Malaysia · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Malaysia
Our pick of places across Malaysia, from hawker stalls and heritage temples to rainforest trails and island beaches. Each one is chosen to help you find something memorable in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu.
Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Things to Do
- Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC)
The skybridge and observation deck of the city's defining landmark. - Aquaria KLCC (KLCC)
An aquarium with a long underwater tunnel, easy with children. - KL Bird Park (Lake Gardens)
A large walk through aviary in the Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Arts and Culture
- Batu Caves (Gombak)
A giant golden statue and a long painted staircase lead to a Hindu temple inside a limestone cave. - Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (Lake Gardens)
One of the finest collections of Islamic decorative art in Asia, in a calm domed building. - National Museum of Malaysia (Brickfields)
A clear introduction to Malaysian history from early kingdoms to independence. - Sin Sze Si Ya Temple (Chinatown)
The oldest Taoist temple in the city, tucked behind shophouses. - Thean Hou Temple (Robson Heights)
A many tiered Chinese temple with lanterns and city views. - Masjid Jamek (City centre)
A graceful mosque at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers.
Restaurants
- Jalan Alor (Bukit Bintang)
The city's best known night food street, lined with hawker stalls and grills. - Restoran Yut Kee (Jalan Dang Wangi)
A Hainanese kopitiam serving roti babi and kaya toast for generations. - Nasi Kandar Pelita (Jalan Ampang)
Round the clock nasi kandar with curries ladled over rice, a Malaysian ritual. - Village Park Restaurant (Damansara Uptown)
Famous for its nasi lemak with crisp fried chicken. - Dewakan (Naza Tower KL)
Modern Malaysian tasting menus built on native ingredients. - Kampung Baru night stalls (Kampung Baru)
A traditional Malay village in the shadow of the towers, with satay and nasi lemak stalls.
Cafés
- VCR (Jalan Galloway)
A roastery cafe in a restored prewar house near Bukit Bintang. - Merchant's Lane (Petaling Street)
A hidden upstairs cafe in an old Chinatown shophouse. - Kedai Kopi Lai Foong (Chinatown)
A busy old coffee shop famous for beef noodle soup.
Bars and Nightlife
- Heli Lounge Bar (Bukit Bintang)
Sunset drinks on a working helipad above the city. - Marini's on 57 (KLCC)
A sky high bar with close views of the Petronas Towers. - Changkat Bukit Bintang (Bukit Bintang)
A strip of bars and restaurants that stays lively late. - PS150 (Chinatown)
A cocktail bar hidden behind a toy shop front in Chinatown.
Shopping and Markets
- Central Market (Chinatown)
An art deco market hall full of batik, crafts and souvenirs. - Petaling Street Market (Chinatown)
Chinatown's covered street of stalls, snacks and bargaining. - Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang)
A huge mall with a respected food hall and seasonal decorations.
Nature and Outdoors
- KL Forest Eco Park (Bukit Nanas)
A canopy walk through old rainforest in the middle of the city. - KLCC Park (KLCC)
A green park with a free wading pool and fountain shows below the towers. - Kanching Rainforest Waterfall (Rawang)
A tiered waterfall in forest reserve a short drive north of the city.
Events
- Thaipusam at Batu Caves (Gombak)
Hundreds of thousands of devotees climb to the cave temple, many carrying kavadi.
Stays
- Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur (KLCC)
A classic luxury hotel beside the Petronas Towers and KLCC Park. - The RuMa Hotel and Residences (Jalan Kia Peng)
A refined design hotel near the city centre. - Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Kamunting)
A stylish hotel with a rooftop pool in an older neighbourhood.
Places to Visit in Penang
Arts and Culture
- George Town street art (George Town)
Murals and iron rod sculptures scattered through the heritage lanes. - Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (George Town)
The indigo Blue Mansion, a restored Hakka courtyard house with guided tours. - Khoo Kongsi (George Town)
A richly carved clan house hidden inside a walled square. - Pinang Peranakan Mansion (George Town)
A green mansion full of Peranakan furniture, jewellery and costume. - Clan Jetties (Weld Quay)
Wooden stilt villages over the water, each built by one Chinese clan. - Kek Lok Si Temple (Air Itam)
A vast hillside Buddhist temple with a seven storey pagoda.
Restaurants
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre (Gurney Drive)
A seafront hawker centre for char kway teow, laksa and rojak. - Air Itam Laksa (Air Itam)
A famous roadside stall for sour Penang assam laksa. - Line Clear Nasi Kandar (Penang Road)
A long running nasi kandar spot in a lane off Penang Road. - Red Garden Food Paradise (Lebuh Leith)
A big, lively open air hawker court in the heart of George Town. - Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery (George Town)
Homestyle Nyonya cooking in a heritage shophouse. - Kimberley Street night hawkers (George Town)
Evening stalls for duck kway chap and sweet soups. - New Lane Hawker Centre (Lorong Baru)
A local night street for char kway teow and lok lok.
