Attractions of Malaysia

To help inspire or plan your trip to Malaysia, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Malaysia which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Go to Region of Malaysia-> Malaysian Peninsula - Borneo - Sarawak - Borneo - Sabah

Malaysian Peninsula - Cities of interest

Melaka
Melaka Melaka was founded in the 15th century and soon became an important trading port on the route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It underwent three successive periods of European rule (Portuguese, Dutch and British) before gaining independence with Malaysia in 1957. This historic heritage and a cosmopolitan cultural mix makes Melaka a fascinating town to explore. Attractions of note include the tomb of Huang Kasturi, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia) and the Kampung Kling Mosque but Melaka's highlight is wandering the old, narrow streets, shopping for antiques and tasting the distinctive Nyonya cuisine at the many open air restaurants. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Melaka

Melaka

Melaka was founded in the 15th century and soon became an important trading port on the route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It underwent three successive periods of European rule (Portuguese, Dutch and British) before gaining independence with Malaysia in 1957. This historic heritage and a cosmopolitan cultural mix makes Melaka a fascinating town to explore. Attractions of note include the tomb of Huang Kasturi, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia) and the Kampung Kling Mosque but Melaka's highlight is wandering the old, narrow streets, shopping for antiques and tasting the distinctive Nyonya cuisine at the many open air restaurants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Penang
Penang Island, just off the north-western coast of Malaysia, has been dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient". Its capital George Town was an historic trading port and was ruled by the British between the 18th and 20th centuries. With one of the most diverse populations in Asia, it's a fascinating town to wander and explore its rich cultural heritage and sample the huge variety of cuisines available. Sites of interest include Fort Cornwallis (built in 1808 to defend the island) and the Chinese Clan bridge houses built on stilts. Elsewhere on Penang you can visit Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai architectural Buddhist Temple which houses a 32 metre reclining Buddha, the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and the Botanical Gardens as well as numerous villages, beaches and mosques and Buddhist temples. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Penang

Penang Island, just off the north-western coast of Malaysia, has been dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient". Its capital George Town was an historic trading port and was ruled by the British between the 18th and 20th centuries. With one of the most diverse populations in Asia, it's a fascinating town to wander and explore its rich cultural heritage and sample the huge variety of cuisines available. Sites of interest include Fort Cornwallis (built in 1808 to defend the island) and the Chinese Clan bridge houses built on stilts. Elsewhere on Penang you can visit Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai architectural Buddhist Temple which houses a 32 metre reclining Buddha, the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and the Botanical Gardens as well as numerous villages, beaches and mosques and Buddhist temples.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur, or KL, is a fascinating city combining the traditional with the modern and with a vibrant and diverse ethnic mix. Its most prominent features include Merdeka Square, the Petronas Towers (the world’s tallest twin-towered buildings) and the 421 metre tall Menara Kuala Lumpur, which offers great views of the city. KL has strong Indian and Chinese, as well as Malay, influences and some of the best markets and restaurants in the region. Close to KL at Kampung Kuantan is one of the world's largest colonies of fireflies, producing a spectacular synchronised and rhythmic display at night. You can also visit the Batu Caves to explore the vast underground chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, or KL, is a fascinating city combining the traditional with the modern and with a vibrant and diverse ethnic mix. Its most prominent features include Merdeka Square, the Petronas Towers (the world’s tallest twin-towered buildings) and the 421 metre tall Menara Kuala Lumpur, which offers great views of the city. KL has strong Indian and Chinese, as well as Malay, influences and some of the best markets and restaurants in the region. Close to KL at Kampung Kuantan is one of the world's largest colonies of fireflies, producing a spectacular synchronised and rhythmic display at night. You can also visit the Batu Caves to explore the vast underground chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

Borneo - Sarawak - Cities of interest

Kuching
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and is a charming city with a wealth of historic buildings and a vibrant mix of different ethnic groups. Its attractions include the Astana - a 19th century white palace that is home to the Governor of Sarawak, Fort Margherita - located on a hill opposite the waterfront which protected the town from invaders and the Sarawak Museum which has excellent historic and ethnological exhibits. Kuching is also a wonderful city for strolling in its historic centre and along the waterfront as well as being a great spot for buying souvenirs. Close to Kuching is the Sarawak Cultural Village where you can learn about Sarawak's many different ethnic groups.

Kuching

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and is a charming city with a wealth of historic buildings and a vibrant mix of different ethnic groups. Its attractions include the Astana - a 19th century white palace that is home to the Governor of Sarawak, Fort Margherita - located on a hill opposite the waterfront which protected the town from invaders and the Sarawak Museum which has excellent historic and ethnological exhibits. Kuching is also a wonderful city for strolling in its historic centre and along the waterfront as well as being a great spot for buying souvenirs. Close to Kuching is the Sarawak Cultural Village where you can learn about Sarawak's many different ethnic groups.

Borneo - Sabah - Cities of interest

Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah, located on the northern Borneo coast on the South China Sea. The city has an interesting blend of European, Malay, Chinese and Filipino cultures. Sites of interest include the Sabah State Museum and the contemporary Islamic architecture of the State Mosque. A 15 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu takes you to the five beautiful coral islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, including Gaya, Sapi and Manukan. Here you can enjoy the pristine white beaches and warm, clear waters or go diving or snorkelling to explore the coral reef.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah, located on the northern Borneo coast on the South China Sea. The city has an interesting blend of European, Malay, Chinese and Filipino cultures. Sites of interest include the Sabah State Museum and the contemporary Islamic architecture of the State Mosque. A 15 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu takes you to the five beautiful coral islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, including Gaya, Sapi and Manukan. Here you can enjoy the pristine white beaches and warm, clear waters or go diving or snorkelling to explore the coral reef.