Malaysia Travel Guide

One of the world’s greatest cultural melting pots, Malaysia is a nation where sprawling urban cities encapsulate streets where Chinese shophouses, golden-domed mosques and Hindu temples jostle for space. This, combined with its incredible scenic diversity from some of the world’s oldest rainforests to breathtaking countryside and paradisiacal islands, makes Malaysia -as the country’s tourism slogan goes- “truly Asia”. 

A vibrant potpourri of cultures; in Malaysia, Muslim Malays, Chinese, Muslim Indians and Hindus all live among each other alongside Borneo’s indigenous groups and aboriginal group on Peninsular Malaysia. As you can imagine, with each ethnic group comes diversity in language, cultural practices, festivities and of course, cuisine. 

Malay cuisine is arguably one of the best in Asia. Its beauty lies in the country’s rich heritage and the cultural diversity which sees you sampling classic dishes from Thailand, Indonesia and India as well as a beautiful blend of these in Malaysia’s regional dishes. Tea and coffee share the top of the list for favoured drinks; the British Empire left behind the coveted tradition of high tea. 

Split in two, Malaysia offers two very distinct parts of itself. Peninsular Malaysia shares a land border with Thailand and at its southerly point, is capped by Singapore. To the east, you’ll find the huge island of Borneo. Rich in diverse ecosystems and wildlife, one half of the island belongs to Malaysia split into the island states of Sabah and Sarawak, nestled up next to Brunei and Indonesian Borneo. Much of Malaysia’s astonishing natural beauty, mind-boggling diversity and colourful inhabitants are found inland on the peninsula away from the metropolis of Kuala Lumpur and on the island of Borneo. 

Malaysia’s opportune placement secured its establishment as an important trade route between India and China, hence the amalgamation of early settlers including the British, Dutch and Portuguese empires. With these powerful communities, came grand architecture, rich traditions and heritage which is still present in Malaysia today. In 1965, Malaysia became the independent country we know today. 

Fast forward to the present day and Malaysia’s superb concrete jungle, Kuala Lumpur, is a thriving hub of Asia. A sprawling metropolis of on-trend rooftop bars, mega malls and upmarket hotels sit juxtaposed with street food stalls, pockets of greenery and stunning colonial architecture. Beyond the capital, the UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Melaka and George Town are a gateway to Malaysia’s rich history, colonial foundations and of course, unparalleled food scene. 

If it wasn’t already obvious, Malaysia is a thriving centre of activity. Whether you plan to spend your Malaysia holiday trekking, relaxing, diving or city touring, you will not be disappointed in what’s on offer. Read on to discover what awaits you in this Malaysia travel guide;

Whilst Malaysia has two distinct peak seasons; it is as equatorial-tropical as you can get in Asia so you can expect high temperatures and humidity year-round. 

The peak season, when you can expect the busiest periods, are from December to the end of January and from June to mid-September. The former of the two align with Hari Raya Puasa, the celebration at the end of the Muslim holiday, Ramadan. Much of the population takes the week off and travels to see family in other parts of the country so travel routes will be busy and many shops, restaurants and attractions will be shut during this time. 

The monsoon season in Malaysia differs depending on which coast you are on in Peninsular, similar to its northerly neighbour, Thailand. In the northeast, the monsoon season arrives from late November to mid-February which covers much of the coast in heavy rainfall. On the west coast which includes Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, the wettest months are September and October. The same goes for the inland mountainous areas such as the Cameron Highlands.

Planning your Malaysia holiday to avoid the wet can be a little mind-boggling. Ultimately, the best time to visit Malaysia is from March to early November when it’s the driest and least humid. However, visiting just after the rainy season also brings lush waterfalls, green countryside and a lack of crowds. 

You’ll be overwhelmed with the choices of places to visit on your Malaysia tour package. Here’s a selection of the top places to go and attractions in Malaysia;

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s multicultural sultry capital, Kuala Lumpur is a city that manages to combine beautiful mosques, colourful minarets and incense-filled temples of its Malay, Indian and Chinese communities whilst simultaneously acting as a hub of modernity for Asia. 

KL, as it’s affectionately known, is a city best explored on foot. Despite the heat and random downpours, walking around this city is the best chance you have to spot the hawker stalls serving up the city’s best dishes juxtaposed to a bustling Chinese market, a beautifully-domed mosque or an iconic skyscraper. The places to visit in KL are endless, from rooftop bars to famed foodie streets and the 1500-feet-tall Petronas Twin Towers to the Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves outside of the city.

