaysia to eat, offering some of the best cheap food.

If you’re wondering what to visit in Malaysia, you will love the array of things to do and see in Penang. Penang is home to important and culturally significant temples like Lok Si Temple, as well as British colonial leftovers like Fort Cornwallis, dating back to the 18th century when Penang was occupied by the British, as well as the historic George Town.

There’s so much to see and do in Penang, making it one of the top places in Malaysia and somewhere you should add to your list of what to see in Malaysia!

In fact, the combination of great food, interesting heritage, beaches and ease of getting here and around makes Penang my personal pick for the best place in Malaysia and definitely one of the best holiday places in Malaysia. If you’re new to Malaysia, best place to travel options are plenty here in Penang.

Getting to Penang: You can get to Penang by train, bus or plane. From Kuala Lumpur, flying is the quickest way to get there.

Top Attraction to visit: George Town

Top place to stay: Shangri La Rasa Sayang – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Penang here .

Bukit Merah

Malaysia is well known as the home of the orangutan, and another thing visitors often include on their list of what to do in Malaysia is seeing orangutans.

One of the famous places in Malaysia where you can see orangutans is Bukit Merah.

Located just outside of Taiping, the town is surrounded by a lake. Its main attraction is Orang Utan Island – a sustainable tourist destination and one of the top things to see in Malaysia. The town is home to another sustainable attraction, the EcoPark – an enclosure home to many native and rare animals.

When you’re comparing Malaysia vacation destinations, know that this isn’t a cheap destination to visit, but this eco-tourist destination puts what they receive back into maintaining the environment, so it’s a place you can feel good about visiting. It really is the best place to see the orangutan in peninsular Malaysia.

If you want to support ecotourism and want to have a once in a lifetime experience, then Bukit Merah is definitely one of the best place to vacation in Malaysia options for you.

Getting to Bukit Merah: The best way to get there is to drive from Taiping. There are also buses. It’s also possible to day trip here from Penang.

Top Attraction to visit: Orang Utan Island

Top place to stay: Bukit Merah Laketown Resort – Click here to see the latest prices.

Kuala Kangsar

Kuala Kangsar is a royal capital, and there is some amazing architecture to see and explore. When we visited, we found the city quiet yet still with a commanding presence owing to the grand buildings. These buildings are why it’s on this Malaysia place to visit list.

This is a town of palaces, and there are plenty to view like the Istana Iskandariah, the Istana Kenangan (constructed of wood), and the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery.

If you want to go and explore somewhere off the beaten tourist track, then this best destination Malaysia might just be right up your street.

The major draw-card of this town is definitely the pretty architecture. There aren’t many attractions, but it does make a nice Malaysia tourist destination for a day trip.

Getting to Kuala Kangsar: You can get there by car, train and bus. The journey takes about an hour from Ipoh.

Top Attraction to visit: Ubudiah Mosque

Top place to stay: The Shop Hotel – Click here for the latest prices

When we visited Ipoh, we didn’t know what to expect. We ended up loving it. Ipoh is the state capital of Perak and a fantastic destination for a short getaway with plenty of interesting places in Malaysia located in this city. Ipoh is definitely one of the nice places to visit in Malaysia which sees fewer tourists (a good thing in our view!).

If you’re idea of a Malaysia best place to visit includes fantastic food, interesting attractions and lots of fun then visit Ipoh.

There’s the unfinished Kellie’s Castle to explore, Tempurung Cave, the popular Sunway Lost World Of Tambun (great for families) and much more. The Old Town area is a fabulous place to walk around with cute alleyways and numerous street art to find and enjoy.

Plus, there’s Ipoh’s famous white coffee – a must try.

Ipoh is also a gateway to the Cameron Highlands – coming up next. If you’re wondering where to go in Malaysia for short trip, or just looking for an interesting place to visit in Malaysia, Ipoh is somewhere to consider.

Getting to Ipoh: The best way to get there is train, bus or hiring a car. You can also fly.

Top Attraction to visit : Old Town street art

Top place to stay: Regalodge – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Ipoh guides here.

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel around Malaysia?

We can book a taxi for you between anywhere in peninsular Malaysia. Travel straight from one hotel to your next without any fuss or sweat.

You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.

Click here for prices and online booking.

Cameron Highlands

To escape the city life in Kuala Lumpur and the heat at lower altitudes, Malaysians go to The Cameron Highlands. It’s easy to see why and be tempted to join them if you’re looking for the best place for holiday in Malaysia to escape the heat and see something of the interiors of Malaysia too.

This best place to go in Malaysia option is beautiful. Its located high in the hills with rolling tea plantations, places of worship, museums and more. It’s also home to the highest point in Malaysia – Gunung Brinchang , as well as many beautiful hiking trails.

The higher altitude makes it a great place to cool down in tropical Malaysia, and with plenty of places to eat, drink and stay to suit all different budgets, it makes for a great place to see in Malaysia. If you love hill stations and greenery, the Cameron Highlands are definitely one of the best places in Malaysia to visit for your trip.

Getting to Cameron Highlands: The best way to get to the Cameron Highlands is by bus or hiring a car. Top Attraction to visit: Boh Tea Plantation

Top place to stay: Nova Highlands Resort and Residence – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Cameron Highlands guides here.

Port Dickson

Port Dickson is a popular destination from Kuala Lumpur for a beach getaway. There are plenty of top quality resorts with particularity good accommodation for families. We found the Avillion Port Dickson to be the best resort in Malaysia for family visits to Port Dickson or the Grand Lexis if you want your own pool. If you’re looking for a beach holiday within easy access of KL and fun places in Malaysia by the beach, PD is a place to consider visiting.

The resorts are generally outside of the main town, which is small but does have some nice restaurants and shops. There’s also some pretty beaches, but many of these are private.

There’s not a huge range of Malaysia attractions in Port Dickson, but there is the Tanjung Tuan lookout. Time is best spent here at one of the great resorts or the beach. This is my pick of the Malaysia destinations if you want some great priced resort time.

Getting to Port Dickson: You can get there by bus, taxi or rental car. It is about 60km from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Tanjung Tuan

Top place to stay: Lexis Hibiscus – Click here for the latest prices.

Read our best guides to Port Dickson here .

Melaka (also known as Malacca)

One of the other best places to see in Malaysia is Melaka. This is also one of the top historical places in Malaysia to visit, and a contender for the best city in Malaysia if you like your cities bite-sized, navigable and full of history. Malacca is also home to some of the main tourist attractions in Malaysia when it comes to cultural history.

This is a very pretty city and one of Malaysia points of interest for those interested in theology. The city is dotted with numerous churches like St Paul’s church, as well as temples and mosques, thanks to its rich cultural past.

There are also numerous other heritage sites around the city. What’s more, it’s a super easy place to explore on foot or on a trishaw.

Two of the major attractions in Melaka are the A Famosa Resort and the Dutch town of Stadthuys. Jonker Street is where you’ll find many of the main attractions. You’ll also want to visit Melaka River and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

Melaka isn’t just a great place to visit but also makes top 10 places to visit in Malaysia lists because it is so easy to get here. It’s very accessible from Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur International Airport and you can day trip here from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

Getting to Melaka: You can get there by plane, bus, car and boat.

