1. Petronas Twin Tower

Towering at 451.9 metres above street level, this world-renowned icon is currently the world's tallest twin structure and fifth-tallest skyscraper. The skybridge that links the two towers is also the world's highest two-storey bridge, doubling up as a superb viewing platform. The 88-storey building features glass and steel on the outside, and a traditionally-inspired interior, reflecting Malaysia's aspirations in moving forward while maintaining its national identity.

Distance: 16 km away from Universiti Malaya.

2. Kuala Lumpur Tower

 Distance: 12 km away from Universiti Malaya.

 

3. Central Market, Chinatown, Little India

Kuala Lumpur’s cultural enclaves are some of the city’s most popular tourist hotspots. Central Market, a prominent heritage landmark with its 1930s Art Deco style, is a great place to find local arts and crafts. Just down the road, Chinatown is a bustling cultural and shopping spot, with a number of heritage buildings, clan houses and temples. Meanwhile, the lively Little India in Brickfields offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Indian community, from its colourful clothing to fiery curries.

Distance: 9 km away from Universiti Malaya.

4. Islamic Art Museum

This outstanding museum is home to one of the best collections of Islamic decorative arts in the world. Aside from the quality of the exhibits, which include fabulous textiles, carpets, jewelry and calligraphy-inscribed pottery, the building itself is a stunner, with beautifully decorated domes and glazed tile work. There's a good Middle Eastern restaurant and one of KL's best museum gift shops, stocking beautiful products from around the Islamic world.

Distance: 7 km away from Universiti Malaya.

5. Istana Budaya

Large-scale drama and dance shows are staged here, as well as music performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and National Choir. The building's soaring roof is based on a traditional Malay floral decoration of betel leaves, while the columned interior invokes a provincial colonialism. There’s a dress code of no shorts and no short-sleeved shirts.

Distance: 12 km away from Universiti Malaya.

6. Masjid Jamek

Gracefully designed in Mogul style by British architect AB Hubback, this onion-domed mosque is situated at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. At the time of research, the surroundings were being landscaped as part of the River of Life project and the original steps down to the river were reinstated. The mosque is open for visitors, outside of prayer times; robes are available to borrow.

Distance: 8 km away from Universiti Malaya.

7. National Zoo

Zoo Negara Malaysia is managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organization established to create the first local zoo for Malaysians. Zoo Negara was officially opened on 14th November 1963 and has matured into a well-known zoo all around the world. We have a total of over 5137 specimen from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Distance: 24 km away from Universiti Malaya.

8. National Museum

Located in the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur, the National Museum (Muzium Negara) built in the style of a Malay palace, is the guardian of the nation’s history. The recently upgraded galleries present an exciting and innovative approach to exploring the history of Malaysia from prehistoric times to the present. Muzium Negara was officially opened by His Majesty, the Third Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail on 31st August 1963. The museum building, apart from being stimulating from the point of tradition, also presents a panoramic view of the development of Malaysia, as depicted by the two large murals of Italian glass mosaic, which extend across the museum facade. Muzium Negara is a repository of Malaysia's rich cultural and historical heritage. The three-storied structure is 109.7 meters long, 15.1 meters wide and 37.6 meters at the central point. The museum houses four exhibition galleries featuring Malaysia's history and rich cultural diversity. Muzium Negara endeavours through its collections, exhibitions, research, publications, educational and public programmes, to inspire a broader understanding of our nation and her multiracial people.

Distance: 12 km away from Universiti Malaya.

9. Mid Valley Megamall

Mid Valley Megamall is home to a myriad of retail experiences unlike any other, ranging from a dazzling array of fashion and lifestyle innovations to home furnishings, cosmetics and healthcare essentials to wining, dining and all things entertainment. With 1.7 million square feet net lettable and over four hundred retailers in twelve categories, there are plenty to keep devoted shoppers grinning. It houses signature anchor tenants AEON, AEON BIG, Metrojaya, and Golden Screen Cinemas, amongst 430 speciality stores including high fashion international brands Superdry, Bershka, Forever 21, Guess, H.E. By Mango, Kipling, Miss Selfridge, Swarovski, Timberland, Topshop / Topman, Uniqlo and Zara and local brands such as Padini Concept Store. Wander around the massive complex and you might stumble upon some of the junior anchor speciality shops, including Celebrity Fitness, MPH Bookstores and the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC), complete with an atrium and 3 halls within 67,621 square feet.

