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Malaysia is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. From the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to the white sandy beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia has something to offer every traveler. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 must-see places to visit in Malaysia. Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country that is known for its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world, and for good reason. Malaysia has a lot to offer, from its delicious food to its stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

When it comes to planning a trip to Malaysia, there are so many places to see and things to do that it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 must-see places to visit in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and is often the first stop for visitors to the country. It is a modern city with a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers are a world-renowned architectural and engineering marvel. Completed in 1998, the towers were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004 when they were surpassed by Taipei 101. However, they still hold the title for the tallest twin buildings in the world, standing at a height of 452 meters (1,483 feet). The towers were designed by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli and are a symbol of modern Malaysia.

The towers are comprised of 88 floors and are connected by a double-decker skybridge that offers breathtaking views of the city from the 41st floor. Visitors are able to visit the skybridge and observation deck to take in the views of the city below. The towers also feature a variety of amenities including a shopping mall, a park, and a concert hall.

Despite their impressive height and architectural significance, the Petronas Twin Towers were also at the center of a controversy when they were completed in 1998. Some argued that the towers’ spires should not have been included in their height measurement, which would have made them shorter than the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago. However, it was ultimately determined that the towers’ spires were an integral part of their design and should be included in their height measurement.

Central Market

Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, is a historical market located in Kuala Lumpur that every tourist should visit. Established in 1888 as a simple, makeshift market for fresh produce, meat, and fish, Central Market has since expanded into a cultural landmark that is a center for traditional and modern arts. The blue Art Deco building has over 300 shops selling everything Malaysian, from old-style batik prints and weaves to modern art, fashion, and home accessories.

Central Market is located just five minutes away from Chinatown at Petaling Street, making it conveniently accessible by tourists who plan to visit both places on the same trip. Today, the market is the perfect place for art lovers and tourists alike, as it is a center for traditional and modern arts that are showcased in its art deco building.

Visitors to the Central Market can enjoy a variety of items such as Malaysian handicrafts, local souvenirs, and various merchandise while also immersing themselves in Malaysian culture. The market is a bit touristy, but the range of local handicrafts and souvenirs is hard to beat. In addition to shopping, visitors can also enjoy Malaysian cuisine at the various restaurants and cafes located inside the market.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a limestone hill located about 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. The caves are situated on a mogote, which is a type of steep-sided hill made out of limestone, marble, or dolomite. The caves are thought to be around 400 million years old, and have been a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike for many years.

The Batu Caves consist of a series of caves among limestone hills in the district of Gombak. The main attraction of the Batu Caves is the colossal gold-painted statue of Murugan, the Hindu God of War, which took three years to build. The temple complex is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the 272 steps leading up to the temple cave are lined with intricately carved statues and images depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

In the 1800s, settlers from China started using the caves and its resources for farming, and then an American in 1878 announced the existence of the caves to the world. The Batu Caves are a major place of worship for Hindus in Malaysia, and are a popular site for the annual Thaipusam festival, which draws thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Visitors can easily get to the Batu Caves by taking the train from KL Sentral, or by booking a Grab taxi from Kuala Lumpur city.

Selangor Turf Club

The Selangor Turf Club is a well-known horse racing club established in 1896, it is one of the oldest horse racing clubs in Malaysia. The race track was originally located off Ampang Road in Kuala Lumpur, on the grounds now occupied by the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC. The club held races at this location for almost a century, with the last race taking place in August 1992 before it moved to its current location in Serdang.

The Selangor Turf Club hosts numerous horse racing events throughout the year, attracting both local and international audiences. The club has a beautiful and modern racing facility that features a turf racecourse and floodlights for night racing. In addition to horse racing, the club also offers other sports such as cricket and golf.

Interesting fact: online sports betting is a popular activity among sports enthusiasts in Malaysia, including those interested in horse racing. While the Selangor Turf Club does not have an official site, that offers online sports betting, there are several third-party Malaysia websites that offer this service. It is important to note, however, that online sports betting is illegal in Malaysia, and individuals who engage in this activity may face legal consequences.

