It takes something extraordinary to make a Southeast Asian city, site, or destination stand out in a region teeming with world-class attractions. So where should Malaysia sit on your list? Is Malaysia worth visiting and what should you see and do when you’re there? Well, here are some reasons to persuade you to visit Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s vibrant capital. It is a treasure trove for travellers seeking modern sophistication alongside natural beauty. Known for its dynamic lifestyle, stunning beaches, and melting pot of rich culture and cuisine, this city is a hidden gem that deserves a place on every traveller’s itinerary. So, what are the things you can do and see in Kuala Lumpur?
- Retail Therapy and Architectural Wonders
Kuala Lumpur is a shopping paradise, offering everything, from malls in Bukit Bintang to busy markets in Little India and Central Market. Whether you’re looking for designer or local brands, the city caters to every shopping desire and budget. Beyond retail therapy, the city is home to architectural wonders like the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower and Merdeka 118 - the second-tallest building and structure in the world.
- Aquatic Adventures and Green Retreats
For a unique and unforgettable underwater experience, visit the Aquaria KLCC, one of the world’s largest aquariums, where you can stroll through a state-of-the-art 90-meter-long tunnel and experience the diverse range of marine life, including sharks.
If you prefer a more peaceful and quiet experience, Kuala Lumpur’s green spaces and parks, such as KLCC Park and Asia’s largest Bird Park, offer perfect spots for relaxation and natural beauty. A must-see is a venture to Batu Caves, a stunning natural wonder housing a series of caves and cave temples that offer a blend of Hindu spirituality, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
- Vibrant Nightlife and Culinary Delights
When the sun sets, Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife comes alive. If you are looking to party and have fun this is a city you’ll enjoy. There’s a wide variety of entertainment centres and stunning rooftop restaurants/bars.
Food lovers will delight in the city’s diverse culinary scene, which fuses Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences into a flavorful explosion of dishes including must-tries such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Banana Leaf Rice.
PENANG
Penang boasts of an array of attractions, from colonial architecture, a national park, tropical rainforests, wonderful beaches, friendly people, renowned local cuisine, multiple cultures living side by side, and one of the best UNESCO cities on the planet.
It definitely is a city you shouldn’t miss in your itinerary. I came up with a plan for travellers who are passing through and would still like to experience Penang. So here is what a perfect day in Penang would look like;
Start your day on Penang Hill, taking the funicular from Air Itam early to beat the crowds. Enjoy amazing views of Penang Island, George Town, and the mainland. Once at the top, you have a chance to explore the Penang Hill Gallery, wander around the nature trails, and visit The Habitat for a rainforest experience and treetop walk for those who are feeling a little adventure try the zipline.
In the afternoon, head to Penang National Park for a taste of tropical adventure. From the park entrance, trek or take a boat to Turtle Beach, known for its rare meromictic lake. Explore the turtle sanctuary before heading to Monkey Beach, where you can rent kayaks or ATVs. Be cautious of the monkeys(they can be a little naughty ) and relax at a beach bar before your boat returns.
As evening falls, return to George Town for a heritage stroll. Admire the UNESCO-listed architecture, street art, and colonial buildings. Key sights include the ‘Boy on Motorbike’ mural on Armenian Street and Fort Cornwallis. For dinner, enjoy local flavours at a busy restaurant like Restoran Kapitan on Chulia Street, known for its naan and clay pot biryani.
While one day barely scratches the surface, this itinerary provides a delightful introduction to some of the many island's highlights.
LANGKAWI
Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is a treasure of natural wonders and perfect for a variety of activities including nature, wildlife, incredible beaches, food and many duty-free items.
The Langkawi International Water Festival is one of the major events that attract a lot of traffic to Langkawi. This event features a variety of exciting water sports, including island-to-island kayak races, fishing competitions, underwater treasure hunts, and sandcastle-building contests. The festival primarily takes place at Telaga Harbor Park, but activities span the island, showcasing Langkawi’s scenic beauty and dynamic community spirit.
Aside from the Water Festival, Langkawi offers diverse attractions including:
- Panorama Langkawi, which has breathtaking views from the SkyCab, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, ascending from Mount Machinchang. Visit the SkyBridge and enjoy Belgian chocolates or a meal at SkyBistro.
- Kilim Geoforest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park features mangroves, limestone karsts, and wildlife. Kayak through its waterways and explore the Bat Cave with its unique rock formations and bat colonies.
- Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, to enjoy more climb 600 steps to the seven-tiered waterfalls on Mount Machinchang. The steep trek rewards you with stunning views and natural pools for a refreshing dip.
- Island-Hop and discover nearby islands like Beras Basah and Pregnant Maiden Island, perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and enjoying local legends.
- Laman Padi Rice Garden Museum is a place where you get to learn about rice cultivation and try farming techniques in a hands-on paddy field.
Langkawi’s best visiting time is from November to April when the weather is most favourable.
KOTA KINABALU
Another must-see destination to put on your travel list! Mari Mari Cultural Village is a living museum celebrating Borneo’s rich heritage. This cultural gem provides a captivating glimpse into the traditions of Sabah’s five major ethnic groups: the Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. Each tribe’s traditional house is meticulously built by their descendants, showcasing the unique folklore, customs, and lifestyles of these diverse communities.
At Mari Mari, you can witness traditional arts such as blowpipe making and tattooing, and even try your hand at blowing the Murut blowpipe or cooking with bamboo. You’ll get to enjoy the tribal delicacies offered throughout the village, and after your tour, cool off at the nearby Kiansom Waterfall.
Kota Kinabalu also offers many other exciting activities beyond Mari Mari these activities include:
- Kinabalu National Park gives you an opportunity to hike up Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, and what better reward than the breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna.
- Poring Hot Springs & Nature Reserve where you get to soak in therapeutic hot springs and have an opportunity to explore the lush nature trails.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a perfect marine paradise of beautiful islands for those who enjoy snorkelling and beach-hopping.
- Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: If you enjoy architecture, the beautiful architecture of this city landmark will leave you in awe.
- Local Markets & Seafood Feasts: Explore Kota Kinabalu’s bustling markets and savour fresh, local seafood.
With such diverse experiences, Kota Kinabalu is a dynamic destination offering something for every explorer.
Malaysia is a huge and varied country full of amazing things to see and do; it should definitely be on your bucket list. What we've covered here is just a glimpse of the incredible experiences Malaysia has to offer. Imagine the endless possibilities for exploration and discovery waiting for you, especially with the recent launch of direct flights from Nairobi, Kenya to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by AirAsia X.
Now, this is the exciting bit: with as low as KES 25,730 (USD 199) you can fly one-way in economy and if you prefer to pay only KES 69,699 (USD 499) to travel on a premium flatbed. The flights commence on 15th November 2024 operating four times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The booking process has been made easier and more convenient with the user-friendly AirAsia MOVE app. You can also opt to book on the AirAsia website https://www.airasia.com/. From Kuala Lumpur, you can easily discover other exciting domestic destinations in Malaysia with AirAsia.
Pack your bags and get ready to uncover the many wonders of Asia and the Pacific.
Why Malaysia Should Be on Your Travel List