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The Star

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 '2025 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 Global Rankings,' Stephane Thong, general manager of 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, is a signature collection of curated travel rankings by the international one-stop travel service provider 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 (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