Malaysia

A former British colony, Malaysia is now a modern, multicultural and wealthy constitutional monarchy, with its capital, the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur (KL), located on peninsular Malaysia. The nation, including the more remote parts of Sarawak and Sabah, is host to a variety of diverse cultures and ethnicities and both modern and traditional lifestyles. The cuisine is amongst the tastiest in Asia. In addition to its cultural appeal, Malaysia lures travelers with white, sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, dense jungles, high mountains and tropical rainforests.

Diverse yet unified, Malaysia is a world unto itself. Destinations include Kuala Lumpur, (Batu Caves, Hindu shrines, Petronas Towers, Masjid Jamek mosque, British colonial architecture) Bako National Park (hiking, photography, monkeys), Borneo (Kuching boasts roaring rapids, picnics on the beach and the Orang Ulu tribal people), Kapit (the fierce Sea Dyak headhunters, rapids and rainforests), Mabul and Sipadan Islands (diving, tropical fish), Turtle Island (watch giant turtles lay their eggs), Kudat (Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Sukau) and Kota Kinabalu (Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park and the 13,000-foot Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea).

Malaysia Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Malaysia

The best time to visit Borneo is from March to October, the Western Islands are at their most pleasant between December and February, while the East Coast is best between June and August.

  • Malaysia is a tropical climate, and as such it is hot, humid, and rainy year round, with hilly, shaded areas offering the coolest respite.
  • While the entire region is considered a monsoon climate, the east coast is the rainiest part thanks to the northeast monsoon.
  • The rainy season on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia falls between September and November.
  • In Borneo, there is a true monsoon season (as opposed to the western rainy season mentioned above), which begins in October and ends in February.
  • In all areas, however, rain generally falls in short, fast bursts that are followed almost instantly by sun.

Multi-Country Specialists

Malaysia Goes Well With

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.