Make your way through Malaysia
Kek Lok Si Temple | Image credit: Geraldine Ng
Travel is back and where better to visit than Malaysia. Malaysia is full of rich history, impressive landscapes, modern architecture, and tropical islands – there is something for everyone.
Tropical Malaysia means the temperature always sits between 21 - 34 degrees with occasional rain showers. The best time to visit Malaysia is during dry season which is during March – October on the east coast and November – February on the west coast.
We’ve put together a list of seven must visit places in Malaysia that are sure to inspire.
1. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the heart of Malaysia, and just under six hours from Perth. A city that's busting with life, base yourself here for the entirety of your trip, or make it a stop over, but either way give yourself some time to explore, and check out these great locations around the city.
The Petronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world, and a sight to behold. Standing at 88 storeys and 452 metre high, the view is spectacular from the top, the bottom or the mid-way the Sky Bridge. Book your access tickets in advance to the Sky Bridge if you don't want to miss out, as current restrictions apply.
After you've soaked up the view, come back to the ground floor and watch the spectacular light and water show in front of the grand monuments.
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur | Image Credit: Ben Cheung, Pexels
2. Batu Caves
A visit to the Batu Caves is a pilgrim for many Hindus. This temple stands high in a cave and you must climb 272 steps to get there. Photographers take note, this temple has recently had it's hundreds of brightly coloured steps restored which is sure to inspire.
Why not take a tour from Kuala Lumpur that combines the temple visit with a waterfall tour and hot spring soak.
3. Hutong Street Food
Food courts located within malls are plentiful in Kuala Lumpur but Hutong, is said to be one of the best in the business. The food court is made up of local street vendors who were carefully selected for their authentic and delicious food - all housed under one roof!
The food court is a great place for those who are yet to try Malaysian cuisine as it features all of the most famous and moreish local dishes. On the list is oyster omelettes, fried noodles and noodles soups, dumplings, meatballs, and roasted meats.
For our foodies, the top rated Off The Eaten Track Street Food Tour is just for you. Find out more and book here.
Hutong Food Markets, Kuala Lumpur | Image credit: Ash Edmons
4. Perlis Cameron Highlands
This can be a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or the next stay-over on your journey through the country. The Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea plantations and its dense mossy rainforest, one of the oldest in the world.Visit the Boh Sungei Palas Tea Estate overlooking the highlands, or book a tour or self-guided hike through the Mossy Forest. This forest looks other-worldly and for a lucky few, you might discover the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia Kerrii. Be warned though, this flower is not just unusual for its size, but also for its unpleasant stench.
Cameron Highlands | Image source: iStock
5. Penang
Just a one hour flight from Kuala Lumpur on the island of Penang is George Town. Penang is a crown jewel of the country, the island is a melting pot of cultures, a tropical paradise, and George Town is a UNESCO heritage site due to its Asian and European influences.
Situated on the west coast of Malaysia, the climate in Penang is hot, sunny, and humid most of the year, however the rainfall is particularly heavy in September and October.
During your stay, you’ll want to spend at least one night in George Town to experience it's old world charm. The city is not only known for its heritage but also its street art, it’s highly recommended to take a heritage tour on foot to explore this fascinating city!
Batu Ferringhi is popular for those traveling with a young family. This area is full of popular tourist attractions, including long stretches of beaches packed with fun water sports, and a range of markets, street food and restaurants. There are plenty of beach front resorts to stay in here, but keep in mind the water is not the pristine turquoise waters that islands such as Langkawi or the Perhentian Islands boast.
Penang Hill | Image source: iStock
Get in touch with nature at the Tropical Spice Garden. This is a crowd pleaser for all ages, as the Spice Garden is a bio-diverse living museum of spices and other tropical plants.
Once you’ve explored the spice garden, head to the Butterfly Farm where you will witness over 60 species and almost 15,000 free flying butterflies in the garden “cocoon”.
Don't leave Penang with out doing the ultimate tourist activity, the Penang Hill tour. This experience offers amazing views of the island, when you take the rail train up Penang's tallest hill. Be mindful of the touristy gimmicks at the top, and instead wander around and learn about the colonial history of the area. Combine this as a half day tour to Kek Lok Si Temple, an architectural wonder and well worth a visit.
Kek Lok Si Temple | Image source: iStock
6. Langkawi
Looking for topical beaches and laid-back dining in Malaysia? Langkawi is the place for you. Only a 25 minute flight from Penang, or an hour and fifteen minutes from Kuala Lumpur, you'll arrive on Langkawi's large island to begin exploring.
Langkawi is an archipelago of islands, but most people base themselves on the main island and then island hop during the day.
If you're not afraid of heights, then visit the Sky Bridge and Cable Car Ride where you will ascend Mt Ching Chang, cross the Sky Bridge to witness spectacular views and explore Oriental Village and Eagle Square.
If you're a water lover, Pulau Payar Marine Park is a must. The Marine Park is made up of four islands, and you can dive and snorkel here amongst bright coral and fish, with tour options available if you want a guide on your visit.
Langkawi | Image source: iStock
7. Perhentian Islands
Last but not least we have the Perhentian Islands.
The Perhentian Islands, rustic, tropical havens – a contrast from the hustle and bustle of Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
There is a mix of accommodation styles, from budget to luxury. While the islands can be hotspots for backpackers, there’s limited internet, few restaurants and only occasionally functioning electricity. This means the coastline is uncrowded and the water crystal clear for the best diving and snorkelling.
Snorkel and scuba diving are surreal around Kecil and Besar islands, with great marine life to behold. Canoes and kayaks are also available for rent, though the current can be challenging if it is a windy day.
Visit a small Terengganu fishing village at the southernmost tip of Kecil makes for an interesting afternoon visit. If you like being on your feet, hike through the jungles in the surrounding area. Besar also has a circle hike from sea to summit that you must try.
Best of all is Turtle Beach on the north of Kecil; spectacular and unsurprisingly a great spot to see turtles.
Perhentian Islands | Image credit: Gaddafi Rusli
No matter where you head in Malaysia you're guaranteed and trip of a lifetime.
Getting there:
- Read more about current travel requirements between Australia and Malaysia
- Fly from Perth to Kuala Lumpur daily with Malindo Air
- Find out what to expect when you travel through Kuala Lumpur Airport
All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.