You title it, Malaysia’s most likely obtained it – seashores to lounge on, rain forests to trek and sweat by, 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 here are my favourite locations…
1. Langkawi
I’m utterly in love with this place! It’s a surprising 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 timber and tree-covered cliffs.
For the extra adventurous, I like to recommend testing your potential vertigo-issues at certainly one of Langkawi’s foremost points of interest: the 1,700-metre cable automobile or SkyCab ascending Machinchang Mountain.
From there I like to recommend you’re 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 velocity.
For those who’re feeling hungry ask the locals to inform you 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.
- Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to benefit from the seashores and outside actions in nice climate).
- Actions on supply: Seaside actions, cable automobile rides, skybridge walks, jungle trekking, and island-hopping.
- Lodging: The Datai Langkawi, The Andaman, and finances beachfront guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
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2. Pulau Tioman
For the reason that Nineteen Seventies, Pulau Tioman has been generally known as being one of the vital lovely islands on this unimaginable nation. Situated simply off the east coast within the South China Sea, I personally suppose this place is an actual gem!
It has some beautiful seashores, a wealthy and dense rainforest, and an expanse of wildlife. I beloved scuba diving, snorkeling, strolling by the jungle, and touring the island on motorbikes. The islands even have some attractive waterfalls, which I actually loved exploring and swimming in!
- Location: East coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for clear waters and superb snorkeling and diving situations).
- Actions on supply: Snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and exploring waterfalls.
- Lodging: Berjaya Tioman Resort, Japamala Resort, and finances chalets.
- Map Location and Instructions
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 enticing vacation spot stuffed with an attention-grabbing historical past, melting pot of various cultures, beautiful seashores and a handful of luxurious resorts.
The UNESCO World Heritage Website 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 stuffed with outlets, markets, eating places and previous colonial buildings.
We additionally beloved exploring and discovering all the previous crumbling mansions right here in addition to the beautiful temples akin to Kek Lok Si, a really massive and necessary Buddhist temple.
- Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to discover the cultural and historic websites in cooler climate).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting temples, exploring colonial structure, and having fun with native delicacies.
- Lodging: Japanese & Oriental Lodge, The Status Lodge, and heritage boutique motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
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 outstanding 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 suppose the meals right here is likely one of the greatest components of the journey, and it received’t be lengthy earlier than you’re misplaced in a sea of tempting dishes.
- Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to benefit from the meals, festivals, and discover the island in nice situations).
- Actions on supply: Seaside actions, visiting the Butterfly Farm, taking the funicular practice to Penang Hill, and exploring meals markets.
- Lodging: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort, Lone Pine Lodge, and seafront guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting the Butterfly Farm, which has a collection of masterful, must-see quick animated academic movies.
- Eating on the Tropical Spice Backyard on the island’s northern edge had 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 cling 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, raise shafts, and plane warning lights illuminate the 88 tales in a halogen-fuelled twilight haze.
- Customer Middle Deal with: Petronas Twin Tower, Decrease Floor (Concourse) Degree, Kuala Lumpur Metropolis Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to benefit from sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur’s iconic spots).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting the skybridge, exploring close by parks, and purchasing on the Suria KLCC mall.
- Lodging: Merchants Lodge, Mandarin Oriental, and close by luxurious motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Pangkor Island
This can be a dreamy tropical island situated off the west coast of the mainland. It’s an unspoilt place stuffed with pristine white sandy seashores, turquoise waters, assorted marine life and many alternatives for water actions.
I beloved snorkeling right here and in addition climbing 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.
- Location: West coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for water sports activities, snorkeling, and seashore rest).
- Actions on supply: Snorkeling, seashore actions, jungle trekking, and island-hopping.
- Lodging: Pangkor Laut Resort, finances beachfront chalets, and small boutique motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
7. Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital metropolis of Sabah. Though it would seem like a typical metropolis at first look, with its strains of malls and buildings, you’ll encounter magnificent stretches of orange-sand shoreline and islands once you enterprise deeper into the town.
One of the crucial in style points of interest 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 vital lovely sunsets. You can additionally stroll alongside Likas Bay and benefit from the day taking part in within the sand or the water.
The 5 islands listed here are collectively generally 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 the town, there may be additionally an excellent jungle.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for one of the best seashore and climbing climate, and to benefit from the islands close by).
- Actions on supply: Seaside actions, snorkeling, visiting the floating mosque, and climbing in close by jungles.
- Lodging: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Gaya Island Resort, and metropolis motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. Malacca
Malacca Metropolis is a superb alternative if you’re in search of a richly endowed with historical past and tradition.
For tons of of years, Malacca was one of the vital strategically vital cities on the Malay Peninsular. Its possession modified arms between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, amongst others, as they fought for management of this key buying and selling publish.
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 likely one of the nation’s smallest states and proudly possesses UNESCO World Heritage Website standing.
For those who go to Malacca metropolis, I like to recommend visiting the well-known Jonker Road Evening Market, A Famosa Fort, and St. Paul’s Church.
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for exploring historic websites and markets in cooler temperatures).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting historic websites, strolling excursions, and exploring night time markets.
- Lodging: The Majestic Malacca, Casa del Rio, and heritage boutique motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
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 smart 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.
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (to benefit from the cool highland local weather and go to tea plantations).
- Actions on supply: Visiting tea plantations, climbing, exploring flower nurseries, and visiting strawberry farms.
