Tourist Places to Visit in Malaysia

When you visit Malaysia, you will get to dive into one of the most culturally as well as natural rich countries in Asia. One one hand you have historical places to visit in Malaysia like the Malacca Sultanate Palace and Kuan Yin Temple; while on the other hand you have serene islands and natural sights of Langkawi Islands and Mount Kinabalu. A visit to Malaysia opens up possibilities for a huge variety of experiences. You can alter between nature tours in Malaysia and Malaysia tourist attractions in the cities so that you don’t feel bored and overdosed with a single type of experience.

The history of Malaysia is bristle with foreign invasions and influence from India, China, Mongols and Europe. You will find religious shrines of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and even get to experience tribal religions on the islands of Malaysia. Besides the towering skyscrapers in the cities of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, and Putrajaya; the streets have a lot to offer in terms of unique experiences in Malaysia. The list of must see places in Malaysia is as long as it is diverse. You have skyscrapers, theme parks, caves, beaches, islands, mountains, wildlife reserves, boat rides, and more. Malaysia tourist spots are an exhaustive venture. Only few other countries could offer so much in such a short expanse of Geography. This too is one of the best part of visiting Malaysia is that you don’t have to bear long hectic travel to reach the best places to visit in Malaysia.

Over the course of its history, Malaysia has been home to countless tribes, races, religions, and empires. It has also been a part of many different empires as well, before gaining independence from the British Empire in 1957. You will find historical structures depicting the influence of Indian kings, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, Chinese Emperors, the Mongols, European Empires, and amidst all this traces of how they kept their own Malay culture and traditions alive. Malaysia tourist attractions are a kaleidoscope of experiences.

Places to Visit in Malaysia

1. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and also the most popular tourist attraction in the country. If you haven’t visited KL, your tour of Malaysia is incomplete. The city has numerous tourist attractions and activities to offer besides the Petronas Towers. Do check them out.

2. Putrajaya

Putrajaya is known for its historical tourist attractions like the Putra Mosque. Owing to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, many people combine a tour of the capital city with Putrajaya.

3. Labuan

Labuan is an island off the coast of Borneo island and is a Malaysian federal territory. Labuan has several things to do on the island including historical monuments and numerous beaches.

4. Penang

Penang is the fun and happening place to visit in Malaysia. Penang Island is most popularly known for its capital George Town and its street art and street food. It is also the place to be to enjoy water sports and incredible beaches. Penang state is divided into the island and the mainland, respectively known as: * Penang Island * Seberang Perai

5. Malacca

The state of Malaca preserves many structures and artifacts from the Sultanate of Malacca, a prominent ruling elite in Malaysia. It is known for its beautiful architecture and storied history of the Sultanate’s rule. Malacca state is divided into three regions which you can explore. These are: * Central Malacca * Alor Gajah * Jasin

6. Johor

Johor is the southern state of Malaysian mainland and faces Singapore at its southern tip. The state has a long coast line and is known for several fun things to do in Malaysia. Popular cities and districts to visit in Johor State include: * Johor Bahru * Batu Pahat * Kota Tinggi * Mersing * Pontian * Kulai * Kluang * Muar * Segamat * Tangkak

7. Kedah

Kedah is the northernmost state of Malaysia and shares border with Thailand. The state also includes the famous Langkawi island, which among the top places to visit in Malaysia. Some of the most popular cities and districts to visit in Kedah are: * Bandar Bahru * Kota Setar * Pulau Langkawi

8. Sarawak

Sarawak is the largest Malaysian state on the island of borneo. The state has several great cities to explore. The coastline of the state makes it an amazing place for to enjoy beaches and water sports. The popular cities to visit in Sarawak include: * Kuching * Miri * Bintulu

9. Sabah

Sabah is the northern state on the borneo island. It is especially known for Mount Kinabalu and several scuba diving and snorkeling spots along the coast. Some of the popular places to visit in Sabah are: * Kota Kinabalu * Sandakan * Semporna

