Top 21 BEST Places To Visit In Malaysia

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Malaysia is a popular travel destination, but many visitors stick to Kuala Lumpur and the beautiful beaches of Penang and Langkawi, missing out on so many other incredible places to visit.

The reality is that there are so many more Malaysia tourist attractions to see. Malaysia encompasses part of the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo, along with numerous smaller islands. The truth is there are many answers to the question “where to travel in Malaysia”!

A diverse country, there are so many wonderful and attractive places. These include pristine beaches, beautiful islands and incredible nature parks. You could spend months visiting Malaysia and not cover it all.

Top 20 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia [2021]

What’s more, Malaysia is very budget-friendly; the locals are warm and welcoming and the food is inexpensive and delicious.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

So, if you’re wondering where to travel in Malaysia or perhaps you need more encouragement to visit Malaysia, read on for our list of 21 of the best places to go in Malaysia. This is our ultimate list of the very best travel destinations. You’re sure to find some must-see places that are perfect for your vacation!

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Warning: you may need to book a trip after reading this article!

Top 21 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

A list of the best places to visit in Malaysia would be incomplete without the capital, Kuala Lumpur. KL is often the first place people think of when planning a trip to Malaysia, and for good reason. It’s one of the country’s most exciting cities and deserves a place on any first-time visitor’s itinerary.

Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia, the major financial centre and a melting pot of different cultures. This makes it one of the most exciting cities in Malaysia and shouldn’t be missed.

There’s so much to do in Kuala Lumpur, starting with the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, one of Malaysia’s most iconic attractions. You can also visit the spectacular Batu Caves, explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, browse the stalls at Central Market or head to Kampung Baru for traditional Malay food with views of KL’s modern skyline.

From impressive shopping centres and theme parks to historic temples, mosques and some of the best street food in the country, Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone.

If you’re wondering where to start, then you can do no wrong with starting in KL.

Getting to Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur is served by KL International Airport, which has two main terminals (KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). The city is also well connected to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia by bus and train.

Top Attraction to visit: The Petronas Towers are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Top place to stay: Berjaya Times Square Hotel – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Kuala Lumpur here.

Langkawi

visit Malaysia 2021 Langkawi island

One of Malaysia’s top travel destinations (especially for beach vacations), Langkawi is a must-see Malaysian destination. With beautiful beaches and a fantastic range of attractions, Langkawi has something to suit almost everyone.

When you picture Malaysia in your head, it’s very likely that the image you see is of Langkawi.

Langkawi is actually an archipelago but the main island offers a range of different locations to visit and stay. Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular beach destinations and home to Underwater World. Other more peaceful destinations are dotted throughout the island. If you love beaches, Langkawi is definitely one of the places to visit in Malaysia that you’ll want to consider. 

Beyond the beaches, there’s plenty to explore. The Langkawi Cable Car takes you high above the rainforest to Gunung Machinchang, where you can enjoy spectacular views and visit the famous Langkawi Sky Bridge suspended high above the jungle. Other attractions include Temurun Waterfall, mangrove tours through Kilim Geoforest Park and boat trips to some of the surrounding islands.

It’s this combination of beautiful beaches, lush rainforest and outdoor adventures that makes Langkawi such a fantastic destination.

Getting to Langkawi: The best way to get to Langkawi is to fly. Flights leave multiple times daily from Kuala Lumpur and other cities.

Top Attraction to visit: Langkawi Cable Car 

Top place to stay: Ritz-Carlton Langkawi – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Langkawi here.

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Penang

Penang is one of my personal favourite places in Malaysia, and somewhere I’d recommend to almost anyone visiting the country. It’s a fantastic combination of fascinating history, multicultural influences, incredible food and beautiful beaches.

The highlight is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colourful heritage buildings, traditional shophouses, temples and famous street art. It’s a wonderful place to explore on foot, with something interesting around almost every corner.