Top Attraction to visit: Jonker Street

Top place to stay: Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka – Click here for the latest prices.

Read our best guides to Melaka here .

Johor Bahru

Legoland Malaysia The Great Lego Race VR Coaster

Johor Bahru is one of the easy places to go in Malaysia from Singapore as it’s just across the border.

While not necessarily being one of the Malaysia holiday destinations, it’s still worth a visit, particularly if you are in Singapore. The city offers visitors several attractions including a mix of museums and natural landmarks like the Gunung Ledang National Park and Gunung Lambak.

For families with young kids, there’s also the famous Legoland which makes the city one of the best places to visit in Malaysia with family.

Other attractions include the traditional Kukup Fishing Village. You can also explore the shops and restaurants at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.

As the city is also just across the border from Singapore and one of the practical places to visit in Malaysia from Singapore, it’s one of the best place to visit in Malaysia for a one day trip.

Getting to Johor Bahru: Get there by plane, bus, car and boat.

Top Attraction to visit: Legoland Malaysia

Top place to stay: Hotel Jen – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Johor Bahru here .

Tioman Island

Tioman Island was once named one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Despite being a somewhat popular nice place to visit in Malaysia, it’s easy to feel like you have escaped the world here. It’s relatively untouched and makes for a wonderful destination to visit in Malaysia. And the beaches are some of the best in Malaysia.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs which make it great for scuba diving. Must see spots include Air Batang (or ABC Beach), one of the main settlements on the island, where you can find cheap beer and meals, and J uara beach.

The Island is also great for hiking. You’ll want to visit Aash Waterfall, hike across the island from west to east , as well as visit Paya beach.

If you are looking for Malaysia places to go which are not too hard to get to but feel like you are away from it all, consider Tioman.

Getting to Tioman Island: You can get to Tioman Island by ferry or plane. Flights leave from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Click here for full details.

Top Attraction to visit: Air Batang is the main village on the island.

Top place to stay: Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here for our full guide to Tioman Island.

Taman Negara National Park

You may have noticed a theme – Malaysia is home to a vast array of beautiful national parks. Taman Negara National Park holds the title as Malaysia’s largest national park. This 130 million year old rainforest is home to a huge array of local plants and animals and offers plenty of short and long hikes. It’s definitely worth adding to your Malaysia where to go list.

Once inside the park, there are several attractions to visit including Lata Berkoh , which is a short boat ride and a place where you can swim. You can also opt to climb Bukit Teresek, a 334m high hill. The Canopy Walkway is also a must do – and the longest like it in the world.

Note that the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is between February and September each year. If you are visiting at this time of year, definitely go to this Malaysia best place.

Getting to Taman Negara National Park: You can get there by train, taxi or car. It is a 3.5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Lata Berkoh

Top place to stay: Mutiara Taman Negara Resort – Click here to see the latest prices.

Speaking of tourist places in Malaysia, have you considered Cherating if you’re planning to visit Malaysia 2024? This laid back coastal town has some lovely beach resorts and guest houses, as well as Club Med is also located here – arguably the best beach resort in Malaysia.

While the main attraction in Cherating are the beaches and resorts, there’s other Malaysia interesting places to visit like the nearby Turtle Island. This island is free to enter but you need to pay for the boat there. It helps nurture endangered turtles in an environment where they can thrive.

The beaches in Cherating aren’t as pretty as other parts of Malaysia (apart from the stunning option at Club Med) but the resorts are great and many are well priced. It’s a great place for a short trip in Malaysia.

Getting to Cherating: The best way to get there is by bus or hire car. You can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Cherating Beach

Top place to stay: Club Med Cherating Beach

Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is the state capital of Terengganu, a city on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the best places Malaysia if you love good food, friendly locals and an interesting range of low key attractions, and you’re looking for places to visit in East Malaysia.

It’s also the jumping off point for beautiful Redang Island (coming up next as it’s also a best place to visit Malaysia).

There is an interesting Chinatown to visit complete with street art, some great museums and some magnificent mosques. What really stood out to me when I visited this best destination in Malaysia, however, is the friendly locals. I have never felt so welcome anywhere in Malaysia.

Getting to Kuala Terengganu: Flying is the fastest/easiest way to get there with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur but it’s also a major bus hub.

Top Attraction to visit : Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque (or Floating Mosque)

Top place to stay: Grand Puteri Hotel – Click here to see the latest prices.

Click here to see our full guide to Kuala Terengganu..

Redang Island

A list of the most beautiful places in Malaysia often includes Redang Island, and it’s easy to see why. This is most simply, the most beautiful place I have ever visited, and unsurprisingly Redang was my best trip in Malaysia of recent years.

Redang Island is a mix of pleasant resorts and pristine, white sand beaches. It makes for the perfect relaxing getaway and best tourist place in Malaysia. Several of my memories of the best travel in Malaysia are from here.

The main beach is Pasir Panjang (or Long Beach) and, located on the east side of the island, it is one of the popular holiday places in Malaysia for those visiting the east of the country.

While there’s not a whole lot to see if you aren’t a nature lover nor is there a big nightlife scene like some other islands in Malaysia, this is a best place to travel in Malaysia for a calm stay and for cheap, beautiful and easy snorkeling. If you love islands and beaches, then Redang is definitely one of the best place to travel in Malaysia!

Getting to Redang Island: You can get there by plane or boat. Several flights leave daily from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Pasir Panjang

Top place to stay: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Read our best guides to Redang Island here.

Kenyir Lake

An artificial lake located in Terengganu, Kenyir lake is the largest man-made lake in South East Asia. This lesser known attraction in Malaysia has been developed as an ecotourism destination and the lake provides hydroelectric power to the region.

It’s also one of the top inland fishing destinations in Malaysia and a gateway to Taman Negara.

This interesting place in Malaysia has several attractions around the like the caves of Bewah and Taat as well as Anglers Heaven, jungle walks and waterfalls. Lake Kenyir Resort is also a pleasant place to stay.

To access the actual lake you’ll need to have a boat to access the lake which you can organise with a tour operator easily. A visit to this Malaysia travel place is the perfect way to see a different slice of Malaysia while enjoying nature.

Getting to Kenyir Lake: A 50 minute drive from Kuala Terengganu Airport. You can fly there from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: The lake

Top place to stay: Lake Kenyir Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Perhentian Islands

Less explored than Langkawi, but rated by many as the best holiday destination in Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands offer serene beaches with crystal clear water.

These islands are a travel place in Malaysia that you won’t want to leave, and although there are no museums or culturally significant monuments, there are pristine beaches, crystal clear water and beautiful coral reefs at the appropriately named Coral Bay with sunsets that’ll linger in your memories for a while after you do have to go home.

This is the ultimate place to go snorkeling and scuba diving in Malaysia. You can also go jungle trekking and do activities like kayaking.

Although there’s not much else to do on the island, its natural environment shows the best of Malaysia and it’s one of my personal best places to travel in Malaysia.

Getting to Perhentian Islands : You will need to take a boat there. The main ferry terminal is in Kuala Besut. Instructions are here.

Top Attraction to visit: Coral Bay

Top place to stay: Perhentian Island Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Read our best guides to the Perhentian Islands here .

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan, a conservative city on the east coast of the mainland.