Nature Parks & Forest Reserves to Visit in Malaysia

1. Port Dickson
2. Sipadan
3. Gunung Mulu National Park
4. Langkawi Islands
5. Pangkor Island
6. Perhentian Island
7. Redang
8. Palau Tioman Island
9. Rawa
10. Sipadan Island
11. Mataking
12. Mount Kinabalu
13. Niah National Park
14. Broga Hill
15. Cameron Highlands
16. Taman Negara
17. Bako National Park
18. Semenggoh Nature Reserve
19. Kinabatangan
20. Danum Valley
21. Lambir Hills National Park
22. Mantanani
23. Redang Island
24. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Best time to visit Malaysia

Malaysia is a vast collection of islands so the weather is different in each peninsula. But overall, it is definitely a winter vacation destination. So fix your Malaysia tour between the months of November to February. The climate a favorable, and you won’t be bothered by the humidity too much. You won’t need any winter clothing while on your Malaysia trip as the weather is mostly hot and humid, unless you plan on visiting the mountain regions as well. In that case better carry a jacket or a sweater with you when you visit Malaysia.

Popular Festivals and Events of Malaysia

1. Thaipusam

• • Dates: February 8th
  • Location: All Across Malaysia
  • Thaipusam is a festival dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Murugan. Though the celebration takes place at almost every temple across Malaysia, the largest gathering is seen at Batu Caves. You might see extreme acts of devotion near Batu Caves during this festival as people pierce their skins, mouths, tongues and other body parts with arrow like needles. The festival is also marked with festive music, dancing and feast organized at various places near the temples.

2. Chinese New Year

• • Dates: January 25th
  • Location: All across Malysia
  • Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia. You will see the entire country decorated. There are offers, discounts and events all across the country. You will also see dragon & lion performances in many places in Malaysia. You can also enjoy firecrackers shows until late at night and they are almost everywhere. Even the night is lit up in celebration.

3. Malaysia Water Festival

• • Dates: April 13-15th
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • The Malaysian Water Festival or Puthuvarusham is one of the enjoyable festivals in Malaysia. The idea is simple, splash water on everyone is sight and party like there is no tomorrow. You will find water balloon fights, water gun fights, and all water related fights and games organized all across the country. These events are incredibly fun to be a part of.

4. Tadau Kaamatan Harvest Festival

• • Dates: May 30 & 31st
  • Location: Sabah, Penampang, & Kota Kinabalu
  • Tadau Kamatan is truly a cultural experience of the tribal roots of Malaysian people. The festival showcases various performances, songs, and activities associated with the tribal culture. The cuisine during this fest is also unique. The people dress up in traditional garbs. One of the most popular events during this fest is the beauty pageant organized to crown the Unduk Ngadau.

5. Wesak Day

• • Dates: May 7th
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur
  • Wesak Day celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha. Though a Buddhist festival it is celebrated by everyone in Malaysia. Most of the festivities on this day are as per the buddhist tradition. The city of Kuala Lumpur organized a parade celebrating the life of Lord Buddha.

6. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

• • Dates: May 23-24th
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is the Malaysian term for Eid-al-Fitr, the celebration which marks the last day of the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, people would go shop for clothes, celebrate feats with friends and family. Shopping is one of the most popular activities on this day, hence you will see discounts and offers at many shops all across Malaysia.

7. Sarawak Gawai Festival

• • Dates: June 1st
  • Location: Kuching, Sarawak
  • Sarak Gawai is another such festival when the traditional of the aboriginal people are on full display. Everyone dresses up in a traditional attire to join the celebration of dance, music, and feast. One of the unique aspects about this festival is throwing away of negativity. One person would carry a basket around the town. Anything that you consider negative you can cast away in this basket. These negative items are then burned away as symbolic cleansing to rid you of all negativity in your life.

8. Rainforest World Music Festival

• • Dates: July 10-12th
  • Location: Kuching, Sarawak
  • This is one of the top 25 Music Festivals in the World. The 3-day festival is a celebration. The festival takes place at the Sarawak Cultural Village. The venue and the festival take place amidst beautiful natural ambiance of the rainforest, hence the name. Besides the music, dance, and performances, the festival also hosts numerous activities, workshops, and markets for people to enjoy. Artists from all around the world perform and entertain at the Rainforst World Music Festival.

