malaysia travel in july

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Malaysia In July: A Complete Guide For You To Have A Great Travel Experience

Being a vast country that Malaysia is, there is never a bad time to visit this heaven on earth. You just have to plan it right for your ubiquitous exploration as this nation mingles modern lifestyle with its unique traditions to literally keep you hooked. While most of its nearest countries experience sizzling heat and the extremities of humidity in climate during the summer season, this country still welcomes its visitors with open arms.

Therefore, if you are planning to visit Malaysia in July , here is a guide for you that will be helpful to plan a perfect itinerary. Simply, get it customised for an exceptional voyage. Read on further as it will help you understand the numerous aspects of this country during this time of the year, right from weather, to tips, events, and attractions!

Weather In Malaysia In July

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Malaysia relishes tropical weather condition all year round. And, thus we can say that there is not one specific best season for planning a trip to this country that is famous for its diversity in everything – from people to cultural amalgamation to even climatic conditions. Owing to its enormous land size, there is always a place experiencing enjoyable weather condition. You just have to make your travel plan get readied accordingly. The lowland and the highland areas along with the east coasts are all excellent for visiting Malaysia in July for an unforgettable experience.

Must Read: Places To Visit In Miri In 1 Day Malaysia!

Why Should You Visit Malaysia In July?

In July, there are not just the exciting things to do in Malaysia , but also a few festivals that will literally keep you hooked to witness the exceptional charm of this country. Some of the notable ones are Rainforest World Music Festival, George Town Festival, RWMF Fringe Festival, and much more which you can’t ignore during a trip in July month.

Places To Visit In Malaysia In July

While you are planning to visit Malaysia in July, make sure that you take a tour of all the below-mentioned places by getting them added in your itinerary for the luxury views of this country. A trip to all these places along with your loved ones will make your tour special.

1. Perhentian Islands

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Perhentian Islands is definitely one of the best places to visit in Malaysia in July. It is among the best Malaysian islands as it consists of the two major islands namely Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar. Though there are not many options available in this area, you can explore to find many budget accommodations that are made available here easily.

Location: 10 Nautical miles to the northeast of Malaysia.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Sepang Malaysia

Singapore Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Fascinating Singapore 4D/3N Package @ Rs 21,000

Plan your trip today!

Marvelous Singapore Family 5D/4N Package @ Rs 35,000

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Singapore & Malaysia Tour 7D/6N Package @ Rs 39,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Singapore & Bali Honeymoon 8D/7N Package @ Rs 41,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Singapore & Malaysia Honeymoon 8D/7N @ Rs 49,999

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. It is an enthralling place that you can’t miss out during a Malaysia holiday on July. A stroll by the Malacca River will fill your heart with desires as you will start feeling passion and emotion coming out of your heart and soul. The Jonker Walk Street is organized with many boutique showrooms here and so do attract several stalls that sell the artsy knick-knacks that you cannot give a miss to. It is the main reason that this place always remains a sought after location amongst the travellers.

Location: 150 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.

3. Kuala Lumpur

Image Source: Pexels

Kuala Lumpur is a global city cum capital of Malaysia with its worldwide popularity and recognition as a trade hub and tourist destination. This city is also amongst the main entry points of the country. Petronas Towers, KLCC Aquaria, KLCC Bird Park, and Petaling Street are among some of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a trip.

Location: Malaysia at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. 

Suggested Read: Festivals In Malaysia

4. Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands enthrals with its lush green hillocks enclosed mainly with tea plantation. This is the largest hill station in the country. And, it is also a famous tourist spot for its Colonial charm. Tea culture, trekking, and temple visits are among the key tourist attractions of Cameron Highlands.

Location: 200 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.

5. Tioman Island

A nature reserve, Tioman Island consists of the eight prime villages with the famous Kampung Tekek being the most popular one in the country. The duty-free status of Tioman will come as something that stimulates the most. Large chunk of travellers keep flocking here as it is among the best beaches in Malaysia in July for memorable exploration.

Location: 32 kilometres off the east coast of Rompin District, Pahang , Malaysia.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Malaysia

5 Things To Do In Malaysia In July

Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Malaysia in July. If you are keen for a more fun-filled and unforgettable experience here, indulge yourself in any of them to turn your trip experience for the lifetime. Take a look!

