The ULTIMATE Malaysia travel guide: Where to go, What to do, Eat, Stay, Tips & MORE

A trip to Malaysia will bring you a colorful experience, with diverse cultural, religious, natural and culinary highlights. So, where to go, what to do, eat in Malaysia? Let’s check out our ultimate Malaysia travel guide in this article!

No visa required, no financial proof required, and a rich cultural, linguistic and culinary treasure trove are the reasons why Malaysia is always one of the hottest destinations. For a truly “smooth” trip, please refer to the Malaysia travel guide below!

Malaysia travel guide: What’s Interesting About Traveling in Malaysia?

KL Sentral – Kuala Lumpur International Airport Bus by Aerobus

Malaysia, a land of magical fusion, where Malay, Chinese, Indian cultures and many major religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism live together in harmony. To have a complete trip in this colorful country, understanding and respecting the local culture is the golden key.

But perhaps what captivates tourists the most is the street food paradise, a symphony of flavors from spicy to sweet dishes. Don’t forget to plan your trip between November and February, when the weather is cool and there is the least rain, so you can explore without worrying about sudden showers.

Guide to Buying Cheap Flight Tickets to Malaysia

Private Transfers between Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur

• Search and book flights at least 2-3 months in advance to get better prices.
• Use flight comparison websites to find the cheapest fares.
• Adjust your departure and return times. Sometimes adjusting your departure and return times will help you find cheaper fares.
• Check out the deals and promotions of airlines to buy cheaper air tickets.
• Use your bank’s credit card to buy air tickets. Usually, credit cards have promotions for booking air tickets.
• Avoid buying air tickets during holidays, New Year or peak tourist season. Airfares will be higher during these times.
• Learn about activities and attractions: Malaysia has a lot of tourist attractions and activities. Learn about the activities and attractions you want to experience in advance and plan your trip so you don’t miss out on any of the attractions during your trip.

Essential Travel Utilities When Traveling to Malaysia

Travel Maps and Guides

Sky Mirror, Fireflies, Blue Tears Tour from Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia travel maps and guides will help you learn about and explore tourist attractions, dining, shopping and entertainment venues. You can find maps and guides at tourist information counters or download travel apps on your mobile phone.

Mobile SIM Cards

5G eSIM Malaysia | Celcom Digi

Malaysian carriers offer mobile service plans for tourists. A SIM card will help you save money on communication with family and friends as well as easily access travel applications on your mobile phone.

Travel Insurance

Kuala Lumpur Car Rental with Driver to Petronas Twin Tower and more

Travel insurance will protect you in case of an accident or any incident during your trip. Make sure you have travel insurance before traveling to Malaysia.

Popular Tourist Cities in Malaysia

Capital Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the dynamic capital of Malaysia, is a multicultural and modern tourist city that attracts tourists from all over the world. With its unique architectural beauty and a wonderful combination of tradition and modernity, Kuala Lumpur offers a wonderful travel experience.

Kuala Lumpur Evening Tour with KL Tower Entry & Water Fountain Show

This city is not only a cultural destination with museums, traditional markets and historical temples, but also a shopping paradise with modern shopping malls and crowded night markets. In addition, Kuala Lumpur also has large entertainment areas and parks where visitors can relax and enjoy the green space that is carefully preserved by the government.

Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Guided Tour with Dinner

This city also attracts visitors with its diverse cuisine from street food stalls to luxury restaurants. With a blend of Asian and European cuisines, Kuala Lumpur offers visitors wonderful culinary experiences.

With a massive urban view and diverse cultural space, Kuala Lumpur is a great destination to explore and experience the richness of Malaysia.

Penang Island

Penang, an island located in the west of the Malaysian peninsula, is a tourist paradise with a wonderful combination of diverse culture, unique architecture and rich cuisine. Coming to the town of Georgetown – a UNESCO-recognized world heritage, visitors will be immersed in the unique indigenous culture and historical buildings.

Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Private Half-Day Tour

Penang is also known for its beautiful beaches such as Batu Ferringhi, where visitors can relax in the clear blue waters and enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, diving and kayaking. The island’s temples and shrines also create a quiet and sacred space where visitors can find peace of mind.

Penang Bird Park Ticket

And of course, Penang’s signature cuisine is a must-try. With Gurney Drive night market and street food stalls everywhere, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes from hokkien noodles, rich nasi kandar rice to attractive desserts such as chè, cendol and kuih cakes.

Historic City of Malacca

Malacca, also known as Melaka, is a small and peaceful city in Peninsular Malaysia, famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. Known as one of the major cultural exchange centers of Southeast Asia, Malacca was once a bustling trading port and a meeting place for different civilizations.

Malacca Night Tour with River Cruise and Trishaw Ride from Kuala Lumpur

The old town of Malacca retains traces of three centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule, dotted with ancient churches, historical museums, and lush houses with intricately carved windows.

Historical Malacca Tour with Lunch from Kuala Lumpur

Along the Malacca River, you will witness the poetic landscape with a series of cafes, restaurants and art shops along the river. You also cannot miss Jalan Jonker, a famous street with many local eateries, souvenir shops and vibrant street art. Malacca is an ideal destination to experience the history, culture and cuisine of Southeast Asia.

Langkawi Island Paradise

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands located in the Andaman Gulf, in the South China Sea in the north of Peninsular Malaysia, is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, lush green forests and unique wild natural beauty. Long stretches of beaches with fine white sand, clear blue water and beautiful sunsets such as Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah are ideal places to relax, sunbathe, surf and participate in water activities.

