Malaysia

“ A truly Asia land of extraordinary natural beauty and a rich tapestry of cultures”

With origins of Malay Kingdoms, conquests by European forces and British colonial rule, the Federation of Malaysia is a relatively young country, established in 1965. Centre-stage in east Asia, Malaysia comes in two parts: Peninsular Malaysia, book-ended by Singapore and Thailand East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) across the South China Sea, where the states of Sabah and Sarawak sprawl across tropical Borneo Island. 

Offering something for everyone, Malaysia is an extraordinary country to discover, not least for its staggering contrasts. Dynamic cities extend from the cosmopolitan capital, Kuala Lumpur, to historic urban centres with heritage-rich streets bearing testament to the nation’s rich past. 

Beyond, spectacular and untamed natural beauty awaits. Vanilla-hued beaches fringed with coconut palms stretch along Malaysia’s never-ending coastlines and the warm azure seas are studded with tropical islands that include world-class beach destinations, Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor. Interiors run from rolling highlands of tea plantations and geoparks to mountain peaks and steamy prehistoric jungles. As one of the planet’s top mega-biodiverse countries, Malaysia positively teems with exotic flora and fauna, including many rare and endemic species. The vibrant tapestry of ethnicities is almost as diverse as the breathtaking topography. A multi-racial population of local Malays, indigenous Borneo peoples, Chinese, Indians and Indonesians have harmoniously resided together for generations, contributing to a uniquely Malaysian, yet “Truly Asia” culture.

WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE IT

  • Historic gems include UNESCO World Heritage Cities, Malacca and George Town, packed with centuries-old architectural and cultural legacies
  • A bubbling melting-pot of races and religions presents a unique array of colourful festivals, fascinating customs and incredible cuisine
  • Swathes of primary tropical rainforest – some of the planet’s oldest – are protected by numerous national parks and conservation zones
  • Home to some of the richest and oldest ecosystems on earth and staggering botanical treasures and rare wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Tropical beaches and islands are amongst Southeast Asia’s finest, blessed with some of the planet’s richest marine environments and pristine coral reefs
Country Facts
Capital City Kuala Lumpur
Time Zone GMT + 8
International Dial Code +60
Currency Malaysian Ringgit
Population 34.3 million (July 2023)
Religion Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, but others, such as Buddhism and Christianity are widely practiced

When To Go

Country Map of Malaysia
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.
Weather Summary
Malaysia enjoys a balmy, tropical climate and warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 89°F). There is a notable east-west split in the weather. The west coast islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor are at their premium weather-wise during December to April, with the east coast enjoying drier weather from April to October. The capital, Kuala Lumpur sees less rainfall from June to August. The best time to visit East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is March to October, with November to February, the wettest months.

Suggested Malaysia Itineraries

Malaysia & Singapore Culinary Journey

Penang – Ipoh – Kuala Lumpur – Malacca – Singapore

Malaysia and Singapore draw from the same culinary lineage, Malay, Chinese, Indian and colonial, yet each city lets you taste it differently. Over ten days and five cities, this cross-border journey traces that story as it unfolds, from Penang's street-food lanes and Ipoh's coffee shops to a hands-on cooking class in Kuala Lumpur, a Peranakan lunch in Malacca, and Singapore's hawker centres, one continuous thread of how food carries a region's culture & history.

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Family Adventures in Kuala Lumpur & Phuket

Kuala Lumpur – Phuket

Highlighted by our bespoke educational and fun activities, the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur and the Thai Island of Phuket provide a fitting and wondrous playground for memorable family adventures and quality bonding time.

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Discover Malaysia’s Rich Culture & Heritage

Kuala Lumpur – Malacca – Penang

Explore Malaysia’s most important cultural and historical epicentres – capital city, Kuala Lumpur and George Town and Malacca, both UNESCO-listed “Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca” – with memorable experiences hosted by authorative local guides.

