12 things to do in Malaysia and an event guide for 2021

1. Release your inner child at Legoland

Visit Malaysia's first international theme park, Legoland. It's a favourite for both adults and kids. Inside, you'll find creations like Angkor Wat from Cambodia made out of Lego, as well as over 40 rides and attractions. When you're tired of rides, you can make your way to the world's largest Legoland water park.

• Pocket-friendly option: Legoland Admission Ticket
• The ultimate experience: Legoland VIP Expedition

2. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers

Head to one of Malaysia's most iconic attractions, the Petronas Twin Towers. Make your way up to the 41st floor to reach the Sky Bridge, then ascend up to level 86 to be met with breathtaking views overlooking Kuala Lumpur. The attraction provides the perfect photo opportunity with a stunning backdrop during golden hour.

• Pocket-friendly option: Skip-The-Line Petronas Twin Towers Admission Ticket
• The ultimate experience: Petronas Towers Observation Deck and KL Tower Ticket

3. Discover the Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are located north of Kuala Lumpur in the limestone hills. Climb the 272 steps, passing macaques on your to the 42-metre-high gold-painted statues of the Hindi god, Murugan. Step out of the city and explore the picturesque countryside that is home to serene views, caves and shrines.

• Pocket-friendly option: Batu Caves Half-Day Tour
• The ultimate experience: Private Tour to the Batu Caves

4. Hang out with marine life at Aquaria

Aquaria is one of Asia's most impressive aquariums. Head to the 90-metre-long underwater walkway tunnel to see fish and sharks. Spot the array of marine life including tiger sharks, sea turtles and red-bellied piranhas. Make the most of your visit to Aquaria by swimming with sharks, stringrays and other marine creatures with the Cage Rage experience.

• Pocket-friendly option: Aquaria Ticket
• The ultimate experience: Aquaria Cage Rage Experience

5. Taste your way through Malaysia with a food tour

Taste the best food Malaysia has to offer with a food tour that takes you to the best spots that locals love. You can expect to try a range of dishes that draw from Malay, Indian and Chinese influence during a 3.5-hour walking food tour or a local street food night tour.

• Pocket-friendly option: Local Street Food Night Tour
• The ultimate experience: Half-Day Food Walking Tour

6. Visit Kuala Lumpur's theme parks and attractions

Kuala Lumpur is filled with theme parks the whole family will love. Adventurers will find solace in escaping from the humidity and visiting Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to take on the world's largest and highest water ride, Vuvuzela. A'Famosa Water Park has rides for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day hanging out in the Lazy River or sliding down some of the longest water slides in Southeast Asia, the aquatic playground is sure to create a day of fun.

• Pocket-friendly option: A'Famosa Water Theme Park
• The ultimate experience: Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park

7. Visit Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Take a trip to Penang Butterfly Farm and check out The Natureland outdoor garden and The Cocoon indoor discovery centre, where you'll get to see butterflies and insects come out to play. There are two floors of learning exhibitions and indoor activities, plus over 200 species of plants with caves, waterfalls and ponds.

• Our top pick: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

8. Explore museums

Malaysia offers incredible weather and scenery, but that doesn't mean you have to spend all of your time outdoors. The Dark Mansion is a 3D, glow-in-the-dark museum that features optical illusions and glow-in-the-dark features. The Penang 3D Trick Art Museum lets your imagination run wild with over 40 optical illusion paintings and sculptures with a mix of traditional Malaysian and modern-day elements.

• Pocket-friendly option: Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
• The ultimate experience: Dark Mansion Museum

9. Take a guided tour of Penang

Penang is filled with rich history and sights, accompanied with impressive architectural structures and temples. Explore Kek Lok Si, Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple, which is divided into three zones. Explore the street art in Georgetown, immerse yourself in the local culture and try the local food.

• Pocket-friendly option: Penang Heritage Tour
• The ultimate experience: Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing

10. Ride up to Sky Bridge

The views from the SkyCab cable car are impeccable, as you journey higher above the ground to see the jungle, geological formations and take in the local flora and fauna before stopping 650 metres above sea level to take in Malaysia's surroundings from great heights.

• Pocket-friendly option: Langkawi Cable Car and Skybridge Admission
• The ultimate experience: Langkawi Private Tour with Sky Bridge and Cable Car

11. Stretch out on pristine beaches

Malaysia is home to many white sand beaches that have ideal snorkelling spots off the coast. You'll find a variety of beaches that will be buzzing with tourists or beaches you can almost have to yourself. Langkawi has more-touristy beaches, but also offers shops and dining along the beaches so you'll be equipped with everything you need to settle in for a relaxing day.

• Top picks: Pantai Tengah Beach, Black Sand Beach and Tanjung Rhu Beach

12. Island hopping

Explore crystal-clear waters while visiting Langkawi's popular islands. Bask in the sun at Pulau Beras Bash, swim in the freshwater lake at Dayang Bunting Island and eagle watch at Big Lions Island.

• Pocket-friendly option: Langkawi Island Hopping
• The ultimate experience: Island Hopping Boat Tour

Things to do in Malaysia in summer

• Resolution Run
• Chinese New Year
• Lantern Festival
• Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
• Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

Things to do in Malaysia in winter

• Dragon Boat Festival
• Hungry Ghost Festival
• UNICEF Borneo Marathon
• Vesak Day Parade
• Borneo Cultural Festival

Things to do in Malaysia in autumn

• MyBalloonFiesta
• Songkran Water Festival
• Sabah International Fishing Tournament
• Penang International Food Festival
• Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition

Things to do in Malaysia in spring

• KL International Jazz and Arts Festival
• Cooler Lumpur Festival
• Borneo International Kite Festival
• Malaysia Fashion Week
• Penang Bridge International Marathon