Malaysia beckons travelers with its vibrant culture, amazing jungles, and stunning beaches. When traveling through Malaysia, you’ll encounter a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, reflected in its cuisine, architecture, and traditions. Among many attractions to see in Malaysia, seven stand out as must-visit destinations:
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Twin Towers symbolize Malaysia’s modernity and architectural accomplishments. It is the single most popular attraction in Malaysia, even though we would choose the view from the nearby Menara KL tower over the view from the Petronas towers any day. Being near the towers is already amazing, for example when shopping at Suria KLCC below.
Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is a popular hill station near Kuala Lumpur where visitors can enjoy casinos, theme parks, shopping malls, and numerous outdoor activities. It is the easiest place to visit if you want to escape the heath of Kuala Lumpur. Though great for families with children, most people visit the area for its gambling opportunities. This is the only place in Malaysia where (non-Muslim) locals and tourists can gamble (check out the list with top online casinos available in 2024 here).
Langkawi Island
Langkawi is one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia. It has everything in one place, with attractions and activities ranging from stunning beaches, jungles, night markets, amazing views from the mountains (that you can visit by cable car) and much more. It is big enough to explore by rental car and you have ample choice of accommodations throughout the island.
Malacca
Malacca is a very popular destination and only a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Among the highlights are the historic heritage center that includes the Christ Church, A Famosa fortress, and the stunning St. Pauls Church. Do not miss out on visiting the famous Jonker Street Night Market, taking place every weekend in the evenings.
George Town on Penang Island
Georgetown is one of our favorite cities in Malaysia. It is a melting pot of cultures, renowned for its colonial-era architecture, vibrant street art, and delicious street food. Within the heritage center you can visit many cultural highlights, like several amazing Chinese temples, historic Peranakan buildings and it even has its own ‘Little India’. Georgetown is the perfect place to start exploring all the sights on Penang Island.
Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is a popular hill station renowned for its cool climate, amazing viewpoints, and highly Instagrammable tea plantations. People visit the region to escape the heath of the bigger cities like KL or Ipoh as it is great for hiking enthusiasts. It is strategically located between KL and Penang, so many travelers visit the region during a self-drive through the peninsular.
Perhentian Island
Perhentian Island is located along the east coast of the Peninsula Malaysia. These are islands they use in brochures to showcase Malaysia’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear sea water. Here you do pretty much nothing besides scuba diving or snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. There are several luxurious resorts, together with a lot of basic accommodations.
Should I visit Genting Highlands?
Why gamble in Malaysia you might ask yourself. It is true that most tourists skip a visit to Genting Highlands once they find out it is the biggest and only casino resort in Malaysia. Genting however is much more than that and often people have a fun time visiting the area. Its biggest draw is the cool(er) climate. After spending days or weeks in 30 degrees or more it is quite nice to spend some time in 20 to 25 degrees.
Genting is seen as the city of entertainment. It is the perfect place to visit if you are traveling with children as there are several popular theme parks together with a huge shopping mall and many F&B outlets. Genting is also a popular location for amazing shows and big bands, groups and acts have played and performed here in the past. So even if gambling isn’t your thing, you can still have an amazing time in Genting Highlands.
Accommodation is very affordable so spending a few nights here won’t break the bank. There are daily busses from KL to Genting and you can also easily take a Grab which takes about 1,5 hours to get up the mountain from Kuala Lumpur City Center.
Gambling in Malaysia
Gambling is generally illegal for Malaysian citizens under Islamic law. Foreign tourists and residents (only non-Muslims) are permitted to gamble and Genting Highlands is the only location in Malaysia where casinos are legal.
To enter a casino in Malaysia, tourists must be at least 21 years old. Upon entry, visitors are required to present valid identification, such as a passport. It is important to practice responsible gaming. Gambling in Malaysia consists of casino-style games, sports betting and online casinos.