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Wild Adventures in the Malay Peninsula & Borneo

Kuala Lumpur – Taman Negara – Kota Kinabalu – Poring – Sandikan – Sepilok – Kinabatangan River – Sukau – Danum Valley – Lahad Datu

Our extraordinary 13-day journey is every adventurer’s dream, travelling through the wild and remote natural beauty of the Malay Peninsula across to Borneo Island. Explore protected national parks and reserves, home to some of the planet’s oldest tropical rainforests and diverse flora and fauna.

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Romancing Malaysia & Bali

Kuala Lumpur – Malacca – Ubud – Jimbaran

The captivating cities of Kuala Lumpur and Malacca in Malaysia and the magical “Island of the Gods” in Bali, Indonesia, provide the dreamy backdrop for a unique romantic journey together, along with our memorable curated experiences.

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Malaysia Tailored Experiences

  • Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruising the Andaman Sea

    Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruising the Andaman Sea

    Langkawi, Malaysia

    With its calm waters, natural beauty and superb weather conditions, the Langkawi archipelago presents an impossibly romantic setting for a sunset cruise. Late this afternoon, set sail from the jetty with your beloved, on board a shared luxury yacht. This is prime time and position to catch the sun sinking into the Andaman Sea, casting a mango-hued glow on the water’s reflection and across the skies overhead. Following the sun’s dying rays, the inky black sky reveals a ceiling of twinkling stars. Once this amazing extravaganza of nature concludes, feast on a scrumptious barbecue buffet out on deck, accompanied by free-flow alcoholic beverages. You may be lucky and spot frolicking Spinner Dolphins and White-bellied Sea Eagles accompanying the yacht. This sunset cruise indulges with an open bar, where fine liquors and cocktails are served. For the ultimate on-board relaxation, immerse yourself in one of the several sea nets suspended in the water, or the deluxe salt water Jacuzzi. Together, raise your glass to the moon glowing above, a fitting way to conclude another idyllic day in Langkawi.

    Duration: 3 hrs

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  • Discover Langkawi’s Legends & Cultural Heritage

    Discover Langkawi’s Legends & Cultural Heritage

    Langkawi, Malaysia

    Explore some of Langkawi’s fascinating cultural legacies and heritage. Start early at Atma Alam, Langkawi’s original batik art village. Tour the workshop for a better understanding of this ancient art form and its intricate wax-dyed cloth techniques. Afterwards, purchase your own batik masterpiece from the showroom. An iconic national textile, Malaysian batik varieties are typically characterised by colourful nature motifs and geometric spirals.

    Known as “Legendary Island”, Langkawi is enshrouded with folk lore and myths. The best known is the spell of Mahsuri, a maiden innocently executed for adultery. With her dying breath, she cursed the island with seven generations of bad luck, perhaps accounting for Langkawi’s only recent success. Visit Mahsuri’s Mausoleum to understand more about her pitiful tale. Despite its name, Black Sand Beach is actually a striking blend of black and white sands, also interwoven with ancient folk lore. An old wooden jetty and fleet of brightly-painted fishing boats provide stunning photographic opportunities. Our tour concludes at Eagle Square and its 12m (39ft)-tall sculpture of a brown eagle, heading-up Kuah Bay. Langkawi’s name is derived from two Malay words, “Helang” (eagle) and “Kawi” (reddish brown), symbolising the island’s abundance of eagles besides, “standing strong”.

    Duration: 4 hrs

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  • Authentic Tastes of Penang’s Legendary Street Food

