The exotic multi-religious state of Malaysia conquers its numerous guests with its distinctive culture and centuries-old traditions, amazingly beautiful nature and ancient historical monuments. At the same time, this country is characterized by the highest level of development — here pristine beaches alternate with modern cities, ancient temples and traditional markets with lively city streets, where life flows in the most modern rhythm. From a tourist point of view, even sophisticated travelers have something to see in Malaysia. The country is ideal for recreation, because here you will find huge arrays of fabulous evergreen forests, an amazing variety of flora and fauna. And on its beaches it is ideal to soak up the warm sun, detached from the daily hustle and bustle. Let’s take a look at the most interesting sights of Malaysia!
What to see in Malaysia first of all
In our list, you will see those places and objects that have made the country a world center of tourism, and you will immediately want to book excursions in Malaysia to see everything firsthand. Naturally, you will not be able to see all the sights at once, but you will be able to decide for yourself what to visit at the very beginning.
1. Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur)
Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas twin Towers, towering over the city at an altitude of 452 meters, have become a symbol of pride and progress that Malaysia has achieved in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, for guests planning what to visit in Malaysia, it is recommended to start their journey with this notable landmark of the city and the country.
It is worth noting that until the 90s there were no tall structures in Malaysia at all. The construction of the towers symbolized the intensive development of this country and the success that its authorities sought. The process of erecting the towers began in 1992, lasted for 6 years, and in 1998 two majestic towers appeared in all their glory, radically changing the appearance of the city.
There are 88 floors in each of the towers, and this figure is not accidental, since the eight is considered lucky by Malaysians. Numerous tourists come to the towers to look at this grandiose structure and be impressed by the views that open from the suspension bridge installed at the 42nd floor level.
On the lower levels of the towers there is a presentable shopping center, on the third floor of which there is a popular science and entertainment complex. Fountains are located directly in front of the towers, and on the back side of the buildings there is a small park with an artificial lake, fountains, a bridge, an artificial waterfall and a children’s pool.
For 8 years, the “heavenly twins” were considered the tallest structures in the world, but in 2004 this record was broken by another building — the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan.
Official website: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my
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2. Sultan Abdul Samad Palace (Kuala Lumpur)
Sultan Abdul Samad’s Palace on Independence Square
In 1894-1897, a beautiful structure was erected in Kuala Lumpur, which later became one of the most famous attractions in Malaysia. We are talking about the palace of Sultan Abdul Samad, designed by architect Norman.
The palace once housed the British administration, but today the Supreme Court of Malaysia is located here in one wing, and the folk art center in the other. The extraordinarily beautiful, as if carved facade of the building, combines Victorian and Moorish architectural styles, and conveys all the refined flavor of the east: rounded arches in the shape of horseshoes, an abundance of decorative elements, minarets, copper domes — all this harmoniously reunites into a single whole. The roof of the building is crowned by a 40-meter tower with a golden dome and a huge clock.
How is this palace connected with the name of Abdul Samad? The governor of Selangor Province was famous as the ruler who laid the foundations of the Malaysian state. And despite the fact that many residents reproached him for depriving independence, since at the end of the 19th century he gave Malaysia under the protectorate of Great Britain, the ruler did a lot for the flourishing of the state. After all, it was with the coming to power of the British that backward Malaysia turned into a developed and prosperous state.
3. Masjid Jameh Mosque (Kuala Lumpur)
Masjid Jam Mosque in Kuala Lampur
Guests who like the grandeur and beauty of oriental architecture have something to see in Malaysia — in Kuala Lumpur, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, the Masjid Jam Mosque stands amazing in beauty. This beauty was built in 1909, and its location was not chosen by chance — it was here, at the confluence of the rivers, that the first tin seekers once set up their camps, and it was in these places that the history of the city of Kuala Lumpur began.
The unusually elegant facade of the mosque is a harmonious interweaving of two architectural styles — Moorish and Islamic (mughal). The beauty of the facade is emphasized by the contrasting and organic combination of red and white masonry and snow-white domes. The perimeter of the mosque building is surrounded by a gallery of pointed arches topped with openwork carvings, and this complex is complemented by equally charming small turrets. At night, the beauty of the Masjid Jam mosque becomes even more attractive and mysterious: the entire perimeter of the building is intensively illuminated, starting to play with new colors.
