15 Breathtaking Places to Discover in Malaysia

From beaches to lounge on, rainforests to trek (and sweat!) through, exotic wildlife to seek out, unbeatable cuisine, deep-seated traditions, and rich cultural history, I loved that Malaysia had it all! From my three months travelling around this intriguing country, here are the places that left the biggest impression on me…

1. Sabah, Borneo

This northern Borneo paradise felt almost unreal — soft white beaches, turquoise water, and rainforest alive with wildlife, yet with just enough buzz from stilt villages, colonial streets, and modern cities to keep things exciting.

I flew into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and spent two packed weeks summiting misty Mount Kinabalu at sunrise, diving with barracuda at Sipadan Island, and spotting wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys on a Kinabatangan River boat tour.

I stayed a gorgeous week in an over-water bungalow at Gayana Marine Resort on coral-fringed Gaya Island, lounged on Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s Insta-worthy beaches, saw orangutans feasting on guava at the uplifting Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, and explored fascinating indigenous villages before moving on.

• Location: northern Borneo and bordered by Sarawak, Kalimantan, and the Sulu Sea
• Map Location and Directions
• Wildlife: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, a clouded leopard, civet cats, snakes, sea turtles, and reef sharks

My personal highlights… 

• Also staying at the extraordinary Sepilok Nature Lodge –  I loved staying right in the middle of the rainforest and hearing the cicadas and gibbons calling as I sipped on my black Tenom Tea on my private veranda each morning!

2. Langkawi

I completely fell for this beautiful 99-island archipelago — it looked like a travel magazine come to life with palm-fringed beaches, Malay-style villages, ancient rainforest, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Even with honeymooners and backpackers around, it still felt blissfully laid-back and untamed.

I flew into Langkawi International Airport and spent a magical week hopping between powdery beaches like Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu, hiking lush Gunung Mat Cincang, and braving the dizzying SkyCab and soaring Langkawi Sky Bridge where I saw jaw-dropping views.

I cruised through the cinematic mangroves of Kilim Geoforest Park, sampled sizzling street food at the night markets, discovered the Insta-worthy beaches from the striking volcanic Black Sand Beach, to the lively Pantai Cenang and ended each day with duty-free shopping sprees and sunset cocktails.

• Location: Northwest part of the country.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the seriously stunning 4-star Ombak Villa Langkawi – I loved the elegant Malay-inspired architecture, the onsite spa (especially the coconut oil Malay urut massage) and the Insta-worthy infinity pool!

3. The Perhentian Islands

These islands completely blew me away — powdery white beaches, turquoise waters teeming with sea life, and rustic chalets and eco-resorts tucked into the jungle made it feel like pure tropical bliss. I loved the chilled beach bars, easygoing vibe, and the fun crowd of fellow travelers that made it so hard to leave.

I hopped on the 40-minute ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty and spent five unforgettable days snorkeling with sea turtles at Turtle Point, diving with reef sharks at Shark Point, and lazing on Long Beach and Coral Bay (my photo above says it all!).

I kayaked to hidden coves, hiked the jungle trails to Windmill Point and saw stunning views, and ended every night barefoot at a beachfront café, tucking into spicy local dishes while watching those unreal, fiery sunsets.

• Location: East coast of the country (in a state of Terengganu nestled 19 km off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia)
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Staying in the dreamy 4-star Bubu Resort – I was greeted with a chilled lemongrass and pandan welcome drink and a complimentary foot scrub which used island herbs including kaffir lime leaves and wild turmeric!

4. George Town

George Town completely captivated me — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful colonial facades, bold street art, buzzing markets, and a fascinating mix of temples, mosques, and churches that gave it a true cultural melting pot feel. The gorgeous greenery, sparkling coast, and breezy Penang Hill views made it even more magical.

I flew into Penang International Airport, made the quick 16 km trip into town, and stayed three nights at the historic 4-star Noordin Mews. I spent my days hunting for famous murals (the giant ginger cat in the shuttered windows was my favorite!), feasting on Gurney Drive street food, and exploring the ornate Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, and the spectacular Kek Lok Si Temple.

I also strolled the shady Botanic Gardens and rode the funicular up Penang Hill for those incredible city views and a much-needed break from the tropical heat.

• Location: Northwest part of the country (on the northeastern tip of Penang Island)
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Wandering past eerie, crumbling colonial mansions with a ghost-town vibe, the beautifully restored indigo-blue Blue Mansion Hotel stood out as it’s now a stunning 4-star boutique hotel and museum!

5. Penang

I thought Penang was extraordinary — pastel-hued colonial buildings in George Town, UNESCO-listed architecture, long soft-sand beaches with clear waters, and lush green hills as the backdrop made it a feast for the eyes.

I loved its melting pot of cultures and religions, which also made it one of the best foodie destinations I’ve ever visited! It felt lively yet laid-back, with just enough intrigue from the occasional eerie, abandoned colonial building I stumbled across.

