Malaysia is an enchanting destination where cultural diversity, landscapes and exotic cuisine come together harmoniously. From sandy beaches to lush jungles and ancient temples, this Southeast Asian country offers unforgettable vacations. Let yourself be seduced by the warm hospitality of the locals, the bustling markets and the superb Hindu temples. This Asian country will be one of your fondest travel memories! So, what's there to do in Malaysia? Here are the 15 most beautiful places to see and visit.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's must-visit capital
It's impossible to visit a country without visiting its capital. The great city of Kuala Lumpur, one of Asia's must-see capitals, seems to evolve between modernity and tradition. Among the must-see sights are :
- the Petronas Twin Towers,
- Little India and China Town,
- the KL Communication Tower,
- the Orchid Garden,
- Jalan Bukit Bintang, the kingdom of shopping and food streets.
Buddhist temples, Maoist temples and mosques share the land harmoniously, offering a wide variety of cultural visits. If you can only see one, we recommend the Sri Mahamariamman temple, a true splendor.
Generally speaking, Kuala Lumpur is a great place to live. In fact, if you're thinking of moving abroad, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities in which to expatriate.
2. Malacca, the Venice of Asia
Welcome to the heart of cultural diversity! After 130 years of Portuguese colonization, followed by 150 years of Dutch colonization, the city is adorned with cultures from all horizons. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to pass through Dutch square. With its colorful cartoon bicycle cabs, it's a place that won't go unnoticed! Malacca is also a mecca for street art in Malaysia. As you stroll along, you'll discover superb drawings on the city's facades, generally illustrating scenes from everyday life. At the end of the day, we invite you to admire the view of the Strait of Malacca mosque from the other side of the riverbank. Magnificent!
Visit Malacca on aday trip from Kuala Lumpur, which you can book here, and discover the city's history and taste Malaysian cuisine.
3. Penang, amazing architecture
Color is almost omnipresent in Penang, and we love it! The island has no shortage of charm, offering a veritable voyage of the senses for travelers in awe. During your visit, you'll discover George Town, a multicultural capital still home to many buildings dating back to colonial times. The old town shares the ground with modern skyscrapers, offering a rich cultural discovery. Nearby, the Kek Lok Si temple stands out against a backdrop of nature, more vibrant and colorful than ever. Finally, still in George Town, the former British Fort Cornwallis offers a visit rich in historical events. The perfectly preserved colonial buildings and statues immerse you in the atmosphere and daily life of British governors and civil servants in colonial times. You can also admire 17 cannons, including the Sri Rambai cannon, the largest in the fort.
4. Batu Caves, splendid and mysterious
Just 15 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, it's impossible to miss the mysterious Batu Caves, an extraordinary Hindu treasure. Brightened up by dazzling frescoes depicting deities, they offer an unforgettable spectacle. Here again, color is everywhere, everywhere, everywhere. This grandiose site welcomes visitors with a 43-metre-high golden statue of the god Murugan.
The ascent to the largest cavern, reached by a colossal 272-step coloured staircase, is an adventure in itself. As well as arming yourself with your best breath, you'll be walking alongside mischievous little monkeys. Every year, the Thaipusam Festival, celebrated in the heart of these caves, further intensifies the mystical appeal of this place.
Interested in visiting the Batu Caves? Just book here your half-day visit to the Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur
5. Visit the Perhentian Islands, a little piece of paradise in Malaysia
The Perhentian Islands are made up of Pulau Kecil, the smaller of the two, and Pulau Besar.
On Pulau Kecil, you can bask on the golden sand of Long Beach. Local bars and restaurants will delight you. The nightlife here is very lively, so take note! Would you prefer some peace and quiet? Head for Coral Bay, a place where you can reconnect with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of Long Beach.
Meanwhile, Pulau Besar is the ideal destination for families. Hotels, restaurants and a lively lifestyle await you for an idyllic (and peaceful!) vacation.
6. Gunung Mulu National Park, an unusual visit to Malaysia
Gunung Mulu National Park, located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, is a natural wonder of exceptional beauty. Famous for its karst formations, immense caves and biodiversity, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a must-see for lovers of beautiful landscapes!
The Sarawak Grotto, the largest of them all, is almost 600 metres long and houses some astonishing rock formations. Want to explore this natural paradise? Follow the well-maintained trails, which offer breathtaking views of the lush canopy. Trekking and caving enthusiasts are in for a real treat!
