Top Things to do in Malaysia: Best Activities & Must-Sees

More and more British travellers are booking long-haul flights to explore Malaysia. Although over 6,500 miles away, Malaysia offers UK holiday-makers an irresistible combination of warm weather, diverse experiences, glorious nature, rich culture, and great value for money. What’s more, English is widely spoken here, making getting around a whole lot easier.

Thinking about going to Malaysia for the first time? There’s a lot to cover across the country’s two main islands (not to mention all the little islands, too!) And at 35% larger than the UK, getting ahead with your trip planning will only work in your favour. And at Trip.com, we’re here to help! We’ve pulled together an introductory guide to Malaysia. Think: where to go, what to see, where to eat, and how to save a little cash along the way. All the things that can significantly impact your experience. So let’s begin!

Popular Activities in Malaysia at the Best Prices 🎫

• 🎢 Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park ⭐ - Immersive theme park featuring some of your favourite films (Ice Age, Independence Day, Planet of the Apes)
• 🗼KL Tower ⭐ - One of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable landmarks
• 🦋 Entopia by Penang Butterfly ⭐ - Unwind and relax as you walk through beautiful gardens, and see up to 60 species of butterflies
• 🎆 Petronas Twin Towers ⭐ - The tallest twin towers in the world at the heart of Kuala Lumpur

💡 Did you know? Just like in the UK, Malaysians drive on the left-hand side of the road! For any British travellers who haven’t driven internationally before, hiring a car in Malaysia can be a whole lot less nerve-racking. But before you book anything, be sure to arrange your International Driving Permit (IDP) in accordance with Malaysian law. Happy driving!

What to Do in Malaysia Based on Your Stay

There’s so much to discover in Malaysia. And, like any adventure, planning what you can fit into your schedule depends on how much time you’ll have in the country.

To help beat any planning overwhelm (we’ve all been there!), we’ve put together some itinerary ideas based on trip lengths and the different types of groups you might be travelling with. So, even if you’re only in Malaysia for a short time, you can still get a great taste of it.

Must-Visit Cities in Malaysia

From modern cities to beach paradises, Malaysia is a truly diverse destination. To get a real feel of the country, we highly recommend visiting a variety of its cities and beach towns. Here are our recommendations of where you might want to add to your travel itinerary!

Kuala Lumpur: A modern-day metropolis

Often shortened to ‘KL’, Kuala Lumpur is not only Malaysia’s capital but also one of the biggest cities in the country. Modern skyscrapers sit near colonial architecture, all against the backdrop of jungle-covered hills.

As you’d expect, there are plenty of highlights to add to your sightseeing list when exploring KL. There are the steel-and-glass twin skyscrapers, the Petronas Twin Towers, the foodie paradise Jalan Alor food market strip, mega malls, and the stunning Batu Caves on the outskirts of the city. It’s also a fantastic transportation hub for visiting the rest of Malaysia.

📌 The Trip.com tip: The weather in KL can get hot, but the air-conditioning can get freezing! We recommend packing a cover-up so you can make the transition between different temperatures a little less shocking to your system.

Genting Highlands: Fun and play way above the clouds

Also known as ‘Vegas in the Clouds’, the resort town of Genting Highlands sits in misty hills, about an hour from KL. The climate here is much cooler, with incredible mountain views available pretty much everywhere you go.

Genting Highlands is first and foremost about entertainment; you’ll find theme parks, both indoor and outdoor, casinos, shopping and hotels here. You won’t want to miss the Awana SkyWay cable car ride; not only does this make getting to and from the resort a much easier, but you’ll get fantastic panoramic views of the nearby rainforest as you travel.

📌 The Trip.com tip: As Genting Highlands is up in the mountains, the weather can get a whole lot rainier here. Don’t forget to pack waterproof shoes, a rain jacket and a brolly for when the rainclouds come in.

