Malaysia has some of the best beaches, waterfalls and mountains in the whole of Asia within your budget. However, it can be very difficult to choose where to go when you are provided with such a large number of options.

This article explores some of the most famous spots in and outside Malaysia, which have been major tourist attractions for years.

1. Hulu Langat

For those who want to be away from the busy city life of Kuala Lumpur during the weekends, Hulu Langat makes the perfect spot for it. It is widely famous for its durians, natural surroundings and recreational activities. 

• Highlights: Sungai Gabai Waterfalls is a popular spot in Hulu Langat along with Semenyih Water Reservoir, Tekala Recreational Park and the Congak River Forest Recreational Centre.

For adventurous people, trekking Mount Nuang would make a perfect activity. For beginners, there are Saga or Broga Hills.

• Location: Hulu Langat is located in the southeasternmost part of Selangor, Malaysia.
• How to Reach: Via car or bus.

2. Batang Kali

Batang Kali works as an amazing alternative to the crowded Genting Highlands. Far away from modern-day life, Batang Kali is a very peaceful town with scenic beauty. The lush greenery cleanses your soul and lets you take a breath of fresh air.

• Highlights: World of Phalaenopsis will make the flower lovers go gaga with happiness. Apart from it, there is a very gorgeous temple that has its origin in Tibet. The temple, Kuil Buddha Sakya Tharig Centre Located amidst a forest with greenery.
• Location: Batang Kali is located in Hulu Selangor.
• How to Reach: Via train or car.

3. Genting Highlands

Often known as Malaysia’s Las Vegas, Genting Highlands has the perfect weather throughout the year. It is a picturesque hill resort standing almost at a height of 2000 metres. This serene place away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the perfect spot for weekend getaways with your partner or family.

• Highlights: The major attraction in the Genting Highlands is its dazzling casinos. To grab the attention of tourists, the hotels have built their indoor parks, movie halls, golf courses and whatnot.

Apart from these, you can book the cable car and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of Genting Highlands. 

• Location: Genting Highlands is located on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali, Central Peninsular Malaysia.
• How to Reach: Via bus or cable car.

4. Kuala Kubu Bharu

Kuala Kubu Bharu, affectionately called KKB, is a very small town located at the foothill of Fraser’s Hill. It is also the capital of Hulu Selangor which has survived a severe flood back in time. It is easily accessible by bus, train or by road. 

This small town is quite popular for its historical events and scenic beauty.

• Highlights: One of the most beautiful things in Kuala Kubu Bharu is the Sungai Selangor Dam which is also the tallest dam in the whole of Malaysia.

Apart from this, Kuala Kubu Bharu also gives you the opportunity to experience ziplining and bridge rope swing to experience that adrenaline rush.

• Location: Kuala Kubu Bharu is located in Selangor District, Selangor, Malaysia.
• How to Reach: Via train or taxi.

5. Fraser’s Hills

Fraser’s Hills, also known as Bukit Fraser, is known to be a great spot for a weekend getaway. It has a very calm and cold atmosphere and is just 2 hours from the capital city of Malaysia. The highland is very famous for its eye-soothing greenery and most people come here to witness the diversity of nature.

• Highlights: The main thing to see here is the Fraser Hill Clock Tower which is right in the middle of the town. Apart from this, mainly people come for bird-watching as various species of birds visit here all year long.

Bukit Fraser makes it a great spot for hiking and trekking for beginners.

• Location: Fraser’s Hills is located in the Raub District, Pahang, Malaysia.
• How to Reach: Via taxi.

6. Malacca

Malacca is an artsy and colourful city situated in Malaysia that shows its previous influence as a trading hub through its monuments, architecture, and people.

You can spend your morning hovering around the UNESCO heritage sites, the afternoon can be spent engrossing in the street art and lastly, the street market gains its life by night.

• Highlights: If you want to experience the life of Malaysia, you should definitely go to Jonker Street in Malacca. Apart from clothing stores, it is known as the largest hub of street food in Malaysia.

If you are an architecture fan, you might not want to miss the ruins of A’Famosa that capture European architecture.

• Location: Malacca is located in the southern part of the Malay islands.
• How to Reach: Via bus or taxi.

7. Da Nang

This Vietnamese beach is highly underrated and is known for its amazing sunny beaches and marble beaches. Along with eye-soothing sunset views, it also houses a spectacular resort on the top of Ba Na hills that can only be reached through cable cars.

Da Nang makes a tropical getaway with its lush green forests, ancient temples and serene beaches.

• Highlights: Da Nang is widely famous for its Golden Bridge, better known as the Hand Bridge, which showcases two hugely built hands holding a golden bridge. It is nearly 500 feet long and advances through the middle of the forests of Ba Na hills.

Additionally, you can go sunbathing on the most beautiful and popular beach of Vietnam, My Khe Beach.

• Location: Da Nang is located in Vietnam.
• How to Reach: Via flight.

8. Borneo

Made up of 3 nations, the island of Borneo is known as the third largest island in the world. Borneo is home to a wide range of species that makes it one of the most biodiverse islands along with a spectacular ecosystem. It not only offers breathtaking landscapes, but it also provides an opportunity for you to witness native tribes showcasing their habits and lifestyles.

• Highlights: One of the main highlights of this island is the Proboscis monkey that has the longest nose which is as long as 18 cm in length. However, this is only found in males and this primate is only found in Borneo. It also houses one of the tallest mountains, Mount Kinabalu.
• Location: It is located southeast of Malaysia and southwest of the Philippines.
• How to Reach: Via flight.

9. Hanoi

Vietnam is so diverse when it comes to cities and towns and for people who are going for the first time, Hanoi is the perfect place to start. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is one of the largest cities which witnesses a great cultural mix of the west and the east that are seen through the architectural marvels.

• Highlights: Some of the main attractions of the city are its nightlife and street food. Hanoi is very rich culturally which is evident by its charm artefacts and impressionist pieces. However, if you are into something more contemporary, Manzi might be able to fulfil your expectations.
• Location: Hanoi is located in Vietnam. 
• How to Reach: Via flight.

10. Bali

Bali is the perfect blend of nightlife, beautiful accommodations, culinary delights and whatnot. As per the reviews, it has been known as one of the best tourist places across the globe. Also known as the land of gods, Bali has an amazing collection of handcrafted gods that are perfect souvenirs to bring back home.

• Highlights: From temple tours to snorkelling, Bali has the perfect activity for different interests. Apart from stunning beaches, it has some of the most beautiful geological wonders such as the Nusa Penida or covered canyon Bukit Teletubbies. You can also learn surfing by renting out a surfing board in the most famous surfing spots of Bali.
• Location: Bali is located in Indonesia.
• How to Reach: Via flight.

11. Manila

Being the capital city of the Philippines, you might find it to be extremely noisy and crowded. However, Manila presents you with some amazing historic landmarks and very friendly locals who will make your stay more pleasurable. When the question is about short getaways from Malaysia, Manila has to be on your list.

• Highlights: The one thing that you should never miss if you plan to visit Manila is thrift shopping and bamboo bicycling. Manila has an amazing collection of thrifted clothes that entices every shopaholic. So take your bamboo bicycles and get on with your shopping spree.
• Location: Manila is located in the Philippines.
• How to Reach: Via flight.