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.

Malaysia Itineraries

Classic Malaysian Borneo

Discover the best that Malaysia Borneo has to offer on this exciting 8-day adventure. You’ll start in the picturesque Kota Kinabalu and explore the foot of the volcano, followed by a shared cruise along the Kinabatangan River, continuing through the Danum Valley, passing hanging coffins, and on the lookout for proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and indigenous wildlife.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,800
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Classic Peninsular Malaysia

Spend 10 days exploring peninsular Malaysia’s must-see destinations on this classic journey. You’ll tour the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, enjoy fresh tea at a plantation in the Cameron Highlands, visit UNESCO-listed sites in Penang, and relax beachside in Langkawi, all while staying in luxury hotels.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,500
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Remote Asia in Five Countries | Small Group Journey

A thrilling two-week private jet adventure from the Island of Gods to the Lion City, including cruising the Indonesian archipelago by yacht and exploring wild Papua New Guinea. 

Date
Jun 4–19, 2025
Price Per Person
$128,888
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Beautiful Malaysia: From Coast to Highlands

Voyage between Malaysia’s west and east coast on this remarkable 10-day journey that stops at fascinating points. You’ll explore UNESCO-listed Georgetown, hike through lush tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, and take a boat cruise through Taman Negara National Park., all while staying in luxury hotels.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,000
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Colonial Singapore and Malaysia

Step into the rich colonial histories of Singapore and Malaysia on this fascinating 9-day luxury journey. You’ll stay at the iconic century-old Raffles Singapore, stroll down Jonker Street in Old Malacca, trek through the picturesque Cameron Highlands, and take a private tour of UNESCO-listed Georgetown.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,400
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Diving Borneo's Aquatic Treasures: Sipadan & Mabul

Explore Borneo’s incredible underwater world on this enchanting 7-day diving adventure in some of the world’s best dive sites, Sipidan and Mabul. You’ll make friends with lively underwater creatures like hawksbill, greenback turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks, while staying at a luxury floating dive resort. 

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,700
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Family Fun from Singapore to Langkawi

From the highlands and mountaintops to tropical rainforests and sandy shores, take the whole family on a 12-day trip through Singapore and Malaysia. Get a lesson in physics and chemistry in state-of-the-art city museums, entomology at Penang’s butterfly farm, ecology in Cameron Highland’s dense rainforests, pewtersmithing in Kuala Lumpur, and botany at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Travel through the diverse terrains of Singapore and Malaysia is an adventure brimming with exciting experiences and teaching moments for kids and parents alike.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,400
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From Singapore to Malaysia: A Culturally Revealing Experience

Experience for yourself the similarities and differences between sparkling Singapore and mesmerizing Malaysia. These two countries were once part of the same state, but in 1965, Singapore became independent. Nowadays, their cultural similarities make them friendly neighbors, while the juxtaposition of their vastly different landscapes make them a fascinating combination...

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,200
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Singapore Getaways: Wildlife in Danum Valley

In Singapore for business, the Grand Prix, a wedding, reunion, or another event? While in the Lion City, take advantage of this major airline hub and turn your trip into a vacation with these quick and easy add-on getaways.

Leave the bustling city of Singapore behind for the wilds of Malaysian Borneo, a 2.5 hour flight away. This quick and easy 4-day getaway to Danum Valley will thrill wildlife seekers with its plethora of plants and lowland fauna.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,800
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Wild Borneo: Kota Kinabalu to the Danum Valley

Make your way across Borneo’s wilds on this exciting 7-day luxury adventure. You’ll get close to baby orangutans, walk along the treetops in a canopy tour, cruise down jungle-lined rivers, noting the multitude of exotic plants and animals you spot along the way, and sleep in an award-winning eco-lodge. 

