Top 8 places to go in Malaysia
I recently went to Malaysia and had an amazing experience. Malaysia is a very diverse country, so there is something for everyone! In this article, I will cover the top 10 things you can do in Malaysia.
Petronas Towers
The towers are open to visitors for tours until 8 pm to observe exceptional views of the city. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website.
These towers are the largest twin towers in the world, reaching a height of 491 meters. Located in Kuala Lumpur, the towers have 88 floors used for various purposes. They house the headquarters of Petronas as well as office spaces. The 86th floor is the observation deck, open for tourists to view the city from 370 meters above. The skybridge, located 558 feet above the ground, connects the 41st and 42nd floors of the building.
The buildings were designed by American-Argentine architect César Pelli, and the structural designer was Bangladeshi-American architect Fazlur Rahman Khan. The architecture is influenced by Islamic heritage and religion, as the base of the towers are eight-sided stars, ‘Rub Al-Hizb,’ which is a symbol for dividing sections in the Quran. The building’s concrete is covered in steel and glass, creating a beautifully illuminating structure.
Shopping/Central Market
Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places for shopping due to its variety. There are many malls, such as Suria KLCC, Pavilion, TRX Exchange, and more. If you are looking for souvenirs, head over to the Central Market. The vibrant market includes handicrafts, traditional items, and art collectibles.
The best way to get there is by taking the train to Masjid Jamek and then making a five-minute walk to the market. This way, you can view the beautiful Masjid and enjoy a nice stroll to the market.
Batu Caves
The Batu Caves were one of my favorite places to visit due to the exotically colored 272 steps and the monkeys! The monkeys are wild and free, so make sure to keep your personal belongings close. The 400-million-year-old limestone caves include many Hindu shrines and are divided into three sections: the main cave, the dark cave, and the art and museum cave at the bottom of the stairs. As it is a religious site, try your best to dress modestly.
Malacca
If you are a history enthusiast, this place is for you. Malacca was a city in the same category as other cities known for trade, such as Canton, Cairo, and Venice. The city was ruled by the Portuguese and Dutch and had traded with Arab countries, China, and India for many centuries. The European ruling caused significant changes and discrimination towards Muslims. There are multiple museums in the city to showcase all the history. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 to preserve its trading history.
The best way to get to Malacca is by bus. You can purchase tickets through 12Go or at certain bus terminals.
Pink Mosque
This beautiful masjid is located in Putrajaya, hence the name, but it is also known as the Pink Mosque. The masjid is built with rose-tinted granite, giving it its lovely pink color. It is divided into three sections: the inside, where prayers are held, the courtyard, where you can overlook Putra Lake, and other rooms used for programs, etc. The minaret is 116 meters long and is divided into five sections to represent the five pillars of Islam.
As it is a religious site, it is necessary to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs. A cover-up is also provided at the entrance of the masjid.
If you are planning to go from Kuala Lumpur, taking a Grab would be your best option to save time and avoid confusion.
Langkawi
This gorgeous island is the best place to go for a relaxing vacation. You can enjoy the beach and the beautiful quiet mornings, as well as the main attraction, Panorama Langkawi, which includes a variety of fun activities from the Skybridge to Skycabs, Skydomes, and much more! The tickets depend on which package you choose, giving you the best of many worlds.
As a dinosaur lover, this place was my cup of tea as I felt like I was in Jurassic Park due to the SkyCab and the SkyRex. The SkyCab provides 360-degree views, 650 meters above sea level. The SkyRex was a short 3D experience, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Our package also included the Skywalk, SkyDome, and 3D art gallery. The views from the Skywalk were heavenly, but I was holding onto the railing for dear life. The SkyDome is a mini-movie mostly targeted at children. To my surprise, I enjoyed the art gallery much more than anticipated, as they had a little show, which was the perfect way to end the gallery.
The best way to get there is through a Grab, but be aware that some hours of the day might have fewer Grabs available.
Cameron Highlands
If you want to cool down from all the heat in Malaysia, head to Cameron Highlands. This small town has many small attractions scattered around, from the infamous BOH tea garden to little farms. The BOH tea garden is a must-see, offering a free tour of how tea is manufactured as well as free samples of some of their exceptional tea mixes.
There is also a little café that provides drinks and baked goods, and a shop to purchase different flavors of tea. Some mixes and flavors are exclusively sold at this shop, but if you plan to purchase regular or non-fancy boxed mixes, I recommend buying them at a local supermarket, as it tends to be cheaper. However, if you plan to buy gifts of exceptional tea flavors for your friends and family, it would be a great idea to purchase from here due to the packaging. For more information about the garden, visit their website. There are also strawberry farms and petting zoos that would be very enjoyable for kids.
In Cameron Highlands, taxis are more common, and since it is a small town, there are times when you might not be able to find a Grab. To avoid this, you can either grab the number of the taxi/Grab driver so you can call them directly or rent a car.
Genting Highlands
The world’s largest hotel resides within Genting Highlands. There are seven hotels in total, and the largest one is known as the ‘First World Hotel,’ made up of 7,351 rooms divided into two buildings. There is an outdoor theme park, ‘Genting SkyWorlds,’ and an indoor one as well, ‘Skytropolis.’ A Chinese shrine known as Chin Swee Caves Temple is located at the top, surrounded by vast greenery. Take the Awana SkyWay to the temple ground and enjoy the view of Genting Highlands from 4,600 feet above.