Malaysia is a perfect place for hikers from around the world. Apart from enjoying the easy hikes to the strenuous hiking trails, the hikers can enjoy a great sight of the beautiful surroundings around them while they hike.

Where: Cameron Highlands, Gunung Kinabalu, and Penang.

2. Snorkelling And Scuba

The tropical islands of Malaysia are famous to offer you unique experience of many adventure activities including the thrill of snorkelling and scuba diving. As this country has several finest diving courses for the trainees and also for the professional divers, they can take a dip to discover the coral life during a trip.

Where: Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island.

Suggested Read: Langkawi Travel Tips

3. Shopping

Apart from all the adventure activities you do during a trip to Malaysia in July, shopping remains another best thing to do in Malaysia especially for the shopaholic travellers. For all the shopaholics willing to buy something unique as the memories of this beautiful country, there are relatively a few shopping places where they can buy local speciality items to take back home.

Where: Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca.

Looking for where to go in Malaysia in July? Undoubtedly, Malaysia is well-known for its camping locations amongst the many tropical jungles spread across the area. These places welcome tourists as well as locals to its untouched locations where they can set up a camp and enjoy a stay under the stars.

Where: Cameron Highlands.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Malaysia During Chinese New Year

5. Jungle Safari

The jungles and the rainforests of Malaysia are home to plentiful wildlife thus they offer a glimpse of a diverse range of animals and reptiles that live and crawl in the densely forested trees. So, while you are at this tropical ecstasy, make sure that you go for a jungle safari besides sightseeing the wildlife of this country.

Where: Gunung Kinabalu, Taman Negara, and Gunung Mulu National Park

Further Read: Places To Visit In Bukit Tinggi Malaysia

With everything understood, you are now ready to plan your trip to Malaysia ! Book your much-awaited  holiday in Malaysia in July as soon as possible and get the best deal in flights as well as hotels to enjoy a peaceful getaway at several of the untouched beaches and exceptionally beautiful locations of this tropical paradise.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Malaysia In July

Is July a good time to visit Malaysia?

Yes, July is a good time to visit Malaysia. If you are planning to visit on the country’s Eastern Coast, it is the best time of the year.

What is the weather in Malaysia in July?

The west coast is the hottest region in July, with an average temperature of 32°C and around 200mm of rain. In Kuala Lumpur, the average temperature is slightly cooler but still lovely and warm at 28°C, with around 150mm of rain expected during the month.

Is Malaysia expensive to visit?

A holiday trip to Malaysia is generally not very much expensive.

Is Malaysia a safe country?

Malaysia is known as a safe country but it is always suggested to use some common sense while travelling. And, also take essential precautions against anything unusual.

What is the tourist season in Malaysia?

There are two tourist seasons in Malaysia: One is from December to January and the second is from June to mid-September.

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

People Also Read:

Italy In June Europe In July Singapore In July

Asif Anwar Alig is Co-Founder cum Editor-in-Chief at www.seocontentindia.in. He formerly served as an Executive Producer at ETV; Editorial Coordinator at Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, India; Media Specialist at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia; and Assistant Professor in the Saudi Ministry of Education for two decades.

Places to visit in India

• 30 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore In...
• 64 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For...
• 39 Best Places To Visit In October In...
• 101 Places To Visit In India Before You...
• 20 Places To Visit In Sakleshpur In 2024...
• 35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In...
• 32 Best Places To Visit In January In...
• 20 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya For...
• 12 Places To Visit In Punjab To Witness...
• Unravel Places To Visit In Uttarakhand For A...
• 26 Best Places To Visit In Jammu For...
• 29 Places To Visit In Monsoon In India...
• Best Places To Visit In August In India...
• 36 Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One...
• 55 Fascinating Places To Visit In Hyderabad In...
• 35 Ultimate Places To Visit In July In...
• 72 Places To Visit In Rajasthan In 2024
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In...
• 33 Spectacular Places To Visit In Mumbai On...
• 43 Places To Visit In West Bengal In...
• 41 Best Places To Visit In June In...
• 35 Best Places To Visit In Mysore In...
• 35 Places To Visit In Coorg For A...
• 54 Best Places To Visit In India In...
• 8 Places To Visit In Jibhi For A...
• 64 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Goa...
• 25 Best Places To Visit In Visakhapatnam In...
• 16 Places To Visit In Lucknow That Showcase...
• 60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That...

