Malaysia is a small but beautiful Southeast Asian country dotted with places of religious, cultural, and historical importance. You can shop to your heart's content, gaze at the cityscapes, relax in the lap of nature, engage in adventurous sprees, try different local delicacies and do so much more.

Currency in Malaysia -  The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and 1 Malaysian Ringgit equals 18.79 Indian Rupee as of 3rd March 2023*.

*Currency rate changes are subject to the market exchange rate.

Besides being popular as a cultural and bustling country, Malaysia is also renowned for its stupendous coastal areas. Keep reading to learn more about the top tourist places to visit in Malaysia.

Below is a list of the top 30 tourist places to visit in Malaysia. The list displays breathtaking islands, heritage sites, beaches, quaint towns and many other notable sites that will make your trip memorable.

The islands of Malaysia are among its most popular tourist attractions. Here are the ones you should not miss:

1. Perhentian Islands, Terengganu

The Perhentian Islands emit peaceful vibes. This naturally beautiful location allows you to relax while the enchanting blue waters in the backdrop add to the tranquillity. The Perhentian Islands are rich in coral reefs and marine life. The island is divided into two parts - the big and small islands. The big island is where you can spend some time in solitude on the pristine beaches, while the latter is renowned for water sports and activities.

• Location: Kuala Besut, Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia
• Timings: 24 hours
• Entry fees: MYR 4.38 to MYR 5.48 (for the marine park)
• Best time to visit: Between April to October
• Things to do: Go for jungle trekking and beach hopping, visit Adam and Eve beach, explore the stunning Terengganu National Park, and go to the turtle beach.

2. Redang Island, Kuala Terengganu

Redang Island is a group of nine islands and is among Malaysia's largest islands. You can go picturesque diving and explore the stunning underwater life and coral reefs. You can also relax peacefully on the pristine white sandy beaches. Taaras Beach, Mutiara Beach, and Teluk Dalam Beach are renowned beaches here.

• Location: Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, near Perhentian Islands
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry fees: MYR 30 per adult and MYR 15 per child
• Best time to visit: Between March to September
• Things to do: Engage in watersports like snorkelling, diving etc., and go for turtle-watching too.

3. Manukan Islands, Pulau Manukan

Sandy beaches, daytime treks, long nature trails, snorkelling, and scuba diving are all Manukan Island is about. It is home to some of the cleanest lagoons in the world. You can explore some of the rarest marine species and coral reefs by diving into its lagoons.

The resort on this island helps its guests snorkel or scuba dive with turtles. You can visit diving centres if you want to take up underwater photography.

• Location: Manukan Island, Pulau Manukan, Malaysia
• Timings: 11:30 am to 4 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 20
• Best time to visit: Between June to August
• Things to do: Go trekking to the tip of the Island, explore the cafes, engage in jet boating, deep diving, sea bikes etc.

4. Langkawi Island, Langkawi

Langkawi is an archipelago located off Malaysia's northwest coast. Treat yourself to astounding limestone formations, deep caves, waterfalls, and lush green forests. Satisfy the adventure-seeker within you by travelling to the perfect scuba diving spots. Langkawi Island is known for its beaches and luxury resorts such as Aman Resorts and Aman Villas Langkawi Resort & Spa Resort.

The island offers visitors activities such as hiking through the jungle trails, freshwater cave exploration, and birdwatching tours, among others.

• Location: Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
• Timings: 5.30 pm and 10 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 6.00
• Best time to visit: Between December to February
• Things to do: Explore the Langkawi Sky Bridge, enjoy the underwater life, visit Pulau Payar Marine Park, go for a skytrex adventure etc.

5. Pangkor Island, Perak

Pangkor Island is a mountainous island where you can delve into the beauty and serenity of nature and spend leisure time under the swaying palm trees. The crystal clear water with lush green jungle at the backdrop enhances the place's charm. The sunset view chalet, Dutch Colonial fort etc., are some of the major attractions of Pangkor Island.

• Location:  (Western coast of Malaysia), Perak, Manjung district, Strait of Malacca, Malaysia
• Timings: Ferry departure timing (9:30 am to 6:00 pm)
• Entry fees: MYR 14 per adult and MYR 5 per child
• Best time to visit: Between January to February. It can also be visited between June to September
• Things to do: Try out the staple dishes, engage in watersports like snorkelling etc.

