These local destinations have places of interest that are not only awesome but have good value too. Jom, cuti-cuti Malaysia! 

Updated: Apr 30, 2021

Our Malaysia a blessed with good weather, good food, and a wide variety of places of interest for any traveler. In this list of local places of interest by Malaysian state, we capture the main sights and must-visits of each state and federal territory. So, save some money by traveling local, and discover the wonders of our beautiful country.

Disclaimer: Not listing specific shopping malls, food stalls, or services available at these locations. That’s half the fun of adventuring! 

1. Perlis

Starting from up North, we begin with Malaysia’s smallest state, Perlis.

The only state to have a Raja as the head of state, Perlis is amazing for a time-out to enjoy the scenery. You ought to also take advantage of this border state’s proximity to Thailand by arranging for a daytrip across the border, or stay on this side of the border and still enjoy delicious Thai-influenced food. Don’t forget to also try the locally grown Harum Manis mangoes (seriously, one of the best mangoes ever) and have some sugarcane.

Major towns in Perlis include the capital Arau and Padang Besar.

If you’re planning on speaking Bahasa Malaysia, locals in Perlis mostly converse in northern lingo (“loghat utara”), so be prepared for a little confusion!

Places of Interest:

  • Kelam Cave (Gua Kelam)
  • Kota Kayang Museum a.k.a Perlis State Museum
  • Tasik Melati Recreational Park
  • Taman Anggur Perlis
  • Wang Kelian Weekend Market
  • Arked Niaga Padang Besar
  • Padang Waremart Padang Besar

2. Kedah

Kedah is fondly known as the ricebowl of Malaysia. Depending on the season, you can have lovely views of green or yellow rice fields as far as the eye can see. This state also benefits from close proximity with Thailand (they share a border), and Thai food or Thai-influenced food can be found in abundance.

Major towns in Kedah include the capital Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, and Kuah on Langkawi Island.

Do note that Kedah observes Fridays and Saturdays as their weekends, and Kedahans also speak BM in northern lingo (“loghat utara”).

Places of Interest:

  • Langkawi
    • Langkawi Sky Bridge
    • Langkawi Cable Car
    • Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
    • Take a speedboat island-hopping tour
    • Galeria Perdana
    • Underwater World Langkawi
    • Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) Waterfall
    • Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Tomb)
    • Ayer Hangat (Hot Springs) Village
  • Alor Setar
    • Zahir Mosque
    • Al-Bukhary Mosque
    • Kedah Royal Museum
    • Kedah State Museum
    • Alor Setar Tower
    • Wat Nikrodharam
    • Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir
    • Rumah Merdeka
    • Rumah Tok Su & Rumah Seri Banai
    • Kedah Paddy Museum
  • Others
    • Lembah Bujang Archeological Museum, Merbok
    • Ulu Legong Hot Springs, Baling
    • Beris Lake Vineyard, Sik
    • Wat Charok Padang, Sik
    • Gunung Jerai, Yan/Sik
    • Pulau Bidan, Yan
    • MnM Home Whimsical Houses, Changlun
    • Pedu Lake, Kuala Nerang
    • Darul Aman Park, Jitra
    • Fantasia AquaPark, Jitra
    • Carnivall Waterpark, Sg Petani
    • Silver Jubilee Park (Taman Jubli Perak), Sg Petani
    • Pantai Merdeka, Kuala Kedah
    • Terap Pine Forest, Kulim
    • Sungai Sedim Recreational Forest, Kulim

3. Penang / Pulau Pinang

The Pearl of the Orient is a famous foodie destination. Despite the “pulau” in the name, Penang is made up of both the island as well as the more substantial strip of mainland. Home to the third largest city in Malaysia, there are plenty of things to see, do, and eat!

Historically, Penang was a large trading port attracting merchants from all over including China, India, and even further flung places. Opportunities allowed these merchants to settle in Penang and grow prosperous, sinking deep roots in the local community. Later on, Penang became a major settlement during the British colonization of Malaya. Let’s also not forget Penang’s close proximity with Thailand. With so many varied influences, it is no wonder that modern Penang shines at being a melting pot of wonders tourists around the world come to marvel at.

