Exploring Malaysia: skyscrapers, tropical islands, and a celebration around every corner

COUNTRY EXPERT

Amirah Azhar

Retention Manager
Malaysia constantly surprises you with its diversity. Modern skylines stand alongside colonial towns, tropical islands sit within reach of bustling cities, and cultures, languages, and cuisines blend together in ways that make every region feel slightly different.
You can spend the morning admiring world-famous skyscrapers, the afternoon exploring rainforests or coral reefs, and the evening sharing food during a festival celebration. For many travelers, that variety is exactly what makes Malaysia so memorable.

What to see

The Petronas Twin Towers: Malaysia’s modern icon

Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable as the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Still holding the title of the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers, the towers have become the defining symbol of modern Malaysia.

During the day, their stainless-steel facades gleam against the skyline, while at night they become even more impressive as the city lights come alive around them. National celebrations such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve often transform the area into a gathering place filled with lights, excitement, and spectacular fireworks.

Local tip:

The Petronas Twin Towers

Visit after dark when the towers are illuminated and the surrounding park offers some of the best photo opportunities in the city.

Mount Kinabalu: a mountain that feels like home

Rising above the island of Borneo, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Malaysia and one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated natural landmarks.

Many travelers come to climb the mountain itself, but you don’t have to reach the summit to appreciate its beauty. The nearby town of Kundasang offers stunning views of the peak, particularly during the early morning when the mountain emerges above the clouds.

Local tip:

Mount Kinabalu

Even if you’re not planning to hike, spend a night in Kundasang for sunrise views over the mountain.

Melaka Red Square: where history meets childhood memories

Malaysia’s history comes alive in Melaka, one of the country’s most fascinating cultural destinations. At the heart of the city lies the famous Red Square, surrounded by distinctive Dutch colonial buildings, museums, and centuries of history.

For many Malaysians, Melaka is also deeply tied to family memories. Childhood trips to explore museums, wander through historic streets, and discover stories from the country’s past often leave a lasting impression.

Local tip:

Melaka Red Square

Explore the area on foot and allow time to visit a few museums — they reveal the layers of cultures that helped shape modern Malaysia.

Hidden gem: Mabul Island

Mabul Island remains one of Malaysian Borneo’s hidden treasures. The island is internationally known among divers thanks to its rich marine life and proximity to some of the region’s best dive sites.

But even non-divers can enjoy crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and quiet stretches of beach that feel far removed from busier tourist destinations.

Local tip:

Mabul Island

Even if diving isn’t your thing, bring snorkeling gear — the underwater world is remarkable just offshore.

A defining local experience: national festivals

As a multicultural nation, Malaysia celebrates a wide variety of religious and cultural holidays throughout the year. Hari Raya (Eid), Chinese New Year, and Thaipusam each bring their own traditions, foods and community events.

Perhaps the most welcoming tradition is the Hari Raya “open house,” where families open their homes to guests, friends and neighbors to share food and celebrate together.

What to eat and drink

Food is at the heart of Malaysian culture, and every region has its own specialties. Some essentials include:

Nasi lemak
Malaysia’s unofficial national dish, featuring fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, peanuts, anchovies, cucumber and egg
Roti canai
Flaky flatbread often served with curry
Char kuey teow
Stir-fried noodles packed with smoky flavor
Teh tarik
Malaysia’s famous “pulled tea,” poured dramatically to create its signature frothy texture
Cendol
A refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk and palm sugar
Ais kacang
Colorful shaved ice topped with beans, syrups and fruit
Kuih
Traditional bite-sized desserts and snacks

Local tip:

For a classic Malaysian meal

Village Park Restaurant is my favoruite places to try nasi lemak and remains a favorite among locals.

THREAT EXPERT

Noushin Shabab

Malaysia is a welcoming and well-connected destination, but travelers should remain aware of several common scams and cyber risks that frequently target visitors, particularly around payments, travel documentation, and mobile devices. Noushin Shabab, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) shares insights so you can explore the country with peace of mind.

Staying safe during your travels in Malaysia

How to stay safe

Be cautious of people who quickly become emotionally invested
Never send money or share banking information with someone you have only met online
Avoid sharing identity documents or financial details
Report suspicious profiles through the platform

Kaspersky Premium's Safe Messaging feature can also help detect suspicious links shared through messages before you open them, reducing the risk of phishing and account compromise.

How to stay safe

Enable strong screen locks and biometric authentication
Activate device tracking and remote wipe features
Use multi-factor authentication for important accounts
Change critical passwords immediately if a device is lost or stolen

Storing your passwords and important travel information in Kaspersky Password Manager can help you securely regain access to your accounts and essential documents if your device is lost or stolen.