What is Malaysia Famous For? Top 25 Places and Things to do

Malaysia is a wonderful vacation destination for tourists from all across the world. There are several exotic islands, pristine beaches, picturesque towns and adventure spots.

If you are planning to visit Malaysia, then you should be aware of what Malaysia is famous for so that you can make an informed bucket list. In addition, you must also try out some of the popular things to get a holistic feel of the country.

Before you plan an itinerary, you must put currency exchange on your to-do list. Malaysian Ringgit is their official currency and as of November 2022, RM 1 is equal to INR 18.36.

Below are some popular places that Malaysia is known for across the globe.

1. Petronas Twin Towers

This is popular for being the tallest twin tower in the world. The twin tower contains a diamond–faceted façad containing about 83000 stainless steel extrusions. It reflects Malaysian culture through fabrics and carvings. Hence, you must visit the twin towers for their maximum feel.

2. Aquaria KLCC

This happens to be the largest aquarium in the world. Some of the prominent attractions of this aquarium are bright coral fishes, tiger sharks, seahorses, lethal sea snakes and so on. Additionally, you can see about 5000 freshwater and marine creatures, like garfishes, giant arapaimas, scary tiger sharks and many more.

3. Bako National Park

This happens to be one of the oldest national parks in the world. There are seven distinct rainforest ecosystems in this ecosystem.

You can witness an array of wildlife collections when you trek through this national park. You can also take a boat ride in this national park to explore the forests deeply. Additionally, a cafe within the park serves you food and drinks per your requirement.

4. Lost World of Tambun

If you are touring around with kids, this theme park is unmissable. There are limestone formations, jade-coloured tropical forests and pools of hot springs to enchant your kids. It offers seven attraction parks, several water rides and the Lost World Hotel. This happens to be the largest park in Southeast Asia.

5. Langkawi Island

There are about 104 islands that are referred to together as Langkawi Island. They attract tourists from all over the world due to their breathtaking limestone formation. Some of the famous islands are Pulau Langkawi, the largest, and Giant Lion Island. In addition, there is an array of fun activities such as swimming, jungle trekking, snorkelling, kayaking and cable car riding.

6. Mount Kinabalu

This is extremely popular among tourists for being the tallest peak in Southeast Asia. However, if you love trekking and are keen to make your holidays adventurous, you must visit Mount Kinabalu. Additionally, this place hosts rich biodiversity that you can explore. This is one of the most magnificent landmarks of Malaysia that exhibits a rich flora and fauna collection in the world.

7. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

You can explore this forest on boats, located inside the Langkawi islands. This park exhibits mangroves at their best. This is one of the offbeat places in Malaysia, so you can explore the place in solitude without much crowd.

Additionally, there are a lot of medicinal plants in this place that you can learn about with the help of a good guide. The main highlights of this place include limestone formations, learning the art of fish farming, exploring the beauty of Bogak trees, observing tree crabs and so on.

8. Turtle Sanctuary Beach

Fiordland National Park is a great place for nature lovers. The place has cascading waterfalls, stretched lakes, dense forests, and picturesque offshore islands, which perfectly cater to your zeal for exploring nature. Further, you can explore the place by kayaking or enjoying the bird’s eye view by taking a flight.

9. Taman Negara

This is the oldest rainforest in the world and one of the top ecotourism destinations in Malaysia. The main highlights of this place are its variety of activities, such as night walk in the jungle, feeding fishes, visiting settlements at Orang Asli, jungle trekking, canopy walks, rapid shooting, wildlife observation, exploring caves, exploring a four-step waterfall, trekking at Gunung Tahan, bird watching and others.

10. Gunung Mulu National Park

This is a must-visit, UNESCO-preserved heritage site. You can visit the limestone cave for an educational insight into limestone carvings inside the cave, rich biodiversity, the Borneo rainforest, and the various endangered species found here. In addition, you can enjoy several activities here, such as canopy walking, adventure caving, boat rides, trekking, and exploring waterfalls to add a thrill to your vacation.

