What are the top ten things to do in Malaysia?
Malaysia is one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia and its not hard to see why. Malaysia is home to several archipelagos and several of these islands count among the most visited destinations in the region! There are options aplenty when it comes to things to do on your Malaysian sojourn: exploring mountains, caves and verdant rainforests, diving and snorkeling among rich marine life, sampling afternoon tea with scones and relishing flavorful satay, island hopping, getting an adrenaline rush in its theme park and seeing magnificent orangutans – there’s much to see and do in Malaysia.
A trip to the country is to immerse yourself in a variety of experiences, from the traditional and the modern to the indigenous and the colonial. The most popular destinations in Malaysia include the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, the Perhentian Islands, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, the Cameron Highlands, Batu Caves and Taman Negara National Park among others.
If you are wondering how to get to Malaysia, then you could fly directly to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, which has excellent air connectivity. Another option would be to fly into neighboring Singapore and make your way from there. There are several flights between Malaysia and Singapore and Changi Airport in Singapore is one of the busiest international hubs in not just Southeast Asia but globally, with one of the most acclaimed duty-free experiences.
If the question in your mind is, what are the best things to do in Malaysia, then our handy guide below will give you a clear picture! Here is a list of the top ten things to do in Malaysia curated by our Enchanting Travels specialists, which should definitely be part of your Malaysia travel guide.
Explore
Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Be it popular sights or off the beaten path experiences, tell us your travel dream through our trip planner.
Design
Our destination experts will get in touch with you to craft a completely tailor-made, obligation-free itinerary to match your interests and budget.
Experience
Once you have booked your trip, sit back and relax – we’ll take care of everything else. With our exceptional local team & 24/7 support, priceless memories await you!
1Visit Bako National Park in Sarawak
If you are a wildlife enthusiast then you will have plenty of opportunities to experience close encounters with orangutans, gibbons, rhinos, and even leopards during thrilling jungle treks. This is one of the major attractions of Malaysia and a great place to visit!
We highly recommend you make a trip to Bako National Park in Sarawak, Borneo, which plays host to rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and the funny-nosed but hard to find rare proboscis monkey! Bird lovers are sure to have a field day spotting the vast variety of exotic species during their Bako National Park tour.
2Discover Kinabatangan River
More off the beaten path, the second-longest river in Malaysia, Kinabatangan River, is just one of two spots in the world where you can witness ten species of wild primates, one of the top things to do in Malaysia
It is also home to Asian elephants and crocodiles, freshwater and mangrove swamps, wildlife-rich forests and quaint villages along the river. So whether you are a wildlife or bird lover, these jungles await with a treasure trove of attractions!
3Take a Tour of Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers, are easily Malaysia’s most iconic sight! Located in the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, these were the world’s tallest buildings until 2004. Made with concrete, steel and glass, this architectural delight successfully incorporates Islamic art motifs and is a top place to visit in Kuala Lumpur.
Embark on a tour of Kuala Lumpur to understand the journey of this colonial capital to its modern avatar. There’s much to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, often called the gateway to southeast Asia! You will see grand colonial buildings stand side by side with its dizzying skyscrapers.
But the major attractions of Kuala Lumpur are its shopping and culinary delights! Shop to your heart’s delight at its glitzy malls and its local markets near Chinatown. Savor authentic Malaysian cuisine at its many street food stalls and little neighborhood coffee shops.
And Kuala Lumpur has several theme parks that are perfect for a half-day or full-day family outing; the most popular theme park in Kuala Lumpur is, of course, Disney Malaysia!
A popular attraction near Kuala Lumpur are the famous Batu Caves. The Batu Caves are a series of caves and caves temples found within a limestone hill. Batu Caves are one of Malaysia’s most popular attractions and a popular one-day trip from Kuala Lumpur. And don’t forget to make a trip to Taman Negara, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest!
4 Explore the Sights of Mulu
Explore the Gunung Mulu National Park, a World Heritage site loaded with diverse and exquisite natural wonders. This enchanting park boasts a great variety of animals and plants, native to the tropical rainforests of Malaysia.
The other natural attractions of Mulu include its magnificent caves, high mountain peaks, rivers and valleys together with limestone pinnacles.
5Explore the Rainforests of Danum Valley
Discover Danum Valley, home to a pristine rainforest filled with exotic and endangered animal, bird and plant life. The Danum Valley tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts – catch the orangutan, proboscis monkey, tarsier, and pygmy elephant in action in their natural habitats along with a variety of flying squirrels who are native to the area.