This one of the Malaysia cities to visit is relatively laid back with some interesting places to visit like Istana Jahar, a 19th century royal residence, Istana Balai Besar or Grand Palace, as well as other museums and mosques.

There’s also a vibrant night market and street art scene. While Kota Bharu may not make it to top of the list for the top place to visit in Malaysia, spending a few hours or a couple of days in Kota Bharu allows you to see laid back Malaysian life – without the tourists – and it’s a useful stop over if you’re heading to Kuala Besut for the Perhentian islands as well.

The one of the best cities to visit in Malaysia offers visitors a chance to experience a different pace of life and to see the cultural heart of Malaysia. As such, it’s one of the interesting places to visit in Malaysia.

Getting to Kota Bharu: Flying is the fastest/easiest way to get there, but you can also get there by train, bus and car.

Top Attraction to visit : Istana Jahar

Top place to stay: Hotel Perdana – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here to see our guide to Kota Bharu.

Kuching, also known as Cat City, is a port city located on the island of Borneo. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sarawak, Borneo. The city is interesting yet still one of the more relaxing places to visit in Malaysia, so if you want to head to Borneo, why not give Kuching a try?

This charming city is abound with museums like the Sarawak Museum and Cat Museum (a must visit in Cat City!) and places of worship like Tua Pek Kong Temple.

It’s also located near some beautiful national parks like Bako National Park as well as Kubah National Park.

The range of activities to visit in the surrounds and the lovely riverfront area makes Kucking my pick for the best city to visit in Malaysia.

Getting to Kuching: The best way to get to Kuching is to fly. Several budget airlines fly here.

Top Attraction to visit: Cat Museum

Top place to stay: Hilton Kuching – Click here to see the latest prices

Kota Kinabalu

A quiet destination in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a pretty city on our Malaysia tourist places list offering visitors several attractions and activities.

Kota Kinabalu is one of the top places to visit in Malaysia to go island hopping – but think relaxation, not partying. Gaya Island is one of the most popular, as well as Manukan which is one of the islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. These islands great for jungle trekking and diving.

In town, you can climb to Signal Hill Observatory to soak in the city sites and do some shopping at the local markets.

The access to beautiful beaches as well as nature treks make Kota Kinabalu a top destination in Malaysia Borneo. If you’re looking for the best place Malaysia to stop over en route to trekking and jungle exploration, consider stopping off in Kota Kinabalu.

Getting to Kota Kinabalu: The easiest way to get to Kota Kinabalu is by flying.

Top Attraction to visit: Signal Hill

Top place to stay: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Borneo Orangutan in Sandakan, Sepilok, Sabah

Sandakan is a small option of where to go Malaysia with few attractions inside the town itself. However, it has huge historical significance from World War II. The Sandakan Memorial Park pays homage to this dark part of history.

The small museum and accompanying walk is dedicated to the prisoners of war from the Borneo Death Marches and commemorates those who lost their lives. This makes for a confronting memorial. While it’s not the most obvious of vacation places in Malaysia, it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in history or are visiting to see the graves and memorials here.

The city itself has plenty of cheap markets and places to eat, and is a gateway to other significant attractions like the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, one of Malaysia famous places. Here, you can get up close to rescued orangutans who are being rehabilitated. There’s also the Turtle Islands Park.

Getting to Sandakan: Located on Borneo, the quickest way to get there is to fly.

Top Attraction to visit: Sandakan Memorial Park

Top place to stay: Sabah Hotel – Click here to see the latest prices

Looking for the easiest way to get around Malaysia to these great places? Find our long-distance taxi service here . It can take you door-to-door anywhere in peninsular Malaysia.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

We hope you found somewhere just right for you in this Malaysia tourism place list. Read more about other destinations in Malaysia or find the best time to visit Malaysia here or the best things to do here. Looking for places to visit in Malaysia in 2 – 4 days? Read our itineraries here and find our ultimate article to planning your trip to Malaysia here.

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Wow, Very beautiful places I must visit this year. Love from Pakistan

It’s worth it!

Comments are closed.

10 Reasons Why You Should...

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kuala Lumpur

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. It is an eclectic and gorgeous hub of culture and class, a true gem of Southeast Asia. KL is also one of Malaysia’s major business centers, bringing people together – so here’s why it’s worth a trip.

The world’s melting pot.

Kuala Lumpur has undergone so much development since its heyday as one of the major areas for tin mining during the Industrial Revolution and as a Commonwealth nation. With its colorful inhabitants of every race and religion adding their flair to the city, KL has now become a center for Malaysia to invite and accommodate the rest of Asia; creating a metropolis like no other . On every corner is a testament to the assimilation into urban life regardless of origin and class, adding to the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur in every way possible, from the glittering skyscrapers to the quaint coffee shops. Marvel at the tenacity and beauty of every walk of life coming together as you tour the sights and flavors it has to offer.

International buffet

Preservation of the Old

To preserve the rich and diverse history of Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, many museums dedicated to the arts and lives of Malaysia’s people have been established all over the heart of the city. Whether it be carefully curated collections in polished galleries or the still living, breathing streets filled with old timers and curious explorers, Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly proud of the rich chaotic mix of history grown and blended by its people. Spend an entire day doing a history crawl, from the beautiful halls of the National Islamic Museum to the alleys of Jalan Pudu and Brickfields and witness the city grow through its architecture and inhabitants.

Capital transportation

Despite the apparent chaotic nature of the city’s development, Kuala Lumpur is quite tightly connected through an extensive series of train lines and bus routes. You will surely not miss a stop at KL Sentral, the central station beating life into the veins of Kuala Lumpur, on your journey to explore the many attractions of the city. The many new developments to the transit line have opened up even more access points all over the Klang Valley, providing ease of commute to the entire state. It is advisable to be mindful of the rush hours, as you might be stuck waiting for up to three trains.

Monumental monoliths

The beacons of this shining city, Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers proudly claim their record as being among the tallest towers of the world, showcasing world-class architecture and deep-rooted artistry. These fantastic pieces of skyline are instantly recognizable all over the world, showcasing the achievements of Malaysia as a global force. And if the man-made ones aren’t enough, the area of Kuala Lumpur also stretches out to the natural giants; the most popular of which are the Batu Caves and the Klang Quartz Ridge to the North. Most of Malaysia’s mountains are composed of limestone, which cultivates an entirely unique eco-system both in and on the exterior of the crags.

Sensational shopping

Like its shopping-centric neighbor Singapore, Kuala Lumpur takes equal standing in providing visitors with some of the most illustrious shopping malls this side of Southeast Asia. Many popular luxury brands have established flagship stores in premier malls such as Bukit Bintang, Starhill Gallery, Pavillion and even the lower cost Sungei Wang. In addition to those are boutiques of brands that are home-grown, bringing Malaysian designers to the ranks of global fashion. And if a normal shopping experience wasn’t enough, visit Berjaya Times Square for an amazing indoor theme park, the largest of its kind this side of Asia.

Affordable for all budgets

Whether you’re habitually thrifty or on a treat splurge, most of the things in Kuala Lumpur are reasonably affordable. From the fancy restaurants and flagship luxury stores in Bukit Bintang to the food courts and small stalls on the roadsides of Petaling Street, anyone at any budget can enjoy a nice day out shopping and eating to their hearts’ content.