This extraordinary Malaysian landmark owes its beauty and charm to its architect, A.B. Habbok, whose list of merits also includes the construction of the Kuala Lumpur City Railway Station building.
4. Niah National Park (Borneo Island, Sarawak State)
Exit from the cave in Niah National Park
The island of Borneo is home to Malaysia’s most important natural landmark, Niah National Park, famous for its unique caves. This area acquired the status of a national park in 1971. The park is based on dipterocarp forests, limestone, and peat bogs. Among the representatives of the local fauna are flying dragons, long-tailed macaques, rhinoceros birds and salangana birds. By the way, the nests of salangans are considered edible and even a special soup is prepared from them, which is an expensive delicacy here.
The natural world of Niah Park is very rich. However, the main purpose of its creation was to preserve the most important local landmark — ancient caves, in which, back in the 50s of the last century, archaeologists found traces of a reasonable man – skulls, clay and bone tools, as well as the remains of ancient plants and animals. By the way, some of these fossil specimens are on display in a small museum located by the ferry.
The total area of the caves of the national park is huge and amounts to more than 3 thousand hectares. The cave system includes one of the largest and several smaller ones surrounding it along the perimeter. Countless bats live inside the caves, whose droppings, called guano, are used as a valuable fertilizer, because it is very rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. This fertilizer is popularly called “black gold”, and the Iban tribe collects this product.
See the beautiful places of Malaysia in this wonderful video!
5. Batu Caves (13 km from Kuala Lumpur)
The statue of the god Murugan next to the stairs leading to the “light” cave
Fans of underground travel will find something to see in Malaysia, because literally 13 kilometers from the capital there is a real underground kingdom — the Batu caves. This is a complex of caves and Hindu shrines near the Batu River, from which their name originated. The limestone hills in which the caves are located are about 400 million years old. There are about 2 dozen caves in total, but only some of them have been turned into religious shrines.
So, the cave of the Temple is the most famous and most visited — here is the most important Hindu temple, decorated in Tamil style, as well as a number of other Hindu shrines.
Just below the Temple cave is a Dark cave with a length of about 2 kilometers, where you can find bizarre stalactites, stalagmites, columns, partitions and many other features formed over thousands of years.
The Ramayana Cave allows you to learn a lot about the life of the ancient Indian king Rama — entire chronicles are carved on the uneven walls of the cave, telling about the main milestones of his life. The life and moral deeds of Rama served as an example for many of his admirers.
Vallurvar Kottam is a cave, the walls of which are completely covered with frescoes and couplets from the collection of poetic aphorisms “Tirukkural”, authored by the Tamil philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
Since 1892, the Batu Caves have been not only an important attraction in Malaysia, but also the center of the celebration of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, during which Hindus venerate the main deity of Tamils — Murugan.
Official website: https://www.malaysia.travel
6. Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Kuala Lumpur)
The main gate of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, decorated with a convex ornament
There is something for everyone to see in Malaysia, if the way lies through its capital, because among other things, one of the most important Hindu shrines is located here — the ancient Sri Mahamariamman temple. At the same time, it is also one of the most beautiful temples, especially if you evaluate its facade, lavishly decorated with convex ornaments.
The temple was built in honor of the mother goddess Mariamman, the patroness of diseases, epidemics and various troubles. Like other Indian deities, she also has the ability to transform, which is why she is also known by the names Devi, Kali and Shakti. The cult of worship of this goddess dates back about 4,000 years.
The temple was founded in 1873 by the leader of the Tamil diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. The founder of the temple built it as a personal shrine of his family, but seeing the need of his compatriots for a place of worship of the gods, he opened the doors of the temple to all visitors.
