Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium species infections. This disease causes significant health threats and death for inhabitants of endemic zones. Malaria is the most important infectious disease in tropical and subtropical regions and continues to be a major global health problem. Plasmodium is transmitted by the bite of an anopheles mosquito. Four species of the pathogen namely: Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), Plasmodium malariae (p. malariae), and Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) are highly distributed among malaria-affected regions in the world. In addition, recently discovered Plasmodium knowlesi-associated zoonotic form of human malaria long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques. Among the species, P. falciparum accounts for almost all of the malaria-associated mortality. A rapid and precise diagnosis of the parasite is very important for the eradication of malaria. Healthcare workers in both endemic and non-endemic settings should be familiar with the latest evidence for the diagnosis. The quality of malaria diagnosis is important in all settings, as misdiagnosis can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic methods play essential roles in dealing with the current global malaria situation and decreasing malaria incidence. The aim of this study is to spotlight conventional and recent approaches to the diagnosis of malaria.