Penang is also one of the best places in Malaysia to eat. From char kway teow and assam laksa to nasi kandar and countless other local dishes, the food alone is reason enough to visit. There are also attractions such as Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill and Fort Cornwallis, while Batu Ferringhi is a popular choice if you want some beach and resort time.

For me, it’s this combination of great food, interesting heritage, beaches and ease of getting here and around that makes Penang my personal pick for the best place in Malaysia.

Getting to Penang: You can get to Penang by plane, bus or train. Trains stop at Butterworth, where you can catch a ferry across to Penang Island. From Kuala Lumpur, flying is the quickest option.

Top Attraction to visit: George Town

Top place to stay: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Penang here.

Bukit Merah

If seeing orangutans is high on your list of things to do in Malaysia, Bukit Merah is somewhere worth considering. Located near Taiping in Perak, it’s home to Orang Utan Island, one of the few places in Peninsular Malaysia where visitors can see these fascinating animals.

Orang Utan Island is a conservation and rehabilitation facility located on an island in Bukit Merah Lake. Visitors take a short boat ride across the water before exploring a protected viewing area where they can observe the orangutans and learn more about the conservation work taking place here.

It’s a particularly interesting experience if you’re travelling around Peninsular Malaysia and aren’t planning to visit Borneo, where orangutans are found in the wild.

The surrounding Bukit Merah Laketown area also has resort accommodation and family attractions, making it possible to turn your visit into an overnight stay rather than simply stopping to see the orangutans.

One important thing to know is that access to Orang Utan Island depends on boat transfers, which can occasionally be affected by weather and low lake levels. I recommend checking that transfers are operating before making the journey.

Getting to Bukit Merah: The best way to get there is to drive from Taiping. There are also buses. It’s also possible to day trip here from Penang.

Top Attraction to visit: Orang Utan Island

Top place to stay: Bukit Merah Laketown Resort – Click here to see the latest prices.

Kuala Kangsar

Kuala Kangsar is a royal capital, and there is some amazing architecture to see and explore. When we visited, we found the city quiet yet still with a commanding presence owing to the grand buildings. These impressive buildings are one of the main reasons Kuala Kangsar deserves a place on this list.

This is a town of palaces and impressive royal architecture, with highlights including Istana Iskandariah, the wooden Istana Kenangan and the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery.

If you want to go and explore somewhere off the beaten tourist track, then Kuala Kangsar may be a good choice for you.

The major draw-card of this town is definitely the pretty architecture. There aren’t many attractions, but it does make a nice Malaysia tourist destination for a day trip.

Getting to Kuala Kangsar: You can get there by car, train and bus. The journey takes about an hour from Ipoh.

Top Attraction to visit: Ubudiah Mosque

Top place to stay: The Shop Hotel – Click here for the latest prices

Ipoh

Streets of Ipoh
Wandering around Ipoh

When we visited Ipoh, we didn’t know what to expect. We ended up loving it. Ipoh is the state capital of Perak and a fantastic destination for a short getaway, with plenty of interesting attractions to explore. Ipoh is definitely one of the nice places to visit in Malaysia which sees fewer tourists (a good thing in our view!).

If your idea of a great Malaysian destination includes fantastic food, interesting attractions and lots of fun, then visit Ipoh.

There’s the unfinished Kellie’s Castle to explore, Tempurung Cave, the popular Sunway Lost World Of Tambun (great for families) and much more. The Old Town area is a fabulous place to walk around with cute alleyways and numerous street art to find and enjoy.

Plus, there’s Ipoh’s famous white coffee – a must-try.

Ipoh is also a gateway to the Cameron Highlands – coming up next. If you’re wondering where to go in Malaysia for a short trip, Ipoh is somewhere to consider.

Getting to Ipoh: The best ways to get there are by train, bus or hire car. You can also fly.

Top Attraction to visit: Old Town street art

Top place to stay: Regalodge – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Ipoh guides here.

Cameron Highlands

Boh Tea Estate, Cameron Highlands
Boh Tea Estate

If you’re looking to escape Malaysia’s tropical heat, the Cameron Highlands are one of the best places to visit. Located high in the mountains, this beautiful region is known for its cooler temperatures, rolling green hills and spectacular tea plantations.