International Places To Visit

• 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That...
• 40 Best Places To Visit In Canada In...
• 28 Places To Visit In October In World...
• 28 Stunning Places To Visit In South Korea...
• 25 Places To Visit In Manila In 2024...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Morocco In...
• 34 Best Places To Visit In Austria In...
• 82 Best Places To Visit In Turkey That...
• 10 Breathtaking Places To Visit In The World...
• 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands: The...
• 24 Fabulous Places To Visit In Ireland: The...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In London In...
• Discover 24 Places To Visit In Switzerland In...
• 17 Mystical Places To Visit In Egypt In...
• 15 Places To Visit In United Kingdom That’ll...
• 33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam On...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur...
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok In...
• 11 Popular Places To Visit In Doha For...
• 26 Places To Visit In Germany In 2024...
• 32 Places To Visit In Belgium That Make...
• 15 Places To Visit In USA That Reflect...
• 37 Best Places To Visit In Dubai At...
• 15 Top Places To Visit In Asia To...
• 20 Must-See Places To Visit In Milan In...
• Top 27 Places To Visit In Greece In...
• 31 Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi In...
• 25 Places To Visit In August In The...
• 15 Best Places To Visit In Chicago That...
• 14 Places To Visit In Berlin You Must...

Things To Do

• 40 Things To Do In Pondicherry In 2024...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Matheran In...
• 23 Intoxicating Things To Do In Turkey In...
• Top 14 Interesting Things To Do In Kanyakumari...
• 38 Things To Do In Gokarna To Escape...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Varanasi For...
• 21 Remarkable Things To Do In Krabi In...
• 16 Things To Do On Honeymoon In 2024
• 23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore...
• 20 Things To Do In Ahmedabad For An...
• 30 Best Things To Do In Wayanad For...
• 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For...
• Top 39 Things To Do In Jaipur
• 19 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A...
• 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata In...
• Top 25 Things To Do In Kodaikanal For...
• 32 Things To Do In Ooty That Will...
• 15 Things To Do In Srinagar That Will...
• 20 Things To Do In Darjeeling
• 27 Kickass Things To Do In Malaysia
• 25 Best Things To Do In Phuket That...
• 18 Awesome Things To Do In Kasol On...
• 27 Exciting Things To Do In Chikmagalur
• 9 Things To Do In Mathura For An...
• 23 Things To Do In Lonavala For A...
• 10 Best Things To Do In Lakshadweep For...
• 30 Joyful Things To Do In Bhutan
• 38 Exhilarating Things To Do In Udaipur In...
• 18 Best Things To Do In Chandigarh
• 29 Amazing Things To Do In Shimla
• 30 Things To Do In Dehradun In 2024
• 7 Incredible Things To Do In Vrindavan For...

Recent Posts

8 Exquises plages près de Kuala Lumpur qui devraient être sur votre radar en 2024

10 Meilleurs endroits pour faire du shopping en Malaisie: des magasins de rue aux salles d’exposition somptueuses

18 Choses à faire à Kota Kinabalu en 2024 pour passer des vacances passionnantes en Malaisie

25 Destinations de lune de miel en Malaisie à visiter en 2024 qui surprendront votre partenaire.

19 Meilleur endroits à visiter à Kuala Lumpur en 2024: La Ville de Lumières

41 Attractions touristiques de Malaisie pour une aventure de toute une vie en 2024

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

64 Top Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• International
• malaysia »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Bali Tour Packages
• Dubai Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Europe Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Thailand Tourism
• Bali Tourism
• Singapore Tourism
• Maldives Tourism
• Mauritius Tourism
• Dubai Tourism
• Europe Tourism
• Hotels in Thailand
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Mauritius
• Hotels in Bali
• Hotels in Dubai
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Sri Lanka

Tips for visiting Malaysia in July

Malaysia weather & when to go: July

Malaysia july weather overview.

July is a very similar story to June with the east coast of the peninsula enjoying plenty of sunny, dry days and the west coast islands experiencing hot and humid conditions, interspersed with short, intense downpours. This is considered peak season and so visitor numbers to Malaysia are at their highest during this month. 

Malaysia weather & when to go

Pick a month below, july’s weather in detail, lowlands & highlands, kuala lumpur, malacca and cameron highlands.

Through the centre of peninsula Malaysia and in both Kuala Lumpur and Malacca you can expect low monthly rainfall although short tropical showers are likely in the afternoon. The region experiences an average temperature of 29 °C, lower in the Cameron Highlands due to the altitude at an average of 20 °C.

Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands, Terengganu, Redang and Kota Bharu

The good news continues on the beaches along the east coast with plenty of sunshine and blue skies expected throughout July. This is coupled with perfect sea conditions meaning visitor numbers are high, particularly at weekends (avg temp: 30 °C).

Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor

The south-west monsoon continues to blow over the western coastline bringing with it heavier afternoon thunderstorms and choppy sea conditions, however, downpours tend to be short-lived and sunshine is never far behind (avg temp: 32 °C).

Looking for inspiration?

Malaysia in July: Unveiling a Tropical Paradise

Malaysia in July morphs into the most vibrant tapestry of sunshine and monsoon showers. Mesmerising passing travellers with its unique charm, this Southeast Asian gem is capped with beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and hug-like hospitality. It is an unforgettable escapade for every adventurer. It has something for every adrenaline junkie, be it a mountain climber, a surfer, a trekker or a deep sea diver. 

Malaysia in July is the trip to look forward to. In case, you have something else in mind, do visit our website for the vast options and countries we offer at Malaysia Travel Packages . Nevertheless, the weather in Malaysia in July is one of the reasons to visit this paradise on earth.

Weather in Malaysia in July

Malaysia in July marks peak monsoon season, transforming the west coast into a wet, dreamy and romantic paradise. One may expect frequent downpours on the west coast, while the east coast bathes in warm sunshine. The average temperatures on the West Coast hover around 32°C with heavy afternoon thunderstorms, although occasionally one may experience the warm hug of sunshine.

The East Coast region enjoys sunny days with a few short lived rains, making it ideal for beach lovers. One should expect comfortable temperatures around 30°C with moderate humidity. 

The humidity level in July 2019,2020,2021 were ranging from 57% to 75%. This makes the East Coast of Malaysia warm, humid and perfect for the beach lovers.

Also read: 5 Places to Visit in Penang: Uncover Penang’s Charm

Places to Visit in Malaysia in July

1. Cameron Highlands: The Cameron Highlands are an escape from the humid lowlands. One can explore the rolling hills full of tea plantations, trek through rainforests, or immerse in the fresh aroma of freshly brewed tea. This is a serene and relaxing destination in July in Malaysia.

2. Perhentian Islands: This is paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Perhentian Islands have pristine beaches, unreal coral reefs teeming with marine life. You may explore the underwater wonders and go on adventures like snorkelling and deep sea diving.

3. Penang Island: One can lose themselves in Penang’s rich cultural tapestry. This vibrant city with colonial architecture, street art, and mouth-watering hawker stalls is a UNESCO recognised World Heritage Site.

4. Taman Negara National Park: One can embark on an adventure in the world’s oldest rainforest. Taman Negara is full of diverse flora and fauna, as well as serene waterfalls. The hike through the jungle canopy on canopy walks, can change your life.

Also read: Instagram Worthy Spots of Kuala Lumpur: Explore Kuala Lumpur’s Iconic Landmarks

Things to Do in Malaysia in July

1. Feel the cultural heritage: you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Malaysia in July and get lost in time. To be able to witness the Sarawak Gawai Festival, a harvest celebration with traditional dances and music, is truly an opportunity for selected few.

2. Adrenalized day: You have to go white-water rafting down the Sungai Song in Perak or try spelunking in the Gua Tempurung limestone caves. The adrenaline junkie in you, needs thrilling adventures like parasailing and jet skiing right here in Langwaki.

3. Foodie paradise: only foodies know to savour the explosion of spices in Malaysian cuisine. Fish curry, skewed grills, all the authentic Malaysian cuisines all in one place, for you.

Also read: 7 Best Museums In Malaysia That Take You Back in Time

What to Pack for Malaysia in July?

Packing light is very common and suitable for Malaysia in July. One can be prepared for both sunshine and rain. It is often wise to pack  a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes for the west coast, as it is the romantic getaway you and your partner need. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection on the east coast. This is the paradise for the thrill-seekers out and about in Malaysia in July.

Also read: Languages In Malaysia: Learn More About Malaysia

Crowds and Costs in Malaysia in July

July is peak tourist season, so you can expect crowded destination spots. The energy of the other tourists and the hustle and bustle really hype the country for everyone. There are tourists coming in from different parts of the world with different cultures. One may interact and learn so much from the friendly tourists. The costs and accommodations are rather higher than normal. This is primarily because of the high demand. But one can get good deals on weekdays. The costs of the total trip do depend on the

• vacation length
• accommodation type
• planned activities
• group size. 

