You title it, Malaysia’s most likely received it – seashores to lounge on, rain forests to trek and sweat via, unique wildlife to hunt out, unbeatable delicacies, deep-seated traditions, and wealthy cultural historical past. From my many visits to this attention-grabbing nation, listed below are my favourite locations…
1. Langkawi
I’m fully in love with this place! It’s a shocking assortment of 99 islands nestled within the Andaman Sea within the West Coast of Malaysia. It’s a duty-free haven situated 30km off the mainland, and simply accessible by ferry or air from Thailand or the mainland.
Honeymooners and backpackers are all catered right here with magazine-perfect seashores, swaying palm bushes and tree-covered cliffs.
For the extra adventurous, I like to recommend testing your potential vertigo-issues at one in every of Langkawi’s primary sights: the 1,700-metre cable automobile or SkyCab ascending Machinchang Mountain.
From there I like to recommend you are taking a stroll alongside the SkyBridge, head as much as elevated viewing platforms and watch the clouds roll in and over the slopes at implausible pace.
For those who’re feeling hungry ask the locals to let you know the next location of the roaming night time market, the road meals right here is scrumptious!
A few of my favourite seashores included Black Sand Seaside (which had each black and white sands), the quiet Pantai Tengah, the luxurious resort-filled Datai Bay and Pantai Cenang which had some nice spots for backpackers.
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2. Pulau Tioman
For the reason that Seventies, Pulau Tioman has been often known as being one of the crucial stunning islands on this unimaginable nation. Positioned simply off the east coast within the South China Sea, I personally assume this place is an actual gem!
It has some gorgeous seashores, a wealthy and dense rainforest, and an expanse of wildlife. I beloved scuba diving, snorkeling, strolling via the jungle, and touring the island on motorbikes. The islands even have some attractive waterfalls, which I actually loved exploring and swimming in!
3. George City
I beloved the island state Penang which is situated off the northwestern coast and thought it was such a singular journey vacation spot. It’s a assorted and engaging vacation spot full of an attention-grabbing historical past, melting pot of various cultures, gorgeous seashores and a handful of luxurious resorts.
The UNESCO World Heritage Web site of Georgetown is capital metropolis of the island and we actually loved staying right here for just a few days. It’s a bustling locations full of retailers, markets, eating places and previous colonial buildings.
We additionally beloved exploring and discovering all the previous crumbling mansions right here in addition to the gorgeous temples comparable to Kek Lok Si, a really giant and necessary Buddhist temple.
4. Penang
The island state is situated off the northwestern coast it’s multiracial melting pot of numerous cultures, religions, and ethnicities which makes an excellent foodie vacation spot too.
We talked about the capital Georgetown above and wherever you wander, I promise it received’t be lengthy earlier than you’re drifting misplaced amongst the slim pastel streets, having your nostrils tugged and tempted by fried Nasi Kandar (a curry), and your eyes pop on the colourful sight of Ais Kacang (“bean ice” a Malaysian dessert).
The lengthy sandy seashores are pretty (though be careful for the jellyfish!) and the protected rainforests however I personally assume the meals right here is among the finest elements of the journey, and it received’t be lengthy earlier than you’re misplaced in a sea of tempting dishes.
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting the Butterfly Farm, which has a sequence of masterful, must-see brief animated academic movies.
- Eating on the Tropical Spice Backyard on the island’s northern edge have been we dined within the treetops alongside Silver Leaf monkeys swinging amongst the branches.
- Taking the funicular practice to the highest of the Penang Hill which was a cool (as in temperature) and fairly spot with superior nature trails.
5. The Petronas Towers
Amongst the hustle and bustle of the chaotic capital, magnificence presents itself in an sudden kind.
For those who dangle across the base of the Petronas Towers between sundown and moonrise, the world’s tallest twin buildings endure a magical transformation as day turns to nighttime and the workplace lights, carry shafts, and plane warning lights illuminate the 88 tales in a halogen-fuelled twilight haze.
