Why travel to Malaysia
Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its incredible multiculturalism, largely due to its history as a British, Dutch, and Portuguese colony, as well as the significant number of immigrants from India and China. In Malaysia, you can experience a culture that embraces both European and Southeast Asian history through its architecture, cuisine, and people.
In addition to bustling metropolises and charming colonial towns, Malaysia boasts scenic landscapes like the highlands’ tea plantations, Borneo’s rainforests, and the picturesque shores along its tropical coasts.
Our tours in Malaysia
A tour in Malaysia promises great adventures, both on the mainland and in the states of Sarawak and Sabah on Borneo.
Below you can read more about some of the highlights awaiting you on a tour to Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a vibrant, modern city with impressive skyscrapers, cosy streets, and countless delightful restaurants, bars, and food markets.
The city is home to numerous exciting attractions you can explore on your own or as part of one of our city tours.
Petronas Twin Towers
In the heart of the city are the fascinating Petronas Twin Towers, standing at 451 metres as the world’s tallest twin towers (as of 2025). You can admire their beautiful Islamic architecture from the ground or dare to venture high up and enjoy panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur from the 86th floor.
Chinatown and Little India
Among the fascinating skyscrapers, Kuala Lumpur holds charming quarters with cosy eateries, markets, and bars where you can experience multicultural Malaysia up close.
Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, bustling with life. Here, you can indulge in authentic Chinese street food, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the beautifully decorated Chinese shops and façades.
In Little India, unique, colourfully decorated buildings, pavements, and street lamps await, along with ample opportunity to feast on traditional Indian dishes.
National Mosque
Malaysia’s official religion is Islam, hence there are numerous beautiful mosques to visit during your tour.
In Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find The National Mosque of Malaysia, Masjid Negara, which is built in a blend of traditional and modern Islamic architecture.
When visiting the mosque, you must remove your shoes and wear a robe provided at the entrance, where there is free admission. You are then free to explore the intricately decorated building both inside and out. Note that the mosque has specific opening times and closes during prayer.
Batu Caves
Just outside Kuala Lumpur lies one of Malaysia’s major attractions, the limestone caves known as Batu Caves.
Upon arriving at the caves, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the rainbow staircase, a vibrant array of 272 colourful steps leading up to the caves and the Hindu temples nestled within.
The most striking feature of the Batu Caves, however, has to be the enormous gold-painted statue of the Hindu god Murugan, which stands nearly 43 metres tall, majestically adorning the entrance to the caves.
Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands, as the name suggests, is Malaysia’s highland region, boasting mountain vistas and stunning tea plantations as far as the eye can see. The area is named after the British explorer William Cameron, who explored it in 1885 when Malaysia was a British colony.
The soil in the highlands is particularly fertile, making the area renowned for growing strawberries, flowers, and of course, tea.
Mossy Forest
In the Cameron Highlands, near the summit of Mount Brinchang, which is about 2,000 metres above sea level, lies the enchanting Mossy Forest, a 200-million-year-old wonder.
The forest gets its name from the thick layer of moss covering the trees, which, combined with the humid and misty air, creates a magical atmosphere for you to explore along the paths and boardwalks.
From the viewpoints in the forest, you can enjoy the stunning vistas over the picturesque landscape of Cameron Highlands.
Penang & Georgetown
The island of Penang, a state located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, has become a popular destination, perhaps especially because of the UNESCO city of Georgetown.
The city is known for showcasing a slice of Malaysia’s colonial history, with an abundance of buildings reflecting both British and Chinese architectural influences, giving the city a unique multicultural character.
Discover, among other things, the English Fort Cornwallis from 1786, the city’s Town Hall, or the fire station, all reminiscent of the English colonial period.
Outside of Georgetown, you’ll find Penang Hill, which can be reached either by funicular railway or a lively hike up steps and trails. On the summit, you’ll find both restaurants and cafés and, of course, a fantastic view over Georgetown from 830 metres.