These usually vary and may fluctuate through the course of the month. But this country makes every penny worth it. 

Also read: 10 Best Honeymoon Experiences in Kuala Lumpur for Romantic Couples!

Events and Festivals in Malaysia in July

1. World Heritage Day: George Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage city on the 7th of July 2008. Since then Penang prides in its cultural heritage and celebrates the day with various food stalls, events through out the city and music.

2. Ramadan Bazaar: During Ramadan, when Muslims fast during the day and feast at night after sunset, the streets around Malaysia’s towns are filled with with food stalls selling a huge variety of food and shopping bargains. 

3. Nuzul Al-Quran: On this day, the prophet of the Lord, Allah, first received the Word of God. This is a memorial day and the religion is celebrated. This is the time of thanksgiving and a renowned festival all over the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia in July

Yes, it’s a very good time to explore this marvellous country.

Yes it is the month when the monsoon season sets in and it’s a wet, romantic paradise.

Yes the West Coast of Malaysia receives heavy rains and is like a  cold dream of a place.

Malaysia in July gives us a mix of adventure, calmness, and a chance to culturally replenish ourselves. This time of the year you can immerse yourself in the monsoon showers, indulge in the rich cultural tapestry, and have memories in this captivating Southeast Asian paradise. It’s time to start planning your Malaysian adventure, whether you are looking for Malaysia honeymoon packages with your spouse or just family packages. Book now for amazing deals and fun-filled trip!

Nethrambika GR

19 posts published., related itineraries.

Blissful 7 Nights Malaysia Tour Package

• Flights excluded
• 4 star accommodations
• 4 activities
• Shared transfer

₹ 26,064

Starting price/person

5 Days Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi Tour Package

• 3 star accommodations
• 2 activities

₹ 32,797

Beautiful 9 Nights Malaysia Package From India

• Flights included
• 5 activities

₹ 65,568

Stunning 6 Nights Malaysia Holiday Packages

₹ 32,399.

One Week Malaysian Trip from India

₹ 51,544.

Romantic 9 Nights Malaysia Vacation Packages All Inclusive

₹ 72,658.

6 Days Malaysia Tour Package Including Flights

₹ 53,541, rejuvenating 7 nights malaysia tour package with flight.

• 5 star accommodations
• Private transfer

₹ 68,848

4 Nights Malayisan Tour Itinerary

₹ 56,597.

Fabulous 9 Nights Malaysia Tour Packages From India

₹ 44,088, related posts, malaysia in march: an exotic vacation just for you, malaysia in april: a tropical paradise awaits, malaysia in february: all you need to know, malaysia in january: everything you need to know for a memorable vacation, malaysia open doors with visa-free entry for indian citizens, best places to have a romantic vacation, top 8 cheap beach destinations around the world, 11 best cheap tropical destinations for your next vacation, 8 best attractions in sabah, malaysia: land beneath the wind, haunted places in malaysia: for a spooky adventure in your next visit, 8 top places to visit in kota kinabalu: paradise in malaysia, 8 best places to visit in ipoh: an unmissable gem in malaysia.

Book a vacation completely online

Our community is growing fast

Sign up for exclusive PYT Club membership and access jaw-dropping deals before the rest of the world!

• Signup with Email
• Facebook community
• Telegram Community

Access exciting travel deals at best prices

Trending Searches on Packages Bali Packages Thailand Tour Package Singapore Tour Package Australia Tour Packages

Trending Searches on Honeymoon Packages Maldives Honeymoon Package Bali Honeymoon Package Thailand Honeymoon Packages Singapore Honeymoon Package Australia Honeymoon Packages

Trending Searches on Packages From India Bali Tour Packages From India Thailand Packages From India Singapore Packages From India Australia Tour Packages From India

Trending Searches on Packages Cost From India Bali Trip Cost From India Thailand Trip Cost From India Singapore Trip Cost From India Australia Trip Cost From India

• New Zealand
• South East Asia
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Switzerland
• Travelogues
• Travel News
• Guest Posts
• Write for us

Change location

• Call us tomorrow from 9am
• 01993 838 925 01993 838 130 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

• Perhentian Islands
• Month-by-month

The best time to visit Malaysia depends on what area of the country you plan to see. The capital and west coast are hot all year round, making it an ideal place to visit for a city and/or beach break. Rain should be expected throughout the year, but these intermittent downpours shouldn’t impact on your enjoyment.