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,100
See Itinerary
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
Preferred Hotel

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Once a small tin mining outpost, in a mere 150 years Kuala Lumpur has blossomed into the capital and largest city of Malaysia with a thriving tourist industry and a multitude of other draws. Among these are one of the most lively nightlife scenes in all of Southeast Asia, some of the region’s best shopping, and abundant opportunities for unique culinary experiences. The Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is situated in the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle district, placing it...
Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A bustling metropolis with a name that translates to “muddy river confluence” in Malay, Kuala Lumpur is a capital city bearing wide international appeal and a healthy bit of flair. “KL,” as locals often call it, is an urban sightseer’s dream with its numerous shopping malls, museums, and architectural marvels. Those seeking an escape from the city, however, will be delighted to find several forest reserves nearby and other greenspace areas even within Kuala Lumpur that bring an opportunity to...
Four Seasons Langkawi
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Langkawi

Langkawi, Malaysia

Set on blissful Tanjung Rhu, one of the island’s finest beaches, the Four Seasons Langkawi brings the brand’s trademark luxury to the island. The resort comprises pavilions and villas incorporating recently redesigned by designer Bill Bensley and team. All feature DVD/CD players, satellite televisions, Internet access, tea/coffee maker, in-room safe, and telephones. The Four Seasons hosts a series of first-class restaurants, including Serai, an open-air restaurant which serves Italian delicacies made from fresh, local produce; Ikan-Ikan, a Malay restaurant modeled...
Gaya Island Resort
Preferred Hotel

Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island, Malaysia

Gaya Island Resort is situated off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia. Located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a marine conservation area, the resort rests on the largest of five islands; Pulau Gaya. The area is characterized by its clear waters, rich coral beds, rainforests and white powdery beaches. The transfer time from Kota Kinabalu airport is approximately 30 minutes via road and speedboat. The resort was attentively designed to harmonize with its serene location overlooking spectacular...
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Mandarin Oriental is ideally situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur between the Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur City Center Park. The hotel has 643 rooms, including 41 suites, Mandarin Oriental Club floors, and 51 fully serviced apartments. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars, including Casbah, an Arabesque-style lounge, Lai Po Heen, a Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine, and Wasabi Bistro, a contemporary Californian-Japanese inspired restaurant. Amenities include two ballrooms and 16 function rooms, a business...
One&Only Desaru Coast
Preferred Hotel

One&Only Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast, Malaysia

One&Only Desaru Coast is a secluded beachfront resort hidden within rainforest that fringes white sands and the lapping South China Sea. Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, the property is comprised of 42 suites, two grand suites and one four-bedroom villa, all of which come with private plunge pools. There are also private homes available. Befitting the serene location, hotel amenities are focused primarily around wellness: the Chenot Spa (offering Western and holistic medicine practices as well as pampering...
Pangkor Laut
Preferred Hotel

Pangkor Laut

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the west coast of Malaysia, along the Straits of Malacca. Of the island’s 300 acres, only a fraction has been developed to house the resort’s villas and suites (as well as eight “estates,” private beach houses that are set on a small, secluded cove). The resort has 142 villas and suites, many of which stand on stilts above the sea. Villas set on a garden, beach, or hill feature...
Shangri-La Rasa Ria
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation, some of which is in a nature reserve, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria is set on a beach looking out onto Dalit Bay. The resort’s 490 rooms, all featuring traditional Malaysian decor, complimentary broadband Internet access and cable television, are divided between the freshly renovated Garden Wing and the new Ocean Wing. Visitors should note that the Rasa Ria resort also operates an adjoining nature reserve and orangutan rehabilitation center. Some of the...
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Located just 10 minutes from the center of Kota Kinabalu, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort’s 492 rooms are divided between two wings – the Kinabalu Wing, with views of the ocean and Mt. Kinabalu, and the Tanjung Wing, with views of the South China Sea. All rooms come with complimentary broadband Internet access and satellite television. Dining options include Café Tatu for breakfast and dinner, where a variety of open cooking stations offer Mongolian, Tandoori, Asian noodles, dim sum, pasta,...
The Datai Langkawi
Preferred Hotel

The Datai Langkawi

Langkawi, Malaysia

Perhaps the most luxurious resort on Langkawi, the Datai Langkawi is surrounded by dense rainforest, its sleek architecture blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Each of the Datai’s 124 rooms, villas, and suites features satellite television, DVD player, hairdryers, telephones, air-conditioning, and in-room safes. All accommodations are decorated in rich colors, with deep brown timber, cream-colored walls and plenty of windows for views of the verdant surroundings. The Datai’s restaurants include the Pavilion, which serves authentic Thai cuisine in the canopy...
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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

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