Tourism is a big thing in the city after George Town (together with Malacca) gained UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2008, as George Town continuously puts efforts into maintaining the balance between heritage conservation and the influx of modern commercialism.

With such history, it is no wonder that today Penang brings out the best from diversity, and this is spectacularly demonstrated by the amazing food. You won’t go hungry in Penang, where delicious food of all varieties are available 24/7.

Like in Perlis, Penangites also use the northern lingo (“loghat utara”) when conversing in BM.

Places of Interest:

  • Island
    • Pinang Peranakan Mansion
    • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion a.k.a. The Blue Mansion
    • Kek Lok Si Temple
    • Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, a.k.a Waterfall Hilltop Temple
    • Sri Mahamariamman Temple
    • Wat Chayamangkalaram, a.k.a. The Reclining Buddha Temple
    • Tg Bungah Floating Mosque
    • Kapitan Keling Mosque
    • Goddess of Mercy Temple
    • Snake Temple
    • Khoo Kongsi
    • Penang Botanical Gardens
    • Tropical Spice Garden
    • Fort Cornwallis
    • Penang National Park (there’s a turtle sanctuary to visit there too)
    • The Habitat Penang Hill
    • Penang War Museum
    • Penang Clan Jetties
    • Sun Yat Sen Museum
    • Interactive museums
      • Wonderfood Museum
      • Upside Down Museum
      • many, many, many more
    • Batu Feringghi Night Market
    • Entopia
    • ESCAPE Adventure Park
    • Penang Avatar Secret Garden
    • Countryside Stables
  • Mainland
    • Penang Bird Park, Seberang Jaya
    • St Anne’s Church, Bukit Mertajam
    • Nine Emperor Gods Temple, Butterworth
    • Sg Kerian Firefly Watching, Nibong Tebal
    • Frog Hill, Kubang Semang
  • In between
    • The Penang Bridge
    • The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, a.k.a. the second Penang bridge
    • The Penang Ferry

4. Perak

Perak Darul Ridzuan means the Silver Abode of Grace. This state has a rich history and is mostly easily accessible thanks to the North-South Highway and the Malaysian Railway (KTMB) running through this state.

Notable locations in Perak include state capital Ipoh, royal capital Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Pulau Pangkor, Teluk Intan, and Tanjung Malim.

Ipoh, in particular, is famous for their crunchy bean sprouts and smooth tau fu fah (soya bean pudding) thanks to the limestone deposits in their water. In fact, it is even said this is also the reason why Ipoh ladies are beauties with the softest, fairest, smoothest skin. Believe it or not, you’ll have to visit to find out for yourself.

Places of Interest:

  • Ipoh
    • Sunway Lost World of Tambun
    • Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS)
    • Kellie’s Castle
    • Sam Poh Tong Temple
    • Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Garden
    • Gua Tempurung
    • Concubine Lane
    • Ipoh Railway Station
    • Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lang
    • Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village
    • Japanese Garden
    • Han Chin Pet Soo
    • Mirror Lake
  • Taiping
    • Taiping Lake Gardens
    • Taiping Zoo & Night Safari
    • Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut)
    • Taiping War Cemetary
    • Burmese Pool
  • Others
    • Leaning Tower, Teluk Intan
    • Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng
    • Lata Iskandar Waterfall, Tapah
    • Dutch Fort, Pulau Pangkor
    • Lenggong Valley Archeological Gallery, Lenggong
    • Royal Belum Rainforest, Gerik
    • Orang Utan Island, Semanggol
    • Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Kuala Sepetang

5. Selangor

Selangor Darul Ehsan – The Abode of Sincerity, is Malaysia’s most populous state. Located in what it firmly understood to be central peninsular, this state is often times synonymous with neighboring KL to folks from out of town. However, it is indeed it’s own state with state capital Shah Alam and royal capital Klang.

