Malaysia is an incredible travel destination with so much to offer. The entire country is absolutely stunning, with beautiful natural wonders, vibrant modern cities, and historical gems. The diversity of attractions makes it an enjoyable place for anyone to visit. Whether you enjoy relaxing on a beach, hiking in a forest, or exploring cultural attractions, you'll be satisfied in Malaysia. Here are the top 10 exciting things to do that you simply cannot afford to miss!
1. Langkawi Island
This island is the perfect place to relax and escape from stress. It is part of an archipelago located off the Malaysian west coast. It has some of the cleanest beaches and water in the Pacific, so it's ideal for swimming and diving. The island, and nearby waters, are also ideal for boating, and many people travel there on yachts. The island also has some restaurants, bars, and resorts, but generally has a very laid-back pace. This island would make a beautiful spot for a honeymoon or other romantic getaway. You will find some of the best that this wonderful country has to offer.
Astonishing places of accommodation
The beautiful Langkawi Island has become one of the best places to visit and explore in the Malay peninsula. It is listed amongst the largest vacation islands for tourism in the country. You will be pleased with the astonishing accommodation facilities available ranging from guest houses to luxury hotels and resorts.
Indulge in some water sports
Even though this stunning island is enchanting with its natural beauty, you can also experience action with adventurous sports such as the Jet Ski tour and parasailing. Your love for water sports is easily fulfilled by riding a Jet Ski in the open sea. For parasailing, visit the TanjungRhu Beach for a magical experience. Have fun while enjoying a spectacular view from high up in the open air. If you are listing the top 10 things to do in Malaysia, visiting this place is undoubtedly one!
Binge on some local delicious food
Friday night is a fun night for those who have a keen interest in enjoying some local Malaysian food. Beside the local Langkawi dishes, you can also raise the bar of tastes with other Malaysian food. The dishes served by the street food stalls are an instant hit for enjoying the local taste.
2. Sipidan Island
Sipidan Island is commonly recognized as one of the world's top five spots for diving. This island was formed by coral growing on top of a volcano cone and is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. The stunning blue waters create a tropical paradise, and underneath the surface there is a diverse and exciting marine life to explore. Lying on the east coast of the Malaysian part of Borneo, this island is an ideal destination for scuba divers coming from all over the world. Experienced divers can head out on their own, or you can take diving lessons from local instructors on the island. Non-divers can also enjoy the underwater views in the snorkeling sites located on all sides of the island which also have beautiful sandy beaches. If you are lucky you may even see some large monitor lizards entering the water.
Experience a stunning underwater dive
Your passion for going deep down will be satisfied in this, one of the world's best diving sites. If you want to explore some of the best things to do in Malaysia, you must visit this island. You will be amazed to see firsthand the rich reef life of:
Hard & soft coral
Hammerhead & leopard sharks
Various kinds of reef fish
Sea turtles
White tip reef sharks
Schools of jackfish and parrotfish
What visitors love about SipadanIsland
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the underwater world with its fascinating marine life. It is a wonderful place that can be visited all year-round. Here are some of the things to do on Sipadan Island:
You can have a great time with the underwater marine life that is rich here.
Non-divers can't get enough of the experience of snorkeling
Enjoy seeing the varied forms of exotic tropical birds found here
Experience walking over the white sandy beaches which lay all along the side of the island
3. Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers are currently the tallest twin structures in the world. This is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Asia and is definitely a great spot for a photo op. They are 88 floors and 1,230 feet high and are located in Kuala Lumpur. Both the towers have a total of 32,000 windows that are completely protected from UV rays and harmful solar radiation. Visitors can take in stunning views of the city from the observation deck and the skybridge. Tickets should be purchased in advance to avoid waiting in line. Visiting this place is certainly one of the top 10 experiences you can have in Malaysia.
Some interesting facts about the Petronas Twin Towers
The beauty of the twin towers can be enjoyed in different ways; firstly, in daylight and, then, again for a different experience as you enjoy the electric illumination created during the night.
The peak height of both the towers stands at a gigantic height of 241 feet comprising of a spire, mast ball and a ring ball.
Each tower has 10 double-decker lifts with the ability to transport numerous individuals at a time.
The lifts function at high speed reaching the top in a of a few seconds.
Things to do in the Petronas Twin Tower
One of the popular things the locals, as well as visitors do, is to visit the twin towers twice a day - once during the day and, again, at night.
Enjoying a scenic view of the whole city from the 86thfloor of the observatory hall
Taking some great photos with the towers as a backdrop to create a memory of visiting this iconic place which was once rated as the tallest building in the world.
Indulge in one of the many delicious meals available in the food courts or, filling shopping bags while buying to your heart's content in the shopping mall.