6. Sipadan Island, Sabah

Sipadan Island, nestled at the centre of the Indo-pacific basin, is one of the top diving spots in Malaysia. The place attained the title of a protected reserve and is only Malaysia’s first oceanic Island, perched 600 m above the sea bed. This island is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot around 3000 different species of fish here.

• Location: Off  the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, near Semporna
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry fees: MYR 40 for diving permits
• Best time to visit: Between March to October
• Things to do: Engage in adventure act

Tourists can spot four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia. These UNESCO sites encompass the ethereal beauty of nature, stunning architecture and prehistoric discoveries.

7. George Town and Melaka, Malacca

George Town and Melaka are the first sites that were entitled as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia. Both these places are major historic trading cities; hence are considered to be cultural hubs of Malaysia.  The architecture and colonial-era establishments here speaks volume of the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia.

• Location: Strait of Malacca, peninsular region of Malaysia
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fees: MYR 8.22 (for Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum)
• Best time to visit: Between October to November
• Things to do: Explore the old-world shophouses and workshops, try out local delicacies, enjoy stunning street arts, visit Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Kapitan Keling Mosque etc., (in George town) and  Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, Jonker Street, Malacca River etc. (in Melaka).

8. Mount Kinabalu, Borneo Island

Mount Kinabalu is another popular UNESCO Heritage Site here. It is the highest mountain which is perched above 4096m from sea level. This region not only comprises diverse flora and fauna but also hosts alpine terrain, lowland and mountain regions. The picturesque natural site is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. You get around 600 different species of ferns, 800 species of orchards etc.

• Location: Island of Borneo, Malaysia, near Kota Kinabalu city
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry fees: Free, however for indulging in adventurous activities, fees are charged separately.
• Best time to visit: Between March and September
• Things to do: Participate in adventurous activities like zip lining, Take a swing and delve into the beauty of the alpine vegetation, enjoy the sunrise and sunset etc.

9. Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Gunung Mulu National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna. You can even spot numerous endangered species here. The stunning limestone peaks with dense rainforest in the backdrop enhance the charm of the place. The major attraction of the place is the caves which are curved out of the limestone. Deer Cave is one of the famous caves which stands out for its underground stream.

• Location: North of Sarawak state, Malaysia (Island of Borneo)
• Timings: Can be best explored in the morning hours.
• Entry fees: For locals: MYR 15 (per adult) and MYR 5 (per child); For foreigners: MYR 30 (per adult) and MYR 10 (per child)
• Best time to visit: Between June to September
• Things to do: visit Clearwater cave, Sarawak chamber, go for canopy walks, trekking etc.

10. The Archaeological Site of Lenggong Valley, Perak

A famous site in Malaysia, the Archaeological Site of Lenggong Valley is a natural spot where people can unveil the primitive world. The river, caves and lush greenery are perfect for enjoying nature. You can enjoy workshops on Palaeolithic tools and other exhibitions of ancient instances of culture and evolution.

• Location: Perak, Malaysia
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Things to do: Exploring history, art and culture, nature walk, adventure sports, exploring caves

Here is a list of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia where you can have the best time:

11. Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Sarawak

Semenggoh Nature Reserve is a complete family destination. This nature reserve is home to numerous young orangutans who have been orphaned or rescued from captivity. The wardens at Semenggoh Nature Reserve have done a great job training these primates and making them comfortable with human interaction. Your children will surely love this place.

• Location: KM 20, Jalan Puncak Borneo, 93250 Siburan, Sarawak, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 10 am; 3 pm to 4 pm (for feeding orangutans)
• Entry fees: MYR 10
• Best time to visit: April to October
•  Things to do: Exploring nature and wildlife, trekking, hiking

12. Taman Negara, Pulau Perhentian Besar

Taman Negara is a perfect place to take a refreshing break from daily monotonous city life. This is a lush rainforest filled with diverse flora and fauna. People can explore multiple entertaining things to do here in the abundance of nature. The cascading waterfalls in this region are also a great attraction here. Besides, this place is great for bird watching too.

• Location: Pulau Perhentian Besar
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Trekking, boating, exploring wildlife, exploring caves

13. Penang Hill, Penang

A popular hill station in Malaysia, Penang Hill is a great weekend gateway for tourists. One of the main attractions of this place is the bungalows with colonial architecture. The soothing nature of this region is perfect for spending a lovely vacation. Besides, nature lovers can explore a plethora of flora and fauna here.