Places of Interest:

  • Theme Parks
    • Sunway Lagoon, Petaling Jaya
    • Bangi Wonderland, Bangi
    • i-City, Shah Alam
    • Wet World Shah Alam, Shah Alam
  • Parks
    • Secret Garden Utama, Petaling Jaya
    • Shah Alam Lake Gardens, Shah Alam
    • Taman Botani Negara, Shah Alam
    • Cyberjaya Lake Gardens, Cyberjaya
    • Taman Rakyat Klang, Klang
    • Bukit Jalil Recreational Park, Bukit Jalil
    • Broga Hill, Semenyih
  • Zoo, farms, wildlife, nature
    • Zoo Negara, Ampang
    • Farm in the City, Sri Kembangan
    • Malaysia Agriculture Park (Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam), Shah Alam
    • Ostrich Wonderland, Semenyih
    • Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, Kuala Selangor
    • Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park, Kampung Kuantan
    • Kuan Wellness Eco Park, Tanjung Sepat
    • Paya Indah Wetlands, Dengkil
    • Titi Eco Farm, Petaling Jaya
    • Guava Bee Farm, Hulu Yam
    • Gano Mushroom Farm & Shop, Tanjung Sepat
    • World of Phalanopsis, Hulu Yam
    • Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Petaling Jaya
    • Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest, Hulu Langat
  • Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor
  • Laman Seni Shah Alam, Shah Alam
  • Paddy Gallery, Sekinchan
  • Pantai Redang, Sekinchan
  • Orang Asli Museum, Gombak
  • Mah Meri Cultural Village, Carey Island
  • Pulau Ketam (ferry jetty at Port Klang)
  • Chiling Waterfalls, Kuala Kubu Bharu
  • Pantai Cunang, Tanjung Sepat
  • Tadom Hill Resort, Banting
  • Malay Heritage Museum, Serdang
  • Batu Arang Heritage Town, Batu Arang
  • Batu Caves, Gombak
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque (Blue Mosque), Shah Alam
  • Sultan Alam Shah Museum, Shah Alam
  • Selangor Islamic Arts Park Complex, Shah Alam
  • Kuan Yin Temple, Klang
  • Little India, Klang
  • Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani Temple, Klang

6. Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (W.P.)

National capital and largest city in Malaysia, welcome to the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, or more commonly known as just Kuala Lumpur (KL)!

According to Wikipedia, KL is the cultural, financial, and economic centre of Malaysia, and homes the Parliament and official residence of the Malaysian King. Greater KL, a geographical area that determines metropolitan KL, is also known as Klang Valley. Kuala means river estuary and Lumpur means mud so by their powers combined our national capital means muddy confluence.

Busy by day and busy by night, KL is a bustling city with many sights and sounds for all.

Places of Interest:

  • Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC, KL
  • Kuala Lumpur Tower, KL
  • Dataran Merdeka (Sultan Abdul Samad Building)
  • Kuala Lumpur KTM Train Station (old KTM station)
  • Central Market
  • Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
  • Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang
  • KL Bird Park
  • KLCC Park
  • Petrosains KLCC
  • Aquaria KLCC
  • Tugu Negara
  • KLCC Park
  • KL Forest Eco Park
  • KL Butterfly Park
  • Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)
  • Kepong Botanical Garden,
  • Taman Orkid Kuala Lumpur
  • Asean Sculpture Garden
  • Hibiscus Park
  • National Planetarium
  • National Science Centre
  • Old Istana Negara
  • National Palace
  • Masjid Negara
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple
  • Thean Hou Temple

7. Federal Territory of Putrajaya (W.P.)

As the federal administrative centre of Malaysia, this is where the seat of government (not to be confused with national capital, seat of the King, and location of Parliament… which are all in Kuala Lumpur instead) is now located at since 1999.

Putrajaya is the third federal territory in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, and is named after our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. As a planned city, Putrajaya is very prettily laid out and well-distributed with both concrete jungles and green lungs.

Places of Interest:

  • Putra Mosque a.k.a. Floating Mosque a.k.a Pink Mosque
  • Perdana Putra
  • Putra Square
  • Seri Perdana
  • Istana Melawati
  • Putrajaya Landmark (Mercu Tanda Putrajaya)
  • Millennium Monument (Monumen Alaf Baru)
  • Putrajaya Lake
  • Putrajaya Wetlands Park
  • Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya
  • Putrajaya Botanical Garden
  • Bridges
    • Seri Perdana Bridge
    • Putra Bridge
    • Seri Wawasan Bridge
    • Seri Bakti Bridge
    • Seri Saujana Bridge
    • Seri Bestari Bridge
    • Seri Setia Bridge
    • Seri Gemilang Bridge

8. Negeri Sembilan

Believed to have originated from a settlement of nine villages, Negeri Sembilan is also the only state to have a Yang di-Pertuan Besar as head of state. This state has a rich Minangkabau history, most visible in the architecture of traditional buildings.

