Block 1: Malaysian cities worth visiting
Malaysia is an amazing country in Southeast Asia with beautiful architecture, interesting history, and astonishing nature. Malaysia is divided into two parts by the South China Sea — the western and the eastern. Throughout the country, there are many cities with unique landmarks and picturesque landscapes, so visitors should explore as many interesting locations as possible.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Here, every traveller will find something to their liking. The iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur is the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which rise above the entire city. Adjacent to the towers is the cosy KLCC Park, featuring numerous children’s playgrounds, gazebos, mini pools, and observation decks. The capital is also home to many excellent shopping centres, so shopping enthusiasts should definitely visit Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC Mall. At the Central Market of Kuala Lumpur, you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and exotic products.
The metropolis is also abundant in magnificent temples that impress with their architecture and unique atmosphere, such as Thean Hou and Sri Maha Mariamman. If you want to learn more about Malaysian culture and enjoy splendid exhibitions, we recommend visiting the Islamic Arts Museum — a vast building showcasing displays of ancient weapons, clothing, utensils, and treasures. The museum also offers an interactive program for visitors, where you can personally create a mosaic and learn many interesting facts about Muslim culture.
George Town is the capital of Penang, a Malaysian island that is definitely worth visiting during your trip to Malaysia. George Town itself boasts a well-developed infrastructure with plenty of shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, and antique shops. However, if you make use of car rental in Malaysia, you can explore a greater number of unique locations on Penang Island. Popular among tourists are the island’s beaches such as Ferrying, Teluk Bahang, and Tanjung Bungah. These spots are perfect for diving, snorkelling, and surfing enthusiasts.
Must-visit locations include the Snake Temple, inhabited by reptiles; the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple; and the reclining Buddha statue. If you are travelling with children, be sure to visit the amazing Butterfly Park, Botanical Gardens, and Bird Park. Not far from George Town, you’ll find Penang Hill with its breathtaking view of the city, accessible by a funicular railway. Other popular attractions among tourists are the Penang State Museum, Little India quarter, Fort Cornwallis, and the Khoo Kongsi temple.
Malacca. A very beautiful, cosy, and atmospheric city on the coast of the Strait of Malacca. Malacca is definitely worth visiting for those who love delving into the history and cultural heritage of other countries. The city is located 130 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur Airport, so the easiest way to get here is by private transport. Cars in Malaysia can be rented on the website, for example, https://localcarrents.com/. First and foremost, you should visit the district of St. Paul’s Hill in Malacca: here you will find the Dutch Square, the city hall dating back to the 17th century, the stunning Red Church of Christ, and the city museum.
We also recommend visiting the Maritime Museum of Malacca, which showcases models of ancient Portuguese ships and artefacts found after shipwrecks off the city’s shores. In Malacca, there are many antique shops with unique figurines, jewellery, tableware, and antique furniture. Among the religious sites, the Chinese Temple of the Green Cloud enjoys special popularity. And if you want to get acquainted with Chinese culture and architecture more closely, head to Chinatown, where you can not only buy souvenirs but also taste local delicacies.
Ipoh. A beautiful city in the central part of Malaysia, which used to be part of the British colony. If you are looking for a location for beautiful photographs with breathtaking views, you should definitely visit Ipoh, as it boasts picturesque mountains, waterfalls, and lakes. At the same time, the city’s infrastructure is well-developed: numerous restaurants and cafes with local cuisine attract food tourists from all over the world to Ipoh. The city is also famous for its limestone hills and huge caves, such as Kek Lok Tong.
Among the interesting locations within the city limits are the historic railway station building, a mosque with mosaic domes, and St. Michael’s College. If you are looking for atmospheric museums, visit Ho Yan Hor or the Geological Museum. There is also an interesting street with graffiti in Malacca called Art of Old Town. In the suburbs, you can visit the village of heritage craftsmen called Qing Xin Ling. If you are travelling with children, you should definitely visit the “Lost World Of Tambun” theme park. The park features rides, pools, a zoo, and many shops. The park is only a 30-minute drive from Ipoh, and with car rental in Malaysia, you can easily reach this location without any problems.
Kota Kinabalu. In the eastern part of Malaysia, there is a picturesque city called Kota Kinabalu. Beach lovers will be thrilled with this place as it has everything necessary for an unforgettable vacation. Clean beaches with golden sand, opportunities for water sports, a vast National Park with unique plants and animals, numerous comfortable hotels, spas, and restaurants. Kota Kinabalu also boasts a beautiful waterfront, where a stunning white and blue mosque stands right on the water’s edge. It is best to visit this place in the evening when the mosque’s domes are illuminated with different colours.