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Ticket in Johor

Langkawi is also famous for its global geopark, with many amazing natural areas such as Langkawi Natural Pool, Telaga Tujuh Waterfall and Batu Cermin Cave. In particular, the Langkawi Cable Car will bring visitors a stunning view of the archipelago from above. With an attractive blend of nature and culture, Langkawi will definitely be a peaceful and healing destination that anyone needs to visit!

Melaka and Putrajaya Instagram Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur

Johor Bahru City – “Neighbor” of Singapore

Johor Bahru, often shortened to JB, is the second largest city in Malaysia and the capital of Johor state. The city is located in the south of Peninsular Malaysia, right next to the border with Singapore. Johor Bahru is a vibrant and culturally diverse city, famous for its beautiful architecture, bustling shopping areas and unique cuisine.

As a leading shopping hub, JB is home to several large shopping malls such as Johor Bahru City Square, KSL City Mall and Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru. The city is also home to a wide range of restaurants and eateries serving everything from traditional street food to international cuisine.

LEGOLAND Malaysia Ticket

Johor Bahru is also home to Legoland Malaysia, Asia’s first Lego-themed amusement park, and Hello Kitty Town, a paradise for fans of the popular cartoon character. Everything in Johor Bahru reflects a unique blend of old and new, traditional and modern culture.

What to Eat When Traveling to Malaysia?

Main Dishes to Fill Your Stomach

• Laksa: A signature Malaysian dish, Laksa is a type of instant noodles served in a distinctive spicy and sour broth.
• Char Kway Teow: A popular Malaysian dish, Char Kway Teow is a type of stir-fried noodles with prawns, pork belly, onions and vegetables.
• Hainanese Chicken Rice: A Southeast Asian-inspired dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a steamed rice dish served with chicken.
• Sambal Udang: A Malaysian signature dish, Sambal Udang is prawns fried in a rich sambal sauce, served with rice.

Sunway Lagoon Ticket

“Mouth-Smacking” Street Food

• Satay: A skewered meat grilled over charcoal with a rich sauce, Satay is often served with sticky rice.
• Roti Canai: A soft and crispy bread, Roti Canai is often served with dipping sauces and used to dip dishes such as curry.
• Rojak: A mixed fruit and vegetable dish with a Malaysian signature sauce, Rojak is often served with dried prawns and tofu.
• Cendol: A very popular dessert in Malaysia, Cendol is a fresh cream with brown sugar and ice cubes made from mung bean leaves.

Sunway Lost World Of Tambun WaterPark Ticket in Ipoh

Quality Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

The JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It offers a wide range of facilities such as luxurious rooms, a variety of restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa and beauty center, a conference and wedding center, and other services to ensure your stay is a memorable one. (klook, agoda)

• Address: 183, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur

At PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, you will find a range of remarkable facilities and services. The spacious and comfortable serviced apartments are fully equipped with modern facilities, making guests feel like they are in a home away from home. The apartments have a self-catering kitchen area, a living area and other facilities to meet all the needs of guests. (klook, agoda)

• Address: No. 1, Jalan Nagasari, Off, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar

Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar is a luxury hotel located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. With its convenient location and luxurious space, this hotel offers a memorable stay experience for guests. (klook, agoda)

• Address: 1, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Jaya Tower 3, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers luxurious rooms and suites, with modern facilities and comfortable spaces. From the room windows, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city or the beautiful pool view. (klook, agoda)

• Address: Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Travel & Shopping Guide

What are the prominent shopping areas in Malaysia?

Malaysia has many large shopping areas and malls such as Bukit Bintang, Mid Valley Megamall, Suria KLCC and Pavilion KL. You should find out in advance to choose the place that suits your needs and budget.

What are the normal opening hours of shopping malls?

Generally, shops and shopping malls in Malaysia are open from 10am to 10pm. However, the hours may change during major holidays or special events, so you should check in advance.

How to find promotions and discounts when shopping?

Most shops and shopping malls have promotions and discounts during special occasions. You should search for information on the websites, social networks of the malls or ask the staff to grasp these promotions and save costs.

What local products should I buy as gifts?

Malaysia has many typical local products that are suitable as gifts such as durian products, coffee, tea, or traditional sweets such as peanut cakes.

Can you negotiate prices when shopping in Malaysia?

Price negotiation is quite common in Malaysia, especially at night markets or small shops. You should try to bargain for the best price, but do find out the general price of the product before buying.

With diverse and attractive destinations, beautiful landscapes and rich culture, traveling to Malaysia is a great journey to explore, experience and create unforgettable memories.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to from Kuala Lumpur you can refer to

• Shared Bus Transfers between Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 and KL Sentral by AeroBus
• Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour
• KL Pass in Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur Suburbs and Batu Caves
• KL Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass (24/48 Hours)
• PETRONAS Twin Towers Ticket
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• Genting Highlands and Batu Caves Day Tour
• KLIA Ekspres Airport Train Tickets (QR Code Direct Entry)
• Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant in KL Tower
• Kuala Lumpur City Tour with 21 Attractions and KL Tower Ticket
• Museum of Illusions Ticket in Kuala Lumpur
• Historical Malacca Tour with Lunch from Kuala Lumpur
• KL Tower Ticket in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia

Are you looking for more Kuala Lumpur travel guide and top things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: KL travel guide here.