Top 20 Things to Do in Malaysia: Must-See Attractions & Experiences

02.12.2025

Malaysia is a bustling place with modern cities, exotic islands, beautiful jungles, a rich culture, and delicious food that will leave every traveler with memories that will last a lifetime. This guide covers the 20 best things to do in Malaysia, including historic structures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as stunning beaches and fun adventures. It will help you plan the best trip to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, Borneo, and other places.

1. Visit the Renowned Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Twin Towers are the most famous buildings in Malaysia and a must-see for everybody who goes to Kuala Lumpur. The 88-story towers that gleam in the sky are the most important component of the skyline. They are the right combination of modern buildings, high-end experiences, and cultural charm. Visitors can wander around KLCC Park to witness spectacular vistas, check out Suria KLCC's high-end stores and restaurants, and head to the Skybridge and Observation Deck to see the city from above. The bustling environment, the lights at night, and the world-class entertainment options make this a terrific place for families, couples, and adults to have fun.

Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Go to the Skybridge and Observation Deck
• The KLCC Lake Symphony Light Show is a lot of fun.
• Eat and shop at Suria KLCC.
• Check out KLCC Park and its photo spots.

Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur: KLCC Park, Suria KLCC, Aquaria KLCC, and the KLCC Lake Symphony

Tip for Travelers: Buy Skybridge tickets online to get the time you choose and skip the lines.

2. Visit the Batu Caves in Selangor

Batu Caves is one of Malaysia's most famous cultural and spiritual sites. People come to see its stunning limestone cliffs, colorful temples, and the huge golden statue of Lord Murugan. The 272 multicolored steps lead to a cave that looks like a cathedral and is full of natural formations and Hindu shrines. It's both a spiritual trip and a fun place to behold. Travelers can also visit the artistic Cave Villa, the Dark Cave's old rock formations, and picturesque overlooks that provide a nice break from the busy center of Kuala Lumpur.

Things to Do in Selangor, Malaysia

• Climb the 272 steps that look like rainbows.
• Go to the Temple Cave and the Hindu shrines.
• Go on an instructive eco-tour of the Dark Cave.
• Take a picture of the famous Lord Murugan statue.

Tourist Attractions Near Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves, Ramayana Cave, Dark Cave, Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge

Tip for Travelers: Wear clothes that aren't too revealing, and get there early to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.

3. Find out about Penang's UNESCO Heritage Streets in George Town.

George Town is a lively cultural center and one of the best destinations in Malaysia to see heritage, architecture, and world-famous food. Colonial-era structures, Chinese shophouses, beautiful temples, and interactive street art that has become famous throughout the world adorn its colorful streets. The city's cuisine culture is hard to resist, with famous specialties including Penang laksa, char kway teow, and nasi kandar. George Town is one of the best places to visit in Penang, Malaysia. You may walk down Armenian Street, visit the Clan Jetties, or hop from café to café through hidden lanes.

Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

• Take the Penang street art trail
• Visit the heritage boutiques on Armenian Street.
• Go to Clan Jetties and old temples.
• Try the well-known street food in Penang.Tip for Travelers

Tourist Attractions in Penang: Armenian Street, Clan Jetties, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and Little India

Tip for Travelers: You can rent a bike or walk around George Town's small streets.

4. Take a ride on the Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge.

The Langkawi SkyCab takes travelers to the top of Mount Mat Cincang, passing over emerald rainforests and mountain peaks along the way. It is one of the most beautiful experiences in Malaysia. The SkyBridge, a circular walkway that hangs between two hills, gives you the best 360° views of Langkawi's islands, verdant valleys, and blue sea. It's a wonderful experience that couples, families, and thrill-seekers will never forget when they visit Langkawi. The Oriental Village nearby also has shops, cafes, and family activities, making it a full day out.

Things to Do in Langkawi, Malaysia

• Take the SkyCab cable car
• Cross the SkyBridge on foot
• Visit Oriental Village
• Enjoy the decks on Mount Mat Cincang

Tip for Travelers:  Before you travel, check the weather. Clear skies are the best for seeing things.

Tourist Attractions in Langkawi: SkyCab, SkyBridge, Oriental Village, and Mount Mat Cincang

5. Visit Malacca City to see its historical charm

Malacca is one of Malaysia's most interesting places to visit because of its long history and cultural diversity. It has a magnificent mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. The streets that are on the UNESCO list are lined with bright red houses, old ruins, and busy markets like the famed Jonker Street Night Market. The Malacca River contributes to the beauty of the city with its colorful paintings and riverfront cafés. Attractions like A Famosa, St. Paul's Hill, and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple show off the city's rich history. A great place for families, those who enjoy culture, and people who like to explore.