- Lodging: The Cameron Highlands Resort, Strawberry Park Resort, and native guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
10. Pulau Pangkor
I beloved this beautiful 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 highway, and for these wishing to stay to the tracks, Ipoh (85km away) will sate your practice station wants.
- Location: West coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for snorkeling, seashore actions, and exploring the island).
- Actions on supply: Snorkeling, jungle trekking, seashore actions, and wildlife recognizing.
- Lodging: Pangkor Sandy Seaside Resort, finances chalets, and beachfront resorts.
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Pulau Redang
This picturesque group of islands is a surprising sight. Situated alongside the east coast, they rise from the South China Sea.
Redang sits inside protected waters, generally known as the Terengganu Marine Park, and preserves the crystal clear waters and reef programs, making a flourishing scuba-tourism business.
With crystal clear waters, the islands sit inside protected waters (the Terengganu Marine Park), so their magnificence is maintained at a premium. It has not too long ago grow to be a great place for scuba diving and vacationer actions.
The waters are normally too tough for boats to maneuver on throughout these instances, so I counsel researching the greatest time to go to. As with some central areas akin 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 greatest to telephone forward for availability or plan your travels away from the off-season.
- Location: East coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for superb situations for snorkeling and scuba diving).
- Actions on supply: Scuba diving, snorkeling, seashore actions, and marine life viewing.
- Lodging: The Taaras Seaside & Spa Resort, Laguna Redang Island Resort, and finances lodges.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Sabah, Borneo
Malaysia appears to be a unending supply of reverential snorkel and scuba websites, and Sabah doesn’t buck any developments. For those who’re curious about latitudes, Sabah ranks because the nation’s northernmost state, and folks flock to Sabah to benefit from the seas. I had an enormous comfortable spot for this place!
Sabah is beautifully lovely, 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!
- Location: North a part of the nation
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to benefit from the seashores, wildlife, and diving alternatives).
- Actions on supply: Seaside actions, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing.
- Lodging: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, eco-lodges, and beachfront motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park
What appears like a stone’s throw away from Brunei on the map, Gunung Mulu represents one more of this nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
It’s a well-documented, visited, and filmed world, as completed 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 most important of Sarawak’s parks.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for trekking and exploring caves in superb situations).
- Actions on supply: Trekking, caving, wildlife viewing, and exploring limestone formations.
- Lodging: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, park lodges, and eco-friendly stays.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh, the capital of Perak, is nothing in need of 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 the town’s full visible aesthetic centered round its colonial historical past. Town includes a number of Hindu and Buddhist cave temples, and it’s rapidly 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 get pleasure from a few of its many lovely spots.
Just like the Ipoh Heritage Stroll, which is just 6.5 kilometers lengthy, it’s lined with majestic structure that also harbors a magnificence and magnificence that just about sums up the 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 studies and sightings inside this cave, and the Tambun cave, which you’d actually get pleasure from seeing among the Neolithic work, and the Geological Museum, which is stuffed with all types of gorgeous and thrilling tales and displays.
- Location: West a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to discover the colonial structure and benefit from the close by cave temples).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, exploring cave temples, strolling excursions, and visiting historic websites.
- Lodging: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, WEIL Lodge, and boutique motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. The Perhentians
Situated within the South China Sea, this is a small archipelago off the coast of Terengganu, generally known as the “Perhentians.” The principle islands of the Perhentians are Besar and Kecil (Large and Small), two lovely coral-covered islands of white sand and crystal-clear shallow water.
You’ll be able to take up a number of actions on the Perhentians, like snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing. You’d have a pleasant enjoyable day and gaze on the lovely water because it laps towards the shore.
- Location: East coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for wonderful snorkeling, diving, and seashore rest).
- Actions on supply: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and seashore actions.
- Lodging: Perhentian Island Resort, Coral View Island Resort, and finances chalets.
- Map Location and Instructions
16. Danum Valley
Danum Valley in Sabah is one of the best 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 range of crops and animals scattered over 438 sq. kilometers. If you go to the Danum Valley, you may see orangutans, leopards, and even pygmy elephants.
The world is only wildlife and flowers 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.
- Location: East a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for wildlife viewing and jungle trekking in good climate).
- Actions on supply: Jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, and night time safaris.
- Lodging: Borneo Rainforest Lodge and eco-friendly forest lodges.
- Map Location and Instructions
17. Alor Setar
Visiting Langkawi is normally 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 vital buildings just like the Royal Corridor, the Large Clock Constructing, the Zahir Mosque, and the Sultan Museum.
You may also go to the imposing 250 million-year-old Gunung Keriang limestone hill. There are additionally some historic Seventeenth-century ruins you possibly can see at Kuala Kedah.
- Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (to discover the town’s cultural websites and close by points of interest).
- Actions on supply: Visiting historic websites, exploring limestone hills, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Lodge Royale Signature, TH Lodge & Conference Centre, and finances metropolis motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
18. Pulau Sipadan
The island of Pulau Sipadan is situated within the state of Sabah and is likely one of the high diving locations on the earth.
The island stands about 600 meters above the ocean ground and is dwelling to numerous marine life, together with satan rays, hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, and barracudas.
It’s a excellent place for marine fanatics and divers as a result of there may be a lot magnificence in and across the water. Nevertheless, 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: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Dry season (for one of the best diving situations and clear waters).
- Actions on supply: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.
- Lodging: Day journeys solely, with stays on close by Mabul or Kapalai Islands at Sipadan Water Village Resort or finances lodges.
- Map Location and Instructions
Location of Malaysia
Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia with the well-known nations of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and The Philippines.