15 Best Cities to Visit in Malaysia, its cities are a unique blend of diverse cultures and people, offering a fascinating experience for visitors. From Buddhist temples and modern skyscrapers to bustling markets and colonial architecture, the cities are a melting pot of different styles and influences. The stunning natural landscapes surrounding the cities only add to their allure. With its warm and friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Malaysia’s cities are truly one-of-a-kind destinations.
Sandakan is one of the 15 Best Cities to Visit in Malaysia
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Sandakan, with its advantageous position overlooking the bay bearing its name, endured significant bombardment during the Second World War due to its strategic importance. Nevertheless, the city boasts a charming waterfront and a collection of picturesque colonial structures and war memorials. However, it must be acknowledged that Sandakan is not a frequently visited destination by tourists. Nonetheless, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a scenic boat journey along the Kinabatangan River, where they can witness a diverse array of wildlife. Another notable attraction is the orangutan sanctuary located in Sepilok.
Kuantan
Kuantan, the capital of Pahang state, is often disregarded by tourists due to its unappealing urban landscape dominated by concrete structures and lack of cultural or historical attractions. Nevertheless, this city, being the second largest port in the country, does offer a few noteworthy features that make it deserving of exploration. The highlight of Kuantan lies in its oldest section, the Padang. Additionally, there are beautiful beaches in close proximity, and many visitors utilize Kuantan as a starting point to discover the nearby Gua Charas cave temple or the magnificent palace in the royal town of Pekan.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, the southernmost city in Malaysia, is situated on the border with Singapore. Consequently, many individuals merely pass through this city on their journey to the neighboring country. Johor Bahru is known for its bustling atmosphere, congested streets, and subpar air quality. However, in recent years, the city has made efforts to transform itself, and there are signs of improvement. With numerous large-scale developments on the horizon, Johor Bahru is slowly but surely evolving.
Despite its chaotic nature, Johor Bahru offers a plethora of museums and cultural attractions, making it a worthwhile destination for visitors. Additionally, the city boasts excellent shopping malls and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Kuala Terengganu
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Kuala Terengganu, once a small fishing village, underwent a significant transformation with the discovery of oil. The city now boasts a mix of modern skyscrapers and charming old buildings. Despite the modernization, Kuala Terengganu retains its charm, with a picturesque Chinatown and stunning beaches along the coast. While the city serves as a starting point for exploring the surrounding jungles and islands, it also offers enough attractions to keep visitors occupied for a few days.
Kota Bharu
Situated in the northeastern region of the Malaysian peninsula, Kota Bharu attracts primarily those who plan to travel to neighboring Thailand or the Perhentian Islands. Nevertheless, the city itself serves as an ideal destination to immerse oneself in Malay culture, with the Culture Centre being particularly fascinating and informative.
Featuring charming old buildings, magnificent Buddhist temples, and vibrant markets, Kota Bharu serves as a convenient base to discover the wonders of Kelantan state.
Miri
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Miri’s transformation into a bustling metropolis can be attributed to the influx of oil money from the petroleum industry. Today, the city boasts a vibrant atmosphere with a plethora of dining options, hotels, and bars to cater to visitors. Additionally, there are shopping malls and bustling markets to explore. With a diverse population, Miri offers a unique culinary experience with dishes from all over Malaysia and beyond. As a major transportation hub, many travelers make a pit stop in Miri on their way to other destinations in Malaysia.
Kuching
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Kuching, despite being the largest city in Borneo, offers a serene and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation. Situated on the banks of the Sarawak River, the city boasts a delightful waterfront promenade and a plethora of captivating museums. Additionally, Kuching showcases its multicultural essence through its diverse range of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Kota Kinabalu
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Despite its initial appearance of sprawling concrete buildings, Kota Kinabalu has a lot to offer. This city in Borneo boasts a vibrant waterfront, incredible sunsets, and a plethora of malls, markets, fantastic cuisine, and a lively arts and music scene. With so many nearby attractions, it’s definitely worth exploring. You can hike Mount Kinabalu, go scuba diving off the coast, or visit the stunning islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
Ipoh
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Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, is situated between Kuala Lumpur and the Thai border, making it an ideal destination to visit. The charming old town of Ipoh offers a delightful experience with its narrow streets adorned with numerous quaint shops and cafes. On the other hand, the modern part of the city boasts a wide array of exceptional restaurants that serve authentic local delicacies.
