What To Do in Malaysia

Top Popular Activities in Malaysia

Our Opinion on What to Do in Malaysia

Hi! Edwin here to discuss on the popular activities that you must do when you visit Malaysia.

There are so many things you can do when you are visiting Malaysia. If you decide to splurge, you may go for a golf retreat or set off on a cruise around Malaysia. Otherwise, if you insist, you can discover the Malaysian experience without spending extravagantly.

Malaysia has a place for almost any activities you may wish for. If you want to go for some adventure rides (especially if you are bringing your kids along) then going to the Sunway Lagoon theme park is a good idea. If you seek for an adventure closer to Mother Nature or you are a flora and fauna enthusiast, then going to the Taman Negara National Park is an excellent choice. White water rafting and rock climbing are just two of the many activities offered.

And even if you just want to relax and take time off from the World, sipping on your favourite cocktail and listening to the soft rustling Palm Tree in the wind and soothing sound of the waves lapping on the beach and the warm sun tickling your skin, then visiting Cenang Beach in Langkawi is bliss.

Or if you intend to sit back and admire and appreciate the intricate art and culture of Malaysia, then head to the National Mosque or National Craft Complex will be great. As culture and heritage depicts the memories of the past, the National Museum has all the artifacts and stories at times even before the British occupation.

The Petronas Twin Towers or commonly known as KLCC Twin Towers seems to be the mandatory modern culture visit if this is your first time in Malaysia or first time in Kuala Lumpur. There are many other activities that you can do other than shopping and taking beautiful photographs.

And if you are on a gastronomic trip, then a Foodie day-trip to Penang or Ipoh will be excellent. These two states are famously known for their history long Malaysian Hawkers, or what the locals refer them to is the Kopitiam.

If you are in the know of when the major festivals are celebrated then joining the locals for celebration is terrific. Say, if you are in Kuala Lumpur on the 30th August, then come along watch live parade, dance and performances at Stadium Merdeka, as we celebrate our Independence Day.

Or otherwise, join thousands of Hindu devotees parade around Batu Caves to celebrate Thaipusam, where you can watch by our own eyes how they are able to carry heavy kavadi pierced into their skin.

Knowing what you want to do and where to go before arriving in Malaysia is important so that you can plan your schedule for transportation and know what items to bring along with you during your visit to Malaysia.

10 Most Essential Items To Bring When You Visit Malaysia – Read more on the things you need to bring along with you when you visit places in Malaysia

You will usually be able to purchase the items in Malaysia. However, if you would like to purchase some of the items before arriving in Malaysia you may visit our Blog Shop section.

While you pack your bags and luggage, here is a feature and review on a variety of the best popular activities to do when you visit Malaysia.

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Popular Activity in Malaysia No 1#

Visit the KLCC Twin Towers

This one seems to be a mandatory. The 88 storey high tallest twin-tower in the world is Malaysia’s icon and landmark. Even locals hangout at the waterfront at night even on weekdays. Suria KLCC Shopping Complexand Pavilion are within walking distance, so it is bliss as shoppers’ paradise. 

Bringing your kids along? Aquaria Oceanarium KLCC is within walking distance. Discover Malaysia’s aquatic species in this 90 metre tunnel tank. We found the moving travelator bliss, especially after all those walking and shopping.

Other attractions at KLCC are Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petrosains Science Centre and Petronas Art Gallery.

You can reach KLCC by train. The KLCC train Station is located inside the building iself. So you may hop on a train at any stations in the Klang Valley and transit at KL Sentral Station.

Take lots of photos here for remembrance.

Popular Activity in Malaysia No 2#

Have Fun at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Bringing your kids along for your travel or visit to Malaysia? Have plenty fun at one of Malaysia’s largest Theme Park located on a massive 80 acre land at Bandar Sunway, developed and managed by the Sunway Group Company. 

Sunway Lagoon has both wet and dry water parks. The key themes for Dry Park are Amusement Park, Extreme Park, Wildlife Park and Scream Park. Our favourite activity was surf boarding at Surf Beach. 

The Surf Beach is huge pool with artificial waves created for a beach-like effect. Not sure how to surf? Private training is available at all times, enquire at the information centre near the pool.

If you like team games, there are also other exciting games such as Go-Kart and Paintball games. If you are exhausted from the rides and games, just bunk in at the Sunway Hotel Resort which is within walking distance. 

Other than the Sunway Hotel and Resort the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall is also within the same area. Being able to shop, play and stay, there is no doubt Bandar Sunway suburb offers a complete entertainment experience.

Take note that Sunway lagoon is closed on Tuesdays. They have a strict no re-entry policy so do not exit the premise before you finish. The experience we had was when my friend went to the hotel to get her sunglasses, she was unable to re-enter as her wristband (proof of ticket) was expired. She had to repurchase a new ticket!

