Backpacking through Southeast Asia back in 2013, I held rather modest expectations for Malaysia. It barely made waves on the classic Banana Pancake Trail that most travelers follow. To my surprise, Malaysia turned out to overflow with attractions, and I still find it puzzling that it doesn't attract the same attention as nearby countries.
Few countries match Malaysia's diversity, where a blend of cultures and communities coexist in relative peace. The cuisine alone is extraordinary — and after spending six weeks exploring, I suspect I barely scratched the surface of what's on offer. I wandered through sacred sites belonging to multiple religions, enjoyed what remains my favorite diving experience to date, and hiked to the tallest mountain peak reachable on foot in all of Southeast Asia. Should anyone suggest skipping Malaysia, take the advice with a grain of salt.
Below is my personal roundup of 17 standout locations across Malaysia. The journey begins up north on the Peninsula and winds southward (easily flipped if you're starting from the opposite end), before hopping over to Borneo. You'll find a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems most backpackers never hear about:
Malaysia Travel Guide: 17 Unmissable Stops from Peninsula to Borneo
Kedah
Neighboring Thailand, this state frequently gets overlooked in favor of its flashier border companion. Kedah, however, carries its own quiet appeal. A growing number of residents now run guesthouses built in classic Malay style, surrounded by sweeping rice paddies. For travelers craving an unpolished, genuine slice of Malaysia, spending a night or two here on the way to Langkawi makes sense. Strike up conversations with locals to track down the finest eats, and don't miss the Zahir Mosque — one of Malaysia's most magnificent and historic places of worship.
Stay: Tamteh Homestay
Langkawi
Cable car rides in Langkawi offer a thrilling aerial perspective of the island!
A two-hour ferry from Kedah delivers you to Langkawi, an island beloved by Malaysians for its duty-free status. The main island ranks among Malaysia's more developed spots, yet a wallet-friendly island-hopping excursion (under $15) whisks you away to neighboring isles boasting transparent waters and pristine shores. I'd recommend basing yourself on Cenang beach — that's where the tastiest food hides — while dedicating daylight hours to exploring the smaller surrounding islands. A daytime trek to Temurun waterfall rewards you with friendly encounters and scenic respite. Riding the cable car provides yet another memorable way to take in Langkawi from the sky. Discover additional details about Langkawi here.
Stay: Langkawi Dormitory or Pondok Keladi
George Town
The stunning Kek Lok Si temple complex
George Town is nothing short of heaven for food enthusiasts. The sheer volume and diversity of mouthwatering options can feel almost excessive, so here are a handful of essentials:
Char Kuey Teow — golden stir-fried rice noodles tossed with plump prawns, crunchy bean sprouts, egg, and leafy greens. The ultimate version comes from a humble roadside stall at the corner of Siam Road and Anson Road. Brace yourself for lengthy queues, mostly filled with locals — always a reassuring sign!
Savory Laksa broth
Laksa — yet another noodle creation, this one swimming in broth that hits tangy, fiery, and mildly sweet notes all at once. Many flock to the well-known stall adjacent to Kek Lok Si, though locals often swear by Laksa Bisu, tucked inside Annex Market.
Rojak — essentially a fruit and vegetable salad crowned with crispy crackers, assorted nuts, and — brace yourself — a generous drizzle of thick sauce crafted from shrimp paste, chili, and plenty of sugar.
Cendol — a beloved local dessert featuring a modest bowl of shaved ice, red kidney beans, sweetened condensed milk, and chewy green flour noodles. Strange-sounding? Absolutely. Refreshing on a sweltering afternoon? Without question. Just be prepared to enjoy the best version down a back alley off Lebuh Keng Kwee while standing under the blazing sun.
Once you've reached that unpleasantly full point where another bite seems impossible — a sensation I encountered frequently in Malaysia — wander the lanes of George Town in search of Instagram-worthy murals painted by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, or pay a visit to the breathtaking Kek Lok Si and the ornate Peranakan mansions.
Stay: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Reggae Penang, though sadly it has shut down permanently. The Frame Guesthouse sits in a prime spot and provides both shared and private rooms. For upgraded comfort, consider Eastern & Oriental Hotel.
