8 Must-See Places in Malaysia

Image via Wikipedia

Malaysia is one of the most exciting countries in the world with a bevy of wonders, both natural and cultural, to offer the discerning traveller. It’s a country separated into two incredibly different halves, from the multicultural smorgasbord that is the peninsula to the rugged and wild island of Borneo across the South China Sea. Before you book any Malaysia hotels and flights, check out our following top 8 picks. Plan your trip accordingly and ensure that your trip to Malaysia is one that you’ll remember forever!

Known simply as KL to most, Malaysia’s capital city is a bustling metropolis that still maintains its roots. You’ll find everything here from the region’s tallest skyscrapers – the famous twin Petronas Towers are a highlight – to temples and mosques that are hundreds of years old. It is also one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities.

Melaka

Foodies from around the world flock to Melaka. History nuts from around the world flock to Melaka. Actually, most people that visit Malaysia flock to Melaka because, quite simply, there is so much to offer. The city-state of Melaka (sometimes spelt Malacca) is rich in heritage and cultural attractions and is well worth checking out.

Pulau Langkawi

Perhaps Malaysia’s most popular holiday spot, Langkawi is made up of 99 islands of varying sizes, but the biggest one called Pulau Langkawi is where all the action is. Long, sandy beaches give way to hilly jungles. It’s a tourist hotspot, so if you want to avoid the throng altogether it won’t be for you, but it’s home to some of the best resorts in Malaysia.

Taman Negara

The greatest national park on Malaysia’s peninsula is famous for its enormous trees and abundant wildlife (including the occasional leopard, rhinoceros and Asian elephant). Plan your visit during the dry season, from February through to September.

Kota Bharu

If you’re planning on making your way up to Thailand or Pulau Perhentian then Kota Bharu is definitely worth a stop. A city rich with culture, not to mention stunning palaces and exciting markets, it is located in the far north-east of the Malaysian peninsula.

Penang

Follow the Thai border all the way to the west of the peninsula and you’ll find yourself in the state of Penang, including the amazing Penang Island across the Penang Harbour. This once crude island is now a technological powerhouse of the region, but you can still find rewarding beach resorts and sleepy fishing villages.

Sarawak

Cross the South China Sea to Malaysian Borneo and you’ll find a very different world; a wild and beautiful land that is still incredibly primal compared to its peninsula counterpart. Sarawak is the perfect example of Malaysian Borneo, and here it’s still possible to discover untouched wilderness.

Pulau Perhentian

Just off the mainland near Kota Bharu, the Perentian Islands (Kecil and Besar) are renowned for their crystal blue waters and stunning sandy beaches. Kecil is especially popular with backpackers, while Besar is for the slightly more affluent traveller. Both, however, have plenty to offer no matter which category you fall into.

So now you know 8 of the best spots to check out on your visit to Malaysia, make sure you include each one on your holiday ‘to do list’ so you don’t miss out on all that this beautiful country has to offer.