The 15 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best places to visit in malaysia"
Named by 5 of 51. Kuala LumpurMalaysiaThe easiest place to start a first trip; a base of two or three nights suits a west-coast route.Chinatown, Little India and Merdeka Square are all worth a visit.Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
Named by 4 of 52. Penang (George Town)Penang, MalaysiaGeorge Town is a UNESCO city known for colonial buildings, street art and food.Described as the food capital of Malaysia.
Named by 4 of 53. LangkawiKedah, MalaysiaAn archipelago reached by ferry or a short flight from Kuala Lumpur.Pantai Cenang gets busy; heading north is quieter.Best time to visit Langkawi
Named by 4 of 5
4. Kota Kinabalu and Mount Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu is the starting point for climbing Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
Sabah is a flight from Kuala Lumpur, with islands and Kinabalu Park near one base.
Named by 4 of 55. Melaka (Malacca)MalaysiaA UNESCO World Heritage city shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British influence.Mosques, churches and temples sit side by side.
Named by 3 of 56. Perhentian IslandsTerengganu, MalaysiaTwo main islands reached by boat, usually from Kuala Besut.Season runs April to September; many resorts close from about November into early March.
Named by 3 of 57. Malaysian BorneoSabah and Sarawak, MalaysiaHome to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Mt Kinabalu.Best visited from March to September, when rain is lighter.
Named by 3 of 58. Cameron HighlandsPahang, MalaysiaTea estates and cooler air make it a milder break from the city, about 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur.Marked trails lead through jungle and mossy forest to waterfalls.
Named by 2 of 59. IpohPerak, MalaysiaSits on the rail line between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.Colonial buildings and limestone formations; Perak Tong Cave is the highlight.
Named by 2 of 510. Taman Negara National ParkMalaysiaOne of the oldest tropical rainforests on earth, with protected status.The train ride there is scenic.
Named by 2 of 511. Redang IslandTerengganu, MalaysiaKnown for clear water and marine life, good for snorkeling and diving.East-coast islands like Redang run April to September.
Named by 2 of 512. PutrajayaMalaysiaBest visited April to August, per one source.Sits outside the central Kuala Lumpur loop; possible as a half day.
Named by 2 of 513. Tioman IslandPahang, MalaysiaQuieter than Redang, with reefs for snorkeling and diving.
14. Genting HighlandsPahang, MalaysiaAbout an hour from Kuala Lumpur, a weekend retreat with a theme park and cable car.
15. Belum Forest ReservePerak, MalaysiaWildlife includes tigers, elephants, gibbons and sun bears, away from the usual tourist route.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name March to September as the best time to visit Malaysia.
Named by 5 of 51. Kuala LumpurThe easiest place to start a first trip; a base of two or three nights suits a west-coast route.Chinatown, Little India and Merdeka Square are all worth a visit.Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
Named by 4 of 52. Penang (George Town)George Town is a UNESCO city known for colonial buildings, street art and food.Described as the food capital of Malaysia.
Named by 4 of 53. LangkawiAn archipelago reached by ferry or a short flight from Kuala Lumpur.Pantai Cenang gets busy; heading north is quieter.Best time to visit Langkawi
