Malaysia offers several ways to enjoy this country. But people are different and everybody prefers something different. Some people like to get to know the cities in all their beauty, others prefer quiet and nature. And in this article, we have some tips for you:
Cities
Kuala Lumpur – a modern multicultural capital city of Malaysia. It has an amazing variety of architectural delights. Thanks to frequent traffic jams, it is much better to use public transport or you can walk in the city. Below are some points you should see.
- Petronas Twin Towers – “twins” of skyscrapers occupying the 18th place of the world’s tallest buildings. Their height is 452 m. The buildings are connected by a bridge between the 41st and 42nd floors. If you would like to have a tour inside, you must to do a reservation.
- Suria KLCC – the largest shopping center in Malaysia at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers. There is e.g. an underwater aquarium or a scientific center.
- Park KLCC – a park nearby with paths suitable for jogging or walking with children. In addition, it boasts a built-in light show.
- Merdeka Square – the square where the flag of independent Malaysia was first raised.
- Central Market – the building was originally built by the British in 1888. Due to the great development in the 1970s, it was planned to destroy the building, but fortunately, it was included in the list of “cultural heritage”. There are lots of stalls and shops with clothing, ceramics, paintings, cosmetics, fruits and lots of other things …
- Masjid Jamek – charming mosque in Moorish style. It belongs to the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Previously served as the main mosque until the Masjid Negara National Mosque was built in 1965.
- Sultan Abdul Samad – An old British colonial building with former offices of the Colonial Secretariat. Now the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is here.
- Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station – An old railway station combining the architecture of Britain and North Africa.
- Chinatown – with typical narrow streets showing traditional shops and restaurants.
- Kampong Bharu (Kampung Baru) – one of the last surviving traditional Malaysian villages in the city center.
Putrajaya – Federal and administrative center of Malaysia. It is home of the government and most ministries.
- Putra Mosque – the main Putrajaya Mosque is next to the building of the Malaysian Prime Minister. A visit to the mosque is possible, only you have to be suitably dressed.
Batu Caves – the most important Hindu sanctuary in Malaysia. In front of large limestone caves, there is a huge golden statue of God Murugan and a total of 272 stairs.
Ipoh – Historic old town with British colonial architecture. Limestone hills and caves with Buddhist temples are a part of the city. At the same time, the town holds the reputation of one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia.
Johor Bahru – a city is called the gate to Singapore.
Malacca – A historic city with a rich history. You will find remnants of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture. At the same time, it offers a wide range of cuisine (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Nyon, French, Spanish).
George Town – Capital city of Penang. It is said that if you want to enjoy the best of local cuisine, you are in the right place. You will surely notice here that there are many Chinese and Indian communities that share the city with Malaysian and Thai cultures. Street Art is definitely worth a visit, which you can admire while walking around the city.
Kota Baru – the gate to Thailand. The town is rich in Malay culture, colorful markets, and numerous museums. There is the royal palace (Istana Balai Besar), the mosque (Masjid Kampung Laut) and the Independence Square (Padang Merdeka).
Kuantan – the main attraction of the city are Teluk Cempedak and Palm Beach. Other popular sites include waterfalls (Sungai Pandan, Sungai Berkelah and Jerangkang) and parks (Gelora Park, Terontum Mini Zoo, Gampang Safari Park and Agriculture Park). The area also focuses on crafts -, especially batic. It is also possible to visit the State Mosque (Masjid Negeri). Previously, the area was renowned for its wealth of tin mines, now it is the business center of the oil and palm industry.
Kota Kinabalu – one of the main industrial and commercial centers in eastern Malaysia. The city is also close to the tropical islands and the rainforest.
Nature
Cameron Highlands – a great trekking area. Jungle trails lead visitors to quiet and indigenous villages. The surrounding area is known primarily for tea, vegetable farms and rich vegetation (some of the fauna and flora are on the red list of endangered species). There is also a series of hills and ridge (1500 – 1800 m.), the highest point – Gudung Brinchang – 2032 m. and waterfalls (Robinson’s, Parit). Depending on the distance, some routes may take up to 5 hours.
Taman Negara National Park – a rain forest about 130 million years old (scientists say it is one of the last remnants of the original ecosystem on Earth). It is home to several species of plants, animals and indigenous people of Orang Asli. There are 14 rivers, the highest peak – Gunung Tahan 2186 m., the largest tree – Tualang measuring 80 meters, the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia, the largest beetle grows 6 cm, the largest 25 cm butterfly and only 2% of sunlight passes through the jungle. One of the tourist attractions is located near the village of Kuala Tahan called Canopy walkway (a system of towering bridges in tree crowns). In addition, a hill Bukit Teresek (400 m) can be explored, with a magnificent view of the upper part of the forest, Lubok Simphon, where you can combine the trek with a pleasant swimming in the river or go to the cave – Gua Tellinga.
Kinabalu National Park – one of the first established national parks in Malaysia and one of the most important biological sites in the world with more than 4500 species of fauna and flora (many of them are endemic). The site is also home to the highest mountain of Malaysia – Kota Kinabalu. The mountain is also known for many carnivorous plant species and orchids. Thanks to these advantages it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the eastern part of Malaysia on the island of Borneo. If you decide to climb on Kota Kinabalu mountain, you have to make a 2-3-day booking with a guide.
Tasik Chini – a system of 12 lakes, which are largely covered by lotus flowers from June to September. Under the water, there are ruins of the Khmer´s settlements and you can see Jankun family (one of the original Malaysian tribes) too. This place is associated with many myths (it is said to be the home of big snakes, dragons and other monsters, one of them swam to the South China Sea to become the Tioman Island).
Gunung Mulu National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing is harder than on Kota Kinabalu mountain, but you will have a wonderful view of the high, dentate limestone formations. The park is also home to the world’s largest cave.
Danum Valley – one of the oldest rainforests in the world (older than the Amazon forest, but less well known). The place is home to many endangered and rare species (e.g. rhinoceros, orangutan, gibbon, leopard).
Maliau Conservation Area (known as Sabah’s Lost World) – is one of the few places where the wilderness is in no way affected. If you want to do any activity in this area, you have to make an appointment and reservation with a guide.
Fraser’s Hill – is a remarkable place for bird lovers on whose hill there are more than 270 species.
Visit of native Tribes – Taman Negara or Sarawak Cultural Village on Borneo (scv.com.my).
Orangutans – the most famous resorts are the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center (www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk) and the Semenggoh Wildlife Center (semenggoh.my).
Web. link with outdoor experiences:
Islands
Langkawi – the main island is famous for beautiful nature. You can visit the Seven Wells Waterfalls, Durian Waterfalls, and Temurun Waterfalls. You can also explore rice fields while riding a scooter, and if you prefer peace and relaxation on the beach without tourists – go to Tanjung Rhu Beach. The main attraction of the island is SkyCab and SkyBridge.
Perhentian Islands – islands are one of the most beautiful in Malaysia. There is crystal clear water suitable for diving and beautiful beaches with white sand.
- Perhentian Kecil – You should definitely visit the Long Beach (Pasir Panjang) and the interesting Coral Bay with a beautiful beach and sunset views.
- Perhentian Besar – It is worth mentioning Teluk Dalam Bay.
Tioman – one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The whole is surrounded by coral reefs and the crystal sea. Remarkable are two deserted beaches (Monkey beach and Monkey bay). On the contrary, the center of the island is mountainous, so instead of the relax, it is more suitable for trekking.
The most popular diving sites (islands) – Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, Sipadan, Layang Layang, Mabul, Lankayan, Mataking, Tenggol