MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

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Malaysia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Southeast Asia. Having been settled by British, Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese over the centuries, this country is a proper melting pot of cultures.

Most people start their Malaysian travels in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. This urban metropolis is home to near 2 million people and contains strong influences of Malay, Chinese, Hindu, and Muslim communities all seemingly coexisting.

Further north of Kuala Lumpur you can escape the tropical heat while visiting the Cameron Highlands, or Genting Highlands, and get lost in the jungles of Taman Negara National Park.

Approximately 1,500 kilometers away, the state of Sabah on Borneo offers pristine jungles where Orangutans and wild Pygmy Elephants still roam wild. This is a region that nature lovers cannot miss.

Mantanani Islands - Sabah, Malaysia — Mantanani Islands

Batu Caves - Kuala Lumpur Day Trip — Batu Caves

Masjid Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur — Masjid Jamek Mosque

Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur — Petronas Towers

How Long Should I Stay?

To see all of Malaysia including all 4 areas below: two to three months is ideal, there is a lot to see here.

For a typical 2 week trip: pick a region and explore that instead. Sure, you won’t see everything, but it gives a reason to return.

I like to think of Malaysia in four distinct regions, where you could spend about a week in each:

Peninsula Malaysia west coast including Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Melaka, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Penang, and Langkawi.
Peninsula Malaysia east coast including the Perhentian Islands, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Taman Negara National Park
Sabah on the east side of Borneo including Mount Kinabalu, Maliau Basin, Pulau Sipadan, Sandakan
Sarawak on the west side of Borneo including Kuching, the Gunung Mulu Highlands, and the Bako National Park

Malaysia

Must Visits

Get Off the Beaten Track

Malaysia is far more developed than other countries in Southeast Asia. Buses and trains cover much of the country and are an easy way of getting around. To get further off the beaten track you can take local vans to smaller towns like Ranau, or visit the national parks.

For the most remote parts of Malaysia try the Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and less visited towns along the Peninsula East cost in Pahang and Terenggau.

Travel Visas for Malaysia

Travelers of most European, Commonwealth, and ASEAN nationalities can get a 90 day tourist visa on arrival for free when entering Malaysia.

When arriving by air you may be asked for proof of an outbound journey from Malaysia. This can either be a flight, bus, or boat which you easily can book here.