Notable locations in Negeri Sembilan include the capital Seremban, Nilai, Rembau, and Port Dickson.

Places of Interest:

  • The beaches in Port Dickson
  • Seri Menanti Royal Museum, Kuala Pilah
  • Lukut Fort and Museum, Lukut
  • Cape Rachado Lighthouse, Port Dickson
  • Army Museum (Muzium Tentera Darat), Port Dickson
  • P.D. Ostrich Farm, Port Dickson
  • Church of the Visitation, Seremban
  • Kampung Orang Asli, Bukit Kepong
  • Eagle Ranch Resort, Port Dickson
  • Then Sze Khoon Centipede Temple, Seremban

9. Malacca / Melaka

Rich in history and culture, it is no surprise when Malacca (together with George Town in Penang) gained UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2008.

Named as part of the Straits Settlements (Negeri-Negeri Selat) by the British back in the day, Malacca and her sisters (Penang and Singapore) are well-known havens for foodies and history buffs, all thanks to its colorful history.

As a major port in the Spice Route, Malacca was home to many merchants travelling between Arabia, India, and China, therefore successfully creating a local melting pot of many cultures as the merchants settled down and married locals. Eventually colonized by the Portuguese and also by the British due to its valuable location for the spice trade, Malacca is rich in historical diversity.

Places of Interest:

  • A Famosa Fort
  • Stadthuys
  • St Paul’s Church
  • Christ Church
  • Queen Victoria’s Fountain
  • Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
  • Tranquerah Mosque
  • Kampung Kling Mosque
  • Kampung Hulu Mosque
  • Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
  • Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum
  • Maritime Museum
  • Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
  • Hang Li Po’s Well
  • Malacca River Walk
  • Jonker Street (Jonker Walk)
  • Machap Baru Street Walk (Machap Walk)
  • Malacca Zoo
  • Melaka Crocodile Farm
  • Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary
  • Coral Wonderland Melaka
  • Melaka Bird Park
  • Melaka Botanical Gardens
  • D Paradise Malacca
  • Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN
  • Klebang Beach
  • A’ Famosa Resort
  • Melaka Wonderland Theme Park
  • Freeport A’ Famosa Outlets

10. Johor

Down into the southernmost tip of West Malaysia, we touch down in Johor. This state has borders with Pahang, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Singapore, and Indonesia. Notable locations in Johor include the capital Johor Bahru, Muar (yummy otak-otak), and Batu Pahat.

Do note that Johor observes Fridays and Saturdays as their weekends.

Places of Interest:

  • Johor Bahru
    • Legoland
    • Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park
    • Istana Bukit Serene
    • Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
    • Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
    • Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery
    • Hakka Heritage Gallery
    • Johor Zoo
    • Salahuddin Bakery
    • Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory
    • Cape Cabana
  • Kota Tinggi
    • Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
    • Kota Tinggi Firefly Park a.k.a Firefly Valley Leisure Park
    • Desaru Fruit Farm
    • Koref Desaru Lesirue Farm
    • Desaru Ostrich Farm
    • South Asia Crocodile Park a.k.a. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
    • Desaru Beach
  • Rawa Island
  • Tioman Island
  • Gunung Ledang National Park
  • Gunung Ledang Waterfalls, Segamat
  • Gunung Lambak, Kluang
  • Fortune Dragon Statue, Yong Peng
  • Segamat Hot Springs, Segamat
  • Grisek Hot Springs, Muar
  • Don Hu Jurassic Garden, Muar
  • DIY Playground, Batu Pahat
  • Wet World Water Park, Batu Pahat
  • UK Farm, Kluang
  • Jalan Dato Teoh Siew Khor, Kluang
  • ZenXin Organic Park, Kluang
  • Pasir Gudang Kite Museum, Pasir Gudang
  • Star Fish Leisure Farm, Kulai
  • Segenting Lover Bridge, Batu Pahat

11. Kelantan

Going back up to northeast of West Malaysia, we have Kelantan Darul Naim – The Blissful Abode.

