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Top 7 things to do in Malaysia

Jump headfirst into fun and adventure across Malaysia's pristine islands and bustling cities.

Explore the Batu Caves and its giant gold statue, stroll through gardens in the middle of Kuala Lumpur and soak up the sun on a white sand beach.

Malaysia caters to every type of traveller and budget with its diverse landscape ranging from islands covered in rainforests to historical cities busy with markets.

Learn about the must-do things to try while in Malaysia with this list.

Top things to do in Malaysia

Perdana Botanical Gardens, Malaysia

1. Visit one of Malaysia's most beautiful gardens

With its tropical climate, Malaysia's gardens thrive with verdant and colourful flora. In Kuala Lumpur, the Perdana Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the city, complete with hibiscus and orchid gardens and a deer park.

If you're visiting the north end of Malaysia, Penang's Tropical Spice Garden is a feast for the senses. You can discover hundreds of spices and herbs and pop on the Giant Swing to see it all from a thrilling angle.

Street Foods in Malaysia

2. Taste your way through Malaysia with a food tour

Taste authentic Malaysian cuisine with a food tour that takes you to all the local hotspots.

Expect to try a range of dishes that draw from Malay, Indian and Chinese influence over a 2- to 4-hour walking food tour or a local street food night tour.

Kuala Lumpur Local Street Food Private Tour
Kuala Lumpur Local Street Food Private Tour

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Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia

3. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers

Discover one of Malaysia's most iconic attractions: the Petronas Twin Towers.

Make your way up to level 86 via the high-speed lift to meet breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur.

Hot tip: The attraction provides the perfect photo opportunity with a stunning backdrop during golden hour.

Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower Observation Deck
Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower Observation Deck

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Legoland, Malaysia

4. Release your inner child at LEGOLAND

A favourite for both little and big kids, LEGOLAND is Malaysia's first international theme park.

Inside are LEGO creations such as Cambodia's Angkor Wat as well as over 40 rides and attractions.

When you're tired of rides, you can make your way to the world's largest LEGOLAND water park. It features a splash park, water slides and lazy river.

Batu Caves, Malaysia

5. Explore the Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are located in the limestone hills north of Kuala Lumpur.

Climb the 272 steps passing the 42-metre-high gold-painted statue of the Hindi god Murugan and the macaques on your way to the Cathedral Cave.

The region offers more than the caves. If you have time, you can explore the picturesque countryside and its serene views, caves and shrines.

Penang Street, Malaysia

6. Take a guided tour of Penang

The island of Penang is filled with history and impressive architectural structures.

First, make a beeline for Kek Lok Si, Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple. It's divided into 3 zones and will command your attention for most of the day.

Then, explore the street art in Georgetown, immerse yourself in the local culture and try the local food. Each region in Malaysia offers something different in the way of cuisine and Penang's is legendary.

SkyBridge, Malaysia

7. Ride the SkyCab to SkyBridge in Langkawi

Not for the faint-hearted, SkyCab is the longest cable car in the country. It delivers impeccable views of the jungle, mountains and local flora and fauna as it climbs up Machinchang mountain.

There are 3 stations to visit with the third and final sitting around 660 metres above sea level. From here, you can access SkyBridge, a curved cable-stayed bridge that snakes around the treetops offering 360-degree views of the region.

SkyBridge and Langkawi Cable Car Private Tour
SkyBridge and Langkawi Cable Car Private Tour

Viator


Free things to do in Malaysia

  • Go on a picnic at KLCC Park
  • Wander around Perdana Botanical Gardens
  • Be entertained by the Lake Symphony
  • Visit temples and mosques
  • Stroll around Berjaya Times Square
  • Go on a hike at Kuala Lumpur's Forest Eco Park

Malaysia attractions map


Latest Malaysia travel deals

Deal

Bali flights from $600.85

Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Japan flights from $997.75

Get Australia flights starting from $997.75 at Malaysia Airlines. Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Flights to Indonesia from $821.35

Get Indonesia flights starting from $821.35 at Malaysia Airlines. Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Cheapest flights refreshed every 5 to 7 days

Available for travel on select dates and locations. Sample destinations are Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Additional 5% off international and domestic flights

Sign up as an Enrich member and get additional discount at Malaysia Airlines. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 30% student discount on domestic & international flights

Get up to 30% off on flights + up to 45kg baggage with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights. Domestic destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Adelaide. International destination includes Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 15% off Asian adventures

Get up to 15% off select tours and escapades in Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Malaysia, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

10% off your next flight

Book a Economy Flex, Business Flex or Business Suite flight and get 10% on your next flight with the same plane. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Flights to Malaysia from $256 return

Available on select travel dates until March 2023. Sample fare departs from Perth with Scoot.
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Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday. See full bio

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