• Location: Penang, Malaysia
• Timings: Morning hours
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: December to February
•  Things to Do: Trekking, hiking, nature walking, enjoying a cosy vacation

14. Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

Perdana Botanical Gardens is a great destination amidst the urban environment to enjoy refreshing nature. The garden is located in Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park in Kuala Lumpur. People come to explore different plants and flowers here. Apart from this, the garden is also a famous place among local joggers.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: December to February
•  Things to do: Nature walk, exploring the architecture, enjoying refreshing tours in the hibiscus and orchid garden

15. KL Butterfly Park, Kuala Lumpur

Butterfly Park is also situated inside Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park and is a popular destination for watching insects and butterflies. Nature lovers can spot at least 120 types of insects and crawlers here in this park. However, the main attractions are butterflies that will surround you all the time inside this park.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 25 per adult and MYR 14 per child
• Best time to visit: December to February
• Things to do: Exploring nature, flowers, and plants

16. Batu Caves, Selangor

An imposing 140-foot Lord Murugan statue, painted in shimmering gold, awaits you at the foot of countless stairs that lead to a cluster of caves. Batu Caves is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Malaysia for rock climbing and pilgrimage.  It is a sacred place among Hindus but is visited by people regardless of their caste, culture, and nationality. These ancient caves are encompassed by natural beauty on all sides.

• Location: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
• Timings: 7 am to 9 pm
• Entry Fees: MYR 15
• Best time to visit: May to July
• Things to do: Visit several other attractive caves like the Ramayana caves, and Cave Villa or go sight-seeing to Bukit Lagong

The cities of Malaysia are full of amazing places where you can go to enjoy your day trip and weekend. These places are as follows:

17. Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Tower in Kuala Lumpur is a famous city attraction. This skyscraper is the world’s tallest twin tower. The architecture of this twin tower is extremely beautiful which attracts people from all over the world. You will be mesmerised by the top city view from this tower. Especially, during nighttime the view becomes enchanting. There are multiple entertainment options available in this tower that you can enjoy greatly.

• Location: Jalan Ampang Road, Kuala Lumpur
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Monday)
• Entry fees: MYR 80 per adult and MYR 33 per child
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Enjoying the top view of the city, exploring modern architecture, dining at luxurious restaurants

18. Menara, Kuala Lumpur

Another famous tower in Kuala Lumpur, Menara is a great place to have a great top view of the cityscape. The tower also has cultural importance. The Islamic architecture of this tower is also praiseworthy. There are luxurious restaurants in this tower serving lip-smacking local and international foods. The place should be on the bucket list of your Malaysia trip for its multiple offerings.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur
• Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
•  Entry fees: MYR 49 per adult and MYR 29 per child
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Enjoying the top view of the city, exploring Islamic architecture

19. National Mosque of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

A very popular place for religious activities in Malaysia, the National Mosque is one of the most visited tourist places. The mosque is built under the influence of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The mosque is quite open for people from every religion and everyone can enter here at the time of prayer. However, the brilliant design of this mosque also attracts tourists from all over the world.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 11 pm
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: enjoying spiritual activities, exploring architecture

Here are a couple of theme parks that you can enjoy greatly during your Malaysia trip:

20. Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur

Have you ever fancied walking among wildlife? If your answer is ‘yes’, Aquaria KLCC should be on your list of places to visit in Malaysia. It is the world's largest aquarium, where over 5000 freshwater and marine creatures dwell. Amaze yourself at the sight of massive groupers, giant arapaimas, lethal tiger sharks, and astounding coral fishes. Visiting this aquarium will undoubtedly give you and your family a memory to last a lifetime.

• Location: 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 75
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Watching the marine creature

21. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Selangor

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is where visitors find solace during the challenging summer season in Malaysia. Divided into six zones, this vibrant theme park is popular among children and grown-ups. It is home to numerous thrill rides and adrenaline-pumping activities.

You might want to dedicate an entire day to making the most of this park. There are also many food stalls and restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious meal.

• Location: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fees: MYR 213
• Best time to visit: Between October to January
• Things to do: Enjoying rides, watersports, haunted house, roller coasters, etc., enjoying lip-smacking food

22. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu

Made with 5 different islands, Abdul Rahman Park is a great scenic destination in Malaysia. These 5 islands include Pulau Sapi, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sulug, Pulau Manukan, and Pulau Mamutik. The park is famous for different water sports activities. Besides, tourists can also enjoy a ferry ride throughout the park.

