Malaysia holidays have many different sides to explore, from the most modern of cities to wildlife-packed rainforests and idyllic islands. You can gaze up at Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers, slow down on Langkawi's beaches and eat your way around Penang’s street markets. City buzz, island time and plenty of good food - where do you start?
In Kuala Lumpur, skyscrapers rise above busy markets and colourful neighbourhoods. See the Petronas Twin Towers, browse the shops of Bukit Bintang, or follow the smell of street food through Chinatown. With English widely spoken, it's easy to settle in and start exploring.
Ready to slow things down? Langkawi brings tropical beaches, lush rainforest and clear blue water. Spend the day island-hopping, explore the mangroves or head up to the Langkawi Sky Bridge for views worth getting your camera out for.
Then there's Penang. George Town's colourful streets are filled with murals, temples and places to eat. Its UNESCO-listed centre reflects the island's Malay, Chinese, Indian and colonial influences - and the island's famous hawker food means there's always something else to try.
Three places, three very different moods. The difficult bit? Deciding where in Malaysia you want to see first.
Discover the best destinations to visit in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
The skyline is one of the first things you'll notice in Kuala Lumpur. The Petronas Twin Towers rise above busy streets, huge shopping malls and neighbourhoods packed with places to eat. You can visit the colourful Batu Caves, browse Chinatown or stay out late among the bright lights of Bukit Bintang.
Come hungry, too. You'll find Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours everywhere, from street food stalls to markets and restaurants. Add easy transport links and plenty to see, and Kuala Lumpur makes a lively start to your Malaysian holiday.
Langkawi
Fancy swapping city streets for sea views? Langkawi is an island escape with sandy beaches, green rainforest and calm, clear water. Pantai Cenang is one of its best-known beaches, with plenty of space for lazy days by the sea.
Away from your sunbed, you can ride the Langkawi SkyCab, walk across the Sky Bridge or take a boat through the mangroves. Island-hopping and snorkelling trips give you even more ways to get out on the water. Or you could just stay on the beach. We won't judge.
Penang
In Penang, a good day can start with street art and end with a plate of char kway teow. George Town's UNESCO-listed centre is full of colourful murals, temples, clan houses and old streets to explore.
Take the funicular up Penang Hill for views across the island or head to Batu Ferringhi for a day by the sea. Then make room for dinner. Hawker centres serve local favourites such as assam laksa and nasi kandar, with plenty of stalls to try as you go.
Popular Malaysia destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang
.
