17 Interesting Places in Malaysia That You Should Consider Visiting

Malaysia is one of the popular countries that people put on their bucketlist when it comes to South East Asia. The country is spread over a number of different islands. This means that it has a number of gorgeous beaches that have gained popularity over the years. The tropical forests also have their own allure.

Needless to say, there are a number of interesting places in Malaysia and while we have been there on numerous occasions, we barely scratched the tip of that iceberg.

Since we were looking to inspire and be inspired, we reached out to a number of travel bloggers and compiled this enormous list of interesting places in Malaysia that you should visit.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

1. Bukit Fraser

Bukit Fraser is just one of the interesting places in Malaysia hat should be on your list.

LOCATION: Bukit Fraser (Fraser’s Hill)

GETTING THERE: It’s best to travel by private vehicle either car, motorbike or even mountain bike. You can catch a KTM Komuter train direct from KL but you’ll need to take an hour-long taxi journey from the train station in Kuala Kubu Bharu.

WHERE TO STAY: Stay in one of the traditional British-style hotels like Ye Olde Smokehouse or the centrally-located Puncak Inn.

A few hour’s drive from central Kuala Lumpur is the historic Malaysian hill station of Fraser’s Hill. Sprawled across jungle-clad mountaintops, Fraser’s Hill (also known as Bukit Fraser) is ideally located for a weekend getaway from the city. The scenery and history of Fraser’s Hill make it a fascinating and unusual place to visit in Malaysia.

In the 1920s, the hill station was opened as a retreat for expats from Kuala Lumpur. The fresh and cool temperatures are a huge contrast to the humidity and pollution in the Klang Valley. Today Fraser’s Hill is proud of its colonial roots and has been preserved as a relic of ‘Old England’ hidden deep in the mountains of Malaysia. The quaint village centre looks decidedly British and is home to a clock tower, post office and bungalows.

Bukit Fraser is especially famous for bird spotting, mountain biking and jungle hikes. The cooler weather makes outdoor activities much more inviting. These are just a few of the reasons why it is one of the interesting places in Malaysia.

There are many fun things to do in Fraser’s Hill for visitors of all ages, including families. You can hire a pedalo on the reservoir at Allan’s Water, try horse ride at The Paddock or play a round of mini-golf in the town’s park. The beautiful Jeriau Waterfall is a short (if rather precarious) drive from the village.

Of course, the highlight of any visit to Fraser’s Hill is a traditional ‘English’ cream tea of scones, jam and a pot of tea served on the patio of The Smokehouse overlooking the luscious Malaysian rainforest.

By Kirsty from World For A Girl

2. Cameron Highlands

Cameron highlands is one of the interesting places in Malaysia.

LOCATION: Cameron Highlands

GETTING THERE: The highlands are accessible by road from both coasts of the Malaysian peninsula. In addition to the public buses used by the locals, minivan shuttles also ferry tourists to the Highlands from Kuala Lumpur and from Georgetown on the island of Penang. From either starting point, the journey takes about 4.5 hours.

WHERE TO STAY: TJ Lodge (Budget) or Century Pines Resort (Mid-range)

The Cameron Highlands is a hill station north of Kuala Lumpur that’s full of tea plantations. Temperatures here are refreshingly cool, rarely rising about 25 degrees Celsius.

Tanah Rata is the main town in the Cameron Highlands, but there are a number of smaller settlements as well. And in fact, the Camerons cover an area that’s almost the same size as Singapore.

The main reason to come here is to enjoy the cool weather and the beautiful mountain scenery. Visitors also rave about the delicious food from the local Indian restaurants, all of which serve plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Gunung (Mount) Brinchang is a popular viewpoint from which to admire the mountains and the tea plantations.

It’s the tallest mountain in Malaysia that’s accessible by car, which means you have the choice of hiking up or taking a taxi.

A popular excursion in the Highlands is the ‘Rafflesia Tour’ to see the world’s largest flower in bloom makes it one of the interesting places in Malaysia to add to your list. The Rafflesia only blooms for about one week, so it’s quite hard to find.

