Things to Do in Malaysia
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- Amanda
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1. Climb up the Petronas Towers
Malaysia’s most iconic sight is probably Kuala Lumpur’s famous Petronas Towers. Located in the country’s capital, the towers’ impressive architecture is a display of the country’s Islamic beliefs and cutting-edge innovation. Highlights include the domed roofs, spires reminiscent of mosque minarets, and the steel and glass building design.
At 451.9 meters high, these commercial buildings have claimed the title of tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. Setting another record is the 170-meter high sky bridge (the tallest two-story bridge) where visitors can walk the space between the two buildings and take some great pictures. After stopping off at the sky bridge, visitors can continue on to the observation desk on the 86th floor to glimpse the best panoramas in the city. Hope you’re not afraid of heights!
- Opening hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 – 21:00. Last admission is at 8:30pm. Closed between 13:00 – 14:30 every Friday. Closed every Monday.
- Good to know: Tickets for the sky bridge is available in limited number every day. We recommend you buy them online in advance. If you want to take your chances on purchasing same-day tickets, the office opens at 8:30. It’s advised to get there up to 2 hours early to get a spot in line as it is first-come first-served.
Fifteen kilometers from Kuala Lumpur’s center, exploring the Batu caves is a fun day trip from the city and one of the top things to do in Malaysia. The massive limestone cliff houses a collection of caves and Hindu shrines. Displayed at the foot of the cliff is a dominating, 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan, the God of war.
There are three main caves composing the Batu caves, however the most famous sits perched 272 steps atop the cliff — Cathedral cave. It is the most impressive cavern in the cave series, the interior of which is decorated with ornate Hindu shrines and features a large opening at the top where the sunlight streams through.
- Opening times: The Batu caves are open every day 7:00 – 20:00. Entrance is free. Morning is the best time to avoid the hot afternoon sun.
- Good to know: The KTM Komuter rail runs from KL Sentral straight to Batu caves. The journey is roughly 30 minutes.
5. Eat your way through Penang
Although delicious street food is available in many places in Malaysia, Penang is the undisputed champion in this field. Georgetown, located on the northeastern part of Penang Island, is an absolute foodie paradise. The mixture of Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian culture is what makes Penang and its cuisine so unique.
Chulia Street, which intersects the famous Love Lane, is a great place to start for traditional Malay and Chinese street foods. Just around the corner from Chulia Street is Penang’s famous Red Garden Food Court, serving loads of different cuisine for cheap. Try Laksa, a spicy Malay soup traditionally made with fish.
- Best time to visit: Usually street food starts in the late afternoon and goes until about 22:00. This is prime time, so it will be busy, but it’s also when you’ll have the most options. It’s totally worth fighting the crowds!
- Good to know: Within walking distance from Chulia Street is Little India — you don’t want to miss the best chicken tandoori and lentil dishes in the city!
Easily one of the most impressive and diverse national parks in South Asia, let alone Malaysia, Mulu National Park in Borneo is a must-visit for any adventure enthusiast. Featuring world’s largest cave chamber — Sarawak Chamber, two beautiful peaks — Gunung Mulu and Gunung Api, spiky limestone phenomenon — the Pinnacles, the world’s longest (at 480m) tree-based sky canopy — Mulu Canopy Skywalk, many rivers, gorges, and fascinating flora and fauna, Mulu National Park offers its visitors unique experiences that will stay with you forever.
- Best time to visit: High season is May – September and offers the warmest and driest months.
- Good to know: There is no road access to Mulu National Park. You can enter via a guided trek on The Headhunter Trail or book a short flight (available daily) from Miri, Kutching or Kota Kinabalu (both running four times a week).