Getting captivated by the various performances that are presented in the Philharmonic hall at the podium level.
4. Melaka
The historic state of Melaka (also known as Malacca) is one of the most fascinating places in Malaysia and ranks as one of the top places to visit. There's so much rich culture in this area, which features old buildings and temples that have been preserved for centuries. Here you can find a rare and unique, but perfect, blend of both the old and the new worlds. You can see several historical buildings from the Portuguese era and also ultra-modern structures depicting modern times. The area is also home to many fascinating museums. Melaka is the perfect place for a day trip - the unique history of the town makes it a perfect place to wander on a pleasant day. Melaka, or Malacca, is one of the top 10 things to do in Malaysia with a vast availability of food, customs, heritage, and culture.
Things to enjoy in Melaka
A touch of the historical state
While walking through the streets, you can catch a glimpse of the graffiti pieces painted on several houses. This gives an astonishing view of the cultural heritage of the state being described through the art. There is so much to view and get mesmerized by here. The area of Banda Hilir has transformed into one of the popular tourist destinations because of its historical monuments and museums.
The floating mosque
Explore the serene structural beauty in a place of worship. The floating mosque, located on the shore of the straits of Malacca, is one of the highly visited places for the locals as well as the tourists. As the water level rises with the tide the mosque creates the illusion of floating on the water. Enjoy a touch of the artistic beauty of the mosque by visiting inside this quiet and peaceful place of worship.
Enjoy the nightlife
Make time to enjoy the nightlife of this amazing city. Walking through the busy streets of the Jonker Street the buy lifestyle of the locals is quite an experience. With loads of places to shop and also to dine ensures a real enjoyment of the nightlife.
Mouth-watering Malaysian delicacies
Malacca is often considered the destination for the finest Malaysian food. Satiate your hunger with mouth-watering dishes and other food & drinks found in the cafes and restaurants. Here, you can also get vegetarian dishes if you prefer.
5. Kinabalu National Park
This UNESCO world heritage site is also one of the first national parks of Malaysia. The park has beautiful mountain views and is a must-visit for any nature lover. It is a popular destination for hiking and mountain climbing and is home to many unique plant and animal species. Many of the species found here are very rare, such as the Rothschild Slipper Orchid, which is one of the rarest orchids anywhere in the world. This National Park lies on the western coast region of Sabah with a mesmerizing landscape which also includes Mt. Kinabalu. Mount Kinabalu is also a very popular destination for rock climbers, with a summit just over 4,000 meters high. If you are wondering what to do in Malaysia, you can certainly list this place.
Raise the level of excitement by following these activities
Individuals having a passion for covering a summit get truly thrilled by stepping on to the Mount Kinabalu. With appropriate equipment and loads of stamina, rock climbers can be rewarded an exquisite view of the whole region. The National Park also has various stunning spots to enthrall its visitors with its beauty. Pay a visit to the hill observatory platform to see a splendid 270o view of the whole Kinabalu region.
The Poring Hot Springs is a beautiful area to visit as it is believed that the sulphuric water of the springs has healing features. Here you can calm your nerves and relax your mind.
Want to indulge in some fun activities? Here the rope ascending and rappelling facilities are a delight while enjoying the beauty of the Langanan waterfalls present in the park. The National Park is also home to some of the rarest species which adds to the thrill as you can see all of them in a single place.
6. Kuala Lumpur Shopping
Kuala Lumpur is often cited as one of the best cities in the world for shopping. In fact, CNN ranked it fourth in the world in a survey of the best shopping cities around the globe. The shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur have often drawn the attention of shopaholics as well as tourists from all over the world. People fill their bags with the cities souvenirs, gifts and loads of other items. Kuala Lumpur has a selection of both luxury designer stores, popular high street stores, and local boutiques - all infused with a little bit of Asian culture. The prices for various products are reasonable. Here, a shopper can be completely spoiled be the number of choices.
The best places to visit for shopping in Kuala Lumpur
From the huge number of shopping malls available in Bukit Bintang to the street shops in Petaling Jaya, the city has much to offer to shoppers. Listed here are some of the astonishing places to visit for shopping in the city:
Mid Valley Megamall
This megamall forms the ultimate destination to shop at an affordable rate. Lined with numerous shops and restaurants this is also one of the well-known malls.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Known well for its astonishing design, layouts, and places to shop & dine. It has a huge number of customers coming here to fill their shopping bags.
Petaling Street Market
This forms the heart of KL's Chinatown with numerous street stalls selling a variety of shopping items.
The Curve
The Curve located in the west of KL, this place has a wide range of al fresco dining spaces, and family-oriented malls.
