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Things to Do in Malaysia

Choose from 136 Fun Things to Do in Malaysia

Matang Wildlife Centre

Matang Wildlife Centre, located on the eastern edge of Kubah National Park, provides a home to several endangered species, most famously orangutans, in a large enclosed swathe of rain forest. Among the center’s many programs, its orangutan adoption program has been particularly successful—the center’s wildlife staff members take in young orangutans, typically orphaned or rescued from captivity, and train them to survive in the wild. Other endangered animals living in the facility include sun bears, sambar deer, civets, crocodiles, and bear cats, all of which can be viewed in their spacious, natural enclosures. Three on-site aviaries house hornbills, sea eagles, kites, storks, and a variety of other birds native to Sarawak.

Animals being rehabilitated inside the center live in large enclosures in a rain forest-like setting, which affords visitors better opportunities to view the animals and to learn about the center’s preservation and rehabilitation efforts.

Besides viewing the animals—many of which are difficult to spot in the wild—visitors to Matang Wildlife Centre can enjoy a riverside picnic area or a hike through the jungle with one of four marked trails ranging in time length from one to four hours.

Practical Info

Matang Wildlife Centre is located 19 miles (30 km) from Kuching, on the eastern edge of Kubah National Park. The best way to get there is by taxi or guided tour. While you can take the No. 11 bus line from Kuching to Kubah, there are no direct bus lines to the wildlife center. Admission to the wildlife center is included in the entry fee for Kubah, which is RM10 (equivalent to $4.50). The center is open every day from 8am to 5pm, and the animal enclosure trail is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Water, insect repellent, and a light poncho are recommended for hikers. While it’s possible to spot native wildlife along the nature trails in Kubah National Park, keep in mind that the animals should be viewed from a safe distance.

Jalan Lundu-Sampadi, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

8am–5pm daily

Adults 10 RM, Children 5 RM

From $ 78

National Museum

Malaysia’s National Museum (Muzium Negara), housed within a beautiful Minangkabau-style building in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the city’s best and an excellent place to learn about Malaysia’s long and rich multicultural heritage. Completed in 1961 and opened two years later, the museum takes visitors on a journey through time with beautifully curated displays divided into four themed galleries.

The Prehistory gallery displays stone tools and other Paleolithic artifacts dating back thousands of years, including the Perak Man, the oldest mostly intact human skeleton in Southeast Asia. The second gallery, The Malay Kingdoms, contains art and artifacts that trace the various people groups and kingdoms that once existed on the Malay Peninsula and in the Borneo Islands. The Colonial Era gallery recounts the period from 1511 to 1945 when foreign powers ruled the nation, and the final gallery, Malaysia Today, highlights the national movement and Malaysia’s many achievements since gaining independence.

Try to time your visit to take advantage of a free docent-led English tour of the museum. They take place several times throughout the week.

Practical Info

The National Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Entrance costs 5 RM for adult foreigners and 2 RM for foreign children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children ages 6 and under enter for free. The museum is accessible by the RapidKL bus No. 115, and it is stop number 12 on Kuala Lumpur hop-on, hop-off buses. There is also ample parking available for 3 RM per car.

Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Adult Foreigners 5 RM, Children 6-12 2 RM, Children ages 6 and under enter for free.

From $ 8

Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse, now officially known as the Sarawak Tourism Complex, was used as the seat of Sarawak’s judicial branch from when it was built in 1871 until 1973. The complex encompasses a series of architecturally interesting structures, like the colonial-Baroque clock tower — the complex’s most recognizable building — added in 1883 and the English Renaissance/English Colonial Pavilion Building, added in 1909 and currently home to the Textile Museum.

Other points of interest include the Round Tower, built in 1886 as a fort and later converted to a dispensary and most recently the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council, and the Charles Brooke Memorial, added in 1924 to honor the second white rajah of Sarawak.

The Old Courthouse Complex is situated near the Kuching Esplanade and makes for a pleasant stroll with some nice architectural photo ops. A small cafe with courtyard seating offers a place for travelers to rest their feet over a cup of coffee.

Practical Info

The Old Courthouse houses the Sarawak Forestry Office, so stop by for more information on any of the nearby national parks.

Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

From $ 4

Penang Bridge

Opened in 1985 after 15 years of planning, the Penang Bridge connects George Town in Penang with Seberang Prai on the Malaysian mainland. With a total length of 8.4 miles (13.5 kilometers), the cable-stayed toll bridge is the second largest in the country and the fifth largest in Southeast Asia. One of the best ways to see the bridge up close, apart from driving over it, is on a ferry ride across the Malacca Strait.

Each November, Penang hosts its Penang Bridge International Marathon, an event that has taken place each year since the bridge opened.

Penang, Malaysia

From $ 24

Melaka Portuguese Square

Sometimes referred to as "Mini Lisbon," Melaka Portuguese Square is a hub of Portuguese culture and community in the city—a symbol of Portuguese–Malay heritage. Bars, a few small museums, and restaurants serving up Portuguese fare line the courtyard and surrounding Eurasian village (kampung).

The Basics

As one of many notable landmarks in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Melaka Portuguese Square is typically a stop on sightseeing tours and day trip from Kuala Lumpur, which also usually include Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, St. Paul’s Church, Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is a must-see for foodies and those with an interest in Malaysia’s colonial history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
Come hungry; the neighborhood is known for its excellent seafood and Portuguese cuisine.

How to Get There

Melaka Portuguese Square is situated east of the city center. The best way to get there and back is by taxi or with an organized tour.

When to Get There

The square is open all the time, but it’s at its liveliest in the evenings and on weekends when locals and visitors alike come to dine out and take in traditional performances in the square. A bulletin board in the square lists upcoming cultural events.

Festivals in Portuguese Square

Each year, the Portuguese community in Melaka celebrates the Feast of Saint Peter (San Pedro) on June 29 with live music, food, and dancing in the square. Another good time to visit is during Christmas season, when local residents decorate their homes and streets with nativity scenes and colorful lights.

Portuguese Square, Jalan Daranjo, Melaka 75050, Malaysia

From $ 28

Manukan Island

The second largest of the islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Manukan Island is just a short boat-ride from Kota Kinabalu, attracting a large number of locals and international visitors alike.

Manukan Island boasts a beautiful coastline, some stunning coral reefs, and areas of lush vegetation. The main beach on the southern side of the island is a huge stretch of white sand facing a bay of crystal-clear ocean. The water is calm and safe, making snorkeling and swimming the most popular pastimes for visitors to the island. Meanwhile, a network of walking trails leading inland allow keen walkers to explore the island’s natural environment without getting wet.

The island caters well to tourism, with various facilities and services on offer, from accommodation and restaurants to gift shops and a diving center.

Practical Info

To reach Manukan Island, depart from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in downtown Kota Kinabalu. Visitors will need to purchase a ticket (conservation fee) to enter the island.

Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

From $ 40

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Travelers in search of a true cultural exchange need look no further than Mari Mari, a cultural village situation in a remote forest on the island of Borneo. Here, visitors can learn about the indigenous Sabahan people, explore their traditional homes and witness fire-starting, blowpipe-making and tattoo-making demonstrations.

In addition to sharing their cultures and traditions, representatives from the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun people also cook ethnic delicacies for travelers with an adventurous palate to sample. While some visitors say the village can feel a bit too touristy, others argue it’s the perfect way to experience the vibrant cultures and traditions of Borneo in a single stop.

Practical Info

The cultural village is located on the island of Borneo and open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tours are available for groups and arrangements ahead of time are recommended. Admission for non-Malaysians—including transportation—is RM 160.

Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Malaysia

Daily 10am-10pm

RM 160

From $ 34

Mahsuri's Tomb (Makam Mahsuri)

Mahsuri’s Tomb - or Makam Mahsuri - is a shrine to one of the most beautiful women to have ever lived on Langkawi.

There are at least 14 versions of the legend of Mahsuri although we do know that she was the daughter of Thai immigrants and married the warrior Wan Darus. The legends revolve around an accusation of adultery and her death by stabbing.

The stories say that white blood flowed from her proving her innocence and that with her final breath she cursed Langkawi for seven generations. The last of those seven generations passed just as tourism came to Langkawi and it began to prosper again.

Aside from a small museum about the Mahsuri legend there is also a traditional Langkawi house to explore and a handicrafts shop at the memorial compound.

Practical Info

The best way to get here is to drive although a number of tourist buses have this as a stop on their route.

Jalan Makam Mahsuri, Langkawi, Malaysia

RM10

From $ 17

Masjid Jamek

The oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek, is also its most delightful. Large cream onion domes and red-and-white-striped minarets stand among a palm tree grove at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. This was the site where Kuala Lumpur’s first settlers had their settlement.