The Sabah State Museum is another interesting location worth visiting. To immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city, visit the Kota Kinabalu Night Market, where seafood, spices, exotic fruits, and other local delicacies are sold. Street markets take place in the city every Sunday. Not far from Kota Kinabalu, there is a rehabilitation centre for orangutans, which is also very popular among tourists.
Johor Bahru. It is best to travel to this city from Malacca. Car rental in Malaysia is well developed, so it is optimal to drive to Johor Bahru by car. This city is the capital of the Johor Sultanate, and it is definitely worth visiting for shopping and entertainment enthusiasts. There are many shopping centres, atmospheric bars, nightclubs, and establishments with vibrant show programs in the city. The Sultan Abu Bakar Palace is popular among tourists, which houses a mosque, the Royal Museum, and an observation deck with a breathtaking view of the city and the strait.
A great place for a stroll is the Japanese Garden, where an atmosphere of tranquillity, beauty, and serenity prevails. The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple, also known as the Glass Temple, should definitely be added to every tourist’s list. The temple is adorned with numerous mosaics made of colourful glass both inside and outside. Nature lovers will enjoy the vast Danga Bay Recreational City Park, the Danga Bay Park, and the local zoo.
Kuala Terengganu. Located in the western part of mainland Malaysia, the city of Kuala Terengganu attracts tourists with stunning architecture, comfortable beaches, and local cuisine restaurants. But one of the most popular locations among travellers is the Crystal Mosque with its glass domes, the view of which is particularly mesmerising at sunset. Near the mosque, there is a miniature park where you can see scaled-down replicas of famous mosques around the world.
We also recommend visiting Bukit Puteri Hill, which offers a magnificent view of Kuala Terengganu. In the city, you will find one of the largest museum complexes in Southeast Asia: within the National Museum area, there are the Main Museum, the Fisheries Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Botanical Garden. Visitors should also explore the local market Pasar Payang, Istana Maziah Palace, and the Ho Ann Kiong Temple. Not far from Kuala Terengganu, there is the Sekayu Nature Park, the main attraction of which is a beautiful waterfall. And if you want to sunbathe and relax, head to Batu Buruk, one of the city’s most popular beaches with well-developed infrastructure.
Block 2: How to find the time to see all the cities in Malaysia
Every city in Malaysia has a unique atmosphere and is worth visiting at least once. That’s why during your trip to this amazing country, you should make an effort to see all the best cities in Malaysia. Several simple but very important tips can help you with that.
- Plan your trip. Create a detailed travel itinerary before heading to Malaysia. Choose the cities you would like to visit the most. Find them on the map to plan your route, calculate travel time, meals, rest, and sightseeing.
- Use car rental in Malaysia. It is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel around the country. Cars in Malaysia can be rented on the website of a specialised service, such as https://localcarrents.com/. It will be cheaper than taxi services, and travelling between cities will be much faster and more comfortable than using public transportation. You can book a car online directly on the website and pick it up conveniently upon arrival in Malaysia.
- Ensure comfortable accommodation. Malaysia is a fairly large country, and the distance between some cities is several hundred kilometres. To have the opportunity to rest between transfers, choose and book comfortable accommodation in each city in advance. Pay attention to the location – it’s best to stay near the main attractions you plan to visit.
- Learn about the local culture. Malaysian culture is diverse, vibrant, and fascinating. If you come to this country for a vacation, don’t limit yourself to just visiting the beaches, as Malaysian cities have many wonderful museums, breathtaking temples, and historic architectural landmarks. Learn as much as you can and interact with the locals – it will help you better understand local traditions and way of life.
- Don’t miss out on culinary experiments. On street markets, bars, cafes, and restaurants in Malaysian cities, you will have the opportunity to fully appreciate the unique local cuisine. There are many national dishes that can surprise you with unusual ingredients and new flavours, so don’t be afraid to experiment – boldly try the local food!
- Travel safely. Overall, Malaysia is a relatively safe and tourist-friendly country, but it’s important not to forget about precautionary measures. Familiarise yourself with local rules and laws, follow traffic regulations, and avoid contact with suspicious individuals. Safety is also important on Malaysia’s beaches: swim only where it is allowed, always carry water, wear headgear, and use sunscreen.
- Don’t forget about documents. To avoid any disruptions to your trip, prepare all the necessary travel documents in advance. In addition to your passport, you may need a visa or entry permit. If you plan to rent a car, don’t forget to bring your driver’s licence. It is also advisable to inquire in advance about the rules and recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccination.
Malaysia is an amazing country with a rich history, diverse culture, interesting landmarks, and excellent beaches. To fully appreciate the beauty of Malaysia, it is necessary to visit many cities in this country. If you want to accomplish this in a short time, it’s worth planning your itinerary in advance, using car rental in Malaysia, and booking accommodation in advance. Follow these simple tips, and your vacation in Malaysia will be filled with vibrant emotions and unforgettable memories.
