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Divided into two halves on either side of the South China Sea, Malaysia is a country with a rich multicultural heritage, ancient rainforests, beautiful palm fringed beaches, wild jungle and delectable and diverse cuisine. Malaysia successfully combines contemporary with carefully preserved tradition – from the towering, modern skyscrapers of the cities to the stilted longhouses of Sarawak and the charming Chinese shop fronts of Kuching. With sophisticated transport infrastructure, it’s easy to get around and it’s only a short flight to Malaysia’s islands and between the two sides of the country.

An easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find the Batu Caves, a place where hundreds of Hindu devotees descend for the annual Thaipusam Festival every January and February. Piercing their skin with hooks and needles in a ritual of penance, they climb the 272 steps to the main cave temple.

See Kuala Selangor on a nocturnal boat tour along the river, where you can see thousands of glittering fireflies that are attracted to the berembang trees lining the river. Take a tour of the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory where you’ll learn how the well-known pewter goods are made and also see the world’s largest pewter tankard.

South of Kuala Lumpur, visit the historic city of Malacca. The third smallest Malaysian state, it was one of the earliest Malay sultanates before it was conquered by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at various times over 400 years or so. It became part of the Malayan Union in 1946 which then became Malaysia in 1963. With an interesting mix of the cultures of its former occupiers and Chinese descendants, it’s the delightfully charming red and white Dutch colonial buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage listed city centre that are the highlight. Explore heritage sites such as St Paul’s Hill and the ruins of St Paul’s Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Jonkers Street. Sample some delicious street food in the markets and food stalls and visit the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, showcasing the history of the local ethnic Chinese-Malays.

 

Explore the Diversity of Malaysia

Malaysia packs a lot into one country. The towers of Kuala Lumpur, rainforests in Borneo that are older than most civilisations, street food markets where you eat standing up, and island beaches where the water is warm enough to swim in year-round. The culture is a genuine mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous traditions, and the food alone is worth the trip. Malaysia holidays reward first-time visitors and repeat travellers equally.

Malaysia Holiday Packages

Our Malaysia holiday packages cover flights, accommodation, transfers and experiences. You can focus on the cultural side of Kuala Lumpur, head straight to a tropical island, or go deeper into Borneo for the wildlife and rainforest. Malaysia's transport connections are good, so combining city, coast and countryside in one trip is straightforward. Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur take around eight hours. From Adelaide there are direct flights to Kuala Lumpur that also take around eight hours or flights that connect through Singapore or Melbourne, with total travel times around 12 to 14 hours.

Malaysia also pairs well with a wider Southeast Asian trip. Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are all easy additions.

Malaysia Beach Holidays and Island Escapes

Malaysia has some of the most underrated island beaches in Southeast Asia. Langkawi has duty-free shopping, dramatic scenery and well-established resorts. The Perhentian Islands are a strong snorkelling and diving spot with clear water and good marine life. Penang mixes beach time with one of Asia's best food scenes. And the islands off Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo are wilder and more remote, if that is what you are after.

Top Holiday Destinations in Malaysia

Each of Malaysia's popular holiday destinations has its own character. Kuala Lumpur is the capital, home to the Petronas Twin Towers, serious shopping and a food scene that runs from hawker stalls to fine dining. Langkawi is the resort island, with natural scenery and a laid-back feel. Penang is the cultural one, with heritage architecture, street art and food that draws people from across Asia. And then there is Borneo, where Sabah and Sarawak have orangutan encounters, jungle treks and river cruises through old-growth rainforest.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia is warm year-round, but the timing depends on where you are heading. The west coast and Kuala Lumpur tend to be drier from December to February. The east coast and islands like the Perhentians are best from March to October. Borneo works any time, though March to October is drier for trekking.

What are the best islands in Malaysia for a holiday?

Langkawi is the most popular, with established resorts, good beaches and dramatic scenery. The Perhentian Islands are the go-to for snorkelling and diving, although you can't access it all-year round due to the weather. Tioman Island has lush jungle and quieter beaches. For something more remote, the islands off Sabah in Borneo have some of the best diving in the region.

Is Malaysia a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes. The coastline runs along both the peninsula and Borneo, so there is a lot of variety. Langkawi is the resort option, the Perhentians are the unspoilt option, and Borneo's islands are the remote option. Pricing varies too, so there is a beach holiday to fit most budgets.

What is the food like in Malaysia?

Exceptional. The mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Bornean cuisines means you can eat completely different food at every meal. Nasi lemak, char kway teow, roti canai, laksa and satay are the classics. Street food is a way of life, and Penang in particular has a reputation as one of Asia's great food cities.

How can I book a holiday to Malaysia?

Get in touch with our Travel Consultants and choose from our existing specials or let us build something custom. City break, beach escape, island hopping, Borneo wildlife, or a bit of everything. We can arrange flights, accommodation, transfers and experiences. Enquire online or call us.

Destinations within Malaysia