39 Best Sights in Malaysia

Created in 1976 as a protected habitat for nesting green turtles, this 27-square-mile park features walking trails and pristine beaches, including Golden Beach, where green turtles lay their eggs between July and September. More than 180 types of birds can be spotted here too, as well as crocodiles, dolphins, and porpoises. About a half-hour drive (19 miles) northeast of Bintulu pier, this is a lovely place to stroll, laze on the beaches, or to rent a boat to cruise around.

Rides on this cable car take you all the way to the top of Mt. Machincan, Langkawi's second highest peak. From more than 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, visitors enjoy a 360-degree view of all of Langkawi, along with parts of southern Thailand. Gaping chasms, cliff walls, and caves are all part of the stunning panorama. At the top you can also traverse the 125-meter-long (410-foot-long) SkyBridge, a suspension bridge hanging some 100 meters (330 feet) above ground. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Hike up 638 steps to reach the top of the Telaga Tujuh (meaning "seven wells") Waterfall. This natural wonder offers a lookout tower with views of Buray Bay and Pantai Kok from the top, as well as seven fresh pools to cool off in after the trek. Stone channels between pools provide smooth slides to get from one to the next. There is a legend that fairies used to bathe in these waters, and infused them with supposed healing powers. December through April is dry season so the waterfalls shrink to a trickle then, but the climb to the top and the rewarding swim are still nice. Be sure to wear or bring your bathing suit (there are changing rooms), and plenty of water to drink on the way up.

Located south of the city center, this six-tiered Chinese temple is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother, Thean Hou. Funded by donations from within the Malaysian Chinese community, the temple opened in 1989. Inside and out, it's a riot of color—lots of red (symbolic of prosperity), shades of green from lime to celadon, and gold roofs with upturned eaves topped with intricate dragons and phoenix statues. From the upper decks, you can take in the Kuala Lumpur skyline, or pay a visit to the wishing well, medicinal herb garden, and several souvenir and food stalls. Though you'll get better photos during the day, the temple is also lovely at night with its brightly lit paper lanterns. The closest monorail station is Tun Sambanthan, but from there it's still nearly a half-hour walk, so it's easiest to take a taxi straight from the city center.

Staffed by some of the friendliest folks in Borneo, Sandakan's tourist information centre has extensive information on attractions in and around town.

You can discover some 500 species of tropical flora and fauna during a wander around Tropical Spice Garden's three winding trails. The shaded Jungle Trail overlooks a stream and displays ferns and wild orchids, while exotic flora is tucked away in the heart of the valley on the Ornamental Trail. The Spice Trail is where you will find more than 100 spices and herbs used for cooking, as well as for medicines, dyes, and perfumes. Stop by the visitor center to learn about cooking courses on offer; sip on a cool lime soda in the Tree Monkey Restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the bay; and make sure to swing by the gift shop for spice-inspired souvenirs.

Named in honor of the nation's first prime minister, this marine park is a cluster of five islands. Visit the Jesselton Point jetty and hire a speedboat to take you on a 20-minute ride to the island of your choice. Pulau Sapi is a popular pick for snorkelers and offers 5 km (3 miles) of nature trails through the interior of the island for hikers, and Pulau Manukan has always been a favorite, being the most developed and offering various recreational facilities. Can't decide on just one? Negotiate a price for an island-hopping itinerary.

Three islands—Selingan, Bakungan, and Gulisan—and their surrounding waters comprise this marine wildlife reserve where, throughout the year, endangered green and hawksbill turtles come after dark to dig nests and lay their eggs in the warm sands. The eggs are then gathered by rangers and transferred to hatcheries to keep them from poachers who sell the eggs as delicacies. Wildlife officials permit visits to the islands. You can take a one hour speedboat ride north from Sandakan, by organized overnight tour only, and places are limited. Most Sandakan tour operators can arrange trips.

Malaysia's largest aquarium sits at the southern end of Pantai Cenang. It's a popular attraction for those traveling with kids in tow, as well as anyone needing an air-conditioned break after too much time in the sun. The 6-acre compound is divided into three sections: Tropical Rainforest, Temperate, and Sub-Antarctic. Highlights include a marine tunnel with giant grouper, sharks, and green turtles; penguin, otter, and fur-seal feeding sessions; and a 3-D theater screening videos related to the sea.