    Authentic Tastes of Penang’s Legendary Street Food

    Penang, Malaysia

    Penang – and especially George Town – is regarded as Malaysia’s culinary epicentre, home to a vast diversity of ethnic cuisines that attracts gourmet travellers from across the globe. Accompanied by a local foodie guide, our exclusive epicurean adventure seeks out some of Penang’s most authentic and delicious street food – recognised as some of the world’s finest.  Our f stop is Ayer Itam, a George Town suburb regarded as one of the best places to sample local Penang cuisine. Try the celebrated curry noodles and renowned Assam laksa, a vibrantly-coloured, fish-based rice noodle soup. The laksa’s pungent aroma and distinct prawn paste makes this hawker dish a hit for locals and tourists alike. Head to the Town Coffee Shop on Jalan Kimberly and taste a famous oyster delicacy, then continue on to Bangkok Lane, a name reflecting the Thai and Burmese communities that once settled in this enclave. Try local culinary delights such as Indian mee goreng and pasembur. In the afternoon, sample some “must-try” hawker dishes on a well-known food street. These may include char koay toew, stir-fried rice noodles that are a beloved national favourite and hokkien mee, mixed noodles in a piquant prawn broth – the culinary pride of local Penangites. 

    Duration: 4 hrs

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  • Discover Penang’s Famed Hill Station & Buddhist Temple

    Discover Penang’s Famed Hill Station & Buddhist Temple

    Penang, Malaysia

    In addition to the white sand beaches and heritage-rich streets of George Town, Penang Hill is one of the islands’ most popular attractions. Also known as Flagstaff Hill, or local name, Bukit Bendera, at around 838m (2,750ft) above sea level, Penang Hill is Malaysia’s oldest colonial hill station. The train ride to the top, on the Swiss-designed Penang Hill Railway, is a not-to-be-missed experience in itself. Dating back to the 1920s and since upgraded, this is one of the world’s oldest funicular train systems and steepest tunnel tracks. Climbing Penang Hill at a crawling pace, the train passes the occasional macaque monkey and some of Penang’s last patches of tropical rainforest. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views across Penang and . On a clear day, the distant mountains of Langkawi Island are visible. You may also appreciate the cooler temperatures, a welcome break from the sultry heat below. Our tour concludes at Kek Lok Si Temple, also known as “Temple of Supreme Bliss”, which is high near Penang Hill. Founded in the late 19th century, Kek Lok Si is one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples. A the striking seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI and charming turtle pond amongst the peaceful gardens, prayer pavilions and shrines.

    Duration: 4 hrs

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  • Discover Malacca’s Rich History & Heritage

    Discover Malacca’s Rich History & Heritage

    Malacca, Malaysia

    The historic state of Malacca (Melaka) is justifiably one of Malaysia’s leading tourist destinations. Once a strategic trading port, Malacca is regarded as the birthplace of the nation’s historic and cultural roots. Rich with heritage buildings and landmarks, the state capital, Malacca City, is today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City – a fascinating destination to discover centuries-old legacies of European colonial forces. Our full-day heritage tour starts with A Famosa Historical Complex, a 16th century Portuguese fortress and one of Asia’s oldest surviving remnants of European architecture. This contains the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and Porta de Santiago, the latter, the only fortress section still intact. Continue on to 17th century Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest Buddhist place of worship and bustling Jonker Street in Chinatown, Malacca’s most celebrated thoroughfare.

    Duration: 9 hrs

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  • Cultural Wonders in Suburban Kuala Lumpur

    Cultural Wonders in Suburban Kuala Lumpur

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing cities and the region’s youngest capital. For visitors, this dynamic metropolis presents an intoxicating blend of old-world charm and new-world sophistication. Today, explore attractions in the outer suburbs of Kuala Lumpur – also known as KL.

    Your journey of discovery begins with a drive along Ambassadors Row, a diplomatic enclave lined with numerous national embassies. The first stop is Royal Selangor, Malaysia’s leading manufacturer of traditional pewter products. Take a guided factory tour and discover the history of pewter ware and how these high-quality products are created with exceptional craftsmanship. Continue on to a batik factory – in Malaysia, batik is an iconic national textile. Learn about this ancient art form and its intricate wax-dyed cloth techniques, including block printing, required to create each colourful masterpiece. Our final destination is the Batu Caves. The main century-old cave-temple rests within a massive limestone cave, accessed by hundreds of steps. Considered an important Hindu site, cavernous interiors contain an impressive array of shrines, art works and statues.

    Duration: 3.5 hrs

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