9. National Day / Hari Merdeka

• • Dates: August 31st
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • The Hair Merdeka or the National Day commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaysia. The most elaborate celebration on this day takes place in the Kuala Lumpur. The parade and the fireworks show are the centre of attraction in Kuala Lumpur, so you might have to make you way through the crowd to enjoy the show.

10. Mooncake Festival

• • Dates: October 1st
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Penang
  • The mooncake festival is when you eat a lot of mooncakes, a traditionally prepared cake extensively sold and consumed on the day of this festival. As it is a harvest festival, feast is at the front & centre, the celebrity being the mooncakes of different flavors. More sombre celebrations take place at the Buddhist temples and you will find parades organized across the city.

11. Hungry Ghost Festival

• • Dates: September 2nd
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Maleka
  • The festival originated with the belief that the dead souls roam around the earth on this day. People would follow various traditions to keep them away. One such tradition involves burning hell currency, which you would find at temples and monasteries. On the lighter side, the festival also sees many Chinese opera & puppet shows organized throughout the cities.

12. Hari Raya Haji

• • Dates: July 30-31st
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • Hari Raya Haji is the Eid-al-Adha or the festival of sacrifice. The festival honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son in service of the Almighty. Lambs and goats are sacrificed on this day and hence many preparations of meat are offered throughout the country.

13. Deepavali

• • Dates: November 14th
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • Deepavali is the festival of lights, dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Ram. The festival is celebrated by illuminating buildings and houses. You will find beautiful decoration of lights, lanterns, and small clay lamps. Celebrations are especially organized at the temples located across Malaysia.

14. Dragon Boat Festival

• • Dates: June 1st
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated at almost every river in Malaysia. The primary attraction of the festival is the dragon boats pageant and the dragon boat race. There are traditional festivities taking place around the venue of the race, but the race is where everyone’s attention usually stays.

15. Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

• • Dates: March 19-22nd
  • Location: Putrajaya
  • Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a beautiful sight of colorful hot air balloons covering the sky. There are balloons designed as famous characters. Some creators showcase concept arts in form of hot air balloon. There is also parachute diving from the balloons. The ground activities are engage those who are not in the air with games, rides, food courts, performances, music, and dance.

16. Christmas

1. 1. Dates: December 25th
   2. Location: All across Malaysia
   3. Christmas needs no introduction. The entire country of Malaysia celebrates the Christmas with variety of festivities. Fireworks shows are a big hit during Christmas.

17. Rockaway Festival

• • Dates: March 14th
  • Location: Bukit Jalil Stadium
  • Rockaway Festival is the biggest music festival in Malaysia. The artist line-up includes bands and performers from all across the world.

18. Chingay Festival

• • Dates: February 11-15th
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
  • Chingay Festival celebrates the birth of Chinese Deity. One of the biggest attraction of this festival is the Chingay Festival parade. The parade is colorful and extravagant. The parade in the city of Penang and Johor Bahru is especially popular.

19. Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival

• • Dates: February 26th – March 1st
  • Location: Pasir Gudang
  • Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival is one of biggest festival in Malaysia and attracts a lot of tourists from across the world. This is an incredible sight to behold as the sky is decorated with kites of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. Both creativity and competition fly as high as the kites.

20. ALFA 2020

• • Dates: April 17th
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur
  • The Afro Latin Fest Asia is an international dance festival. The festival is mainly focused on performances from various performances from renowned artists. The festival also holds workshops in various dance styles, held by the esteemed artists.

21. Raptor Watch Festival

• • Dates: March 14-15th
  • Location: Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, Melaka
  • Raptor Watch Festival is the festival focused on bird watching held at the Tanjun Tuan Forest Reserve. The festival is open to all. There are themed activities and feasts, but the prime activity is bird watching.

22. Ahimsa Life Festival

• • Dates: February 21-23rd
  • Location: Publika Shopping Gallery
  • Ahimsa Life Festival is focused on wellness and spiritual arts and practices like mediation, yoga, physiotherapy, crystal healing, music therapy etc. The festival is greatly leisurely and rejuvenating.

