How to plan a trip to Malaysia

Malaysia doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should. It's one of those places where you can experience a lot of different things in a short amount of time. It’s incredibly diverse—137 languages are spoken across the country, and that mix of cultures shows up everywhere, from the food to the festivals to everyday life. The country’s made up of 878 islands, and they range wildly. Some are built up with full-on resorts, while others are totally quiet and remote—places where sea turtles still come to nest without much human interference. Here's how to plan a trip to Malaysia.

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia’s warm all year, but timing your trip can make a big difference depending on where you’re going. On the west side ( like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi), the weather is usually driest between March and October. If you’re heading to Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), aim for April through October to avoid heavy rain.

The east coast of the peninsula gets hit hard by the northeast monsoon from November to February, so it’s not the best time for beach trips in that area—some places even close for the season.

If you're curious about local traditions, it’s worth checking the calendar for major celebrations: primarily Hari Raya (the end of Ramadan), Chinese New Year, or Deepavali. If you’re having trouble deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Malaysia.

How many days do you need in Malaysia?

If you’re coming for the first time, 10 to 14 days is a good amount. It gives you time to see a few different places at a relaxed pace without feeling like you’re constantly packing and unpacking. A good way to visualize this is to take a look at a sample Malaysia itinerary.

You could start in Kuala Lumpur to get a feel for daily life in a major city, then head to Penang for its food, history, and older neighborhoods. If you want a break from the heat, the Cameron Highlands are cooler and known for tea farms and quiet walking trails. After that, you might choose Langkawi for some time by the coast, or fly to Borneo if you’re interested in nature and learning from the Indigenous communities.

If you only have one week in Malaysia, it makes sense to focus on one area. That could be the west coast of the peninsula—Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang—or a part of Borneo like Sabah or Sarawak. With fewer than five days, it’s harder to see much without spending a lot of time getting from place to place.
 

Deciding what region of Malaysia to visit

Malaysia is split into two main parts—Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo (also called East Malaysia)—with the South China Sea between them. The Peninsula is easier to travel around and has a mix of cities, historical sites, and beach areas.

Borneo is more natural with thick rainforest, wildlife, and mountains. It’s less built up, so travel takes a bit more planning, but it’s a completely different kind of trip. If you’re planning on hiking, seeing animals in the wild, or spending time in the jungle, it’s a good place to focus on. 

A lot of people start with the Peninsula because it’s easier logistically, but if you’ve got the time and want to see orangutans or explore deep forest, Borneo’s worth it.

What are the most important cities to see?

Malaysia’s cities show a mix of influences from different time periods and cultures—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British.You’ll often see different styles on the same street.

• Kuala Lumpur: KL is busy, modern, and full of pockets that feel completely different from each other. Everyone knows the Petronas Towers, but there’s more to see once you’re on the ground. Brickfields (aka Little India) is great for walking and eating, and the Islamic Arts Museum is an easy and interesting stop near the city center. 
• Penang (Georgetown): Here you’ll run into murals, temples, and a lot of incredible food. Armenian Street has most of the famous street art, and the hawker stalls at Gurney Drive are a good bet for local dishes. 
• Malacca (Melaka): Melaka is smaller and easier to cover on foot. It’s known for its layered past—Portuguese, Dutch, and British—alongside its Peranakan roots. You can walk along the river, visit Christ Church, then dip into shops and cafes in the old part of town. Jonker Street is where most people go.
   

Best natural wonders

Malaysia’s a good place to connect with nature without needing to go too far off the grid. Here are a few places that stand out:

• Taman Negara National Park: This is one of the oldest rainforests on the planet, and it feels untouched in parts. There’s a long canopy walkway, trails through dense forest, and night hikes where you might see glowing fungi or flying squirrels. 
• Kinabalu National Park: Mount Kinabalu is the centerpiece here, and people train to summit it—but even if you don’t climb, the park has a lot to see. There are easy walks, gardens full of rare plants, and hot springs in nearby Poring.
• Gunung Mulu National Park: Known for its massive cave systems and dramatic limestone formations, Mulu is in Borneo and feels remote in a good way. Deer Cave is home to millions of bats, and you can watch them spiral out in the evening. The Pinnacles trail is steep but leads to one of the most unusual landscapes in Malaysia. Even the shorter walks give you a sense of how different this place is.
• Sipadan Island: If you’re planning on diving, Sipadan has some of the most interesting underwater landscapes around. It’s a small island with steep walls that drop off into deep sea, home to turtles, reef sharks, and large schools of fish. There’s a permit system that keeps the number of visitors low, so it’s best to plan ahead.

The coastal areas and beaches of Malaysia

Malaysia’s coastlines vary a lot—some parts are easy to get to and popular, while others take a little more effort but feel much more secluded.

• Langkawi: Langkawi is a group of islands that’s pretty straightforward to travel to. Pantai Cenang has restaurants and bars right by the beach, while Tanjung Rhu is quieter and has views of limestone cliffs and calm, shallow water. 
• Perhentian Islands: No roads here—just paths through the trees and boats between beaches. Long Beach is where most people stay, and Coral Bay is a bit more low-key. 
• Redang: Redang is more developed than the Perhentians but still peaceful. The coral reefs are in good shape, and the water’s clear and warm. Pasir Panjang is the main beach, but there are also smaller coves if you want a bit more privacy. 

How to get around in Malaysia?

Getting around Malaysia is pretty straightforward. In Kuala Lumpur, the public transport system actually works well — you’ve got the LRT, MRT, and Monorail, which are all affordable and run fairly often. If you’re not into figuring out train maps, Grab is the go-to app for getting around. It’s very similar to Uber, and it’s cheap and easy to use.

