The 12 most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia

Are you going to visit Malaysia? You're lucky! Here are the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia!

Less frequented than its Thai neighbour, Malaysia still has many advantages to attracting travellers. This country, little known, is actually split into two territories seven hundred kilometres away, with a western part — located between the Thailand and Singapore — and an island part, north of the island of Borneo. This geographical feature largely explains the religious and cultural diversity of Malaysia.

With nearly thirty-two million inhabitants, Malaysia is also distinguished from its neighbours because of the influence of Islam, its still very present colonial past (Portuguese, Dutch and English) and various Asian footprints (Chinese, Malay, Indian).

Luxuriant primary forest, exceptional seabed, state-of-the-art capital, grandiose cultural and religious architecture, so there are all tastes and desires in Malaysia. To such a point that it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. So, to guide you, here is our selection of the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur will certainly be your gateway to Malaysia. With nearly two million inhabitants, the great capital of the country offers a unique and sometimes surprising mix of modernity and tradition. Start your discovery by the Petronas tower , national pride, was 451 meters high on 88 floors, which were the highest towers in the world. Then stop at the KL communication tower, also known as the Menara Tower and admire the breathtaking view of the city, from a platform located more than 276 meters from the ground.

Visiting Malaysia is also discovering and understanding the different religions that make up it. A visit to the mosques Masjid Negara and therefore Masjid Jamek imposes himself. The Indian Temple Sri Mahamariamman is also worth a look. Afterwards, go to admire the national theatre and take a walk Museum of Islamic Art .

Take the time to stroll around the charming neighborhood Kampung Baru and in the busy streets of Little India and Chinatown. Would you like to bring back some memories in your suitcases? Direction the famous Jalan Street Bukit Bintang. You can go shopping, eat a piece, but also enjoy the festive atmosphere of the neighbourhood at night.

2. The caves of Batu

Located only ten kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur and accessible by train, we admire the largest Hindu sanctuary outside India. Created in limestone hills, this iconic site is especially known for its huge golden statue of the Hindu god Murugan and its 272 steps that allow access to the main cave. At the beginning of each year, more than a million Hindus come to pay tribute to Shiva’s youngest son.

Other smaller caves are also worth a visit and especially the one where the Ramayana temple is located. For the most adventurous of you, know that it is possible to borrow one of the climbing trails in the caves.

3. Malacca

Ranked by Unesco in the World Heritage of Humanity, the “Vice of Asia” is considered one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Malaysia. Walk through the alleys of Malacca and discover the many colonial influences that have marked the oldest port city in the country.

To better understand the different religious influences that characterize Malaysia, stop the three main religious buildings in the city, the mosque Kampung Kling , the Cheng Hoon Teng temple and the church of Christ. Finish Malacca's visit with her night market and admire the sunset on the floating mosque Masjid Selat . A dazzling landscape, worthy of the tales of the Mille and one night.

4. The Cameron Highlands

If you are looking for a little freshness, take the direction of Cameron Highlands . These high plateaus, where tea is grown, are more than 1,400 metres above sea level. The region, with an emerald green, offers breathtaking landscapes on tea plantations, as well as many activities, which will delight the great and the small. Do not hesitate to leave in trek in the mossy Forest or to enjoy a cup of Boh tea, the most popular tea in Malaysia, cultivated on Cameron Highlands lands for more than one hundred and thirty years.

5. Georgetown

Located on the island of Penang and listed by Unesco on the World Heritage List, Georgetown is a must-see place to visit in Malaysia. Considered as the country’s culinary capital, the city has a surprising architecture, marked by the different colonizations, as well as the influence of Chinese culture.

A true city-galerie, the walls of Georgetown are full of graffiti and works of all kinds. The district also houses the Khoo Kongsi temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to venture beyond the mythical neighborhood, you can also prolong your visit to the island of Penang and discover the many Buddhist temples, you walk to the botanical garden or admire the incredible view of the jungle and the city from the hill of Penang.

6. Tioman Island

If you are lovers of paradise beaches and authentic nature, go to the beautiful island of Tioman, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the country. Located in the China Sea and renowned for its seabed — protected by its status as a marine park — the island of Tioman is the ideal place to practice diving or snorkelling and to become acquainted with extremely rare fish, such as Napoleon’s fish.

But the charm of the island is not summed up to its beaches. The interior of the island, classified as a nature reserve, will offer you beautiful discoveries such as the tropical forest and the exceptional animals that live it. You'll be delighted.

7. The Perhentian Islands

Little corner of paradise located on the east coast of Malaysia, Perhentian Islands are a must to visit in Malaysia. White sand and turquoise sea await you, for long afternoons of farniente on the beach Flora Bay .

Once well rested, you will have the choice between a trek in the virgin forest or a diving session to discover breathtaking seabeds. You will cross turtles, fish, corals, and even a few sharks. You will necessarily fall under the charm of the Perhentian Islands.

8. Langkawi Island

More known and frequented than Tioman or Perhentians, island Langkawi , located in the Andaman Sea, offers its visitors an exceptional natural environment. White sand, coconut trees, and lush nature invite to relaxation and contemplation.

Do not be surprised if, at the turn of your walks on the beach, you meet a varan, a swimmer macaque or a sea otter. Ranked as a geoparc by Unesco, Langkawi is indeed full of exceptional fauna and flora. The island is also known for its huge suspended bridge and its impressive cable car .

9. Gunung Mulu National Park

Are you looking for one of the most beautiful national parks to visit in Malaysia? Opt for the park Gunung Mulu . Located in the middle of the Borneo jungle, access is only possible by the air. The park biodiversity is exceptional, as it houses more than three thousand hundred and five species of different plants.

Inscribed to Unesco’s world heritage since 2,000, Gunung Mulu National Park offers its visitors fascinating landscapes, composed of limestone pinacles and gigantic caves. These include millions of bats and salanganes of caves, which, at dusk, fly away by clouds to the jungle. A magical moment not to miss!

10. Mount Kinabalu

Also located on the island of Borneo in the state of Sabah, the highest peak in Southeast Asia (4,095 m) dominates the island. Kinabalu National Park , ranked as the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional biodiversity. Treks enthusiasts will be able to climb and enjoy a breathtaking landscape on the surrounding jungle and the turquoise blue sea.

To do this, you will have to make use of the private company in charge of excursions on the mountain. It is indeed forbidden to go there alone and the number of daily visitors is limited. For the least athletic, there are beautiful walks to make in the jungle around Mount Kinabalu. They will give you the opportunity to discover the fauna and flora of the beautiful island of Borneo.

11. Pangkor Island

If you are looking for a small authentic island near Kuala Lumpur, visit the island Pangkor . Beautiful quiet beaches, a lush jungle, few tourist buildings, the island of Pangkor offers landscapes out of time, in an absolute calm. Some activities are proposed on the island, but the main occupation remains the relaxation on hammocks and other swings suspended on the beach.

12. Kuala Selangor

A nice place to visit in Malaysia with a family? Kuala Selangor is the ideal destination. Just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, you will embark for a walk along the Selangor River, to admire the thousands of lights that scintillate in the night through the mangrove. A magical experience that will delight the whole family.