One of the highlights is visiting the BOH Tea Plantation, where you can admire the incredible scenery and enjoy a cup of locally grown tea overlooking the surrounding hills. The Cameron Highlands are also famous for their strawberry farms, where you can pick your own strawberries at participating farms, as well as flower gardens, markets and walking trails.

There are plenty of other attractions too, including Gunung Brinchang and the area’s famous mossy forest. Whether you want to explore the countryside, enjoy the cooler mountain weather or simply relax somewhere surrounded by greenery, the Cameron Highlands are a wonderful change of pace from Malaysia’s cities and beaches.

Getting to Cameron Highlands: The best way to get to the Cameron Highlands is by bus or hiring a car.
Top Attraction to visit:
 Boh Tea Plantation

Top place to stay: Nova Highlands Resort and Residence – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Cameron Highlands guides here.

Port Dickson

Port Dickson is a popular destination from Kuala Lumpur for a beach getaway. There are plenty of top-quality resorts with particularly good accommodation for families. We particularly enjoyed Avillion Port Dickson for a family getaway, while Grand Lexis is a great option if you want your own private pool.

If you’re looking for a beach holiday within easy access of KL, Port Dickson is a place to consider visiting.

The resorts are generally outside of the main town, which is small but does have some nice restaurants and shops. There’s also some pretty beaches, but many of these are private.

There’s not a huge range of Malaysia attractions in Port Dickson, but there is the Tanjung Tuan lookout. Time is best spent here at one of the great resorts or the beach. This is one of my favourite destinations in Malaysia for an affordable resort getaway.

Getting to Port Dickson: You can get there by bus, taxi or rental car. It is about 60km from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Tanjung Tuan

Top place to stay: Lexis Hibiscus – Click here for the latest prices.

Read our best guides to Port Dickson here.

Melaka (also known as Malacca)

One of the other best places to see in Malaysia is Melaka. This beautiful historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best destinations in Malaysia if you love history, interesting architecture and exploring somewhere on foot.

Melaka has a fascinating multicultural past, with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences still visible throughout the historic centre. You’ll find colourful colonial buildings, old churches, temples and mosques, all within a relatively compact area that’s easy to explore.

It’s a particularly enjoyable destination if you prefer your cities bite-sized, navigable and full of character.

Two of the major historical attractions in Melaka are A Famosa, the remains of a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, and the Stadthuys, a distinctive red Dutch colonial building. Jonker Street is where you’ll find many of the main attractions. You’ll also want to visit Melaka River and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

Melaka isn’t just a great place to visit; it’s also very easy to get to. It’s very accessible from Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur International Airport and you can day trip here from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

Getting to Melaka: You can get there by plane, bus, car and boat.

Top Attraction to visit: Jonker Street

Top place to stay:  Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka – Click here for the latest prices.

Read our best guides to Melaka here.

Johor Bahru

Legoland Malaysia The Great Lego Race VR Coaster
The Great Lego Race VR Coaster

Johor Bahru is located right across the border from Singapore, making it one of the easiest places to visit in Malaysia if you’re travelling from Singapore. However, there’s more to Johor Bahru than simply being a convenient border crossing.

For families, the biggest attraction is LEGOLAND Malaysia, one of the country’s best-known theme parks. With its LEGO-themed rides, miniature landmarks and water park, it’s particularly good for younger children and makes Johor Bahru a great choice for a family getaway. Read our full guide here.

There’s plenty to enjoy beyond LEGOLAND too. You can explore the historic Jalan Tan Hiok Nee area, visit the beautiful Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque or spend some time discovering the city’s shopping centres, cafes and local food scene. Johor Bahru is also a great place to try Johorean specialities such as laksa Johor and kacang pool.

Another reason to visit is the accommodation. Johor Bahru has some excellent hotels, often offering good value compared with staying across the border in Singapore. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend of shopping and eating or a family holiday built around LEGOLAND, it’s well worth considering.