It was only discovered near the Cameron Highlands 20 years ago for the first time, and now local villagers track blooming flowers and, when they find one, alert the travel agencies in Tanah Rata. Be prepared to hike through the jungle for an hour or two to reach the blooming rafflesia.

By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

3. Ipoh

Emily says that Ipoh definitely deserves a note in our list of interesting places in Malaysia.

LOCATION: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

GETTING THERE: By train from Kuala Lumpur (3 hours) or by bus from Penang (5 hours).

WHERE TO STAY: Sekeping Kong Heng is one of the most unique accommodations in all of Malaysia. Set inside a 1920s hostel originally built to cater to theatre performers, it features 32 sparsely decorated rooms. The theme here is definitely ‘industrial chic’, with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, loft spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you’re looking for an offbeat destination that still feels like a bit of a hidden gem, Ipoh is one of the most interesting places in Malaysia for foodies and street art lovers. This is largely because there are loads of attractions in Ipoh.

Located in central Perak State, the country’s fourth-largest city is renowned for its hawker markets and old-school cafes.

White coffee, one of Malaysia’s most famous exports, was born in Ipoh, and is served all over the city in tall glasses piled high with ice. It pairs perfectly with Portuguese-style custard tarts, another Ipoh specialty.

Another thing to admire about Ipoh is its street art scene. Alongside a set of wall murals by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic (he was invited to paint Ipoh on the back of his success in Penang), you’ll find thousands of small-scale works by local creatives and community groups. Many of them represent different cultural traditions and festivals.

Wander down pretty Concubine Lane, which is clotted with cafes and boutique souvenir shops, step inside one of Ipoh’s ornate mosques, and visit some of the British buildings that speak to the area’s colonial past.

Visit a house museum to learn about Ipoh’s history as a tin mining town, then walk the Ipoh Heritage Trail to see more of the city’s most prominent architecture up close. Finish your day with a meal at one of the many hawker markets (order beansprout chicken, a local recipe) before enjoying a nightcap at Tiga, an atmospheric speakeasy bar.

By Emily from Wander-Lush

4. Kinabatangan

The Kinabantangan river is one of the most interesting places in Malaysia because of the wildlife in and around it.

LOCATION: Kinabatangan

GETTING THERE: Kinabantangan is accessible by road approximately 2 hours south of Sandakan airport.

WHERE TO STAY: Myne Resort, a jungle lodge perched on a bend on the Kinabantangan river. Private lodges come with ensuites and mosquito nets at an affordable price. June is the dry season with hot weather practically guaranteed.

Kinabantangan is the perfect area to explore Malaysian Borneo’s diverse wildlife and to see some orangutans if you’re lucky. Actually, the chances are quite high here at Myne Resort. It’s remoteness, although a particularly bumpy 4×4 ride to get to, makes it right in the heart of the rainforest.

Pigmy elephants regularly wander through the grounds and feed on the riverbanks opposite. Macaques sneak into the communal dining area of the resort looking for a quick snack or to cause some mischief.

A boat ride along the river reveals more sightings; Sun bears, Proboscis monkeys, birds of prey and, the stars of the show, Orangutans. Only found here and in parts of Sumatra these captivating apes are highly endangered and the chance to see them in their natural habitat is a true wonder.

Many fruits are in season in June making it an ideal time to spot feeding wildlife on the river banks. Jungle treks and night walks reveal an up-close look at some more of the locals, bugs of all shapes and sizes, snakes and plenty more cheeky macaques!

By Jo from Lost Wanders

5. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is one of the interesting places to Malaysia you should add to your list.

LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur

GETTING THERE: Kuala Lumpur is a major city and easy to access. The main and biggest airport is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). KLIA is one of the main airports in Southeast Asia, making the city very accessible to travel to.  The airport is located about 45km from the city centre, which is easily reached by bus, train or taxi.

