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Things to Do in Malaysia

When to visit

MODERATEJan27°12d rain
MODERATEFeb28°10d rain
MODERATEMar28°14d rain
MODERATEApr29°16d rain
BUSYMay29°18d rainBEST
BUSYJun29°15d rainBEST
BUSYJul29°13d rainBEST
BUSYAug29°12d rainBEST
VERY BUSYSep29°20d rain
VERY BUSYOct28°22d rain
MODERATENov28°20d rain
MODERATEDec27°17d rain

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Malaysia

Top things to do in Malaysia include visiting the awe-inspiring Petronas Twin Towers that soar 452 meters above Kuala Lumpur. Explore the Batu Caves, located 13 kilometers north of the city, a vast limestone hill with a series of caves and Hindu temples. Wander through George Town Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and street art.

Petronas Twin Towers

1. Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

4.7 (101,317)
Historical LandmarkBusiness CenterHistorical PlaceGovernment OfficePoint of Interest

Quick facts: Step onto the skybridge and you’ll feel a slight lift in perspective, with panoramic views that compress the whole city into a tiny, cinematic model. Reflective stainless-steel and glass skin throws back a thousand pinpoints of light after dark, turning the façades into a dazzling, ever-changing lantern.

Highlights: At 451.9 meters with 88 floors, the twin towers are linked by a 58.4-meter skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors that is not rigidly fixed, so you can feel it sway ever so slightly when wind or structural movement makes the separate towers shift. At night the stainless-steel cladding and Islamic geometric motifs catch and scatter city lights into a shimmering, mirrorlike skin, and locals still flock to the fountain plaza at dusk to snap photos and buy satay from nearby vendors while the towers glow above.

View more attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Batu Caves

2. Batu Caves

Gombak

4.4 (76,356)
Tourist AttractionPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of InterestEstablishment

Quick facts: A towering 42.7-meter golden statue presides over a steep staircase of 272 steps, where curious macaques and vibrant devotees create a noisy, colorful welcome. Inside the limestone caverns, vast vaulted chambers house ornate Hindu shrines, and during Thaipusam hundreds of thousands of pilgrims stream in carrying elaborate kavadi offerings.

Highlights: Climbing 272 rainbow-painted steps past a 42.7-meter gold statue, you get smacked by incense smoke, chattering macaques, and the thump of drums as devotees haul ornate kavadi with metal skewers through their cheeks during Thaipusam. On a guided cave tour you can crouch under limestone roofs to see fragile stalactites, spot a rare trapdoor spider population, and taste the cool, mineral air scented like jasmine and dust.

George Town Heritage Site

3. George Town Heritage Site

Penang

4.4 (13,442)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestAssociation Or OrganizationEstablishment

Step into a living canvas of history and art. Discover detailed murals and savor local flavors in vibrant street markets.

Quick facts: The site covers 109 hectares of old town streets with architecture reflecting over 170 years of multicultural history. The streets teem with more than 500 colonial buildings, Chinese temples, mosques, and clan houses, revealing the rich heritage of the area.

Highlights: Shophouse murals by local artist Ernest Zacharevic animate the streets, blending art with everyday life. Try the famous Penang street food at the night market on Chulia Street for a sensory overload of flavors and atmosphere.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Malaysia, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Langkawi Sky Bridge

4. Langkawi Sky Bridge

Langkawi

4.6 (19,914)
BridgeTourist AttractionTransportation ServicePoint of InterestEstablishment

Quick facts: Perched about 100 meters above the jungle canopy, the curved walkway spans roughly 125 meters and offers nerve-tingling panoramas. A ride up in a steep cable car that climbs past misty ridgelines turns the approach into half the adventure, with glass viewing spots revealing dizzying drops below.

Highlights: Walk the 125-meter curve at dawn and fewer than 20 silhouettes share the soft gold light, while the air fills with salt and the wet, leafy scent of the forest. Anchored to a single pylon, the structure appears to hang like a silver ribbon above the treetops, and the small glass panels let you look straight down at the green below.