It was built by the English architect Arthur Bennison Hubbock who was inspired by the Moorish style of Moghul mosques in India. It was opened in 1909.

When visiting the mosque it is important to respect the rules of dressing, make sure your limbs are covered and women must wear a headscarf.

Practical Info

The mosque is situated next to Masjid Jamek railway station and is walking distance from Chinatown, Little India and Merdaka Square.

Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Open daily

Free

From $ 17

Niah National Park

While small compared to Sarawak’s other national parks, Niah National Park is one of the most unusual and archaeologically important in the world. It’s also a place of great natural beauty and biodiversity, thanks to the rainforest and vast cave system where swiftlets, bats and a host of other wildlife thrive.

Niah earned a spot on the map when an archaeological dig in 1957 led to the discovery of the oldest modern human remains in Southeast Asia inside the park’s Great Cave. A 40,000-year-old human skull, discovered a year later, gave evidence that humans have lived on Borneo for tens of thousands of years. Another cave within the park, the aptly named Painted Cave, contains ancient cave paintings as well as a few canoe-like coffins, called death ships, indicating that the cave was once used as a burial site.

Practical Info

Niah National Park is located about 90 minutes from Miri and can be reached by bus or taxi.

Miri, Malaysia

National Parks Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

20RM

From $ 75

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu towers over the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah. At 13,435ft (4,095m) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the 4th tallest mountain in the Malay Archipelago, drawing travelers the world over to climb its slopes in search of the perfect sunrise.

But it’s not just for the views from its summit that travelers come to Mount Kinabalu. This UNESCO listed World Heritage Site is recognised as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 plant species call Mount Kinabalu, and its surrounding National Park, home. Many carnivorous plants and orchids grow on its slopes, which also attract 326 species of birds and over 100 mammals, including orangutans, Black shrews and the gloriously-named Bornean Ferret-Badger.

The mountains incredible biodiversity is due to several factors - its geographical position as one of the world’s richest plant regions (along with Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo); it’s wide-ranging climate – (from extreme heat and humidity at its base to near freezing conditions at the summit); its high rainfall, and its rocky and diverse terrain.

Practical Info

Experienced climbers should have no problem climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. It is a tough climb, however, and travelers wishing to attempt it should have a reasonable level of fitness in order to cope with the extremes of heat and cold, and lower oxygen levels as you near the summit. It can be tricky (read bureaucratic nightmare!) to try to arrange to climb Mount Kinabalu independently. All climbs involve an overnight stay on the mountain and an early morning trek to the summit. Climbers are advised to book well in advance.

Buses from Kota Kinabalu take 3 to 4 hours to reach Mount Kinabalu National Park. Alternatively you can arrange to visit as part of a tour.

Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia

From $ 53

Penang Botanic Gardens

Nicknamed the Waterfall Gardens, Penang Botanic Gardens was established by British colonists in 1884 on the site of an old granite quarry. Today, the gardens cover 74 acres (30 hectares), with landscaped grounds, tropical forests and several themed gardens, like a cactus house, orchidarium, herb garden and pine forest.

Besides featuring its collection of indigenous and exotic flora, the Penang Botanic Gardens are an excellent place to see various colorful birds and butterflies, as well as dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques and black giant squirrels. The monkeys are known to be quite aggressive, so keep a firm hand on your belongings, particularly food items. You’ll see signs posted throughout the grounds warning against feeding the monkeys, and it’s wise to heed them.

Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang 10350, Malaysia

Daily 5am-8pm

From $ 10

National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

Beside the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s National Mosque (Masjid Negara) reinvents traditional Islamic architecture with its angular lines and neutral color scheme. Built in 1965, the mosque was designed as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and is a center of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Muslim community.

The Basics

The cultural significance of the National Mosque makes it an integral part of most Kuala Lumpur sightseeing tours. The 18-pointed star dome is said to represent Islam’s five pillars and the 13 states of the Malaysian archipelago. The majority of tours combine a visit to the National Mosque with stops at the famous Petronas Towers as well as the Batu Caves, one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines.

For travelers that want to combine culture with nature, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park are both within a 10-minute walk of the mosque.

