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Things To Do In Malaysia for an Amazing Trip

TeamAckoFeb 20, 2024

Malaysia is a melting pot of Indian, Chinese, and Malay cultures, and it's truly Asia! This beautiful country has sandy beaches, tall mountains, verdant rainforests, and vibrant cities. Whether you're going to Malaysia for the amazing shopping, food scene at fine dining establishments or street food, or a party animal wanting to live it up - there's so much to do!

There's so much to see and do in Malaysia, but we have so little space to share! We've rounded up 10 of the best things to do in Malaysia, and there's something for everyone. Jump right into a truly Malaysian experience and plan your itinerary with some of the most popular things to do in Malaysia in this guide!

Contents

Visit Langkawi

Langkawi is a beach that is Malaysia's crowning glory. Travellers flock to Langkawi for its sandy white beaches, azure waters, and a vast buffet of fun things to do! From thrilling water sports to scenic hikes in the hills and relaxing at luxe resorts, Langkawi offers something for every traveller's wishes.

When you're planning the best things to do in Malaysia, in Langkawi, make sure you visit during the dry season. The dry season is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and there's little to no rain in Langkawi.

Where to Stay

Berjaya Langkawi Resort

4.4 / 5
Rs. 10,463

Resorts World Langkawi

4.2 / 5
Rs. 3,339

Ritz-Carlton Langkawi

4.6 / 5
Rs. 29,265

Where to Eat

Pia's the Padi (4.3 / 5)
The Fat Frog (4.5 / 5)
Gua MAHA & GM Farm Seafood Restaurant (4.0/5)

Explore

Pulau Payar Marine Park

This marine park in Langkawi is a famous place to visit in Langkawi. Divers and snorkelers come here to enjoy the spellbinding show of coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and the clearest water around.

Gua Cerita Caves

Gia Cerita is known as the Cave of Legends in Langkawi and is the centre of folklore and myths! There's one where legends say that it's the site where a Roman prince and Chinese princess had their wedding stopped by an angry Garuda - guardian of Langkawi! You can find Quranic verses on the walls of the caves as well.

UNESCO Global Geopark

Langkawi's Global Geopark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has 3 parks, one of which is the marine park, and the other 2 dedicated to the gorgeous flora and fauna of this gem of a place in Malaysia.

Underwater World

The Underwater World is a popular tourist attraction in Langkawi! It's an aquarium that features exotic fish and marine animals from around the world. There's a glass tunnel walkway where you can experience underwater life without getting wet.

Langkawi Sky Bridge

The Langkawi Sky Bridge needs to be checked off your bucket list when you go! These cable cars connect you from central Langkawi to Gunung Mat Cincang. Enjoy a bird's eye view of this island from way up high.

Travel To The Top At The Twin Towers & KLCC Park

Going to the top of the Petronas Twin Towers is one of the best things to do in Malaysia! Your trip to Malaysia can't be complete without a visit to this iconic and truly Malaysian landmark. They're still the tallest twin towers in the world, and you need to visit to take an elevator to the observation deck. You can see the vibrant KL cityscape stretch for miles below your feet. Plan at least half a day to visit the Twin Towers and the KLCC neighbourhood! Read on to find out why.

Suria KLCC Mall

At the foot of the Twin Towers is KL's favourite mall - Suria KLCC. It's a very tony home to some of the best luxury designer brands! You can find a variety of clothing stores, accessories, electronics, and, of course, two sprawling food courts packed with local delicacies! There are several fancy fine dining establishments and restaurants that dot the outer edge of the mall, which overlooks the water fountain and park.

KLCC Park

Many visitors don't realise that the Twin Towers are also home to the lush and vast KL City Centre (KLCC) park! This huge green oasis is smack-dab in the middle of KL and is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park starts at the exit of the mall, which opens out onto a wide water fountain with daily light and sound shows. Beyond, there's a splash pad for little guests - bring children's swimwear with you! Further on, there are several playgrounds with a variety of equipment for children!

Aquaria KLCC

Just beyond the Twin Towers is KL's iconic Aquaria KLCC. This aquarium is home to some of the most colourful and vibrant sea life and is a popular place to visit in Malaysia. When you visit the Twin Towers, be sure to visit the Aquaria KLCC!

