Choose from 136 Fun Things to Do in Malaysia
Miri
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Poring Hot Springs
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Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)
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Melaka Portuguese Square
- The square is a must-see for foodies and those with an interest in Malaysia’s colonial history.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
- Come hungry; the neighborhood is known for its excellent seafood and Portuguese cuisine.
Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)
- Pre-book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queues, which tend to be long.
- The panoramic views from the tower span the Kuala Lumpur skyline and, on a clear day, can stretch as far as the Genting Highlands, Pahang, and South China Sea.
- The tower is wheelchair accessible.
Penang Hill Funicular Railway
Penang War Museum
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Made in Penang Interactive Museum
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Kubah National Park
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Melaka River
The Melaka River cuts across the city of the same name on its way to the Straits of Melaka (Malacca). In recent years, the river has been revitalized into a top destination, with both Malaysians and international visitors coming to soak in its history and marvel at the diverse architecture from the city’s Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage.
The Basics
One of the best ways to take in the colonial architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka is aboard a Melaka River cruise sailing past picturesque riverbanks and beneath numerous landmark bridges. A typical day trip from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore might include such a cruise, as well as visits to the Dutch Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and Jonker Street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A cruise on the Melaka River is a must for families and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the river has little shade.
- River cruises last about 45 minutes round-trip.
How to Get There
If you’re not visiting the river as part of a guided tour, you can make your way there yourself by walking along Jonker Street until it meets the river.
When to Get There
The best time to enjoy the Melaka River and other outdoor attractions is during the dry season—typically April, early May, and October. Plan your cruise in the morning or early evening to avoid the worst of the heat.
Attractions to Visit Before or After Your Cruise
The departure point for Melaka River cruises is centrally located in the heart of the historic city. If you have some free time before or after a boat trip on the river, plan to spend some time visiting other nearby attractions, such as the Stadthuys in Red Square, Christ Church, the Maritime Museum, or Jonker Street (also called Jonker Walk).
Penang Hill (Flagstaff Hill)
Flagstaff Hill is the best known of the group of granite peaks which are Penang Hills. At 2,411ft (735m) it provides brilliant panoramic views of the Georgetown, the Penang Bridge and the Straits of Malacca.
It is accessible via a keen 2-hour hike up walking trails where there are thoughtfully spaced refreshment stops and viewpoints along the way. Alternatively, the 100 year old funicular railway is the more thrilling and memorably steep experience.
Practical Info
Walk trails start from the Botanical Gardens, or the funicular railway is only 10-min walk from Kek Lok Si temple in Ayer Itam.
Jonker Street
- Jonker Street is a must-see for foodies, shoppers, and people watchers.
- Don’t forget to bring cash, especially for purchasing food at the night market.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend some time on your feet.
- Jonker Walk is accessible to wheelchair users though some small shops and narrow aisles are tricky to get into, especially when crowded.
Penang Botanic Gardens
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
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Penang State Museum
Kuching Mosque
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Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)
Impeccable Merdaka Square - or Dataran Merdeka - was a cricket ground in colonial times. The cricket ground was overlooked by the Royal Selangor Club which housed a club for the colonial rulers. When independence for Malaysia was declared, it was here that the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Malay flag was first raised. The flag still flies on a massive flagpole on the edge of the square.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, the most majestic of which is the Sultan Abdul Samad building which housed the British administration and now houses the Ministry for Heritage, Culture and the Arts. The Moorish style building is dominated by a tall clock tower nicknamed "Big Ben."
The square is now the focus of many of the city’s celebrations and the Independence Day festival is held here on August 31st.
Practical Info
Merdaka Square is easily reached by catching the train to Masjid Jamek and walking a short distance across the river.
Kuala Selangor Fireflies
- The Kuala Selangor fireflies are a must-see for nature lovers and kids.
- The use of flash photography is not permitted during firefly tours.
- Tours to Kuala Selangor from Kuala Lumpur can last anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Most guided fireflies tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuala Lumpur.