12 years after its foundation, the temple was dismantled by stones, moved to the outskirts of Chinatown and carefully restored to its original appearance. And after another 80 years, a modern temple building was rebuilt nearby, in which the original style was preserved, and the most remarkable part was erected above its main entrance — a five-tiered 23-meter tower, richly decorated with ornaments and sculptures. There are a total of 228 sculptural images, each of which depicts a specific Hindu deity. Inside, the walls of the temple are decorated with frescoes depicting various guises of the goddess Mariamman.
7. Gunung Mulu Nature Reserve (Borneo Island, Sarawak Province)
Pinnacles Forest of pointed limestone towers on the Gunung Api Plateau
The real treasure of the island of Borneo and the unique attraction of Malaysia is the Gunung Mulu National Park. Thousands of tourists strive to see this place, once listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with their own eyes. The park was founded in 1985 by order of the Malaysian government.
The area of the huge park is about 50 thousand hectares, which includes tropical forests, rivers and mountain ranges. In the center of this territory stands the “mountain crown”, which includes three peaks — Mulu, Benarat and Api. The highest point of the ridge, Mulu Peak— rises 2,376 meters above sea level.
But the most interesting secrets of Gunung Mulu Park are hidden in the underground depths. After all, the largest cave systems on the planet are located here. Karst caves stretch for many kilometers, along the way you can see a lot of interesting things here — these are huge grottoes, crevasses, underground reservoirs, bizarre limestone figures formed by nature itself.
The main underground attraction of the park is the Lubang Nasib Bagus underground passage, which has the largest grotto in the world — its width is about 0.3 km, its length is about 0.7 km, and it reaches a height of 70 meters. The longest underground passage, called the Deer Cave, reaches 2 kilometers in length.
The vaults and ceilings of the caves are favored by countless bats. At sunset, their huge flocks leave the caves for the evening meal.
Each of the caves is unique and consists, as a rule, of several underground voids connected by passages. The Sarawak underground hall is especially fascinating, the size of which reaches the area of 20 football fields, and the height approximately corresponds to the height of a 25-storey skyscraper.
Official website: https://mulupark.com
8. Dutch Town Hall — Stathaus (Malacca)
View of the Municipal Town Hall in Malacca
In the very center of the Old City in Malacca, on the Red Dutch Square, the architectural landmark of Malaysia in the colonial style, the Statehouse, also known as the Dutch Town Hall, attracts attention. The building was erected in 1650 and served as the official residence of the Dutch governor and officials. For almost 350 years, the Municipal Town Hall served first the Dutch, then the English, and finally the Malay city administration, experiencing a change of power. To this day, the town hall building has been perfectly preserved, recreating the atmosphere of bygone times. The whole complex consists of several buildings with facades of a pleasant terracotta color. The Stathaus, or Stadthuis (translated from Dutch as “town hall”), has become a striking example of Dutch architecture of the past centuries, and today it is considered the oldest Dutch building in the East.
Today, the Dutch Town Hall houses historical and ethnographic museums. The exhibition presents cultural and everyday objects of the multinational population of Malacca, samples of traditional wedding clothes, as well as relics testifying to the centuries-old history of Malacca, while providing a detailed explanation of the role of each of these exhibits in the history of the ancient city.
Sights of Malaysia: what else to visit while in Malaysia
Numerous guides in Malaysia offer many places that they say are worth visiting, but is it so? We suggest you familiarize yourself with photos and descriptions of popular attractions so as not to make mistakes and, after arriving at the resort, visit those places that will be really interesting to you.
9. Istana Negara Royal Palace (Kuala Lumpur)
The official residence of the King of Malaysia
Numerous guests of Kuala Lumpur undoubtedly have something to see in Malaysia — in the heart of the capital, right on a hill, is the palace of Sultan Istana Negara, which is currently the official residence of the King of Malaysia. Today, various important high-level events and traditional ceremonies are held here.
This building has recently become a palace — the place where it is located keeps its history. Previously, there was a mansion of a Chinese millionaire, but over time it was occupied by the Japanese and became an officer’s mess. Previously, it was also the residence of the Sultan, and years later the building returned to the jurisdiction of Malaysia. Today’s palace welcomes numerous tourists every day, and despite the fact that it is closed to the public, you can watch the changing of the guard, walk through the picturesque territories of the palace, take a photo against the background of the main entrance.
