In 2011, Malaysia ranked 9th among the countries of the world most visited by tourists, next only to Germany. The year before that, a total of 24.6 million tourists having a Malaysian holiday was recorded.

This sudden interest in Malaysia among tourists is not surprising at all as the government strengthened its marketing campaign, “Malaysia, Truly Asia.” Thus, holiday packages to Malaysia are always easy to find and their itineraries would mostly include these UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Kinabalu Park

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Kinabalu Park (Taman Kinabalu in Malay) is one of the first national parks in Malaysia and the country’s first ever World Heritage Site. UNESCO noted its role in being one of the most important biological sites in the world. At present, the Kinabalu Park is home to more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Also designated in 2000, Gunung Mulu National Park located in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, holds amazing limestone karst formations, caves and cave networks, rock pinnacles, cliffs, and gorges. The Sarawak Chamber which is part of the park is so big that it can fit 40 Boeing 747s.

George Town

George Town city is the capital of Penang Island and was named after the British king, King George III. The city was a bustling commercial district in the 18th century and it is where banks, shipping companies, and import and export business warehouses were located. It was designated to be a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2008 due to its unique architectural landscape that portrays the culture of its people.

Malacca City

Together with George Town, Malacca City was recognized in 2008 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the two form the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. Portuguese ports are perfectly preserved up to now, something that is not usually seen in other Asian cities.

Lenggong Valley

Lenggong Valley is the most recent addition to Malaysia’s list of World Heritage Sites. Inscribed in 2012, Lenggong Valley was recognized due to the archaeological excavation that led to the discovery of the remains of the Perak Man which is more than 11 thousand years old.

Malaysia is a country with a happy mix of highly modern structures and beautiful historical sites. Apart from that, the combined culture of the country’s Chinese and Malay ancestry gives Malaysia a unique flavour. Truly, it’s a tourists’ paradise.

When in Malaysia, do not ever try to miss doing these:

See

• Visit the mosques and discover a lot about the country’s religious heritage. The Tranquerah Mosque in Malacca is one of the oldest mosques in the country as it was built 600 years ago.
• Experience a piece of Malaysian history by heading to the country’s museums. Start with the National Museum of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
• Be fascinated with the Malaysia’s urban sights. Take a souvenir photo of the Petronas Towers and be amazed at its impressive height and state-of-the-art design. Also not to be missed are Little India and Chinatown and be acquainted first-hand on Malaysia’s multi-cultural fare.

Dive

Ideally, the diving season in Malaysia is from April to September. Find vacation deals featuring popular diving spots located in the East Coast of the peninsula such as Perhentian, Redang, and Tioman. The most famous diving site, however, is the one in Sipadan which is located at the easternmost tip.

Trek and climb

Feed your adventurous spirit by doing a jungle trek at the Taman Negara National Park where marked trails and canopy tours are available for tourists. Discover Malaysia’s wildlife by visiting the Elephant Conservation Farm in Kuala Gandah and the Sepilok Rehabilation Centre in Borneo. Lastly, watch the sun rise at Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Malaysia’s very own Mount Kinabalu.

Shop

Kuala Lumpur is the shopping Mecca for tourists in Malaysia. Prepare to splurge on clothes, electronics, and more.  Popular among tourists are the batik fabrics that they take home as souvenirs.  However, the cheapest place to find ethnic souvenirs is still Kuching in East Malaysia.

Eat

Malaysian cuisine is as mixed as its rich ancestry. It has a distinct fusion of Indian, Malay, and Chinese cooking. In Malacca, Eurasian influence is evident in the food of its Portuguese Settlement.  Halal food is a staple in most restaurants.

Kuala Lumpur. Anyone who visits Malaysia for the first time stops at this vibrant, bustling city. It is here that you will find the world-renowned Petronas Towers and its viewing deck on the 81st floor. Shopping is also a must-do in KL, as you’ll find every luxury brand in malls like Bukit Bintang Plaza, as well as bargain hunts in places like Chinatown.

Malacca or Melaka. This quiet coastal city is located in Peninsular Malaysia and is about 147 km away from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. This is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia. Evidence of its Dutch colonisation is still evident in its well-preserved architectures such as the Stadthuys. Of course, you’ll also find yourself gazing at beautiful Chinese and Malay artefacts, which are the things that make Malacca such a crossroads of different culture.

Kelantan. This area of Malaysia features lush paddy fields, casuarina-lined shores, and idyllic fishing villages, which is perfect for serene and tranquil getaway. Kelantan’s charms lie in its unspoiled and remote beauty and the vivacity of its culture. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing river cruise or go jungle trekking.

Penang. Known for its natural beauty, Penang entices visitors to bathe in its golden-sand beaches, warm seas, lush greenery, and stunning architecture. Its most famous destination is Georgetown, which perfectly fuses the old and new, as well as the cultural diversity that still flourish in the city. A holiday here is like journeying back to the olden days of Malaysia.