Penang

Penang is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia and is known for its delicious food, rich culture, and stunning architecture. Here are some of the top attractions in Penang.

Georgetown

Georgetown is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, evident in its diverse architecture, street art, and hawker food. Georgetown was declared a city by Queen Elizabeth II shortly before Malaya attained independence from the British in 1957, making it the first city in the country’s modern history.

Georgetown is a popular destination for travelers, offering a wide variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can take a self-guided city tour that features the best Georgetown attractions, including historical sites, street art, and hawker food stalls. Georgetown’s unique blend of architecture, street art, and hawker food make it a favorite city for many travelers in Southeast Asia.

One of the most impressive structures in Georgetown is the Komtar Tower, a modern skyscraper that offers breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. Visitors are advised to be respectful and avoid visiting during prayer times. Cycling in the countryside is also a popular activity in Penang, offering scenic views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the island.

Penang Hill

Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is a popular tourist destination in Penang, and is located in the heart of the island at a height of 833 meters above sea level. It has a long history as it was first established as a colonial hill retreat by Francis Light in 1787 and is considered the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia. The area’s cooler climate was favored by the British, and many colonial bungalows were built on the hill, some of which can still be seen today, including the Convalescent Bungalow.

To reach the top of Penang Hill, visitors can hop on the funicular train which is an attraction in itself as it offers stunning views of the island along the way. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the view, visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, walk above the treetops, and see some of the historical colonial bungalows. The hill is also a popular area for hiking, running, and walking, and there are several trails available to explore the surrounding area, including the Penang Hill Heritage Trail.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most well-known Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The temple complex is an incredible sight to behold, with its impressive architecture, colorful decorations, intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures of Buddha. It is also considered as one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia.

The temple combines Mahayana Buddhism and Taoist traditional Chinese rituals, which are reflected in its design and worshiping activities. Visitors can explore the temple’s many buildings and shrines, including the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which is the tallest structure in the temple and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. In addition to this, there are also many images of Buddha, murals, and sculptures that adorn the interior and exterior of the temple buildings.

Kek Lok Si Temple is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist destination. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can learn about Chinese culture and Buddhism while exploring the temple’s various areas. The temple is also an important part of Malaysian life, both culturally and spiritually, and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and traditions.

Langkawi

Langkawi is a beautiful island in Malaysia that is known for its pristine beaches and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top attractions in Langkawi.

Sky Bridge

The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a curved pedestrian bridge that is suspended 100 meters above the ground and spans 125 meters across the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the island and the Andaman Sea. The bridge can be accessed via a cable car ride that takes visitors up to the top of the mountain. The Sky Bridge is considered one of the world’s strangest bridges because it was engineered with nothing but utility in mind, and its aesthetic design is secondary to safety and longevity.

The bridge was built in 2004 and underwent a major renovation in 2015 to enhance its safety features and to provide better accessibility for visitors. The Sky Bridge is supported by a single pylon and hangs from eight cables that are anchored to the mountain. The bridge’s design allows visitors to experience a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape while enjoying the cool mountain breeze. At the end of the bridge, visitors can take a staircase down to a viewing platform where they can take in panoramic views of the island and the sea.

The Langkawi Sky Bridge is not to be confused with other sky bridges around the world. The Sky Bridge in Langkawi is a pedestrian bridge, while other sky bridges, such as the Sky Bridge 721 in the Kralicky Sneznik mountain in the Czech Republic, are suspension skywalks designed for hikers.

Langkawi Cable Car

Langkawi Cable Car is one of the most popular attractions in Langkawi. It is a 15-minute cable car ride that takes visitors to the top of Mount Machinchang, which is 708 meters above sea level. The ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Langkawi islands and Southern Thailand, and is a must-do activity for visitors to the island.

One of the highlights of the Langkawi Cable Car experience is the SkyBridge. The ride begins at Oriental Village, where visitors can purchase tickets for the cable car ride and the SkyBridge. The price of the cable car ride starts from RM32, which is approximately USD 8.

