Things to do in Malaysia

25 things to do in Malaysia

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Climb Mount Kinabalu

  Summit the highest peak in Southeast Asia, ascending through misty cloud forests at dawn for breathtaking Borneo panoramas.

  Sabah

• Explore the Mulu Caves

  Venture into the vast Deer Cave and Lang's Cave, watching millions of bats spiral out at dusk in Gunung Mulu National Park.

  Sarawak

• Dive with sea turtles at Sipadan Island

  Plunge into crystal-clear waters off Sipadan, one of the world's top dive sites, encountering swirling barracuda and hawksbill turtles.

  Sabah

• See orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

  Watch rescued orangutans swing through the forest during feeding time, a heartwarming window into Borneo's wildlife conservation.

  Sabah

• Walk the Langkawi Sky Bridge

  Stroll across this curved cable-stayed bridge high above Gunung Mat Cincang, with sweeping views of rainforest-clad islands and turquoise sea.

  Kedah

• Trek in Taman Negara rainforest

  Hike beneath towering dipterocarps in one of the world's oldest rainforests, crossing the world's longest canopy walkway suspended 40m above the ground.

  Pahang

• Visit Cameron Highlands tea plantations

  Wander through emerald-green tea bushes at Sungei Palas Boh Estate, breathing cool highland air and tasting fresh-brewed tea overlooking rolling hills.

  Pahang

• Relax on Perhentian Islands beaches

  Unwind on the powdery white sands of Long Beach, snorkelling straight from shore over coral gardens in water as clear as a swimming pool.

  Terengganu

• Snorkel at Redang Island

  Float above vibrant reefs in the marine park, spotting clownfish, reef sharks and, if lucky, the resident green turtles of Pasir Panjang.

  Terengganu

• Feast at Jalan Alor night market

  Savour smoke-kissed satay, char kway teow and grilled stingray amid the neon-lit bustle of Kuala Lumpur's most famous food street.

  Kuala Lumpur

• Sample Penang street food at Gurney Drive

  Dig into char koay teow, rojak and cendol at the seafront hawker centre, the epicentre of Penang's legendary culinary scene.

  Penang

• Taste Assam Laksa at Air Itam Market

  Slurp the iconic sweet-sour fish noodle soup at its birthplace, a humble Penang market stall surrounded by the scent of fresh spices and shrimp paste.

  Penang

• Sample Nasi Lemak at Village Park Restaurant

  Relish the country's unofficial national dish at this Petaling Jaya institution, where fragrant coconut rice comes with a perfectly fried chicken leg.

  Selangor

• Feast on durians at SS2 Durian Street

  Join the enthusiastic crowds in Petaling Jaya during durian season, cracking open Musang King and D24 cultivars straight from the back of a lorry.

  Selangor

• Visit Batu Caves

  Ascend the rainbow-coloured 272 steps to this Hindu shrine, where golden statues and ancient limestone chambers create an otherworldly atmosphere.

  Selangor

• Explore George Town's street art

  Wander the UNESCO-listed old town hunting for whimsical wrought-iron caricatures and Ernest Zacharevic's famous murals, with history peeking from every shophouse.

  Penang

• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

  Marvel at Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple, especially during Chinese New Year when thousands of lanterns transform the hillside into a glowing mosaic.

  Penang

• Discover Sarawak Cultural Village

  Step into authentic longhouses and watch blowpipe demonstrations at this living museum that showcases the traditions of Sarawak's diverse indigenous groups.

  Sarawak

• Attend the George Town Festival

  Immerse yourself in a month-long celebration of arts, music and theatre that transforms Penang's heritage streets into a vibrant stage every July.

  Penang

• Admire Melaka's Dutch Square

  Gaze at the terracotta-red Stadthuys and Christ Church, snap selfies by the Queen Victoria Fountain, and feel the layers of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial history.

  Melaka

• Visit A Famosa fortress

  Touch the weathered stones of Porta de Santiago, the only remnant of a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, standing silent amid Melaka’s lively streets.

  Melaka

• Explore the Penang Peranakan Mansion

  Step into a meticulously restored Baba-Nyonya home filled with antique furniture, intricate woodwork and glittering heirlooms that tell the story of Straits Chinese culture.

  Penang

• Learn about WWII at Penang War Museum

  Roam the abandoned fort-turned-museum on Batu Maung hill, exploring dark tunnels, barracks and pillboxes that recall the island's wartime defence.

  Penang

• Admire the Petronas Twin Towers up close at KLCC Park

  Stand beneath the shimmering 452m towers, stroll across the wading pool bridge, and catch the synchronised evening light show reflected in the lake.

  Kuala Lumpur

• Shop and dine along Bukit Bintang's vibrant streets

  Plunge into Kuala Lumpur's premier shopping and entertainment belt, where mega malls, speakeasies and alfresco cafes hum late into the night.

  Kuala Lumpur