Things to Do in Malacca, Malaysia

• Walk around Jonker Street and the Night Market 
• Go to Dutch Square and Stadthuys 
• Take a cruise on the Malacca River 
• Climb St. Paul's Hill

Tourist Attractions in Malacca: The main attractions in Malacca include Jonker Street, Dutch Square, A Famosa, and a cruise on the Malacca River.

Tip for Travelers: To get the most out of the Jonker Street market, go on the weekends.

6. Experience the Rainforest Canopy Walk in Taman Negara.

Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It has a lot of different plants and animals, historic jungle sceneries, and exciting eco-adventures. The Canopy Walkway is the best part of this place. It's a system of suspension bridges high above the forest floor that offers amazing views of the trees, animals, and the green mossy canopy. People can also go on river cruises, night safaris, jungle treks, and visits to the Orang Asli community. It's one of the most unique things to do in Malaysia, and it's great for anyone who enjoys nature and adventure.

Things to Do in Taman Negara, Malaysia

• Take a river swift boat ride 
• Walk the famed Canopy Walkway 
• Go on a night jungle safari 
• Visit Orang Asli settlements

Tourist Attractions in Taman Negara: Lubuk Simpan, Tahan River, and the Orang Asli Village are all on the canopy walkway

Tip for Travelers: Wear the right shoes for hiking and bring bug spray because the ground can be slick.

7. Go to the Beautiful Perhentian Islands in Terengganu

The Perhentian Islands are one of the most stunning beach locations in Malaysia. They have clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and soft white sand beaches. These islands are a wonderful way to get away from the city, whether you're snorkeling with turtles, diving with reef sharks, or just relaxing at a seaside café. Long Beach is great for nightlife and water sports. Perhentian Kecil and Besar, on the other hand, have a different mood that works for both families and budget travelers. This tropical paradise has some of the top things for couples and adults to do in Malaysia.

Things to Do in Terengganu, Malaysia

• Go snorkeling with turtles and reef fish 
• Watch the sunset from Long Beach 
• Go diving at Tokong Laut 
• Kayak between Kecil and Besar islands

Tourist Attractions in Terengganu: Perhentian Kecil, Perhentian Besar, Long Beach, and Turtle Bay

Tip for Travelers: Between March and October is the best time to go because the islands are closed during the monsoon season.

8. Find out all about Ipoh's charming old town.

Ipoh is one of Malaysia's most underrated places to visit since it has colonial charm, natural beauty, and a lively cuisine scene. Visitors can walk down well-preserved heritage streets, street art alleys, and limestone cave temples such as Perak Tong and Kek Lok Tong. White coffee, traditional bakeries, and famous delicacies like bean sprout chicken are also things that the city is known for. Ipoh is a great place to spend time with family or as a couple because it is refreshing and full of culture. 

Things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia

• Go to Concubine Lane 
• Visit the Perak Tong and Kek Lok Tong caverns 
• Drink Ipoh's white coffee. 
• Walk through the street art lanes in Old Town

Tourist Attractions in Ipoh: Concubine Lane, Perak Tong, Kellie's Castle, and Old Town Street Art are all places to see.

Tip for travelers: The best time to visit Ipoh's cafés and heritage streets is in the morning, before the crowd shows up.

9. Visit Johor Bahru Theme and Wildlife Parks

Johor Bahru has a lot of exciting and fun activities to do for families and world-class amusement parks, making it one of the best destinations in Malaysia to go with kids. The largest draw is still LEGOLAND Malaysia, which has water parks, roller coasters, and attractions based on LEGO. People who enjoy nature can go to the Johor Zoo, and people who love shopping and eating can check out the fashionable cafés and stores in the city. It's a great place for families to go in Malaysia if they want to have fun.

Things to Do in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

• Take a day off to go to LEGOLAND Malaysia.
• Go to the Johor Zoo
• Check out the cafes on Jalan Dhoby
• Go shopping at Johor Premium Outlets

Tourist Attractions in Johor Bahru: LEGOLAND, Johor Zoo, Jalan Dhoby, and Premium Outlets

Tip for Travelers: Get better deals by buying passes that work for both LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park.

10. Take a ride on the beautiful cable car in Genting Highlands.

Genting Highlands is a popular vacation and leisure spot with pleasant weather, beautiful mountain vistas, and many things to do for families and adults. The Awana SkyWay cable car ride is a must-do activity. It gives you a great perspective of the lush mountains and the famous Chin Swee Temple. There are casinos, theme parks, high-end shopping, and great places to eat at the top. It's one of the top things to do in Malaysia, especially for tourists who want to have a fun day trip from Kuala Lumpur.