6. Pangkor Island
This can be a dreamy tropical island situated off the west coast of the mainland. It’s an unspoilt place full of pristine white sandy seashores, turquoise waters, assorted marine life and many alternatives for water actions.
I beloved snorkeling right here and likewise mountaineering the jungle trails to expertise the character shut up.
Our favourite seashores on the island inluded Pasir Bogak which has clear shallow waters, the superior snorkeling spot of Coral Bay, and the unique resort of Emerald Bay.
7. Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital metropolis of Sabah. Though it’d appear to be a typical metropolis at first look, with its traces of malls and buildings, you’ll encounter magnificent stretches of orange-sand shoreline and islands if you enterprise deeper into town.
Probably the most well-liked sights is the floating mosque, however there are a number of different locations to go to, like Tanj and Ung Aru Seaside. For my part, it has one of the crucial stunning sunsets. You would additionally stroll alongside Likas Bay and benefit from the day taking part in within the sand or the water.
The 5 islands listed below are collectively often known as Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a well-liked spot for snorkeling and enjoyable by foreigners and locals alike. Only a few miles from town, there may be additionally an awesome jungle.
8. Malacca
Malacca Metropolis is a superb alternative if you’re in search of a richly endowed with historical past and tradition.
For lots of of years, Malacca was one of the crucial strategically important cities on the Malay Peninsular. Its possession modified fingers between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, amongst others, as they fought for management of this key buying and selling submit.
Quick ahead to modern-day Malacca, and also you get the impression the place hasn’t modified a lot.
Many streets are one-way, winding, and cramped, whereas the rickety buildings are poky and ooze historic character. Like Penang, Malacca is among the nation’s smallest states and proudly possesses UNESCO World Heritage Web site standing.
For those who go to Malacca metropolis, I like to recommend visiting the well-known Jonker Avenue Night time Market, A Famosa Fort, and St. Paul’s Church.
9. Cameron Highlands
Guests are drawn to this enchanting area of Pehang to expertise the novelty and the respite of a cooler tropical highland local weather the place temperatures are sometimes within the low 20s.
The rolling hills are populated by tea plantations and flower nurseries, making the world the main producer of tea and flowers in Malaysia.
It’s sensible to test the climate within the monsoon season (November – February) and name forward or ask your transport operator earlier than touring, because the heavy rainfall can result in landslides, which have an inconvenient tendency to dam many roads.
10. Pulau Pangkor
I beloved this gorgeous gem! A tiny island off the Malay Peninsular with broad, sweeping seashores that match Langkawi, it’s only accessible by ferry from the connecting city of Lumut.
Lumut is roughly three hours north of Kuala Lumpur by street, and for these wishing to stay to the tracks, Ipoh (85km away) will sate your practice station wants.
11. Pulau Redang
This picturesque group of islands is a shocking sight. Positioned alongside the east coast, they rise from the South China Sea.
Redang sits inside protected waters, often known as the Terengganu Marine Park, and preserves the crystal clear waters and reef methods, making a flourishing scuba-tourism trade.
With crystal clear waters, the islands sit inside protected waters (the Terengganu Marine Park), so their magnificence is maintained at a premium. It has lately grow to be a great place for scuba diving and vacationer actions.
The waters are often too tough for boats to maneuver on throughout these instances, so I counsel researching the finest time to go to. As with some central places comparable to Cameron Highlands and far of the East Coast, the monsoons dictate when and when to not go.
Between November and February, the waters are sometimes too tough for boats to move keen sun-seekers to the island; many resorts take a vacation, so it’s at all times finest to cellphone forward for availability or plan your travels away from the off-season.
12. Sabah, Borneo
Malaysia appears to be a endless supply of reverential snorkel and scuba websites, and Sabah doesn’t buck any developments. For those who’re serious about latitudes, Sabah ranks because the nation’s northernmost state, and folks flock to Sabah to benefit from the seas. I had an enormous smooth spot for this place!
