Multicultural Kuala Lumpur is a city where towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls are set amongst old colonial era buildings, grand mosques and bustling street markets. 

The sprawling ‘Golden Triangle’ is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park. A short walk or taxi ride away are the historic landmarks surrounding Merdeka Square, the souvenir shops of Central Market and the lively night market at Chinatown’s Julan Petaling. 

Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia if you’re looking to add a vibrant city break to your holiday.

An intoxicating blend of Asian and European culture, the historic trading post of Malacca is known for its relaxed pace of life, lovely boutiques and galleries, well-preserved historic buildings and fabulous traditional food. 

Malacca is a wonderful place to visit in Malaysia and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to explore slowly – preferably with a plate of chicken rice balls (a local speciality) in hand.

The Cameron Highlands offer a refreshing change of pace in Malaysia with its cool mountain air, rolling tea plantations and quiet countryside views. It’s the perfect place to slow down; whether you’re wandering through strawberry farms, hiking mossy forest trails, or sipping freshly brewed tea while overlooking endless shades of green.

If you’re looking to escape the tropical heat and want to visit a calmer part of Malaysia, this is where you’ll find it.

Surrounded by the alluring waters of the Andaman Sea, Malaysia’s gorgeous tropical island of Langkawi boasts gleaming beaches of soft white sand set against a picturesque backdrop of untouched rainforest.

This stunning island is widely considered to be one of South East Asia’s most beautiful and pristine beach destinations and is home to some of the region’s most luxurious resorts, with unparalleled levels of service and exceptional standards of accommodation. This is one of the best places to stay in Malaysia if you’re looking for a luxury stay in a gorgeous setting.

TF's top hotel pick: Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi

Travel just a little further afield within Peninsula Malaysia and you will be justly rewarded. These places may take a little longer to reach but are well worth the extra journey time! Home to unspoilt beaches, verdant jungle and glistening emerald waters, these secluded destinations are the best places to visit in Malaysia for those looking to escape the crowds. 

Pangkor Laut is an exotic private island retreat offering impeccable service, pristine beaches and sumptuous dining set against a backdrop of ancient tropical rainforest. Kuala Terengganu is set on Malaysia’s sleepy east coast and is a great place to experience Malaysia’s local culture at a slower pace.

Penang’s charming commercial centre, Georgetown, is home to colonial architecture, intriguing temples and a unique cultural heritage. With a burgeoning art scene, inviting coffee shops and some of Malaysia’s best cuisine, this fascinating world heritage site is justifiably one of the best places to visit in Malaysia. 

A short drive along the north coast from Georgetown is the lively and popular beach resort of Batu Ferringhi, home to a wide selection of hotels, bars and restaurants.

Ecologically diverse and packed with exotic wildlife, Borneo is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Journey deep into the jungle in search of pygmy elephants, gibbons, proboscis monkeys and incredible birdlife, and visit the vital orangutan rehabilitation centres which allow you to observe these wonderful primates up close. 

Beyond wildlife, the island offers stunning scenery across its national parks, charming historic cities, and intriguing culture with its indigenous local tribes. Borneo also has some fabulous beaches ideal for complete rest and relaxation!