Malaysia ranks high in numerous categories in 'best in Asia' list
Be it family-friendly attractions, scenic stays or wonderful dining options, Malaysia has a wide range of experiences that is sure to delight every type of traveller.
This unsurprisingly results in Malaysia leading the Asia-focused categories of Trip.com's '2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings'.
Named the best in a total of 19 categories, ranging from accommodations to nightlife, the country boasts several establishments that received multiple recognitions.
The popular island of Langkawi in Kedah earns repeat mentions for its hotels and villas, as well as its Underwater World attraction. Langkawi was also named one of 'Asia's best coastal destinations'.
The only other place in Malaysia crowned best coastal destination is Semporna, a scenic seaside town in Sabah's east coast.
Meanwhile, the state's capital city Kota Kinabalu joins Semporna, Langkawi, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur in the 'best destinations' category.
Understandably, KL, being the capital of Malaysia, draws many visits from local and foreign tourists alike. Many of its attractions and restaurants are highlighted in the rankings.
Some of the categories that the city appears in are 'best family-friendly destinations' (the only Malaysian spot in this category), 'best nightlife (bars)', 'best gourmet hotels', and 'best things to do'. The latter includes PETRONAS Twin Towers, which was also recognised under 'Asia's best night attractions'.
'It's truly exciting to see Malaysian establishments being recognised across so many categories in this year's 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings,' Stephane Thong, general manager of Trip.com Malaysia, said in a press statement.
'From family-friendly hotels and scenic resorts to local culinary gems and iconic attractions, this recognition reflects the richness and diversity of our travel offerings.
'We hope this not only inspires Malaysians to rediscover local favourites but also encourages more international travellers to explore what Malaysia has to offer – especially as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026,' Thong added.
Updated annually, Trip.Best is a signature collection of curated travel rankings by the international one-stop travel service provider Trip.com.
The rankings are based on an AI-driven analysis that combines expert insights with user data, which includes verified user ratings, reviews and booking trends.
Aside from Asia, the rankings also focus on other parts of the world. Global highlights include luxury and experiential stays (Paris in France, Tokyo in Japan, and New York in the United States lead the 'global 100 luxury hotels' list) and dining as part of the journey. Paris, New York, Singapore and Bangkok top the fine dining lists.
Seasonal experiences, such as autumn foliage viewing and water-themed fun are now featured in the new categories Fall Views and Water Fun, due to travellers' growing interest in them.
Family travel continues to thrive, with world-class resorts like Atlantis Sanya in China and Tokyo Disneyland in Japan being named among the best 'global family-friendly destinations'.
Theme parks like Walt Disney World (US), Universal Studios Japan and Shanghai Disney Resort remain popular on the 'global best things to do' list.
Another highlight is the 'Destinations For The Months' feature, which helps travellers plan the best seasonal itineraries, such as heading for Kyoto in winter or Seoul in spring.
Malaysia offers theme parks and aquariums that are ranked as the best family-friendly attractions in Asia. — Legoland Malaysia/Facebook
Top recognised Malaysian establishments in the 2025 Trip.Best (Asia) list
Best luxury hotels:
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, Kedah
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Kedah
One&Only Desaru Coast, Johor (now permanently closed)
Best family hotels:
Legoland Malaysia Hotel, Johor
Club Med Cherating Beach, Pahang
Parkroyal Langkawi Resort
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur
Parkroyal Penang Resort
Best scenic hotels:
The St Regis Langkawi
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Terengganu
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort, Johor
The Danna Langkawi
Best cultural hotels:
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang
Cheong Fatt Tze, Penang
Most Instagrammable hotels:
The Luma Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Best villas:
The Datai Langkawi
Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi
Ambong Pool Villas Langkawi
Best things to do:
PETRONAS Twin Towers
Legoland Malaysia
KL Hop-On, Hop-Off
Best family-friendly attractions:
Legoland Malaysia
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Aquaria KLCC
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Pahang
Underwater World Langkawi
Best night attractions:
PETRONAS Twin Towers
Kuala Lumpur Tower
KL Hop-on Hop-off