However, it’s worth noting that the west coast sees more rain than usual during September and October. At this time of year, you may prefer visiting an east coast destination instead.

Between March and October, the diving hotspot of Tioman, the white sand beaches of the Perhentians and the stunning mosques of Kuala Terengganu come to the fore.

• Make an enquiry
• Request a brochure

Month-by-month guide for travelling in Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in January

During January, most of Malaysia will be bathed in sunshine, with very little rainfall expected; the only exception being the east coast and its islands. As such, it's the perfect time to head to the beaches of Langkawi , visit the capital or explore Malacca . Average temperatures sit at a comfortable 30°C.

Events & Festivals

• Chinese New Year (date varies): The Chinese New Year is a national holiday in Malaysia, with festivities and celebrations held throughout the country, making it an exciting time to visit.

Visiting Malaysia in February

Another month to avoid the east coast. However, the rest of Malaysia presents perfect conditions for exploring. With low season promotional offers and lower visitor numbers at this time of year, this is a great time to visit.

• Federal Territory Day (1st February): A state holiday for Federal Territory in Malaysia celebrating the anniversary of the formation of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory in 1974.

Visiting Malaysia in March

It begins to brighten up on the east coast, and islands such as Tioman start to open up again. With great weather expected throughout Malaysia, you have the pick of most areas.

Visiting Malaysia in April

Visitor numbers continue to rise on the east coast, and with Penang and Langkawi still bathing in sunshine. April is a popular time to travel to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur , the Cameron Highlands and Pangkor Islands  are subject to the odd shower at this time of year, but not enough to impact on your trip.

Visiting Malaysia in May

Malaysia's east coast is the perfect place to be as the snorkelling and diving season begins. Calm seas and white sands are the perfect match for the beautiful islands. The winds pick up on the west coast and the continuous sunshine is no longer guaranteed. You can also expect some late afternoon thunderstorms.

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (May): Marking the end of Ramadan with the breaking of the fast, this is one of the most important celebrations on the Islamic calendar. Families gather together for a traditional feast and travel may be busy.

Visiting Malaysia in June

Peak diving season begins on Tioman , with Redang and the Perhentians also experiencing hot, dry weather. The rains come to the west coast but are usually short sharp showers and should not impact on your overall enjoyment. This is a good time to combine Kuala Lumpur with Kuala Terengganu and the Perhentians.

Visiting Malaysia in July

This is peak season on the east coast, and visitor numbers will be high due to it coinciding with the European school holidays. The east coast receives some of its best weather, while on the west coast the seas are choppy, winds are up, and you should expect the odd downpour.

Visiting Malaysia in August

Peak season continues on the east coast and it's a good idea to book far in advance in order to secure preferred accommodation options. With hot, humid conditions and the chance of rain, Malaysia's west coast will now start to receive heavy downpours, though many people still travel during this period.

• National Day/Hari Merdeka (31st August): A day commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957.

Visiting Malaysia in September

At the start of the month the east coast should still be bathing in sunshine; however, as the month goes on temperatures begin to drop and rougher seas are visible around the islands. Over on the other side of the country, the rains begin to die down and sunny days become more frequent. With visitor numbers dropping, you could grab a shoulder season bargain.

• Awal Muharram (date varies, but usually between September and November): The beginning of the Islamic New Year is marked by Muslims through the attendance of religious activities, praying and singing.
• Hari Raya Haji/Feast of the Sacrifice (September): Marks the end of the hajj pilgrimage season, when many Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Animals are sacrificed and the meat distributed to relatives and the poor.
• Malaysia Day/Hari Malaysia (16th September): A national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963.

Visiting Malaysia in October

The rains on the west coast have one last downpour before months of dry weather. There should be guaranteed sunshine on Penang and Langkawi toward the end of the month. The east coast, on the other hand, braces itself for high winds and heavy rains. This can be a good time to visit as visitor numbers will be lower.

Visiting Malaysia in November

With the majority of the east coast islands now closed, it's time for the west coast destinations to shine. Visitors start to flock to Penang and Langkawi . Go at the beginning of the month to have the pick of the hotels.

