Malaysia holidays: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Borneo
The city of Kuala Lumpur, the street food of George Town, palm-fringed beaches on Langkawi and rainforest with orangutans on Borneo. Malaysia gives you a lot of Asia in one trip, at a low price.
Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Sua Truong / Unsplash
Malaysia at a glance
The Petronas Towers glow over Kuala Lumpur, and an hour later you are on a flight to an island with white beaches. Malaysia is split in two: the peninsula between Thailand and Singapore, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo. The country mixes Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, and you taste it best in the food.
Malaysia is easy to travel in, English is widely spoken and prices are low. It combines well with Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia.
What to see
Kuala Lumpur
See the Petronas Towers and cross the bridge between them, visit the Hindu temple at Batu Caves and eat on the food street of Jalan Alor in the evening.
Penang and George Town
The old town of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Chinese clan houses, street art and some of Asia's best hawker food.
Langkawi
An archipelago in the north west, with palm-lined beaches, rainforest, a cable car into the mountains and boat trips through the mangroves.
Borneo
In Sabah you can see orangutans at Sepilok, climb Mount Kinabalu and dive at Sipadan. Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu.
The Cameron Highlands and Melaka
The tea plantations of the highlands bring cooler air. Melaka is an old trading town with Portuguese, Dutch and British history.
Malaysia
Photo: Sasha India / Unsplash
When to go
December to April: best on the west coast, Langkawi and Penang.
March to September: best on the east coast and the Perhentian and Tioman islands.
All year: Kuala Lumpur and Borneo can be visited year round, often with afternoon showers.
Good to know
UK citizens can visit without a visa for short stays, but everyone must complete a digital arrival card before travelling.
The currency is the ringgit. Prices are low compared with Thailand and Singapore.
Malaysia is a Muslim country. Cover up when visiting mosques.
Where to stay
Malaysia has excellent luxury hotels at low prices, in Kuala Lumpur and on the islands. A dedicated Malaysia hotel guide is on the way.
Frequently asked questions about Malaysia
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
It depends on the coast. The west coast and Langkawi are best from December to April, the east coast from March to September.
How many days do I need in Malaysia?
Ten days covers Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. With two weeks you can add Borneo.
Is Malaysia expensive?
No. Food, transport and hotels are good value, and luxury hotels cost less than in many other Asian countries.
Do I need a visa for Malaysia?
UK citizens can visit without a visa for short stays. You must complete a digital arrival card before you travel.