7. Malaysian Cuisine
Malaysia has its own unique cuisine that definitely should be on the top of your list to try while visiting. Because this country is in close proximity to a variety of other countries with interesting cuisines it combines those flavors to create something you can't get anywhere else. There are elements of Chinese and Indian foods in Malaysian cuisine, but there are also many dishes that are completely unique. You can get a variety of mouth-watering dishes to satisfy your hunger. Kuala Lumpur has a huge selection of restaurants to choose from if you're craving different flavors. People often get spoiled because of the sheer variety of flavors all in one city. Don't miss trying an incredible array of different cuisines.
Top
Malaysian Cuisines to taste
Here are some of the most preferred Malaysian cuisines to eat when you visit the country. Not all of them are complete Malay dishes as some have a modified flavor of the place.
Nasi Lemak - The national Food of Malaysia
Bak Kut Teh
Cendol
Roti Canai
Char Siew Rice
Nasi Dagang
Banana Leaf Rice
Hokkien Mee
Char Kuey Teow
8. Colors of Malaysia
Color of Malaysia is a popular event that lasts for an entire month and is typically held in May. This also goes by the name of "Citrawarna" that describes the country's unity along with the diversity of varied cultures, traditions, and people. This event celebrates the diversity of the country and features a huge number of attractions. The event takes place at the Merdeka Square every year. The festivities last until late in the evening and local organizations and businesses show off local cultures with food, music, and other fun attractions. If you're traveling to Malaysia in the Spring, this is something you absolutely must see so make sure it is in your list of top 10 things to do.
Celebrate the festival of cultures and traditions
The festival first took place in the year 1999 and now has turned into a major and successful event promoting tourism. Every year, the place surrounding the Merdeka Square is booked out with thousands of spectators coming to enjoy the event. The unique festival is celebrated for a month showcasing the rich cultural and modern heritage of the country.
Visiting here during the period of the festival ensures you will see a different spirit of the local folk. All of them have the same undying spirit of showcasing the Malaysian culture, ethics, language but in its many diverse forms. This month-long festival is a tribute to the oneness among the people residing here.
9. Borneo
Borneo is a large island located off the coast of Malaysia that is known for its incredible wildlife. It's home to some of the most beautiful animals in the world, including leopards and orangutans. The entry points for exploring the amazing wildlife on this island are the two capital cities - Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. It also has stunning beaches with very clean sand as well as a lush rainforest. Borneo is actually split between three countries - Malaysia governs the northern part, except for a small territory that belongs to Brunei, while Indonesia governs the southern part of the island. The states - Sarawak and Sabah are separated from Brunei. Borneo is actually one of the most accessible rainforests in the world, so it attracts nature lovers from around the globe. People interested in getting the feel of paradise on earth must pay a visit here. With its phenomenal beauty of wildlife, beaches, and rainforests this place holds the blessings of nature. All tourists to this country should make sure to visit this place.
Things to explore in an expedition to Borneo
Get a glimpse of Orangutans
For wildlife lovers, getting a glimpse of Orangutans is a matter of great happiness and satisfaction. Here you can see the endangered species at their best crafting tools, and performing other activities. One of the best locations to get a glimpse of them is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah.
Take a plunge deep into the sea
Besides the wildlife this place also has a lot more fascinating elements for visitors. Step out of the dense covers of the rainforest and dive deep into the waters if you are a professional scuba diver. Diving in Borneo is quite economical compared to other scuba diving sites in the country.
Explore the beauty of nature
The Borneo rainforest has formed a habitat for numerous insects, animals, and plants. If you have a fascination for exploring the beauty of nature, come here to enhance your knowledge and later go for a trek on one of the prepared trails.
10. Penang
Penang is a beautiful coastal city that has a very lovely romantic feel. It is home to some of the most beautiful temples in all of Malaysia, and it also boasts gorgeous nature gardens and public beaches. Penang perfectly combines Malaysia's vibrant urban culture with natural beauty. People coming here can see a perfect blend of the East with the West as there is a sense of modernity with a touch of the old world. George Town, in particular, is a must visit for tourists - it's an old colonial city that has influences from around the world and is also one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of the East.
Where to visit and explore in Penang
George Town
It has been accorded as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its astounding architectural buildings redefining history.
Hawker Fare
Eat by the roadside stalls to experience the actual taste of varied fast food such as Malay, Indian, Chinese, etc.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Enjoy a stroll on the sandy shores of the beaches along with the refreshing winds that create a romantic atmosphere. You can also shop at night at the night market.
Malaysia is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world, with things to do for every type of traveler. Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors or exploring a big city, you'll be able to find something to keep you happy in this exotic paradise. The best thing about traveling to this country is that many of the biggest attractions are actually free to visit, making it one of the most affordable places to enjoy in the world today.
Author: Bob Tom
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