From seashores to lounge on, rainforests to trek (and sweat!) via, unique wildlife to hunt out, unbeatable delicacies, deep-seated traditions, and wealthy cultural historical past, I beloved the Malaysia had all of it! From my time touring round this intriguing nation (three months in whole), listed here are the locations that left the largest impression on me…
1. Sabah, Borneo
This northern Borneo paradise felt virtually unreal — delicate white seashores, turquoise water, and rainforest alive with wildlife, but with simply sufficient buzz from stilt villages, colonial streets, and fashionable cities to maintain issues thrilling.
I flew into Kota Kinabalu Worldwide Airport (BKI) and spent two packed weeks summiting misty Mount Kinabalu at dawn, diving with barracuda at Sipadan Island, and recognizing wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys on a Kinabatangan River boat tour.
I stayed a dreamy 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 seashores, noticed orangutans feasting on guava on the uplifting Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, and explored fascinating indigenous villages earlier than shifting on.
Location: northern Borneo and bordered by Sarawak, Kalimantan, and the Sulu Sea
Map Location and Instructions
Wildlife: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, a clouded leopard, civet cats, snakes, sea turtles, and reef sharks
My private highlights…
Additionally staying on the extraordinary Sepilok Nature Lodge – I beloved staying proper in the course of the rainforest and listening to the cicadas and gibbons calling as I sipped on my black Tenom Tea on my non-public veranda every morning!
2. Langkawi
I fully fell for this dreamy 99-island archipelago — it appeared like a journey journal come to life with palm-fringed seashores, Malay-style villages, historical rainforest, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Even with honeymooners and backpackers round, it nonetheless felt blissfully laid-back and untamed.
I flew into Langkawi Worldwide Airport and spent a magical week hopping between powdery seashores like Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu, climbing lush Gunung Mat Cincang, and braving the dizzying SkyCab and hovering Langkawi Sky Bridge the place I noticed jaw-dropping views.
I cruised via the cinematic mangroves of Kilim Geoforest Park, sampled scorching avenue meals on the night time markets, found the Insta-worthy seashores from the hanging volcanic Black Sand Seaside, to the energetic Pantai Cenang and ended every day with duty-free procuring sprees and sundown cocktails.
My private highlights…
Staying on the significantly beautiful 4-star Ombak Villa Langkawi – I beloved the elegant Malay-inspired structure, the onsite spa (particularly the coconut oil Malay urut therapeutic massage) and the Insta-worthy infinity pool!
3. The Perhentian Islands
These islands fully blew me away — powdery white seashores, turquoise waters teeming with sea life, and rustic chalets and eco-resorts tucked into the jungle made it really feel like pure tropical bliss. I beloved the chilled seaside bars, easygoing vibe, and the enjoyable crowd of fellow vacationers that made it so exhausting to go away.
I hopped on the 40-minute ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty and spent 5 unforgettable days snorkeling with sea turtles at Turtle Level, diving with reef sharks at Shark Level, and lazing on Lengthy Seaside and Coral Bay (my picture above says all of it!).
I kayaked to hidden coves, hiked the jungle trails to Windmill Level and noticed beautiful views, and ended each night time barefoot at a beachfront café, tucking into spicy native dishes whereas watching these unreal, fiery sunsets.
Location: East coast of the nation (in a state of Terengganu nestled 19 km off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia)
Map Location and Instructions
My highlights…
Staying within the dreamy 4-star Bubu Resort – I used to be greeted with a calming lemongrass and pandan welcome drink and a complimentary foot scrub which used island herbs together with kaffir lime leaves and wild turmeric!
4. George City
George City fully captivated me — a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with colourful colonial facades, daring avenue artwork, buzzing markets, and an enchanting mixture of temples, mosques, and church buildings that gave it a real cultural melting pot really feel. The attractive greenery, glowing coast, and breezy Penang Hill views made it much more magical.
I flew into Penang Worldwide Airport, made the fast 16 km journey into city, and stayed three nights on the historic 4-star Noordin Mews. I spent my days attempting to find well-known murals (the large ginger cat within the shuttered home windows was my favourite!), feasting on Gurney Drive avenue meals, and exploring the ornate Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, and the spectacular Kek Lok Si Temple.
