Holidays to Malaysia

Malaysia Travel Guide

• Malaysia weather

  Malaysia sits snugly near the equator, which means it’s warm, humid, and full of excuses to dip into the sea or order another iced kopi.

  Temperatures hang out between 21°C and 32°C year-round. Rain? Yes. But it’s dramatic and brief. Think: hot afternoon sun, thunder rolling in, tropical downpour, then blue skies again - ideal for kissing under canopies or ducking into a market for noodles.

  The east coast (like Perhentian and Tioman Islands) gets the brunt of monsoon rains from November to February, while the west coast (hello Langkawi and Penang) is generally loveliest from December to April. Highlands like Cameron offer cooler, mistier air.

• When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

  Malaysia doesn’t really do “bad weather,” but some months are more fabulous than others.

  Best overall? February to September, when rain chills out a bit and the beaches behave. Island hopping on the east coast? Aim for March to October. Langkawi and Penang lovers? Go between December and April - sunshine, cocktails, and gorgeous evenings. Rainy season? Still perfectly doable, especially for city breaks or jungle retreats. Just don’t forget your brolly.

  Insider tip? April to June is sweet: fewer crowds and decent weather.

• Where should you go in Malaysia?

  Kuala Lumpur is skyscrapers and street stalls in glorious harmony. One moment you’re craning your neck at the Petronas Towers, the next you’re nibbling satay in a food court. The city hums too - monorails glide overhead, street food sizzles below… KL is modern Malaysia with a spicy street-food heart.

  Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands where time slows, and the sea is gorgeous. Think: romantic resorts, waterfalls, and beach picnics.

  Penang (George Town) is a cultural kaleidoscope meets foodie heaven. George Town is all colonial charm and street art, with temples and trishaws and some of the best hawker food you’ll ever eat. A couple’s dream if your idea of romance involves curry puffs and heritage trails.

  The Cameron Highlands are rolls of tea plantations, misty forests, and air cool enough for cuddling. Hike mossy trails, pick strawberries, sip tea in old-school teahouses - it’s the ultimate escape from the coastal heat.

  Borneo is wild and wonderful. If you’re into orangutans, jungle rivers, and adventure with a capital A, Malaysian Borneo delivers. Trek to waterfalls, spot proboscis monkeys, and lose signal in the rainforest.

• Malaysia attractions

  Petronas Twin Towers
  
  Tall, shiny, iconic. These twin spires of steel and glass pierce the skyline like two giant tuning forks for the future. Take the Skybridge between the towers for panoramic views that’ll knock the flip-flops off you, then head to the park below for fountain shows.

  George Town murals & mansions

  The murals - whimsical, witty, and wildly photogenic - are splashed across crumbling colonial walls, and often paired with real-life objects (a bicycle, a swing, a trishaw). Created by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic and now added to by local talents, they turn alleyways into full on canvases. Just around the corner, the mansions are all old-world opulence - none more iconic than the indigo-hued Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, aka The Blue Mansion. It’s a glorious blend of Chinese, Malay, and European architecture, all painstakingly restored with handmade tiles and stained glass.

  Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

  Tucked into the steamy rainforest near Sandakan in Sabah, Borneo, this world-renowned sanctuary rescues orphaned and injured orangutans, nurses them back to health, and teaches them how to orangutan again - climbing, foraging, swinging through the trees like the red-haired acrobats they are.

  Taman Negara National Park

  In the heart of Peninsular Malaysia, Taman Negara National Park is essentially a time capsule - one of the world’s oldest rainforests, estimated to be over 130 million years old. It spans a whopping 4,343 km² across three states - Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu - and is home to ancient trails, wildlife-rich river systems, pristine caves, and the famous Canopy Walkway, which stretches around 530 metres and hangs about 40 metres above the jungle floor. Gulp.

  Cameron Highlands tea fields

  Rolling hills blanketed in perfectly trimmed tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can squint, forming lush green waves that look like nature’s own velvet upholstery. The stars of the show are the Boh Tea Plantations, where you can stroll among the fields, learn how your morning brew is made, and sip freshly steeped tea from a hilltop café with views. Lovely, that.

• Top 5 things to do in Malaysia

  Cultural walk & street food crawl in George Town
  
  Wander colonial streets, sampling iconic dishes like char kway teow, Penang laksa, popiah, koay teow soup, and kueh desserts. Walk past murals on Armenian Street, pass Clan Jetties, and absorb the smell of spice markets and coconut water vendors. It’s part Chinatown, part Indian Muslim enclave, part biology lesson in regional cuisines.

  Jungle river safari in Borneo
  
  Float down the Kinabatangan at dawn, watch hornbills glide overhead, and trek though the jungle - all guided by eagle-eyed naturalists who can spot a pygmy elephant in a thicket of bamboo . The Kinabatangan River is renowned for its rich biodiversity, making it one of the most popular destinations for wildlife watching in Sabah. Pack light, wear waterproofs, and don’t forget the binoculars.