Getting to Johor Bahru: You can reach Johor Bahru by bus, car or train from Singapore, although border-crossing times can vary considerably. There are also domestic flights to Senai International Airport and bus connections from other Malaysian cities.

Top Attraction to visit:  Legoland Malaysia

Top place to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru – Click here for the latest prices

Read our best guides to Johor Bahru here.

Tioman Island

Juara Beach Tioman Island
Juara Beach on Tioman Island

Tioman Island was once named one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Despite its popularity, it’s easy to feel like you’ve escaped the world here. It’s relatively untouched and makes for a wonderful destination to visit in Malaysia. And the beaches are some of the best in Malaysia.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs which make it great for scuba diving. Must-see spots include Air Batang (or ABC Beach), one of the main settlements on the island, where you can find cheap beer and meals, and Juara Beach.

The island is also great for hiking. You’ll want to visit Aash Waterfall, hike across the island from west to east, as well as visit Paya beach.

If you’re looking for somewhere that feels a world away from everyday life without being too difficult to reach, Tioman is a great choice.

Getting to Tioman Island: Travel to Tioman by ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. Find our full guide here.

Top Attraction to visit: Turtles at Juara Beach

Top place to stay: Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here for our full guide to Tioman Island.

Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara Canopy Walk
Taman Negara Canopy Walk

If you want to experience Malaysia’s incredible rainforests, Taman Negara is one of the best places to do it. This famous national park protects an ancient tropical rainforest estimated to be around 130 million years old and offers a completely different experience from Malaysia’s cities and beach destinations.

There are plenty of ways to explore, from guided jungle walks and boat trips along the river to longer treks into the forest. Popular attractions include Lata Berkoh, where you can enjoy a boat trip and swim, and Bukit Teresek, which offers lovely views over the surrounding rainforest. The Canopy Walkway is another popular attraction when open, although you should check its operating status before visiting.

One of the most memorable things about Taman Negara is simply being surrounded by the jungle. You can listen to the sounds of the rainforest, take a guided night walk and experience a side of Malaysia that’s very different from the usual tourist trail.

The park is generally easier to explore during the drier months, although you should still expect hot, humid conditions and occasional rain.

Getting to Taman Negara National Park: You can get there by train, taxi or car. It is a 3.5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Lata Berkoh

Top place to stay: Mutiara Taman Negara Resort – Click here to see the latest prices.

Click here to read our full guide to Taman Negara.

Cherating

Malaysia holiday destination 2021

Speaking of places to visit in Malaysia, have you considered Cherating? This laid-back coastal town has some lovely beach resorts and guesthouses, making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway. Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating is one option worth considering, particularly for families.

Club Med Cherating is another well-known resort here, although it is currently closed for renovations, so check its reopening status before planning a stay.

While the main attractions in Cherating are its beaches and resorts, you can also visit the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary, which focuses on turtle conservation and education.

The beaches in Cherating aren’t as pretty as other parts of Malaysia (apart from the stunning option at Club Med), but the resorts are great and many are well priced. It’s a great place for a short trip in Malaysia.

Getting to Cherating: The best way to get there is by bus or hire car. You can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: Cherating Beach

Top place to stay: Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating – Click here for the latest prices

Click here to read our full guide to Cherating.

Kuala Terengganu

Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque Kuala Terengganu
The beautiful Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque

Kuala Terengganu is the state capital of Terengganu, a city on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. It’s a great destination if you love good food, friendly locals and an interesting range of low-key attractions.

It’s also the main jumping-off point for beautiful Redang Island, which I’ll cover next.

There is an interesting Chinatown to visit complete with street art, some great museums and some magnificent mosques. What really stood out to me when I visited this destination, however, is the friendly locals. I have never felt so welcome anywhere in Malaysia.

Getting to Kuala Terengganu: Flying is the quickest and easiest option, with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. The city is also a major bus hub.

Top Attraction to visit: Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque (or Floating Mosque)

Top place to stay:  Grand Puteri Hotel – Click here to see the latest prices.

