Top 20 Things to Do in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country where cultures, colors, and landscapes blend beautifully into one vibrant experience. Towering rainforests meet glittering city skylines, and peaceful islands rest just beyond the lively mainland. From the modern energy of Kuala Lumpur to the timeless charm of Malacca, the rolling tea fields of the Cameron Highlands, and the crystal-clear waters of Borneo, every corner of Malaysia tells a different story.

After exploring this incredible country, I gathered the 20 most unforgettable places that reveal its true spirit — a mix of tradition, adventure, flavor, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a traveler seeking thrills, a food lover chasing new tastes, or simply looking for peace by the sea, this guide will help you plan an inspiring Malaysian journey.

So pack your curiosity and let’s discover the heart of Southeast Asia together.

1. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

An Urban Experience & Breathtaking Architecture A trip to Malaysia isn’t complete without marveling at its most iconic landmark. Soaring to a height of 452 meters, the Petronas Twin Towers offer a spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline from the Skybridge that connects them. In the evening, the illuminated towers are a magnificent sight, surrounded by a beautiful park and a luxury shopping center.

2. Batu Caves, Selangor

A Spiritual & Cultural Experience Just a short trip from Kuala Lumpur lies a massive limestone hill housing a series of caves and Hindu shrines. A colossal golden statue of Lord Murugan guards the entrance, and a climb up 272 colorful steps leads you into the main temple cave. This active spiritual center is a fascinating place to witness religious ceremonies and meet friendly (but mischievous) monkeys.

3. George Town, Penang

An Experience of Art, Food & History The capital of Penang island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a magical blend of colonial architecture, Chinese temples, mosques, and traditional shophouses. George Town is famous for its interactive street art and a culinary scene considered one of the best in Asia. Simply wandering its picturesque lanes is an experience in itself.

4. Langkawi Island

An Experience of Freedom, Nature & Dramatic Landscapes An archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi offers white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, dense rainforests, and duty-free status. The main attraction is the Langkawi SkyCab cable car, which takes you to the peak of Mount Machinchang, where you can walk on the thrilling Sky Bridge suspended high above the jungle canopy.

5. Cameron Highlands

An Experience of Nature, Cool Climate & Fine Tea This lush, green mountainous region offers a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity of lowland Malaysia. The landscape is covered in vast, emerald-green tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower gardens, and local markets. It’s the perfect place for hiking, sipping fresh tea, and enjoying the crisp, cool air.

6. Taman Negara National Park

A Wild Jungle & Adventure Experience Home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, estimated to be 130 million years old, this park offers the ultimate nature experience. Activities include jungle trekking, river cruises, visiting indigenous villages (Orang Asli), and walking along the world’s longest canopy walkway, suspended between the treetops.

7. Malacca City (Melaka)

An Experience of Colonial History & Rich Culture This historic port city was a vital crossroads for traders from Europe and Asia. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca offers a fascinating mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. You can take a river cruise, visit the iconic red Dutch Square, and explore Jonker Street, filled with galleries and antique shops.

8. Sipadan Island, Borneo

An Unforgettable Underwater Experience Regarded as one of the best diving destinations in the world, Sipadan is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, boasting extraordinary marine biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers can encounter massive schools of barracuda and jackfish, reef sharks, and, of course, hundreds of green sea turtles that nest on its shores.

9. Kinabatangan River, Borneo

A Wildlife Safari Experience A cruise along Malaysia’s second-longest river is the best way to see Borneo’s wildlife in its natural habitat. During the safari, you can spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and a vast array of exotic birds.

10. Mount Kinabalu, Borneo

A Challenging Climb & Alpine Scenery Experience As the highest peak in Southeast Asia, rising to 4,095 meters, climbing Mount Kinabalu is a challenging but rewarding adventure. The summit offers breathtaking views of the “Land Below the Wind,” as the state of Sabah is known. The surrounding national park is a World Heritage Site, celebrated for its rich biodiversity.

11. Perhentian Islands

A Relaxed Tropical Getaway Experience This island duo offers a laid-back atmosphere, powdery white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. The smaller island (Kecil) is popular with backpackers, while the larger island (Besar) attracts more families and couples. It’s the classic, perfect beach holiday destination.

12. Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo

A Geological Experience with Giant Caves This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its vast cave systems and dramatic limestone karst formations, known as The Pinnacles. You can explore Deer Cave, home to a massive colony of bats, and witness the spectacular sight of their exodus at dusk.

13. Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo

A Laid-Back Urban Riverside Experience Known as the “Cat City,” the capital of Sarawak is a charming and relaxed city with a beautiful waterfront promenade along the Sarawak River. It features vibrant markets, interesting museums, and a fascinating history from the era of the “White Rajahs” of the Brooke family.

14. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo

A Heartwarming Encounter with the “Man of the Forest” This important center cares for orphaned or rescued orangutans, preparing them for a return to the wild. Visitors can observe these gentle, red-haired apes up close from viewing platforms during feeding times and learn about the conservation efforts to protect this incredible species.

15. Tioman Island

A Wild Nature Experience, Both Above & Below Water A large, densely forested island surrounded by rich coral reefs. Legend says the island is a dragon princess who turned to stone to offer shelter to travelers. Tioman offers a mix of secluded beaches, jungle trekking trails, hidden waterfalls, and excellent dive sites.

16. Ipoh

An Experience of Colonial Charm, Art & Cave Temples The capital of Perak state, a city that grew rich from tin mining, has preserved its magnificent colonial-era architecture. Ipoh offers a relaxed atmosphere, trendy cafes, street art, and impressive cave temples carved into the limestone cliffs surrounding the city. Don’t miss its famous “white coffee.”

17. Legoland Malaysia, Johor

A Family Fun & Pure Entertainment Experience The first international theme park in Asia, Legoland offers a world of Lego-themed adventures. The park features interactive rides, shows, a Miniland with models of Asian landmarks, and an adjacent water park. It’s the perfect attraction for families with children.

18. Redang Island

A Snorkeling & Luxury Resort Experience This island is renowned for its flour-soft white sands and calm, crystal-clear waters, which are protected as a marine park. It’s an ideal destination for snorkeling directly from the beach, where you can meet colorful fish and even small sea turtles. The island primarily offers high-end resorts.

19. Bako National Park, Borneo

A Concentrated & Accessible Nature Experience One of the oldest and smallest national parks in Sarawak, Bako packs an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife into one accessible package. Here you’ll find mangrove forests, sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches, and an excellent chance to see proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and macaques.

20. Putrajaya

An Experience of Modern Architecture & Urban Grandeur Malaysia’s federal administrative center, located south of Kuala Lumpur, is a meticulously planned city. It features stunning modern architecture, impressive bridges, a grand pink-domed mosque (Putra Mosque), and a large man-made lake. A visit offers a glimpse into a modern and futuristic Malaysia.