Most people are not fully aware of all the breathtaking attractions Malaysia offers. This wonderful country will thrill you with its natural, historic and cultural must-sees. Malaysia has it all – from ancient temples, over luxurious malls and resorts, to tropical beaches. So, make sure that you set aside at least 10 days when you book your holiday. Here are 5 things to do and experience in Malaysia that you simply can’t miss.
Kuala Lumpur
Federal capital and the largest city, Kuala Lumpur is probably the first thing you’ll visit when coming to Malaysia. This vibrant metropolis is swarming with stunning attractions, scattered all across the city. When visiting, make sure that you don’t skip Merdeka Square and Chinatown. Worldly famous Petronas Towers are the city’s most significant landmark, featuring every photo of Kuala Lumpur’s panorama. They are the tallest twin towers in the world, 1,483 ft high.
Sipadan Island
Malaysia has several islands that are popular with tourists, but this one is the only oceanic island. You probably heard of Sipadan Island before – is boasts with the flattering title of “The Top Dive Destination in the World”. Although the opinions on this may vary (some claim that it shares this title with Galapagos and Truk), no one can deny that Sipadan is a world class scuba diving centre, with amazingly rich marine life and wonderful, sandy beaches. If you love diving and snorkeling, visiting Sipadan is a must!
Penang
In the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia, you’ll find a “pearl of the Orient” – Penang Island. For those who wish to truly experience authentic Asian atmosphere and cuisine, coming to Penang Island is a must. Bird Sanctuary, Butterfly Park, Botanic Gardens, Snake Temple and numerous beaches along the north coast are surely worth the visit. However, despite all these attractions, you’ll hear that many come here mostly for the food! The island’s main town is George Town and it’s a center of all events, but don’t miss seeing little fishing villages and jungle as well.
Taman Negara
Here’s one amazing fact about Malaysia: around two thirds of the country is covered in ancient forests. Taman Negara is one of them – it’s the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, more than 130 million years old. It encompasses an area of 4,343 square kilometers across three states. In this national park, you can catch a glimpse of rare species such as Malayan tiger, Indian elephant and Malayan peacock-pheasant. We recommend taking a Canopy Walk high above the trees and enjoying the extraordinary rainforest scenery.
Cameron Highlands
If you need to get away from the heat for a while, we recommend visiting picturesque Cameron Highlands. This is one of Malaysia’s oldest tourist destinations, developed after 1930s in Titiwangsa Mountains.
It’s full of green fields, tea plantations, lakes, forests, golf courses and luxurious resorts. Nature lovers will cherish the fact that this area has an entirely different ecosystem from the rest of the country, and it’s a home to a huge number of species you won’t find in the rest of Malaysia.