WHERE TO STAY: Bukit Bintang is known as KL’s shopping and entertainment district and a great place to stay. This district is centrally located, allowing visitors to easily access other parts of the city. CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is a budget-friendly hotel located in Bukit Bintang. Guests love this hotel for its’ ambiance and location.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and the largest city in the country. That said it’s known for its iconic towers. The Petronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. They are great to visit during the day but are amazing to see at night.  

You can go up the 86th floor of the towers to enjoy stunning views and learn more about the history of the towers. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the towers and the area around it. Thankfully, it’s easy to get around on foot so you can go on a shopping session while you’re in the area.

The street food in Kuala Lumpur is not to be missed. Jalan Alor is one of the most popular streets for food in KL.  Kuala Lumpur is a diverse city, and this is reflected in the food. Visitors can get a range of delicious and budget-friendly dishes while also experiencing Malaysian culture. 

There are many options for street food in Kuala Lumpur but Jalan Alor combines delicious food and a great experience. The food is just one part of what makes Kuala Lumpur one of the interesting places in Malaysia.

Make sure to head to Chinatown too – it’s ideal for a quick lunch or for a shopping session. It’s a great spot to buy your souvenirs before you leave Malaysia.

By Melissa from Nomad Life 101

6. Langkawi

Langkawi is a particularly interesting spot on our list of interesting places in Malaysia.

LOCATION: Langkawi

GETTING THERE: You can take a ferry from mainland Malaysia, or Penang. You can also fly in as there is an international airport

WHERE TO STAY: The best area to stay in is Cenang beach, this is where all the bars, restaurants, hotels and nightlife is. It’s also the most touristic part of the island, but luckily, in June, you won’t have to deal with too many crowds.

We knew nothing about Langkawi when we set out to do our Workaway there, but after spending a full month on the island, we fell in love! And June is the perfect time to visit. The high tourist season will be over, and the rainy season will have just started.

Expect clear skies in the morning and throughout the day, though you will get heavy rain for an hour or two, mainly in the late afternoon or at night (some days, it will be both).

Having spent so much time in Langkawi, we can tell you the rain was a welcomed moment in our days, as it would bring the humidity and heat down immediately! And trust us, it gets really hot!

This little island has everything you could look for, from beautiful waterfalls which swell because of the rain, to hopping from beach to beach, plus some fun activities like scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing and so much more. You must not miss out on the famous mangroves of Langkawi either.

You can get some incredible views of the island by going on the Langkawi Skycab, the world’s longest free span mono-cable car. And if you love shopping, note that Langkawi is a duty-free island!

The restaurants in Langkawi are quite affordable, but you have to stay away from the tourist traps. The best place to eat is still at the nightly market. The market travels around the city, setting up shop in a different location every night. There, you’ll find the very best in local fare.

We loved our time in Langkawi. There were not too many people, the weather was great, and the island had so much to offer. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and chilling and affordable prices, this is the place for you! So plan your itinerary in Langkawi based on what you enjoy!

By Carine and Derek from We Did It Our Way

7. Melaka

I’m so glad the gorgeous Melaka made it to our list of interesting places in Malaysia.

LOCATION: Melaka

GETTING THERE: You can arrive by bus from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. The ride from Singapore takes around 4 hours (including a stop at the border) and the bus from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur takes an additional 4 hours. Book online or at any tourist agency in either place.

WHERE TO STAY: More Vegetarian Tea House and Residence is a gorgeous place to stay in the heart of town with double rooms and delectable food in the period restaurant.

Charming Melaka is one of the prettiest and most atmospheric places in Malaysia, yet it remains a bit of a hidden gem, at least with international tourists. Halfway between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, one of its perks is its location. If you’re travelling from Malaysia to Singapore or vice versa, it’s a great place to stop and break up the journey.

Melaka is a cultural melting point with countless Chinese temples, mosques and Hindu temples to explore. One of the most popular, especially with photographers is Melaka Straits Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque, just a short drive from the centre of town.

