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7 Beautiful Destinations In Malaysia You Must Include In Your Bucket List

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Farah Fazanna •  Nov 15, 2022

Deciding where to travel in Malaysia might be hard as the country is blessed with many natural attractions, scenic beaches and charming towns that you may not know where to start! It's also a good chance to go beyond eating and shopping in KL and JB and discover the hidden gems that are waiting to be uncovered. If you're planning to cuti-cuti Malaysia for your next holiday, these are the Malaysian destinations that should be on your list! P/S: These destinations have a seal of approval from Tourism Malaysia, an organisation that’s responsible for the tourism industry in Malaysia ?

Psst… Get to your destination faster and easier with AirAsia, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline that flies to any destination* in Malaysia from Singapore from S$61 ?

*Fly to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Kuching and Langkawi from $61

Travel period: 1 Nov 2022 - 30 Jun 2023 

1. Kuala Lumpur

Credit: Ur-Mu Facebook

Filled with charming people and countless places with character, KL is unlike any other city in the world. A popular area in KL, Bukit Bintang is a lively place to visit! There’s a myriad of halal eateries, shopping malls and hotels — it’s like the Times Square of Malaysia! Add to that list is a hidden museum that you must visit when you’re in the area — check out the Urban Museum a.k.a UR-MU!

UR-MU is a one-of-a-kind quirky contemporary art museum. Nestled in the bohemian sector comprising quaint residential streets with low-rise 1950s modernist-style architecture, take your time to soak in the art collection!

Do note that you need to buy the ticket online prior to your visit.

Entrance ticket: RM10 (adult). Free entrance for children below 12 years old.

Address: The Collection URBAN MUSEUM, 3, Jalan Bedara, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact: +603-2110 3004

Website 

Do check out This Secret Laneway In KL Is The Latest Instagram-Worthy Spot You Need To Visit to add to your Insta feed!

AirAsia flies directly to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore every day from $61!

2. Penang

Credit: @escapemy on Instagram

There are many reasons why travellers would plan a trip to Penang. From nasi kandar and asam laksa to ais tingkap and char kway teow, there's no shortage of delicious halal food in Penang. Aside from being a famous street food capital in Malaysia, there are also other things to do and Instagram-worthy spots in Penang to keep you busy. While you’re there, be sure to schedule a day at ESCAPE Penang. The outdoor theme park hosts over 40 exciting rides and attractions. From rope and obstacle courses, zip lines, climbing, diving towers and the Guinness World Record for the Longest Tube Water Slide, immerse yourself in the rich rainforest of Teluk Bahang!

Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mondays)

WebsiteEnjoy the serenity of nature that Penang has to offer. Check out The Habitat Penang Hill: An Amazing Nature Attraction You Should Visit Next

It’s easy to go to Penang now as AirAsia flies directly to Penang from Singapore every day from $61!!

3. Langkawi

Credit: @paradise101langkawi on Instagram

There's a reason why Langkawi is a popular destination among families and road trippers. From the lapping waves of Pantai Cenang and tropical rainforest to duty-free chocolates and delicious seafood, it's definitely one of the best destinations in Malaysia to visit for your next family vacay. 

Try something new and explore eight beautiful islands in Langkawi on your own jet ski! You’ll have the chance to skim across the surface of the tranquil waters at your own pace ? During the four-hour jet skiing tour, you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities. Leave your jet skis and trek through the abundant jungle, or jump in a kayak to further discover the waters surrounding the island. Whatever you decide, you will be in awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

Or check out Paradise 101. A private day resort island offering some of the most exciting and exhilarating activities. From banana boat rides to jet skis, and kayaking to a relaxing day by the private beach, rest assured that this will be a tropical escape like no other!

For more inspiration for your Langkawi trip, check out:

AirAsia flies 4 weekly direct from Singapore to Langkawi from $61!