Address

Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur

Timing

Twin Towers

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday - Closed

Park

All day

Mall

10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Price

Twin Towers - ₹1,731

Suria KLCC Mall - free

KLCC park - free

Boating Down Melaka River and Jonker Street

Melaka, known as Malacca, was a Portuguese settlement - evident in the famous red A'Famosa church and fort. This city is lively, with alleys filled to the brim with food stalls, clothing kiosks, and accessory booths during bazaar time. Take a boat ride down the Melaka River - we recommend going at sunset so you can see the river line by sunset and at night when it's all lit up!

Jonker Street is where all the action is! The packed streets offer you mouthwatering and interesting snacks and dishes from around Malaysia and the world. Try Nasi Lemak, "fat rice" which is coconut-y rice served with egg, peanut, and tiny fried fish. Don't miss eating a variety of satay, whether it's ayam chicken or kambing mutton. Malaysia is known for delicious snacks, try them while you're here. Oh, and don't forget to go on the brightly lit tuk-tuks to get around Melaka - they're best at night.

Melaka River Cruise Jeti Quayside

Address

JALAN GRAHA MAJU ARAS 9, GRAHA MAJU BUILDING, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia

Timing

9:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Price

Adult - Rs. 530

Child (6-12) Rs. 442

Drink White Coffee In Ipoh

Ipoh White Coffee is a signature drink from Ipoh, Malaysia. This coffee is bolder and "whiter" than traditional cream and sugar coffees. White coffee's coffee beans are roasted with palm oil margarine, whereas normal coffee is processed with sugar and wheat.

Where to Stay

M Boutique Ipoh

4.2
Rs. 2,205

WEIL Hotel

4.2
Rs. 6,410

M Roof Hotel & Residences

4.2
Rs. 3,790

What to Eat

Eggs over easy on toast
Kaya toast, coconut jam on toast
Wanton mee, wonton served with pan-fried noodles
Chee Cheong fun with curry

Drink White Coffee

Sin Yoon Loong
Kedai Kopi Nam Heong

Explore

Concubine Lane shopping and cafes
- Wife Lane and Market Lane. Market Lane for hanging umbrellas and red lanterns
Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
Tasik Cermin, mirror lake

Explore Redang Island

Malaysia is dotted with pristine and picturesque beaches! If you want a relaxed beach vacation away from the hubbub of tourist spots like Langkawi, venture out to Redang Island. This gem of an island boasts clear waters and soft sands. It's a popular destination for watersports, including snorkelling and scuba diving.

Where to Stay

The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

4.6
Rs. 21,058

Redang Island Resort

3.6
Rs. 4,444

Laguna Redang Island Resort

4.3
Rs. 12,408

Where to Eat

Hazeme seafood restaurant

Summer Point

Ombakredang Beachside Cafe

Explore

Snorkelling at Redang Island Marine Park
Marine Park Centre at Pulau Pinang
More More Tea Inn

Step Into Nyonya Culture In Penang

Penang is steeped in old-world Malaysian charm and history. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in Malaysia. This town is known for its authentic Cantonese and Nyonya (Chinese-Malay) cuisines, especially the cafe and restaurant stretch. Try the unique and delicious flavours of Nyonya cooking right where it began in Penang.

Batu Ferringhi is Penang's iconic beach. Sink your toes into the sand and sip on coconut water from a freshly cut coconut! There are plenty of water sports to choose from, and you can see colourful kites, paraglides, and kite-surfing here or better yet, actually do them! For more unique activities, go to the Upside Down Museum, check out the iconic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and get lost in the charming alleys of Penang.