Malacca
South of Kuala Lumpur lies the UNESCO city of Malacca. Like Georgetown, Malacca is known for its multicultural history, which can still be seen very clearly today in its architecture.
Here, you’ll find churches, forts, and old government buildings offering a glimpse into Malaysia’s time as both a Portuguese and a Dutch colony.
Explore the Dutch Square, also known as the Red Square, where red Dutch buildings stand side by side, taking you back in time.
Borneo
Borneo is the world’s third-largest island and is shared by Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. The Malaysian part of Borneo covers the states of Sarawak and Sabah, often distinguishing between West Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula, and East Malaysia on Borneo – the states of Sarawak and Sabah.
A tour to Borneo equals exciting wildlife and lush nature.
Sabah
Sabah is Borneo’s northernmost state, offering an abundance of spectacular nature and wildlife experiences.
In Sabah, you can explore the magical rainforests as you sail along the winding Kinabatangan River. If you’re lucky, you might hear the distant roars of monkeys or spot a saltwater crocodile poking its snout above the water.
Borneo is home to an impressive array of wildlife, which you can experience at the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok. Borneo is perhaps most famous for its population of wild orangutans.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which has been in existence since 1964, is the world’s first centre dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned or injured orangutans for release back into the wild. You can see the gentle giants when they come to the centre for feeding.
In Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, you can trek in the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu Park or enjoy world-class snorkelling in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park.
Sarawak
Just southwest of Sabah is Sarawak, which, like Sabah, also boasts lush nature and fascinating wildlife.
Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, and in addition to offering a relaxed atmosphere, Kuching is uniquely situated by the Sarawak River. Take a stroll along the promenade, visit Chinatown, or explore some of the beautiful attractions, such as the golden, dome-shaped city mosque, a symbol of the city’s religious diversity.
Kuching is also a great starting point for exploring the state’s impressive attractions, such as meeting orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Bako National Park, which is the oldest national park in Sarawak, and Batang Ai National Park, where you can encounter the Iban tribe, living as they have since the 15th century.
Beach holiday in Malaysia
With around 4,800 km2 of coastline and numerous islands, Malaysia offers ample opportunity to combine your tour with a relaxing beach holiday on pristine white sand beaches overlooking azure blue seas.
You can see the possible options for beach holidays under each tour.
Langkawi
Off the west coast of Malaysia, you’ll find Langkawi. While Langkawi is actually an archipelago of 99 small islands, the main island is also called Langkawi.
The main island is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, charming promenades, and breathtaking landscapes. From the main island, you will have the opportunity to take a day trip island hopping to uninhabited isles with swimming opportunities.
Several boat trips also pass through the unique Kilim Geoforest Park, where you can view ancient limestone cliffs and lush mangrove forests.
Gaya Island
Gaya Island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, located in Sabah in northern Borneo. The island is a paradise of just 15 km2, situated a short boat ride from the mainland of Borneo.
The island is perfect for snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters directly from the beach. Here, you can experience vibrant corals and fascinating marine life. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can explore the trails in the island’s lush jungle. You might even encounter the island’s wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and flying squirrels.
Tioman Island
Off the southeastern coast of Malaysia lies Tioman Island, which was named the world’s most beautiful island by Time Magazine in 1970. It’s easy to see why, as the island enchants most visitors with its combination of tranquil atmosphere, powder-soft sands, and the chance to embark on adventures beneath the sea’s surface, where a rich marine life featuring vibrant corals, small reef sharks, and large sea turtles awaits.
Perhentian Islands
Off the northeast coast of Malaysia, you’ll find the two islands Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, which together form the Perhentian Islands. Our tour takes you to the smaller of the islands, Perhentian Kecil, where Long Beach provides the perfect setting for relaxing days with views of the turquoise-clear waters. Look forward to experiencing the underwater life when you snorkel directly from the shore, or – if you have a diving certificate – go on a dive in the sea around the islands.