The area of the current palace is 28 acres. There is a picturesque park on the territory of which there are golf courses, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a lake. Its gardens are decorated with beautiful flower beds, groves and lawns. The gates are guarded by foot and horse guards, the representatives of the guard are dressed in beautiful traditional uniforms.
Official website: https://www.jmm.gov.my
10. Maritime Museum (Malacca)
Maritime Museum in Malacca Cccefalon
Along with other cultural and historical monuments, Malacca is home to another interesting Malaysian attraction – the Maritime Museum, which is an exact restored replica of the Portuguese long—distance ship Flor de la Mar. The ship is 36 meters long and 8 meters wide. This ship took part in important historical events for 9 years, but in 1511 it sank in an attempt to take looted treasures out of Malacca.
Later, it was decided to recreate a replica of the ship in order to open a museum dedicated to the glorious history of navigation. The exposition is divided into various historical periods through which Malacca passed, starting from the era of the Sultanate, and ending with Portuguese, British and Dutch colonization. Here you can see important historical documents, collections of porcelain, expensive fabrics, spices, and many paintings on the walls reflecting the historical role of Malacca.
Next to the replica of the ship there is a new museum building, which houses the continuation of the collection — an exhibition with models of ships and fishing boats of local residents, photographs, military uniforms and insignia.
In the garden near the museum you can see another exhibit — the Sri Terengganu patrol ship of the 60s of the last century. Visitors can board the ship and explore its interior.
11. Langkawi Resort (Strait of Malacca)
The paradise of Langkawi resort
The stunning archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea is worth visiting in Malaysia for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and see the extraordinarily beautiful nature. This is the Langkawi resort off the northwest coast of the Strait of Malacca. The vast majority of the islands here are uninhabited, with untouched wildlife. And only four of the 99 islands are full of life, the largest and most important of them is Langkawi Island. The very name “Langkawi” means “Red Eagle Island”, and there is indeed a rare breed of eagles with red-brick plumage on the island. The island is home to Malaysia’s most popular Langkawi resort, which has a well-developed infrastructure and includes a number of four- and five-star hotels.
The island has the cleanest air — there is no public transport here, there are only taxis, bicycle and scooter rentals. The snow-white beaches are famous for their healing sand, which contains a large amount of minerals and magnesium, which helps in the fight against rheumatism, osteochondrosis and in the treatment of bronchitis. Malaysia’s natural attractions here include numerous waterfalls, caves, beaches with unusual black sand and monkeys. Due to the location of the island in the equatorial zone, it is hot and sunny all year round.
12. The Perhentian Islands (Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea)
Diving enthusiasts on the Perhentians
20 kilometers from the mainland, there is another natural attraction in Malaysia, especially a favorite of divers. These are the Perhentians, an archipelago of volcanic origin in the territorial waters of Malaysia. It consists of 6 islands, the main and most popular of which is the island of Perhentian Besar. There are bungalows, campsites, and a special area for tents. Another popular island is Perhentian Kecil, where there are a number of boarding houses and inexpensive eateries. This island is characterized by the economy of the service sector, so many tourists flock here, aiming to find an inexpensive place to stay.
All the islands of the Perhentian Archipelago belong to the Redong National Park. There are rocky landscapes, the purest sea, the richest underwater world, the coastal area is full of coral gardens, which is why the islands are so popular among fans of spearfishing. And there is also a family of rare leatherback turtles on the Perhentians.
Despite the relatively modest service sector on the islands, this is offset by the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding nature, extraordinarily beautiful beaches, and a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere of serenity.
13. Menara TV Tower (Kuala Lumpur)
Menara TV Tower in Kuala Lampur
Among the various high-rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur, the ranks of which include the previously mentioned Petronas towers. There is another equally interesting attraction in Malaysia — the Menara TV tower. Its height is 421 meters and it is the tallest man-made structure in Malaysia, which you can climb and explore the surrounding panoramas. At the same time, the ascent to such an impressive height takes no more than one minute.