I additionally strolled the shady Botanic Gardens and rode the funicular up Penang Hill for these unimaginable metropolis views and a much-needed break from the tropical warmth.
My highlights…
Wandering previous eerie, crumbling colonial mansions with a ghost-town vibe, the superbly restored indigo-blue Blue Mansion Lodge stood out because it’s now a surprising 4-star boutique lodge and museum!
5. Penang
I assumed Penang was extraordinary — pastel-hued colonial buildings in George City, UNESCO-listed structure, lengthy soft-sand seashores with clear waters, and luxurious inexperienced hills because the backdrop made it a feast for the eyes.
I beloved its melting pot of cultures and religions, which additionally made it among the finest foodie locations I’ve ever visited! It felt energetic but laid-back, with simply sufficient intrigue from the occasional eerie, deserted colonial constructing I stumbled throughout.
I flew into Penang Worldwide Airport, explored charming George City, and spent a dreamy week on the lush Bao Sheng Durian Farm. I toured the ornate Khoo Kongsi clan home, lounged on Batu Ferringhi Seaside (watching out for pesky jellyfish!), devoured avenue meals at Gurney Drive, and hiked the scenic trails of Penang Nationwide Park.
My favourite highlights…
Attempting native delicacies on the energetic Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, I beloved the flavorful fried Nasi Kandar curry, the crunchy Pasembur salad with tofu and turnip, and the colourful shaved-ice dessert Ais Kacang (“bean ice”)!
6. Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu actually intrigued me — some components felt plain with rows of off-white buildings and large malls, however its backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, mixture of colonial and fashionable structure, energetic markets, and lengthy seashores made it surprisingly lovely. I beloved its buzzing, multicultural vibe and located it the right base to start out and finish my Sabah journey.
I flew into Kota Kinabalu Worldwide Airport and spent 4 days climbing Mount Kinabalu, snorkeling colourful reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, haggling at Gaya Avenue Market, and exploring the Sabah State Museum. I additionally admired the waterfront Metropolis Mosque and watched a panoramic sundown at Tanjung Aru Seaside (my picture above says all of it!).
My favorite highlights…
7. Pulau Tioman
Typically known as certainly one of Malaysia’s most lovely islands, Tioman completely lived as much as the hype — I discovered untouched seashores, shallow aquamarine waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and jungle-covered mountains that gave it a wild, adventurous edge. Regardless of all that, it nonetheless felt splendidly laid-back.
I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Airport and spent 4 dreamy days exploring by rented bike — the right option to take all of it in. I lazed on quiet Salang and ABC Seaside, dived and snorkeled over vibrant reefs, took a snorkeling boat journey to unspoilt Renggis Island, trekked via the jungle to the gorgeous Asah Waterfall, and wandered via the normal villages of Tekek and Paya.
My private highlights…
Staying on the 4-star Boathouse Pulau Tioman in a dreamy picket bungalow, I beloved using regionally sourced supplies, no-plastic coverage, waking to ocean sounds, and the normal Malaysian video games, congkak was my favourite!
8. The Petronas Towers
Seeing the Petronas Towers in individual was unimaginable — two gleaming skyscrapers joined by a skybridge, mixing high-tech design with Islamic-inspired geometry. At 452 meters (1,483 ft), they have been the tallest buildings on the planet from 1998 to 2004 and are nonetheless the tallest twin towers on Earth — a truth I beloved studying about architect César Pelli!
Whereas staying on the 4-star Scarletz Suites KLCC by MyKey, I took the KLRT to KLCC station beneath the towers, rode as much as the Skybridge for sweeping metropolis views, browsed Suria KLCC, strolled the park, and watched the fountain reveals glow at nightfall.
My private highlights…
Looking Suria KLCC mall, I particularly preferred the stylish Japanese Isetan division retailer and Royal Selangor’s superbly crafted pewter tea units.
9. Pangkor Island
This island felt like a postcard come to life — delicate white sand, calm aquamarine waters, forested hills, and a mixture of conventional Malay life and Dutch colonial ruins. I beloved its splendidly gradual, no-rush vibe that made every little thing really feel additional enjoyable.
After a fast 40-minute ferry from Lumut, I checked into the dreamy over-water Pangkor Laut Resort and spent a number of blissful days sunbathing on Pasir Bogak Seaside, exploring the previous Dutch Fort, and recognizing hornbills swooping throughout fiery sundown skies close to Pangkor City.