Discover the places to go on this 7-day Kuala Lumpur city tour with a trusted local guide to get the full experience.

Perhentian Islands

‘Heaven doesn’t exi-’

Oh, it does, and you can find it off the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. While Malaysia isn’t short of incredible islands offering unparalleled marine life and underwater activities, the Perhentian Islands pip the others to the post with its ethereal beauty.

From sharks to tropical fish, abundant turtles and living coral beds metres from the shore, Pulau Perhentian’s incredibly clear water means that you don’t have to be a diver to feel like you’re in an open-sea aquarium. With one island to accommodate backpackers and the other for those looking for hotels and resorts; the Perhentian Islands will not disappoint regardless of which island you end up on. 

Design your own Malaysia holiday with a Local Designer to include these islands!

Visit George Town for the Food & Street Art

After a long period of waiting in the wings, George Town has been propelled to the top of the list of Southeast Asia’s top destinations. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008, George Town is the historical city found on the island of Penang in Malaysia’s northwest corner. 

As the city has grown in popularity, the race for cultural preservation has aligned with it transforming atmospheric shophouses into museums, boutique guesthouses and restaurants. Being one of the best places to visit in Penang, George Town’s draws are ten-fold with its penchant for incredible street food coming in first. The amount and variety of great food in George Town is overwhelming, from mouthwatering noodle soups to a national favourite, Laksa. When you are full to the brim, you can set off in search of George Towns abundant street art and wall-sized murals decorating the crumbling white buildings. 

Discover all of Penang’s attractions on this 7-day Penang itinerary. 

Mount Kinabalu

The tallest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu is one of the most prominent features of Malaysian Borneo. Sitting not far from the city by the same name, to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu, you’ll need two days. 

Not for the faint of heart, it is a challenging climb but one that is oh-so-rewarding when you arrive at the peak of the mountain at sunrise. If you’re lucky, you’ll take in horizon views that stretch to the Philippines. If it’s cloudy, it won’t rain on your parade as the mental and physical challenge of this hike is exhilarating.

Spend six days in Kota Kinabalu on this Borneo itinerary and take the chance to hike to the peak!

Tea Plantations & Cameron Highlands

A welcome break from the intense heat of the lowlands, the lush Cameron Highlands occupy a region of central Peninsular Malaysia. The highlands are characterised by a carpet of emerald tea plantations, fresh, crisp air and misty mountain views.  

As you venture higher and deeper into the Cameron Highlands, the views only improve. You’ll find yourself grateful for the break from the humidity and perusing strawberry farms, admiring Tudor-themed architecture and nature trekking make for a very approachable active destination. 

Explore all of the Cameron Highlands attractions on this customisable Malaysia package.

Malaysia’s holiday destinations and key attractions are well-linked by an excellent public transportation infrastructure as well as regular and reliable trains and domestic flights. Of course, if you’re looking to explore Malaysia with a private guide, travelling by car is also an option. Read on for the best ways to travel on your Malaysia trip;

Plane

The two leading airlines in Malaysia, AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, service the country very well. Flights between the capital, Kuala Lumpur, the Borneo hub of Kota Kinabalu and the island of Penang receive the most traffic. Around the country, several smaller airports link the major destinations for those that are short on time. On Peninsular Malaysia, flights can cost as little as $24 USD.

Public Transport - Bus, Train & More

If there’s one thing that shines through about Malaysia travel, it is how easy it’s public transportation system makes it to travel within cities and all over the country. In Kuala Lumpur, the buses, subways and rail systems connect every corner of the city and free tourist buses service the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. 

Similarly, in Penang, the bus system links the main city of George Town with points all over the island. In the cities and larger towns, you’ll be able to use Grab, the Malaysia-born version of Uber. This taxi app is incredibly reasonable and makes it easy to travel short journeys around the city or to the airport. Beware that regular taxis in Malaysia will often charge per person and rarely have a meter, so make sure to agree on a price before your journey to avoid being caught out. 

Another option for short journeys between Kuala Lumpur attractions and also Penang attractions are trishaws. These three-wheeled, bicycle-powered ‘taxis’ will get you from A to B in a number of Malaysian cities for as little as $10 USD an hour. Again, make sure to agree on a price beforehand. 

Trains

Mainland Malaysia is well serviced by railways with over 1,149 miles of train lines! Express trains have air-conditioned cabins and three classes, whereas local trains only have economy class and of course, are a lot slower. Trains are a great way to travel overland to Singapore and Thailand and can be used on the island of Borneo to get from place to place on your Malaysia trip. 

