Malaysia Travel Guide
Welcome to Malaysia, a country full of tropical adventures. Trek through the rainforests of Borneo and keep your eyes peeled for orangutans. Summit Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak. Find a white sandy beach to relax on, there are hundreds. And trace the region’s historical roots in colonial coastal cities such as Malacca and George Town. Whether you like to watch wildlife, climb mountains, relax by the sea, or absorb the local culture, Malaysia offers experiences suited for any type of explorer.
Malaysia Stats
Official Language: Malay
Population: 35.5 million
Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Power Outlet: Type G
Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers
How to Visit the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur
The main reason we visited Kuala Lumpur was to see the Petronas Towers. We have an affinity for visiting the world’s tallest buildings and our list would not be complete without climbing the Petronas Twin Towers.
We stayed in Kuala Lumpur for two days, flying in from Singapore on our around the world trip.
Top Experiences in Malaysia
Petronas Towers. Possibly Malaysia’s most iconic site, the Petronas Towers are the world’s largest twin tower structure, built in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Constructed resembling motifs from Islamic art, the towers are a beautiful addition to the Kuala Lumpur skyline, and act as a beacon illuminating the night’s sky. Enjoy the view from the observation deck and walk the Skybridge that connects the two towers.
Batu Caves. A must-see when visiting Malaysia, this cave complex features numerous Hindu temples. Climb the rainbow-colored stairs that lead into these limestone caves, guarded by the towering statue of the Hindu god Murugan. The caves themselves are giant, with dramatic, moss-covered stalactites hanging high above your head.
Langkawi Sky Bridge. This curved pedestrian sky bridge is one of the longest of its kind in the world. Ride the cable car up to the sky bridge and enjoy views of the lush rainforest below. For additional thrills be sure to include the Sky Walk, which is a glass section of the bridge that juts out over the edge of the mountain.
Perhentian Islands. This small cluster of islands is a hidden gem of Malaysia, with untouched coastlines and crystal clear, turquoise waters. Not only are there beautiful white sandy beaches, but these islands are also a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Visit a Beach. Home to over 800 islands, Malaysia offers no shortage of places to unwind by the sea. The top choices include the islands of Redang, Tioman, and Langkawi for their white sand and turquoise waters.
Summit Mount Kinabalu. The highest mountain in Malaysia, the peaks of Mount Kinabalu stand tall above its mountainous neighbors. Reach the summit of this 4,095 meter (13,435 feet) mountain over a two-day trek, and marvel at the lush landscapes of Borneo down below.
Malacca. A melting pot of culture, food, and people, Malacca has a vast history as a major trading port. Walk the colorful streets and historical neighborhoods, eat alongside the Malacca River, and visit the bustling night markets.
Penang Island. A densely packed island full of activity and adventure, Penang Island is teeming with great things to do. Wander the colonial streets of the UNESCO city of George Town and enjoy panoramic views from the top of Penang Hill. Also be sure to explore the island’s rainforests and adventure parks.
Gunung Mulu National Park. Explore the vibrant rainforests of Borneo within Gunung Mulu National Park. Hike through the rainforest, explore vast cave systems, and scale the eye-catching pinnacles that rise from the jungle.
Spot Orangutans in Borneo. Borneo is one of the few places you can see orangutans in the wild, along with Sumatra in Indonesia. You can watch members of this endangered species swing between trees and forage for food in their natural habitat.
Taman Negara National Park. Trek through the jungles of Malaysia’s first national park and one of the world’s oldest rainforests.
When To Visit Malaysia
Malaysia is a year-round travel destination with a hot, tropical climate. With its proximity to the equator, temperatures don’t vary too much throughout the year. Visitors should expect hot, muggy weather with a good chance of rain.
Malaysia has two monsoon seasons which impact different parts of the country at different times of the year. The best time to visit Malaysia for drier weather depends on where you want to go.
The best time to visit the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (including Kuala Lumpur), as well as western islands such as Penang and Langkawi, is from December to February. This is when this part of Malaysia is sunnier and dryer. The wet season runs from April through October.
The best time to visit the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as eastern islands such as Redang, Tioman, the Perhentian Islands, and Borneo is from April to October. This is when this part of Malaysia is the driest. The wet season runs from November through February.
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