Things to Know Before You Go

Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but phones must be in silent mode.
Traditional attire, which include robes for men and a headscarf for women, is provided for travelers who want to go inside the mosque.
A must-see for lovers of religious architecture.
The National Mosque is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

You can either take a taxi to the mosque using a ride hailing app or go by public transport. The mosque is diagonally across from Kuala Lumpur railway station, and there is an underground walkway that goes underneath Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Alternatively, book a tour that includes round-trip transport.

When to Get There

During prayer times, which occur six times per day, the National Mosque is closed to the public. Make sure to check the most up-to-date times online as they’re subject to change according to the position of the sun.

Religious Harmony in Kuala Lumpur

If you want to get an overview of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant multiculturalism, combine a visit to the National Mosque with a stop at Thean Hou Temple, a bright Buddhist monument, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, an extravagantly decorated temple that’s one of the oldest in Malaysia.

Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia

Open daily

From $ 8

Miri

Birthplace of Malaysia's petroleum industry and Sarawak’s second city, Miri is a fantastic base for exploring Borneo’s spectacular rainforests and national parks. The city is the main gateway to the famous Gunung Mulu National Park, as well as the Loagan Bunut National Park, Lambir Hills National Park, and the Niah Caves.

Nature lovers will be in their element in these stunning natural areas surrounding Miri, but the coast here is also a great place to explore, with a number of dive sites just a short boat ride from the city. The unspoiled coral reef is dazzling, and there are various species of tropical fish to spot, including butterfly fish, stingrays, and parrotfish to name just a few.

Other places of interest in Miri include the San Ching Tian Temple and Esplanade Beach at Luak Bay. For the best views on the city head to Canada Hill, where you’ll find Malaysia’s first ever oil well, known as The Grand Old Lady, plus a museum that traces the development of the petroleum industry since oil was first struck here back in 1910. The Miri Handicraft Center is also a notable stop for those looking to gain a greater understanding of Borneo’s multicultural heritage.

As well as sightseeing tours of Miri city, there are various trips to choose from in order to explore the incredible national parks in this area. Join a three-day adventure in Mulu National Park, a half-day Lambir Hills tour, or a historical Niah National Park day trip from the city.

Practical Info

Miri Airport is a significant travel hub for central Borneo. It is connected to all the major destinations in Malaysian Borneo, including Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, plus there are frequent flights to and from Kuala Lumpur.

Did You Know? Miri serves as a major transport hub, so if you’re traveling to or from Brunei, Sabah, the Kelabit Highlands, or one of the four national parks in this area, you’ll very likely to pass through Miri.

Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

From $ 44

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)

Impeccable Merdaka Square - or Dataran Merdeka - was a cricket ground in colonial times. The cricket ground was overlooked by the Royal Selangor Club which housed a club for the colonial rulers. When independence for Malaysia was declared, it was here that the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Malay flag was first raised. The flag still flies on a massive flagpole on the edge of the square.

The square is surrounded by historic buildings, the most majestic of which is the Sultan Abdul Samad building which housed the British administration and now houses the Ministry for Heritage, Culture and the Arts. The Moorish style building is dominated by a tall clock tower nicknamed "Big Ben."

The square is now the focus of many of the city’s celebrations and the Independence Day festival is held here on August 31st.

Practical Info

Merdaka Square is easily reached by catching the train to Masjid Jamek and walking a short distance across the river.

Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Open daily

From $ 8

North Borneo Railway

Recently reopened in 2011 after a nearly five year closure, the North Borneo Railway is a historic bit of Malaysian transportation as well as the only rail line currently operating in the state of Sabah. Originally constructed in 1896 as a means of transporting tobacco from the lush interior of the island to the distant coast, the North Borneo railway now serves as a semi-practical means of moving passengers and cargo in the same fashion it once employed for nearly a century.

Unless you’re a train buff, it’s difficult to discern whether or not the North Borneo Railway can be considered a tourist attraction. Running from the town of Tanjung Aru near Kota Kinabalu to the town of Tenom in the lush interior, the entire journey takes a little over two hours and passes through landscapes which range from the Sabah coastline to open fields cleared by deforestation.

Surprisingly modern, the train is able to carry a passenger load of 180 people and offers same-day return trips from outside Kota Kinabalu to the interior town of Beaufort and back. Those wanting to travel by train from Beaufort to Tenom must first spend a night in Beaufort, a mild inconvenience which if timed to coincide with the Friday and Saturday town market can make for an agreeable stopover.

