Malaysia is a country with a rich history and a diverse population, which makes its cities an intriguing place to visit. Colonial and Malay structures coexist with Buddhist temples, skyscrapers, and crowded marketplaces, and a breathtaking variety of picturesque surroundings surround the city.
The top cities in Malaysia are like no other, with a fascinating history, mouth-watering food, and kind, inviting locals.
Top 10 Cities to Explore in Malaysia
1. Semporna
Semporna is a bustling town with few noteworthy cultural or historical sites; visitors primarily come to the area to reach the Semporna Archipelago. Bustling with activity, tourists who manage to get a few days in the city always make sure to see the mosque and the unique hotels perched on stilts along the shoreline.
While some choose to stay in the city’s budget hotels to splurge on further dives, the best option is to take Semporna to the neighbouring islands, which offer breathtaking diving spots.
2. Sandakan
Sandakan was frequently attacked during the Second World War due to its strategic location, which allowed it to look out over the bay of the same name. Regardless, Sandakan has a pleasant shoreline, as well as some charming colonial buildings and military memorials; yet, visitors rarely come here. This is a great jumping-off point for excursions to the orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok or the Kinabatangan River, both of which are home to abundant wildlife.
3. Johor Bahru
The city in the southernmost tip of Malaysia is right on the Singaporean border. So, it is mostly a transit station for those travelling to the neighbouring nation. Things are steadily improving, and more major improvements are still on the way, in Johor Bahru, which has attempted to reinvent itself in recent years after being a chaotic, traffic-filled, and air-polluted area.
It is a lively metropolis with more than enough historical sites and museums to warrant a visit. There are also some fantastic retail complexes and exciting nightlife options.
4. Miri
The modernization and expansion of Miri into the huge metropolis we know today have been fueled by oil money from the petroleum sector. A vibrant, contemporary metropolis, the city offers a wide variety of high-quality dining options, hotels, and nightlife venues, in addition to a few retail centres and lively marketplaces.
Thanks to its varied populace, you may sample cuisines from all over the world, not only Malaysia. Miri is a popular stopover for travellers travelling to other cities in Malaysia due to its status as a significant transit hub.
5. Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu’s huge concrete structures may not make it look particularly appealing at first, but you’ll quickly grow to love it for all its charms. The city’s lively waterfront and breathtaking sunsets complement its location on the island of Borneo and its commanding view of the South China Sea.
Kota Kinabalu is a city that offers everything: marketplaces, malls, great food, and a lively arts and music scene. Considering the abundance of local attractions, it is worth your time to visit. Mount Kinabalu, coastal scuba diving, and the beautiful islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park are all within easy reach from this location.
6. Melaka
Malacca, or Melaka in Malay, is a fascinating city-state on the western coast of the Peninsula of Peninsular Malaysia that has been under the sovereignty of three different empires: the British, the Dutch, and the Portuguese.
There is a plethora of beautiful colonial architecture to discover since every country has left its imprint on the region through the structures it has constructed and the cultural influences it has exerted.
Tourists from all over the world flock to this picturesque city in Malaysia to experience its vibrant night market and delicious cuisine.
7. Kuala Lumpur
There is truly something for everyone in Malaysia’s enormous multicultural metropolis capital, thanks to all the attractions it offers. With its towering buildings and the Petronas Towers soaring into the sky, the metropolis seems to go on forever. Exploring its many mosques, temples, shopping centres, and bustling marketplaces is a thrilling experience due to its contagious energy and abundance of attractions.
The multicultural makeup of Kuala Lumpur allows the city’s rich cultural history to radiate. The area surrounding Merdeka Square showcases colonial architecture, while Little India and Chinatown are home to some of the best restaurants and cafés in the city.
8. Ipoh
Ipoh, the capital of the state of Perak, is a beautiful halt between Kuala Lumpur and the Thai border. Its ancient town is charming for a stroll through its narrow streets, which are lined with several cafes and speciality stores. The newer section of town is home to several excellent eateries that provide authentic regional cuisine.
Perak Tong cave temple stands out among the city’s many magnificent temples, which serve a variety of faiths. Ipoh is a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and also serves as a gateway to the Cameron Highlands, which are close by.
9. George Town
The bustling streets of George Town are home to a diverse array of ethnicities, which is one of the things that draws visitors in. Charming mosques and temples dot the landscape, interspersed with modern skyscrapers and commercial malls that vie for attention with historic colonial structures and traditional Malay architecture.
Enjoy getting lost in its winding alleys, which pass by quaint ancient temples, crowded cafés, and exciting pubs; the area is also home to some impressive paintings created by street artists. The country’s second-largest metropolis is a must-visit for foodies because of its delectable fare that fuses a variety of ethnic influences.
10. Kuching
Even though it’s the biggest city in Borneo, Kuching manages to remain a welcoming and easygoing destination with enough to see and do. Seated on the Sarawak River’s banks, this city has an attractive waterfront promenade and several fascinating museums. Kuching is a cosmopolitan melting pot with many eateries, pubs, and cafés.
Along with its colonial architecture, the gorgeous backdrop is enhanced by skyscrapers that seem to emerge from the forest. Kuching is a fantastic jumping-off point for excursions to the surrounding national parks and the remainder of the island; from here, you can plan coastal and jungle treks.
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