Other things to do in sleepy Melaka include finding colourful street art, wandering atmospheric Jonkers Walk and tucking into authentic Malaysian food at the weekend night market.

Pink Windmill Square, dating back to the Dutch colonial period, is another popular and bustling parts of town to wander and soak up the atmosphere.

By Rose from Where Goes Rose

8. Mulu Caves

As far as natural wonders goes, the Mulu caves ranks high on the list of interesting places in Malaysia you should visit.

LOCATION: Mulu Caves

GETTING THERE: Being remote the easiest way to get there is to fly with MASwings from Kuching or Miri. However, if you are the adventurous type, you can take the two-day hike through the jungle along the Headhunter trail from Limbang.

WHERE TO STAY: To enjoy the stunning jungle surrounds the best place to stay, is the Marriott Mulu Resort. They have a regular shuttle bus that takes guests to and from the National Park. After a long day of exploring the caves and hiking trails, you can relax in the pool or treat yourself with a massage.

If the Marriott is beyond your budget, the park itself has several types of accommodation ranging from individual bungalows to hostel rooms. However, space is more limited, and it’s advisable to book well in advance.

Mulu Caves are in the middle of the Gunung Mulu National Park, in the north of Sarawak. Hidden away in a remote part of Borneo the caves are one of the earth’s natural wonders which the UNESCO World Heritage site protects.

You can only explore the caves within the National Park through an organised tour. The most popular ones to visit are the Deer and Clearwater Caves. 

The Deer cave has the largest cave passage in the world that is accessible to visitors. Inside the limestone formations are incredible, and the Garden of Eden is one of its unique features. It is also home to millions of bats and the spectacular display at night as they go off to hunt for food is magnificent.

As well as the caves, there are numerous walking trails through the rainforest. Some of these you can explore by yourself guides lead others, such as the tree canopy walk and night walk. 

The diversity of plants and insects within the National Park and the spectacular limestone features within the caves makes this one of the most interesting and unique areas in Malaysia to visit.

By Fiona from Passport and Piano

9. Niah Caves

Second in size only to the Mulu caves, the Niah caves are another interesting place in Malaysia that you should consider visiting.

LOCATION: Niah Caves

GETTING THERE: The easiest way to head to Niah Caves is from the nearest town name Miri. It is a short drive away from the city. You can also drive from Brunei to Niah caves.

WHERE TO STAY: Amigo hotel

Niah caves was one of the most intriguing places that we visited in the Sarawak region of Malaysian Borneo. A short drive away from the oil town of Miri, this natural park should really be on your list of interesting places in Malaysia that you should visit.

The park has a lovely board walk that you can follow as you head into the different caves. The caves were certainly not what I expected. For one thing, the largest cave arched high above and could have housed a whole building in it.

The caves are the spot of an archaeological dig site. In fact, they even found the oldest remains of man were found here. There is a bit of controversy that surrounds the claims though. In fact, if you make it to the end of the trail, you can actually see some really old cave paintings.

You would have to make it through the dark cave first. So make sure that you carry a torch when you embark on this trek.

10. Penang

Penang is one of the interesting places in Malaysia that is frequently visited by tourists.

LOCATION: Penang Island sits off the west coast of Malaysia

GETTING THERE: Getting to Penang is easy with options including bus, train, car, ship, and by air. Penang International airport is 16 km south of George Town.

WHERE TO STAY: The most convenient location to stay is in or around the old area of George Town, where many of the attractions are located.

Coffee Atelier is a boutique mid-range guesthouse centrally located within the old area of George Town, and offers beautiful and well-appointed rooms, with a terrific breakfast, for a reasonable price.

June is a great time to visit Penang as it sits outside of the main tourist season, meaning quieter streets and easier access to the many attractions that Penang has to offer. There are periods of rain, but these tend to be in bursts, so unlikely to interfere with a visit to the island.