Royal Belum State Park, Perak
Most tourists to Malaysia are familiar with Taman Negara, the Peninsula's most-visited national park. Sprawling and teeming with wildlife, it's a fantastic choice for adventure seekers. Those craving something less crowded, though, should set their sights on Royal Belum State Park in Perak, just south of George Town. Encompassing roughly 117,500 hectares of untouched wilderness, reaching it takes some determination, but the payoff is enormous. Visitors can take a dip in the lake, hike through forests dating back 130 million years, and witness one of the planet's largest blooms — the Rafflesia — from a safe distance, since the flowers famously reek of rotting meat. From George Town, regular buses run to Gerik town, where your lodge can collect you, or a taxi can be arranged.
Stay: Belum Rainforest Resort
Cameron Highlands
Lush greenery meets vivid blue skies
The cooler climate of Cameron Highlands felt like a blessing — a welcome reprieve from the usual sticky heat of Southeast Asia. The area certainly draws plenty of tourists, but dodging the masses is entirely possible. Strike out into the jungle, seek out a peaceful strawberry farm, and choose tea plantations off the main route, and you'll have a wonderfully tranquil experience!
Stay: I had a wonderful time at De'Native! Nestled in the forest, it offers a magical ambiance.
Perhentian Islands
A tropical haven
The beaches of Perhentian stole my heart, though the diving completely won me over. Two main islands exist: the smaller Perhentian, geared toward budget travelers, and the larger one, which caters more to resort-goers. Regardless of your choice, the island-hopping tours visit identical surrounding spots. Boat transfers also connect to the even more secluded Lang Tengah and Kapas islands. Both islands radiate a mellow, easygoing vibe — exactly the atmosphere I crave.
Stay: Pitch a tent at Rainforest Camping or opt for a jungle safari tent (use this code to grab a discount!)
Kuala Lumpur
The famous skyline of Kuala Lumpur. But does the city offer more?
On the surface, KL resembles countless other metropolises — congested roads, endless shopping centers, and towering high-rises. Scratch beneath that surface, however, and the city's true character emerges. A few suggestions: skip the predictable Jalan Alor and Chinatown hawker stretches and instead feast at Pudu's ICC hawker food centre and Connaught garden food market (both reachable via Uber); rather than the obligatory Petronas Towers photo op, sip cocktails at one of the rooftop bars offering panoramic city views; for after-dark revelry, bypass Changkat and head to TREC; when city chaos overwhelms, escape via the hour-long trek up Apek Hill, a beloved local trail. If time allows, catch a film at any neighborhood cinema — after all, where else can you watch a movie with subtitles in three different languages on a single screen?
Stay: I have great memories of Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur, though it leans heavily toward partying. Tuxedo KL features a rooftop with city views plus an infinity pool.
Chemerung Falls, Terengganu
A towering 300-meter spectacle!
Just a couple of hours from Kuala Lumpur lies Chemerung, a gorgeous tucked-away waterfall nestled within Terengganu. Chemerung waterfall soars well above 300 meters, with frothy cascades tumbling from dizzying heights down rugged cliffsides and collecting in rocky basins below. That sounds like paradise, doesn't it? Consult this guide for directions and travel tips.
Stay: Camping spots exist for those planning the full 9-hour ascent.
The Dusun, Seremban
Here's another destination that rarely appears on tourist itineraries. The Dusun is a tropical rainforest retreat situated in Seremban, roughly an hour's drive from the international airport. Seven uniquely themed houses dot the property, encircled by 4000 acres of untouched jungle. Rates begin at around $100 per night, which can be split between two guests. It's perfect for couples or small groups of friends. Solo travelers should ask around — chances are someone would love to join!
Stay: The Dusun
Malacca
Wandering along the Malacca River
Some compare Malacca to George Town — both shaped heavily by colonial history and celebrated for street eats. Yet Malacca carries a quieter, small-town atmosphere that distinguishes it from George Town, making it well worth a stop. When it comes to food, the city is famous for Portuguese egg tarts, chicken rice balls, Satay Celup, and coconut shakes. Venture beyond the obvious, though, and you'll discover local treasures that most tourists miss:
Putu Piring: a dome-shaped treat crafted from grated coconut and loaded with palm sugar. The finest version is handmade by an elderly couple at their residence — 252, Jalan Tengkera.
Cockles: Don't let the modest stall next to a drain deter you (the stall's name literally translates to "drain cockles"). Settle in, order a plate of freshly shucked cockles and clams, and slurp alongside the locals — Longkang Siham, Jalan Bunga Raya, Madam King.