Kelantan is known for its rustic and picturesque sights of paddy fields, village living, and not forgetting the lovely beaches. This state shares a border with Thailand, and Thai food or Thai-influenced food can be found in abundance. Local edibles to note include laksa kelantan, nasi kerabu, and keropok ikan.

Notable locations in Kelantan include Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, and Tumpat.

Do note that Kelantan observes Fridays and Saturdays as their weekends, and locals of all races speak Bahasa Kelate.

Places of Interest in Kelantan:

  • Siti Khadijah Market, Kota Bharu
  • Pantai Cahaya Bulan (previously known as Pantai Cinta Berahi), Kota Bharu
  • Pantai Irama, Bachok
  • Istana Jahar, Kota Bharu
  • Taman Negara (yes, the same one spans across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang!)
  • Min Fireflies Garden, Kota Bharu
  • Gunung Stong, Gunung Stong State Park (look out for Jelawang Waterfall)
  • Kampung Kraftangan, Kota Bharu
  • Gelanggang Seni Cultural Centre, Kota Bharu
  • Water and Moon Temple, Gua Musang
  • Wat Machimmaram, Tumpat
  • Wat Phoothikyan, Kampung Balai
  • Wat Mai Suwankiri, Tumpat
  • Arena Burung Candik (Bird Singing Field), Kota Bharu (Friday mornings only)
  • Jungle Railway
  • Muzium Negeri Kelantan, Kota Bharu
  • Bazar Buluh Kubu, Kota Bharu

12. Terengganu

At the easternmost edge of West Malaysia we find Terengganu Darul Iman – Abode of Faith.

The land of keropok lekor, nasi dagang, sata (Editor: Delicious!), laksam, and budu. Known for their long beaches, famous islands, and fishing villages, this slow-paced state is one of the best places for photographers to take scenery photography.

Do note that Terengganu observes Fridays and Saturdays as their weekends, and the locals speak in “Base Melayu Ganu/Tranung”.

Places of Interest in Terengganu:

  • Redang Island
  • Lang Tengah Island
  • Perhentian Islands
  • Kenyir Lake
  • Taman Negara (yes, the same one spans across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang!)
  • Islamic Heritage Park (Taman Tamadun Islam) / Monument Park (Taman Monumen), Kuala Terengganu
  • Terengganu State Museum, Kuala Terengganu
  • Pasar Payang, Kuala Terengganu
  • Crytal Mosque, Kuala Terengganu
  • Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, Kuala Terengganu
  • Sultan Zainal Abidin Mosque, Kuala Terengganu
  • Chinatown, Kuala Terengganu
  • Terengganu Drawbridge (Jambatan Angkat Terengganu), Kuala Terengganu
  • Pantai Pasir Pandak, Kuala Terengganu
  • Desa Ukiran Kayu Istana Tengku Long, Besut
  • La Hot Springs, Besut
  • Kota Putera Paragliding & Xtreme Park, Besut
  • Pantai Teluk Bidara, Dungun
  • Chemerong Waterfalls, Dungun
  • Setiu Wetlands, Setiu
  • Pantai Penarik / Pantai Rhu Sepuluh, Setiu

13. Pahang

Moving on to central peninsular Malaysia we go to Pahang Darul Makmur – Abode of Tranquility.

The third largest Malaysian state and ninth largest by population. Known for being the state with our two famous Highlands, Pahang is also home to the peak of Mount Tahan which is the highest point in the Titiwangsa Range that forms the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia.

Notable cities in Pahang include Kuantan (capital), Bentong, Pekan, Rompin, and Temerloh. This state is not only rich with highlands but also has some beautiful beaches, lakes, and islands, truly a magnificent combination of nature.