Most of Penang’s attractions are based in the capital George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with the island being fairly small, all other locations, such as the beaches of Battu Ferringhi, can be reached easily by car or bus transfer.

The top things to do in Penang include visiting colonial sites such as Fort Cornwallis and Suffolk House, wandering the stunning temples such as Kek Lok Si Temple, walking the streets of George Town seeking out the famous and unique street art, and experiencing some of the ethnic influences by wandering around Little India. Don’t forget the Penang Clan jetties!

A fun ride on the funicular train will take you to the top of Penang Hill with a stunning view of George Town and beyond. More family fun can be had by visiting some of Penang’s many quirky museums such as the Wonderfood Museum, the 3D Trick Art Museum, the Upside Down Museum, and the Ghost Museum, that are fun and, at times, educational.

And, of course, one of the main reasons to visit Penang is the world-class food scene. Some argue Penang’s regional hawker food is the best in Malaysia, with a predominance of dishes based on traditional Chinese, Indian, and Malay cooking styles and flavours. It has some of the best breakfast joints in town.

By Markus from The Roaming Fork

11. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian islands is one of the interesting places in Malaysia that has been on my bucket list for a very long time.

LOCATION: Perhentian islands

GETTING THERE: The closet gateway to the Perhentian Islands is Kuala Besut.

WHERE TO STAY: Pulau Perhentian Besar

The Perhentian Islands consist of two islands: Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar. The Perhentians are an absolute paradise with one of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. They are a real access point to the best diving and snorkelling experience.

Here you can complete very affordable diving courses or relax on heavenly white beaches. One of our favorite beaches is Turtle Beach.

The easiest way how to get to Perhentian Islands is to fly to Kota Bharu and then take a taxi to Kuala Besut. You can also take a bus from Kuala Lumpur, which takes around 9 hours.

In Kuala Besut, you need to take a small boat, which takes approximately 30 minutes to get to your hotel in the Perhentian Islands. Make sure to let the boat driver know the name of your hotel so they can let you get off.

Pulau Perhentian Besar is the biggest island in the Perhentian Islands, and that’s why there are more possibilities for accommodation than on Perhentian Kecil. We highly recommend The Barat Perhentian Hotel as it’s next to the beach, has affordable rooms and beautiful surroundings.

Just make sure to book the hotel in advance. The Perhentians are definitely worth a visit and we are sure you will fall in love with them as much as we did. Definitely ranks as one of the interesting places in Malaysia in our books!

By Gigi and Nico from Beach Addicted

12. Port Dickson

Considering visiting some of the interesting places in Malaysia? Then Port Dickson should be on your list.

LOCATION: Port Dickson

GETTING THERE: Easily reached from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, most tourists travel to Port Dickson by car. By public transport, it is easier to leave from Singapore as direct coaches from Singapore to Port Dickson are available.

This is slightly trickier in Kuala Lumpur where the most direct way of getting to Port Dickson is by arranging a transfer from the airport. Here, in order to get to Port Dickson by public transport, one will need to catch a bus or train to Seremban and hop on another bus at Terminal One Seremban.

WHERE TO STAY: There is a good range of resorts along the coast of Port Dickson that caters to all types of travelers. For those looking for a more luxurious vibe, the Grand Lexis Dickson would be their best with its combination of hotel block rooms and sea chalets equipped with swimming pools and glass panel bottoms with stunning views of the sea.

For the budget-conscious and family travelers, the Glory Beach Resort offers serviced apartments, a pool, and a beach.

Port Dickson is one of the most interesting places in Malaysia to visit due to its stunning natural attractions, beautiful colonial architecture, and picturesque beaches. Cape Rachado is a favourite among nature lovers who aim to hike up to the limestone peak of Bukit Batu Putih, which boasts of a panoramic view of Port Dickson’s coastline.

For less experienced hikers, taking the verdant jungle trail from Tanjung Tuan, the oldest lighthouse in Malaysia, is recommended. A trail from the peak leads to a hidden bay with granite formations amidst gleaming blue waters, so save it is important to save your energy for this descent.

By Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog

13. Sipadan

If you love diving, Sipadan will probably head to the top of your list of interesting places in Malaysia.

LOCATION: Sipadan Island

GETTING THERE: Sipadan is about 3 hours by plane from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

WHERE TO STAY: Visitors aren’t permitted to stay on Sipadan itself. Visitors have to stay on one of the dive resorts on the nearby islands of Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and Pom Pom, and take day trips to Sipadan Island arranged by the dive operators.

Formed by living corals, the iconic Sipadan Island is home to many species of marine life. Located within a three-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, it’s one of the best places on the planet to make your scuba diving dreams a reality. Jacques Cousteau, a French oceanographer, researcher, and scientist declared Sipadan to be an “untouched piece of art” and since then, a diving vacation here is on everyone’s bucket list and for good reason.

Having a diverse marine life, Sipadan Island is a mecca for nature enthusiasts, scuba divers and snorkelers. Apart from being the most common diving spot, Barracuda Point regularly features in the world’s top 10 diving spots, bringing up the competition with the famous Great Blue Hole and Richelieu Rock.

There are 12 sought-after dive spots in Sipadan, and the most popular ones are Barracuda Point, Turtle Cave, West Ridge, Hanging Gardens, Lobster Lair, Staghorn Crest, South Point, Coral Gardens, and White Tip Avenue. You need a permit to visit Sipadan, so make sure you apply well in advance.

Only 120 diver’s permits are issued to the 12 surrounding resorts each day. These are the hardest to get. However, there are also non-diver’s permits which are issued on a rotation basis. Book as early as possible and avoid peak seasons. If you did not have a confirmed permit, inquire at all the resorts and don’t trust anybody telling you it’s impossible to find a permit on such short notice.

You can choose between dive centres and even attend a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Semporna or in Kota Kinabalu City. It is definitely one of the interesting places in Malaysia that you should visit if you love diving!

By Ivan From Mind The Travel

14. Taiping

Taiping is one of the interesting places in Malaysia that you should think of adding to your list.

LOCATION: Taiping

GETTING THERE: The best way to travel to Taiping is via ETS train. Since Taiping does not have any airport, train and bus are the only options left to travel to Taiping. There are not many buses to Taiping and since taking ETS train to Taiping is more comfortable, many prefer ETS train to bus.

WHERE TO STAY: The best places to stay in Taiping are the following – Sojourn Bed & Cafe, Zen Retreat the Havana and The Forest Cabin.

When the media announced that Taiping was tagged as one of the top three sustainable destinations in the world, I was pleasantly surprised. Originally a tin mining town and home to the first post office in Malaysia, Taiping is often a forgotten stop where hordes of travellers would make their way to Ipoh or Penang instead.

It is also the wettest town in Malaysia due to our year-round tropical climate. This interesting little town holds historic gems such as Taiping’s first railway station, the oldest museum, hundred-year-old rain trees and interesting Kopitiam shops steeped in history.

Taking my best travel camera lenses with me, it was easy to capture Taiping’s glorious gardens when the rays of the early morning sun are shining obliquely through their clumps of bamboo. Spending two days in Taiping allows you enough time to enjoy the unhurried pace and take in the little gems of this old, quaint town.

By Pashmina from The Gone Goat

15. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Interesting places in Malaysia? Think about Gaya island.

LOCATION: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

GETTING THERE: There are numerous boats that take you to this national park from the harbour at Kota Kinabalu.

WHERE TO STAY: Le Meridian Kota Kinabalu has a great waterfront view. If you want to go the budget way then consider Masada Backpackers. It is a quaint hostel in the town.

Tunku Abdul Rahman park is a marine national park which encompasses five islands. These islands are Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. The gorgeous islands have pristine beaches which attract tourists to their shores. You can easily pick a couple of islands to visit in a day. Gaya island however is set aside and isn’t usually part of the island-hopping packages.