Cafés
- Toh Soon Cafe (Campbell Street)
A tiny lane cafe toasting bread over charcoal. - China House (Beach Street)
A row of linked shophouses with a cafe, gallery and famous cakes. - Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul (Penang Road)
The classic stop for chendol, an iced dessert of coconut and palm sugar. - Mugshot Cafe (Chulia Street)
Bagels, homemade yoghurt and a friendly crowd in an old shophouse.
Bars and Nightlife
- Love Lane (George Town)
A small strip of bars and backpacker hangouts. - Backdoor Bodega (George Town)
A cocktail bar hidden behind a small grocery front.
Nature and Outdoors
- Penang Hill (Air Itam)
A funicular ride up to cooler air, colonial bungalows and views over the strait. - Penang National Park (Teluk Bahang)
Jungle trails to quiet beaches, including Monkey Beach and the turtle beach. - The Habitat Penang Hill (Penang Hill)
Rainforest trails and a canopy walk at the top of Penang Hill. - Tropical Spice Garden (Teluk Bahang)
A hillside garden of spices and tropical plants by the sea. - Balik Pulau durian farms (Balik Pulau)
The rural side of the island, with orchards and paddy fields.
Things to Do
- Entopia (Teluk Bahang)
A butterfly and insect centre that children love.
Shopping and Markets
- Chowrasta Market (Penang Road)
An old wet market with nutmeg sweets and local snacks. - Armenian Street craft shops (George Town)
Small shops for prints, batik and souvenirs along a famous street.
Events
- George Town Festival (George Town)
A yearly arts festival of performances and installations in heritage buildings.
Stays
- Eastern and Oriental Hotel (Farquhar Street)
A grand colonial era seafront hotel. - Seven Terraces (George Town)
A row of restored Peranakan terrace houses turned boutique hotel. - Muntri Mews (George Town)
A small heritage hotel in old stables on a quiet street.
Places to Visit in Melaka
Arts and Culture
- A Famosa (Bandar Hilir)
The surviving gate of the Portuguese fort built in the sixteenth century. - Stadthuys and Christ Church (Dutch Square)
The red Dutch era buildings at the heart of the old town. - St Paul's Hill (Bandar Hilir)
A hilltop church ruin with views over the old port. - Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock)
A Peranakan family home preserved as a museum. - Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (Jalan Tokong)
The oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia. - Kampung Kling Mosque (Jalan Tukang Emas)
A mosque mixing Sumatran, Chinese and Indian styles.
Shopping and Markets
- Jonker Street Night Market (Jonker Street)
Weekend night market of snacks, crafts and street performers.
Restaurants
- Chung Wah Chicken Rice Ball (Jonker Street)
The local classic of chicken rice shaped into balls. - Nancy's Kitchen (Jalan Hang Lekir)
Much loved Nyonya home cooking. - Capitol Satay (Lorong Bukit Cina)
Satay celup, skewers dipped into a bubbling peanut sauce. - Portuguese Settlement seafood (Ujong Pasir)
Evening seafood among the Kristang community by the sea.
Cafés
- Jonker 88 (Jonker Street)
Cendol and Nyonya laksa in a busy old shophouse. - The Daily Fix Cafe (Jonker Street)
A cafe hidden behind a souvenir shop with a calm back room.
Things to Do
- Melaka River Cruise (Melaka River)
A boat ride past murals and restored warehouses, lovely after dark. - Menara Taming Sari (Bandar Hilir)
A revolving tower ride with views over the town and strait.
Nature and Outdoors
- Melaka Straits Mosque (Pulau Melaka)
A mosque on stilts over the sea, beautiful at sunset.
Bars and Nightlife
- Geographer Cafe (Jonker Street)
A corner bar cafe for evening drinks and people watching.
Stays
- The Majestic Malacca (Jalan Bunga Raya)
A restored 1920s mansion hotel by the river. - Hotel Puri (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock)
A Peranakan townhouse hotel with a courtyard garden.
Places to Visit in Langkawi
Things to Do
- Langkawi Cable Car (Oriental Village)
A steep cable car ride up Gunung Mat Cincang to the Sky Bridge. - Underwater World Langkawi (Cenang)
An aquarium beside Pantai Cenang, good on a rainy day.
