Kuala Lumpur
Skyline views from the Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, colonial landmarks and hawker stalls that never seem to close.
Best for Food, first impressions
Why Malaysia
Malaysia mixes cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, historic Penang and Malacca, cool highland tea plantations and island escapes like Langkawi, plus the wildlife of Malaysian Borneo.
Highlights
- Kuala Lumpur
- Penang's George Town
- The Cameron Highlands
- Langkawi
Where to go in Malaysia
Food, culture and islands in an easy, friendly country, with Borneo’s rainforest a short flight away.
Getting around
- Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron HighlandsAbout 3.5 hours by road
- Cameron Highlands to PenangAbout 3.5 hours by road
- Kuala Lumpur to PenangAbout 1 hour by air or 4 by train
- Penang to LangkawiAbout 1 hour by air
- Kuala Lumpur to MalaccaAbout 2 hours by road
- Kuala Lumpur to SingaporeAbout 1 hour by air
George Town, Penang
A UNESCO-listed old town of shophouses, temples and street art, and arguably the best street food in Asia.
Best for Food lovers, culture
Langkawi
Rainforest-covered islands, mangrove boat trips and calm beaches on the Andaman Sea, with excellent resorts.
Best for Beach time, families
Cameron Highlands
Cool hills of tea plantations and mossy forest, with a colonial-era feel and afternoon tea with a view.
Best for A cool break, scenery
Malacca
A historic trading port with Dutch and Portuguese landmarks, Peranakan cooking and a lively night market.
Best for History, a day or two
Perhentian & Redang
Clear water and coral reefs off the east coast, best from about April to September.
Best for Snorkeling, diving
Taman Negara
One of the world’s oldest rainforests, with canopy walks, river trips and jungle lodges a few hours from Kuala Lumpur.
Best for Adventure, nature
When to go
The west coast is best from December to April. The east coast islands are best from March to October.
Malaysia is warm all year, and the two coasts trade seasons. The west coast and Langkawi are best from December to April; the east coast islands from about April to September.
- JanDry west coast; Langkawi shines
- FebLunar New Year festivities
- MarDry, sunny west coast
- AprEast coast islands reopen
- MayCalm islands, west coast showers
- JunGreat east coast snorkeling
- JulEast coast at its best; summer travel
- AugBusy islands; book ahead
- SepQuieter, warm
- OctShowers along the west coast
- NovMonsoon reaches the east coast
- DecWest coast dries out; holidays
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall in Kuala Lumpur
Jan6.5″
Feb7.8″
Mar9.6″
Apr11.2″
May8.7″
Jun5.0″
Jul5.1″
Aug6.1″
Sep7.5″
Oct10.4″
Nov11.6″
Dec9.4″
Approximate average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.
December to April
The best stretch for Penang, Langkawi and the west coast, with drier, sunnier days. Many east coast island resorts close for the monsoon.
April to September
East coast season: the Perhentians and Redang reopen with calm, clear water. The west coast sees more afternoon showers.
October and November
The wettest weeks on the west coast, and the monsoon arrives in the east. Cities and the highlands still work well.
All year
Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid every month, with short, heavy afternoon storms. Plan outdoor sights for the morning.
Ideas by month:
Trip ideas
Starting points only. Every Malaysia trip we plan is built around you.
Cities, Tea and Islands
Kuala Lumpur, Penang, the Cameron Highlands and Langkawi.
Malaysia and Borneo
Peninsular highlights plus orangutans in Sabah.
Where you'll stay
Heritage hotels, highland lodges and island resorts. We choose every hotel ourselves and know which rooms have the view.
Good to know
The small things that make a big difference once you land.
Eat everywhere
Malaysian food mixes Malay, Chinese and Indian cooking. Hawker centers are clean, cheap and often the best meals of the trip.
Dress for mosques
Cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes. Larger mosques lend robes and headscarves to visitors.
Pair it up
Singapore, Borneo and Langkawi are all short flights away, so Malaysia combines easily with a city break, wildlife or a beach finish.
Mind the monsoon
The east coast islands mostly close from about November to March. We match your beach to the season.
Malaysia questions
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
The west coast is best from December to April. The east coast islands are best from March to October.
How long should I spend in Malaysia?
Most of our travelers spend 10 to 14 days in Malaysia. We'll shape the length around what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Can Global Escapes plan a private trip to Malaysia?
Yes. Every trip we plan to Malaysia is designed around you, with hand-picked hotels, private guides where they make a difference and support while you travel. Call 706.549.1164 or tell us about your trip below.
Tell us about your Malaysia dream.
Share as much or as little as you like. A member of our team will reach out personally to start shaping your trip.
Rather talk it through? Call 706.549.1164