Malaysia

Malaysia splits between a peninsula of colonial port cities, tea highlands and islands, and a Borneo half of rainforest, caves and orangutans. Its Malay, Chinese and Indian communities make the food one of the strongest reasons to visit. Internal flights are cheap, and English is widely spoken.

Cities

George Town

George Town on Penang island is a UNESCO-listed port city of shophouses, clan jetties, Chinese temples and mosques within a few walkable blocks. It is widely considered Malaysia's best eating city, with hawker centres running from morning to late night. Street art has become a second draw since 2012.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur mixes glass towers, colonial-era administrative buildings and dense street-food quarters, with limestone hills and rainforest close to the edge of the city. The transport mix of monorail, LRT and trains covers most of the centre. Two days is enough before moving to Penang, Borneo or the highlands.

When to go

See all seasons

• Shoulder: Hot and humid with short storms.
• Dry east coast: Best for Perhentian and Tioman islands and Borneo diving.
• Monsoon: Heavy rain on the east coast; many island resorts close.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.