7. Pangkor Island, a quiet natural treasure
The word Pangkor means "beautiful island"... It lives up to its name magnificently, as superb dream beaches can be found on Pangkor Island, located off the Lumut coast. Take your time to enjoy the beaches, with a swim or a stroll with your feet in the water. A wide range of water sports are also available:
- scuba diving,
- snorkeling, jet-skiing
- jet-skiing,
- banana boats,
- parasailing, etc.
Then visit the Dutch fortress, a colonial relic. The wild jungle is also waiting to welcome you, for a more in-depth and authentic visit to the island.
8. Tioman Island, splendid seabed
On Tioman Island, tropical rainforest meets coconut palms, fine sandy beaches and azure blue waters. The result? A breathtaking landscape! Nestled in the heart of the South China Sea, it offers a pleasant setting for spending a few days in peace and quiet. In particular, Juara beach is much quieter than other, more touristy beaches. Looking for a change of scene? Climb aboard a water cab. It's the perfect short, unusual trip!
Tioman Island is above all a paradise for lovers of the beautiful underwater world. Snorkelling is a great option for observing coral and exotic fish, but we recommend anexcursion to Coral Island. A pure marvel! If you stay long enough, you can also trek through the jungle, or follow the many hiking trails.
9. Langkawi Island and its idyllic beaches
Langkawi Island is a tropical pearl surrounded by beaches. It offers a breathtaking landscape, where the crystal-clear waters of the Strait of Malacca meet lush vegetation. You can explore the legendary SkyBridge, suspended between mountains and offering breathtaking panoramic views. Nature lovers can lose themselves in the mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, while history buffs can visit the Mahsuri Museum. Immerse yourself in local tales! A short trip to Cenang beach is the perfect end to this excursion.
Explore Langkawi's mangroves, discover exotic plants and different animal species ona 4-hour guided boat tour that you can book right here .
10. Cameron Highlands, a complete change of scenery
This place is a real favorite! Greenery as far as the eye can see, but nothing like the green pastures you're used to in France. In the Cameron Highlands, the landscape seems fragmented, the soil seems fragmented, offering superb cameos of green... These are tea plantations as far as the eye can see, shaping the landscape to create a fairytale atmosphere. In these deep Malaysian lands, man has shaped nature without destroying it. The place is hilly, the ground seeming to twist at times in astonishing ways. The atmosphere is a little magical, and resolutely magnificent! Book your guided day trip to the Cameron Highlandshere and visit a tea plantation, a strawberry farm and a waterfall.
The icing on the cake : it's a little cooler than in the capital and other very tropical parts of Malaysia.
Would you like to stay a few days in the area? Don't hesitate to book a room at the Cameron Highlands Resort, so you can put down your bags and explore this lovely area on your own.
11. Mount Kinabalu, a magical climb in Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu lies at the heart of Kinabalu National Park. The Park itself is superb. The main points of interest can be visited on a guided tour. If you're feeling brave, you can climb to the top of the mountain: Low's Peak. The climb itself presents no particular difficulty, except for the final, more arduous section. Allow two days and one night to reach the summit (yes, a view like this has to be earned!). If possible, plan your itinerary so that you're at the summit of Mount Kinabalu by sunrise... The natural and colorful spectacle before you is a pure wonder, an enchantment that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
12. The Kinabatangan River, discovered by boat
Take a boat trip along Sabah's longest river, located in Kinabatangan National Park. Arm yourself with your best camera, as the ecosystem is very rich, hosting wild animals that you'll rarely see in their natural habitat. The Asian elephant, for example, is an endangered species rarely seen today. Along the way, you may also spot Sumatran rhinoceroses, snakes and monkeys. In the mood for a little thrill and the unknown? This tour can be done at night!
To get the most out of your visit to the National Park, you can opt for a tour package. These usually include a boat trip on the river anda jungle hike.
13. Kuala Selangor, a jewel in the mangroves
Slow travelers, you've found the place to be in Kuala Selangor! Get off the tourist trail and discover a small paradise where nature still reigns supreme. Although man has settled here, it's mainly plantations of coconut, rubber and cocoa trees that populate the area. Continue your short excursion eastwards towards Kampung Kuantan. From here, you'll be able to observe a magical sight: thousands of fireflies that delight you with their ballet in the evening.