Distance: 5 km away from Universiti Malaya.

10. MyTOWN & IKEA, Cheras

MyTOWN Shopping Centre spans the size of 20 football fields and is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Anchor tenants include the biggest IKEA in Malaysia, Parkson Department Store, Golden Screen Cinemas, Village Grocer, H&M, Food Empire, the largest ZARA in Malaysia and the country’s first flagship Best store. 

11. Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, Selangor

It is Malaysia's first themed shopping and entertainment mall in an Egyptian design with a lion sculpture, Pharaoh statues and two domes, known as the Orange and blue Atrium, form part of the building structure. The mall consists of several shopping precincts, which are Fashion Central, Oasis Boulevard, Asian Avenue and Marrakesh and comprises over 900 outlets, ranging from fashion, accessories, shoes, jewellery, timepieces, music, videos, gifts, souvenirs, leathers, books, pharmacies, electrical products, home furnishing, wellness to one-stop IT centre. Since its opening in 1997, Sunway Pyramid has undergone two expansions, in 2007 and again in 2increasingeased the total area of the building to present day's 396,000 square metres.

 12. Sunway Lagoon, Selangor

For some fun in the sun, head over to Sunway Lagoon, a multi award-winning theme park located just 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. Here you'll find five different theme parks in one amazing destination, with more than 80 rides and attractions to choose from.

Distance: 13 km away from Universiti Malaya.

1. Melaka City, Melaka

Once an important international trading port, Melaka is now one of the country's most popular destinations. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Melaka is deemed the birthplace of the nation's historical and cultural heritage, with over 600 years of history to its name. Its landmark buildings inherit their unique architecture from British, Portuguese and Dutch influences, a nod to the city's colonial past.

Distance: 146 km away from Universiti Malaya. 

2. George Town, Penang

Awarded the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the lively capital of Penang has over 200 years of history and cultural heritage under its belt. Well-preserved colonial buildings and historical architecture draw in the art buffs, while traditional trades, handed down from generation to generation, ensure that age-old culture remains intact. George Town is also renowned for its mouth-watering food, attracting steady streams of foodies from around the world to its warm shores.

Distance: 360 km away from Universiti Malaya.

3. Kellie’s Castle, Perak

The castle is situated on the way to Batu Gajah town at the Kinta Kellas Rubber Estate, about a 30-minute drive and 14 km south of Ipoh City. Kellie's Castle was meant to be a home away from home for Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith in the 20th century. Construction of this unique castle began in 1915. However, it came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The solitary castle, looks almost surreal in these wild plantations of Perak, it projects a strong personality and an aura of mystery.

Recently, efforts have been made by the Perak State Government to rescue this magnificent structure from the encroaching foliage. Besides being haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.

Distance: 195 km away from Universiti Malaya.

4. Belum Forest Reserve, Perak

Towards the northern parts of Lake Temenggor, in northern Peninsula Malaysia (Perak state), lies a vast area of virgin jungle known as the Belum Forest Reserve. The area is one of the largest untouched forest reserves in Peninsula Malaysia. The presence of large mammal species such as elephants, rhinoceroses, tapirs and tigers makes Belum very special. This forest possesses an immense wealth of flora and fauna with much of the area still unexplored and undisturbed by humans.

Various tour operators now offer guided tours to certain areas of the reserve and will arrange for the necessary permits, river and road transport and accommodation. The journey from KL is about 5.5 hours. Admission to Belum Rainforest is best arranged with resort owners in the area.

Distance: 372 km away from Universiti Malaya.

5. Cameron Highland, Pahang

Located on the Titiwangsa Range some 1,500m above sea level, Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's largest hill resort. The cool weather up here makes it the perfect environment to cultivate a variety of produce, including tea, flowers, cacti, vegetables and strawberries. Enjoy the picturesque view of flourishing tea plantations blanketing the undulating hills, which can be enjoyed over a refreshing cup of tea.

Distance: 207 km away from Universiti Malaya.

