April through October sees many downpours in and around Kuala Lumpur and Malacca during its rainy season, which for many provides welcome relief to the sometimes stifling humidity, as does Malacca’s sea breeze which brings the temperatures down by 1 or 2 degrees. Located at an altitude of 1,500m above sea level, the highlands have a distinctly different climate to the rest of Malaysia. Temperatures average a very pleasant 22 °C (72 °F) in the daytime and a relatively cool 15 °C (59 °f) at night, a rare occasion where a sweater might be needed in Malaysia. The climate is ideal for the growing of flowers, fruit and tea, and the highland’s atmosphere is a far cry from bustling Kuala Lumpur. Many see this time as a chance to duck between the showers and walk the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s highest resort, taking in strawberry and honey bee farms, or meals at delightful Tudor-style inns.
At the same time, this is the wet season on the Western Coast, with monsoons during April through May, and again in October through November. On the island of Penang the wettest month is October, which sees 170 mm of rain, though temperatures remain hot between 24 and 32 °C (75-90 °F). Rainforest treks and sea-crossings are sometimes affected during the rainy season, but the heavy downpours generally only last a couple of hours (usually in mid to late afternoon). It is considered the best timeto spot wildlife on the Malay Peninsula in places like Taman Negara, with April through July the best for bird watching, though August to September is the best time to see the many hornbills around Temenggor Lake in Perak in the country’s north.
While on the East Coast, it is now the dry season, when the diving hotspots of Tioman Island and the white sand beaches of the exclusive Perhentian Islands (particularly Rawa, Serengeh and Tokong Burun ) come to life when waters are at their clearest and temperatures regularly top 30 °C (86 °F), offering perfect destinations for hitting the pristine beaches. The Perhentians are home to the ultra-rare green and hawksbill turtles and a rich array of marine life and tropical fish, a scuba diver’s dream.
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.
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.
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.
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 the Hyatt Centric or the Shangri-La Rasa Ria.
February-March
Asia’s premier cycling event takes place over ten days and its ten stages pass through eight states in the Malaysian peninsula with the route changing every year. Teams comprised of six professional riders from across the globe compete to complete the 930-mile course in record time and win the coveted yellow jersey.
Location Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia
March
This increasingly popular festival brings together more than 25 ethnic groups from Tawau in Sabah as well as Johore Bahru and Sarawak. There are presentations and demonstrations of dance, music and poetry as well as examples of authentic food and costume and visitors flock to the festival to buy the handmade tribal crafts.
Location Tawau, Malaysia
April
This festival is a celebration for the Bajaus tribe as they pay homage to their traditional sailing boat. The boats are decorated and sailed out in a flotilla to compete for the prize of most beautiful. There are cultural dance and music performances, a beauty pageant and grand firework displays at night.
Location Sabah, Malaysia
May
Every year, visitors from all over Malaysia and beyond converge upon Kuala Lumpur for the biggest celebration of the country’s rich, diverse culture. There is a huge, colorful parade of dancers and musicians from many different ethnic groups, traditional street food, free concerts, and there are flash mobs all over the city.
Location Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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