4. Ipoh, Perak

With the abundance of delicious halal food (some of the must-tries include dim sum, tau fu fah and nasi ganja!) and Instagram-worthy spots, planning a trip to Ipoh is a must-do. If you've been thinking of going on a trip with your family or besties, there are also many Instagram-worthy accommodations in Ipoh that'll cater to your travel needs, which is amazingly convenient if you're planning to spend a few nights at this destination.

A must-do, while you’re in Ipoh, is cave exploring! We recommend Gua Tempurung, a popular cave among spelunkers, or caving enthusiasts. About 3km long, it is one of the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia! Here, you’ll be able to witness some spectacular stalactites, stalagmites and amazing rock formations.

If you can’t get enough of what Ipoh has to offer, check out the Lost World of Tambun, the only theme park in Southeast Asia that offers natural hot springs coupled with an array of attractions and rides, and there is no denying the close to nature and tropical feel about the area!

AirAsia operates daily direct flights to Ipoh from Singapore $61!.

5. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Credit: @journayingwithme on Instagram

Known as the New Zealand of Malaysia, enjoy a two-hour scenic drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang, a laid-back town located in Ranau. Famous for its mesmerising mountainous landscape, the main attraction is the Desa Dairy Farm where you can spot the Friesian cattle, a breed of dairy cattle, backed by the picturesque mountain view. You won’t find scenery like this anywhere else in Malaysia!

After conquering the mountainous area of Kota Kinabalu, try paddle boarding and explore Sabah’s beach. It’s certainly a unique way to experience Kota Kinabalu! You can even snorkel and get up close and personal with aquatic animals (hello, Nemo!), coral bar or sand bar. We recommend booking the late afternoon session so you can enjoy the sunset while paddle boarding. The sunset in Kota Kinabalu is simply breathtaking!

Website

There are AirAsia flights that fly directly to Kota Kinabalu from Singapore every day from $61!

6. Kuching, Sarawak

Known as the capital city of Sarawak, Kuching is a playground of sights and sounds that are waiting to be discovered. Brimming with character and laid-back charm, it also earned the nickname, the City of Cats, thanks to its moniker which means 'cat' in Bahasa Malaysia. The best part is, Kuching is amazing if you’re looking for an affordable getaway! ?

One attraction in Kuching you shouldn't miss out on is the Sarawak Cultural Village. Dubbed Sarawak's only living museum, you can spend about two to three hours here to know more about Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups. Step into the Sarawak Cultural Village and you'll see replicas of buildings that represent the ethnic groups of Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Penan, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese. In each building, you'll be greeted by ethnic group members who are ready to host various traditional activities and entertain you with a multicultural dance performance.

Entrance fees:

Adult: RM85 (approx. S$26)

Child (2 – 12 years old): RM55 (approx. S$17)

Address: Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm

Website

To inspire your trip to Kuching, check out:

AirAsia flies directly to Kuching from Singapore every day from $61!

7. Miri, Sarawak

Credit: @zaman_johari on Instagram

There are many amazing attractions to visit in Miri, which is the second-largest city in Sarawak. Well-loved for its natural attractions, charming towns and lively coffee shops, this city has just about everything for any type of traveller. 

One of the must-visit spots in Miri is the famous Tusan Beach. Located about an hour’s drive away from the Miri, Tusan Beach is known for the Blue Tears phenomenon. The phenomenon is very rare, so if you’re lucky you might be able to see the sea glows! However, the beach is still renowned for its peace and serenity. This beach is truly a paradise for those who want to admire the beautiful sunset. Compared to other popular beaches in Miri like Tanjong Lobang and Luak Esplanade, Tusan Beach is an unknown gem that continues to leave visitors amazed!

Check out 6 Truly Amazing Places To Visit On Your Next Trip To Miri to plan your trip!

Malaysia is truly Asia! With endless fun for natural attractions, city explorations and beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Get to your destination faster and easier with AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline that flies to any destination* in Malaysia from Changi from S$$61! ?

*Fly to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Kuching and Langkawi from $61!

Travel from now till 30 June 2023.

This article is brought to you by AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia.