Malaysia in January

November through February and Kuala Lumpur and Malacca are both hot and humid throughout, temperatures range from 22 °C to 32 °C (72-90 °F), though with a tropical climate, slight showers occur almost daily. Around the start of the year, January or February, Chinese New Year gets into full swing with Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur in particular coming alive with red lanterns and fire crackers lighting up the city. It is also a time when Hindu and Tamil communities celebrate Thaipusam with the temples at the famed Batu Caves, just outside Kuala Lumpur attracting large crowds for the national holiday.

It is dry season in Western Malaysia, though there are still frequent, albeit brief, showers. The temperature on the island of Penang in the west remains uniform throughout the year between 24 and 32 °C (75-90 °F). January and February are the best time to visit the islands of Langkawi, with their golden beaches, crystal waters, palm trees, surreal rock formations and lush vegetation. Many choose to visit George Town, capital of Penang, an architectural gem of the first-order, containing one of the largest collections of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia, and a Unesco world heritage site.

Unlike the west coast, this time is wet season on the East Coast (any time of year and Malaysia offers a place to avoid the heaviest rains), though as with most of the country the weather remains hot, between 24 and 32 °C (75-90 °F). The monsoons can make the water choppy for water sports, but it is the best time to view the nation’s many sea turtles, particularly off the coast of the island of Redang. The rains are a lot heavier on this side of the peninsula and rainfall can reach 600 mm in November, which can disrupt boat crossings, and some of the resorts close during these months, re-opening in March.

Suggested Itineraries

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.

Interest With Kids

Destinations Singapore, Malaysia

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $6,400

See Itinerary

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.

Interest Wildlife

Destination Malaysia

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Price Per Person: From $4,800

See Itinerary

Cruising from Singapore to Malaysia

Move from the ultra-modern city-state of Singapore to the exotic tropical paradise of Tioman island in Malaysia on this 5-day luxury journey. You’ll enjoy a swim with a view in the infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands, followed by a private yacht cruise to a remote Malaysian island, where you’ll fish, snorkel, and dine.

Interests Romance, Luxury Cruises

Destinations Singapore, Malaysia

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Per Person Per Day: Enquire for price

See Itinerary

Borneo's UNESCO Wonders

Take in the UNESCO-listed iconic sites of Malaysian Borneo on this insightful 7-day luxury journey. You’ll visit a “living museum,” trek through the stunning Mulu National Park, hike through Asia’s longest cave, relax in hotsprings, and stay in some of Borneo’s must luxury accommodation, like Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

Interest Unesco

Destination Malaysia

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Price Per Person: From $2,250

See Itinerary

Recommended Festivals For Malaysia in January

Thaipusam

January-February

For one day each year, the Tamil Hindus of Malaysia give thanks and do penance. Thousands of pilgrims make the eight-hour walk from Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves, bearing kavadi - physical burdens, which may include rods through their cheeks or hooks embedded into the skin. The Kavadis honor Murugan, the god of victory.

Location Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chinese New Year

January/February

This three-day festival is celebrated by Malaysian Chinese throughout the country. Houses, temples and streets are cleaned and decorated, families come together for reunion meals, children receive red packets of money and there are dragon and lion dances in the street. Fireworks are set off and there is a festive atmosphere.

Location Countrywide, Malaysia

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.

Langkawi to Borneo: Malaysia with Remote Lands

Author: Travelogues

As the world slowly opens to travel again, exciting new accommodations and pristine natural wonders are drawing travelers to Malaysia.

Read Article

Time for a Tiger: Anthony Burgess in Malaysia

Author: James Newman

Long before the dystopian Clockwork Orange hit shelves, Southeast Asia would see Anthony Burgess in Malaysia; a grammar school teacher would go to Malaysia and Singapore to make his name with the Malayan Trilogy.

Read Article

Ipoh: What to do in Malaysia’s Next Big Destination

Author: Zinara Rathnayake

It's a little bit Penang, a little bit Cameron Highlands, and a little bit something new. Ipoh is a transitional destination on peninsular Malaysia worth a visit.

Read Article

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

4 friends from Madrid and Monaco

Sir Winston Churchill said: "we are not difficult to please, we are always happy with the best". And we are having the very, very best time, so we are very, very happy

Vietnam

Couple from New York

Every activity was coordinated to perfection and we couldn’t be more happy.

Japan

Marion & Carl - Austin, TX

We had been to Siem Reap before ... but this trip was truly one-of-a-kind, an insiders look into the life and culture of the Cambodian people, truly a trip of a lifetime.

Cambodia

More Testimonials

Aman Jet Expeditions

You are invited to Remote Lands’ signature Aman Jet Expeditions, in partnership with our friends at Aman. These are small group journeys designed for people who usually travel independently.