As the rail line can sometimes be susceptible to closures from heavy rains, mechanical maintenance, or even landslides, it’s highly recommended that those wanting to ride the North Borneo Railway check with the station manager by phone on Tanjung Aru prior to departure.

Malaysia

From $ 139

Melaka River

The Melaka River cuts across the city of the same name on its way to the Straits of Melaka (Malacca). In recent years, the river has been revitalized into a top destination, with both Malaysians and international visitors coming to soak in its history and marvel at the diverse architecture from the city’s Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage.

The Basics

One of the best ways to take in the colonial architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka is aboard a Melaka River cruise sailing past picturesque riverbanks and beneath numerous landmark bridges. A typical day trip from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore might include such a cruise, as well as visits to the Dutch Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and Jonker Street.

Things to Know Before You Go

A cruise on the Melaka River is a must for families and first-time visitors.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the river has little shade.
River cruises last about 45 minutes round-trip.

How to Get There

If you’re not visiting the river as part of a guided tour, you can make your way there yourself by walking along Jonker Street until it meets the river.

When to Get There

The best time to enjoy the Melaka River and other outdoor attractions is during the dry season—typically April, early May, and October. Plan your cruise in the morning or early evening to avoid the worst of the heat.

Attractions to Visit Before or After Your Cruise

The departure point for Melaka River cruises is centrally located in the heart of the historic city. If you have some free time before or after a boat trip on the river, plan to spend some time visiting other nearby attractions, such as the Stadthuys in Red Square, Christ Church, the Maritime Museum, or Jonker Street (also called Jonker Walk).

Melaka River, Melaka, Malaysia

Varies

From $ 28

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Located along the banks of the Penampang River, just 16 kilometers the bustling capital of Sabah, the Monsopiad Cultural Village is a living, breathing museum that aims to give visitors an insight into the history and culture of the Kadazandusun people.

The village is named after a notorious Kadazan warrior and headhunter who lived in the area hundreds of years ago. The village as it stands today was established by the descendants of Monsopiad in 1996 to serve as a heritage center.

There are a number of historical artifacts on display, as well as demonstrations of traditional customs and trades. One of the main attractions is the somewhat grizzly House of Skulls, where Monsopiad kept the skulls of his enemies as trophies.

Practical Info

Many tour companies offer trips to the Monsopiad Cultural Village, or it’s an easy taxi ride from Kota Kinabalu city. It’s also possible to catch the number 13 public bus from the city to Donggongon Town and take a minibus from there to the village entrance.

Monsopiad Cultural Village, Sabah, Malaysia

From $ 75

Mount Mat Chinchang

Mount Mat Cincang is the second highest peak on Langkawi and the oldest mountain in the whole of Southeast Asia. This majestic mountain range is covered in dense rainforest and features some incredibly old and impressive rock formations. Mount Mat Cincang is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Geoparks on Langkawi and is understandably one of the top tourist attractions on the island.

The rainforest within Mount Mat Cincang is home to some ancient, gigantic trees, as well as a flurry of forest animals, including the macaque monkey and an array of birdlife, including the eagle – the symbol Langkawi itself.

A cable car carries passengers 709 meters above sea-level to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. One of the steepest cable car rides in the world, the journey offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and the Seven Wells Waterfall, along with Langkawi’s islands scattered in the Andaman Sea below. From the top of the peak on a clear day, Mount Mat Cincang presents sweeping views all the way to the Malaysian mainland and even across to southern Thailand.

Practical Info

The most popular and scenic way to see Mount Mat Cincang is to take the cable car ride from Oriental Village, located at the foot of the mountain in the Pantai Kok area. Opening hours are 10am-7pm from Monday to Thursday, 12-7pm on Wednesdays and 9:30am-7pm on weekends.

Telaga Harbour Park, Langkawi, Malaysia

From $ 26

Monkey Beach

At the base of Muka Head Cape in Penang National Park is secluded Teluk Duyung, commonly know as Monkey Beach due to the long-tailed macaques that reside there.

A sheltered cove it has flat, sandy seabed making it calm, tranquil and great for swimming in the clear green waters. Often lots of wildlife: macaques, fruit bats,sea eagles and even sea otters. A popular bbq-picnic area - also a steep walk to the lighthouse.

Practical Info

Monkey Beach is located on the north coast, reachable by an energetic 2-hour jungle trek through the national park from Teluk Bahang, or the more relax option is a 20-min boat from Batu Ferringgi.

Penang, Malaysia

From $ 86