A guide to Malaysia's regions

Malaysia offers travelers tropical islands, a 130-million-year-old rainforest and (almost) secret diving havens. The country’s many features make it challenging to know where to visit.

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s beating heart. This skyscraper-laden city houses the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, while Little India and Chinatown offer a taste of its thriving multiculturalism. Malls are stocked with the latest fashion, technology and souvenirs, alluring bargain-hunters inland and overseas. But it isn’t all about the high life: KL is also one of the world’s food capitals, filled with street-side restaurants, vendors and food courts. Away from the skyscrapers, KL Forest Eco Park provides a slice of the rainforest in the city center.

Malacca

Malacca oozes with history and culture, with a celebrated title as one of the most historically important states in Malaysia. Malacca’s 15th-century Sultanate led to the modern Malay identity, accepting three eras of colonial influence (Portuguese, Dutch and British influence) that spanned almost five centuries. Today, UNESCO-listed Malacca City bursts with centuries-old structures, including St Paul’s—Malaysia’s oldest church. It also has a thriving food scene: Many people come here solely to eat their way through Jonker Street and stuff their faces with mountains of Peranakan cuisine.

Penang

Penang, once Malaysia’s colonial jewel and now proud street art and food capital, is split between Penang Island and mainland Butterworth. Capital George Town’s historical center includes dozens of colorful restored British colonial buildings, with traditional two-storey decorated shophouses lining the narrow streets. More curious travelers can stop by Butterworth, the hub connecting Penang and KL. This little-visited city offers colorful Chinese temples and views over the Straits and Penang Bridge.

Sabah

Borneo’s Sabah in East Malaysia showcases the best of Malaysia’s biodiversity. Pre-historic rainforest covers most of the state, where endemic proboscis monkeys and orangutans swinging from the trees. Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) stands proudly as Malaysia’s tallest peak, with most travelers arriving at Kota Kinabalu (literally Kinabalu City) as a base for scaling this beast. Speedboats connect the city with Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s beach and snorkeling opportunities within minutes. Take a day trip to the northernmost ‘Tip of Borneo’ in Kudat and watch the fireflies in Kota Belud. If you want the jungle, spend a few nights in Danum Valley or the rarely explored Maliau Basin.

Kedah

Kedah State covers a section of the Malay Peninsula and the famously duty-free Langkawi Island. World-acclaimed Langkawi receives the vast majority of the state’s tourists, home to beautiful beaches, verdant hills and a colorful nightlife scene. As an alternative, the dazzling white-sand beaches of Pantai Cenang provide the perfect place for relaxation, especially with cheap cocktails in beachside bars overlooking the gentle sea. Mainland Kedah offers a completely different travel package. Alor Setar’s modern city center blends decorative, traditional and Islamic styles of architecture, while paddy fields forming the famous ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ stretch towards the horizon.

Read more: Top reasons why you should visit Malaysia

Source The culture trip

5 epic places in Malaysia you must visit

Despite the hot weather and often isolated monuments, it is always worthwhile to make the effort to go out and explore the amazing natural and man-made formations all around Malaysia.

1. Sipadan Islands (Sabah)

Known as one of the best diving spots in the world, the Sipadan Islands have a lot to offer for off-shore and underwater activities. While this may make it a specific target for ocean enthusiasts, there is still fun to be had for non-scuba divers. Revel in the quietness of the sandy beaches and little forest on the island where wild birds and other wildlife live undisturbed by human influence. The nearby islands offer a little more connection to civilization, with budget plans often leading visitors to the larger land of Semporna, where life remains a quiet occurrence without hordes of travelers passing through.

2. Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Kelantan)

This quiet beachside front is known for its romantic folklore of being a place for lovers to declare their romance by moonlight, hence the name of the beach. Located in the more traditional part of Malaysia, the beach offers simple Kelantanese treats of fried seafood and kite-flying. The trip to the beach from capital city Kota Bharu is an absolute scenic delight, with many little old villages and friendly locals living peacefully on the simpler side of life. While it may not be as elaborate as some beach attractions, enjoy the tranquillity of the sea breeze and sunsets while eating a hearty bowl of signature Kelantanese crab noodles. Be mindful that some parts of the beach may be unsuitable for swimming due to high currents and that large boulders have been set up to combat the unfortunate occurrence of erosion.

3. Desa Dairy Farm (Sabah)

The beauty of a dairy farm nestled at the foot of a great mountain may be closer than you anticipated. Save a trip to Holland or New Zealand by visiting the Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang, Sabah, where fat black and white cows graze on green grassy knolls in cool weather with some goats. The dairy farm provides an exciting insight into how fresh milk is supplied and treated before being shipped away, and how the cows live in order to produce only the freshest quality. Also to enjoy besides feeding cute calves and goat kids are milk-filled treats such as ice cream, yogurt and cheeses all locally produced and flavored with Malaysia’s favorite tastes.

4. Pulau Jerejak (Penang)

Full of old ruins deep in its thick jungle, Pulau Jerejak has a notorious history among the people of Penang for being an island full of unpleasant occurrences. During its heyday of attempted utilization by British administrators, Pulau Jerejak has been home to leprosy and tuberculosis-stricken patients, a ceremonial resting ground for navy soldiers lost to the Indian Sea, a quarantine site, and most recently – until 1993 – a jail. A resort and spa now occupies the place, but remains in low traffic due to its controversial past. Great for explorers and lovers of nature reclaiming man-made structures, this island holds many secrets for those brave enough to explore it.

Read more: The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia

5. Lepoh Falls (Kuala Selangor)

This small but beautiful waterfall is hidden away on the hills of Hulu Langat, a little way off Gunung Nuang. It takes a small road trip to get here from Kuala Lumpur, and the sights of quaint Malay villages along the way are sure to delight those who appreciate watching life slow down from the hectic city to the more relaxed countryside. Lepoh Falls are known for the cool mountain water running down its tiers, two of which form an amazing natural water slide into a refreshing pool surrounded by lush greenery, through which a two-hour hike is required to reach. Visitors to the falls mostly consist of the people living around it and the occasional group; so its advisable to go a little early to get the best picnic spots. Also, remember to clean up after yourselves as the waterfall is a free area and therefore doesn’t have official caretakers.

Source theculturetrip