12 Worth Experiencing Things To Do in Malaysia

Being on vacation is a great reason to start doing things you’ve always wanted to do.

16:55 03 November 2019

While you can do many things in your own country, it’s so much more exciting to experience an entirely new culture and get out of your comfort zone while traveling. So, if you’re planning to visit Malaysia any time soon then let’s take a look at just a few of the many things you can enjoy there.

1. Get to know the locals

If you’re in Malaysia for a while, it could be a great idea to visit an Iban village to get the proper local experience. However, it is worth mentioning that this trip will not only involve a journey across the river, but also camping overnight or staying in one of the village homes. It will definitely be an interesting experience.

First, you’ll be greeted with traditional songs and ceremonies from the lovely, friendly villagers, and it is always a nice gesture to have a small gift that you can present to the villagers for their lovely hospitality. Spending time with the locals will give you an inside perspective on the customs and traditions of the villagers. One of the many custom performances that they like to entertain the tourists with is a performance where cloth and puppets are used to form different shadows. With different story-telling, you’ll be amazed by the unique performances and ceremonies you’ll get to view.

2. Take part in a wedding ceremony

We’re not asking you to be the groom or the bride, but it would be a fascinating experience to attend a Malaysian wedding ceremony. Not only will you get to witness the Malay culture, but there are many different stages to a Malaysian wedding ceremony that will help you understand the mix of different rituals of the most common ethnic groups and heritages intertwined together over the years, making it an experience that definitely should not be missed. But before you dive in headfirst, here’s a small idea of what to expect, so you know which parts you would be welcome to attend. The wedding ceremonies take part over several days, starting with a berinal, which is similar to a bachelorette party for just the bride and her bridesmaids. Henna plays a very important role in Malaysian wedding etiquette and is part of not only one, but multiple berinals over the course of the wedding ceremony. After the bride has had her fun with her bridesmaids, there is another berinal with the groom before the official wedding binding takes place.

The night before the wedding, a small celebration occurs either at a public mosque or at the bride’s house with the presence of an Imam who reads a few verses from the Quran, gives the groom advice on the duties and responsibilities that are expected of him and then declares the marriage solemn allowing both parties to sign the marriage contract. The following day, the celebration begins once the groom is notified that the bride is ready and starts heading over to her house with the groomsmen following behind along with drum bands that play traditional Malay music. Friends and family also start to join in and make their way to the bride’s house. One of the fun traditional parts of a Malaysian wedding ceremony is that all guests take part in trying to prevent the groom from reaching his pretty bride. So, if you’re planning on attending a wedding, remember; you’ve got quite a task and it will be even more fun when the groom tries to ‘bribe’ you as well as the other guests with money to reach her.

But the most beautiful part of the wedding is known as the bersanding ceremony, where the bride and groom are seated on thrones and guests not only shower them with heartfelt blessings, but also throws yellow rice and flower petals on them as they are symbols of fertility. During the bersanding ceremony, there could be many different performances according to what the bride and groom would like at their wedding. Whether it’s a mix of martial arts or music and Quran verses, it is usually an epic experience.

And don’t forget the best part: the food. The makan berdamai is the part of the ceremony where the bride and groom have their very first meal as husband and wife. You’ll find a wide range of exquisite Malaysian cuisine you can indulge in and get to experience the culture like nothing else. So, if you have a chance to attend a wedding, don’t think twice! Just remember, a traditional wedding gift to present is money.

3. Discover martial arts from a new perspective

Whether you’re a fan of martial arts or not, it’s time to get to know Pencak silat. This form of martial arts is popular in important events, numerous occasions as well as gatherings and ceremonies. It is a thrill to watch the performers swiftly dance with a combination of high energy motion. Getting to see this performance first-hand will change your mind about martial arts, even if you’re not the biggest enthusiast.

4. Visit its one and only casino

While Malaysians love to gamble, there is only one casino in town. However, it is a work of art as it is not only massive in terms of size, but is also home to over 3000 slot machines and 400 gaming tables. The Resorts World Genting Casino is one of the biggest casinos in the world. And even though this is the only official casino in Malaysia, there are a few other licensed clubs where you can gamble legally. If you’ve ever come across an online casino Malaysia then you’ll know how serious Malaysians are about gambling. With Malaysia’s online casinos being a huge hit, imagine how exciting it would be to gamble in their country? So, if you’re ever in town and looking to have a night to remember, it’s definitely time to put some cash aside and take some risks.

