Malaysia for First Timers

Every place below is pinned on the interactive map with its exact location. You can browse it for free, and copy the whole map into your own Ikuzo account to adapt it to your trip.

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

The iconic 452m twin towers, book the Skybridge and observation deck ticket online a few days ahead as slots sell out. Come back at night when they are lit up, the view from KLCC Park is the classic photo.

Batu Caves

Hindu cave temple guarded by a giant golden Murugan statue and 272 rainbow steps. Easy half day trip on the KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral, go early to beat the heat and watch your snacks around the monkeys.

Merdeka Square

Where Malaysia declared independence in 1957, ringed by the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and one of the world's tallest flagpoles. Best at dusk when the colonial facades light up.

Petaling Street (Chinatown)

KL's Chinatown market street, haggle for souvenirs then duck into the side lanes for old kopitiams and hip cafes. Combine with nearby Central Market and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

Jalan Alor Food Street

The best introduction to Malaysian street food, the whole street turns into open air restaurants from late afternoon. Try char kway teow, grilled chicken wings and satay, cash is handy here.

KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

The observation deck here is actually higher than the Petronas Skybridge and gives you the twin towers in your photos. The open air Sky Deck and glass Sky Box are worth the upgrade on a clear day.

Thean Hou Temple

One of Southeast Asia's largest Chinese temples, six tiers of red lanterns with a city skyline view. Spectacular around Chinese New Year, easiest reached by Grab.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Serene and world class collection of Islamic calligraphy, textiles and architecture models, a great aircon escape at midday. Pair it with the nearby National Mosque and Perdana Botanical Gardens.

KLCC Park

Landscaped park right under the Petronas Towers with the best free view of them. Come for the Lake Symphony fountain show in the evening, usually at 8, 9 and 10pm.

Central Market

Art deco market hall from 1928, now the easiest one stop shop for batik, crafts and souvenirs at fair prices. Air conditioned, so a good midday stop between Chinatown and Merdeka Square.

Penang

George Town Street Art (Armenian Street)

Wander Armenian Street and the surrounding lanes to hunt Ernest Zacharevic's famous murals like Kids on Bicycle, plus dozens of steel rod caricatures. Go before 9am for photos without queues, then cafe hop through the heritage shophouses.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple, a hillside complex crowned by a seven storey pagoda and a giant Kuan Yin statue. Magical during Chinese New Year when thousands of lanterns are lit.

Penang Hill

Ride the steep funicular up to 800m for the best panorama of George Town and a welcome drop in temperature. Buy the fast lane ticket on busy days and consider staying for sunset.

Clan Jetties (Chew Jetty)

Century old Chinese settlements on stilts over the water, Chew Jetty is the liveliest to walk. Residents still live here so keep quiet in the mornings and evenings.

Khoo Kongsi

The most lavish clan house in Malaysia, hidden in a granite courtyard off Cannon Square. The carved roof and gilded halls are worth the small entry fee.

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre

Penang's famous seafront hawker centre, come hungry in the evening for char kway teow, assam laksa and rojak. Grab a table first, then order from several stalls and pay each one in cash.

Penang National Park (Monkey Beach)

One of the world's smallest national parks, hike about 90 minutes through jungle to Monkey Beach or take a boat one way. Register for free at the entrance and bring plenty of water.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

George Town's oldest mosque, built by Indian Muslim traders in 1801, with a striking Mughal dome. It anchors the Street of Harmony where a mosque, church and Chinese and Hindu temples share one road.

Malacca

Jonker Street

The heart of Malacca's Chinatown, antique shops and Peranakan restaurants by day and a big night market on Friday to Sunday evenings. Try chicken rice balls and cendol while you browse.

A Famosa

The Porta de Santiago gate is all that remains of the Portuguese fortress of 1511, one of the oldest European ruins in Asia. Free to visit and right at the foot of St. Paul's Hill, so do both together.

St. Paul's Hill & Church

Short climb to the roofless 1521 Portuguese church where St. Francis Xavier was once buried. Nice breeze and views over the strait, come late afternoon and walk down to A Famosa.

Christ Church & Dutch Square

The postcard view of Malacca, the red Dutch church of 1753, the Stadthuys and a fountain all painted terracotta. Very photogenic early morning before the trishaws and crowds arrive.

Melaka River Cruise

A 45 minute boat loop past mural covered shophouses and kampung houses, the easiest overview of the old town. Go at dusk so you get daylight one way and the riverside lights on the way back.

Islands & East Coast

Langkawi Sky Bridge

A 125m curved pedestrian bridge hanging 660m above the rainforest, reached from the cable car top station. Check the weather before going, clouds can wipe out the view by afternoon.

Langkawi Cable Car (SkyCab)

One of the world's steepest cable cars, up Mount Machinchang with views over the islands and Thailand on clear days. Buy tickets online and go early morning for the calmest air and shortest lines.

Pantai Cenang

Langkawi's liveliest beach, a long sandy strip with sunset bars, water sports and night market stalls nearby. Base yourself here for easy eating and duty free shopping.

Perhentian Islands

Backpacker friendly islands with turquoise water and cheap snorkeling with turtles and reef sharks, Kecil is livelier and Besar quieter. Boats leave from Kuala Besut, visit March to October as most resorts close in monsoon season.

Redang Island

White sand and some of Malaysia's clearest water, more of a resort island than the Perhentians with most stays sold as packages including boat and meals. Season runs roughly March to October.

Tioman Island

A laid back jungle island on the east coast, great value diving, village to village hikes and duty free beer. Ferries run from Mersing and depend on tides, so build in buffer time.

Kapas Island

A tiny car free island 15 minutes by speedboat from Marang, just beaches, kayaks and a handful of chalets. Perfect for a quiet couple of days, bring cash as there are no ATMs.

Highlands & Nature

BOH Tea Centre (Sungai Palas)

The classic Cameron Highlands view, rolling tea terraces with a cafe deck hanging over the valley. Free factory tour, closed on Mondays, and the access road is narrow so go early or take a tour.

Mossy Forest

Otherworldly cloud forest boardwalk near the top of Gunung Brinchang, everything draped in moss and often in mist. Access is limited, so easiest joined as a half day 4x4 tour from Tanah Rata, bring a light jacket.

Taman Negara Canopy Walkway

Walk one of the world's longest canopy walkways, hung 40m up in 130 million year old rainforest. Base yourself in Kuala Tahan village, and add a night jungle walk or a river boat trip while you are there.

Genting Highlands

A cool 1800m mountain resort city an hour from KL with theme parks, a casino and malls, reached by the Awana SkyWay cable car. Very kitsch but fun as a day trip, pack a sweater and expect crowds on weekends.

Fraser's Hill

A sleepy colonial hill station of mock Tudor cottages, cool air and quiet trails, one of Southeast Asia's best birdwatching spots. Far less developed than Cameron or Genting, come for a slow night or two.

Borneo

Kinabalu Park

UNESCO listed park around 4095m Mount Kinabalu, with easy botanical trails at headquarters and hot springs at Poring nearby. Climbing the summit needs a permit and guide booked months ahead, but the park is worth a day trip from Kota Kinabalu even without climbing.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Watch semi wild orangutans swing in for the 10am and 3pm feedings at this famous rescue centre near Sandakan. Combine with the sun bear centre next door, and keep bags zipped, the macaques are bold.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Sarawak's answer to Sepilok, 30 minutes from Kuching, with orangutan feedings at 9am and 3pm. Sightings are best in fruit scarce months and never guaranteed, which is exactly why it feels wild.