It is lesser visited and is home to the upscale resort named Gayana where they have over water bungalows that have a vibe similar to what you would expect in Maldives or Mauritus making it one of the interesting places in Malaysia you should visit.

MERC or the Marine Ecology Research Centre is located on Gaya island and it is a brilliant place for children and adults alike to learn about marine life. They are doing a lot of good work with restoring the coral reef that surrounds the island.

16. Tioman Island

Tioman island is another one of the interesting places in Malaysia that you should consider.

LOCATION: Tioman Island is around 32kms off Malaysia’s East Coast and is part of the Mersing Marine Park. Even though it’s a pretty small island (around 137sq kms) it is the largest of the 64 in the area known as the Pahang territory.

GETTING THERE: Tioman can be reached by bus from either Kuala Lumpur (or elsewhere in Malaysia) or Singapore to Mersing/Tanjung Gemok and then about a 1.5-2 hour ferry trip. From KL catch a bus from Tasik Selatan Bus Terminal and ride for roughly 4-6 hours (overnight is the best option).

From Singapore, catch a coach from the Singapore Flyer and get there in around 2.5 hours including a short breakfast stop and going through 2 customs check points.

WHERE TO STAY: The most luxurious place to stay in Tioman is definitely the rustic chic Japamala Resort by Samadhi. Although not a 5-star hotel, it is by far the only luxe option on the island.

A second choice and probably the most popular is Berjaya Resort which comes complete with tennis courts, swimming pool, 2 restaurants, a spa, a small gym and scuba and snorkel gear rental. It’s also a great option for traveling families.

Tioman Island is a gorgeous rustic island that consists of four kampungs or villages. It’s probably best known for its snorkelling and diving where you can literally step into the water, put your head under and witness a magical world of sea life.

There are fish of all kinds, sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks and blue spotted manta rays. Which makes it one of the most interesting places in Malaysia.

On land, other than Berjaya resort, there is still an old kampung feel, with friendly locals welcoming you with a smile. The vibe is relaxed island style with most of the land untouched and remaining completely covered in jungle.

For this reason, you can see the cheeky macaques almost anywhere and if you go on a guided tour, you can see other exotic animals like Fruit Bats, Black Giant Squirrels, Red Giant Flying Squirrels and Brush Tailed Porcupines.

At its highest Tioman rises 1,038 metres at Mount Kajang which you can climb if you’re fit and active. There are also some beautiful waterfalls. While most of the action (diving and boat tours) happens on the West Coast, the more untouched East Coast is home to the Juara Turtle Project who is helping with conservation efforts to keep the gorgeous greenback turtles thriving.

By Callan from Once In A Lifetime Journey

17. Kota Kinabalu

LOCATION: Kota Kinabalu

WHERE TO STAY: Le Meridian Kota Kinabalu

HOW TO GET THERE: Kota Kinabalu has an airport which connects it to Kuala Lumpur and other smaller airports. This makes it super easy to get to.

Kota Kinabalu is without doubt one of my favorite spots to visit and I rank it as one of the most interesting places in Malaysia for a variety of reasons. First off, it has so many great places to eat that you will find it hard to choose. It also has a variety of cuisines and budgets that you can choose from!

The city is a coastal one and this means snorkeling, diving and so much more. If you want a cozy vacation then I highly recommend heading to Gaya island. Another reason why the city is popular is because of the famous Mount Kinabalu which is a hikers delight. If you don’t want to tackle the peak, you could just wander around the smaller trails at Kinabalu National Park.

Traveling with kids? There are loads of things to do in Kota Kinabalu with children. My favorite is the Low Kawi Wildlife park.

Needless to say, an itinerary in Kota Kinabalu includes fun for the whole family and that is why it is one of the best places in Malaysia to spend a couple of days at.

Have you been to any interesting places in Malaysia that we haven’t added to our list? Let us know in the comments below and we will check them out.

*This post contains Affiliate links

** The photographs in this post are not the property of Globetrove and have been provided by the individual authors.