Peninsular Malaysia, often known as West Malaysia, and Malaysian Borneo are the two most well-known areas of the country of Malaysia (East Malaysia). West Malaysia has a lot to offer tourists interested in nature. There are a variety of tropical forests, hills covered in tea plantations, stunning beaches with clear water, and several opportunities for jungle and forest hikes.
The larger cities also have a lot to offer those who like city life. While the Malay capital of Kuala Lumpur has some of the world’s highest buildings, Georgetown is known for its historic old town. Extremely convenient shopping is available in both. Maybe western Malaysia should go about with a sign that says, “One size fits all.”
10. Batu Caves
The impressive Lord Murugan Statue stands tall at the entrance of Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Image source: Stor24/Shutterstock.com
The journey to Batu Caves might be simple or complicated. The caverns are conveniently located only 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Kuala Lumpur. The climb of the 272 stairs leading up to the entrance has been likened to a “cardiac stress test,” so the real work begins after you get there. Take your time, and you’ll be delighted you visited one of the holiest Hindu places outside of India. The entrance is guarded by a gold-covered, 43-meter (140-foot)-tall statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity; the rest of the Hindu sculptures within are as impressive.
9. Melaka
A vibrant red building with oriental architecture stands out in the charming city of Melaka, Malacca, Malaysia. Image source: nelzajamal/Shutterstock.com
The city of Melaka, on the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, used to be a major port. Historic buildings dating back centuries have made this area a popular vacation spot. The region’s history as a Portuguese colony and then a Dutch colony is reflected in the architecture and culture of the present day. A’Famosa, a historic Portuguese fort that once covered a whole hill, is one of the best places to visit. Christ Church, one of Melaka’s most prominent historic buildings, was constructed by the Dutch and is notable for its use of red brick. Jonker Street is a great place to go shopping and eating on the weekend.
8. Redang
The pristine beauty of Pulau Redang, a tropical island paradise in Terengganu, Malaysia. Image source: Dinarshad Images/Shutterstock.com
Redang, on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is the place to go for a beach vacation, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. The Malay Peninsula has a small group of islands, the biggest of which is Redang. There are resorts on this island, but there are also alternative places to stay. However, no matter where you stay, you’ll be close to the beach and the city’s main beach, Pasir Panjang. The island is most popular among snorkelers who come to explore the island’s stunning coral reefs. Second only to skydiving is scuba diving. Confused because you have no idea how to do either? Divers of any skill level can find a suitable course at a local dive shop.
7. Cameron Highlands
A peaceful tea plantation nestled in the scenic landscapes of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Image source: Goinyk Production/Shutterstock.com
The Cameron Highlands, named for the man who first charted them in 1885, are a pleasant getaway from the lowlands when the summer heat becomes unbearable. It was the British colonists who, in the 1930s, established the practice of seeking cooler temperatures at higher altitudes during the summer months. Today, visitors come not just to cool down but also to relax with a cup of tea and take in the beautiful scenery of the region’s many tea plantations. The Cameron Highlands are a great location to relax, whether you want to take a tour of a tea plantation, go on a hike, or explore some local temples.
6. George Town
The lively streets of George Town, Penang, Malaysia, filled with colorful architecture and bustling activity. Image source: Anton Mezinov/Shutterstock.com
One of the oldest British colonies in Southeast Asia is George Town, named after King George III of the United Kingdom. The British and Chinese influences in the old town of Penang date back to its founding in 1786. It is the center of Malaysian cuisine, especially street food. Plan on spending at least a few days in the city to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Check out the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, which was built with feng shui principles in mind, if you’re a believer. The city hall, painted a graceful white, is an impressive specimen of British colonial architecture. One of the biggest sleeping Buddhas in the world can be seen in the Buddhist temple of Wat Chaiyamangalaram.
5. Kuala Lumpur
A panoramic view of the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur. Image source: Fiqah Anugerah Dah Besa/Shutterstock.com
The biggest city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is also the country’s capital, and it is a cultural crossroads where the old and the modern seamlessly coexist. Tin miners established the settlement in the early nineteenth century, and the British established a colony there not long after. Malay, Chinese, and Indian people make up the population, and they all bring their own traditions to the table. Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is sometimes abbreviated, is home to some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Petronas Twin Towers, as well as several Buddhist and Hindu temples and the minarets of the Sultan Abdul Salad Building.
4. Pulau Tioman
The stunning Pulau Redang, also known as Redang Island, with its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. Image source: Hasan Sulaiman/Shutterstock.com
An island called Pulau Tioman, located around 30 kilometers (20 miles) east of the coast, is often cited as one of the most stunning locations in all of Southeast Asia. The South Pacific included Pulau Tioman, which at the time was known as Bali Hai. In contrast to the beaches and beautiful coral reefs that attract so many scuba divers, there are hills covered in luxuriant flora. Hiking into the jungle is a common pastime, but you won’t have to travel far to observe massive monitor lizards; they frequent the villages as well. The electrical lines have become a landmark for hikers. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do, consider helping out at the Juara Turtle Project, a nursery for turtles.
3. Langkawi
A mesmerizing view of the tropical island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Image source: Hungry_herbivore/Shutterstock.com
As the largest of a group of 99 islands of the same name off the coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is a popular tourist destination. For its beautiful scenery, the state of Kedah, which it is in, has earned the nickname “jewel of Kedah.” This island has a lot of natural resources at risk, so conservation is naturally a high priority. You may swim in one of the pools or go on a jungle walk after climbing the roughly 350 steps to the Seven Wells Waterfalls. Another option is to ride a cable car up a hill, cross a sky bridge, and then go on a short jungle hike.
2. Taman Negara
A thrilling canopy walkway amidst the lush rainforest of Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia. Image source: Elena Odareeva/Shutterstock.com
There is little doubt that ecotourists will want to visit Taman Negara, since it is home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests (about 130 million years old). Taman Negara, formerly known as King George V National Park, is a fantastic place to get in touch with nature, whether you’re interested in going on jungle hikes, which may involve crossing a river on a rope suspension bridge, or mountain climbing on Gunung Tahan, which stands at 2,187 meters (7,175 feet) tall and is the highest point in Malaysia. Animals like sun bears, Malay tigers, and Indian elephants can all be seen at Taman Negara. The months of February through September, during the dry season, are ideal for a vacation.
1. Perhentian Islands
The breathtaking Perhentian Islands, with their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, offer a true tropical escape. Image source: Dzerkach Viktar/Shutterstock.com
You will eventually simply want to kick back and relax after all the exploring you’ve done in western Malaysia. You can accomplish this in perfect conditions in the Perhentian Islands. Islands include coral-sand beaches and turquoise waters with swaying palm trees. Big Perhentian (Perhentian Besar) and small Perhentian (Perhentian Kecil) are the two most prominent islands. Kecil’s lower prices for accommodation make it more appealing to tourists, whereas Besar’s clientele consists largely of families and individuals hoping to escape the backpacker party scene.
The Perhentian Islands are a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers due to the clarity of the water. Just so you know, there are no museums or monuments to visit, so you may feel free to ignore them. However, if you are in need of a good workout, the island is home to some excellent hiking opportunities.