Durian Cendol: If the notorious stinky Durian has always intimidated you, ease your way in with Durian cendol! You can then decide where you stand (I'm firmly in the pro-Durian camp) — 115, Jalan Merdeka.
Taibak: A classic Nyonya chilled dessert blending shaved ice, pandan-scented syrup, rice flour noodles, and cubes of black grass jelly — find the stall right beside Wesley Methodist Church.
Stay: Nomaps provides tidy, well-maintained dorms. This generous suite runs only about $70 per night!
Tioman Island
Embracing the slow pace
From Malacca, a daily bus departs for Mersing Jetty, where a boat ride delivers you to Tioman Island — another off-the-beaten-path gem on the Peninsula. Perhaps owing to Malaysia's Islamic heritage, Malaysian islands tend to feel tranquil and unhurried, a stark contrast to the party-heavy atmosphere of many Thai islands. On Tioman, eateries open and close on their own schedules, and simple huts without WiFi or hot water (a.k.a. bliss) outnumber polished resorts. Scuba diving here is exceptional — encounters with sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs are all possible. The island also serves as a great place to earn a diving certification before tackling the next stops!
Stay: A basic beachside chalet is always a winning choice. Santai Bistro Resort runs under $50 per night.
Pemangil Island
Pemangil Island might just be the Peninsula's most closely guarded secret (and here I am, spilling the beans…). It offers phenomenal snorkeling and diving conditions, with stunning waters, a clean and inviting beach, and — last I checked — just a single resort on the entire island. Rock climbing draws plenty of adventure-seekers. The local residents are eager to escort visitors through the village, granting an authentic peek into everyday life.
Stay: Lanting Beach Resort
Mount Kinabalu
A bucket-list adventure
This climb is no easy feat, yet the reward is immeasurable! I tackled it in a single day, though that option has since been discontinued. A minimum 2-day, 1-night itinerary is now mandatory to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu, but the upside is catching the sunrise from the peak — surely an experience that stays with you forever. I documented my personal journey and refreshed the piece with up-to-date details on logistics and what to anticipate.
Stay: I lodged at Kinabalu Mountain Lodge, a mere 2km from the park entrance.
Sipadan Island
The Bajau sea nomads of Sipadan Island
Malaysia boasts countless diving hotspots, but Sipadan stands apart — officially ranked among the globe's premier dive sites by numerous authorities, including CNN Travel. I can confirm this from experience: even after logging 150 dives, Sipadan still tops my list of all-time favorite underwater adventures. Strict daily diver limits and a mandatory permit mean advance booking is essential — I'd recommend reserving at least a month ahead, or immediately after locking in your Sabah flights. Another insider tip: base yourself on Mabul, where you can observe the Bajau Laut sea nomad community.
Stay: I dove and bunked with Scuba Junkie, and the whole experience was fantastic. If you don't mind being a bit farther out, browse lodging options in Semporna.
Sulug Island
The most remote of the islands from Kota Kinabalu, Sulug beckons travelers in pursuit of untamed exploration. As the least trafficked of the five, it provides minimal facilities. Spending a few hours on Sulug might leave you questioning whether you're cut out for a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle.
Stay: Most visitors tackle Sulug as a day trip, but camping on the island is also possible.
Kinabatangan River
Reaching this one involves some logistical gymnastics, but the reward justifies the hassle (spotting a pattern yet?). From Kinabalu, a six-hour bus ride takes you to Sandakan, Sabah's second-largest city. Since the bulk of private cruise outfits and lodges offer transportation, public options to Sukau (the nearest town to the river) are virtually nonexistent — aside from a single minibus that departs after lunch each day.
For the river cruise itself, several operators run 1- to 3-day excursions. Many lodges double as cruise providers, simplifying arrangements.
Stay: For budget-friendly rustic charm, look into Lodge Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (under $50 per night). Nature Lodge Kinabatangan is the area's most sought-after option.
Kudat – the Tip of Borneo
Does heaven look something like this?
I still carry vivid memories of the beaches at the Tip of Borneo — powdery white sand, tiny purple blossoms, impossibly transparent blue water, and complete solitude with not a single piece of litter in sight. It's a quietly stunning spot that remains under the radar, yet absolutely merits a visit. Renting a motorbike in Kota Kinabalu offers the easiest way to get there.
Stay: Back in 2013, only three or four guesthouses dotted the area, but today you can choose from several resorts and Airbnb rentals.
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