11. Penang Hill

If you plan a honeymoon in Malaysia, this is the perfect destination to suit your needs. It offers a cool climate all year round. Additionally, there are lush green plantations, blue peaks, colonial-style bungalows, and rare species of flora and fauna. These make this place an absolute delight for nature lovers.

12. Sipadan Island

It is present at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin on the east coast of Sabah. This is a famous scuba diving destination in the world. You can also try snorkelling and witness about 3000 species of coral reefs and fishes.

13. Pangkor Island

You can spend a luxurious time with your friends and family on Pangkor Island. There are some of the best restaurants where you can relish tasty dishes that are unique to this island. Additionally, you can engage in several water sports and activities, such as kayaking and snorkelling, to add fun to your stay.

14. Perdana Botanical Gardens

This is one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Malaysia. There are many attractive gardens of Hibiscus and Orchids in this region. Several gardens, lakefronts, pavements, hilly landscapes, and natural trails exist. Additionally, there are some famous monuments nearby, including National Planetarium, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, and the National monument, that you can visit during the trip.

15. Manukan Island

This is the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, the first marine park in Malaysia. This island has thick tropical vegetation and long trails of sandy beaches. Additionally, there are lagoons and rare marine animals that you can witness on this island. Also, you can try snorkelling and scuba-diving to add adventure to your holidays.

16. Bukit Panchor Forest Park

This is situated in Bukit Panchor Forest Reserve in Nibong Tebal. This is a protected forest that has been opened to tourists for exploration. Additionally, you can get to explore several caves like Gua Kelawar and mangrove forests like Taman Wetland. So it is a must to visit this place while touring your trip.

17. Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest

This is a favourite recreational forest for the locals. You can witness cascades, jungle trails, and lush greenery. Additionally, there are several picnic spots, chalets, camping sites and suspension bridges.

18. Perhentian Islands

There are several ferries and water taxis that you can hire to reach these islands. The pristine beaches are a visual delight that is a must to witness. Additionally, you can also opt for scuba diving which is one of the popular water activities here. You can also try your hands at fishing and enjoy freshly caught fish for dinner.

Below are some of the popular things that you must explore during your Malaysia trip:

19. Menara

This communication tower is located at the city's heart and holds cultural significance. Moreover, Menara tower is located very close to the Petronas Twin Tower. Hence, it would be best if you visited Menara Tower while visiting Petronas Tower to avoid missing out on the place.

20. Atkinson Clock Tower

It is a popular attraction in Malaysia located at the top of a hill. This white wooden structure within a boxy frame is an absolute delight to watch. The tower mainly gained popularity due to its survival during the Second World War.

21. Try Nasi Kandar

This popular rice dish in Malaysia is served with a topping of your choice. It is a variant of a South Indian dish as several immigrants from South India reside there. This mixed rice dish mainly emphasises curry powder and chilli from South India. You can garnish this dish with fish, chicken, prawns, squids, and vegetables.

22. Relax in Kuching

Kuching is situated on the Sarawak River's bank, offering its tourists a calm and relaxing environment. Additionally, Fort Margherita reflects the colonial architecture nearby that you can visit while touring around Kuching. You can also see a number of cat statues here that justify this place's name.

23. Shop at Gurney Drive

A large Gurney plaza on Gurney Drive is a must-explore while touring around Malaysia. You can find high-end shops and smaller Malaysian outlets where you can find products from different price segments. Additionally, there are several exotic restaurants where you can try out local delicacies and snacks.

24. Plan a Night out at the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is mainly popular for its amazing nightlife. There are several bars, restaurants, clubs, and hotels where you can party with your friends. Additionally, if you are looking for retail therapy, you can stop by a shaping centre in Golden Triangle, as there are many of them.

25. Try Satay

This popular street food in Malaysia took its birth in the small town of Kajang. This dish usually contains goat, chicken, tofu, pork and beef. These are grilled over a fire using bamboo sticks and seasoned with peanut and soy sauce. You can try this dish from exotic restaurants and a seafood tent.

Hopefully, now you know what Malaysia is famous for. Multiple places, food and miscellaneous things have made this country famous across the globe. So, it is a must to plan your journey accordingly so that you can explore them. Additionally, try to book your trip as early as possible so that you can get discounts on your tickets.