Imagine hearing the call to prayer at daybreak, visiting a Chinese temple at noon, and enjoying banana leaf rice for dinner, all within one vicinity. Believe it or not, that routine is the usual in Malaysia, and is now becoming part of the itinerary tourists look forward to the most during their visit here.
If you’re planning your very first trip to Malaysia, expect a destination where daily life blends naturally with multicultural tradition and where every state offers something completely different from the last. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start because this guide is here to list the top 10 things to do in Malaysia for first-time visitors, from iconic landmarks and food heavens to unique cultural sites.
1. Kuala Lumpur Tour with KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Kuala Lumpur is among the world’s top 10 most visited cities in 2025. For first-time visitors to Malaysia, exploring Kuala Lumpur is a must. It might sound overwhelming at first, especially if you rely on looking up “attractions near me” or “things to do near me” on search engines to experience the city, but going around Kuala Lumpur now gets so much easier with tour buses like KL Hop-On Hop-Off.
The open-top double-decker bus takes you past 27 major landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC, and KL Tower, with the flexibility to stop wherever you like. You can conveniently purchase the KL Hop-On Hop-Off passes from redBus, including 24-hour and 48-hour day tour passes and a limited night tour pass.
2. Petronas Twin Towers
Visiting the Petronas Twin Towers is a must if you’re travelling to Malaysia for the first time. This iconic 88-level twin structure is the jewel in the crown of Kuala Lumpur, defining the city’s skyline and offering panoramic views from the Skybridge and Observation Deck. Visiting not only offers a stunning photo opportunity but also a chance to experience Malaysia’s modern architectural pride up close.
You can easily get here by LRT (Light Rail Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), Monorail or KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu). The Petronas Twin Towers are located right at the KLCC LRT Station. The KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus also stops at this landmark for both day and night tours. Alternatively, you can get here with a taxi.
3. Aquaria KLCC
Located just a walk away from the Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC offers a refreshing indoor escape from the city heat. This attraction is especially ideal if you’re travelling with family or simply want something different from skyscrapers. With daily animal interaction, feeding sessions, and shows, you can enjoy a relaxing and immersive experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Aquaria KLCC is also located at the KLCC LRT Station. Available transportation options to get here directly include the LRT and the KL Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. Skip the queue at the ticketing counter and get even lower prices when you book Aquaria KLCC tickets online through redBus.
4. KL Tower
KL Tower is another iconic landmark and identity of Malaysia that you must visit as a first-time visitor. Serving as an observation tower, this 421-metre-tall building offers a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur, both indoors and outdoors. Besides the Observation Deck and open-air Sky Terrace, another popular appeal of the tower is the Glass Box, where you can walk in a transparent glass cube extending 300 metres from the ground.
Unlike other surrounding skyscrapers, KL Tower sits on a hilltop of Bukit Nanas, offering an even higher vantage point that allows you to spot Genting Highlands at night. Online tickets for KL Tower are available on redBus at cheaper-than-counter prices.
5. Central Market & Petaling Street, Pasar Seni
If you want to experience Kuala Lumpur’s street culture and local flavours in one walkable area, Central Market and Petaling Street are the perfect combination. They are just a few minutes apart and easily accessible via the Pasar Seni LRT or MRT Stations, and are packed with souvenirs, street food, temples, and hidden alleys with aesthetic cafes worth exploring.
In case no one told you, Pasar Seni is filled with TikTok-viral foods, including Mee Tarik (Chinese hand-pulled noodles), dumplings, and Malatang (Chinese numbing hot soup). It is truly the kind of place where you can spend hours without a strict plan. Browse traditional handicrafts at Central Market, hunt for bargains and street snacks along Petaling Street, and explore the cute cafes and viral restaurants around Pasar Seni.
6. Zoo Negara (National Zoo of Malaysia)
Zoo Negara is another must-visit attraction in Malaysia, especially if you’re looking for a nature-filled escape without leaving Kuala Lumpur. Home to over 4000 animals, including recently arrived pandas from China, Zoo Negara offers a rewarding experience surrounded by wildlife. Don’t miss taking photos of another superstar at Zoo Negara, Oyen the cat, who went viral globally and loves hanging out with the capybaras!
Zoo Negara is an easy addition to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, especially for families or animal lovers. Get exclusive discounts when you book your Zoo Negara tickets online through redBus. With a quick, straightforward booking process, you will receive instant confirmation on your device for a hassle-free visit.