  Highland hikes in Cameron
  
  The Cameron Highlands are a hiker's paradise, offering trails that meander through mossy forests, past cascading waterfalls, and into the heart of sprawling tea plantations. Trail 10 is a local fave, starting from Tanah Rata and winding through jungle terrain before emerging into the serene tea fields of Bharat Tea Plantation. It's a moderate hike with a few slippery spots, but the reward is worth it: panoramic views of the highlands' verdant expanse. Or try ascending Gunung Jasar. A pre-dawn start is required to catch the first light illuminating the tea terraces below. The trail is a bit rugged, with ropes aiding the descent, but the sight of the sun rising over the plantation is nothing short of magical. It’s basically the Lake District with lemongrass.

  Soak in skyline views from a rooftop bar

  Heli Lounge Bar is literally a helipad by day, cocktail haven by night. Vertigo at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is the highest rooftop bar in KL, offering stunning panoramic views across the city, including Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower. Located on the 57th floor of Petronas Tower 3, Marini’s on 57 is where you can dine on artisan pasta and rare whiskies, sip Negronis, and soak in unparalleled views.

  Sipadan Island

  This makes divers weep with joy. Rising dramatically from the depths of the Celebes Sea off the coast of Borneo, it’s often hailed as one of the top dive sites in the world. Picture vertical coral walls teeming with life, swirling schools of barracuda, reef sharks gliding past, and sea turtles just nonchalantly cruising by. The island itself is protected - no overnight stays, no hotels - which keeps it pristine and surreal, like nature’s private showroom.

• Food and drink in Malaysia

  Short answer: everything. Long answer: Malaysia is a culinary fever dream - fragrant, fiery, and fresh. You’ve gotta try:

  Nasi lemak, made up of coconut rice, spicy sambal, and crispy anchovies - the national breakfast of champions.

  Roti canai, which are flaky flatbreads and curry sauce, eaten with your fingers and a gleeful grin.

  Char kway teow, smoky, wok-fried noodles with prawns and soy sauce dreams.

  Laksa, a spicy noodle soup.

  Teh Tarik, milky tea, theatrically poured, and sweet enough to make you forget jet lag.

  Durian, which smells like regret but tastes like heaven (or hell - you decide).

• Lifestyle and culture in Malaysia

  In Malaysia, it’s about the diversity. Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous peoples like the Orang Asli and Dayak all live side by side. This mix shapes everything from language (like Bahasa Malaysia with a generous splash of English and local dialects) to festivals, food, and art. Hari Raya Aidilfitri lights up the Muslim community, while Lunar New Year bursts with firecrackers and lion dances. Deepavali glows in vibrant colours, and the indigenous Gawai harvest festival honours ancient ties to nature.

  Life in the cities, like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, buzzes with energy - the pace is fast but friendly, a melting pot of modernity and tradition cohabiting in the same postcode. Out in rural areas and islands, time slows down - think fishing villages, rice paddies, and rainforest communities where traditions have been preserved for generations.

  And if Malaysian culture had a mascot, it would be a hawker stall. Food here isn’t just fuel; it’s identity, community, and celebration rolled into one. The concept of “gotong-royong” (community spirit) is alive and kicking, making neighbours more like family.

• Malaysia events: What's on when?

  January

  Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur & Batu Caves: An intense and colourful Hindu festival where devotees perform awe-inspiring acts of devotion, including piercing and carrying kavadis.

  George Town Festival in Penang: A vibrant arts and culture festival that turns Penang’s streets into a playground of performances, installations, and heritage celebrations. Think of it as Penang’s artsy birthday party.

  February

  Lunar New Year across the country: The biggest celebration in Malaysia’s Chinese community — fireworks, lion dances, red envelopes, and feasts that could rival a royal banquet.

  March

  Chap Goh Mei in Penang & Kuala Lumpur: The finale of Lunar New Year celebrations - a festival of lanterns, prayers, and the quirky tradition of single women tossing oranges into rivers hoping to find a soulmate.

  April

  Malaysian Grand Prix Sepang International Circuit: The roar of Formula 1 engines (when it’s on) is a heady mix of speed, glamour, and high stakes. Not every year, but keep an eye out.

  May

  Wesak Day across the country: A festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Expect candlelit processions and peaceful temple visits.

  Labour Day across the country: Public holiday with parades and events highlighting workers’ rights.

  July

  Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, Sarawak: A global gathering of musicians in the middle of the jungle, blending traditional and contemporary sounds.

  August

  Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) across the country: On August 31st, Malaysia celebrates its independence with parades, fireworks, and patriotic fervour. Expect the streets to be decked out in red, white, blue, and yellow.

  September

  Malaysia Day across the country: September 16th commemorates the formation of Malaysia. It’s a quieter cousin to Merdeka Day but still filled with celebrations and cultural performances.

  October

  Deepavali across the country: The Hindu Festival of Lights, with colourful decorations, prayers, and joyous celebrations lighting up the night. Expect markets selling sweets and oil lamps aplenty.