8 Best Sights in Malaysia

Located on an island with the same name, Dayang Bunting features caves and karstic landscapes, but the biggest draw is the Lake of Pregnant Maiden. Local legend has it that the waters in this lake are beneficial to women's fertility. Possibly contributing to this tale is that, from afar, the outline of the lake appears to be shaped like a heavily pregnant woman lying on her back. Go for a dip or rent paddle boats and canoes (RMB20–RMB30) for a quiet ride on the turquoise waters. Watch out for the monkeys on the walk leading to the lake, as they're known to snatch food, drink, and anything shiny, including glasses and earrings. Travel agents throughout Langkawi can help arrange transportation to the island.

More than 7,000 artifacts make up the permanent collection at Southeast Asia's biggest museum of Islamic arts. Pieces range from delicate jewelry and vibrant tapestries to hand-written Korans and large-scale architectural models. The 12 permanent galleries represent the diversity of Islamic people and the multicultural heritage of Malaysia. If the Arms and Armour gallery doesn't appeal to kids, the Children's Library will; it's packed with books and also offers arts and crafts. Visit the on-site restaurant for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, and stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up Islamic crafts and jewelry to take home.

A nearby cascade of water has given Penang Botanic Gardens the widely known nickname of the "Waterfall Gardens." Originally established by the British back in 1884 out of an old granite quarry site, the gardens lie in a deep valley and feature 30 hectares (75 acres) of tropical forests. Keep an eye out for long-tailed macaques, dusky leaf monkeys, and black giant squirrels, and be sure not to feed the monkeys—there are plenty of signs to remind you and a steep fine for anyone who breaks the law. Don't try and tempt them with snacks or bottled drinks either; they'll simply snatch them from you, occasionally aggressively.

Formerly named Lake Gardens, this is city's most popular park, dating back to the 1880s and spread over 92 hectares (227 acres) of green. It's built around a man-made lake, and boats are available for rental on the weekends; free tai chi sessions also take place early most mornings, and jogging trails attract plenty of locals. The gardens have a number of interesting sections, including the Bird Park (with some 200 species) and the Butterfly Park, which has more than 7,000 winged creatures fluttering about. There is a café, shaded paths, and gazebos to take a break from the sometimes intense sun, but the gardens are the most comfortable spot to relax in the early morning or late afternoon. Free guided tours are available weekdays 8–10, but you should book in advance via email ([email protected]).

Completed in 1996, this 88-story twin structure encased in steel and glass is now one of Malaysia's most iconic buildings. The towers were inspired by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad's vision of an internationally recognized landmark that would symbolize courage and the advancement of the nation—exactly what the Petronas Towers have become to many. Skybridge, the double-decker structure connecting the two towers and also the world's highest two-story bridge, helps form the letter "M" for Malaysia. Take the elevator up to Skybridge, walk across on the 42nd level, and then zip up to the 86th floor to take in the expansive panorama. Note that tickets for Petronas Tower are limited and issued on a first-come, first-serve basis daily, so show up early—doors open at 8:30 am and tickets go quickly. There are plenty of shops and places to eat at the base of the towers. Adjacent is Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park, whose playgrounds and long, inviting pool will keep kids happy for hours. You can also glimpse the towers from a distance at night for a brilliant light show.

If you've never been snorkeling, the perfect way to experience it for the first time is with a day trip out to Pulau Payar Marine Park, 19 nautical miles off the southern tip of Langkawi. Made up of four islands, the park was established in 1985 as the first marine park in Malaysia. A floating platform off Pulau Payar houses an underwater observation chamber where you can view the marine life surrounding the reef—perfect even for nonswimmers. Everyone else can dive under and get a first-hand look at various types of coral and brightly colored fish. Keep in mind that during public holidays in China, this is a popular activity and can get very crowded. Given the option, it is well worth springing for the buffet lunch package rather than the bagged lunch. Langkawi Coral is one of the main tour operators for the park and can help organize day trips.

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.

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.