Combine Malaysia with Singapore
Just south of Malaysia, about 350 km from Kuala Lumpur, lies Singapore.
Like Malaysia, Singapore boasts an unparalleled diversity, with a mix of cultural influences. Here, you can explore charming neighbourhoods and experience the multi-ethnic culture in areas such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam; experience the futuristic side of Singapore with attractions like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay; or shop till you drop on Orchard Road.
Combine Malaysia with a tour to Singapore and discover a country that, despite being Southeast Asia’s smallest nation, offers a myriad of exciting experiences.
Package holidays to Malaysia including flights from UK
All our tours to Malaysia are package holidays.
This means that both flights (outbound and return and any domestic flights), transfers, accommodation in hotels and resorts, and scheduled activities are included in the total price.
Typically, you’ll need to cover items such as drinks and meals (beyond those mentioned), tipping, insurance, and any necessary vaccinations.
Frequently asked questions about Malaysia
When planning a tour to Malaysia, many questions may arise. We attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Where is Malaysia located
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and consists of two regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which sits on the Malaysian peninsula bordering Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, and the states of Sarawak and Sabah, located on the island of Borneo.
Is it safe to travel to Malaysia?
Yes. It is safe to travel to the destinations we have in Malaysia. We always follow official recommendations, and we never send guests to destinations that are not considered safe.
As with all travel destinations, we advise you to exercise common caution and follow local advice and guidance.
When is the best time to travel to Malaysia
You can travel to Malaysia all year round.
The best time to visit depends on which part of Malaysia you are heading to, as there are regional climate differences influenced by the country’s monsoon seasons.
Most people prefer to travel during the dry seasons, which occur during the following periods:
- Malaysia’s west coast (for example, Langkawi and Penang): December to February
- Malaysia’s east coast (for example, Tioman Island and Perhentian Islands): February to September
- Lowlands and highlands (for example, Kuala Lumpur and Cameron Highlands): June to September
- Borneo: April to September
Is it expensive to travel to Malaysia?
In general, Malaysia is an affordable destination to travel to. It is neither our cheapest nor our most expensive destination. You can view starting prices for individual tours.
Request a quote to get the final price based on your departure date, airport, and any adjustments or upgrades.
Do you need a visa to travel to Malaysia?
No, as a UK citizen, you probably do not need a visa to travel to Malaysia for stays of less than 90 days.
You can find more information on passports and visas on our practical info page, and we also recommend that you stay updated about visas on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s website.
What vaccinations do I need?
You will probably need to be vaccinated before travelling to Malaysia. This depends, among other things, on which vaccinations you have received previously.
We recommend that you contact a specialist doctor, your GP, or an authorised vaccination clinic for guidance on which vaccinations you need (and which you might already have).
However, please be aware of the rules regarding yellow fever, especially if you are travelling to Malaysia via a country where yellow fever is present. Some countries require proof of a yellow fever vaccination upon entry.
What are the tipping customs in Malaysia – and how much should you give?
It is not yet widespread to tip in Malaysia, but it is certainly appreciated if you receive exceptional service. It is up to you how much you wish to give.
We have created a guideline for tipping in Malaysia. The prices are in the Malaysian currency, the ringgit (MYR). You can find the current exchange rate here. Note that a service charge is often included in your bill at restaurants.
- Guides: 20-30 RM per day per person
- Drivers: 10-20 RM per day per person
- Porters: 2-10 RM per piece of luggage
- Housekeeping: 2-10 RM per room per day
- Restaurants: At many restaurants, tips are included in the price, and this will be indicated as a “service charge” on your bill. If it is not included, you can round up or add 5-10% if the service and food have been good. At local restaurants and street food stalls, tipping is not expected, but you can leave some small change when you leave.
Do you have more questions?
If you have more questions about travelling to Malaysia, Borneo, or our other tours in Asia, you are always welcome to contact us.
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