Places of Interest in Pahang:

  • Tioman Island
  • Cameron Highlands
    • Sungai Palas Tea
    • Bharat Tea Estate
    • Mossy Forest
    • Time Tunnel Museum
    • Sam Poh Temple
    • MARDI Agro Technology Park
  • Genting Highlands
    • Resorts World Genting
    • Chin Swee Temple
    • Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
  • Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi
  • Fraser’s Hill
  • Taman Negara (yes, the same one spans across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang!)
  • Taman Negara Endau-Rompin
  • Beaches
    • Cherating Beach (Did you know we have a ClubMed in Cherating/Malaysia?)
    • Teluk Cempedak
    • Beserah
    • Batu Hitam
    • Tanjung Sepat
  • Lakes
    • Chini Lake
    • Bera Lake
  • Waterfalls
    • Sungai Pandan Waterfall
    • Berkelah Falls
    • Rainbow Waterfall
    • Chamang Waterfall
  • Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Gandah
  • Krau Wildlife Reserve
  • Lao Zi Temple, Kuantan
  • Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Pekan
  • Masjid Sultan Abdullah Museum, Pekan
  • Sungai Lembing Museum, Sungai Lembing
  • Bukit Panorama, Sungai Lembing
  • Bentong Walk, Bentong
  • Bentong Hot Springs, Bentong
  • Bilut Extreme Park, Lurah Bilut

14. Sabah

Heading over to beautiful East Malaysia, we start north at Sabah, the “head” of Borneo.

Sabah is of course well known for being the home of Mt Kinabalu on the Crocker Mountain Range, and the lush thick jungle filled with many plant and animal species (say hello to eco-tourism). The state is also rich in natural resources and its primary exports include oil, gas, timber, and palm oil.

Sabahans consists of many native tribes including Bajau, Bugis, Suluk, Kadazan Dusun, Lundayet, Murut, and Rungus people to name a few.

Places of Interest in Sabah:

  • Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park
  • Kinabalu Park Canopy Walkway, Kinabalu National Park
  • Cultural Villages
    • Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu
    • Monsopiad Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu
    • Borneo Cultural Village, Papar
  • Poring Hot Springs, Ranau
  • Gomantong Cave, Sandakan
  • Gaya Street Sunday Market, Kota Kinabalu
  • Handicraft Market (Philippine Market), Kota Kinabalu
  • North Borneo Railway, Kota Kinabalu
  • Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang (the New Zealand of Malaysia)
  • Upside Down House, Tamparuli
  • Borneo Ant House, Tuaran
  • Eco-tourism – flora & fauna
    • Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sandakan
    • Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan
    • Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sandakan
    • Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan
    • Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Putatan
    • Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu
    • Danum Valley Conservation Area, Lahad Datu
    • Weston Wetland Park, Beaufort
    • Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Tambunan
  • Islands
    • Sipadan National Park, Semporna
    • Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sulug)
    • Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna
    • Pulau Tiga Marine Park
    • Turtle Island Marine Park
    • Bohey Dulang Island
    • Mamutik Island
    • Manukan Island
    • Lankayan Island
    • Sapi Island
    • Kapalai Island
    • Mantanani Island
    • Mataking Island
    • Mengalum Island
    • Mabul Island
    • Dinawan Island
    • Rusukan Besar Island
    • Pulau Papan
    • Layang-Layang Island

15. Sarawak

Moving southwest, we have the big, bold, and beautiful Sarawak.

As the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak covers an area almost equal to that of the entire Peninsular Malaysia!

Its nickname is Bumi Kenyalang which means Land of the Hornbills, and did you know it is considered good luck to the community if a hornbill is seen flying over residences? Good thing Sarawak is home to eight of the world’s 54 species of hornbills. Sarawak is known for their dense jungles which are home to many kinds of flora and fauna (everyone knows someone who has seen crocodiles in rivers in Sarawak, am I right?), and their famous caves.

This state is so rich in natural resources that it also exports oil and gas, timber, and palm oil.

Sarawakians are ethnically diverse with 27 ethnic groups including the Iban, Melanau, and Bidayuh.

Top tip – Don’t forget to try a sago worm or two while you are here.

Places of Interest:

  • National Parks
    • Bako National Park, Kuching
    • Gunung Gading National Park, Kuching
    • Kubah National Park, Kuching
    • Tanjung Datu National Park, Kuching
    • Talang Satang National Park, Kuching
    • Kuching Wetland National Park, Kuching
    • Santubong National Park, Kuching
    • Sedilu National Park, Samarahan, Kuching
    • Ulu Sebuyau National Park, Sri Aman, Kuching
    • Sampadi National Park, Lundu, Kuching
    • Batang Ai National Park, Sri Aman
    • Maludam National Park, Sri Aman
    • Similajau National Park, Bintulu
    • Bukit Tiban National Park, Bintulu
    • Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri
    • Niah National Park, Miri
    • Lambir Hills National Park, Miri
    • Loagan Bunut National Park, Miri
    • Usun Apau National Park, Miri
    • Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, Miri
    • Gunung Buda National Park, Limbang, Miri
    • Pulong Tau National Park, Limbang, Miri
    • Rajang Mangrove National Park, Sibu
    • Pelagus National Park, Kapit, Sibu
  • Nature Reserves
    • Wind Cave Nature Reserve, Kuching
    • Fairy Cave Nature Reserve, Kuching
    • Sama Jaya Nature Reserve, Kuching
    • Semenggoh Nature Reserve (Semenggok Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre), Kuching
    • Bungo Range Nature Reserve, Kuching
    • Bukit Hitam Nature Reserve, Limbang
    • Bukit Sembiling Nature Reserve, Limbang
    • Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, Sibu
    • Pulau Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve, Mukah, Sibu
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • Samunsam Wild Life Sanctuary, Kuching
    • Pulau Tukong Ara Tukong Sanctuary, Kuching
    • Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarikei, Sibu, Kapit
    • Sibuti Wild Life Sanctuary, Miri
  • Cat Museum, Kuching
  • Satok Sunday Market, Kuching
  • Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
  • Islamic Museum, Kuching
  • Chinese Museum, Kuching
  • Brooke Gallery, Kuching
  • Fort Margherita, Kuching
  • The Astana, Kuching
  • Sarawak State Museum, Kuching
  • Kuching Esplanade (Kuching Waterfront), Kuching
  • Friendship Garden, Kuching
  • Sungai Apong Fishing Village, Kuching
  • Pitcher Plant & Wild Orchid Garden, Kuching
  • Batu Lintang PoW Campsite Memorial, Kuching
  • Anna Rais Hot Springs and Bidayuh Longhouse, Kuching
  • Jong’s Crocodile Farm, Kuching
  • Gunung Gading Rafflesia Centre, Gunung Gading National Park, Kuching
  • Mount Santubong, Santubong
  • Santubong Fishing Village, Santubong
  • Handicraft Heritage Centre, Miri
  • Petroleum Museum, Miri
  • Tua Pek Kong Temple, Miri
  • Miri City Fan, Miri
  • Taman Bunga, Miri
  • Miri Crocodile Farm, Miri
  • Mulu Caves, Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri
  • The Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri
  • Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri
  • Niah Caves, Niah National Park, Miri
  • Rejang Esplanade, Sibu
  • Tua Pek Kong Temple, 7 Storey Pagoda, Sibu
  • Sibu Cultural & Heritage Centre (formerly Civic Centre Museum), Sibu
  • Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum, Sibu
  • Sibu Central Market, Sibu
  • Wong Nai Siong Garden, Sibu
  • Yu Lun San Tien En Si a.k.a Jade Dragon Temple, Sibu
  • Skrang River Safari & Iban Longhouse, Sibu
  • Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Sibu
  • Pitcher Plant Garden, Kota Padawan

16. Federal Territory of Labuan (W.P.)

The FT of Labuan, or more commonly known as just Labuan, consists of Labuan Island, Daat Island, Papan Island, Burung Island, Kuraman Island, Big Rusukan Island (Pulau Rusukan Besar), Small Rusukan Island (Pulau Rusukan Kecil). It is the second Federal Territory in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur.

Interestingly, the island was once acquired by the British as a naval station with the hopes that it could become the next Singapore.

Just like its close neighbor, Sabah, Labuan is ethnically diverse with people of Kedayan, Kadazan Dusun, Bajau, Murut, and many others.

Places of Interest:

  • Labuan Bird Park
  • Labuan Botanical Garden
  • Labuan Marine Museum
  • Labuan Museum
  • The Chimney & Chimney Museum
  • Surrender Point
  • Labuan War Cemetery

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So many places to go, so many things to see. What have we missed out in our list? Let us know in the comments below.