View more attractions in Langkawi

Mount Kinabalu

5. Mount Kinabalu

Sabah

4.6 (1,595)
Mountain PeakNatural FeatureEstablishment

Experience an epic sunrise above a cloud sea from Asia's towering peak. Hike through rich forests to reach stunning granite spires.

Quick facts: Reaching 4,095 meters tall, this mountain is the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Over 5,000 plant species and 326 bird species thrive here, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Highlights: The summit offers a breathtaking sunrise view that casts golden light over a sea of clouds beneath. A unique granite spire called Low's Peak stands as a natural monument, drawing climbers from around the globe.

View more attractions in Sabah

Taman Negara National Park

6. Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara

4.4 (3,570)
National ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore one of the oldest rainforests alive with ancient trees and rare wildlife. Experience thrilling canopy walks high above the jungle floor.

Quick facts: The jungle canopy here can reach over 70 meters high, making it one of the tallest tropical rainforests on Earth. Wildlife watchers might spot Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, or hear the calls of over 300 bird species during a trek.

Highlights: A unique feature is the canopy walkway suspended 45 meters above the ground, stretching 530 meters through the treetops. This allows visitors to walk among ancient trees over 130 million years old, with a stunning view of the lush valley landscapes.

Kuching Waterfront

7. Kuching Waterfront

Kuching

4.7 (2,196)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience riverside charm where history meets vibrant local culture. Stroll, dine, and watch the city light up at sunset along the lively waterfront promenade.

Quick facts: A 1.5-kilometer promenade along the Sarawak River, it attracts locals and tourists for its scenic views and historical landmarks. The waterfront hosts weekend markets where traditional crafts and local delicacies are sold under the open sky.

Highlights: Colorful wooden shophouses dating back over a century line the waterfront, reflecting in the river at sunset for a stunning sight. The nightly light and sound show narrates the city's rich history, using over 200 LED lights and traditional sounds.

Where to Stay in Malaysia

Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions

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Popular Cities in Malaysia

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Kuih Lapis

Kuih Lapis

Kuih Lapis is a colorful layered steamed cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, showcasing a vibrant rainbow of colors that represent joy and celebration in Malaysian culture.

Cendol

Cendol

Cendol is a sweet iced dessert that includes green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup, popular for its refreshing taste especially in Malaysia's tropical climate.

Apam Balik

Apam Balik

Apam Balik is a folded pancake filled with peanuts, sugar, and corn, loved for its sweet crunch and versatility as a street food snack.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is often considered Malaysia's national dish, consisting of fragrant coconut milk rice served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow is a flavorful stir-fried flat rice noodle dish cooked with seafood, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts, known for its smoky wok hei aroma.

Rendang

Rendang

Rendang is a rich and tender slow-cooked beef stew with aromatic spices and coconut milk, traditionally served during festive occasions and celebrations.

Traditional Beverages

Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik is Malaysia's iconic pulled tea, known for its frothy top achieved by pouring the tea mixture between two containers repeatedly.

Air Bandung

Air Bandung

Air Bandung is a sweet and cooling drink made from rose syrup and evaporated milk, popular during Ramadan and other celebrations.

Sirap Limau

Sirap Limau

Sirap Limau is a refreshing syrup drink made with rose syrup and lime juice, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess for warm days.

Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia

Is Malaysia safe for travelers?
Malaysia is generally safe for travelers with standard precautions. Petty crime exists in tourist areas, but violent crime rates are low. The country has a Global Peace Index score of 1.69, ranking it among the safer nations in Southeast Asia. Always stay aware of your surroundings.
How many days should I spend in Malaysia?
A recommended trip length to Malaysia is 7 to 10 days. This allows time to explore key destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and the Cameron Highlands. Longer stays enable visits to Borneo's rainforests or more beach time on the east coast.
What is the best time to visit Malaysia?
The best time to visit Malaysia is generally between March and early October. The west coast experiences less rain from March to October, while the east coast has a rainy season from November to February. Peak tourist season is June to August with warm, humid weather.
Is Malaysia expensive to travel in?
Malaysia is considered affordable for travelers. Budget meals cost around 5-10 MYR, public transport fares are low, and mid-range hotels average 100-150 MYR per night. Overall, Malaysia offers good value compared to neighboring countries like Singapore or Thailand.
How to get around Malaysia?
Getting around Malaysia can be done by buses, trains, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Grab. The country has an extensive rail network and affordable intercity buses. In cities, light rail transit and monorail services operate frequently, making urban travel convenient and economical.