Nature and Outdoors
- Kilim Karst Geoforest Park (Kilim)
Mangrove boat trips among limestone cliffs, eagles and caves. - Pantai Cenang (Cenang)
The island's busiest beach, with sunsets, water sports and cafes. - Tanjung Rhu (Tanjung Rhu)
A quieter beach with clear water and limestone islets offshore. - Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh)
A series of rock pools and falls in the forest. - Pulau Dayang Bunting (Dayang Bunting)
Island hopping to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden for a freshwater swim. - Pantai Kok (Pantai Kok)
A calm bay below the mountains on the west coast.
Shopping and Markets
- Langkawi night markets (Rotating locations)
A different town hosts the market each evening, with Malay snacks and grills. - Kuah duty free shops (Kuah)
Langkawi is a duty free island, with chocolate and household goods.
Restaurants
- Wonderland Food Store (Kuah)
A seafood restaurant popular with local families.
Bars and Nightlife
- Yellow Beach Cafe (Cenang)
Bean bags on the sand for sunset drinks.
Arts and Culture
- Laman Padi (Cenang)
A rice garden and small museum about paddy farming. - Mahsuri's Tomb (Kampung Mawat)
The shrine of the legendary princess tied to Langkawi's founding story.
Stays
- The Datai Langkawi (Datai Bay)
A luxury rainforest resort above a beautiful bay. - Four Seasons Resort Langkawi (Tanjung Rhu)
Pavilions and villas on a long, calm beach.
Places to Visit in Kota Kinabalu
Nature and Outdoors
- Kinabalu Park (Kundasang)
A UNESCO listed park around Malaysia's highest mountain, with garden trails and the summit climb. - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (Off Kota Kinabalu)
Island snorkelling a short boat ride from the city. - Poring Hot Springs (Ranau)
Hot spring baths and a forest canopy walk. - Klias Wetlands (Klias)
River trips to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies. - Desa Dairy Farm (Kundasang)
A hillside dairy farm with views of Mount Kinabalu. - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Sepilok, Sandakan)
Feeding times for orphaned orangutans in the forest. - Kinabatangan River (Sukau)
River safaris for pygmy elephants, hornbills and orangutans.
Shopping and Markets
- Gaya Street Sunday Market (Gaya Street)
A Sunday morning market of crafts, plants and snacks. - Filipino Market and night market (Waterfront)
Grilled seafood stalls by the sea in the evening.
Restaurants
- Kedai Kopi Fook Yuen (Gaya Street)
A busy coffee shop for breakfast and kaya toast. - Welcome Seafood Restaurant (Kota Kinabalu)
Pick live seafood from the tanks and choose how it is cooked.
Bars and Nightlife
- Tanjung Aru Beach sunset (Tanjung Aru)
Famous sunsets with stalls and a beach crowd.
Arts and Culture
- Sabah State Museum (Kota Kinabalu)
Displays on Sabah's peoples, with traditional houses in the grounds. - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Inanam)
A guided visit to traditional houses of Sabah's peoples. - Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Likas)
A striking mosque on a lagoon, known as the floating mosque.
Events
- Kaamatan Harvest Festival (Penampang)
Kadazan Dusun celebrations in May with dance and the Unduk Ngadau pageant.
Things to Do
- Mount Kinabalu climb (Kinabalu Park)
A guided two day climb to the summit at sunrise.
Stays
- Shangri-La Tanjung Aru (Tanjung Aru)
A resort by the sea with island views.
Places to Visit in Cameron Highlands
Nature and Outdoors
- BOH Sungei Palas Tea Garden (Brinchang)
Tea terraces with a cafe looking over the slopes. - Mossy Forest (Gunung Brinchang)
A boardwalk through cloud forest hung with moss.
Places to Visit in Perhentian Islands
Nature and Outdoors
- Perhentian Kecil (Long Beach)
White sand and clear water for snorkelling in the dry season.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (Sentul, Kuala Lumpur)
Theatre, dance and music in a garden setting. - Back Home Kuala Lumpur (Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur)
A friendly, well kept hostel in Chinatown. - Chingay in Penang (George Town, Penang)
Performers balance giant flags at Chinese New Year time. - Ringo's Foyer (Jalan Kampung Pantai, Melaka)
A small, friendly guesthouse in the old town. - Mangrove kayaking in Kilim (Kilim, Langkawi)
Paddle the mangrove channels at your own pace. - Kampung Siam Restaurant (Cenang, Langkawi)
Thai and Malay cooking in a garden setting. - Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat (Cenang, Langkawi)
Small hillside villas in the forest above Cenang. - Sang Kee Seafood Restaurant (Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu)
Local favourite for Sabah style seafood and fish noodles. - Shenanigan's Bar (Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu)
A long running bar for live music near the waterfront. - Mount Kinabalu Heritage Resort (Kinabalu Park, Kota Kinabalu)
Lodges near the park entrance in cool mountain air.