It’s worth considering that the weather can be unpredictable in Langkawi, and visitors may experience sudden changes in visibility during the cable car ride. Nevertheless, the ride is an exhilarating experience that offers visitors a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty.

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. The beach is situated amidst a tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking seclusion and peace. The beach is adorned with casuarina trees, giving it a unique look. The sand on Tanjung Rhu Beach is emerald blue-white, which adds to its beauty. Visitors to Langkawi must make it a point to visit this beach, as it is one of the must-visit places in Langkawi.

Tanjung Rhu Beach is a truly beautiful beach that offers a stunning view and a perfect temperature sea. The beach has shops and food places located right on it, making it very convenient for visitors. However, there are some reports on TripAdvisor that suggest that the beach is private, and visitors are not allowed to proceed without permission from the hotel staff.

Sabah

Moving on to Sabah, the eastern state of Malaysia, there are several breathtaking sights that are a must-visit.

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Standing at 4,095 meters above sea level, it is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountains in the world and is a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts worldwide. The mountain is also sacred to the Malay people, and climbing to the peak is considered a pilgrimage for both locals and hikers from around the world.

Hiking up Mount Kinabalu is a challenging experience, as the hike takes you through different landscapes, from tropical rainforests to subalpine landscapes, montane grasslands, and alpine meadows. The hike is commonly done over two days, with one night spent in dorm accommodation on the mountain. Climbers should be physically fit and should prepare for the altitude by acclimatizing beforehand. If you are the kind of person who prefers outdoor activities and is fond of team sports, then you may be interested in these Singapore sites.

For those who are more relaxed and prefer to admire the mountain from afar, there are many other options, such as the Poring Hot Springs, where you can soak in hot mineral springs and swim in cool waterfalls.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a conservation center located in the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Established in 1985, it is the only facility in Malaysia solely dedicated to rehabilitating wild orangutans found in and around Sepilok. The center serves as an important education center about orangutans and their habitats, working to rehabilitate rescued orangutans while simultaneously educating visitors.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is set amidst lush, tropical forest that spans over 43 square kilometers. Visitors to the center have the opportunity to observe the orangutans in their natural habitat and learn about the rehabilitation process firsthand. The center has a team of dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the orangutans, as well as provide valuable education about these incredible primates.

One of the main attractions at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the feeding platform, where visitors can watch the orangutans come to feed on a daily basis. The center also offers guided tours, treks through the forest, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. In addition, the center has a research facility where scientists and researchers study the behavior, ecology, and genetics of orangutans in the wild, further contributing to conservation efforts.

Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is a small island located off the east coast of Malaysia in the Celebes Sea. It is known as one of the world’s premier diving destinations, and for good reason. With clear waters, abundant marine life, and dramatic coral reefs, Sipadan is a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. The island is home to over 3,000 species of marine life, including sea turtles, hawksbills, fishes, and manta rays, and hundreds of types of coral.

As a protected area, all Sipadan resorts are located on nearby islands of Mabul, Kapalai, and Mataking. The island’s marine environment is a towering coral pinnacle that makes Sipadan one of the most popular diving destinations in Southeast Asia. The island itself is quite small, with steep coral reef drop-offs, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.

While diving is the main attraction at Sipadan, there are also many other activities to enjoy, including snorkeling. The island’s dense forests are rich in orchids, bromeliads, and pitcher plants, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can still dive at Sipadan even if the resort they are staying at does not have permits, making it an accessible destination for divers on a budget.

Conclusion

Malaysia is a country filled with stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and an abundance of attractions to explore. From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, to the beautiful beaches of Langkawi, to the unique wildlife of Sabah, and the exciting horse races at the Selangor Turf Club, there is something for everyone in this amazing country.

We hope that this guide to the top 10 must-see places in Malaysia has been informative and inspiring, and that it has encouraged you to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, Malaysia is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

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