With tropical rainforests, hills covered with tea plantations, beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, and plenty of opportunity for hikes through jungles and forests, nature lovers will find West Malaysia quite appealing. For city lovers there is the world’s tallest skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, the historic old town of Georgetown and for shopping West Malaysia offers tremendous shopping opportunities.
10 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT
1.PERHENTIAN ISLANDS
The islands features palm trees swaying in the breeze, coral sand beaches, crystal clear water and ideal places for scuba diving and snorkelers. There are two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Kecil is a backpackers paradise, while Besar is more for families. The island also offers some nice hiking trails.
2.TAMAN NEGARA
As one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, (formerly known as King George V National park), Taman Negara is a wonderful place to enjoy nature, from jungle hikes that may include crossing a river on a rope suspension bridge to mountain climbing on Gunung Tahan. It is also a good place to see wildlife such as the sun bear, Malay tiger and Indian elephant.
3.LANGKAWI
The archipelago of 99 islands is located on the west coast. It is called the “Jewel of Kedah” because of its beautiful scenic views. For the energetic, you can climb the 350 or so steps to the Seven Wells Waterfalls where you can swim in one of the pools or walk through the jungle. You can take a cable car to the top of the hill then walk across a sky bridge for a short trek in the jungle.
4.PULAU TIOMAN
The island is located about 30 km off the east coast. Hills covered with lush vegetation are a nice contrast to the beaches and white coral reefs, and is popular with scuba divers. Hiking trails follow the power cables, while jungle treks takes you through the villages. For something different you can volunteer at the Juara Turtle Project, a hatchery. The island is reputed to be one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful places.
5.KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur was founded by tin prospectors in the 19th century – and today the largest city in Malaysia is a blend of the old and the new. The population is made up of Malay, Chinese and Indian peoples, each bringing their culture to the scene. You can visit Petronas Twin Towers the world’s tallest skyscraper as well as the Buddhist and Hindu temples, with the minarets of the Sultan Abdul Salad Building fitting right in.
6.GEORGE TOWN
Established in 1786 on the island of Penang, the old town is a mixture of colonial and Chinese architecture. It was named after Britain’s King George III, and is one of the oldest British settlements in southeast Asia. You can visit. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, city hall a grand example of British colonial architecture and the Buddhist temple Wat Chaiyamangalaram with one of the world’s largest sleeping Buddhas. The city has a lot to see and do, so plan on spending a few days here.
7.CAMERON HIGHLANDS
The Highlands was named after the man who mapped them in 1885. When the summer hat gets to be two hot, the Highlands is the best place to be. This habit began with the British colonist in the 1930s. Visitors come not only to cool down but to enjoy a cuppa and the spectacular views of tea plants growing on plantations throughout the region. Whether you tour a tea plantation, hiking or visit a temple or two, the Cameron Highlands are a good place to chill out.
8.REDANG
With its white sand beaches and crystal clear water, Redang is located on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The largest of an archipelago of islands is resort-oriented and is handy to beachcombing and other water activities. The main attraction is snorkeling on the spectacular coral reefs and scuba diving is a close second.
9.MELAKA
Located on the southern Malay Peninsula, the city is a hot tourist destination because of its centuries-old architecture. You can visit the remains of A’Famosa, an old Portuguese fort that, in its heyday, occupied a whole hill, and the impressive red brick Christ Church, built by the Dutch, is one of Melaka’s prime historic structures.
10.BATU CAVES
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most frequented tourists attractions, the caves is located only 11 km from Kualu Lumpar. Climb the 272 steps up to the top of the limestone hill to visit the most important Hindu religious sites outside India. The artistry of the Hindu sculptures is simply amazing, beginning with the gold-covered 43-mete high statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu god, at the entrance. You can visit a series of caves and cave temples in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia.
The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their best weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The rainy season for the west is April to October, while the east receives stormy monsoon weather during November and December.