6. Genting Highland, Pahang

Perched on top of Ulu Kali Mountain at some 1,800m above sea level, Genting Highlands is a one-stop hill resort with hotels, theme parks, a casino and a number of entertainment, dining and retail options. Its cool climate and close proximity to Kuala Lumpur – approximately an hour's drive – make it a popular highland getaway among city folks. Genting Highlands is also Malaysia's only licensed on-land gambling spot.

Note: Genting Outdoor Theme Park is closed to make way for the world’s first Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park. Other rides and attractions located in First World Indoor Theme Park, SnowWorld, Sky Venture, Genting Bowl, Vision City and Funtasy World Video Games Park will remain opened as usual. For more information visit http://www.rwgenting.com or call at +603-2718 1118

Distance: 60 km away from Universiti Malaya.

7. Tioman Island, Pahang

Located approximately 56km off the coast of Pahang, Tioman Island is hailed as one of the world's best beach getaways. Picturesque with towering twin volcanic peaks, soft golden sands, cool mountain streams and refreshing waterfalls amidst a lush tropical rainforest, the island’s waters are filled with a diverse range of aquatic species, colourful corals and mesmerising dive sites.

Distance: 300 km away from Universiti Malaya to the jetty. A ferry ride is required to reach Tioman Island.

8. Langkawi Island, Kedah

Part of an archipelago of 99 tropical islands just off the coast of Kedah, Langkawi Island is as much shrouded in age-old myths and legends as it is filled with natural beauty. It was accorded the Global Geopark status by UNESCO in 2007 for its diverse and astounding geological heritage, which dates back to more than 500 million years. Langkawi is also a popular duty-free destination.

Distance: 450 km away from Universiti Malaya to jetty. The ferry ride is required to reach Langkawi Island.

9. Redang Island, Terengganu

Pulau Redang is an enchanting island approximately 45km off the coast of Terengganu. Its clear waters contain hundreds of live coral species – ranked as some of the best in the world – and thousands of marine species including manta rays, stingrays and sharks. Part marine park, this island has 31 spectacular dive sites, which include two World War II historic shipwreck sites and a black coral garden.

Distance: 450 km away from Universiti Malaya to the jetty. A ferry ride is required to reach Redang Island.

10. Johor Premium Outlet, Johor

The first outlet mall to open in Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlet is a shopping haven with a collection of 80 designer and brand name outlet stores. Here, you can find discounts of between 25–65% daily. The outlet mall is located at the intersection of the North-South Expressway and the Second Link Expressway, about an hour’s drive from Singapore, three hours from Kuala Lumpur and only a short distance from Senai International Airport.

Distance: 311 km away from Universiti Malaya.

11. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah

Named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, this cluster of five islands – Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug – was gazetted as Sabah’s second national park in 1974. Popular among divers and ecotourists, the park’s relatively shallow waters are filled with an abundance of corals and aquatic species – perfect for snorkelling and diving for beginners. Each island features a different collection of flora and fauna, with Pulau Gaya being the largest and most colourful of the five.

Distance: Flight is required to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah. (Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport)

12. Kinabalu Park, Sabah

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is home to Malaysia's highest mountain and one of Southeast Asia's highest peaks, Mount Kinabalu. A favourite destination among adventurous souls keen to scale its heights, the view from Mount Kinabalu's summit is often described as second to none. The park is also a wonderland of ecological treasures filled with thousands of plant and animal species, including a large number of endemic species.

Distance: Flight is required to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah. (Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport)

13. Sipadan Island, Sabah

Rated as one of the world's top diving sites, Sipadan Island boasts a truly magical and breathtaking underwater experience. Situated at the heart of the Indo-Pacific Basin, the centre of the world's richest marine habitat, the oceanic island is surrounded by several exciting dive spots such as the Hanging Gardens, Barracuda Point and the Turtle Cavern. One of its most thrilling features (and certainly not for the faint-hearted) is the Drop Off, where knee-high water suddenly gives way to a 600m drop.

Distance: Flight is required to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah. (Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport)

14. Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve, Sabah

Named after two rivers that flow through it, the Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve is home to an interesting and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation, consisting mainly of Dipterocarp and mangrove forests. There are several nature trails that lead through the forest, taking you from tropical highland forest to lowland mangrove swamps. The reserve is also home to the world-famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where you get to see this endearing species up close and learn more about them.

Distance: Flight is required to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah. (Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport)

15. Mulu National Park, Sarawak