14. Taman Negara National Park, in the heart of the rainforest
Certainly one of Malaysia's best-known national parks! Covering more than 4,000 m², the virgin forest of Taman Negara National Park has been flourishing for millions of years. While it's possible to plan this excursion yourself, we recommend that you enlist the help of a guide. Whether you prefer to follow the tourist trails or stray from them to make the most of the wildlife, a guide will be a great help. Away from the crowds, you have every chance of spotting tigers, elephants, leopards and other animal species. The flora and fauna are varied in these ancestral lands, which promise you an out-of-the-ordinary excursion.
Book your day trip to Taman Negara National Park from Kuala Lumpurhere : you'll discover one of the world's oldest tropical forests and experience the thrill of walking on a suspension bridge.
15. Traditional houses of indigenous tribes
Direction Sarawak, whose capital is Kuching. In the heart of this land, indigenous tribes still live in their traditional houses. These long houses are made up of several apartments, divided between different families. Here, authentic life is preserved as far as possible. The inhabitants, the Dayaks, are extremely welcoming people. Far from wanting to live in seclusion, they are delighted to welcome visitors and share their culture. This cultural mix is fascinating, offering a day rich in discovery and emotion. It's sure to be one of your most memorable and authentic vacations.
We invite you to discover the Sarawak Cultural Village, a veritable living museum. Every year, the Rainforest Music Festival is held here for several days.
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
There are two things you need to know when you go to Malaysia:
- It's hot all year round.
- The climate is very humid.
Generally speaking, it rains a little every day, but mostly at the end of the day. However, the country is regularly swept by heavy monsoons. So it's a good idea to plan ahead! The months of October to January are not recommended. The rains are violent there, and this will affect the quality of your trip. If you're planning a trip to the east coast, that's where you'll have the least chance of rain, from February to September. If possible, give preference to July, Malaysia's most favorable weather month, as the air temperature will rarely fall below 28° in the country, whatever the season.
Good news : the water is very good, at least 26° all year round.
What to do in Malaysia in 15 days
Now you're ready for the trip of a lifetime! Sure, it'll be hot, but I promise you, it'll be worth it!
Day 1-2: Kuala Lumpur
During your visit to the capital, admire the famous Petronas Twin Towers. Then take time to visit Kuala Lumpur's historic district, with the old railway station, Merdeka Square and the Masjid Jamek mosque. We recommend staying overnight to enjoy the lively nightlife of Bukit Bintang. Don't leave without seeing the nearby Batu Caves!
Day 3-4: Malacca
In Malacca, stroll through the historic Jonker Street district. Full of history, it's a gateway to Malaysian culture. Keep the momentum going with a visit to the Baba Nyonya Museum, to learn more about local history. How about a little break? Head for the Melaka River for a relaxing break.
Day 5-6: Cameron Highlands
Set course for the verdant Cameron Highlands! Stroll through tea plantations and breathtaking scenery. Take the opportunity to hike Mossy Forest, before visiting the butterfly farm and Brinchang night market.
Day 7-8: Penang (George Town)
Explore the old town of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a glimpse of modern life, coupled with the charm of the old. We also recommend a visit to Gurney Drive, to sample its famous street food. Finally, a visit to the Kek Lok Si temple is a must, before enjoying the view from Penang Hill.
Days 9-10: Langkawi
Here, nature surrounds you in a bubble of serenity. Fine sandy beaches invite you to relax, while the Kilim Karst Geoforest National Park opens the way to superb landscapes. Take the Langkawi cable car for panoramic views.
Day 11-12: Perhentian Islands
What a pleasure to enjoy aquatic life in such warm waters! On the program: snorkeling or scuba diving, combined with some relaxation on the white sandy beaches.
Day 13-14: Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)
In Sabah, you can explore the filipino market of Kota Kinabalu and take a boat trip. The most courageous will dare to climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
Day 15: Return to Kuala Lumpur
Free time! Take advantage of this time to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing, before catching your return flight to France.
What's your budget for 2 weeks in Malaysia?
For a two-week trip to Malaysia, it's reasonable to plan an average budget of around €2,000 per person, covering all expenses. Of course, this may vary according to the way you travel: type of accommodation, how you eat, how you get around, etc. Flights represent a significant part of the budget, with tickets ranging from €500 to €900 per person. For other expenses such as accommodation, meals, local transport, activities and souvenirs, an additional budget of €1,000 to €1,500 should be considered.
A vacation in Malaysia is sure to leave you with many wonderful memories. The culture here is as rich as it is varied, transporting the traveler into a world of exoticism. Enjoy nature, temples, culture and all the wonders of the country. Even though it's hot and humid, you'll come away with stars in your eyes!
Tempted by a vacation in Malaysia? Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurance here , and leave with peace of mind!