23. Pahang Chenor Fest

• • Dates: April 3-5th
  • Location: Chenor, Pahang
  • The Chenor Fest is a celebration of the traditional roots and culture of the Pahang region. The celebration includes traditional dances, competitions, and feasts. Boat races are one of the biggest attractions during this festival.

24. Penang International Food Festival

• • Dates: April 1st
  • Location: Penang
  • The Penang International Food Festival is not only focused on Malaysian cuisine, but celebrates food in general. The chef line-up during the festival includes some of the most renowned chefs as well as home-makers who want to showcase their preparations. The variety of food is a festive gastronomic experience

25. Feista San Pedro

• • Dates: June 29th
  • Location: Maleka
  • Fiesta San Pedro is celebrated in honor of St. Peter. The most jubilant celebration of this festival takes place in the Portuguese settlements in Maleka. Here you will find traditional festivities resembling the Portugal culture.

26. Nine Emperor Gods Festival

• • Dates; October 16-25th
  • Location: All across Malaysia
  • Nine Emperor Gods Festival is again an important Chinese festival whole-heartedly celebrated in Malaysia. The procession is one of the prime attractions of this festival. People dress up in various traditional attires and events are organized all across the country. Many traditional ceremonies and rituals are publicly performed and are a sight to behold as people walk on fire, pierce their bodies, showcase feats of strength and other such exhibitions of abilities to tolerate pain.

Emergency Contacts for Traveller

Police: 999
Ambulance: 999
Civil Defense: 994 / 112
Tourist Police: 991

Useful Mobile Apps for Travellers

1. Moovit

Moovit is your guide to public transport system in Malaysia. This app will help you figure out how to get from one place to another using the public transport. It will also give you schedules and routes of various public transports.

2. MyDistress

MyDistress is basically an app to alert various government agency when you are in trouble. The app alerts relevant authorities like police and ambulance with your current location.

3. Waze

Waze is the Google Maps of Malaysia and will help you navigate the cities as well as the suburban areas with ease. Waze also gives traffic updates and roadblock updates so you can easily re-route. You can also ensure if the cab or the car you hired is taking you in the right direction or if they are unnecessarily making the ride longer.

4. Grab

Grab is your next best alternative for transport when you visit Malaysia. You can also opt for a GrabBike if you are feeling a little adventurous and wish to get places faster. Grab also allows you to order food on demand. It is a combination of Uber & UberEats.

5. Groupon

Groupon will get you some great deals for dining, leisure and entertainment experiences on your Malaysia trip. When you go out, just check out what Groupon has to offer for you.

6. AskMe Malaysia

AskMe Malaysia can be your guide to everything on your Malaysia tour. If you want to find a restaurant near you, or you want to know the fare charges for travel, or how to get to a must see places in Malaysia,, or any other questions concerning your Malaysia travel, this app will answer it for you.

7. Lunch Kaki

This a dating and social networking app. This app allows you to send a request for a lunch date to other users based on your interests and demographics. Once you match, you got yourself a lunch date.

8. GoVeggie Malaysia

This one is for the vegetarians who visit Malaysia. This app will point to various vegetarian restaurants, cafe, and street food joints for you to explore. You can check the locations to see which one is near your or near the places to visit in Malaysia. The menu and rating of the food joints are also available the app itself.

9. Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Subway

The public transport is the cheapest way to get around during your Malaysia Tour. But the local subway can be tough to navigate for tourists. This app will guide you through the subway system of Kuala Lumpur.

10. EatiGo

If you wish to explore restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities of Malaysia, get EatiGo on your mobile when you visit Malaysia. This app will also allow you to reserve tables from a catalogue of over 2000 restaurants.

11. Fave

Fave is an app for those looking for deals and bargains on activities, food, entertainment, travel etc. This app can save you significant money on your Malaysian trip at the same time let’s you explore various options available there.

12. LocalUsher

If you truly wish to have cultural experience and mingle with the locals then this app will help you do just that. LocalUsher guides you to various cultural experiences and activities across Malaysia.