I flew into Penang International Airport, explored charming George Town, and spent an idyllic week at the lush Bao Sheng Durian Farm. I toured the ornate Khoo Kongsi clan house, lounged on Batu Ferringhi Beach (watching out for pesky jellyfish!), devoured street food at Gurney Drive, and hiked the scenic trails of Penang National Park.

• Location: Northwest part of the country.
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights… 

• Trying local delicacies at the lively Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, I loved the flavorful fried Nasi Kandar curry, the crunchy Pasembur salad with tofu and turnip, and the colorful shaved-ice dessert Ais Kacang (“bean ice”)!

6. Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu really intrigued me — some parts felt plain with rows of off-white buildings and big malls, but its backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, mix of colonial and modern architecture, lively markets, and long beaches made it surprisingly beautiful. I loved its buzzing, multicultural vibe and found it the perfect base to start and end my Sabah trip.

I flew into Kota Kinabalu International Airport and spent four days climbing Mount Kinabalu, snorkeling colorful reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, haggling at Gaya Street Market, and exploring the Sabah State Museum. I also admired the waterfront City Mosque and watched a breathtaking sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach (my photo above says it all!).

• Location: North part of the country.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Staying at the trendy boutique 4-star LUMA Hotel – I loved incredibly attentive staff, and the handcrafted coffee served at its Flow Café, the Coffee Mojito Mocktail was my go-to! 

7. Pulau Tioman

Often called one of Malaysia’s most beautiful islands, Tioman absolutely lived up to the hype — I found untouched beaches, shallow aquamarine waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and jungle-covered mountains that gave it a wild, adventurous edge. Despite all that, it still felt wonderfully laid-back.

I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Airport and spent four wonderful days exploring by rented motorbike — the perfect way to take it all in. I lazed on quiet Salang and ABC Beach, dived and snorkeled over vibrant reefs, took a snorkeling boat trip to unspoilt Renggis Island, trekked through the jungle to the pretty Asah Waterfall, and wandered through the traditional villages of Tekek and Paya.

• Location: East coast of the country (off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea)
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the 4-star Boathouse Pulau Tioman in a romantic wooden bungalow, I loved the use of locally sourced materials, no-plastic policy, waking to ocean sounds, and the traditional Malaysian games, congkak was my favorite!

8. The Petronas Towers

Seeing the Petronas Towers in person was incredible — two gleaming skyscrapers joined by a skybridge, blending high-tech design with Islamic-inspired geometry. At 452 meters (1,483 feet), they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and are still the tallest twin towers on Earth — a fact I loved learning about architect César Pelli! 

While staying at the 4-star Scarletz Suites KLCC by MyKey, I took the KLRT to KLCC station beneath the towers, rode up to the Skybridge for sweeping city views, browsed Suria KLCC, strolled the park, and watched the fountain shows glow at dusk.

• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, in the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) district.
• Map Location and Directions
• Petronas Towers Website

My personal highlights… 

• Browsing Suria KLCC mall, I especially liked the chic Japanese Isetan department store and Royal Selangor’s beautifully crafted pewter tea sets.

9. Pangkor Island

This island felt like a postcard come to life — soft white sand, calm aquamarine waters, forested hills, and a mix of traditional Malay life and Dutch colonial ruins. I loved its wonderfully slow, no-rush vibe that made everything feel extra relaxing.

After a quick 40-minute ferry from Lumut, I checked into the Insta-worthy over-water Pangkor Laut Resort and spent a few blissful days sunbathing on Pasir Bogak Beach, exploring the old Dutch Fort, and spotting hornbills swooping across fiery sunset skies near Pangkor Town.

I hiked the lush Pangkor Forest Reserve, visited the quirky Foo Lin Kong Temple with its mini Great Wall, and wandered Sungai Pinang Kecil’s fishing village to see a more authentic, working side of the island.

• Location: West coast of the country (off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Perak)
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Relaxing on my favorite beaches – Pasir Bogak with its shallow waters, tasty street food stalls (I couldn’t get enough of the spicy, smoky-scented Mee Goreng Mamak!) and water sport rentals, and the secluded, intimate Nipah Bay with the salty sea breeze in the air! 

10. Malacca

I thought this UNESCO World Heritage city was bursting with character — pretty colonial facades, fairy-lit flower-covered trishaws, and a serene riverside along the Melaka River gave it a nostalgic, old-world charm I loved.

Just two hours from Kuala Lumpur, I spent two action-packed days based at the historic boutique Majestic Malacca Hotel. I explored the ruins of A Famosa, admired the striking red Christ Church and Stadthuys, cruised the Melaka River, browsed quirky antiques on Jonker Street, feasted on rich Peranakan dishes, and joined the lively weekend night market that completely transformed the city after dark.