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Most popular day trips

George Town, Penang

357 km 4h by train and bus

Historic city known for colonial architecture and street food.

Cameron Highlands

200 km 3h by car

Cool hill station famous for tea plantations and strawberry farms.

Malacca City

145 km 2h by car or bus

UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and vibrant night market.

Rent a car in Malaysia

Comments (8)

D
Dewi K.

Had high hopes but Kuala Lumpur was super crowded and humid. Nice mix of cultures but taxis can be pricey if you don't negotiate.

10
A
Anh N.

The vibe is super friendly, locals really helped me with directions even though my Malay is garbage. Must try roti canai whenever you can.

7
W
Wanjiku G.

Malaysia feels like a treasure trove of islands and jungles, I wish I had stayed longer to explore beyond just the cities.

11
S
Siti R.

Weather was a bit unpredictable, one day sun with no breeze, next day rain. Tropical but come prepared for wet moments.

8
L
Lars A.

Take the overnight bus from KL to Langkawi if you want to save on accommodation and get to the beach fresh in the morning.

6

Getting there

Train stations

Kuala Lumpur Sentral

KTM Komuter, ETS, LRT

Take the KLIA Ekspres train from airport to city center for fastest transit.

Click to get eSim for Malaysia

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Visa & entry

Non-Schengen
Max stay: 90 days
Visa-free access

ASEAN countries, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most of Europe

Visa required

Many African and some Asian countries

Check latest visa rules online as they may vary by nationality.

Useful information for Malaysia

Shopping locationsPavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall
Nightlife locationsChangkat Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor, TREC Kuala Lumpur
Popular casual restaurantsRestaurant Kam Heong, The Chicken Rice Shop, OldTown White Coffee
Popular fancy restaurantsNobu Kuala Lumpur, Marini's on 57, Cantaloupe
Popular coffee shopsVCR, The Owls Cafe, Antipodean
Tap water safe to drinkNo
Digital nomad visaYes
Best taxi appGrab, MyCar, Maxim
Taxi price / km$0.4
Tourists / year26000000
Population32600000
Mobile internet speed25 Mbps
Unemployment percentage3.5 %
Poverty percentage5.6 %
Average income / month$900
Average cost of living / month$600
Hotel price / night from$20
Beer price from$3
Coffee price from$1.5
Street food price from$1
Restaurant meal price from$5
Local currencyMYR
Power plug typesType G
ReligionsIslam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism
Spoken languagesMalay, English, Chinese, Tamil
EthnicitiesMalay, Chinese, Indian
Political orientationcenter-right
Population density98 /km²
Geographical area330803 km²
Possible natural disastersFlood, Landslide, Storm
Dangerous animalsSnake, Scorpion, Saltwater Crocodile
Locations for a nice walkKLCC Park, Perdana Botanical Garden, Penang National Park
Public transportationsLRT, MRT, Monorail, Bus
AirlinesMalaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Malindo Air
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies
Architecture typeColonial, Islamic, Modern, Traditional Malay
Average beer consumption per person / year2 l
Average wine consumption per person / year1 l
Tipping cultureNot mandatory, Small tips appreciated
Coworking / day$15
Airbnb / month$600
1BR rent / month$250
Gym / month$20
Daily budget (backpacker)$25
Daily budget (mid-range)$50

Overview for Malaysia

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyBad
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechBad
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareAverage
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyBad
WalkabilityAverage
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyBad
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood

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