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Backpacking Malaysia: 18 best places to visit

The most rewarding stops for backpackers in Malaysia, ranked and mapped. Tap any place to drop it into a free, day-by-day route built around how you actually travel.

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  1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1

    Kuala Lumpur

    Kuala Lumpur

    Petronas Towers and street food.

  2. George Town, Malaysia2

    George Town

    Penang

    Heritage streets and food heaven.

  3. Langkawi, Malaysia3

    Langkawi

    Kedah

    Duty-free island beaches.

  4. Malacca, Malaysia4

    Malacca

    Melaka

    Colonial trading-port old town.

  5. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia5

    Cameron Highlands

    Pahang

    Tea estates and cool air.

  6. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia6

    Perhentian Islands

    Terengganu

    Clear water, cheap diving.

  7. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia7

    Kota Kinabalu

    Sabah

    Borneo's beach-and-island hub.

  8. Kuching, Malaysia8

    Kuching

    Sarawak

    Laid-back Borneo river city.

  9. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia9

    Mount Kinabalu

    Sabah

    Borneo's climbable high peak.

  10. Tioman Island, Malaysia10

    Tioman Island

    Pahang

    Jungle-and-reef east island.

  11. Ipoh, Malaysia11

    Ipoh

    Perak

    Cave temples and coffee.

  12. Sepilok, Malaysia12

    Sepilok

    Sabah

    Orangutan rehab in the jungle.

  13. Sipadan, Malaysia13

    Sipadan

    Sabah

    World-top wall diving.

  14. Taman Negara, Malaysia14

    Taman Negara

    Pahang

    Ancient rainforest canopy walk.

  15. Redang Island, Malaysia15

    Redang Island

    Terengganu

    Postcard resort beaches.

  16. Batu Caves, Malaysia16

    Batu Caves

    Selangor

    Rainbow steps to a cave temple.

  17. Semporna, Malaysia17

    Semporna

    Sabah

    Gateway to island diving.

  18. Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia18

    Gunung Mulu National Park

    Sarawak

    Giant caves and pinnacles.

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