Nightlife like no other

Malaysians are generally not known for hitting the hay early, so an evening in Kuala Lumpur is sure to bring the term nightlife a whole new meaning. Changkat is a popular spot catering to tourists from all over the world for a night of booze and exotic foods; while the cheaper alternatives in the rest of the city are popular among locals who don’t want to retire for the night just yet. Stop by the Indian Mamaks, popular for being open 24 hours a day for a simple yet refreshing meal of roti chanai and a glass of teh tarik after partying or catching up on a live football match. Fun fact, most of the mamaks pull out a giant projector screen for all their customers during the season, so don’t feel bad occupying a table for more than four hours.

Wondrous wildlife

As Malaysia is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife on planet Earth (think of the many BBC nature programs featuring Borneo), Kuala Lumpur is the next best place to go looking for exotic creatures. While it may not be as impressive as the East Malaysian reserves the animals originate from, the National Zoo and Aquaria KLCC host the largest collection of native and international fauna available for public visiting. For the more specific wildlife lovers, visit the KL Bird Park for a dizzying collection of birds and the KL Butterfly Park for creepy crawlies of every kind.

Everywhere you look, everything your eyes fall upon is a unique pattern made by the many inhabitants of Kuala Lumpur. From the temples to the food to the skyscrapers, marvel at the knowledge that each is pieced together through the blending of more than one culture; from the Indian Hindu motifs of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to the Spanish tiles that adorn its gates. An even more obscure challenge to have fun with is the taste-testing. Keep an eye out for some hawker stalls bearing the names of more northern states and compare their foods with similar variants from the southern regions. Minds and taste buds will be blown when discovering how different a bowl of laksa is constructed down the country.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in batu ferringhi, malaysia, for every traveller.

The Best Hotels in Sarawak, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Ipoh, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

Guides & Tips

The borneo sun bear: where to find the world's smallest bear.

The Best Hotels to Book in Sandakan, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

See & Do

Visiting the borneo rainforest: all you need to know.

The Best Hotels in Miri, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

Food & Drink

Borneo food: top dishes to try when you visit.

What Are the Best Resorts in Malaysia?

The Best Hotels in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Sabah, Malaysia

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

Post ID: 1266432
Sponsored? No
View Payload

Events & Activities
Media Releases

News & Media

Our Programmes
Shared Articles by Mega Fam Participants
Submit Your News
Travel Media Buddy

Share this article

TOURISM MALAYSIA UNVEILS STRATEGIC ROADMAP FOR VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture delivering his mandate at the Tourism Malaysia Strategic Direction Towards VM2026 Networking Session

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 April 2024 – Tourism Malaysia had a prominent start on 30th April 2024 by organising a networking session with the industry players by presenting its strategic direction and action plans focussing on promoting Malaysia internationally and domestically. This direction and action plans were crafted during the engagement session with industry players to ensure the fast conversion and high impact programme and achieve the common goal in attracting 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in receipts for Visit Malaysia 2026.

The VM 2026 roadmap is built on three core strategies – creating demand, increasing traffic, and prioritising target markets. Key initiatives include branding and marketing blitz, strategic partnerships for joint promotions/tactical campaigns and market segmentation.

Malaysia's notable tourism achievements for the first quarter of 2024 are promising. During this period, from January to March, Malaysia saw a significant influx of foreign tourists, reaching 5.8 million arrivals. This marks a remarkable growth of 32.5% compared to the previous year's 4.3 million. The top ten markets contributing to this success were Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Philippines.

Tourism Malaysia will continue to empower its branding through aggressive advertising campaigns, influencer marketing, and compelling content creation across digital (70%) and traditional (30%) media platforms. The agency will also establish strategic partnerships with airlines, online travel agents (OTAs), and land/sea border operators of neighbouring countries to enhance tourist arrivals.

Key target markets are prioritised into three tiers, led by first-level priorities such as China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia. The second-level priorities include South Korea, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United Kingdom, followed by third-level priorities comprising Chinese Taipei and Germany. Apart from traditional markets such as Brunei, Thailand and Singapore, the focus is also highlighted on emerging markets like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, tourism products and travel experiences will be tailored for niche segments like nature-based tourism, experiential tourism, medical & wellness tourism, responsible tourism, luxury, weddings, Muslim-friendly, gastronomy, and bleisure travel.

YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: "Our multipronged VM 2026 strategy provides a comprehensive framework to boost Malaysia's visibility, enhance destination accessibility and elevate our tourism offerings. Through focused efforts and strategic collaborations, we are confident of achieving our yearly arrivals and target receipts in the run-up to VM 2026."

Tourism Malaysia will continue engaging industry stakeholders and international partners to refine and execute the VM 2026 strategies, positioning Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination in this region.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia actively endorses the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), working towards the realisation of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , and TikTok .

For enquiries, please contact:

Mohamed Shahrir Hadzim Deputy Director Strategic Planning Division [email protected] Tel: +603 8891 8164

Marhafizman Mohamad Daud Senior Tourism Officer Corporate Communications Division [email protected] Tel: +603 8891 8755

Related Photos

About Malaysia
Travel Ideas
Deals & Packages

Travel Alert
Events & Happenings

Be an explorer and experience the beauty of diversity in Malaysia.

Island & Beaches
Culture & Heritage
Food & Drinks
City Excitement
Nature & Adventure

Discover Some of ‘Malaysia’s Firsts’ via Taiping’s Heritage...

12 Ramadhan Bazaars Not to Be Missed in...

Teluk Intan

5 Stunning Cave Temples to Visit in Ipoh

Zoo Taiping & Night Safari

A Foodie’s Guide to Local Delights in Perak

Tasik Cermin

Pangkor Island

Lenggong Valley: Asia’s Secret Heritage Site

Pantai Klebang

6 Must-Visit Cafes Around Jonker Street

8 Unique Stays You’ll Want To Check-In At...

Museums In Melaka

Melaka River Cruise

Jonker Street

Dutch Square

Submarine Museum

Must-Try Local Food In Melaka

Diverse Religious Heritages In Melaka That Are A...

St Paul's Hill & The Church of St...

Freeport A'Famosa Outlet

Family-Friendly Theme Parks & Water Parks in Selangor

Be informed about Malaysia as a travel destination.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism in Malaysia - statistics & facts

Slow but steady recovery, visit malaysia 2026, key insights.

Detailed statistics

GDP direct contribution from tourism Malaysia 2013-2022

Tourism receipts value Malaysia 2014-2023

Tourist arrivals to Malaysia 2014-2023

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic, related topics, recommended.