Popular Activity in Malaysia No 3#

Game on at the City of Entertainment at Genting Highlands

Most Malaysians associate Genting Highlands with gambling. While that is true, it also offers one of the best theme parks in Malaysia. Located almost 2,000 meters above sea level, the weather is cool and breezy.

Since it is only 60km from Kuala Lumpur, many local Malaysians drive up to the peak of Genting Highlands some as frequent as a weekend affair to enjoy the cool weather and some entertainment.

Islam being the official religion in Malaysia, Malaysia has a very strict regulation on gambling. Genting Highlands is the only one place throughout Malaysia that is allowed to own and operate a casino.

The casino is a standard international standard casino with all major games available. You can observe many of the visitors to the casino are elder Chinese men and women. Muslim Malaysians are not allowed to gamble.

Housed in Genting is an indoor Theme Park and shopping complex called the First World Plaza. There are arcade games, thrill rides such as roller coaster rides as well as boating in a man-made lake. Your kids will love them.

For adults, the games we recommend are Genting Sky Venture (freefall skydiving simulator) and the X-pedition rock climbing. 

Other attractions include the Chin Swee Caves Temple, at the foot of the hill. This temple was built to commemorate the late founder of Genting Group of Companies, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Goh Tong.

There is a huge statue of Buddha as well as a display of characters of the Chinese Gods as well as Chinese “Hell”. The architecture is largely influenced by Taoism.

Take note that weather can be really cold and foggy, especially when it rains, so bring some jackets or sweater.

Popular Activity in Malaysia No 4#

Go on a Foodie Day Trip to Penang and Ipoh

Please read with caution. This foodie trip is for people who are comfortable with the hawker scene and if you are a clean conscious person, this trip is not for you.

The good news is with air tickets getting cheaper since the day Air Asia was born, flying to Penang has became more practical than driving. 

The bad news is no flights are available from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh and driving is the only alternative. But the delightful authentic Chinese cuisine in both Penang and Ipoh makes any smallest excuse a nuisance.

But a drive to Ipoh only takes 2 hours if you are coming from KL. 

While you may think I’m kidding, but many KL citizens are travelling to Ipoh and Penang especially for a day trip. You will come across Penang Char Kuey Teow or Ipoh Kuey Teow Thing or even Penang Laksa or Ipoh Chicken Rice in Kuala Lumpur. 

This only proves how significant the both states have branded local Chinese cuisine. If you are not familiar with where to go for the best cuisines in Penang you may refer to my post at the Malaysia Food section. 

Otherwise, stick to the hawker centre at Gurney Drive bet or just patronise the restaurant or stall with the longest queue and you are sure to have a safe bet.

One thing to note is the famous Oldtown White Coffee brand you might see in a supermarket originates from a Kopitiam (or Coffee shop) hawker concept at a corner of a row of old shop lots in Ipoh. This Kopitiam shop is still in business today and is usually crowded all day long.

Popular Activity in Malaysia No 5#

Literally Stay in the Rainforest at Berjaya Langkawi Resort

This is the closest touch of Malaysia you can feel second only to a homestay with the Village locals. This resort is located in Langkawi, which is recognised as one of UNESCO’s World Geopark.

For your information I have visited this resort twice, the earlier was in 2005 and just a few months ago I was there on leisure. Nothing has changed, only more crowded with Caucasians and a renovated Rainforest chalet room.

What made this resort stand up and out from the rest of the beach resort is its Rainforest Chalets. These chalets are located within the vicinity of the Rainforest, constructed to provide a sense of security but not too much to alter the authenticity of Malaysia’s Natural Rainforest.

There is an open-aired shuttle van that will fetch you to the lobby and to your room for free. They are frequent and you may enjoy the ride.

Take note that you will be greeted by monkeys quite often and you should take care of your belongings and I would discourage feeding them. They are also notorious in stealing items from guests.

Other than the room, the water is not crystal clear but the beach was clean when we visited, and the water was calm so we enjoyed our canoe ride.

The nearest attraction other than the beach is the cable car ride. You can even take the free shuttle to the Oriental Village. This cable car will take you up Mount Mat Cacing and get a picturesque view of the whole island.

I would recommend that you rent a car, which is available within the airport vicinity. Having your own car may prove handy cost effective. Kuah Town is just 20 minutes drive from the Resort. Souvenir shops and duty free shops are everywhere around Langkawi, so the choice is yours!

There are also the Telaga Tujuh, Underwaterworld, Pulau Payar Marine, Mahsuri Mausoleum, and Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. I will write a review on each of these places soon, so stay tuned.

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