Malaysia

Discover Malaysia’s Top Peaks This Merdeka

With Merdeka Day taking place on 31 August, Agoda recommends both local and international travellers to elevate their journeys by adding these ‘top spots’ to their travel itineraries.

Photo of Merdeka 118 by Evelinn Idenfors on Unsplash.

With Merdeka Day taking place on 31 August, Agoda recommends both local and international travellers to elevate their journeys by adding these ‘top spots’ to their travel itineraries.

As Merdeka Day approaches, Malaysia has yet another reason to stand tall and proud. Recent booking data from digital travel platform Agoda revealed that Kuala Lumpur ranked fifth among the top international destinations for the first half of 2024, behind Tokyo, Bangkok, Osaka, and Seoul.  

But Malaysia’s appeal to international travellers extends beyond its capital. When looking at top destinations in Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Melaka are the top choices for international travellers. 

This Merdeka, Agoda showcases Malaysia’s “peaks” across the country – literal top spots located within these beloved destinations, each offering a unique story of triumph, heritage, natural wonder… and spectacular views. 

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Merdeka 118 – the Modern Marvel Peak

Kuala Lumpur’s skyline was recently transformed with the opening of Merdeka 118, a 118-story skyscraper standing at 678.9 meters, making it the world’s second-tallest building, only surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Named in honour of Malaysia’s independence, its spire reaches 700.9 meters above sea level, securing its place as the tallest building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Its proximity to the historic Stadium Merdeka, where independence was proclaimed, adds historical significance, symbolising Malaysia’s modern achievements and aspirations for the future. Tourists can visit the observation deck to see the beautiful skyline of this metropolitan city. 

Gunung Ledang – the Blockbuster-worthy Peak

Photo of Gunung Ledang by The Gees Travel
Photo of Gunung Ledang by The Gees Travel.

In Johor, the towering Gunung Ledang, or Mount Ophir, stands at 1,276 meters, making it the state’s highest peak and the heart of Gunung Ledang National Park. This natural treasure is rich with stunning landscapes and folklore. The mountain is known for the Legend of Gunung Ledang, in which a mystical princess set impossible tasks for her suitor, the Sultan of Melaka. The peak’s mystique and majesty continue to attract visitors eager to explore its trails and stories. Notably, it inspired films such as “Puteri Gunung Ledang” starring Tiara Jacquelina and M. Nasir.

Penang Hill – the Historic Peak

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Photo of Penang Hill by Fidelia Zheng on Unsplash
Photo of Penang Hill by Fidelia Zheng on Unsplash.

Up north, Penang Hill offers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. It is part of the UNESCO-recognised Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and is Malaysia’s third listing in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Serving as a hill resort since the late 18th century, Penang Hill is home to the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway that climbs to the peak. The original railway opened in 1924 and was most recently overhauled in 2010.

Mount Kinabalu – the Natural Wonder Peak

Photo of Mount Kinabalu by Ong Cheng Zheng on Unsplash
Photo of Mount Kinabalu by Ong Cheng Zheng on Unsplash.

In Borneo, Mount Kinabalu rises to 4,095 meters, making it the highest peak in Malaysia and the third-highest island peak globally. This natural wonder is the centrepiece of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity. The slopes of Mount Kinabalu host a vast array of flora and fauna, including the Rafflesia plants and elusive hornbills. With 5,000-6,000 plant species, 326 bird species, and over 100 mammalian species, it is one of the world’s most important biological sites. For adventure seekers, climbing to its peak is both a physical challenge and a journey through nature’s splendour.

Taming Sari Tower – the Panoramic Peak

Photo of Taming Sari by Joylynn Goh on Unsplash
Photo of Taming Sari by Joylynn Goh on Unsplash.

Up north, Penang Hill offers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. It is part of the UNESCO-recognised Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and is Malaysia’s third listing in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Serving as a hill resort since the late 18th century, Penang Hill is home to the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway that climbs to the peak. The original railway opened in 1924 and was most recently overhauled in 2010.

Celebrating Malaysia

With Merdeka Day taking place on 31 August, Agoda recommends both local and international travellers elevate their journeys by adding these ‘top spots’ to their travel itineraries. From the sophistication of Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka 118 to the mystical allure of Mount Ledang, the historical richness of Penang Hill, and the natural grandeur of Mount Kinabalu, each peak symbolises a unique aspect of Malaysia’s heritage and achievements, while offering visitors experiences like no other. 

In addition to over 4.5 million holiday properties, the Agoda platform also offers more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, which can all be combined in the same booking. Agoda’s wide offerings make it the ideal online travel platform for finding great value deals and booking a hassle-free vacation for the upcoming Merdeka holiday.

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