Accommodation in Malaysia
Food industry in Malaysia
Demographics of Malaysia

Recommended statistics

Basic Statistic Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
Premium Statistic GDP direct contribution from tourism Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Tourism industry direct contribution as share of GDP Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Tourist arrival growth in Malaysia 2013-2022

Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country

Value of international tourism expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in billion U.S. dollars)

Gross domestic product direct contribution from tourism in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Tourism industry direct contribution as share of GDP Malaysia 2013-2022

Direct contribution of the tourism industry as a share of the gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022

Tourist arrival growth in Malaysia 2013-2022

Year on year growth of tourist arrivals to Malaysia from 2013 to 2022

Inbound tourism

Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals to Malaysia 2014-2023
Premium Statistic Number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia 2022, by country of residence
Premium Statistic Inbound tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia 2015 to 2022
Premium Statistic Inbound tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia 2022, by product

Tourist arrivals to Malaysia from 2014 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia 2022, by country of residence

Number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia in 2022, by country of residence (in 1,000s)

Inbound tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia 2015 to 2022

Inbound tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia from 2015 to 2022 (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Inbound tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia 2022, by product

Inbound tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia in 2022, by product (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Domestic tourism

Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors in Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourism trips in Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Average length of stay on domestic tourism trips Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditure in Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Average expenditure on domestic tourism trips Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia 2022, by product

Number of domestic visitors in Malaysia 2013-2022

Number of domestic visitors in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of domestic tourism trips in Malaysia 2013-2022

Number of domestic tourism trips in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in million)

Average length of stay on domestic tourism trips Malaysia 2013-2022

Average length of stay on domestic tourism trips in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in days)

Domestic tourism expenditure in Malaysia 2013-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Average expenditure on domestic tourism trips Malaysia 2013-2022

Average expenditure on domestic tourism trips in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in Malaysian ringgit)

Domestic tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia 2022, by product

Domestic tourism expenditure of visitors in Malaysia in 2022, by product (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Hotel industry

Premium Statistic Value added by the accommodation services industry in Malaysia 2017-2021
Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Number of hotel rooms available Malaysia 2022, by state
Premium Statistic Average occupancy rates of hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Number of foreign hotel guests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2013-2022

Value added by the accommodation services industry in Malaysia 2017-2021

Value added by the accommodation services industry in Malaysia from 2017 to 2021 (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Number of hotels in Malaysia 2013-2022

Number of hotels in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022

Number of hotel rooms available Malaysia 2022, by state

Number of hotel rooms available in Malaysia in 2022, by state (in 1000s)

Average occupancy rates of hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2013-2022

Average occupancy rates of hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 2013 to 2022

Number of foreign hotel guests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2013-2022

Number of foreign hotel guests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Economic impact

Premium Statistic Gross value added tourism industries (GVATI) Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Share of GVATI in Malaysia 2022, by sector
Premium Statistic Number of employees in tourism industry Malaysia 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Tourism receipts value Malaysia 2014-2023
Premium Statistic Breakdown of tourist expenditure Malaysia 2021

Gross value added tourism industries (GVATI) Malaysia 2013-2022

Gross value added tourism industries (GVATI) in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Share of GVATI in Malaysia 2022, by sector

Share of gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI) in Malaysia in 2022, by sector

Number of employees in tourism industry Malaysia 2013-2022

Number of people employed in the tourism industry in Malaysia from 2013 to 2022 (in millions)

Total value of tourism receipts in Malaysia from 2014 to 2023 (in billion Malaysian ringgit)

Breakdown of tourist expenditure Malaysia 2021

Breakdown of tourist expenditure in Malaysia in 2021

Consumer behavior

Premium Statistic Common issues about traveling among Malaysians 2023
Premium Statistic Perceived level of safety when traveling with COVID-19 among Malaysians 2023
Premium Statistic Main reasons for domestic travels Malaysia 2022

Common issues about traveling among Malaysians 2023

Most common concerns about traveling among tourists in Malaysia as of January 2023

Perceived level of safety when traveling with COVID-19 among Malaysians 2023

Perceived level of safety when traveling during COVID-19 among tourists in Malaysia as of January 2023

Main reasons for domestic travels Malaysia 2022

Main reasons for undertaking domestic trips in Malaysia in 2022

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

Tourism and hotel industry in Singapore
Travel and tourism in Indonesia
Tourism industry in Thailand

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Malaysia sees 32.5% more tourists in first quarter of 2024, says Tiong

K UALA LUMPUR: Tourism in Malaysia is on the rise, with 5.8 million tourists in the first quarter of 2024, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

"This is a growth of 32.5% compared to last year’s 4.3 million,” said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.

He also said that the 30-day visa exemption for Chinese and Indian tourists has boosted arrivals in Malaysia.

He said the ministry would also seek to increase flights to places like West Asia, China, India, and South Korea to encourage more direct flights into the country.

Visa facilitation, alongside improved accessibility and flight connectivity, is important to achieve the goal of attracting around 36 million tourists and generating RM150 bil for Visit Malaysia 2026.

Meanwhile, Tiong urged hoteliers to consider upgrading and renovating their premises.

He said that he has highlighted to the Cabinet for Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad that it should be more proactive in giving loans to tourism companies when needed.

"If it is still slow to give loans, we will ask other commercial banks to take over.

"The Finance Ministry will chair a meeting to resolve your problem or any difficulties that you are facing in getting the facilities from the government," he said during a networking session with industrial and state tourism bodies in the Sheraton Hotel here on Tuesday (April 30).

He added that the government has reserved RM1bil to upgrade the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia deputy director Shahrin Mokhtar presented the strategic plans to realise Visit Malaysia 2026 goals.

"The Visit Malaysia 2026 roadmap is built on three core strategies - creating demand, increasing traffic, and prioritising target markets,” he said.

The board would enhance its marketing campaign by focusing 70% on the digital space, which includes influencer marketing and content creation.

He added that Tourism Malaysia would also focus on increasing tourist arrivals by flight to Malaysia.

"Compared with Singapore, whose air arrival is 79.1% and Thailand, whose air arrival is 84.5%, Malaysia is only 36.7%,” he said.

He said that an increase in air travel to Malaysia would result in increased spending in the country.

He said there is a lot of room for improvement, and plans are in place to collaborate with airlines to increase accessibility and seat capacity.

9 of the best places to go in Malaysia

Jan 29, 2024 • 8 min read

From the top food destinations to getting away from it all in the highlands, here are the best places to visit in Malaysia © Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

Split across two different land masses, Malaysia instantly poses a dilemma. Do you visit Peninsular Malaysia, which borders Thailand to the north and Singapore down south? Or do you head across the South China Sea to Borneo – a jungly island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei?

Good news: both sides of Malaysia have soft sandy beaches and snorkel-worthy coves, though Malaysian Borneo has superior access to marine life. Borneo is also the best pick for jungle trekking, though you can explore national parks and hilly hiking terrain across Peninsular Malaysia, too – like Taman Negara and the Cameron Highlands . Many parks and beauty spots are almost on top of the cities, making Peninsular Malaysia an excellent choice for families who want to spot hornbills by day, but bed down in modern comfort.

Peninsular Malaysia is also where you'll find the buzz. Gastronomes, shoppers and museum hounds can enjoy their fill in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur , food-forward Penang and cultural jigsaw Melaka . Plot your own path with a little help from our list of the best places to go in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is the best place to go for a whirlwind tour

If you have grand ambitions but limited time, head to Kuala Lumpur. Parts of KL feel like a quintessential capital city, with chic shopping malls (like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC), a competitive cocktail scene and a sci-fi skyline – the Petronas Towers rise up like twin rockets, while Menara KL glows like a futuristic lighthouse (head to the 300m-high (984ft) sky deck for an expansive view). But KL offers more than fast-paced urban commotion.