• Location: Kota Kinabalu
• Timings: 8:30 am to 5 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 53
• Best time to visit: March to September
• Things to do: Snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, watching coral reefs, boating

23. Lost World of Tambun, Negeri Perak

A great place for enjoying an entertaining day trip, the Lost World of Tambun is a popular tourist place in Malaysia. Here you and your children can enjoy swimming in pools and natural hot water springs. Besides, this ecological theme park also preserves a lot of plants and natural resources. In addition, there are several fun rides that you can enjoy a lot.

• Location: Sunway City, Negeri Perak
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm on weekends, 11 am to 6 pm on weekdays, 6 pm to 11 pm for night park
• Entry fees: MYR 117 per adult and MYR 110 per child (regular walk-in charge), MYR 75 per adult and MYR 66 per child (night park walk-in charge)
• Best time to visit: October to December
• Things to do: Enjoying rides, water sports, swimming in hot springs and pools

24. Legoland Malaysia, Johor

Established in 2012, Legoland is Malaysia's first-ever theme park. It is also the first-ever Legoland theme park in Asia. You can find over 40 interactive amusement rides, attractions, and shows. Legoland is a haven for children and adults alike.

• Location: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 189
• Best time to visit: August to February
• Things to do: Enjoy thrilling rides and mesmerising shows while munching on tasty delicacies at the restaurants. It is one of the ideal places to visit in Malaysia for families.

To know about the history and culture of a country, you must visit the museums. Here are some great museums in Malaysia that you can visit to explore the history of Malaysia

25. Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Opened in 1998, the Islamic Arts Museum is a major tourist attraction in Malaysia. The museum is located inside Perdana Botanical Garden and it is the largest museum for Islamic arts in South East Asia. The museum has 12 great galleries that depict different art and culture from different countries. Apart from artwork, you can also watch ancient jewellery, ceramic work, textile etc.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 15
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Exploring art, artefacts, and architecture, watching Islamic motifs

26. National Textile Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Visiting a country means exploring the history and life of the locality. National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur is a destination where you can explore the history of Malaysian textiles. Apart from this, people can also explore ancient machinery of exotic cloth making in this Museum. The museum also has several artefacts, motifs and jewellery that people can watch.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Watching the textile machinery, watching the collection of exquisite jewellery

27. Royal Malaysian Police Museum, Kuala Lumpur

There are 3 galleries in the Royal Malaysian Police Museum that exhibit different historical periods of Malaysia. Gallery A shows the police system in Malaysia during Malay Sultanates. Gallery B shows the police involvement in straits settlements. The third gallery of this museum shows the struggle of defeating the communist Malayan Emergency. Thus, the place can be altogether beneficial for understanding the history of Malaysia.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Getting insights about different wars and struggles of Malaysian people, exploring artefacts

28. Sarawak Natural History Museum, Sarawak

Sarawak Natural History Museum was set up by a popular British naturalist, Alfred Wallace. The museum showcases several wildlife specimens to visitors. Apart from this, the museum also has a collection of ethnographic artefacts. The human skull taxidermies are also a great attraction here. In addition, the beautiful Victorian architecture is also worth mentioning.

• Location: Sarawak, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 4:45 pm on Monday to Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Entry fees: Free
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Exploring Victorian architecture, watching different art and artefacts

29. Perak Museum, Negeri Perak

Situated in the centre of Negeri Perak, the Perak Museum is one of the oldest museums in Malaysia. From natural history to architectural heritage, you can witness a lot of historical elements here. There are altogether 4 galleries in this museum so people can enjoy exploring a lot here. The remains of ancient reptiles, insects, and fishes are also very popular here.

• Location: Negeri Perak, Malaysia
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 2 per adult and Free for children under 12 years old
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Exploring the natural history of Malaysia, watching remains of different ancient animals and reptiles

30. Wonderfood Museum, Pulau Pinang

Wonderfood Museum in Malaysia is highly appealing to people of every age group. Mainly here you can explore the big-size replicas of popular Malaysian foods. The museum also shares insight into the ways of eating that can save people’s health as well as the environment. The museum has 3 zones- Educational, Info and Wow zone.

• Location: Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Entry fees: MYR 15
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Things to do: Exploring Malay cuisine, gaining knowledge about the healthy cooking style

Hope you have got enough insight about the places to visit in Malaysia. The country is full of heritage sites that tourists can explore and get knowledge about Eastern art, culture and more. Apart from this, there are beautiful natural spots perfect for refreshing vacations. So if you are planning to visit Malaysia, consider this guide to make your bucket list