Private Tours

If you’re looking to travel in the comfort of your own transport with the company of an English-speaking guide then at Designer Journeys, we can offer you that as well as any of the options above for your Malaysia itinerary. Our Local Designers in Malaysia can tailor your tour to suit you. Whatever you’re looking for.

Accommodation in Malaysia comes in all shapes and sizes; from five-star international hotels and boutique colonial rest houses to campsites, family-run guesthouses and traditional longhouses. 

Tip: Most accommodation in Malaysia is very well priced, and you get a lot of value for money. However, make sure to book in advance if you plan to visit around one of the major holidays or festivals as accommodation often sells out. 

Guesthouses & Hostels

Most travellers to Malaysia will find themselves staying in guesthouses. Whilst they sometimes come under the name of hostel, B&B or backpackers, they all offer simple accommodation often in renovated buildings with interest, dorm rooms and private rooms. 

Hotels in Malaysia

Malaysia’s hotels cater to all travellers, from local clientele looking for simple accommodation to mid-range hotels with en-suite facilities but often cramped facilities. At the upper end of the scale, you’ll find high-end hotels with state-of-the-art facilities, spas, gyms and swimming pools. If you shop around a little, you can find five-star hotels for as little as $48 USD a night!

Longhouses

For travellers visiting Malaysian Borneo, staying in a longhouse is the chance to experience life in the indigenous tribes with daily activities including trekking, weaving workshops and cooking experiences. In order to preserve these communities, longhouse stays are often best booked through a local tour operator or one of our Local Designers in Malaysia.

Malaysian food is something that sticks in your mind once you leave the country. Almost every city and town has a Little India where you’ll find excellent Indian food. In Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll get your hit of Chinese food. However, Malay food is what you’ll write home about. 

Rich spices like chilli, coriander, lemongrass and mint combine with seafood, chicken, rice and noodles to create a variety of regional dishes that celebrate this diverse nation. Whilst a lot of dishes may not have originated in Malaysia, they have found a home here and have been customised to perfection. 

Read on for a selection of the must-try dishes in Malaysia and where to find them;

The National Dish of Nasi Lemak - Try it Anywhere!

This national dish makes it to the top of the list as it will most likely be the first dish you come across and will be the dish you spot on almost every menu. Translating literally to ‘fatty rice’, nasi lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves and a lot of oil!

It is usually served on a banana leaf with additions included sambal (a must-try spicy sauce), boiled egg, peanuts, sliced cucumber and often, ikan bilis (fried anchovies). Due to the ‘fatty-ness’ of this dish, it is best enjoyed towards the earlier part of the day. 

Roti Canai in Little India, Kuala Lumpur

An absolute staple snack, roti canai is a light flatbread served with an array of curry sauces which vary in spice level. If you are not a fan of chilli, it is best to have your roti with dhal (made from lentils) which is always readily available. 

Little India in Kuala Lumpur is where you’ll find roti canai stalls by the dozen. It is the perfect snack to fuel your feet as you cover the things to see in Kuala Lumpur. 

Sticky Rice & Durian Puffs at Jonker’s Walk Night Market, Melaka

Jonker’s Walk Night Market is celebrated for its abundant -and delicious- street food choices. Walking the length of the market, grazing as you go, you’ll be ready to drop into a food coma by the end. 

One dish to watch out for is the sticky rice, a sweet rice ball wrapped in palm leaf with mincemeat in the centre. The rice is blue so you shouldn’t miss it! Another is a durian puff. If you haven’t come across durian before, it is one of the most pungent-smelling fruits in the world and in Malaysia, people go mad for it. A durian puff, the fruit encased in pastry, is a great introduction.

Tip: If you happen to fall in love with durian, bear in mind that it is often banned in hotels and on public transport due to its smell. 

Hawker Stalls in George Town, Penang

George Town has a big reputation for being the foodie hub of Malaysia. Come dusk, street food stalls and hawker centres begin cooking up a storm and continue late into the night with locals and tourists alike flocking to dine. 

A locals’ favourite is the Lorong Baru hawker stall, which is a great spot to enjoy Penang’s assam laksa, a sour tamarind broth with rice noodles complete with mackerel, vegetables and spice. You’ll also be able to sample ikan bakar (grilled seafood), apong (coconut pancakes) and hokkien mee (prawn noodle soup). You’ll want to get here early to fight for a seat if you visit on the weekend.