Today, the tower has become one of the main attractions of the Malaysian capital, its spire can be observed from different points of the city, and at night the impression of its contemplation is enhanced by spectacular illumination. It was thanks to the fancy lighting that the tower eventually acquired a second name – the “garden of light”.
The construction of the Menard Tower began in 1991, lasted 5 years and was completed in 1996. Both in the exterior design and in the interior decoration of the premises, Muslim motifs were used. For example, the main hall received a classical Arabic vault. An ornate chandelier is suspended from the ceiling of the hall, and a mosaic with traditional Muslim ornaments is laid out on the central doors.
The Bukit Nanas National Park stretches around the structure, an excellent view of which opens from the observation deck of the tower or through the panoramic windows of the restaurant, located at an altitude of 282 meters.
Official website: https://www.menarakl.com.my
14. Bukit Bintang (Kuala Lumpur)
Bukit Bintang Street is a shopping and entertainment district of the capital Kuala Lumpur
In one of the rapidly developing megacities of Southeast Asia, the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, there is an outstanding area – Bukit Bitang, which has long won a place of honor among the popular tourist destinations of the city. It is always crowded here, and there are many locals and visitors who appreciate the historical charm of this place and the modern gloss. The lively area has everything for entertainment, walking and shopping, from shopping malls to trendy nightclubs, from bars to colorful souvenir shops and colorful markets. And the quarter also has its own indoor entertainment park with an area of more than 12 thousand square meters, where you can ride the largest roller coaster in Asia. It is also worth noting that Bukit Bitang has a wide selection of hotels and has convenient transport accessibility, which makes it a universal destination for those arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
Official website: https://www.bukit-bintang.com
15. National Museum of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Huge mosaics with episodes of Malaysian history at the entrance to the National Museum of Malaysia Daniel Berthold
Cultural attractions of Malaysia play a significant role in planning an educational trip. Kuala Lumpur occupies a leading position in the country in terms of the number of such monuments. One of them is the National Museum of Malaysia, the country’s largest repository of cultural, historical and natural science exhibits. The imposing 1953 building in traditional Malay style is located on Traverse Street. Inside there are collections of handicrafts, art and culture items. The entire interior area is divided into 4 parts. The first of the galleries shows archaeological finds dating back to the Paleolithic era, the second exhibits evidence of the origin and development of early Malaysian settlements, the third zone highlights the colonial historical period, the fourth — the achievements of modernity.
Official website: https://www.muziumnegara.gov.my
16. Negara Mosque (Kuala Lumpur)
View of the National Malaysian Mosque of Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Sultan Himshamuddin Street
The colorful Masjid Mosque is the spiritual center of Kuala Lumpur and a symbol of independence from Britain, which the country gained in 1957. 8 years after this event, a mosque was built, symbolizing deliverance from heavy oppression. The large population of the city, which is mostly represented by Muslims, periodically converges here to participate in divine services. Entry for people of other faiths is not prohibited, but is limited in time — the path is open to tourists at certain hours. The building has a dome shaped like a half—open umbrella, which is no coincidence – the umbrella is one of the royal regalia of the sultans. The mosque’s minaret, 73 meters high, can be viewed from almost anywhere in the city. Inside, the walls of the mosque are painted with national motifs, and the huge main hall is designed for 8 thousand worshippers.
17. Snake Temple (Penang Island)
Snake Temple or Azure Cloud Temple in traditional Chinese style on Penang Island
Interesting places in Malaysia can be found not only on the Malacca Peninsula, but also in the waters of the Andaman Sea, where a small island is located — Penang. One of the attractions of the island is the temple of snakes, the most unusual among the religious sites on the island. And it is not attractive for its architecture, but for its inhabitants — dozens of snakes that crawl into the walls of the temple. According to history, the Snake Temple was built on the site of the house where the Buddhist priest Chor Su Kong lived. This very pious man gave shelter in his house to all living creatures, among which there were venomous snakes. It was in memory of this “hospitable” man that a temple was built in 1850, and since then snakes have settled in it, and on certain holidays an unprecedented number of reptiles crawl here. There is a snake farm next to the temple, where you can see not only snakes, but also monkeys and turtles.