Best nightlife (bars):
Vertigo Restaurant & Bar, KL
Penrose KL
Whisky House Kuala Lumpur
SKY51, KL
The Iron Fairies KL
Heli Lounge Bar, KL
SkyBar, KL
Best local restaurants:
Sun Fong Bak Kut Teh, KL
Madam Kwan's, nationwide
Hai Kah Lang TRX, KL
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook, KL
Restoran Meng Kee Grill Fish, KL
Best fine dining restaurants:
Dewakan, KL
DC Restaurant, KL
Sushi Taka, KL
Best restaurants for views and experiences:
Alva KL
Manten Omakase, KL
Dewakan
Blackbyrd KL
Best destinations:
Kuala Lumpur
Semporna, Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Langkawi
Melaka
Best coastal destinations:
Semporna
Langkawi
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
6 Top Airbnb Eco-Stays In Southeast Asia That Are Next-Level Getaways
As World Environment Day approaches, the call to reconnect with the natural world feels more meaningful than ever. In an age of fast-paced living and constant connectivity, escaping into nature has become more than a trend – it's a much-needed reset. Southeast Asia, with its lush rainforests and soaring mountains, offers a treasure trove of picturesque escapes where travellers can unwind, recharge, and find inspiration in nature's quiet beauty. From the wild greenery of Malaysia to the tranquil landscapes of Thailand and Indonesia, we've rounded up some of the most extraordinary nature-based stays on Airbnb. Each one offers a unique chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with what really matters – calm, clarity, and the great outdoors. Rainforest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia Nestled amidst the lush Malaysian rainforest in Janda Baik, just a 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, this private retreat is one of the many hidden gems located in Bentong, Pahang. Offering a serene escape from the bustling city, this tranquil oasis is surrounded by breathtaking greenery, soothing echoes of wildlife, and a nearby stream. Ideal for a peaceful retreat, this stay offers ample space to relax and unwind with friends and family. Enjoy barbeques under the stars or simply savour the beauty of nature from the verandah. Explore nearby attractions such as Genting Highlands or one of the stunning waterfalls in the area. Alamanda Tropical Wooden Villa, Langkawi, Malaysia Located just 15 minutes from the popular Cenang Beach, this charming Langkawi villa is a perfect addition to your island itinerary. Indulge and experience traditional Malay architecture while enjoying panoramic views of lush paddy fields and majestic mountains. Take a refreshing dip in the communal pool, unwind with peaceful sunsets, or stargaze beneath the clear night sky. Bouquet House Chiangrai, Chiang Rai, Thailand Experience nature in unparalleled luxury at this stunning two bedroom eco-luxury lodge in Thailand's most northern province. The warm wooden and spacious interiors vibe with rustic elegance while each bedroom has a private balcony from which you can soak in the natural surroundings and enjoy a view of the garden pool. Make this your base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, forests and tea plantations for which Chiang Rai is famous. Secret Window Residency, Chiang Mai, Thailand Once you've arrived, you will never want to leave. This one bedroom cabin was inspired by a writer's cabin and is an escape from the chaos, where guests can unwind and recharge surrounded by nature, complete with a writer's cabin-themed space. Mountain views and a nearby stream set the theme for relaxation while cycling trips are available for the more adventurous. There's even a camping fire for that 'get back to nature' feeling, a caravan, in-room massages and hundreds of books to lose yourself in. A Bamboo Villa in Sidemen, Bali, Indonesia While Bali is renowned for its beauty and vibrant neighborhoods, why not go the extra mile to explore East Bali and find serenity? Located in the heart of Sidemen, this bamboo villa offers peace of mind as you wake up to breathtaking views of rice paddies and the gentle sound of birds chirping. Immerse yourself in nature and make the most of your time by engaging all five senses to fully embrace the day. Additionally, be sure to explore nearby cultural sites like Besakih Temple that is known as the Mother Temple of Bali, or relax at the hidden gem, Virgin Beach. Maeva Villa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Discover another stunning natural charm in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Get lost in the amazing beaches surrounded by mountains while staying at Maeva Villa, where you can soak in the views from every corner. Situated at the top of a hill in a quiet cul-de-sac, this fully equipped villa invites you to unwind and enjoy its exceptional comfort all day long. Discover your next eco-getaway and travel greener at What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Airlines hit turbulence: IATA cuts 2025 outlook amid global headwinds