Where to Stay

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion (it's a hotel and also a tourist attraction)

4.5
Rs. 10,967

Kimberley Hotel Georgetown

3.9
Rs. 1,805

Sunway Hotel Georgetown

4.2
Rs. 4,412

Where to Eat

Orinea Restaurant

Salsas Penang

Kebaya Dining Room

Explore

Upside Down Museum
Batu Ferringhi beach
Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
George Town
Penang Butterfly Park

Legoland Malaysia

Bring your childhood dreams to life at Legoland Malaysia! This theme park is Lego-themed, with crazy attention to detail - keep your eyes peeled when you're at the park. The Technic Land is where you can fuel your adrenaline-pumping dreams. There are exhibits for science children (and adults) too! Lego City is where you can fly Lego planes and soar over Lego City. Be royalty for a day at Lego Kingdoms - packed with castles and palaces. Asia is built Lego brick by brick at Mini Land; don't miss it out.

Of course, how is it a real Legoland if there isn't a Ninjago Land? Stay at the nearby Legoland hotel and plan to spend at least a full day at Legoland!

Phone

+60 7-597 8888

Address

7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia

Price

Adult - Rs. 2,678.26

Timing

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday - Closed

Go To Batu Caves

Batu in Malay means tube, and the Batu Caves are a tubular formation of caves that are also home to a famous Hindu temple! The caves have been around for around 400 million years, but the temple was built over a century ago. But to get to the treasure, you'll need to scale 272 steps. Get in that exercise and see this popular tourist place in Malaysia.

Go here during the Tamil Thaipusam festival, when Hindu worshippers engage in rituals. The most famous part of the caves is the massive golden sculpture of Lord Murugan. It's said to be around 150 feet tall!

Address

Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia

Price

Free

Strawberry Picking In Cameroon Highlands

Cameroon Highlands is a vintage hillside location that boasts cooler weather all year round. Travellers love to take a break from the rest of warm Malaysia by going to Cameron Highlands. Immerse yourself in a hilltop locale that looks like a European town, buildings and all. Strawberry picking is one of the best activities to enjoy while you're here!

Big Red Strawberry Farm

Address

Jalan Rumah Persekutuan, Cameron Highland, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia

Phone

+60 5-491 1724

Timing

7:00 AM to 7:30 PM

Price

Pay by the kilo for strawberries you pick

Bukit Bintang for Nightlife and Jalan Alor

Bukit Bintang is KL's bright and bustling city centre. Unique shopping malls are the highlight of this vicinity, and tourists enjoy dining al fresco at the restaurants that dot the streets here. There's a vibrant nightlife in Bukit Bintang, with clubs, lounges, and cafes open until late at night.

A couple of streets away from Bukit Bintang is Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur's famous "eating street". From popular grilled chicken wings to unusual frog soups, this street is lined from end to end with restaurants and hawker stalls.

Conclusion

Malaysia is an adventurer's paradise! From delicious food to beautiful nature and, of course, vibrant nightlife in the cities, there's so much to do. Plan your vacation to Malaysia for at least 4 to 5 days! Hit the big tourist attractions in Malaysia with this handy guide.

Prioritizing safety, you should consider securing comprehensive and affordable travel insurance like Acko International Travel Insurance to protect against unexpected incidents and hospital expenses in foreign countries. To gain a detailed overview of our offerings, please refer to our - Travel Insurance.

Have a great trip!

Below are some of the frequently asked questions on things to do in Malaysia

How many days do I need to cover tourist attractions in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a large country where you can do everything from scuba diving to hiking in the mountains! Try to plan a holiday for at least 4 to 5 days to explore Malaysia.

What are the top 5 things to do in Malaysia?

In Kuala Lumpur, visit the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves and Menara. Try white coffee in Ipoh, and go strawberry picking in Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. For beaches, visit Langkawi and Penang! Finally, go to Melaka for history and food.

What is the food like in Malaysia?

Malaysian food is a blend of Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavours. Peanut and fish-based stocks, sauces, and gravies feature heavily in Malaysian cooking.

What language is spoken in Malaysia?

Although Bahasa Melayu, or Malay, is the national language, Mandarin and Tamil are also official languages in Malaysia.

Is a Malaysian holiday expensive?

Malaysia is an affordable tourist destination, which makes it a favourite place for tourists to visit. You can find budget accommodations, food and drinks at cheap prices, and fun has a low price!

Are Malaysians friendly?

Locals in Malaysia are kind and welcoming and always help tourists out. Expect warm generosity from locals when you're travelling to Malaysia!

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.