Malaysia, situated in Southeast Asia, is a remarkable cultural melting pot. With borders on both the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, as well as Brunei and Indonesia, Malaysia is strategically placed and should not be missed by travelers to Southeast Asia. Malaysia’s variety is one of the country’s most interesting features. All of these different types of attractions can be found in the same country, from bustling cities to historic landmarks to some of the world’s most stunning beaches and jungles. If you’re planning a vacation to Asia, consider making a stop in Malaysia.
10. Modern Architecture
The magnificent Petronas Towers stand tall against the city skyline. Image source: ahau1969/Shutterstock.com
Kuala Lumpur is a great site to take in some of Malaysia’s more modern structures, especially the modern skyscrapers that have given the city one of the most recognizable skylines in all of Asia. The Petronas Twin Towers are located in the Golden Triangle neighborhood and are well worth a visit if time permits. The KL Tower and its observation deck are only a short walk from the Petronas Twin Towers, which were formerly the highest buildings in the world and are now linked by a skybridge.
9. Chinatowns
A vibrant scene at the main gate of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Many different civilizations have conquered and left their mark on Malaysia. Malaysia’s proximity to China means the country has some of the best Chinese food and a thriving Chinese culture outside of China. Explore George Town, Malaysia’s capital and biggest Chinatown, to get a feel for its cultural impact firsthand. Visit the Kuan Yin Teng Temple, which dates back 200 years, and sample some authentic Chinese street food while you’re here. Have a meal at a neighborhood dim sum restaurant or sample some hot egg waffles from street sellers.
8. Tea Plantations
The warm hues of a sunset cast a serene glow over a tea plantation, creating a captivating scene. Image source: Goinyk Production/Shutterstock.com
Areas like the Cameron Highlands have contributed significantly to Malaysia’s economic growth and international commerce because of their longstanding tea production. In the area around the country’s highest peak, temperatures are mild enough to support tea plantations. It is possible to take a tour of the biggest tea plantation in the country, go on a hike around the plantation, and then relax with a cup of tea at one of the many nearby tea shops in the Cameron Highlands.
7. Hiking
A lone backpacker embarks on a thrilling hiking adventure. Image source: everst/Shutterstock.com
Although hiking isn’t always what comes to mind when you think about Malaysia, the country is home to some fantastic trails. However, Mount Kinabalu surpasses them all. Trails on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah stretch for kilometers and lead hikers through six very different vegetation zones. You’ll need two days of climbing and a night of camping to reach the peak’s summit from the base.
6. Colonial Architecture
Because of its extensive colonial past, Malaysia is home to several different types of colonial architecture. There is no better place to go than Melaka if you’re interested in this throwback. The city’s architecture reflects its history of control by the British, the Dutch, and the Portuguese. You may see the Stadthuys Town Hall, the oldest and biggest Dutch colonial structure in the area, the remnants of a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, and the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia.
5. Diving
A fascinating underwater scene reveals armored vehicles, tanks, and other military equipment resting beneath the surface. Image source: Dmitriy Efremychev/Shutterstock.com
People go to Malaysia in large part to partake in the sport of scuba diving. Sipidan, located just off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, is widely regarded as one of the top diving destinations on the planet. There is a daily quota for divers in Sipidan’s protected waters, where they can swim among sea turtles, barracudas, sharks, and parrotfish. Islands like Redang and Tioman are great alternatives to Sipidan; however, their diving seasons are shorter.
4. Diverse Culture
A group of Asian women from diverse backgrounds come together. Image source: mentatdgt/Shutterstock.com
The cultural variety of Malaysia is one of the country’s greatest attractions. The country is a melting pot of Asian cultures and colonial influences. About half of the population is Malay, with a sizable Chinese and Indian minority as well. In addition, 12 percent of Malaysians are descended from the indigenous Orang Asli people. Together, they make up Malaysia’s diverse population and rich cultural history.
3. Wildlife
the elegance and playfulness of wild dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. Image source: Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com
Because so much of Malaysia is uninhabited, its native animals have plenty of space to wander. Taman Negara National Park is a fantastic location for seeing exotic animals in their natural environment. A wide variety of animals, including tapirs, wild boars, deer, monkeys, and innumerable birds and insects, can be spotted while hiking through the jungle and exploring the canopy walkways. Elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, and even orangutans are all possible sightings on a guided tour of Borneo.
2. Beaches & Islands
the panoramic beauty of Bohey Dulang Island in Semporna, Sabah. Image source: Yusnizam Yusof/Shutterstock.com
It’s no wonder that there are plenty of beaches in Malaysia given the country’s tropical climate and long coastline. In spite of the fact that the beaches on the mainland are some of the best in the world, most visitors to Malaysia prefer the islands. A beach trip in Langkawi is complete with excellent food and shopping options. Redang is a picturesque island that acts as a turtle sanctuary and is ideal for those seeking a more private, less touristic vacation.
1. Caves
The serene beauty of a focused Buddha statue. Image source: Kento35/Shutterstock.com
There is a national park called Gunung Mulu in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo. This park has a history dating back more than 3,000 years, and it is well known for its amazing caves. On guided tours, you can visit Turtle Cave, the so-called Garden of Eden, or the Wind Caves, all of which are in the park. While exploring certain caverns may require the use of equipment like flashlights and rapels, others will be pleasant walks through breathtaking scenery. The Batu Caves, located not far from Kuala Lumpur, are worth a day trip for their stunning limestone formations and challenging hikes.