Click here to see our full guide to Kuala Terengganu.

Redang Island

Long Beach, Redang Island from Laguna Redang Malaysia visit places
My first view of Long Beach on arrival at the Laguna Redang. Just breathtaking!

Redang Island is, simply, the most beautiful place I have ever visited.

Redang Island is a mix of pleasant resorts and pristine, white sand beaches. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Some of my favourite memories of travelling in Malaysia are from here.

The main beach is Pasir Panjang (or Long Beach) and, located on the east side of the island, it is one of the popular holiday places in Malaysia for those visiting the east of the country.

While there isn’t a huge range of attractions or a big nightlife scene like on some other Malaysian islands, Redang is perfect if you love beautiful beaches, snorkelling and a relaxing island getaway.

Getting to Redang Island: You need to travel to Redang by boat from Kuala Terengganu or Merang. Check whether your resort includes boat transfers, as many organise transport for their guests.

Top Attraction to visit: Pasir Panjang

Top place to stay: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Read our best guides to Redang Island here.

Kenyir Lake

If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and surrounded by nature, Kenyir Lake is one of Malaysia’s most interesting destinations. Located in Terengganu, it’s the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, with an enormous network of waterways, forested islands and beautiful rainforest scenery.

One of the best ways to experience Kenyir Lake is by boat. You can arrange day trips to explore its waterfalls, caves and surrounding jungle, or stay on a houseboat and spend several days discovering different parts of the lake. It’s also a popular destination for fishing and nature lovers.

Some of the attractions around the lake include Bewah Cave, Taat Cave and several beautiful waterfalls. However, one of the biggest appeals is simply being out on the water, surrounded by greenery and away from Malaysia’s busier tourist destinations.

If you’d prefer to stay on land, Primula by the Lake is a newer accommodation option worth considering.

Kenyir Lake is a wonderful choice if you want to experience a quieter, less-visited side of Malaysia, particularly if you enjoy nature, outdoor activities and getting away from it all.

Getting to Kenyir Lake: A 50-minute drive from Kuala Terengganu Airport. You can fly there from Kuala Lumpur.

Top Attraction to visit: The lake

Top place to stay: Primula by the Lake – Click here to see the latest prices

Perhentian Islands

resort long beach Perhentian
Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil

If your idea of paradise involves white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water and colourful coral reefs, the Perhentian Islands should be high on your list of places to visit in Malaysia.

Located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, these beautiful islands are particularly popular for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can explore coral reefs teeming with marine life, relax on gorgeous beaches, go kayaking or take a walk through the jungle.

There are two main islands to choose from. Perhentian Kecil is generally the livelier of the two, with more budget accommodation and a backpacker atmosphere, particularly around Long Beach. Perhentian Besar tends to be quieter, with more resort-style accommodation, making it a popular choice for families and couples.

Both islands offer beautiful beaches and excellent opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment. If you’re looking for a relaxing island escape without the high-rise developments and busy shopping areas of larger destinations, the Perhentians are hard to beat.

Getting to Perhentian Islands: You will need to take a boat there. The main ferry terminal is in Kuala Besut. Instructions are here.

Top Attraction to visit: Coral Bay

Top place to stay: Perhentian Island Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Read our best guides to the Perhentian Islands here.

Kota Bharu

Kampung Kraftangan, Kota Bharu
Kampung Kraftangan in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan, a conservative city on the east coast of the mainland.

Kota Bharu is relatively laid back with some interesting places to visit like Istana Jahar, a 19th-century royal residence, Istana Balai Besar or Grand Palace, as well as other museums and mosques.

There’s also a vibrant night market and street art scene. While Kota Bharu might not be at the top of everyone’s Malaysia itinerary, spending a few hours or a couple of days in Kota Bharu allows you to see laid-back Malaysian life – without the tourists – and it’s a useful stopover if you’re heading to Kuala Besut for the Perhentian islands as well.

The city offers visitors a chance to experience a different pace of life and to see the cultural heart of Malaysia. As such, it’s one of the interesting places to visit in Malaysia.