7. Batu Caves, Gombak
Just outside Kuala Lumpur stands one of Malaysia’s most recognisable landmarks, Batu Caves. The magnificent golden Murugan statue and the vibrant 272-step staircase are the icons of this cave temple. While it is a sacred place of worship for Hindu devotees, the temple welcomes all visitors to explore its beauty and attend its celebrations.
Batu Caves is where you can observe one of Malaysia’s major religions, practised by most Indians in the country. Even a quick visit can be impactful as it blends natural formation with religious significance. To make planning easier, you can explore Batu Caves and its nearby attractions with the available guided tours on redBus.
8. Bandar Hilir, Melaka
Melaka is where Malaysia’s colonial past comes vividly to life, perfect for a historical tour. In Bandar Hilir, you can find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as St. Paul’s Church, Christ Church, and Stadthuys, which remain strong with distinct colonial features. Within the same area, you can also visit the Maritime Museum and Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, deep-diving into Melaka’s rich history.
Melaka is also famous for its Baba Nyonya foods. Don’t forget to explore the local cuisine, such as the Nyonya laksa, Nyonya curry, Pai Tee, and more delicious options during your trip. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guided tour in Melaka, redBus offers a list of valuable and appealing guided tour packages in Melaka. Explore redBus Things To Do now and grab the discounts and offers while they last.
9. George Town, Penang
George Town is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers the perfect balance of colonial history and exquisite street food. You can simply explore its beauty by walking around the old streets and antique buildings, finding intricate temples and picturesque murals. Beyond the city, Penang Hill and coastal beaches add scenic variety to your trip. Popular attractions such as The Habitat Penang Hill and the Street Food and History Walking Tour can be conveniently booked through redBus.
Also popular for its food, Penang is where you should find viral foods like the street oyster omelette, cendol, char kue tiau and Penang laksa, as well as nasi kandar (mixed rice). There are also a variety of small cafes around the city worth visiting, especially after a long day of walking or after the hearty, savoury meals.
10. Langkawi Island, Kedah
Langkawi Island is another must-visit destination in Malaysia, especially if you’re looking for a healing, away-from-the-city, island holiday. Located in Kedah, Langkawi Island is also known as the jewel of the state. While there is a lot to see and do on this island, one place that you can’t miss is the SkyBridge. It is the world’s longest free-span curved bridge, accessible via the Langkawi Cable Car (SkyCab).
Book the SkyBridge and SkyCab tickets in advance with redBus and receive instant confirmation upon checkout. Aside from that, you can also explore other activities in Langkawi, such as snorkelling, island-hopping tours, kayaking, sunset cruises, and more. redBus offers a seamless booking experience and countless deals just for you.
Tips for a More Seamless Visit
- Always book your tickets online in advance to save time
- Bring sun protection, an umbrella, or a raincoat in case of unpredictable weather
- Bring your own water and light snacks for long walks
- Prepare both cash and cashless payment in case of an emergency
- Study the public train map if you wish to use it during your Kuala Lumpur trip.
Conclusion
From iconic skyscrapers and heritage towns to wildlife exploration and island escapes, Malaysia offers a wide range of experiences for every kind of traveller. This list highlights some of the must-visit attractions for first-time visitors, but it only scratches the surface of what the country offers. Beyond these recommendations, there are countless theme parks, nature adventures, and hidden gems to be explored. Browse a wider range of attractions and activities across Malaysia on redBus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are some of the most visited places in Malaysia that you must consider during your trip:
– Petronas Twin Towers
– KL Tower
– Batu Caves
– Central Market
– Penang Hill
– Langkawi SkyBridge
– Cameron Highlands
– Genting Highlands
There’s no single most-voted beautiful beach in Malaysia, but you can definitely choose one from this list of the most popular beaches in the country:
– Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Kedah
– Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
– Redang Island, Terengganu
– Tioman Island, Pahang
If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, you can explore the lively city with the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Night Tour bus, which starts at 8 PM. During peak seasons, the weekend, school holidays and public holidays, you can find street vendors still opening until late at night. This is the best time to explore local street food and culture. Other popular cities, such as Bandar Hilir and George Town, Penang, also keep the night alive during these seasons.
Malaysia is best known for its multicultural identity and diverse local cuisines. If you visit Malaysia, you must try the popular dishes, including Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Bak Kut Teh, banana leaf rice, satay, and char kue tiau.
Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place to observe Malaysia’s cultural diversity. Within the same city, you can visit the National Mosque and Malay Village, Chinatown and Little India. Not only can you learn about the three major cultures, but you can also learn about the minority ethnic groups in other states at the National Museum of Malaysia.