The 9 best things to do in Malaysia

Situated in Southeast Asia with an interesting geography and cultural mix, Malaysia makes a unique holiday destination. Occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, its cultural influences are Malay, Chinese, Indian and European.


Whether it’s a quick stop over in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, or you have longer to explore Malaysia’s fabulous islands, beaches and rainforests, this will be a trip to remember. These are our suggestions for 9 of the best things to do in Malaysia, for every kind of traveller.

Cultural tours

Visit the Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are one of the most famous tourist spots in Malaysia, and a must-do for your trip, especially since they’re an easy 13-kilometre train journey from Kuala Lumpur. The 47-metre-tall gold statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan is a truly impressive sight, set against the backdrop of limestone cliffs at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The four limestone caves, Temple Cave, Dark Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave are reached via a set of 272 colourfully painted steps. Don’t be put off by the climb; there's every reason to stop and take photos on your way up and once you reach the caves you’ll be rewarded by the beautiful Hindu artwork inside. 

Inside the caves you’ll find temples and shrines as well as a colony of macaque monkeys. Keep a close eye on your belongings or you might lose them to one of these cheeky characters.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the Batu Caves for the festival of Thaipusam during January and February each year.  You may prefer to avoid the crowds, but witnessing the eight-hour procession of music and ceremony with the festivalgoers dressed in orange and yellow is something quite special.

Admire the Ubudiah Mosque

The magnificent Ubudiah Mosque in the town of Kuala Kangsar may be one of the most beautiful mosques you’ll ever see, with its opulent architectural mix of gold domes and white marble. 

Located in the Perak state in the northwest of the peninsula, Kuala Kangsar is one of Malaysia’s royal capitals and the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Idris Shah. Visitors are allowed inside but you must be dressed appropriately, in long sleeves and headscarves for women. 

A visit to Kuala Kangsar provides a good opportunity to learn more about the Malay culture as well as see the influence of British colonialism. Takes some time to visit the Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah which houses an interesting collection of photographs and memorabilia.

For the foodies 

Eating in George Town

Among the top things to do in Malaysia has to be enjoying the local eateries and culinary experiences. George Town on the island of Penang is where you’ll find some of the world’s best street food. 
The island’s multicultural capital is famous for its British colonial buildings, colourful street art and pristine beaches. There’s a lot to see and do in Penang, you’ll be glad to have so many good options for eating and drinking to fuel you on your adventures. Better still, make the food the adventure and give yourself plenty of time to explore the food markets, sample local specialty dishes like laksa and curry noodles and check out the hawker stalls. You’ll eat like a king at a pocket-friendly price. Just remember to be careful where and what you eat. 

Take afternoon tea 

The very British tradition of afternoon high tea may seem a strange thing to include on a list of things to do in Malaysia, but this is all part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Cameron Highlands in the district of Pehang, sit 2000m above sea level and is home to tea plantations and strawberry farms. This is the place to come to escape the heat and hustle and bustle of the city and sit back and relax just like the British colonialists who established the tea plantations a hundred years ago.

There are several choices of where to go for tea and many of the tea houses and plantations offer tours. The Boh Tea plantation at Habu sits on a hilltop and has one of the best views of the lush green terraces. 

Adventure activities

Snorkelling the islands 

With its clear waters and amazing marine life, Malaysia is the perfect place to go snorkelling. You’ll find beautiful coral reefs all along the coastline and the islands offer some of the very best snorkelling spots with the chance to see clownfish, starfish and sea turtles.

You’ll find some of Malaysia’s best snorkelling in Sabah on the island of Borneo with Mabul Island, Sipadan Island and Tun Sakaran Marine Park amongst the top picks. The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Kecil and Pulau Besar) on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula also provide a fantastic experience. Many of the reefs are close to the surface of the water making them easy to reach and suitable for beginners. Take a guided trip to make the most of your time.

Jungle treks

For the ultimate outdoor adventure, include a jungle trek on your to-do list while you’re in Malaysia. You can choose what level you take this to, whether it be a short walk in the rainforest or a mountain climb. 

If you’re in the Cameron Highlands taking tea, you’ll also find some good hiking trails, and the cooler climate here can make for a more enjoyable experience. Similarly, if you’re visiting the Batu Caves you could also opt for an easy one-to-two-hour jungle trek in Templer Park just a few kilometres from the caves. You’ll find beautiful waterfalls and swimming spots but, again, keep an eye out for those monkeys!

If you’re feeling intrepid, head to Danum Valley in East Sabah, Borneo and into the heart of the jungle. The dipterocarp forest is over 130 million years old, and some parts are still unmapped. Scientists come here to study the many species of flora and fauna and if you’re lucky you’ll spot wild orangutans.

City experiences

Sightseeing and shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Your visit to Malaysia wouldn’t be complete without at least one day spent in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur checking out the famous sights.

The Petronas Twin Towers are the city’s most recognisable landmark, standing 88 storeys high and made from steel and glass. The towers are connected by a skybridge, forming the shape of an “M” for Malaysia. In contrast to this ultra-modern architecture stand the very grand Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the King's Palace (Istana Negara) which serves as the official residence of the supreme King of Malaysia.

If shopping if your thing then you’ve come to the right city. Go bargain hunting in Chinatown’s Petaling Street, at the Taman Connaught Night Market or one of the many city malls.

Nature & wildlife encounters

See the Sun Bears

From the jungles to the ocean, you don’t have to go far to find wildlife in Malaysia and the country is estimated to contain 20% of the world's animal species. The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah provides a unique opportunity to see one of the world’s most endangered animals. 

Named for the golden patch of fur on their chests, Sun Bears are the smallest bears in the world and only found in Southeast Asia. They are threatened by forest degradation and illegal hunting. The centre cares for bears rescued from captivity and facilitates their rehabilitation back into the wild. You can view them in their natural habitat via the elevated walkways and viewing platforms above a large forest enclosure. 

Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park

Take an evening tour to Kuala Selangor, 55kms northwest of Kuala Lumpur to experience this natural wonder. Enjoy a river cruise and watch as thousands of fireflies light up the mangroves along the Selangor River. There are several options for boat tours with dinner included and cruising aboard a sampan, a traditional non-motorised wooden boat, allows you to get up close without disturbing the insects. 

Timing your visit to Malaysia