Things to Do in Genting Highlands, Malaysia

• Take a ride on the Awana SkyWay
• Go to the Chin Swee Caves Temple
• Check out SkyAvenue Mall
• Have fun at indoor theme parks

Tourist Attractions in Genting Highlands: Awana SkyWay, Chin Swee Temple, SkyAvenue, and Skytropolis Theme Park

Tip for Travelers: It can get cold outside, so bring a light jacket.

11. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Malacca. 

Malacca (Melaka) is one of the most interesting historical cities in Malaysia since it has a rich colonial history, a lively culture, and famous buildings. Jonker Street is the main street in the city. It has antique shops, local restaurants, cafés, and one-of-a-kind retailers. Visitors can see famous sites like the Dutch Square, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and A Famosa Fortress, or take a river cruise to see the city's colorful appeal. Melaka is a great place for families, couples, and history buffs to visit because it has a nice balance of culture and fun.

Things to do in Malacca, Malaysia

• Walk down Jonker Street 
• See Dutch Square and Christ Church 
• Take a cruise on the Malacca River 
• Go to A Famosa Fortress

Tourist Attractions in Malacca: Jonker Street, Dutch Square, A Famosa, and the Malacca River

Tip for travelers: Come on the weekends to see the busy Jonker Street Night Market.

12. Relax on the beaches of Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast is a top beach destination with high-end resorts, a stunning coastline, and fun activities to do with the whole family. Desaru is the perfect place to rest and have fun at the same time. It has clean beaches, water parks, golf courses, and spa retreats. People who come here can enjoy beach activities, explore mangrove woods, or spend the day at the well-known Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast. The beaches are safe, and the resorts are big, so it's a great place for families to visit in Malaysia.

Things to Do in Desaru, Malaysia

• Relax on Desaru Beach 
• Have fun at Adventure Waterpark 
• Visit the Desaru Fruit Farm 
• Go to the mangrove forest

Tourist Attractions in Desaru: Adventure Waterpark, Desaru Beach, a fruit farm, and a mangrove center

Tip for Travelers: Desaru Coast is a great place to stay in a premium beach resort. Make your reservations early on weekends.

13. Visit the Cultural Villages of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)

Borneo has a lot of native cultures and a lot of different types of plants and animals. Visitors visiting Sabah and Sarawak can see traditional longhouses, watch tribal dance performances, and visit cultural villages that give them a deeper understanding of Malaysia's history. Mari Mari Cultural Village and Sarawak Cultural Village are two places that show off old traditions, native crafts, and indigenous ways of life. This is one of the most unique activities to do in Malaysia, and it's great for people who love culture and want to learn more.

Things to Do in Borneo, Malaysia

• Go to Mari Mari Cultural Village 
• Explore Sarawak Cultural Village 
• Learn about traditional crafts 
• Go to traditional dance shows

Tourist Attractions in Borneo: Longhouses, tribal museums, and Mari Mari Village in Sarawak

Tip for Travelers: Guided tours provide you a better understanding of the histories and cultural practices of tribes.

14. Go to the famous Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang

Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia and a must-see in Penang. This beautiful place in Air Itam has tiered pagodas, colorful prayer rooms, peaceful gardens, and a huge statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin). The temple has wonderful views of Penang and is a great example of Chinese architecture. Kek Lok Si is one of the top things to do in Penang, Malaysia. It has a lot of culture and is a peaceful place to be.

Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

• Visit the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas 
• Take the inclined lift to the Kuan Yin monument  
• Shop at the neighboring Air Itam shops 
• Explore Kek Lok Si Temple

Tourist Attractions in Penang: Air Itam Market, Kek Lok Si, Penang Hill, and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas

Tip for Travelers: Come in the evening when it's cooler, and there are fewer people.

15. Explore Kota Kinabalu's beaches and nature

Kota Kinabalu is a gateway to both beautiful beaches and exciting adventures. At Tanjung Aru Beach, visitors may enjoy nature parks, tours of the islands, and beautiful sunsets. It's also the best place to start visiting Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for Mount Kinabalu, its beautiful botanical gardens, and the cold air in the highlands. Kota Kinabalu has a lot of exciting things to do in Malaysia for kids, couples, and nature lovers, whether you're going to local markets or going on a marine adventure. 

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

• Go to Tanjung Aru Beach
• Go to Kinabalu Park
• Go on a tour of the islands.
• Go to the Filipino Market

Tourist Attractions in Kota Kinabalu: Kinabalu Park, Tanjung Aru, Manukan Island, and the Filipino Market

Tip for Travelers: Choose early morning departures for island hopping to avoid congestion.

