Travel

A Guide to Malaysia’s Must-Visit Tourist Attractions

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Nov 05, 2024 / 5791 Views

Evan Walker

Malaysia is among the most-Travelled tourist destinations in the world and recently it recorded 5.8 million tourists in just the first quarter of 2024. Boasting world-class museums, eclectic festivals, Malay vernacular architecture, and the 29th longest coastline in the world, it is also one of the most culturally rich destinations. Beyond everything we just mentioned, it’s not just the allure of a Southeast Asian adventure that draws in the crowds, but also the many historic landmarks, tourist attractions and things to do in Malaysia that have been celebrated in movies, literature and art.

And while the majority of travellers know the iconic spots of Malaysia – Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves in Selangor, and Taman Negara in Pahang – here’s our guide to the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

Best time to visit Malaysia

While sightseeing and touring different parts of the country can be done all year round, April to October is recommended if you are visiting the East Coast (Malaysian Borneo) and December to March for the West Coast (Peninsula Malaysia).

Nuzzling the equator, Malaysia’s hot and humid personality doesn’t quite take a break, but you can expect the least amount of rain between July and August. These months are also the coolest time of the year, so island hopping and visiting the tourist attractions in Malaysia should be clear and easy during this time.

How to reach Malaysia

Tourist Attractions In Malaysia — Permas Jaya Highway in Johor Bahru | Image credit: Afifi Zulkifle/Unsplash

Most travellers arrive in Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport, followed by other international airports, such as Senai International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport. They are quickly introduced to the country’s public transport, including buses and rideshare services like the Grab app to cruise through the busy roads. Taxis can be convenient if you are planning to cover multiple tourist attractions in a city, but they can be relatively expensive.

Most country capitals and major cities from across the globe offer direct and indirect flights to Kuala Lumpur. Travellers planning to visit tourist attractions in Malaysia can also fly from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. Popular airlines include AirAsia X, Batik Air, and Malaysia Airlines.

Top tourist attractions in Malaysia

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Among the world’s tallest skyscrapers, the Petronas Twin Towers – completed in 1998 and designed by architect Cesar Pelli to house the headquarters of Petronas – is one of Kuala Lampur’s most iconic structures. Visitors can climb up the steel-reinforced landmark for a tour, which includes a 45-minute visit to the Skybridge on the 41st floor and the observation deck on the 86th floor. The Skybridge between the 41st and 42nd stories offers a view 170 meters down, followed by a lift to the observation deck at 370 meters. This is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Malaysia.

Opening hours: 9 am-9 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)

Tickets: Starting at RM 48 (HKD 86) for Malaysians; RM 98 (HKD 177) for non-Malaysian adults and RM 50 (HKD 90) for children. While entry is free for infants under 2 years, seniors (61 years and above) enjoy a discounted rate of RM 30 (HKD 54).

How to reach
By train: The nearest train stop is on the Kelana Jaya Line from KL Sentral LRT towards Gombak, with the Twin Towers just a short walk from the station.
By bus: To reach the Petronas Twin Towers from Bukit Bintang, take the green line of the GO KL City Bus to the KLCC stop.

Nearby restaurants: Marini’s on 57, Marble 8 Steak House, Madam Kwan’s Suria KLCC

Google map

Batu Caves, Selangor

A grand complex of limestone grottoes located 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves (named after the nearby Batu River) hosts a diverse range of wildlife, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Malaysia. A pilgrimage site for over 120 years, the most visually and culturally prominent highlight is the 42.7-metre statue of the Hindu deity Murugan and the 272 steps leading to the caves housing temples. While a guided 45-minute tour of the Dark Cave highlights the area’s natural History, many plan their Travels to coincide with the Thaipusam festival in late January or early February to experience the full, festive fervour of the attraction.

Explore more ancient wonders with this guide to beautiful caves in Malaysia.

Opening hours: 7 am-9 pm (Monday-Sunday)

Tickets: While there’s no entry fee to the main temple, Cave Villa charges RM 7 for Malaysians and RM 15 (HKD 27) for non-Malaysians. The Ramayana Cave has a flat fee of RM 5 (HKD 9) for all visitors.

How to reach
By train: Take a direct cab to Putra Railway Station and catch the KTM train from here to Batu Caves Station.
By bus: Walk to Wisma Cosway from KLCC Park, and take the Blue Line bus to Hug Titingwasa Jalan Pangkor. Proceed to KL Sentral and board the KTM train to Batu Caves Station.

Nearby restaurants: Oh Yeah Banana Leaf, Coca Seafood Restaurant, Pan Heong Restaurant

Google map

ESCAPE Penang, Penang

More than just a tourist attraction, ESCAPE Penang is a crown jewel among Malaysia’s theme parks. It often becomes the focus of an itinerary for adventurous vacationers seeking an adrenaline-pumping vacation. Originally a 44-acre construction wasteland, this nature-enveloped park in Teluk Bahang now boasts over 30 thrilling activities, including rock climbing, ziplining, water slides, rope courses, and much more.

Opening hours: 10 am-6 pm (Monday-Sunday)

Tickets: Starting at RM 129-184 (HKD 233-333) for adults (13-60 years) and RM 68-122 (HKD 123-220) for children (4-12 years) for a day. Family packages are available too. Check ESCAPE Penang’s official website for any promotions or changes in pricing before visiting.

How to reach
By bus: From Kuala Lumpur, take a bus to Penang Sentral, then catch a local bus or taxi to the park, or drive directly using Grab. From George Town, use the Rapid Penang bus to Teluk Bahang, then take a taxi, or simply opt for a direct ride to ESCAPE Penang using a taxi or Grab.