Official website: https://www.penang.ws
18. Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang Island)
Temple buildings of various architectural styles in Kek Lok Si Temple on Penang Island
Kek Lok Si Temple complex in the Air Itam area on the Malaysian island of Penang
Another notable object of Penang Island is the Kek Lok Si Temple. It is the largest religious site not only on the island, but also in the whole of Malaysia. On a huge square, spread out on a hill, there is a whole complex of temple buildings erected at different times in various architectural styles. The temple itself was opened in 1905, and the construction of the complex lasted 4 decades, and such a long period caused a mixture of Chinese, Burmese, Thai and other architectural techniques. The main value of the complex is a 7-level pagoda, inside which is stored — it is difficult to imagine — about ten thousand statues of Buddha! Another notable object is the 36—meter statue of the goddess of Mercy, which stands at the very top of the mountain. You can climb to the top using a special staircase through endless shopping malls, or using a special elevator.
Official website: https://kekloksitemple.com
19. Kelly Castle (Batu Gajah)
Kelly Castle at the beginning of the XX century on a high hill on the plantation of rubber plants Quinta Kellas
In Batu Gadzha there is an abandoned residence of a Scottish planter, shrouded in a mystical flair — there is a belief that ghosts live in this castle and there are a number of secret passages leading to secret rooms. The residence was conceived as a second home for planter William Kelly, who wanted the castle, built far from Scotland, to remind him of his homeland. William was respected among his workers, so he built a Hindu temple right inside the castle walls. In turn, the workers erected a statue of Kelly as a sign of appreciation. It is worth noting that the construction of the castle was never completed — the process was interrupted after the sudden death of the planter. This lonely castle, towering in the middle of wild plantations, looks almost fantastic today. Many locals claim that William’s spirit roams the corridors of the castle, and when visiting the castle, many are seized with a strange anxiety.
20. Perdan Botanical Garden (Kuala Lumpur)
A picturesque corner of the Perdana Botanical Garden on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur RivieraBarnes
View of Kuala Lumpur City from Laman Perdana Square in RivieraBarnes Botanical Garden
The Kuala Lumpur Botanical Garden is an island of greenery, water and clean air surrounded by the skyscrapers of the metropolis. Outlandish tropical plants grow on a spacious territory of 92 hectares, bizarre twisted benches, carved gazebos stand along the alleys, original bridges are thrown across reservoirs. The number of local attractions and interesting places is so large that it will take more than one or two days to explore them. For example, in the open spaces of the park you can visit the National Planetarium, Bird Park, Deer Park, Police Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, Lake of Gardens, Orchids and Hibiscus Gardens and much more. It is amazing that all this beauty is concentrated in the very center of Kuala Lumpur. By the way, many travel agencies include a trip to Kuala Lumpur as part of the Malaysia-Singapore tour. The sights of these neighboring countries allow you to create a rich and fascinating route.
Official website: https://www.klbotanicalgarden.gov.my
21. Old Railway Station (Kuala Lumpur)
The old British colonial-style railway station in the center of Kuala Lumpur
The top ten most beautiful train stations in the world include the old railway station in Kuala Lumpur. When looking at this elegant colonial-style building, decorated with cute turrets, thin spires and pointed arches, it is difficult to imagine that there are railway platforms and trains running inside it. The author of this creation at the very beginning of the 20th century was the British architect Arthur Hubbeck, who was a lover of Moorish style and Indo-Saracenic motifs — it was these preferences that he embodied in the design of the building. In 1986, a new transport hub was built, after which most long-distance trains were moved there, and the old station began to accept only commuter trains. By the way, on one of these trains you can quickly get to another attraction on the northern outskirts of the city — the Batu caves.