Getting to Kota Bharu: Flying is the fastest/easiest way to get there, but you can also get there by train, bus and car.

Top Attraction to visit: Istana Jahar

Top place to stay: Hotel Perdana – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here to see our guide to Kota Bharu.

Kuching

Kuching, also known as Cat City, is the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo and one of my favourite cities in Malaysia. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful waterfront and a fascinating mix of cultures, making it a wonderful place to spend a few days.

One of the highlights is simply wandering along the Kuching Waterfront, particularly in the evening when the riverfront comes alive. You can also visit the impressive Borneo Cultures Museum, explore the city’s temples and heritage buildings or stop at the quirky Cat Museum. Make sure you try some of the local food too, particularly Sarawak laksa and kolo mee.

Kuching is also a fantastic base for exploring Borneo’s natural attractions. Nearby Bako National Park is famous for its proboscis monkeys and beautiful coastal scenery, while Semenggoh Wildlife Centre offers the chance to see semi-wild orangutans in a protected forest environment.

It’s this combination of an enjoyable city, interesting culture and easy access to incredible wildlife that makes Kuching such a special destination.

Getting to Kuching: The best way to get to Kuching is to fly. Several budget airlines fly here.

Top Attraction to visit: Cat Museum

Top place to stay: Hilton Kuching – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here to read our full guide to Kuching.

Kota Kinabalu

Sunset in Kota Kinabalu
Sunset in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city in Borneo with plenty of attractions and activities, particularly for nature lovers. It’s a fantastic destination if you want to combine beautiful beaches, island hopping and some of Malaysia’s most spectacular natural scenery.

One of the biggest attractions is Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a collection of tropical islands just a short boat ride from the city. Gaya Island and Manukan Island are particularly popular, offering opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, jungle trekking and simply relaxing on the beach.

Kota Kinabalu is also a convenient starting point for exploring Kinabalu Park and Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest mountain. Even if you’re not planning to climb the mountain, the surrounding highland scenery and walking trails make the area well worth visiting.

Back in the city, you can explore the local markets, enjoy the waterfront and watch the sunset over the South China Sea. This combination of city attractions, tropical islands and easy access to Sabah’s mountains makes Kota Kinabalu one of the most interesting destinations in Malaysian Borneo.

Getting to Kota Kinabalu: The easiest way to get to Kota Kinabalu is by flying.

Top Attraction to visit: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Top place to stay: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here to read our full guide to Kota Kinabalu.

Sandakan

Borneo Orangutan in Sandakan, Sepilok, Sabah
Orangutan in Sepilok

Sandakan, located on the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is one of the best destinations in Malaysia for wildlife lovers. While there aren’t a huge number of attractions within the town itself, it’s a fantastic gateway to some of Borneo’s most memorable natural experiences.

One of the biggest highlights is the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where rescued orangutans are rehabilitated in a protected forest environment. Nearby is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you can learn about the world’s smallest bear species and see these fascinating animals.

Sandakan is also a popular starting point for trips to the Kinabatangan River, one of Borneo’s best-known wildlife destinations. River cruises offer opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, orangutans and, if you’re particularly lucky, pygmy elephants. Turtle Islands Park is another attraction in the wider Sandakan area.

The town also has important historical significance. Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates the prisoners of war who suffered and died during World War II, including those involved in the Sandakan Death Marches. It’s a confronting but worthwhile place to visit.

For me, Sandakan’s combination of extraordinary wildlife experiences and significant history makes it well worth including in a Borneo itinerary.

Getting to Sandakan: Located on Borneo, the quickest way to get there is to fly.

Top Attraction to visit: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Top place to stay: Sabah Hotel – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here to read our full guide to Sandakan.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

We hope you found somewhere just right for you in this list. Read more about other destinations in Malaysia or find the best time to visit Malaysia here or the best things to do here. Looking for places to visit in Malaysia in 2 – 4 days? Read our itineraries here and find our ultimate article to planning your trip to Malaysia here.

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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