Your guide to Malaysia
Top destinations in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Savour street food, walk in rainforests and marvel at gleaming skyscrapers on a tropical urban adventure in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Langkawi
The palm-lined beaches, tropical rainforests and sunset cocktails draw travellers to this Malaysian island getaway. But it’s the bargain shopping that keeps them coming back.
Penang
Penang is a mishmash of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, which shine through in its eclectic architecture. It’s also a stepping stone to lush jungles and pristine beaches.
Malaysia: fast facts
| Language | Malay |
|---|---|
| Currency | Malaysian ringgit (RM) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (MYT) |
Malaysia highlights
Get your urban fix
Crowned by the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur is a capital city where ancient traditions meet modernity. Alongside mega-shops and luxury hotels, find historic mosques and temples like the nearby Batu Caves, with its ornate Hindu shrines. On Penang Island, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its historic buildings that range from British Colonial to ancient Chinese.
Hike ancient forests
This tropical nation has some of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests on Earth. Take a two-day guided hike through Taman Negara, one of the few remaining Malayan tiger habitats. Or visit Borneo’s Rainforest Discovery Centre and stroll its treetop walkway. With orangutans and some of the world’s largest flowers and tallest tropical trees, this wildlife haven is among the best things to see in Malaysia.
Taste the diversity
Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its cuisine, a blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay flavours. Find everything from spicy Indian fish head curry to Malay ‘nasi lemak’ (fatty rice) and Cantonese sweet-and-sour chicken. The best food is often found at hawker markets or in old neighbourhoods like Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur. To dive deeper into the flavours, take a food tour.
Things to do in Malaysia
Top attractions
It’s hard to miss the Petronas Twin Towers. At 452 metres, they’re the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. Once you’ve soaked up the views from the observation deck, take a quick trip from the capital to Batu Caves, rich with geological and spiritual treasures. In Penang, check out the elegant Blue Mansion, once home to a wealthy Chinese businessman with a fascinating rags-to-riches story.
Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Malaysia are on the postcard-perfect island of Langkawi. Pantai Cenang steals the show with stunning sunsets and buzzing parties, while quieter Pantai Pasir Tengkorak has pillowy sands surrounded by monkey-filled jungles. For scuba diving, head to Redang Island. Dive among green turtles and giant stingrays in a protected marine park, then relax on the crescent-shaped Teluk Dalam Beach.
Nature
Malaysia’s landscapes range from Borneo’s misty cloud forests to Cameron Highlands’ rolling tea plantations. Marvel at impressive rock features at Sarawak’s Deer Cave or prehistoric paintings at Niah Caves. Adrenaline junkies should take a guided hike of Mount Kinabalu, a soaring peak with panoramic views across Borneo. For a quick nature escape from Kuala Lumpur, check out Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi’s colourful birdlife and walking trails.
Culture and museums
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic art, spanning over a millennium. Also in Kuala Lumpur, the ‘Muzium Negara’ (National Museum) tells the story of Malaysia’s history. Get acquainted with native wildlife and Indigenous culture at the Sarawak Museum. Or discover plant specimens and Malaysian handicrafts at the Perak Museum, famed for its late-19th-century architecture.
Cuisine
Rice dishes are at the heart of Malaysian cuisine. Try ‘nasi kandar’, steamed rice with aromatic curry, or ‘nasi lemak’, coconut rice typically served with cucumber, anchovies and sambal chilli paste. Another favourite is ‘laksa’, spiced coconut noodle soup found in Penang and Sarawak. The restaurants in Malaysia’s capital include everything from low-key local joints to Michelin-starred institutions, offering Cantonese, modern Malaysian, South Indian fare and more.
Family friendly
Malaysia is filled with thrills for all ages, starting with sprawling theme parks like LEGOLAND® Malaysia in Iskandar Puteri. Travelling with young adventurers? Zip down some of the world’s longest water slides and tackle treetop obstacle courses at ESCAPE Penang. For a dose of educational fun, visit the vibrant butterfly gardens at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm.
Find the best time to visit Malaysia
Weather in Malaysia
March – May: Shoulder season means fewer crowds and less rain for most of the country. It’s a great time to hike Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain.
June – September: The southwest monsoon season affects areas like Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor. It’s generally dry on the east coast — though showers in Malaysia are possible year-round.
October – November: Borneo usually stays dry in October, with rain ramping up on the east coast from November. Hike through the Cameron Highlands’ lush greenery — just be sure to pack waterproofs.
December – February: The northeast monsoon season brings heavy downpours to Malaysia’s east coast. But in the west, Langkawi and Penang enjoy drier weather and balmy temps peaking at 32°C.
Events in Malaysia
Thaipusam (January or February): During this Hindu festival, locals carry ‘kavadis’ (heavy, metal structures) and milk pots on their heads, smash coconuts and beat drums. The biggest celebrations are at Batu Caves.
Chinese New Year (January to March): A quarter of Malaysia’s population has Chinese ancestry, so the country really knows how to throw a New Year party. Don’t miss lion parades, light displays and fireworks in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
Gawai Dayak (June): Dayak people celebrate the rice harvest in Sarawak with music, dancing and foods like ‘penganan’ (rice flour and coconut milk cakes).
Deepavali (October to November): Malaysia’s take on the Hindu festival of lights features decorated temples, Indian sweets and vibrant paper lanterns. Watch the festivities in Kuala Lumpur’s Little India district.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Malaysia is a mostly Muslim country. It’s a good idea to dress modestly, covering your torso and knees, although dress codes may be more relaxed in big cities. Avoid public displays of affection, and note that pointing with your finger is considered rude — use your thumb instead. Remove your shoes before entering mosques or Hindu temples.
Health and safety
You’ll want to get hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations before heading to Malaysia. If you’re travelling during the monsoon seasons, note that flooding and landslides are common. So check updates on the Malaysian Meteorological Department website. Cover up and use insect repellent to protect against insect bites.
LGBTQ+ travel
Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. That being said, there are still welcoming LGBTQ+ communities in the capital, as well as in Penang, Borneo and Johor Bahru. No matter your orientation, steer clear of public displays of affection in Malaysia.
Budget
It’s possible to visit Malaysia on a budget. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 15 Malaysian ringgit (RM), and a local beer costs RM16. Short taxi rides start from around RM15, while rideshare apps such as Grab may offer cheaper rates.
Getting around Malaysia
Public transport
Buses: Malaysia has a comprehensive bus network, with several private companies providing cheap, fast, air-conditioned travel. Services are more frequent in Peninsular Malaysia but less so in Borneo. Free GO KL City Buses travel between popular areas in Kuala Lumpur.
Trains: KTMB operates the intercity train network on the peninsula. Buy tickets and plan your journey on the KTMB website. Trains tend to be slower than long-distance buses, but the views make up for it. The East Coast railway line, aka the ‘Jungle Railway’, is a real treat.
Boats: Ferries connect coastal hotspots like Langkawi, Penang and islands off Peninsular Malaysia.
Driving
Driving is easy in Peninsular Malaysia, with plenty of well-maintained highways. But be aware that traffic can be bad in the capital. Look out for car-hire offices at airports and in major cities. Mopeds and motorcycles can be hired in Borneo and the Cameron Highlands.
Domestic flights
Air travel is the easiest and fastest way to get around Borneo or between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia (there is no direct ferry service). Domestic flights are run by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Firefly.