22. Genting Highlands (51 km from Kuala Lumpur)
Panorama of the unique entertainment complex Genting Highlands Chee Hong
Outdoor Theme Parks with various attractions in Genting Highlands jetsun
In the mountainous region of Malaysia, about 50 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, at an altitude of about 2 kilometers, there is a super popular Asian-style resort — Genting Highlands. In the 1960s, this place was an ambitious project of the Chinese billionaire Lim-Goh-Tong, which, it would seem, was not feasible – the construction of a mountain road leading to the top was already considered madness. However, the perseverance of the entrepreneur made it possible to open the first casino in the mountains in 1971. The success was stunning, and today a large-scale entertainment complex has grown in the mountains, where people rush not only for entertainment, but also to relax from the heat of the Malaysian plains. The resort’s attractions include two large amusement parks, a golf club, a casino, and an observation deck. You can get to Genting Highlands by high-speed cable car, admiring the dizzying views of the mountain heights.
Official website: https://www.rwgenting.com
23. Mount Kinabalu (Sabah)
Mount Kinabalu on the island of Kalimantan among the tropical jungles
Climbing Mount Kinabalu in the Kinabalu National Park in eastern Malaysia
About 140 kilometers from the capital of Sabah, in the middle of the tropical jungle, there is one of the highest mountain peaks in Malaysia — Kinabalu. This hulk with a height of about 4,100 meters stands out noticeably against the background of other mountains, which are almost twice as low as it is. The top of the mountain is almost always decorated with a snow-white halo of clouds, and lush tropical greenery creates a spectacular color contrast. For local residents, Kinabalu is sacred, it is also called the “abode of the dead” — it has long been believed that ancestral spirits live here. I must say, this is one of the most accessible peaks in the world, from the point of view of mountaineering. You can climb here even without special equipment — the ascent will take only 2 days. But even if the conquest of the peak is not included in the goal, in the vicinity of the mountain you can walk through the territories of the national park, which will delight with natural beauty and mountain coolness.
24. Tioman Island (Pahang State)
The magnificent beach of Tioman Island off the southeast coast of Malaysia
The map of Malaysia includes not only the Malacca Peninsula, but also a number of nearby islands. If you look at the map, you can see to the right of Malacca the small island of Tioman with an area of only 136 square kilometers. It is located about 50 kilometers from the mainland, in the southeastern part of the country. Tioman belongs to the territories of Pahang National Park and impresses with impenetrable forests, high mountains, picturesque beaches with white sand, coral deposits and turquoise water. There is a corner of civilization on the west coast of the island, where there is a large selection of apartments for every income, and there are a lot of restaurants and duty-free points around the port of Tekek. From Tekek, you can go hiking through the dense forest, swim in the waters of a local waterfall, and on your return visit one of the small villages where you can enjoy excellent dishes from the freshest seafood.
25. Taman Negara National Park (Malacca Peninsula)
Nature of Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia Peter Gronemann
Tourists in a cave in the rainforest of Taman Negarav National Park on the Malacca Peninsula
Hanging trail in Taman Negara National Park on the Malaysian peninsula of Malacca Raki_Man
If North America is known as the land of endless prairies, then Malaysia is a land of dense and humid rainforests, with rampant tropical flora and fauna. A striking example of local nature is the territory of the Taman Negara National Park, which represents the world’s oldest rainforests. The rain forest has been growing here for more than 130 million years — 4,500 square kilometers of these areas are under state protection. There are no roads in the park, the only way to explore the area is to hike along local trails or swim along rivers. But there are plenty of options here too. For example, arrange an exciting walk along the suspension bridges built at an impressive height between the trees. Or arrange rafting on a bubbling mountain river with numerous rapids. Or go to the Aboriginal tribes — visit one of the local villages, see the makeshift houses and explore the way of life of the locals.
Official website: https://www.tamannegara.asia
26. Seven Wells Waterfall (Langkawi Island)
Seven Wells Waterfall in the jungle in the south-west of Langkawi Island
Langkawi is a delightful resort island, part of an archipelago of about 99 islands near the maritime border with Thailand. The sights of Langkawi attract primarily by their extraordinary nature, and you can buy ready-made excursions to visit them, or you can go to explore the region yourself. One of the island’s favorite natural attractions is the Seven Wells Waterfall, located in its western part. This original name is associated with the view of the waterfall — a mass of water, falling down, passes through 7 small pools, lingers there for a short time, flowing from one bowl to another, and falls from a 30-meter height. You should definitely swim in at least one of these seven “lakes” — the water is invigorating and refreshing after a long climb up, and the bubbling creates the effect of a Jacuzzi.