KL's city swagger comes accompanied by nature and history, courtesy of time-worn temples, kopitiam (traditional coffee houses), and rainforests almost side by side with high-rise buildings. Places of worship like scarlet multi-story Thean Hou Temple and ornate Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad inspire contemplation and wonder.

If you're looking for places to visit in Malaysia in three days, KL has day-trip potential, too. Listen to birdsong at KL Forest Eco Park , picnic by a waterfall at the Forest Research Institute ; and less than an hour's drive away is Mah Meri Cultural Village , where you can immerse yourself in indigenous Orang Asli art and history.

A solo hiker stands on a rope bridge over a river in the jungle

Encounter pristine nature in Gunung Mulu National Park

Remarkably rocky, tremendously old and a theater for eye-popping natural spectacles, Gunung Mulu is arguably Malaysia's best national park. Between Gunung Mulu (2376m/7795ft) and Gunung Api (1710m/5610ft) are old-growth forests, limestone pinnacles and deep caves, home to millions of bats that take flight every twilight – watch the drama unfold at Deer Cave .

Where to begin exploring? DIY experiences include the Mulu canopy walk (a suspended ladder through the treetops), an easy ramble to Paku Waterfall or the Botanical Heritage Loop Trail.

If you have tough hiking boots and even tougher endurance, book a guide and tackle the three-day Pinnacles trek. The climbs are steep, but you'll be rewarded by panoramic views of dense jungle spiked with fins of limestone.

Penang is the top destination for food, drink and sensory pleasures

Penang's foodie status is uncontested. Travelers flock from across Malaysia (and beyond) to experience Gurney Drive's seafood restaurants, slurp Penang laksa at Lorong Baru Hawker Stalls , and follow their noses to barbecued seafood at the Chew Jetties . But even beyond the sizzle of char kway teow (rice noodles with prawns, eggs and more), Penang can tickle your senses.

Inhale the tang of 500 herbs and aromatics at Tropical Spice Garden . Listen to the chatter of macaques at Penang National Park , the country's smallest. Gawp at the architectural splendor of Khoo Kongsi clubhouse and the intricately carved Pinang Peranakan Mansion . Alternatively, get bang up to date with contemporary art at Hin Bus Station .

Tip for timing your visit: Penang is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia in December, when the west coast enjoys good weather while winds batter the east.

Kuching is the perfect urban-jungle mash-up

We hear the dilemma: you want access to nature without committing to a tent in the jungle. And you want to experience the buzz of a Malaysian city without the high-octane hubbub of KL. Kuching , the capital of Bornean state Sarawak, is your happy medium.

Kuching is a launchpad to Borneo's glorious wilderness. From here, you can easily meet orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre , or day-trip to Bako National Park to look for bearded pigs and proboscis monkeys.

But before stepping beyond the city limits, let Kuching work its charms. Stroll the waterfront promenade, where you can see views of Kuching's architectural treasury: the Astana (palace) and its trim gardens, the State Assembly and the swirling Darul Hana pedestrian bridge. Admire Chinese temples, browse the weekend market and learn the history of Sarawak's White Rajas at hilltop Fort Margherita .

Tourists sit on a beach at dusk. The sand is white and the sea is turquoise. Lanterns have been lit as the light starts to fade.

Pulau Perhentian are the best islands for sunshine and snorkeling

Mentioning the Perhentians to Malaysian people elicits a longing smile. The Perhentian Islands are synonymous with brilliant beaches and marine life, plus there's a party scene to keep beach bums dancing until the wee hours. The trick is to find your perfect beach.

Searching for spectacular sunsets? Head to Coral Bay. Green turtles? The turtle project on Main Beach. Late-night beach parties? Long Beach. There are numerous beaches where you can go sea kayaking and snorkel among parrotfish and giant clams; hardened divers can go deeper to visit wrecks and commune with clownfish, reef sharks and stingrays. Time your visit for dry season between March and October (but avoid July, when crowds reach their peak).

Melaka is a cultural smorgasbord

Nowhere in Malaysia is the tumult of past colonial rule felt more strongly than in port cities, and Melaka is emblematic of this cultural collision.

Melaka is perched on Peninsular Malaysia's west coast, and successive colonists (Portuguese, Dutch, British) vied for control over this trading port and maritime waystation. Today, Melaka harbors a number of variegated food cultures, a hodge-podge of architecture and alluring night markets.

Glimpse Portuguese history by clambering aboard the replica Flor de la Mar ship and sampling baked fish at Medan Portugis. Time-travel forward to Dutch rule by touring the Stadthuys (now a history museum) and salmon-pink Christ Church . Other cornerstones of history are "China Hill" cemetery and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) mansions, notably the Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum .

Melaka's multidimensional cultures have helped fuel a roaring tourist trade. Colorful trishaws offer joyrides and history tours, while Jonker Walk Night Market is the evening's entertainment, offering everything from open-air karaoke to nibbling on Nyonya zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings).

Take refreshing upland hikes in the Cameron Highlands

Malaysia's most famous hill stations snooze among the vivid green tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands . Temperatures seldom stray higher than 30°C (86°F), attracting locals and tourists alike to cool off in these 4265ft to 6000ft (1300m to 1829m) heights. Many folks pick strawberries at Raaju's Hill or make a beeline (sorry) for the honey farm – but there are more authentic natural encounters in the Camerons.

Take a guided hike with Eco Cameron to marvel at orchids and hunt for the whopping rafflesia flower. You can also go alone: numbered hiking trails extend right from main towns Brinchang and Tanah Rata (ask locally about trail safety, as robberies have been reported on some routes). Inevitably, you'll reward your outdoor exertions by sipping a cup of tea (or three) at a plantation. Boh Sungei Palas has some of the best views, with Boh Tea Garden a close second.

A narrow old street with red Chinese-style paper lanterns strung between the buildings. Two figures are walking away from the camera

Ipoh is Malaysia's best unsung destination

To Malay people, Ipoh is deservedly famous. For one, Ipoh's sweet, creamy white coffee is legendary. The town is the capital of Perak, a region of past tin-mining wealth that spawned colonial follies like Kellie's Castle . Then there are the regional delicacies – chicken bean sprouts, bean curd pudding – that bring KL day trippers piling into Ipoh eateries.

But for international travelers, Ipoh has remained firmly off the map – overlooked on the rush between KL and Penang. So if you're looking for unique places to visit in Malaysia, buck the trend and head to Ipoh. Its hilly outskirts are jeweled with cave temples; statue-studded Sam Poh Tong has a crimson pavilion secreted away among the limestone cliffs. In town, street art by famed Lithuanian muralist Ernest Zacharevic splashes the walls, shophouses on once-notorious Concubine Lane retain their antique flavor, and the train station has attracted the nickname Taj Mahal (you be the judge).

Tioman Island is the best place to unwind

Picture it: palm trees and hibiscus flowers swaying in the sea breeze, and perhaps a sea breeze cocktail making its way into your hand as you settle in at a bar. This 52.5 sq mi (136 sq km) island begs you to unwind, embrace a slower pace and maybe get that tie-dye T-shirt.