For longer distances between cities, buses are a nice option. They’re comfortable, air-conditioned, and usually on time. If you’re short on time or just prefer trains, the ETS (Electric Train Service) is quick and connects most major cities on the peninsula. For trips across to Borneo or other longer routes, domestic flights on airlines like AirAsia are usually your best bet and don’t cost much. For more on this, see our guide to getting around Malaysia.

How to stay connected

Staying connected in Malaysia is pretty easy. You can pick up a local SIM card from providers like Maxis, Celcom, or Digi right at the airport or in most convenience stores. They’re cheap — usually around RM10–30 — and come with enough data to get you through your trip. If your phone supports eSIMs, apps like Airalo or Maya Mobile work well too and save you from dealing with physical cards.

Wi-Fi is common in cities. Most hotels, cafés, shopping malls, and even some food courts have it. Speeds are usually decent, though it can slow down in more rural areas. If you're heading into national parks or off-the-grid areas in Borneo, it’s a good idea to download maps, translations, or anything else you’ll need ahead of time. Major attractions and transport stations usually have free Wi-Fi, but it can be a bit spotty depending on where you are.

How to budget your trip

Malaysia is relatively affordable, especially compared to nearby countries like Singapore or touristy parts of Thailand. That said, some places — like Kuala Lumpur or beach resorts — will cost more than smaller cities or inland areas.

• Budget (RM100–200 / $22–44 per day): If you’re traveling light, you can stick to basic guesthouses or hostel dorms, eat at hawker stalls, and use public transport. There’s plenty to do for free or cheap — parks, temples, markets, street art. Accommodation is often cheaper during the week, too.
• Mid-range (RM300–500 / $65–110 per day): This gets you a comfortable hotel room, meals at a mix of local spots and casual restaurants, and maybe a tour or two. You’ll have room to use Grab now and then or splurge on something fun without blowing your budget.
• Luxury (RM800+ / $175+ per day): With this budget, you can stay in beachfront resorts or restored heritage buildings, eat at high-end restaurants, and book private guides or transport. If you're heading into Borneo, you’ll also find remote eco-lodges that include meals and nature activities.

Malaysia's street food scene

Street food is a big part of everyday life in Malaysia. It’s easy to find, affordable, and genuinely reflects the mix of cultures across the country—Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Indigenous traditions all show up in what people are cooking and eating. In Penang, head to Gurney Drive, where locals crowd the hawker center for char koay teow. It’s one of those dishes you’ll see done by the same people for decades—quick-fried noodles full of smoky flavor.

In Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor turns into a food street every evening. It’s packed, loud, and full of smells—grilled satay, seafood sizzling on charcoal, and durian stands competing for your attention. The setup is usually a hawker center: basically a big open space where each stall focuses on just one or two specialties. They’re regulated and clean, and the food is usually better (and cheaper) than you’d expect from a place with plastic stools.

Ipoh and Sarawak are proud of their local variations too, so if you’re traveling around, it’s worth comparing things like laksa or chicken rice from region to region. People are passionate about their local versions, and they’ll happily tell you exactly why theirs is better.
 

What to pack for Malaysia

It’s hot and humid in most parts of Malaysia all year, so you’ll want light and breathable when you pack. Linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking clothes will help keep you comfortable. A light rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea too—rain tends to show up without much warning.

If you plan to visit temples or mosques, bring something modest that covers your shoulders and knees—especially important for women. Even though it’s hot outside, the air conditioning indoors can be pretty intense, so a light sweater or scarf is useful.

Other helpful stuff you might want to pack: reef-safe sunscreen if you’re going to the coast, bug spray with DEET if you’re heading into the jungle, and a water bottle with a built-in filter. Quick-dry clothes come in handy if you’re spending time outdoors. Don’t forget a UK-style plug adapter, and a waterproof case for your phone if you’re going during the rainy season.

Tours are worth every penny

You can explore a lot on your own in Malaysia, but some tours really help you see more than what’s on the surface. A local-led food tour in Penang, for example, can guide you to spots you might walk past otherwise—and explain what you’re eating beyond just the name of the dish.

In Borneo, walking through the rainforest with a guide makes a huge difference. They can point out tiny plants and animals you’d never notice on your own, and share context that turns the jungle from just a wall of green into something much more interesting.

Cultural tours also help fill in the gaps. In Georgetown, a visit to historic clan houses can connect you to the broader story of immigration in the region. In Kuala Lumpur, walking tours explain how different influences—colonial, Islamic, and modern—shaped the city’s buildings and layout.

The real value is context. A guide can explain things you might not catch otherwise, translate conversations, or just help you understand why something matters.

Things to know before you go

Malaysia’s a majority-Muslim country, so it’s a good idea to dress modestly when you're outside the cities—especially if you're visiting mosques, temples, or smaller towns. Covering your shoulders and knees usually does the trick. In places like Kuala Lumpur or on popular beaches, people tend to be more relaxed about it.

Shoes always come off before entering someone’s home or going into a mosque or temple. You’ll usually spot a shoe rack or a pile of sandals near the door—just follow suit. Public displays of affection aren’t really the norm here. It’s not a strict rule, but especially in rural areas or during Ramadan, it’s best to keep things low-key out of respect.

English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, so getting around and asking questions is pretty straightforward. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick with bottled water or use a reliable water purifier if you're traveling light or trying to cut down on plastic waste. More on that in our Malaysia health tips guide.

And finally, just know that durian—the spiky, strong-smelling fruit you might’ve heard about—isn’t allowed in most hotels or on public transport. The smell is intense, and people take the rule seriously, so it’s best to save your durian tasting for outdoor markets.