13. CatchThatBus

As the name suggests, this app will help you on your Malaysia tour by helping you with public bus and private bus transport.

Safety Tips

• Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times with you. The photocopy should also include the Malaysia Visa page stamped when you entered the country.
• Before you visit Malaysia, understand that like any other popular tourist destination, Malaysia also has a few scammers. So read up on schemes and types of people to be keep distance from.
• Keep your bag close to you and do not let your younger ones carry the bags. Bag snatching does take place in tourist places. So better keep your belongings close.
• Be very respectful when visiting any place of religious significance. Especially with your clothing. Make sure you are covered appropriately when in religious places.
• Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia. So if you are from the LGBTQ community, better keep it to yourself and avoid public display of affection with the same sex.
• Malaysia is a hot and humid country and hence you should take precautions against mosquitos. Get a mosquito repellent and carry extra if you are going for nature tours, hiking, trekking, camping etc.
• Also keep sunscreen with you at all times, especially when you are visiting the beaches or the islands.
• Keep away from stray dogs in the city and especially outside the city. Being friendly with a rabies carrying dog can be dangerous for you.
• When going on tours or boat rides, check for the travel company’s credentials before getting on their vehicles. Refuse the tour entirely if you find the boats to be overcrowded.
• If you are getting any vehicle on rent, make sure you validate your license with the local authority and comply with the local traffic laws.
• Don’t feed the monkeys in the jungles or elsewhere. If you see a lot of monkeys around, avoid taking food nearby. Feed one monkey and you will find the rest of them expecting the same from you. And some are even known to snatch food away from you.
• Get yourself vaccinated before you fly for Malaysia. Learn about local diseases and take the necessary medical precaution.
• Keep the tourist police on your speed dial. If you have anything to report, go directly to the tourist police. They are division specially assigned the task of ensuring safety and well-being of tourists in Malaysia.
•  Always keep a maps application with you, so that you can always find your way back to safety.
• Don’t accept alcoholic drinks or other beverages from strangers at bars or clubs. Especially if you are female traveller.
• At the same time do not leave any food item unattended.
• Before making a purchase, check the item properly and inquire about the return policy.
• It is illegal to distribute any kind of religious material in Malaysia.
• When pointing towards things, which you should not do to begin with, use your thumb instead of your fingers.
• Check for remove your shoes sign when entering any place. Most of the places including homes, shops, temples, etc. require people to remove their shoes before entering. Usually at a tourist place, you will find a spot to lock-up your shoes.
• Also keep toilet paper. tissue paper, sanitizer with you at all times. The public bathroom facilities might not be available at all places. Even where they are available they might not be as hygienic or having required items to use.
• Before suing an ATM, make sure it is properly lit, the doors are secured, and there is lurking around.
• Ask before you eat. Always ask what the food contains at street food joints and restaurants before you purchase or consume. Some of the Malaysian delicacies may not agree with your tastebuds or digestive system.
• While taking a cab check if the driver has a meter, or they will charge you willy-nilly. In such cases app based cab service like uber and grab are safer options
• Use credit cards only at established joints with credibility. Credit card fraud is a growing crime in Malaysia. Do not pay with credit cards at small or street shops even if they offer discount or other offer on card payment.
• Petty theft and pick-pocketing incidents do occur in Malaysia. So keep your belongings close and safe. Do not leave your belongings unattended. Additionally carry minimum items with you while traveling, keep the rest locked away in your hotel safe.
• Keep your bags in front of you and hold them tightly at all times.
• To avoid being victim of pickpocketing, keep your pockets empty and avoid wearing valuable watches, bracelets or jewelry. Hide your cash in your shoes, or belt or any other inaccessible spot.
• The handshake in Malaysia is done with both hands. It is the traditional greeting and you may express your gratitude in this manner as well. With the opposite gender you should join your hands in a Namaste instead of shaking hands.
• Excessive public display of affection is also frowned upon in Malaysia.
• Drinking is prohibited in Public. Consumption of alcohol is only permitted in certain places and you should not bring drinks out in public.