Malaysia is a must-visit country for those who are looking for a unique Southeast Asian paradise. But if you do not know much about this country, you might not have any idea what you want to do when you are there.
That’s why we want to help you with planning your itinerary when visiting Malaysia. Here are 11 of the best things that you can do in the country:
Explore Kota Kinabalu
If you’re in Sabah, Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is the place to be since it is the state capital. Kota Kinabalu serves as Malaysia’s provincial capital, so expect to enjoy a lot of nature trips when you’re there.
If you want to hike up Mount Kinabalu, pack your hiking poles and head on over to Kota Kinabalu, because this is the destination for that. Aside from hiking Mount Kinabalu, you can also spend some time kayaking, diving, and snorkeling, as well as observing the wildlife. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is the place to look at marine animals in Kota Kinabalu.
Aside from the nature reserves around Kota Kinabalu, you can also enjoy fantastic architecture. All you need to do is admire the mosques.
One gorgeous mosque is the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. The white walls stand above the lagoon, and the sun makes the blue and gold domes look even brighter. It’s a sight to behold.
Be Amazed at the Beauty of Batu Caves
The Batu Caves in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia is home to a series of caves and some cave temples that make the limestone cliffs their home. Since this is a place of worship for a lot of devout Hindus, you need to be respectful. Although you can take pictures there, if you want to get up the 272 steps, people on site might ask you to cover up if you’re wearing shorts.
From below, you can see a fascinating golden statue of Murugan. Atop the stairs, you can look down below to the city surrounding you. By the way, be careful of the monkeys that are roaming around the area. They can take your food if you’re carrying one with you…even if you have the zodiac sign of monkey.
Once you get inside the cave, you’ll find all sorts of temples. You can admire the craftsmanship of these temples while also looking around the cave system itself.
See the Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Speaking of temples, another architectural wonder that also serves as a temple is the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
Not only is this temple impressive, but it’s also quite popular. Since it’s the oldest Hindu temple in the city, it’s remarkable how it can maintain its beauty despite the many years it’s been there.
If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, you should stop by this temple during the wee hours of the morning. Doing so might get you a chance to see how the temple carries a silver chariot up to the Bantu caves with the statues on the chariot.
The entrance fee to get to the temple is free. But if you want to have a safe place to store your shoes, as the temple doesn’t allow people to walk with their shoes, you’ll have to pay a small price.
Indulge in Malaysia’s best dishes
When you’re traveling anywhere, one of the best things you can do that will help you appreciate the country’s culture is by eating their local cuisine. The same applies to Malaysia.
It would help if you used this opportunity to dine and indulge in Malaysia’s best local dishes and unique cuisine.
If you want to have simple street food, you should try out the Malaysian Satay. It’s a pretty basic dish that has its version of a variety of cuisines. It’s meat put through a stick and cooked. That’s pretty simple in itself.
You can’t say you’ve had a Malaysian trip if you haven’t had any Malaysian dish that had rice in it. One favorite would be Nasi Kandar. It’s rice that can be plain or with mild flavors, paired with side dishes and a side of protein. This dish is very delicious, hearty, and filling.
Trek to Taman Negara National Park
If you’re a nature lover who’s looking to go hiking and enjoy the Malaysian wildlife, you should stop by Taman Negara National Park. Taman Negara National Park is the country’s major national park. It is home to plenty of flora and fauna that you can enjoy looking at for yourself.
According to scientists, they estimate that Taman Negara National Park (or Taman Negara) is around 130 million years old. Being that old means that Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the entire world.
For serious hikers, you can enjoy the 100-km round trip trek that Taman Negara provides. One call to fame that Taman Negara has is that it has the longest rope walkway in the world, so you should stop by that walkway and try it for yourself.
Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
When you’re in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find yourself surrounded by all sorts of buildings with unique designs. However, one that will always stand out will be the Petronas Twin Towers.
Since it is the world’s tallest twin buildings, it makes sense that you should stop by inside the towers. Cross its iconic sky bridge that lies in the middle of the two towers.
If you ever wanted to see a cityscape from up above in Kuala Lumpur, the best seats in the house are at the sky bridge in the Petronas Twin Towers. To get to the sky bridge, all you need to do is buy your tickets (in advance, of course) and then ride the elevator. The elevator ride is fast for such a long distance, too.
Once you’re up there, you can now enjoy the city’s view from up above and feel like you’re the king/queen/et cetera of the world!
Scuba Dive in Sipadan Island, Sabah
Sipadan Island in Sabah offers a lot of diving sites that any diver can enjoy. They are home to some of the country’s best diving sites, so Sipadan Island is a crucial pitstop for any diver. The diving sites are so beautiful that famed oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, even said that the island is an “untouched piece of art.” If that shining recommendation doesn’t get you, nothing will.
Indulge in Activities on Langkawi
Another island in Malaysia worth stopping by is the island of Langkawi.
This island is one of Malaysia’s biggest islands. It is also an excellent place for water sports, nature tours, and lounging around the beach.
Cenang Beach is a popular spot for tourists, and you can do everything from parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and more.
Relax With Tea and Scones at Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is famous for having rolling hills of tea plantations that make for a beautiful, verdant sight to behold. If you’re a tea lover, stopping by Cameron Highlands is a must. You should stop by any of the cafes in the area, enjoy tea with scones, and admire the view and relax.
Enjoy the Culture in Melaka
Melaka, or Malacca, is a historic site with a rich background. You can see all sorts of influence here, from the Portuguese to the Dutch to the British. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can admire ancient landmarks, such as the St. Peter’s Church or the Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum. You can also enjoy the Nonya food in the area, a combination of Malaysian and Chinese cuisine.
Shop at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur
If you want to find Malaysian souvenirs or art pieces, you should shop at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. This organized flea market of sorts is a great way to buy all kinds of merchandise, from paintings to batik.
When shopping here, don’t forget to use your negotiating skills to get lower prices for what you’re buying.
Malaysia is a rich and vibrant country, thanks to its unique culture. From food to architecture, the country can provide you an exciting adventure. Whether you want to enjoy the city or to reconnect with nature, Malaysia got you covered.
