9 Places Which You Should Visit When You Come To Malaysia

In Malaysia, there are a lot of places a tourist can go. Whether you enjoy the night life of big cities, the beautiful underwater world of the islands, or the lush tropical rainforests, Malaysia has it all. In this article, allow me to give you a preview of the 9 places you must visit in Malaysia.

Urban Life

Kuala Lumpur
The capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is located in the heart of Selangor state, in Peninsular Malaysia.
Some interesting places to visit:
Petronas Twin Towers (Suria KLCC), KL Tower, Petaling Street (Chinatown), National Museum, Central Market
Estimated population: 1,887,674
Geographical coordinates: 3° 7′ N, 101° 42′ E

Putrajaya
Located south of Kuala Lumpur, this newly developed city is the home to most of Malaysia’s government offices.
Interesting places to visit:
Perdana Putra, Putra Bridge, Putra Mosque, Seri Wawasan Bridge
Estimated population: 50,000
Geographical coordinates: 2°55′ N, 101°40′ E


Culture and Historical

Penang (or Pulau Pinang)

Located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it is a paradise for culture and food lovers. Be sure to try the famous Asam Laksa, Chinese Dim Sum, and other Chinese food.
Interesting places to visit:
George Town, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Bridge, Snake Temple, War Museum, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill
Estimated population: 1,503,000
Geographical coordinates: 5° 25′ N, 100° 19′ E

Malacca (Melaka)

One of the oldest cities in Malaysia. It is famous for its rich history and multi-cultural community. Don’t forget to try some of the unique food such as Chicken Rice Ball, Satay Celup and other Peranakan delicacies.
Interesting places to visit:
A’ Farmosa Fort, St. Paul Hill, Jonker’s Walk, Portuguese Settlement Village, Muzium Budaya, Poh San Teng temple
Estimated population: 733,000
Geographical coordinates: 2° 11′ 49 N, 102° 14′ 53 E

Islands & Underwater World

Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian)

Located in the state of Terengganu, it consists of 2 islands – Big Perhentian and Small Perhentian. Both the islands are part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means this place is a heaven for scuba divers and snorkelling fans.
Interesting things to do: Sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkelling, turtle and shark watching.
Geographical coordinates: 5° 55′ 0 N, 102° 43′ 60 E

Sipadan Island (Pulau Sipadan)

Located to the east of Tawau in Sabah state, this island was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcano. This island has ample rare diving scenes and there is also a mysterious turtle tomb underneath the island. Voted by many divers as one of the best diving spots in the world.
Interesting things to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, sunbathing
Geographical coordinates: 4° 6′ 52.86” N, 118° 37′ 43.52” E

Back to Mother Nature

National Park (Taman Negara)

Encompasses 3 states in Peninsular Malaysia namely Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. This park is home to some rare mammals such as Indonchinese Tiger, the highly endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Asian Elephant.

Estimated area: 4,343 km²
Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest, jungle trekking, bird watching, river views
Geographical coordinates: 4° 7′ N, 102° 46′ E

Kinabalu National Park (Taman Negara Kinabalu)

Located in Sabah, it covers around 750 square kilometres, surrounding the tallest mountain in Malaysia and South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu. One of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia.
Estimated area: 754 km²
Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest, jungle trekking, mountain climbing, plants watching (home to rare plants such as Nepenthes rajah and Rafflesia)
Geographical coordinates: 6° 09′ N, 116° 39′ E

Gunung Mulu National Park (Taman Negara Gunung Mulu)

Located near Miri of Sarawak, it is the home to many incredible cave systems including world’s largest cave chamber. It is the favourite spot for cave adventurers, bat lovers and jungle trekkers.
Estimated area: 754 km²
Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest, jungle trekking (required for certain cave systems and the wondrous Pinnacle), cave adventuring, bats watching
Geographical coordinates: 4° 03′ N, 114° 56′ E