Your only burden? Picking a village where you can settle down, uncrick your neck and maybe catch a wave or two. Kampung Juara is the best surf spot, with two wide, sandy beaches, plenty of places offering board and kayak hire, and, better yet, a turtle sanctuary on Mentawak Beach. Kampung Salang is backpacker central, with access to popular shores like white-sand Monkey Beach and occasional beach parties. To feel far from the beaten track, head to tucked-away villages like quiet, traditional Kampung Mukut . But wherever you sling your rucksack, make time for marine encounters. Tioman has extensive coral reefs (and abundant manta rays), and March to October is prime time for divers.

This article was first published Feb 23, 2022 and updated Jan 29, 2024.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Apr 16, 2024 • 12 min read

Singapore's allure goes beyond its iconic hotels, manicured gardens and world-class airport – here are the best places to visit when you arrive.

Feb 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

Ubud, Indonesia - March 08, 2016: Indonesian food vendor hides from the rain under the umbrella of his stall on the street of Kuta, Bali, Indonesia on March 08, 2016

Dec 7, 2023 • 10 min read

Young woman traveler with backpack traveling into beautiful pagoda in Wat Pra Kaew.

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 28, 2023 • 10 min read

Sep 26, 2023 • 6 min read

Racers at the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

Mar 29, 2022 • 8 min read

Sunset through the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Feb 21, 2022 • 11 min read

A woman enters the Federal Territory Mosque.

Feb 19, 2022 • 5 min read

RM (Ringgit Malaysia) S$ (Singapore Dollar)
Check Booking
Login/Signup
Logout

(+60) 123895689 / (+60) 17397 6099

[email protected]

The Reasons Why You Should Visit Melaka Malaysia

Melaka is a small but attractive place in Malaysia, having a rich history, which you can see after seeing its structures around. Melaka, the city of Malaysia, which is the tourist spot with a lot of things to enjoy, gives a lot of reasons to visit. After you arrive by bus from Singapore to Melaka , you can enjoy the following attractions.

Boutique Hotels: Melaka is becoming one of the favorite tourist spots in Asia, therefore, the government is bringing much more boutique hotels to cater the needs of travelers. These boutique hotels are located in the best location of the city where you can enjoy restaurants, shopping and peaceful environment to stay after a trip by bus from Singapore to Melaka and exploring the beautiful Melaka city.

Perfect place for a history lover: A lot of people love to know the history of a place, traditions and the group of inhabitants, therefore, it is the perfect place for the history lovers.

Perfect for shopping: Melaka has a lot of shopping centers, saving stores, galleries, and the shops with all the variety along with the local ornaments that you can purchase for a physical remembrance of Melaka visit.

Cruising: The river cruise in Melaka is the romantic and peaceful spot to spend a lovely time with your partner. You can enjoy this beautiful place that takes you apart from the busy life of the city.

Food: You can find delicious food in Melaka, which has famous cuisines. In Melaka, you can enjoy Chinese and Italian cuisines too, which are also very delicious and liked by the people very much.

Tourist spots everywhere: There are a lot of tourist spot with old buildings and heritage that are of great importance to their local society. You can visit A’Fomosa Resort, which is the modern place, where you can enjoy a splash in a pool with your family along with the beautiful nature.

Nature trip: If you are going on a nature trip by bus from Singapore to Melaka, to see fruits and plants there, D Paradise is the right place for this purpose.

Hard Rock Café: At hard café, young people can enjoy night life cool music and dancing.

Melaka has a lot of attractions for the tourist and the travelers. You can enjoy the stunning spots, delicious foods, cool music, and rich history by visiting Melaka from Singapore by bus, which is the safest and the most comfortable mode of journey.

Tour Package

Find us on facebook.

Booking Terms & Conditions

The Star ePaper
Subscriptions
Manage Profile
Change Password
Manage Logins
Manage Subscription
Transaction History
Manage Billing Info
Manage For You
Manage Bookmarks
Package & Pricing

MAG explores three-year tie-up with Tourism Malaysia to promote tourism

Tuesday, 30 Apr 2024

Related News

Capital A's aviation segment records 90% load factor, 15.4 mln passenger volume in 1Q

Capital a to dispose of 100% stake in airasia aviation group, airasia for rm6.8bil, middle east conflict may hurt aviation sector.

Second from left: Tourism Malaysia director-general Manorahan Periasamy, Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Samuel Lee, MAG chief commercial officer of airlines Dersenish Aresandiran and MAG chief executive officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tourism Malaysia for a three-year partnership aimed at supporting the country’s tourist arrivals targets.

“We look forward working with Tourism Malaysia, leveraging our strengths as a national carrier and aviation hub to pursue sustainable traffic growth in an increasingly competitive landscape,” MAG chief executive officer of airlines Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said at the signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

“With our strong network and track record of working with partners through trade and consumer initiatives, we’re well-placed to support the nation’s tourism ambitions. This partnership reinforces MAG’s commitment to supporting the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) through positioning Malaysia as the gateway for Asia and beyond,” he added.

Luqman said the MoU will lead to the development and implementation of a three-year partnership program in key international markets, not just in the leisure passenger segment but also in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and transit passengers.

The partnership will also anchor Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) offering, which provides passengers with a complimentary flight to a domestic destination on the Malaysia Airlines network.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Manoharan Periasamy said the country aims to welcome 35.6 million tourists, generating target receipts of RM147.1bil under its Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) programme.

This year alone, Malaysia hopes to attract 27.3 million arrivals with RM102.7 billion in tourism revenue.

“More joint activities are planned, including familiarisation trips to Malaysia, marketing promotional activities, and advertising campaigns to feature Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination on the global stage,” he said.

Tags / Keywords: MAG , Tourism Malaysia , tourist , collaboration

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

Capital A to dispose of 100% stake in AirAsia Aviation Group, AirAsia for RM6.8bil

HIGH STANDARDS FOR SEEK PEOPLE & PURPOSE AWARDS

Next in business news.

Trending in Business

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

IMAGES

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
10 Beautiful Places in Malaysia
2024 Malaysia Tourist Spots + 20 Things To Do in Malaysia
Traveling in Malaysia: Essential Things to Know
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

VIDEO

WHY Malaysia WINS over Canada
Exploring Sarawak, Malaysia-Tourist Places To Visit
Malaysia tourist places Johor
Why tourist bus ?? Who travels on this bus ?? Tourist bus is one safety and luxury all passenger
Why You SHOULDN'T come to MALAYSIA...
Top 10 Must-See Destinations in Malaysia