16. Explore Ipoh's Murals and Food Trails

Ipoh is one of the most beautiful cities in Malaysia. It is recognized for its unique street art, colonial architecture, and delicious local food. The famed Ipoh Mural Lane has colorful paintings that bring the ancient town to life. Nearby historic structures add to the city's nostalgic charm. Visitors can check out trendy cafés, busy hawker streets, cave temples like Perak Tong, and natural sights that are hidden away on the edges of the city. Ipoh is a great place for foodies and culture enthusiasts who want to do something different in Malaysia.

Things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia

• Walk around Ipoh Old Town 
• Visit the Perak Tong Cave Temple 
• Try the famed Ipoh white coffee 
• Explore the Ipoh Mural Lane

Tourist Attractions in Ipoh: Mural Lane, Old Town, Perak Tong, and Concubine Lane

Tip for Travelers: The easiest way to see most murals is to stroll around them.

17. Have fun living on Pangkor Island.

Pangkor Island is a great place for travelers looking for peace because it has beautiful nature, tranquil beaches, and relaxed coastal settlements. Coral Bay and Nipah Bay have soft sandy beaches, fresh seafood shops, and beautiful lookout points. This place is great for families and couples. The Pangkor Laut Resort makes the trip more luxurious, and the colorful fishing boats and local temples offer cultural depth. Adults who want a quiet island break should go to Pangkor.

Things to Do in Pangkor, Malaysia

• Relax at Nipah Bay 
• Go to Fu Lin Kong Temple 
• Rent a motorcycle and see the island 
• Eat fresh seafood at local shops

Tourist Attractions in Pangkor: Nipah Bay, Coral Bay, Fu Lin Kong Temple, and Pangkor Laut

Tip for Travelers: Weekdays are quieter, which is great for beach lovers who want some peace.

18. Take a look at Johor Bahru's waterfront and theme parks.

There are many things to do in Johor Bahru, such as shopping, going to theme parks, and walking along the lovely coastline. People can visit places like Legoland Malaysia, the Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, and the busy JB City Square. The food scene in the city is just as varied, with a blend of Malaysian, Chinese, and foreign flavors. Families looking for interesting things to do in Malaysia love Johor Bahru since it has interesting activities and is easy to get to.

Things to Do in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

• Go to Legoland for a day 
• Walk along the JB Waterfront 
• Go to Hello Kitty Town 
• Shop at City Square Mall

Tip for Travelers: You can get lower prices and shorter lines by buying theme park tickets online.

Tourist Attractions in Johor Bahru: Legoland, JB Waterfront, City Square, and Hello Kitty Town

19. Cruise by the famous sites in Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned city with attractive buildings, lush gardens, and peaceful lakes. Visitors can take boat rides on the lake, see the beautiful Putra Mosque, walk around the Putrajaya Botanical Garden, and be amazed by the sparkling bridges at night. Its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful vistas make it a surprisingly soothing getaway for both locals and tourists looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the surrounding areas. 

Things to Do in Putrajaya, Malaysia

• Take a cruise on Putrajaya Lake 
• Go to Putra Mosque 
• Visit the Botanical Garden 
• Walk across Seri Wawasan Bridge

Tourist Attractions in Putrajaya: Putra Mosque, Lake Cruise, Botanical Garden, and Wawasan Bridge

Tip for Travelers: The best views of the lit-up bridges are from evening boats.

20. Relax at Kedah's beautiful beaches

Kedah is famed for its beautiful coasts, mangroves, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Langkawi and its nearby islands are also in Kedah. Visitors can go to calm beaches, see local fishing villages, or join eco-tours through beautiful areas. Kedah's coastal locations have soft sands and gentle waves, making them great for families, honeymooners, and nature lovers looking for things to do in Malaysia that aren't in the big towns.Kedah is a great place to get away from the busy city life because of its beautiful views and calm atmosphere.

Things to Do in Kedah, Malaysia

• Relax on Tanjung Rhu Beach 
• Visit the Langkawi Craft Complex 
• Explore the mangrove trees 
• Watch the sunset

Tourist Attractions in Kedah: Tanjung Rhu, Eagle Square, Craft Complex, and Mangrove Kilim Geoforest

Tip for Travelers: The best way to visit Kedah's key attractions is to rent a car in Langkawi

Start your adventure in Malaysia today.

There is so much to see and do in Malaysia for all kinds of travelers, from busy cities and historic streets to stunning beaches and lush rainforests. This fun country will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime, whether you want to learn about the culture, go on an adventure, relax, or eat great food. Your journey to Malaysia is ready for you. There are many things to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, Borneo, and other places. It's time to book your Malaysia vacation packages are with Mys Travels. Your perfect trip will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime!