Experience the melting pot of Asian culture and nature’s enchanting wonders at Malaysia, after comparing travel destinations in Southeast Asia and zeroing in on this amazing country. A multi-cultured nation with Indian, Chinese, Malay influences along with the ethnic natives of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia bursts with an enchanting cultural verve that reflects in its lifestyle, cuisine and surroundings.
Malaysia is truly a nature lover’s paradise as it has verdant tropical rainforests, stunning islands and beaches surrounded by azure waters and stretches of rolling green highlands. Be it a leisure visit, an adventure trip or a stopover, Malaysia gives you something to discover on your trip. There is so much to explore that we have narrowed down the choices to some of the ‘must see, do and eat’ experiences you shouldn’t miss on your Malaysian vacation.
Live on once-in-a-lifetime and splendid experiences in Malaysia
1. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
Just as it is impossible not to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York or the Pyramids in Egypt; one cannot miss the splendid sight of shimmering Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. This iconic soaring twin structure set in the heart of Kuala Lumpur looks majestic by day and magnificent at night. Get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city skyline from the tower’s level 86 observation deck or from the Sky Bridge which connects these two identical towers together. The neighbouring areas surrounding the Twin Towers are packed with exciting attractions, entertainment and shopping hotspots that will let you have a great time wandering around the city center after your visit to the Petronas Twin Towers.
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
Entry fee: 98 MYR is the tourist price for adults and 60 MYR for teenagers.
2. Shop till you drop at Petaling Street
Malaysia is a major shopping hub where you can purchase an assortment of goods in extravagant shopping malls. However, shopping at Petaling Street is a different experience all together. It is a shopper’s paradise with a street filled with hundreds of stalls selling all kind of goods at slashed prices. This well known shopping district transforms into a lively market at night making it one of the most happening night markets in Malaysia.
Timings: Most of the shops are open usually from 10 AM to 9 PM
3. Visit the Limestone Caves and the Hindu temple at Batu Caves
Set north of Kuala Lumpur is a collection of naturally formed limestone caves – a preferred tourist spot among the locals as a short weekend getaway. The Batu Caves are a splendid attraction consisting of three main caves and a series of smaller ones. A trip here lets you explore these wonderful natural marvels as well as gives you an insight of Malaysia’s diverse culture as one of these caves is a Hindu shrine considered as sacred place for Hindus in Malaysia.
Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM
Entry fee: Entry to the temple is free and you can visit the cave villa for 15 MYR.
4. Enjoy a hearty meal at food streets of Malaysia
The culinary scene in Malaysia is a luscious fusion of diverse Asian influences. Malaysia has some of the best food varieties with a mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines and some with Portuguese touches in it. Malaysia presents a vast range of dining options –from exclusive restaurants to local eateries, but the best lip smacking experience awaits you at the casual open air street side food stalls in Malaysia. Stroll through the bustling streets of Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur where you can savour an endless array of mouth watering delicacies from different stalls selling their speciality treats. Another great experience for food lovers is the Hawker Food Centres in Penang which are popular spots for epicurean treats. Enjoy a delicious outing at popular Hawker stalls such as Gurney Drive, Lg Baru and Pulau Tikus.
Timings: The best time for appreciating road food is at night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can all be planned.
5. Gorge on the local favourite dessert – Cendol
Cendol is the nation’s favored dessert to beat the heat. Cendol is more like a cold dessert soup made of shaved ice, coconut milk, jelly, drizzled with palm sugar and many additional variations of flavours. An excellent refresher on hot days, this simple delicious sweet soup is a great way to chill out in the Malaysian tropical heat.
6. Have a cultural shopping experience at Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia boasts of a rich cultural heritage that mirrors on the vast array of festivals, cuisine, architecture and crafts. Come to the Pasar Seni or The Central Market in Kuala Lumpur to experience the artistic wealth embedded in Malaysia. A short walk from Petaling street, this famous landmark is an art deco style area with an immense collection of impressive handicraft and art outlets – the best place to shop for authentic Malaysian souvenirs.
Timings: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
7. Feast on an authentic Satay
Quiet popular in Malaysia, Satay is simply skewered marinated meats barbequed over charcoal usually served with a spicy peanut sauce dip, or peanut gravy, slices of onions, cucumbers, and rice cakes – a must have dish if you are in Malaysia. The rich deep flavours and the appetizing aroma of Satays remain etched in memories of those who have relished this mouth-watering dish.
8. Wander around in fascinating George Town in Penang
A UNESCO World Heritage site, George Town is a quaint town in Penang that echoes the colonial era influences as well as present its urban vivacity. The city has a charming ambience with indigenous, British colonial buildings, Chinese houses, mosques, colourful houses that contrast with soaring skyscrapers and stylish constructions. Take a stroll through the city to view these distinct sights of the city, enjoy a trishaw ride through the streets of old Georgetown, sample some great food delights or plan a short city tour to visit the many attractions like the Campbell Street, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Fort Cornwallis, Kuan Yin Temple, Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple.
9. Discover the underwater world at some of Malaysia’s pristine islands
Being blessed with a vast assortment of refreshing islands surrounded by untouched teal waters; Malaysia is rapidly gaining popularity for clean and beautiful diving sights. The waters of these islands have a diverse aquatic life and coral species and each island gives you a different ambience and experience. Go swimming, snorkelling or diving in clear waters and indulge in a multitude of water sports at beautiful island destinations such as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Sabah, Redang Islands, Pangkor Islands, Sipadan Islands and Perhentian islands to name a few.