27. Cameron Highlands (Pahang State)
Numerous tea plantations in Cameron Highlands or Cameron Highlands in Pahang
Within the state of Pahang, Cameron Highlands is located on a mountain range – the largest resort in Malaysia at an altitude of about 1.5 kilometers above the sea. The territory of the resort was declared a protected area in the 60s of the last century. The area is ideal for outdoor activities — mountain hikes take place in comfortable conditions, the air does not warm up above + 25 degrees. Cameron Highlands has long attracted planters with its temperate, humid climate. The lush green hills are still used by local farms and farms to grow tea and strawberries. Here you can take a tour of the tea production, visit the tea museum, and buy one of the best varieties of tea in the store. Another interesting object in the mountains is the Valley of Roses, which is a multi—stage garden where roses, hibiscus, gladioli, carnations and other plants are grown.
28. Pregnant Maiden Lake (Pulau Dayang Bunting Island)
Cliffs and lush jungles surround the lake of the Pregnant Virgin on one of the islands of the Langkawi archipelago
In the Langkawi archipelago there is one small island — Dayang Bunting, in the center of which is hidden a small azure lake with an unusual name — Lake of the Pregnant Virgin. The reservoir is surrounded by wooded hills, which from above resemble a pregnant woman in their outlines. Several millennia ago, there was a mountain of soft rock on the site of the lake, which was eventually washed away by sea water. Over time, the dome of the mountain collapsed, and a pit was formed, which filled with rainwater. Locals consider the waters of the lake miraculous, and many childless couples rush here in the hope of curing infertility. And all this is due to the legends associated with the lake. For example, one of them tells about a couple who for 19 years could not experience the happiness of parenthood. And only after they drank the water from the magic lake, their cherished dream came true, and the family was replenished.
29. Penang Hill (Penang Island)
Stunning views of the capital Georgetown of Penang Island from the Penang Hill observation deck
Many tours to Penang Island include a visit to Penang Hill Mountain — or rather, not a mountain, but six mountain peaks overgrown with vegetation. An excellent tourist infrastructure has been created in these mountains today — in addition to several observation decks where you can see the panorama of the entire island, there are many unique objects. For example, a Muslim mosque, a Hindu temple, souvenir shops, shops, cafes, an Owl museum with thousands of owl figurines made of a variety of materials. On one of the observation platforms there is the first funicular, built about a century ago. For lovers of solitude, there is another option for relaxing in the mountains — for example, a walk along mountain trails among untouched nature, a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. Or you can go down to the Botanical Gardens, which offers a panorama of the eastern part of the island.
30. Langkawi Sky Bridge (Pulau Langkawi Island)
Langkawi Sky Bridge in Ganung Machinchang Mountains on Pulau Langkawi Island
Advanced engineering achievements have also contributed to the collection of attractions, which have manifested themselves in such structures as the 450-meter twin towers in the south of Kuala Lumpur or the dizzying cable-stayed bridge spanning the picturesque 700-meter-deep gorge on Langkawi Island. And if the towers fit perfectly into the urban panorama of the metropolis, then the bridge is a truly fantastic sight against the background of mountain panoramas. The 125-meter “Heavenly” cable-stayed bridge goes into the sky, plunging into a fog of clouds, and rests on only one metal support, so it is rightfully considered one of the tallest single-support bridges in the world. The entire load is reliably distributed by eight powerful cables that are attached to this support. The views from the Sky Bridge are stunning in their beauty: on one side is the azure of the Andaman Sea, on the other is the splendor of the mountains and the nearest southern islands.
Official website: https://www.panoramalangkawi.com
Read also about the sights of Nepal and plan your further trip to Asia!
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