I hiked the luxurious Pangkor Forest Reserve, visited the quirky Foo Lin Kong Temple with its mini Nice Wall, and wandered Sungai Pinang Kecil’s fishing village to see a extra genuine, working facet of the island.
My private highlights…
Enjoyable on my favourite seashores – Pasir Bogak with its shallow waters, tasty avenue meals stalls (I couldn’t get sufficient of the spicy, smoky-scented Mee Goreng Mamak!) and water sport leases, and the secluded, intimate Nipah Bay with the salty sea breeze within the air!
10. Malacca
I assumed this UNESCO World Heritage metropolis was bursting with character — fairly colonial facades, fairy-lit flower-covered trishaws, and a serene riverside alongside the Melaka River gave it a nostalgic, old-world attraction I beloved.
Simply two hours from Kuala Lumpur, I spent two action-packed days based mostly on the historic boutique Majestic Malacca Lodge. I explored the ruins of A Famosa, admired the hanging crimson Christ Church and Stadthuys, cruised the Melaka River, browsed quirky antiques on Jonker Avenue, feasted on wealthy Peranakan dishes, and joined the energetic weekend night time market that fully reworked town after darkish.
Location: Southwest a part of the nation (within the southern area of the Malay Peninsula, subsequent to the Strait of Malacca)
Map Location and Instructions
My favourite highlights…
The quaint one-way winding streets, the scent of incense drifting from previous temples, and the historic, rickety buildings that gave the realm such a singular old-world attraction!
11. Cameron Highlands
This hill station felt like a peaceable escape — rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, misty forests, and colonial bungalows made it splendidly serene and much from metropolis chaos. I beloved the cool mountain air and gradual tempo.
After a twisty 3.5-hour drive, I spent two dreamy days taking in Boh Tea Plantation’s sweeping views, choosing strawberries at Raju’s Hill, and exploring the misty mossy forest on Gunung Brinchang. I stayed on the colonial-style Cameron Highlands Resort, browsed Kea Farm Market, and admired the colourful Lavender Backyard — each cease added to its old-world attraction.
My highlights…
Looking the Kea Farm Market – I beloved the lovable stalls promoting lavender and roses, the handwoven baskets, the Batik rugs and the intricately beaded jewellery on sale.
12. Pulau Redang
This island was significantly wow-inducing — delicate white sand, shimmering turquoise water, a lush jungle inside, and a mixture of stylish resorts and picket chalets gave it an ideal laid-back but upscale vibe.
After a 40-minute ferry from Merang, I spent 4 dreamy days snorkeling the colourful reefs at Redang Marine Park, scuba diving Terumbu Kili with inexperienced turtles and colourful coral, and lazing on Pasir Panjang’s powdery seaside. 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 nation (round 45 km from the east coast of the mainland within the state of Terengganu)
Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the Insta-worthy Taaras Seaside & Spa Resort – I beloved the attractive ocean views, the onsite spa with its soothing native therapeutic rituals (the Malay Urut Therapeutic massage was unimaginable!), and becoming a member of their inspiring turtle conservation program.
13. Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Web site took my breath away — hovering limestone peaks, huge cave methods, historical rainforest, a winding river, and an eco-resort mixing seamlessly into the jungle made it really feel wild, mystical, and full of journey. It’s so extraordinary it’s been extensively studied and even featured by the BBC’s Planet Earth group.
After a full-day boat journey from Miri, I spent three unforgettable days exploring: I wandered Deer Cave simply in time for the epic night bat exodus, climbed to the dramatic Pinnacles, trekked to hidden Clearwater Cave, crossed the world’s longest cover walkway, explored Lang Cave’s underground rivers, and glided down the Melinau River.
Location: North a part of the nation (Sarawak on the island of Borneo, close to the Brunei border)
Map Location and Instructions
Wildlife: thousands and thousands of wrinkle-lipped bats, uncommon hornbills, bearded pigs, Bornean gibbons, moon rats, and numerous distinctive bugs, amphibians, and reptiles.
My highlights…
Watching hundreds of bats stream from Deer Cave at nightfall was thrilling and a bit eerie—the musky cave scent within the air and the swirling patterns they shaped in opposition to the fading sky!
14. Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh, the previous capital of Perak, fully shocked me — colonial buildings, jungle-clad limestone hills, vibrant avenue artwork, and breathtaking cave temples made it each lovely and filled with character. It had a relaxed power however buzzed with heritage, creativity, and taste at each flip.
After a 2.5-hour ETS prepare journey from Kuala Lumpur, I spent three memorable days on the wow-inducing Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. I explored Kek Lok Tong and different dramatic cave temples, photographed colonial landmarks just like the Ipoh Railway Station, wandered mural-filled Concubine Lane, sipped town’s well-known white espresso at Nam Heong, and soaked within the thermal swimming pools on the Misplaced World of Tambun with towering limestone cliffs as my backdrop.
Location: West a part of the nation (Kinta Valley positioned in Perak, round 130 km south of the state of Penang)
Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
The heritage Kong Heng Block, the place superbly restored colonial shophouses housed stylish cafés, boutique accommodations, and artwork areas – I particularly beloved the quirky Burps & Giggles café and its aromatic, spicy Nyonya laksa!
15. Danum Valley
I used to be fully wowed by this unspoilt paradise — mist-shrouded historical rainforest, serene rivers, waterfall-lined trails, and only a handful of eco-lodges made it really feel totally untouched and filled with thriller. As one of many world’s oldest rainforests, it was alive with wildlife!
I flew into Lahad Datu Airport, bumped alongside a three-hour jungle drive to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, and spent three unforgettable days trekking lush trails, crossing the cover walkway, becoming a member of night time safaris, and visiting the fascinating Kadazandusun burial website at Coffin Cliff.
Location: East a part of the nation (in Sabah, on the island of Borneo)
Map Location and Instructions
Wildlife: Bornean orangutans, pygmy elephants, and a few of the 340+ chook species
My private highlights…
Staying on the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge was unforgettable – I woke to gibbons’ eerie whoops and tropical birdsong, then walked the misty cover walkway excessive above the jungle with the river dashing beneath!
16. Alor Setar
I assumed Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah, was a hidden gem — a captivating mixture of conventional Malay structure, fashionable landmarks, one of many nation’s oldest mosques, and a scenic backdrop of rice paddies. It felt calm and unhurried however wealthy in tradition.
After a six-hour prepare journey from Kuala Lumpur, I spent two days on the quirky 4-star Artwork Villa. I admired the hanging Zahir Mosque, climbed Alor Setar Tower and noticed attractive views, explored the attention-grabbing Royal Kedah Museum, browsed distinctive crafts on the eclectic Pekan Rabu, and wandered via the childhood residence of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for an enchanting glimpse into Malaysia’s historical past.
My highlights…
Mountaineering the paths of Gunung Keriang, a dramatic limestone outcrop with glittering quartz pockets, I beloved looking the stalls on the base promoting uncooked amethyst clusters, polished geodes, and crystal-infused water bottles!
17. Pulau Sipadan
Broadly thought to be one of many world’s prime dive websites, Pulau Sipadan blew me away — powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and colourful coral reefs gave it a distant, untouched really feel I beloved. Its protected standing bans everlasting buildings, retaining it superbly wild and uncommercialized.
Getting there was half the journey — I flew into Tawau, drove 1.5 hours to Semporna, then took a one-hour speedboat journey over turquoise seas to Mabul Island, the place I based mostly myself at Aloha Mabul Scuba Lodge for a diving day journey.
I plunged into the legendary Barracuda Level, squeezed via the eerie Turtle Tomb previous ghostly sea turtle skeletons, and floated above coral gardens buzzing with reef sharks, swirling fish faculties, and cruising manta rays!
Location: Southeast a part of the nation (within the Celebes Sea, 35 kilometers 22 miles off the east coast of Sabah, close to Semporna).
Map Location and Instructions
Wildlife: satan rays, hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, large trevally, moray eels, cuttlefish, frogfish, pipefish, nudibranchs, and barracuda.
My highlights…
Snorkeling at Barracuda Level and seeing the unimaginable sight of big shoals of barracuda swirling in tornado-like formations in addition to silvery jackfish and a hawksbill turtles swimming leisurely by me!
Location of Malaysia
Malaysia is positioned in Southeast Asia with the well-known international locations of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and The Philippines.