15+ Best Cities to Visit in Malaysia: Beyond Kuala Lumpur

Let us tell you a secret: Malaysia is more than just beaches and rainforests. Sure, those are amazing, but the real magic happens in its cities. We are talking about vibrant, bustling hubs of culture, history, and some of the best food you'll ever taste. Ready to discover the cities to visit in Malaysia that most tourists miss? Then, keep reading this article from TravelThru because we are about to share the insider's guide to exploring the urban heart of this incredible country.

1. Penang (George Town)

George Town is a really cool mix of cultures, and that's what makes it so fun to explore.  You'll see beautiful mosques and temples right next to skyscrapers and malls, plus old colonial buildings and traditional Malay houses. It's great to wander around the narrow streets - you'll find little shrines, busy cafes, lively bars, and awesome street art. And the food is amazing, a mix of all the different cultures. It's definitely worth checking out this second-largest city in Malaysia!

Top destinations in Penang:

• George Town
• Kek Lok Si Temple
• Penang Hill
• Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
• Entopia Butterfly Farm
• Tropical Spice Garden

2. Malacca (Melaka)

Located on Malaysia's west coast, Malacca (or Melaka) boasts a fascinating history shaped by its former British, Dutch, and Portuguese rulers. This diverse colonial past is reflected in the city's beautiful architecture and its unique cultural blend. With a vibrant night market and a variety of culinary delights, it's no surprise that Malacca is a popular tourist spot.

Must-see attractions in Malacca:

• A Famosa
• Christ Church Melaka
• Jonker Street
• Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
• Stadthuys
• St. Paul's Church

3. Kuala Lumpur

No list of the best cities to visit in Malaysia would be complete without mentioning Kuala Lumpur. This sprawling, diverse metropolis offers something for everyone. Its skyline is a captivating mix of modern skyscrapers, including the famous Petronas Towers, stretching out as far as the eye can see. It's got a really exciting vibe, and there's so much to see and do, like checking out temples, mosques, malls, and markets.

Because people from all over live there, you can see different cultures everywhere, like in the old colonial buildings around Merdeka Square or in the food and atmosphere of Little India and Chinatown. Even though it's growing fast and new buildings are popping up everywhere, you can still find traditional Malay villages like Kampong Bharu right in the middle of the city.

Must-see attractions in Kuala Lumpur:

• Petronas Twin Towers
• Batu Caves
• KL Tower
• Merdeka Square
• Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
• Central Market

4. Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu in Borneo might not look like much at first with all its concrete buildings, but give it a chance! Overlooking the South China Sea, this Bornean city has a vibrant waterfront with stunning sunsets.

Beyond its concrete exterior, Kota Kinabalu has a thriving arts and music scene, delicious food, bustling markets, and modern malls. Its real draw, however, lies in its proximity to incredible natural beauty. From the city, you can easily access adventures like hiking Mount Kinabalu, scuba diving in the South China Sea, or exploring the idyllic islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

Best destinations in Kota Kinabalu for your trip:

• Mount Kinabalu
• Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
• Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
• Mari Mari Cultural Village
• Lok Kawi Wildlife Park 
• Gaya Street Sunday Market

5. Kuching

Even though it's the biggest city in Borneo, Kuching is super chill and a great place to relax.  It's right on the Sarawak River, so it's got a nice waterfront and some cool museums. There are tons of restaurants and bars that show off how multicultural the city is.

Known as "Cat City" (Kuching means "cat" in Malay), this riverside city is a unique blend of modern skyscrapers rising amidst the lush jungle and historic colonial architecture. Kuching also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Borneo's natural beauty, with opportunities to arrange jungle treks and coastal trips to nearby national parks.

Our top pick attraction in Kuching:

• Semenggoh Nature Reserve 
• Sarawak Cultural Village
• Kuching Waterfront
• Sarawak Museum
• Tua Pek Kong Temple
• Bako National Park

6. Ipoh

Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, is a charming city between Kuala Lumpur and the Thai border. Its historic old town is perfect for leisurely walks, with quaint shops and cafes lining the narrow streets. In contrast, the newer part of the city boasts a variety of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Ipoh is also known for its many beautiful temples, with the Perak Tong cave temple being a particular highlight. Offering a more relaxed atmosphere than larger Malaysian cities, Ipoh is also a convenient base for exploring the Cameron Highlands.

Must-see attractions in Ipoh:

• Kellie's Castle
• Perak Cave Temple
• Sam Poh Tong 
• Ipoh Old Town
• Han Chin Pet Soo

7. Johor Bahru

Situated at Malaysia's southern edge bordering Singapore, Johor Bahru primarily serves as a transit point for travelers heading to its neighboring nation. While it's true that the city has struggled with traffic congestion and air pollution, Johor Bahru is undergoing a transformation. Improvements are gradually being made, with more development planned for the future.

Despite its challenges, Johor Bahru offers a vibrant atmosphere with a surprising number of museums and cultural attractions. You can also enjoy excellent shopping and a lively nightlife scene. It's worth considering a longer stay to experience all that this evolving city has to offer.

Top attractions for your trip in Johor Bahru:

• Legoland Malaysia Resort  
• Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
• Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple 
• Istana Besar
• Danga Bay

8. Kuantan

The capital of Pahang state, Kuatntan, is often bypassed by tourists due to its uninspiring urban landscape and lack of major cultural or historical attractions. However, Malaysia's second-largest port does have some hidden gems worth discovering, such as the historic Padang area.