The sights and smells of this complex eco-system, filled with lush trees, shrubs, creepers and ferns makes a trip to Danum Valley worth it, which is why it is one of the top things to do in Malaysia!
6Go Orangutan-spotting at Sepilok
Head to Kinabatangan and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center to meet these shaggy-haired creatures. Admire the playful apes as they swing from branch to branch. This center is home to orphaned and injured orangutans who are nursed and trained to re-enter the forest.
Enjoy a close encounter with the orangutans as you watch the feeding sessions at Sepilok, which are held twice a day.
7Laze on the Beaches of Langkawi
Langkawi is famed for being a tropical paradise and it’s not hard to see why – Langkawi has some of the best beaches in Malaysia. Clear blue waters, pristine beaches and virgin forests are what the Langkawi archipelago is all about. The region’s unspoiled touch makes lazing on a beach in Langkawi one of the best things to do in this island paradise!
Pamper yourself with exotic spa treatments; there’s seafood to savor at the many restaurants and beach bars dotting the seaside and try and sample local life in the surrounding villages. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in waters and admire the stunning coral reefs of Langkawi! And if you want a truly relaxing and indulgent holiday, a stay in a beach resort in Langkawi is a must!
8Enjoy the Hill Country of Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands attractions are aplenty – a velvety emerald expanse of undulating hill country, with fresh air and mild and breezy weather makes it a must-visit in Malaysia. It is home to the country’s fragrant tea plantations and strawberry farms sprinkled with tall eucalyptus trees, as well as Victorian gardens, sprawling colonial bungalows and golfing greens.
You could trek down the area’s many wooded trails, visit some of the temples dotting its hills or stay in one of the Cameron Highlands resorts and savor stunning views with your high tea!
9Explore the Diverse Delights of Penang
A hotpot of Eastern cultures – that’s Penang for you, making it one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse travel destinations. Spend time in the bustling markets and experience the old-world Asian charm of the UNESCO World Heritage site George Town, the capital city of Penang Island. It is dotted with little Chinese shops, heritage buildings and quaint old rickshaws.
Don’t forget to photograph The Blue Mansion on your tour of Penang! There are many things to do in Penang – from exploring its quaint fishing villages and endless beaches to visiting its spice farms and sampling durian!
Another popular thing to do in Penang explore Penang Hill – take the funicular train ride up to the top of Penang Hill and explore its many historical and religious landmarks as well as admire the scenic vistas!
10Sample Authentic Malaysian Cuisine
Malaysian food is all about a mix of several influences, spices and curries! While in Kuala Lumpur, don’t forget to treat your tastebuds to Malay cuisine at the entertainment quarter of Bukit Bintang.
You could also join a local host in their home for an authentic Malaysian dinner in Kuala Lumpur. The best Malaysian dishes to eat when you are in the country include Nasi Lemak, Satay, Laksa, Rendang and Roti Canai among others.
Expert tip: Make a trip to Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah and shop for Sabah’s famous pearls! Kota Kinabalu also has several beautiful beaches and resorts for a truly relaxing stay!
Discover all the best things to do in Malaysia by booking your vacation with our experts at Enchanting Travels. Contact us for your tailor-made and obligation-free tour itinerary.
Explore Expert Secrets for a Perfect Malaysia Vacation!
Senior Travel Consultant for Asia, Prathima Rijhwani, describes her experiences on a Malaysia tour with Enchanting Travels.
Top Festivals in Asia You Just Cannot Miss
Get up close and personal with fascinating cultures by attending these top festivals in Asia.
Southeast Asian Street Food Diaries: The Best ‘Pho’ on the Go
Brace for a delectable journey as we take you on the trail of some of the best Southeast Asia street food you can possibly have.
Mesmerizing Singapore and Malaysia
19 Days: $ 6,990 / person
Nature, Wildlife and Adventure in Borneo
16 Days: $ 5,990 / person
Discover Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia
19 Days: $ 3,990 / person
One of the very best travel experiences I have ever had. We even got updates once at 3 am! He also made one change in one day’s itinerary to accommodate our wishes which was very wonderful. For business, I have traveled to Europe, Russia, all over Asia and South Africa but was blown away by all the beautiful sites in Argentina and Chile.
All the little touches made by our Enchanting Travel consultant, Amelia Edwards, were noticed and recognized by my wife and I. Thank you for making our milestone trip (25th wedding anniversary) such a memorable one! We look forward to engaging Enchanting Travels again for our next South American adventure!!
This was my first adventure as a solo traveler. But while I may have traveled on my own, I was never alone. I was well taken care of by a superb team of planners, trip coordinators, guides and drivers.
Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.