Nearby restaurants: Garden Lebanon Restaurant, Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant, No. 2 Teluk Bahang Seafood

Google map

Langkawi Sky Bridge, Langkawi

A 125-metre curved pedestrian bridge located 700 metres above sea level on Mt Langkawi in Malaysia, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is one of the world’s most spectacular (and Instagrammed) walkways and tourist attractions. Arguably the best way to catch a panoramic view of the surrounding rainforest can be accessed via the Langkawi cable car. The bridge, located in a remote area, was constructed using helicopters to transport components due to its engineering challenges.

Opening hours: 9:30 am-4:30 pm (Monday-Sunday)

Tickets: The SkyBridge tickets cost RM 6 (HKD 10) for adults and RM 4 (HKD 7) for children, available at the SkyBridge Ticketing Counter at Top Station.

How to reach
By cable car: Take the SkyCab cable car from Oriental Village (about 30 minutes by taxi from Langkawi) to reach the Sky Bridge. To get to Langkawi, take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the Langkawi International Airport (approximately 14 km away). Alternatively, you can rent a car or scooter for travel flexibility.

Nearby restaurants: Restaurant Marhaba Langkawi, German Food Corner, Pahn-Thai Restaurant

Google maps

KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur

Competing with the Petronas Towers for the title of the ‘tallest landmark’ in Malaysia, the 421-metre KL Tower (also known as Menara KL) is a must-visit attraction for stunning city views. Perched on Bukit Nanas, a hilltop in Kuala Lumpur, the bulb-like structure at the top features a revolving restaurant, an open-air sky deck, and an observation deck. Here, you can experience a cinematic, top-of-the-world moment while standing in a glass Sky Box 300 metres above the ground, and make memories of being at one of the best tourist attractions in Malaysia.

At night, it arguably turns into one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia.

Opening hours: 9 am-10 pm (Monday-Sunday)

Tickets: You can purchase online tickets at the KL Tower website. Live tickets will be available at the ticketing counter from December 31, 2024. The entrance fee for the KL Tower Quarter Century Celebrations is RM 88 (HKD 159) for adults, which includes access to the Sky Deck, Observation Deck TH04, and Tower Terrace. Children under 5 enter for free.

How to reach
By train: Take the Kelana Jaya Line to Dang Wangi station, and enjoy a 5-10 minute walk to KL Tower, or take the KL Monorail to Bukit Nanas station.
By bus: A free shuttle bus runs from the gate on Jln Punchak from where you can walk up through the KL Forest Eco Park.

Nearby restaurants: ZENZERO Restaurant & Wine Bar, Malai Thai, Pampas Steakhouse

Google map

Bako National Park, Sarawak

Fancy spotting wildlife like probosci’s monkeys, bopping along more than a dozen walking trails, and learning about exotic Bornean vegetation? It’s time to check them off your list. Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest park, and if you need just one reason to visit this biodiverse area, let it be the 150 proboscis monkeys that call it home.

Other wildlife in the park includes wild boar, macaques, and silver leaf monkeys, while birders can spot mangrove blue flycatchers, oriental bay owls, and black-and-red broadbills. Spending an entire day is well-recommended, and one of the most popular things to do in Malaysia.

Explore more natural and geological wonders with our guide to the most popular national parks in Malaysia.

Opening hours: 8 am-5 pm (Monday-Sunday, including public holidays)

Tickets: Buy a round-trip boat ticket at the Bako village jetty for RM 40 (HKD 72), along with a park entrance fee of RM 20 (HKD 36) for non-Malaysians, and RM 10 (HKD 18) for Malaysians.

How to reach
By bus: A bus ride from Kuching to Bako Market takes 45-60 minutes on the red public bus number 1, costing RM 3.50 (HKD 6) each way. Buses depart approximately every hour from 7 am-6 pm.
By minivan: Chartered minivans, accommodating 5-7 people, can be hired for RM 30 (HKD 54) and reach Bako in half the time of the public bus. They depart from near the open-air market.

Google map

Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

A UNESCO World Heritage site of Malaysia, Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Borneo, spans 52,864 hectares, featuring diverse biodiversity with 3,500 vascular plant species across 17 vegetation zones. Most visitors head straight towards Gunung Mulu – a 2,377-metre sandstone pinnacle, the study of which can hold the key to uncovering 1.5 million years of History. The Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest cave chamber (measuring 600 metres x 415 metres and 80 meters tall), is a must-visit place.

Opening hours: 8 am-5 pm (Monday-Sunday, including public holidays)

Tickets: The Mulu World Heritage 5-Day Pass is priced at RM 15 (HKD 27) for Malaysian adults, RM 5 (HKD 9) for Malaysian children (aged 6-18), RM 7 (HKD 17) for seniors (60+), RM 30 (HKD 54) for non-Malaysian adults, and RM 10 (HKD 18) for non-Malaysian children (aged 6-18).

How to reach
By flight: Gunung Mulu National Park is accessible via Mulu Airport (MZV), where MASwings operates daily flights from Miri, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. Once at the airport, you can reach the Park Headquarters by taking a minivan for RM 5-6 (HKD 9-10), or you can opt for a 1.5-km walk.
By road: An alternative but less recommended route involves hiring a taxi or driving from Miri to Kuala Baram. From there, you can take a boat up the Baram River to Marudi, followed by additional boat rides up the Tutoh River to reach Gunung Mulu National Park. This journey may take longer and is less straightforward than flying, but it offers a unique adventure through the region’s waterways.

Nearby restaurants: Cafe Mulu, Sweet Water, Good Luck Cafe’ve

Google map

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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

(Feature image credit: Zukiman Mohamad/Pexels)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.