10 Best Places for a Short Getaway in Malaysia [2021 Updated]

Due to the impact of Covid-19, Malaysians are currently not allowed to travel overseas. However, now is the time to discover the beauty of Malaysia! Here are the 10 places you should definitely visit for a short getaway.

Grab your friends, a car, and start your weekend trip!

Cultural Short Getaway

1. Melaka

Talking about travel and culture in Malaysia, the first place that comes to mind is always Melaka. In 2008, Melaka was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside George Town, Penang.

And for sure, we have all heard about how Parameswara found this place and named it "Melaka", thus starting the famous dynasty!

So, where should you go to in Melaka?

It would be best if you spent a whole weekend there, and explore their history from the places below:

• The Dutch Square (Red House)
• St. Paul's Church
• A'Famosa
• Jalan Hung Jebat / Jonker's Street
• Independence Memorial Museum

Or you can choose to visit:

• Air Keroh: has a recreational forest park, zoo, crocodile pool, mini Malaysia park etc.
• Ujong Pasir: the famous Portuguese village.

Here is the map of Melaka with all the travel hot spots.

2. Penang

Penang is not only about delicious food and murals, but also full of historical landmarks.

In Penang, you should explore the city by walking or cycling. You can enjoy ancient architecture by exploring deep into the narrow streets of Penang.

Here are some recommended places to visit:

• Khoo Kongsi: A hall of the ancestral family built by early Chinese immigrants, this is the ancestral hall for the surname Qiu (邱氏宗祠).
• Kapitan Keling Mosque: Built by Indian Muslims in Penang.
• Kuan Yin Teng: Buddhist.
• Wat Chayamangkalaram: Has the longest sleeping Buddha in the world.

If you enjoy excellent food, don't forget to visit Gurney Drive too!

Click to get Penang's Travel Guide. 

3. Kuala Lumpur

People always think that Kuala Lumpur is a city full of shopping malls and modern buildings, but behind this, it has its unique history to be explored.

The Heritage Trail Kuala Lumpur is the best way to understand the history of this city.

Other historical places to visit would be:

• Music Museum, built-in 1919
• Merdeka Square and The Former Union Jack Flagpole
• Sultan Abdul Samad Building that was built in 1897 

Check the full map of Heritage Trail here.

4. Taiping, Perak

Taiping is also known as "Rain Town", as it always rains in the afternoon. This particular weather also accumulates a unique culture. In the olden times, people place bets on when it will rain.

In this small town, they also have a lot of historical locations:

• Lake Garden that's below Bukit Larut was a Tin ore production。
• Malaysia's first zoo
• Malaysia's first prison
• Malaysia's first museum

For excellent food, visit the Larut Matang Hawker Centre!

Click to know more about Taiping.

5. Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

17th century’s Seremban was ruled by the Sumatran, and till today, the Minangkabau's helm roof are still seen everywhere.

• Sri Menant Isatan Lama Sri Menanti - A museum with collections of weapons, traditional costumes and wedding goods.
• Seremban food street - traditional food and a variety of delicious food are sold here.

If you enjoy natural views, Tanjung Tuan is also an excellent place to explore in Negeri Sembilan!

Click here to download Seremban's Travel Guide.

Natural Short Getaway

6. Tanjung Sepat, Selangor

Located on the southern coast of Selangor, it only takes about two hours to drive from Kuala Lumpur.

• Kuan Wellness Eco Park - Malaysia's first swallow ecological park
• Ganofarm - cultivated edible fungus and Ganoderma 
• Sepang Gold Coast - enjoy your weekend with the beautiful waves and golden sands
• Tanjung Sepat's Lover Bridge - best place to enjoy the sunset

7. Kota Kinabalu, KK, Sabah

Sabah is a beautiful place full of natural travel spots. Here are some recommendations for you!

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - Composed of 5 small islands, adjacent to Kota Kinabalu. It is a place full of sun and beach.

Mount Kinabalu - Southeast Asia's highest peak with 4,095 meters high

Sipadan - the diving paradise

Kinabalu National Park - covering an area of 754 square kilometres

Download the Sabah's Map here.

8. Pulau Ketam, Selangor

If you enjoy small-town, fresh seafood and walking, Pulau Ketam is an excellent place for a weekend trip.

And their citizens are always friendly!

• Rabbit Garden - was built by several residents, with many cute little rabbits.
• Old Movie Theater and Couple Bridge
• Sunset view at First Bridge

9. Kuching, Sarawak

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, and it is very hard to visit all the famous travel spots in Sarawak in just 2 days, so let's focus on Kuching town!

Kuching also means "cat" in Malay. Thus, it is also known as "Cat Town", with lots of cat carvings in the town center.

If you love cats, then don't forget to visit the cat museum!

Other travel spots:

• Kuching Waterfront
• Darul Hana Bridge
• Semenggoh Nature Reserve that was built in 1975
• Bako National Park - most typical Sarawak forest and ecological reserve area
• Borneo Highland - a green surrounding with a blue sky
• Gunung Gading National Park - Home of the biggest flower in the world, Rafflesia.

10. Langkawi, Kedah

A pleasant island with a beautiful beach.

If you like to relax with the sea in view, here are some of the best locations!

• Wildlife Park - Asia's first rain-covered bird park
• Durian Perangin Waterfall - Suitable for picnics
• Ayer Hangat Village - Salt mine and hot spring
• Pantai Pasir Hitam - Not white beach, but it is black!
• Sky bridge and Cable car - overlooks the city from the sky

After reading the article, are you excited and can't wait to plan a short getaway?

If yes, then do it!

Just a warm reminder, practice 3Ws to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.

• Wear your mask, 
• Wash your hands, 
• Warn others about the danger of the pandemic.

And also don't forget to avoid 3Cs.

• Crowded places,
• Confined spaces, 
• Close conversation.

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