Within the city, you will find an abundance of magnificent temples that cater to various religions. Among them, the Perak Tong cave temple stands out as a remarkable attraction. It provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Moreover, Ipoh serves as a gateway to the nearby Cameron Highlands, offering further exploration opportunities.
Melaka
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Situated on the western coast of the Malaysian peninsula, Malacca (Melaka in Malay) offers a distinctive experience for visitors, thanks to its history of being ruled by the British, Dutch, and Portuguese. This rich heritage is evident in the abundance of beautiful colonial architecture that awaits exploration. Each nation’s influence is reflected in the buildings that remain and the cultural significance they hold.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Malacca boasts a vibrant night market and a diverse selection of cuisines. It comes as no surprise that this enchanting city has become a favored destination among tourists in Malaysia.
George Town
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George Town’s streets are a fascinating blend of cultures that will captivate you. The city boasts beautiful mosques and temples, as well as a mix of old colonial architecture and local Malay buildings, all competing for space with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. The narrow streets are lined with charming shrines, bustling cafes, and lively bars, making it easy to get lost in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the many street art murals that adorn the walls. And with a delicious cuisine that reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences, George Town is definitely worth a visit as the second largest city in the country.
Kuala Lumpur[SEE MAP]
Malaysia’s vast multicultural capital, Kuala Lumpur, offers an abundance of sights and activities that cater to everyone’s interests. The city seems boundless, stretching towards the horizon with towering skyscrapers and the iconic Petronas Towers reaching for the sky. Its vibrant atmosphere and wide array of attractions make exploring its temples, mosques, shopping malls, and bustling markets an exhilarating experience.
Kuala Lumpur’s distinct cultural heritage truly shines through due to its diverse population. The city proudly displays colonial architecture in Merdeka Square, while delightful restaurants and cafes are scattered across neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown.
The city’s growth is a blend of old and new, with contemporary structures emerging along the riverfront while the traditional Malay communities like Kampong Bharu remain intact in the city center.
Alor Setar
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Alor Setar, known as the ‘rice bowl of Malaysia,’ serves as the capital of Kedah State. This region is renowned for its vast padi fields and picturesque rolling hills. The city itself is a stronghold of Malay culture and boasts captivating art galleries and impressive architectural wonders.
In close proximity lies the breathtaking Pulau Langkawi, a tropical paradise adorned with pristine beaches. This enchanting island is a must-visit for most travelers exploring the state. Kedah’s allure lies in the harmonious blend of lush padi fields and stunning coastlines, making it a truly delightful destination to explore.
Semporna
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Semporna is a bustling destination that lacks any significant historical or cultural landmarks. Tourists usually visit this place for one reason only – to access the Semporna Archipelago located nearby. The city is always crowded with traffic, and if visitors decide to stay for a while, they usually head to the waterfront to check out the unique hotels on stilts and the mosque. While some travelers opt to stay in the city’s affordable hotels to save money for more diving adventures, it’s generally recommended to use Semporna as a gateway to the nearby islands, which boast some of the best diving spots in the region.
Putrajaya
Situated approximately thirty kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is an organized urban center that serves as the administrative hub of the government. With its remarkable structures and monuments, the city showcases impressive architectural marvels alongside captivating green areas and parks.
When night falls, Putrajaya transforms into a stunning spectacle with its enchanting illumination. Despite its current population being lower than initially planned, visiting this city can evoke a sense of peculiarity and slight unease. Nevertheless, exploring Putrajaya is highly recommended as it exemplifies Malaysia’s aspirations and foresight for the future.