While Kuantan may not be a tourist hotspot, it serves as a good base for exploring nearby attractions. You might want to visit the local beaches, venture to the impressive Gua Charas cave temple, or take a trip to the royal town of Pekan with its magnificent palace.

Must-see attractions in Kuantan:

• Teluk Chempedak
• Sungai Pandan Waterfall 
• Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah 
• Sultan Abu Bakar Museum
• Taman Esplanade

9. Miri

Oil money has really changed Miri into the big, modern city it is today. It's full of life, with tons of restaurants, hotels, and bars, plus shopping malls and busy markets. Because it's got people from all over, you can find food from all over Malaysia and other countries, too. Since it's a major transport hub, a lot of people stop in Miri on their way to other places in Malaysia.

Attractions in Miri you’ll want to add to your Malaysia travel itinerary:

• Grand Old Lady and Petroleum Museum  
• Niah National Park  
• Lambir Hills National Park  
• Miri City Fan
• Tua Pek Kong Temple

10. Kota Bharu

Up in the northeastern corner of Malaysia, Kota Bharu is often just a stop on the way to Thailand or the Perhentian Islands. But the city's actually a great place to learn about Malay culture, especially at the really interesting Cultural Centre.

With its beautiful traditional architecture, impressive Buddhist temples, and lively markets, Kota Bharu is a worthwhile destination in its own right. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Kelantan state.

Top destinations in Kota Bharu:

• Pasar Siti Khadijah
• Istana Jahar
• Muzium Negeri Kelantan (Kelantan State Museum)
• Masjid Muhammadi
• Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach)

11. Genting Highlands

Imagine a resort nestled high in the clouds, surrounded by breathtaking rainforest views. That's Genting Highlands, located on Mount Ulu Kali near Kuala Lumpur. This expansive complex offers everything from hotels and casinos to shopping and a theme park. Beyond the resort, the valley below beckons with its natural beauty, charming villages, and delicious food. It's no wonder that Genting Highlands, with its promise of a luxurious mountain escape, is a favorite among travelers worldwide.

Attractions in Genting Highlands you can’t miss:

• Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park 
• SkyAvenue 
• Resorts World Genting 
• Awana SkyWay
• Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

12. Putrajaya

About 30 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur is Putrajaya, a planned city that's home to Malaysia's government. With grand buildings, impressive monuments, and lush parks, it's a sight to see, especially when lit up at night. Though designed for a larger population, it remains sparsely populated, giving it a unique, somewhat eerie atmosphere. Still, a visit to Putrajaya offers a glimpse into Malaysia's ambitious vision for its future.

Famous destinations in Putrajaya:

• Putra Mosque
• Perdana Putra
• Seri Wawasan Bridge
• Putrajaya Botanical Garden
• Putrajaya Lake

13. Alor Setar

In the heart of Malaysia's "rice bowl" lies Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah State, surrounded by picturesque rice paddies and gentle hills. This city is a center of Malay culture, with interesting architecture and galleries to explore. Just a short distance away is the stunning Pulau Langkawi, a tropical gem within a larger archipelago. The contrast between Alor Setar's agricultural landscape and Langkawi's pristine beaches makes Kedah a truly captivating region.

Must-visit attractions in Alor Setar:

• Zahir Mosque
• Menara Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower)
• Balai Besar (Royal Hall)
• Balai Nobat (Nobat Gallery)
• Paddy Museum

14. Sandakan

Despite being heavily bombed during World War II due to its strategic position overlooking the bay, Sandakan still retains a charming waterfront and some colonial buildings. War memorials commemorate its history. Though not a popular tourist hub, Sandakan offers access to the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River by boat and the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Our top pick destinations in Sandakan:

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Gomantong Caves
• Sandakan Memorial Park
• Agnes Keith House
• Puu Jih Shih Temple

15. Johor Bahru

​​Right on the border with Singapore, Johor Bahru is the most southern city in Malaysia, and a lot of people just pass through it on their way to Singapore. It used to be known for its crazy traffic and bad air, but it's trying to improve, with new building projects happening. It's actually got a good number of museums and cultural stuff to see, plus some great shopping and lively nightlife, so it's worth checking out.

Attractions in Johor Bahru you’ll want to visit:

• Legoland Malaysia Resort
• Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
• Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
• Istana Besar
• Danga Bay

16. Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu used to be just a little fishing village, but finding oil totally changed things. Now, it's got skyscrapers right next to old, charming buildings. It's still a pretty nice place, though, especially Chinatown and the beaches. Most people use it as a base to check out the awesome jungles and islands nearby, but the city itself has enough to do for a couple of days.

Must-see destinations in Kuala Terengganu

• Islamic Civilization Park (Taman Tamadun Islam)
• Pasar Payang
• Terengganu State Museum
• Istana Maziah
• Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque

>>> Further reading:

When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia for Your Dream Trip

How to Get Around in Malaysia: 7 Convenient Ways

Malaysia Travel Cost: Your Budget Breakdown for 2024

With its rich tapestry of cultures, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Malaysia truly offers something for everyone. Now that you've discovered some of the most incredible cities to visit in Malaysia, it's time to start planning your own adventure! Don't hesitate to delve deeper into each destination, uncover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this remarkable country. Your Malaysian journey awaits!