What to see in Malaysia: 9 must-sees

Explore Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands off the coast of Kedah, where the rainforest runs down to white-sand beaches and limestone cliffs. Follow the trails toward Mount Mat Cincang, watch white-bellied sea eagles and monkeys among the mangroves, and cross the SkyBridge — suspended 660 meters above the valley, with views over the Andaman Sea.

Stroll the stalls of the central market before heading up the Petronas Towers — the symbol of a capital where 1,800,000 people live. In Kuala Lumpur, Hindu temples at Batu Caves, colonial-era mosques and the financial district's skyscrapers all share the map. Haggle in the Chinatown bazaars, try nasi lemak at the Jalan Alor street stalls and walk Bukit Bintang as evening falls. The mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures shows in every corner, in the food and in the languages you hear on the street.

Walk the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur — the world's tallest twin towers with their 88 steel-and-glass floors. Cross the skybridge joining both structures and study up close an architecture inspired by Islamic motifs. Ride up to the observation deck to see the city at your feet, and understand why this monument became the symbol of modern Malaysia.

Look at the giant golden statue of Murugan guarding the entrance before you climb the 272 colorfully painted steps toward the main cave. Inside, light filters through openings in the limestone while the Hindu shrines welcome worshippers with offerings of flowers and milk. Come down at an easy pace, cross the smaller temples at the foot of the hill, and if you travel in January or February, witness Thaipusam, the festival that gathers thousands of pilgrims in Wilayah Persekutuan.

Enter through the streets of George Town, Penang's historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Walk among Chinese shophouses, Indian temples and British colonial facades coexisting within a few blocks. Order asam laksa or char kway teow at the street stalls that made local cuisine famous. Discover urban art murals, stilted clan jetties on the water and mosques next to century-old churches.

Walk among the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, in the highlands of Pahang, where rows of bushes cover the slopes and the air smells of freshly cut leaves. Follow the trails toward waterfalls hidden in the rainforest and watch the mountain fauna and flora with every step. The cool climate turns any hiking route into a comfortable walk, with low mists crossing the valleys at dawn. At the end of the day, try the local tea at one of the factories still working beside the fields.

Take the speedboat from Terengganu and arrive at Redang Beach, an island off Malaysia's northeast where fine white sand meets a transparent sea. Snorkel over corals just a few meters from the shore, watch sea turtles in season and walk barefoot at sunset. The calm water, ideal for swimming, makes Redang a refuge far from Kuala Lumpur's rush.

Climb the trails of Kinabalu National Park, in Sabah, and cross its 754 km2 of mountains and forest holding Malaysia's highest peak. Hike among orchids and carnivorous plants, watch birds at dawn and cross the canopy walkway over the treetops at Poring. Acclimatise at the shelter before summiting Mount Kinabalu at daybreak, with views over Borneo.