Sabah is beautifully stunning, with lengthy, complete, and sandy seashores. It additionally has many unique onshore and offshore species, together with civet cats, snakes, clouded leopards, and pygmy elephants.
These are among the many 222 mammals (44 endemics), 420 birds (37 endemics), 100 amphibians, and 394 fish (19 endemics) discovered!
13. Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park
What appears like a stone’s throw away from Brunei on the map, Gunung Mulu represents yet one more of this nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
It’s a well-documented, visited, and filmed world, as achieved by the BBC’s Planet Earth workforce, however with eye-catching, otherworldly options such because the Pinnacles at Mount Api, it’s simple to see why. Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park is the biggest of Sarawak’s parks.
14. Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh, the capital of Perak, is nothing wanting magnificent. Nicknamed rightly ‘The Metropolis of Bougainvillea,’ I’m an enormous fan of its classic magnificence!
It’s surrounded by rocky limestone hills that add to town’s full visible aesthetic centered round its colonial historical past. Town includes a number of Hindu and Buddhist cave temples, and it’s shortly changing into one of many high vacationer locations on the earth!
It’s unimaginable that Ipoh was a sleepy Malay village just some years in the past. Now, it’s drawing consideration and recognition worldwide, with individuals desirous to take pleasure in a few of its many stunning spots.
Just like the Ipoh Heritage Stroll, which is barely 6.5 kilometers lengthy, it’s lined with majestic structure that also harbors a magnificence and magnificence that just about sums up your complete Ipoh expertise.
Another nice locations to go to in Ipoh are Kellie’s citadel, which isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, as there have been a number of supernatural experiences and sightings inside this cave, and the Tambun cave, which you’d definitely take pleasure in seeing a number of the Neolithic work, and the Geological Museum, which is stuffed with all types of lovely and thrilling tales and reveals.
15. The Perhentians
Positioned within the South China Sea, this is a small archipelago off the coast of Terengganu, often known as the “Perhentians.” The principle islands of the Perhentians are Besar and Kecil (Massive and Small), two stunning coral-covered islands of white sand and crystal-clear shallow water.
You may take up a number of actions on the Perhentians, like snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing. You’ll have a pleasant enjoyable day and gaze on the stunning water because it laps in opposition to the shore.
16. Danum Valley
Danum Valley in Sabah is the perfect place to go to for a implausible jungle expertise. The conservation space is situated deep contained in the 130 million-year-old lowland forest.
It has an excellent variety of crops and animals scattered over 438 sq. kilometers. Once you go to the Danum Valley, you would possibly see orangutans, leopards, and even pygmy elephants.
The realm is solely wildlife and vegetation as there’s a lack of human settlement, making the expertise and atmosphere even purer. The forest is lush, and you may partake in jungle treks with an skilled information and even go for an evening safari.
17. Alor Setar
Visiting Langkawi is often the preferred exercise for many who go to Kedah. However for my part, they’re lacking out on an unexplored metropolis referred to as Alor Setar.
Town stands simply a few kilometers to the southeast of Langkawi, and it options some important buildings just like the Royal Corridor, the Massive Clock Constructing, the Zahir Mosque, and the Sultan Museum.
You can even go to the imposing 250 million-year-old Gunung Keriang limestone hill. There are additionally some historic Seventeenth-century ruins you may see at Kuala Kedah.
18. Pulau Sipadan
The island of Pulau Sipadan is situated within the state of Sabah and is among the high diving locations on the earth.
The island stands about 600 meters above the ocean ground and is residence to varied marine life, together with satan rays, hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, and barracudas.
It’s a excellent spot for marine fans and divers as a result of there may be a lot magnificence in and across the water. Nonetheless, restrictions have been applied to maintain the steadiness within the ecosystem, so you’ll solely be allowed day visits.
However if you wish to keep in a single day, I counsel arranging a spot on close by islands like Mabul, Mataking, or Kapalai.
Location of Malaysia
Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia with the well-known international locations of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and The Philippines.
