Malaysia: 14 Places to See, from Mulu Caves to Penang
Explore Malaysia's 14 most compelling destinations across 7,761 km, from the limestone caves of Gunung Mulu National Park and Mount Kinabalu in East Malaysia to cultural landmarks like Batu Caves, Georgetown, and the Petronas Twin Towers in the west. The route connects tropical rainforests, island archipelagos, and historic colonial cities.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- West Malaysia and East Malaysia geography
- End
- Langkawi
- Stops
- 14
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- West Malaysia and East Malaysia geography — Two distinct regions separated by the South China Sea, with West Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula and East Malaysia comprising Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island.
- Cameron Highlands — Mountain resort area in West Malaysia known for tea plantations and cooler climate.
- Mount Kinabalu — Highest mountain in northern Borneo at 4,095 meters, located in Sabah.
- Perhentian Islands — Island group off the coast of northeastern Malaysia near the Thai border, comprising Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.
- Batu Caves — Sacred Hindu temple complex near Kuala Lumpur featuring a giant statue in Cathedral Cave, reached by 272 steps.
- Snake Temple and Penang Hill — Ancient Buddhist temple in Penang housing hundreds of venomous pit vipers that coexist peacefully with worshippers, believed to be sedated by incense smoke.
- Petronas Twin Towers — Iconic skyscraper landmark in Kuala Lumpur's downtown skyline.
- Bukit Bintang — Major shopping and entertainment district in downtown Kuala Lumpur with pedestrian bridge.
- Taman Negara — One of the oldest tropical rainforests spanning three states in northern West Malaysia, featuring the Canopy Walk suspension bridge.
- Gunung Mulu National Park — One of Southeast Asia's most awe-inspiring natural attractions in Sarawak, featuring the massive Sarawak Chamber cave and Paku Waterfall.
- Melaka — Historic city on the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, featuring colonial architecture and cultural heritage.
- Georgetown — Historic colonial town in Penang featuring preserved colonial architecture and cultural landmarks.
- Penang Hill — Hilltop viewpoint accessible by cable car offering panoramic views of Penang.
- Langkawi — Archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea with Pulau Langkawi as the largest island, featuring the Sky Bridge cable car attraction.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Malaysia is divided into two main landmasses: West Malaysia on the peninsula shared with Thailand, and East Malaysia on Borneo island.
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- Melaka on the west coast features colonial architecture from British, Dutch and Portuguese rule, plus a lively night market and diverse cuisines.
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- Cameron Highlands has renowned forest trails leading to waterfalls and tranquil spots, plus tea plantations with bookable factory tours.
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- Mount Kinabalu can be climbed by people in good physical condition without mountaineering equipment, but guides are required at all times.
- Save money
- Perhentian Islands are the must-go place for budget travelers, with cheap accommodation on both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.
- Tip
- Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur features Hindu art and is the most popular Hindu shrine outside India; reach the giant statue by climbing 272 steps.
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- Penang activities include strolling historic Georgetown for colonial buildings and temples, shopping, horse riding, photographing snakes at Snake Temple, and cable car rides to Penang Hill.
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- Kuala Lumpur features the Petronas Twin Towers (world's tallest twin towers), an Islamic Arts Museum, and the world's largest walk-in bird park.
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- Taman Negara is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world with rare wildlife including Malayan Tigers and Sumatran Rhinoceros; visit the Canopy Walk suspension bridge.
- Tip
- Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands offering beaches, mountains, rainforest and mangrove wetlands; take a cable car and walk the Sky Bridge for views toward Thailand.
- Tip
- Gunung Mulu National Park features limestone karst formations and cave systems including the Sarawak Chamber; offers both multi-day treks and shorter scenic hikes.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia - Travel Video