Semporna: Your hub to visit Malaysia’s many islands

The gateway to Malaysia’s best islands and dive sites, the coastal town of Semporna is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of KL. Located in the Malaysian region of Borneo, this is the perfect base for exploring turquoise seas, nearby stilt villages, and tiny tropical islands, including Sipadan, Mabul, and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

For travellers itching to go snorkelling, diving, and take in Malaysia’s unique marine life, Semporna is where you’ll want to go.

Johor Bahru: Food, culture, and chilled-out vibes

Another of Malaysia’s big cities, Johor Bahru (or ‘JB’), is a stone’s throw away from Singapore. A little more relaxed than KL, but still bustling and full of life, JB is perfect for travellers looking for city atmosphere at a slightly slower pace.

Food-lovers, you’re in luck when visiting Johor Bahru; this city is famed for its local food scene. Enjoy a wide range of Malay, Chinese, Mamak, and Indonesian-inspired dishes, all at wallet-friendly prices. Some dishes to look out for: Laksa Johor fish curry with spaghetti-style noodles, Otak-otak spiced fish mousse, and Mee Rebus Johor sweet-meets-savoury noodles.

Kota Kinabalu: A tropical paradise awaits

Kota Kinabalu, frequently shortened to ‘KK’, is exactly what you picture when you think of a Malaysian coastal resort. The atmosphere here is chilled and laidback, with some of the country’s major natural highlights right on its doorstep.

This is the place to go for awe-inspiring beach sunsets, coral reefs, jungle-covered mountains and plenty of wildlife. Be sure to check out Mount Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach, and one of the many island-hopping tours when in the area.

Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Malaysia

Now that you’re more familiar with some of Malaysia’s cities and resorts, it’s time to start thinking about activities! From contemporary landmarks to world-class theme parks, natural wonders to historic mosques, here are our suggestions for what to add to your to-do list.

Petronas Twin Towers: Incredible views from incredible heights

An icon of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers tower (quite literally!) over the city's main hub. Standing at over 1,483ft tall and a whopping 88 storeys, a visit to these skyscrapers is a must.

Once the tallest buildings in the world, these feats of engineering offer unparalleled views across KL. Brave a walk across the double-decker skybridge that connects the two towers, or go even higher and head to the 86th floor to the observation deck.

📌 The Trip.com tip: Feeling a little peckish? Don’t miss the Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. This shopping centre boasts food courts, cafes, and restaurants, so you’re bound to find something to tickle your taste buds.

LEGOLAND® Malaysia: Family-fun all day long

The first LEGOLAND® resort in Asia, LEGOLAND® Malaysia, is a fantastic choice for families looking for a day out that’ll entertain everyone.

With over 40 experiences and rides, from exploring Miniland to rollercoasters, driving school to dark rides, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy! The resort also boasts a waterpark, SEA LIFE centre, and hotel, so you might want to plan more than a day here to discover it all.

📌 The Trip.com tip: Beat the heat and the queues by heading to the park early. Not only will you get more done in less time, but it’ll be far more comfortable, too. We recommend heading to the biggest rides first, as they tend to have the longest queues. Happy riding!

Putra Mosque: Beautiful architecture right by the water

Also known as the ‘Pink Mosque’, the striking Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) stands out for its rose-coloured dome, pink-tinged interiors and waterside location next to Putrajaya Lake. This popular landmark was built in the 1990s, and blends Malay, Middle Eastern Islamic, and Persian architectural influences and is an active site of religious worship.

If you’re a keen photographer, you’ll want to add Putra Mosque to your travel to-do list. The best shots are from the nearby Putra Bridge, Putra Square, and the lakefront. Non-muslim visitors are welcomed at select times during the day, but are kindly asked not to disturb worshippers and to please respect dress codes.

Kapalai: Right off the beaten track and into the Celebes Sea

A former island, Kapalai, is best known for its proximity to popular dive resorts and wooden villas on stilts sitting over the water. You’ll find Pulau Kapalai on a low-lying sandbank reef, surrounded by a shallow turquoise lagoon full of local marine life. There are no roads and no cars here, not even a village centre! You’ll just find wooden walkways and bungalows, making it a true tropical escape to slow down. If you’re staying at one of the bungalows here, you can literally dive right outside of your bedroom.