10. Discover the natural paradise of Taman Negara
Malaysia’s premier national park and oldest rainforest, Taman Negara is a refreshing nature escapade – a perfect way to get away from the city life and relax among the blissful hues of sprawling green landscapes. Cross the longest canopy walk in the rainforest, see the mystifying sights of verdant nature with a vast diversity of flora and fauna, and try a range of outdoor eco adventures such as mountain climbing and trekking on your trip to Taman Negara.
If you liked this experience, you can also plan a nature-inspired trek to Gunung Mulu National Park.
Entry fee: Around 1 MYR per person.
11. Taste tea at the source in the Cameron Highlands
If you are wondering what to do in Malaysia, the Cameron High countries in Malaysia offer a cool retreat from the nation’s swamps, generally settled by English colonialists. Today, it’s a famous vacation location known for its tea estates.
You can appreciate climbing, strawberry picking, and perusing neighborhood gifts, however, the feature is tasting tea in the grand tea homes, offering a peaceful and essential experience.
12. Get a higher perspective on Langkawi Island
Visitors to Langkawi Island can get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s picturesque beaches and lush jungles, making it a captivating destination. One famous choice is to take the SkyCab, climbing to the highest point of Gunung Machinchang at 713 meters (2339 feet) where the notorious Langkawi Sky Scaffold anticipates, giving dazzling all-encompassing vistas.
On the other hand, driving up to Gunung Raya, the island’s most noteworthy top at 881 meters (2890 feet), offers similarly amazing perspectives on the island’s rough territory.
Whether by trolley, driving, or zip-lining, encountering Langkawi’s quality from above guarantees extraordinary snapshots of stunningness and miracles.
Planning Tip: We suggest that you avoid monkeys and not feed them paying little mind to how enchanting they could appear to you.
Timings: You can see the dawn around 7:30 toward the beginning of the day.
13. Mangrove Boat Safari
A must-do movement is to leave on a mangrove boat safari in Malaysia’s Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, which is on Tanjung Rhu Narrows. Paddling through the 100 square kilometers of mangrove forests which reveals stunning karst landforms is mesmerizing.
It provides encounters with rare and endangered animals like crocodiles, monitor lizards, and mud crabs.
After the visit, you can loosen up at one of the drifting cafés nearby, getting a charge out of tasty neighborhood cooking while at the same time considering the extraordinary undertakings of the day.
Timings: 9:30 am to 3 pm
Entry fee: 160 MYR/adult and 110 MYR/child
14. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Sunway Lagoon is an acclaimed amusement park found only 15 minutes from the principal city, partitioned into six essential tomfoolery parks. This is considered the best option when someone asks what to see in Malaysia.
Experience Park offers invigorating rides, including a portion of Malaysia’s most terrifying, and gives guests a staggering 360-degree perspective on the city, making it an optimal spot for daredevils.
The Water Park gives a reviving departure from the intensity with its different attractions, going from blue waters to brown sand, offering guests the choice to loosen up near the ocean or enjoy thrilling water rides their internal identity and make extraordinary recollections.
Timings: 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
Entry fee: 190 MYR /child – 225 MYR /adult.
15. Bungee Jumping
One of the interesting facts about Malaysia is that it is a great place to go bungee jumping. Bungee Bouncing in Kuala Lumpur stands apart as one of the must-attempt things to do in Malaysia for daredevils searching for energizing and whimsical encounters. Eminent universally as the principal experience sport, Malaysia draws in lovers from around the world explicitly for this movement.
Despite the humble level of 22 meters above ocean level, the adventure of dropping for 5-6 seconds makes a permanent impression, making it an elating and extraordinary experience.
Whether it’s the adrenaline rush or the sheer oddity of the action, Bungee Bouncing in Kuala Lumpur guarantees a completely exhilarating experience that will without a doubt make an enduring imprint on any voyager’s Malaysian occasion.
Entry fee: 120 MYR for adults / 90 MYR for children
Malaysia has all the aspects a perfect vacation should have – right from nature’s abundant beauty, fusion of delectable cuisine, well preserved historic and heritage sites, vibrant cities, exciting outdoor adventures and shopping hot spots. Apart from all these, you will also get to enjoy the amazing Malaysian spa culture here. Whatever your reason for visit in Malaysia is – be it a short stopover, an exciting family holiday or a romantic getaway, Malaysia will give you countless choices for having a fabulous time in Malaysia. When you plan your Malaysia holiday, do take into consideration the document requirements that will let you have a pleasant journey in Malaysia. A passport is a must with 6 months validity with sufficient pages for the embarkation stamp upon arrival and a visa is essential to get entry into Malaysia. Malaysia visa is not mandatory for all countries, however if your country falls in the category which need to have a Malaysia visa, you need to apply and obtain the visa before entering the country. For Indian and Chinese nationals, visa on arrival can be obtained if travelers from these countries are arriving from a third country –Thailand, Singapore or Indonesia and meet certain eligible criteria. To apply for a visa, firstly, you can opt for single entry visa, multiple entry visa or transit visa as per your Malaysia travel itinerary. For your Malaysia visa, you need to submit a properly filled application form along with specified photographs, confirmed return air-ticket with flight details, other specified documents and visa fees. You can further understand about the dos and don’ts of Malaysia single entry visa to get approval in the first time. Travel Malaysia with all these procedures completed and with a valid visa issued and you are guaranteed to have a hassle free Malaysia tour.