5. Go trekking

It’s time to leave your couch and the series you’re hooked up on and start exploring the wilderness. Isn’t that what holidays are all about? While in Malaysia, you should definitely explore the beautiful scenery they have and go trekking in Taman Negara National Park. Embark on a new adventure and walk the longest canopy walk in the world. Doesn’t that sound like a challenge you’d only take because you’re on holiday? So, put on your comfy shoes, slip into your sportswear, and get to it.

You’ll also find numerous treks around the park that can go as long as 100 km, but if that freaks you out, then there are also other enjoyable hikes that are more suitable for beginners. While wandering in the park, you’ll come across fascinating wildlife and plants where you can stop and gaze at the beauty that nature has to offer. The park is also home to an indigenous tribe called the Orang Asli, translated to Original People. The name was derived as this tribe is said to be the very first inhabitants of Malaysia.

6. Go diving

It’s time to get over your fears of the underwater and give yourself the chance to experience something entirely new. While in Malaysia, you can visit one of the beautiful group of islands in the state of Terengganu. You can even go island-hopping with the help of the water taxis and experience the beauty of each island on its own. You’ll find the water to not only be captivating, but also have so many shades of blue that you just can’t resist the temptation to dive in. Whether you’re considering snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll have a hell of an experience with what nature has to offer. And after a long day in the sun, you can dine on freshly caught fish cooked on the beach to make your holiday truly memorable.

7. Climb a mountain

After giving trekking a shot and overcoming that 100 km hiking trail, it’s time to take on a new challenge and climb to the highest point in Malaysia: Mount Kinabalu. To reach the mountain, you’ll also cross a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park. In order to reach the summit, you’ll have to hike 4,095.2 m above sea level; however, the trailhead itself covers 8.72 km. It is worth mentioning that a summit climb takes two days and one night and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. It is also essential for hikers to be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times. Whether you choose to reach the summit or not, Mount Kinabalu offers incredible types of flora, fauna, and fungi. Just beware that there is a risk of altitude sickness due to the height.

8. Overcome your fear of heights

What better way to try and overcome your fear of heights than by getting to experience a bird’s-eye view of the magnificent island of Langkawi? All you have to do is pluck up the courage to get into a cable car at the oriental village in Teluk Burau and let it take you up to the majestic heights of Mount Machinchang and Langkawi Sky Bridge. The journey will only last for 15 minutes, but will give you an incredible view of the magnificent island and will totally be worth getting over your fears. There’s something about being high up in the sky, surrounded by nature that gives you an overwhelming feeling that will be the highlight of your trip.

9. Visit a theme park

When traveling abroad, it’s the best time to actually go out of your way to have some fun. Rekindle your childhood memories and visit a theme park, but not just any theme park. The Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh is full of archeological wonder, theme parks, and a resort making it a one-stop attraction full of a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re in the mood for a splash at the water park, saying hello to the animals in the zoo, getting a glimpse of the wide array of fish in the aquarium or getting lost in rides and adventures, there is so much that the Lost World of Tambun has to offer.

10. Visit a cave

While this is something you probably won’t find at home, in Malaysia, you get the chance to explore the Batu Caves. The caves and temples are Hindu shrines and are a place of worship and a site of pilgrimage for Tamil residents of Malaysia. You’ll get the chance to marvel at the limestone cliffs and even go rock-climbing with over 160 climbing routes in the area. Don’t be afraid if you encounter a bat, as many wild monkeys, as well as bats, consider these caves to be their natural habitat. 

11. Wander through ChinaTown

Wherever you are in the world, China Town is always a one-of-a-kind experience. But in Malaysia, the Chinese culture evident in the walls of China Town is truly fascinating. You can visit the unique Chinese markets, attractions, as well as authentic Chinese cuisine created by the large population residing in Malaysia.

12. Indulge yourself with self-care at a spa

After all the adventure that you did all throughout Malaysia, this is your chance to have all the tension in your muscles released and relax beyond belief under the magic of a masseuse’s fingers kneading into your shoulders. The experience is truly therapeutic and whether you’re looking for a body scrub, exfoliation, mask or massage, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from that will suit your exact needs. This is one experience that will make you forget about all that tension you’ve been building up for months and help heal your body from the pain.

Being a country full of culture, traditions and a wide range of activities as well as beautiful scenery, there’s something about Malaysia that encourages any visitor to shed their skin, get out of their comfort zone and do things that they would never have experienced in their own country. It’s time to get ready for an exciting adventure and be prepared to try many new experiences.