Strait of Malacca: Where maritime and trade history converge

Bridging Malaysia and Singapore, the Strait of Malacca is home to a rich tradition of maritime and colonial history. From the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka to George Town, the best way to explore this historic waterway is by boat. Take in Portuguese Forts, Dutch Town Squares, modern bridges and cargo ships as you gently sail by. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at one of the many street food stands and restaurants dotted about for fresh-as-it-gets seafood.

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia is pretty much hot and humid year-round due to its location near the equator and its tropical climate. Perfect for travellers wanting to catch rays year-round! However, some seasons and locations are a lot rainier than others, so planning is a wise move.

💡The Trip.com recommendation: If you’re visiting Malaysia for the first time, we suggest booking your trip during December and early March if you’re planning to base your trip in and around KL. The conditions during these months tend to be drier, reducing the risk of getting washed-out when off sightseeing.

Day Trips from Malaysia

Malaysia is fantastic for day trips, especially if KL or a big city is your base. Some of the country’s top attractions are only a short journey away, meaning you can see a lot of Malaysia’s highlights in a relatively short time. Here are three day-trip recommendations from us to inspire you!

Putrajaya: Culture and heritage by the lake (from Kuala Lumpur)

Combine the rosey-hued architecture of Putra Mosque, lakeside strolls, a boat ride, and an exploration around Putrajaya Botanical Garden on a day trip to Putrajaya. A great way to get in a little sightseeing whilst slowing down the pace, Putrajaya is relatively close to KL, making it an easy option for a day trip. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Essential information:

• Average travel time: Between 30 and 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur
• Transport: Rideshare, private taxi, or tour bus
• Must-sees: The pink mosque, Putrajaya Lake, and Putra Bridge

Melaka: Discover hundreds of years of history (from Kuala Lumpur)

Soak in the rich heritage of Malaysia’s historic capital with a day trip to Melaka. This former trading port is easy to explore on foot, with plenty of historical squares, fortresses, and landmarks to visit. Catch a breeze on a cruise down the Melaka River, and enter a foodie paradise with a stroll down Jonker Street.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours from KL
• Transport: Rideshare, private taxi, shuttle bus or coach tour
• Must-sees: Melaka Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill, and Jonker Street

Genting Highlands: Entertainment in the hills (from Kuala Lumpur)

Escape the heat of KL and head up the hills for the day with an excursion to Genting Highlands. Take your pick from a wide range of activities, from theme parks to shopping, casinos and cable rides over the rainforest. Travel above the clouds and get ready to have some fun!

Essential information:

• Average travel time: Between 1 and 1.5 hours from KL
• Transport: Rideshare, private taxi, cable car, or tour bus
• Must-sees: Awana SkyWay, Genting SkyWorlds, and the Premium Outlets

Malaysia, warmth and sun throughout the year ☀️😎

Malaysia is truly a year-round destination, with consistent sunshine and warm weather. For travellers who are a little sensitive to heat, there are cooler places to mark on the map, too. And once you visit for the first time, you’ll absolutely want to return.

Must-do local experiences for your trip:

To get a real sense of Malaysian culture, we highly recommend balancing your itinerary between popular attractions and local activities. Here are our suggestions for local experiences to add to your to-do list for a truly authentic feel of the country.

• Start your day with a Malaysian breakfast, available at many cafes across the country. Eat like a local and try kaya toast with a glass of Kopi on the side. Best of all, it won’t break the bank!
• Take a cruise through coastal mangroves, exploring the maze-like waterways, limestone cliffs, and hidden lagoons, and, if you're lucky, grab a glimpse of an eagle.
• Enjoy a hands-on local Malaysian cookery class and get more familiar with the country’s food heritage. Plus, you’ll be sure to impress your friends back home with your newly-practised cooking skills!
• End your evening with a stroll through a night hawker market and grab something local to eat. Again, these food markets are easy to find and are teeming with all sorts of delicious dishes. Think satay skewers, BBQ chicken wings, and fresh fruit juices.

Explore Malaysia & beyond 🧩