Where to go in Malaysia?
Where to go in Malaysia ? the question that all lovers of this country ask themselves. There are different places to visit. Malaysia is home to a total landmass of over 300,000 square kilometers. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur, is an important financial center in Southeast Asia.
Its beautiful beaches, magnificent islands and mountain ranges make this country a destination not to be missed. If you want to know more about vacations in Malaysia, we invite you to read our article Malaysia holiday.
Malaysia is a culturally rich and diverse nation. Its cities are modern and comfortable. Despite the urban development, the country has maintained its ecological beauty. Malaysia is a mixture of various cultures such as Malay, Indian, Chinese, Arabic and European. If you want to know where to go in Malaysia, this guide is for you.
Where to go in Malaysia? tourist resorts
Malaysia has world-class attractions that make for an extremely rewarding stay. Among these attractions we find:
Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are one of the most iconic sites in Southeast Asia.
They are known as the twin towers because they come in pairs.
Located in the center of the capital Kuala Lumpur, they represent a national pride. They are the tallest twin towers in the world.
The Petronas Towers were designed with a postmodern style that also features original Islamic art motifs. This is to represent the Muslim majority in the country. You can take a walk in the sky on the sky bridge that connects the two towers and admire the views that stretch over the capital and the KLCC park.
Menara Kuala Lumpur
After the twin towers, the Menara Kuala Lumpur is probably the most popular monument in Malaysia. The Menara was built in 1994, it measures 421 meters. The tower is visible from almost everywhere in Kuala Lumpur. The tower offers a spectacular view of the capital. The summit of the Menara is spindle-shaped. Its observation deck is 276 meters high, at least 100 meters higher than the Skybridge of the Petronas Towers.
The cable car of the eastern village
The eastern village is located in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok. It is the entrance to the cable car, which takes visitors up to Mount Mat Cincang. It is the second highest peak in Pulau Langkawi. As you enter the village, you can admire the pleasant oriental garden and its various souvenir stores. You can pay at the counter before boarding an elevator that will take you to the cable car pedestal. Once at the top, you can enjoy the view of the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls, which cascade down a gray rock face.
Some islands to do (the most popular in Malaysia)
The islands (Pulau in Malay) are also excellent places to stay in Malaysia. You will have the opportunity to sunbathe on golden or white sand, do water activities and admire the flora of the islands. We recommend you to visit :
I. Pulau Langkawi
If you are tired of big cities, head to Pulau Langkawi. It is an archipelago that includes a hundred islands in the Andaman Sea. Only two of these islands are inhabited, Langkawi is one of them. It is the largest island of the archipelago and is home to over 60,000 inhabitants. Pulau Langkawi is popular with budget tourists and honeymooners. Langkawi has a franchise status which allows tourists to buy products at a tax-free price.
II. Pulau Perhentian : Besar and Kecil
The islands Perhentian are located off the northeast coast of the country. The Perhentians are two tropical paradises that you must visit. Perhentian is composed of Pulau Besar (the big island) and Pulau Kecil (the small island). They are both sunny little gems with long sandy beaches, bars and a super laid back atmosphere.
Pulau Perhentian Besar : ideal for families
Pulau Besar is more quiet, peaceful and has family accommodations.
The first time I visited this area was in June 2012.
We stayed at the Coral View Resort.
On the side of BESAR, the atmosphere is much more family and calm. Alcohol was not allowed in our hotel.
Pulau Perhentian Kecil : ideal for the most festive
While Pulau Kecil is the party island, it offers beach parties as well as budget accommodations.
Both islands offer incredible diving at cheap prices.
If you visit the Perhentians at the beginning or end of the monsoon season, you can surf the small waves of Long Beach at Pulau Kecil.
III. Redang
Pulau Redang is the beautiful island on the northeast coast of Kuala Terengganu. It is located 22 km off Tanjung Merang, the closest point to the mainland.
Over the years, Redang Island has become one of the most popular destinations for divers because of its pristine nature and rich marine environment. According to legend, the Bugis of Sulawesi, Indonesia, are the original inhabitants of Pulau Redang. Many of their descendants are now working in the tourist trade in Pulau Redang while others have moved to the mainland.
Some remarks on Pulau Redang
I was able to visit it in September 2015.
In terms of budget, it is higher than Perhentian or Kapas.
There were many Chinese tourists (Malaysian Chinese, and Chinese).
The hotels are very adapted for the Chinese customers : karaoke, massage, restaurants, etc.
The beaches are beautiful.
I think it’s a beautiful destination but you have to prepare a higher budget.
You can also make the trips “Perhantians from or to Redang”, the 2 islands offer boat trips.
Where to go in Malaysia : Historical cities and mountains
There are several other places to visit in Malaysia such as:
I. The historical city of Malacca
Before Kuala Lumpur was transformed from a malaria-infested jungle into a metropolis, Malacca was one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations. The city of Malacca was one of the most important trade routes in Southeast Asia. Over time, the city has lost its place as a must-see destination. Yet in recent years, Malacca has been re-established as a prime tourist destination because of its many historical attractions. The city is the home of the famous Nyonya cuisine and is a popular destination for tourists who want to get a glimpse of Malaysia’s unique heritage.
II. Georgetown
Penang is Malaysia’s most popular tourist destination and is a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western influences. Pulau Penang is a modern destination that has retained its heritage buildings. The capital of Penang Island is Georgetown, it is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Georgetown’s cityscape is dominated by Chinese storefronts. You will also find chic shopping complexes, renovated Chinese mansions, art stores, as well as cafes and studios.
III. Mount Kinabalu
This city of Kota Kinabalu is the capital of East Malaysia, however it does not really personify the Borneo region. Kota Kinabalu is the ideal place to discover the beautiful sites of Sabahan. The city is also known for Mount Kinabalu which is 4,095 meters high. It is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The mountain is an unfailing adventure challenge for intrepid climbers.
We climbed the mountain in April 2013, without having booked in advance.
But we strongly advise you to make a reservation.
At that time, only one formula / one trip was proposed, in 2D/1N.
Today, it seems to me that a 2nd route is proposed (following the 2015 earthquake, on Sabah).
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Read also
- When to visit Malaysia : climate, weather and festivities
- Activities in Malaysia : sports, historical cities, beaches
- Malaysia Tour : Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia
- Monsoon Malaysia, the rainy season : How long and when ?
- Malaysia tourist visa, 3 months to enjoy or more
- Discover the best islands in Malaysia