COMMENTS

15 Amazing Reasons To Visit Malaysia
Travelling to Malaysia should be on your bucket list for many reasons. A melting pot of most of the world, this beautiful country has much to offer that sets it apart from the rest of Southeast Asia. Here are 15 reasons to convince you to plan a trip here (and possibly help with some can't-miss sights).
10 Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Malaysia
In the same country, you can explore thriving, modern cities, explore colonial architecture, relax on some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and hike through lush green jungles. Here are just some of the top reasons to visit Malaysia on your next trip to Asia.
Why Travel To Malaysia? 10 Reasons To Travel To Malaysia Next!
1. The Food. There are many reasons I love Malaysia, but the food has to come in number 1. It is so so so good! The cultural mix of Malaysia means you have fabulous Malay, Indian and Chinese food here. You'll also find most other cuisines in bigger centres, but you'll never go wrong with the local flavours.
10 Reasons To Visit Malaysia That Will Trigger Your Wanderlust
There are plenty of reasons to visit Malaysia, right from its multicultural aspect to its modern cosmopolitan scenario. You can be traveling with kids, your spouse or even solo, there will be also something special you'll come across. This blog post features the best reasons to visit Malaysia!
13 Reasons to Visit Malaysia in 2024
The 13 Reasons To Visit Malaysia. Malaysia has everything. I won't go into it too much here because otherwise there is no point in the rest of the post, but it really does have it all. From cities to jungle, street food to fine dining, traditional way of life and an ultra modern outlook.
Malaysia should be your next travel destination
So, let's take a look at our 15 EPIC Reasons why you should visit Malaysia. Table of Contents Show. 1. Malaysian Street Food. 2. Explore Kuala Lumpur. 3. See the Wildlife of Borneo. 4. Take In the Malaysian Rain Forests. 5. Drink Endless Cups of Tea. 6. Hike Kinabalu National Park. 7. Visit Penang. 8. Shop at Malaysian Markets. 9.
Malaysia Truly Asia
Malaysia Truly Asia - The Official Tourism Website of Malaysia. Bohey Dulang Island, Sabah. Explore Malaysia. View more. Travel around to experience the remarkable treasures and the hidden gems in Malaysia. Each state offers a unique Malaysian experience for all. Selangor. Kuala Kubu Bharu. Melaka. St Paul's Hill & The Church of St... Melaka.
11 reasons to visit Malaysia that will trigger your wanderlust
1. Kuala Lumpur. The experience begins from the moment you arrive at the world-class Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where smiles and friendly greetings welcome you to the country. For a city that never sleeps, Kuala Lumpur will leave you hungry for more - be it the food, colourful culture, shopping, spas or nightlife.
15 things to know before going to Malaysia
From what to pack to navigating the nation's ethnic and religious tapestry, these are the top things to know before you embark on a trip to Malaysia - an experience that can often feel like being in several countries at once. 1. Malaysia is a dazzlingly diverse country. Be prepared for many types of culture shock.
5 Reasons Why Malaysia is a Must-Visit in Southeast Asia
5 reasons why Malaysia is the unsung hero of Southeast Asia. written by Carl Hiehn June 2, 2018. Like many travelers, I only planned on skimming Malaysia. A day in Malacca. Maybe two in Kuala Lumpur. Perhaps - if there's time - a stop in Georgetown.
15 of the best things to do in Malaysia
From Peninsular Malaysia to the island of Borneo, traditional arts, crafts and recipes endure - even as cities hurtle towards the latest architectural and gastronomic trends. Here are Malaysia's unmissable experiences. 1. Sip tea at the source in the Cameron Highlands.
Malaysia Truly Asia
With an area of approximately 329,847 square kilometres, and warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C, Malaysia houses an infinite range of exciting tourism products throughout the year for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Ten Good Reasons to Visit Malaysia
Men praying in front of Kota Kinabalu's waterside mosque. This is probably the reason why we loved Malaysia so much. Few countries are as culturally diverse as Malaysia, and that becomes instantly clear walking around cities; mosques give way to Taoist pagodas, while South Indian temples appear just around the corner.
Malaysia travel
Malaysia. Asia. Dynamic cities, fabulous food, beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests - all of this can be found in Malaysia. Best Time to Visit. Best Places to Visit. 01 / Attractions. Must-see attractions. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Tourism in Malaysia
Tourism in Malaysia is a major industry and contributor to the Malaysian economy. Malaysia was once ranked 9th in the world for tourist arrivals. [1] . The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 ranks Malaysia 25th out of 141 countries overall.
Tourism Malaysia Corporate Site
Campaigns. Visit Malaysia Year. Malaysia welcomes almost 25 million tourists annually, and for good reason - our colourful, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation is a multi-faceted gem that sparks as much interest with her quiet graces and natural attractions as her wild, thrilling ones.
Top 21 BEST Places To Visit In Malaysia [2024]
Malaysia is a popular travel destination but when many visitors think about where to visit in Malaysia, they settle for the big city of Kuala Lumpur and the beautiful beaches in Penang and on the island of Langkawi, leaving so many other best cities in Malaysia to visit.
PDF FAQ
The Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign is based on the Vision 2020 objectives which focus on the sustainability of tourism, arts and culture with the aim of reducing the negative effects of tourism development and providing direct benefits to the community through the tourism industry. 2. How effective is the Visit Malaysia Year campaign?
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kuala Lumpur
Sarah Anne Lee 01 May 2017. The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. It is an eclectic and gorgeous hub of culture and class, a true gem of Southeast Asia. KL is also one of Malaysia's major business centers, bringing people together - so here's why it's worth a trip.
Tourism Malaysia Unveils Strategic Roadmap for Visit Malaysia 2026
This direction and action plans were crafted during the engagement session with industry players to ensure the fast conversion and high impact programme and achieve the common goal in attracting 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in receipts for Visit Malaysia 2026. The VM 2026 roadmap is built on three core strategies ...
Malaysia Truly Asia
Discover things to do, places to go, events to attend and more at the Tourism Malaysia official site.
Tourism in Malaysia
Overview. Inbound tourism. Domestic tourism. Hotel industry. Economic impact. Consumer behavior. Editor's Picks. Current statistics on this topic. Travel, Tourism & Hospitality. GDP direct...
Malaysia sees 32.5% more tourists in first quarter of 2024, says ...
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism in Malaysia is on the rise, with 5.8 million tourists in the first quarter of 2024, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. "This is a growth of 32.5% compared to last year's 4.3 ...
9 of the best places to go in Malaysia
Encounter pristine nature in Gunung Mulu National Park. Remarkably rocky, tremendously old and a theater for eye-popping natural spectacles, Gunung Mulu is arguably Malaysia's best national park.
The Reasons Why You Should Visit Melaka Malaysia
The Reasons Why You Should Visit Melaka Malaysia | LA Holidays. Melaka is a small but attractive place in Malaysia, having a rich history, which you can see after seeing its structures around. Melaka, the city of Malaysia, which is the tourist spot with a lot of things to enjoy, gives a lot of reasons to visit.
Targeted tourist arrival figures: Mostly hits or misses?
1 day ago. in Opinion, Top. IN July 2018, then Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the 33.1 million tourists target for the year will be maintained, higher than the 2017 target of 31.8 million. But these targets were missed by a mile as arrivals for 2017 and 2018 were only 25.95 million and 25.83 million respectively.
MAG explores three-year tie-up with Tourism Malaysia to promote tourism
Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Manoharan Periasamy said the country aims to welcome 35.6 million tourists, generating target receipts of RM147.1bil under its Visit Malaysia Year 2026 ...
Chinese tourists are travelling again, with Malaysia, Singapore, Japan
A swift return of Chinese travellers, who spent almost US$248 billion on trips abroad in 2019 before the pandemic essentially shut down tourism, is key to filling a big hole in the global travel ...
Tourism is booming in Japan, with record-breaking visitor numbers
Month after month, Japan is breaking its own visitor records. Earlier this year, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reported visitor numbers totalling 2.79 million international travellers for February 2024, the highest figure since the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the closure of borders. In March, a symbolic milestone was ...