Mee Kolok in Kuching, Sarawak

Found on most hawker stalls throughout the city of Kuching, the capital of the Bornean state of Sarawak, mee kolok is a special breakfast meal. The dish consists of egg noodles, which are stirred through lard after being boiled, then topped with thin slices of roast pork and herbs. 

Pandan Pancakes - Anywhere

Pandan is a green leaf which is most commonly known as the Asian-version of vanilla. Pandan pancakes -green, rolled pancakes with added palm sugar and coconut- are a common dessert in Malaysia and are simply delicious!

If pandan pancakes are a real hit with you, then you’ll want to get your hands on a pandan gula apong cake, a fluffy layered pandan cake made with palm sugar. You won’t want to share a single bite!

Kopi-O - The Malaysian Coffee

Coffee can be very hit and miss in Asia. Kopi-O is Malaysia’s typical brew, served hot or iced with a hefty pour of condensed milk to make a sweet, smooth, refreshing beverage. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can enjoy it black. 

Ipoh, a city in northwestern Peninsular Malaysia, is particularly famous for its blend of kopi-O. Here, the beans are only roasted with palm oil margarine, whereas typical kopi-O is also roasted with sugar and wheat. The result is Ipoh kopi-O is much lighter in appearance so is often known as the instant version.

Expect vibrant street festivals, deeply religious days and more to celebrate Malaysia’s unique cultural heritage. If there’s one thing Malays aren’t short of, it’s celebrations. 

Whilst Malaysia shares a lot of its key holidays and religious festivals with Singapore, it adds its own flair;

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Possibly one of the biggest Muslim holidays on the Malaysian calendar, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. After a month of fasting in Malaysia’s extreme temperatures, the Muslim population are more than ready to celebrate. The festival begins with feasting and long journeys to hometowns and is punctuated by decadent Malay desserts, families welcoming guests into their homes and celebrations aplenty!

Chinese New Year

Just like the Muslim population, Malaysia is also home to a large Chinese population who are always ready to celebrate their heritage. This exciting holiday occurs annually in January or February and is marked by a blanket of red as parades, celebrations and street performances fill the major cities. 

Deepavali

Commonly known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali is all about celebrating the triumph of good over evil, a popular Hindu tradition. Usually occurring in October or November, this festival centres around the Indian community in Malaysia and is celebrated with bright lights, colourful arrangements and high-energy performances and festivities. 

Thaipusam

This is a festival to avoid if you are in any way squeamish! Not for the faint-hearted, this Hindu festival takes place in January and involves a procession of people carrying spiked alters that pierce their bodies. This tribute to Lord Subramanium is a fascinating festival to experience, but it may make you feel a little nauseous. 

Vesak Day

Last but not least, not forgetting the Buddhist community in Malaysia, this festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Occurring annually in May, this festival has a much more sombre feel to it than any other festival during the year, but nonetheless, temples and shrines are still brightly decorated.

Language: Malaysia’s official language is Malay, spoken by the vast majority of the country regardless of their ethnicity. However, English is also widely spoken, and you can get by easily enough without knowing any Malay. 

Currency: The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the currency of Malaysia. At the time of writing, November 2020, 1 RM was equal to $0.24 USD.

Visas: Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Malaysia, and you’ll be granted a 90-day stay on arrival. However, be sure to check this before you travel and always make sure you have at least six months validity on your passport. 

Dress: Being the multicultural destination it is, there isn’t a great deal of pressure to be covered up in Malaysia. However, you may feel more comfortable with your shoulders and knees covered; it is a must when visiting temples and other religious buildings. 

Rainy Days: Kuala Lumpur on Peninsula Malaysia and Sarawak and Sabah on Malaysian Borneo receive a lot of rainfall. Regardless of the season, afternoon downpours are common so make sure to carry an umbrella or raincoat on you at all times. 

Malay vs Malaysian: It is easy to assume that Malay refers to the term for someone from Malaysia. However, Malay defines a person who is Muslim and speaks Bahasa Melayu as their first language - not every Malaysian is Malay.

No PDA: Public displays of affection are very much frowned upon in Malaysia. Whilst hand-holding and quick pecks are okay, keep everything else for when you are in private.

With landscapes and wildlife as diverse as its people are cultures, it is hard not to fall in love with Malaysia. We firmly believe that it is a destination to be explored in full. 

Browse our collection of fully-customisable Malaysia tours or design your own Malaysia trip! Whichever route you take, you’ll then be connected with one of our trusted Local Designers in Malaysia who can design your perfect trip to suit your budget, travel style and interests.