NEW DELHI, June 2 — Airlines on Monday revised down their traffic and profit forecasts for 2025, citing 'headwinds' for the global economy. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates fewer than five billion air journeys will take place this year, compared with the previously forecast 5.22 billion. 'The first half of 2025 has brought significant uncertainties to global markets,' Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, told its annual general meeting in New Delhi. But he added: 'Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify.' Cumulative airline profits will reach US$36 billion (RM153 billion) this year, US$600 million less than expected, IATA said. Commercial aviation revenues are expected to remain below the US$1 trillion forecast in the previous December projections, with IATA now reporting US$979 billion. Walsh, addressing IATA delegates, called for the aviation sector to be spared from increased tariffs — though he did not name US President Donald Trump, who launched a trade war in early April. While looking at profits, Walsh warned that 'perspective is critical' to put industry-wide figures into context, saying that per passenger, it was still a narrow margin. 'It's still a thin buffer and any new tax, increase in airport or navigation charge, demand shock or costly regulation will quickly put the industry's resilience to the test,' he said. 'Policymakers who rely on airlines as the core of a value chain that employs 86.5 million people and supports 3.9 percent of global economic activity, must keep this clearly in focus.' The organisation also expects 69 million tonnes of cargo to be transported by air this year, down from the 72.5 million previously expected. — AFP
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
'Flying' roti canai draws huge crowds to Malaysia Pavilion in Osaka
OSAKA: The "Flying Roti Canai" has quickly become a crowd-puller at Expo 2025 Osaka, drawing visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion with its skilful preparation and the irresistible buttery aroma wafting through the air. The sight of roti canai being expertly tossed high into the air by Muhammad Muiz Ruzaini and Mohamad Zul Imran Zulkifle, combined with the tempting aroma, has whetted the appetites of visitors. Some are willing to queue for up to two hours. Muiz said he did not expect to be selected as part of the Malaysian delegation to Expo 2025 Osaka, where he would showcase the rich flavours of Malaysian cuisine on the world stage. What makes the experience even more rewarding is the overwhelming response from visitors, said the Kedahan. "Many praised the deliciousness of the roti canai and gave very positive feedback, both in terms of taste and our presentation. "After they ate, many would come up and say 'oishī' (delicious). Some even repeated it seven times," he said, adding that most of the visitors were from Japan, South Korea and China. The freshly made roti canai, served with chicken curry and dhal, is priced at 1,680 yen per serving. Daily sales average between 1,000 and 1,600 pieces, underscoring its growing popularity among visitors from Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond. Roti canai is a pan-fried flatbread that is a popular breakfast choice in Malaysia, made from a mixture of flour, water, salt, butter and eggs. The dough is skillfully stretched, flipped and spun in the air to create a layered texture - crispy and flaky on the outside but soft on the inside. In 2023, TasteAtlas, a global food database, ranked roti canai among the "Top 100 Best Street Foods in the World." Meanwhile, Mohamad Zul Imran, a roti canai maker from Penang, expressed hope that the growing popularity of roti canai at the Expo would help elevate it on the global culinary map and inspire more tourists to visit Malaysia. "I hope the Malaysia Pavilion roti canai becomes the number one dish at Expo 2025," he said. Japanese visitor Yoko Yoshinaga described the dish as 'sweet, had a unique texture, and addictive'. "This is my second time having roti canai. I first saw it on X (formerly Twitter), and the unforgettable taste brought me back. "I lined up again just to relive the experience," she said. Yoshinaga, who visited Malaysia 30 years ago, praised the nation's development, calling it a peaceful and modern country. Another visitor, Hanako Sekimukai, who tried roti canai for the first time, said she was pleasantly surprised by its flavour. "I've been to Malaysia before, but I never had the chance to try roti canai. The chicken curry served with it wasn't too spicy, which made it even more enjoyable," she said, adding that the cultural performances at the pavilion brought back fond memories of her time in Malaysia. Located on a 2,654.52-square-metre site across three floors, the Malaysia Pavilion reflects the nation's diverse culture and dynamic economy. Under the theme "Weaving a Future in Harmony", the pavilion highlights Malaysia's commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking future.