• Location: Southwest part of the country (in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Strait of Malacca)
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights… 

• The quaint one-way winding streets, the scent of incense drifting from old temples, and the historic, rickety buildings that gave the area such a unique old-world charm!

11. Cameron Highlands

This hill station felt like a peaceful escape — rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, misty forests, and colonial bungalows made it wonderfully serene and far from city chaos. I loved the cool mountain air and slow pace.

After a twisty 3.5-hour drive, I spent two photogenic days taking in Boh Tea Plantation’s sweeping views, picking strawberries at Raju’s Hill, and exploring the misty mossy forest on Gunung Brinchang. I stayed at the colonial-style Cameron Highlands Resort, browsed Kea Farm Market, and admired the vibrant Lavender Garden — every stop added to its old-world charm.

• Location: Central part of the country (center of Peninsular Malaysia)
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Browsing the Kea Farm Market – I loved the cute stalls selling lavender and roses, the handwoven baskets, the Batik rugs and the intricately beaded jewelry on sale.

12. Pulau Redang

This island was seriously wow-inducing — soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water, a lush jungle interior, and a mix of chic resorts and wooden chalets gave it a perfect laid-back yet upscale vibe.

After a 40-minute ferry from Merang, I spent four dreamy days snorkeling the vibrant reefs at Redang Marine Park, scuba diving Terumbu Kili with green turtles and colorful coral, and lazing on Pasir Panjang’s powdery beach. I hiked the jungle trails, wandered the fishing village of Kampung Baru, and watched unforgettable sunsets from the beachfront resorts.

• Location: East coast of the country (around 45 km from the east coast of the mainland in the state of Terengganu)
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Staying at the Insta-worthy Taaras Beach & Spa Resort – I loved the gorgeous ocean views, the onsite spa with its soothing native healing rituals (the Malay Urut Massage was incredible!), and joining their inspiring turtle conservation program.

13. Gunung Mulu National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site took my breath away — soaring limestone peaks, vast cave systems, ancient rainforest, a winding river, and an eco-resort blending seamlessly into the jungle made it feel wild, mystical, and packed with adventure. It’s so extraordinary it’s been extensively studied and even featured by the BBC’s Planet Earth team.

After a full-day boat trip from Miri, I spent three unforgettable days exploring: I wandered Deer Cave just in time for the epic evening bat exodus, climbed to the dramatic Pinnacles, trekked to hidden Clearwater Cave, crossed the world’s longest canopy walkway, explored Lang Cave’s underground rivers, and glided down the Melinau River.

• Location: North part of the country (Sarawak on the island of Borneo, near the Brunei border)
• Map Location and Directions
• Wildlife: millions of wrinkle-lipped bats, rare hornbills, bearded pigs, Bornean gibbons, moon rats, and countless unique insects, amphibians, and reptiles.

My highlights… 

• Watching thousands of bats stream from Deer Cave at dusk was thrilling and a bit eerie—the musky cave scent in the air and the swirling patterns they formed against the fading sky! 

14. Ipoh, Perak

Ipoh, the former capital of Perak, completely surprised me — colonial buildings, jungle-clad limestone hills, vibrant street art, and breathtaking cave temples made it both beautiful and full of character. It had a relaxed energy but buzzed with heritage, creativity, and flavor at every turn.

After a 2.5-hour ETS train ride from Kuala Lumpur, I spent three memorable days at the wow-inducing Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. I explored Kek Lok Tong and other dramatic cave temples, photographed colonial landmarks like the Ipoh Railway Station, wandered mural-filled Concubine Lane, sipped the city’s famous white coffee at Nam Heong, and soaked in the thermal pools at the Lost World of Tambun with towering limestone cliffs as my backdrop.

• Location: West part of the country (Kinta Valley located in Perak, around 130 km south of the state of Penang)
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• The heritage Kong Heng Block, where beautifully restored colonial shophouses housed trendy cafés, boutique hotels, and art spaces – I especially loved the quirky Burps & Giggles café and its fragrant, spicy Nyonya laksa!

15. Danum Valley

I was completely wowed by this unspoilt paradise — mist-shrouded ancient rainforest, serene rivers, waterfall-lined trails, and just a handful of eco-lodges made it feel utterly untouched and full of mystery. As one of the world’s oldest rainforests, it was alive with wildlife!  

I flew into Lahad Datu Airport, bumped along a three-hour jungle drive to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, and spent three unforgettable days trekking lush trails, crossing the canopy walkway, joining night safaris, and visiting the fascinating Kadazandusun burial site at Coffin Cliff.

• Location: East part of the country (in Sabah, on the island of Borneo)
• Map Location and Directions
• Wildlife: Bornean orangutans, pygmy elephants, and some of the 340+ bird species

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge was unforgettable – I woke to gibbons’ eerie whoops and tropical birdsong, then walked the misty canopy walkway high above the jungle with the river rushing below!

Location of Malaysia

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia with the famous countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and The Philippines.