Visiting Malaysia in December

December has a similar story to November, with the west coast getting all of the sunshine and attracting most visitors as the east coast properties close their doors until March. Avoid the Christmas rush and get there early in the month.

Malaysia Climate Guide

Why travel with audley.

• 100% tailor-made tours
• Fully protected travel
• Established for over 25 years
• 98% of our clients would recommend us

Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Malaysia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

Request our brochure

Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Malaysia

Jungles & beaches of Malaysia & Borneo

14 days from £3,550pp

Grand tour of Malaysia

18 days from £4,985pp

A fusion of cultures: our highlights of Malaysia guide

Malaysia family holidays: exploring Peninsular Malaysia

10 min read

• Malaysia Tours
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• When to visit Malaysia

Malaysia in July: Weather, Events and More

• ~ mins read

If you are in Malaysia in July then you are in luck! July is the only month when both east and west coastal areas are relatively dry and no tourist destination is off-limits. Whether you want to explore the hectares of rainforest in Sabah and Sarawak or tour the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty of things to do in Malaysia in July. Hike through the undulating landscape of Danum Valley Conservation Area witnessing the charming wildlife or spend some leisurely time on the pristine islands of Langkawi, Redang, and the Perhentian. The list goes on.

Read on to find more details on the weather, places to visit, and what to pack on your trip to Malaysia in July.

• Mohameed Sameer
• From Bangladesh
• Hammad Rinch
• From Pakistan
• Luis Santiagi

Malaysia Weather In July

Malaysia is a tropical country with chances of rain anytime of the year. It’s also hot and humid, with July average temperatures around 32°C during the day and 22°C during the night. Kuala Lumpur weather in July is relatively cooler, though the humidity is high and you can expect interspersed, short-lived downpours throughout the West Coast (also called Peninsular Malaysia).

In terms of precipitation, the story is different on the other side of the South China Sea. East Malaysia or Borneo Malaysia enjoys its driest season in July. Expect sunny days and blue skies paving the way for beach days, water adventures, and nature exploration. Temperatures hover around 30°C during the day and the humidity is around 80% throughout the month.

For a month-to-month insight on the weather, read our guide on the best time to visit Malaysia .

Weather in Malaysia in July - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit malaysia in july.

The excellent weather is just one of the reasons why you should visit Malaysia in July. We have listed a few more below.

• Visit East and West Coast: Malaysia experiences two seasons in a year: wet and dry, but they don’t happen at the same time throughout the country and are often split by east and west. However, July is an exception and one of the only months when there’s uniformity on both sides, opening the door to visiting the best tourist spots in the whole country without worrying about the weather.
• Scenic hiking trails: Pleasant weather conditions make the numerous hiking trails of the country all the more inviting. Try the trails of Cameron Highlands for a landscape of verdant green tea gardens and rolling hills. Alternatively, the hiking trails of Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak are home to some of the most spectacular caves on this planet.
• Great wildlife: Malaysia’s hot, humid climate nurtures rainforests and provides an ideal environment for diverse wildlife. Orangutans, pygmy elephants, the Malay tiger, and hornbills are just some of the country’s fascinating fauna. The low precipitation in July means you’ll have a better chance of spotting some of these spectacular creatures! Head to nature parks or reserves like Kinabatangan River or Kinabalu National Park.
• Festivals: The George Town Festival is celebrated annually in Penang in July. It’s a celebration aimed at preserving and promoting local culture and art and features a wide array of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and activities, showcasing both local and international talent. Check out the historical core of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while you’re there!

Where To Go & What To Do

Pleasant weather conditions means everything is open and accessible in Malaysia in July. From invigorating nature escapes to lively cosmopolitan excursions, there’s something to experience for all kinds of travelers. In the vibrant metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, a day outing covering the city’s best tourist spots like Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and KLCC Park is a worthwhile exploration.

To experience a slice of tropical paradise, the country’s long coastline is dotted with many island destinations. Head to the Perhentian Islands or the Tioman Island, just a short cruise tour away from Peninsular Malaysia and boasting stunning views, luxury accommodations, and world-class diving spots.

The Borneo parts of Malaysia also enjoy dry, favorable weather conditions this time of the year to explore the great outdoors. Consider spending some time in Kuching (the capital of Sarawak), a city known for its natural beauty and historic buildings. An unmissable activity is visiting the Gunung Gading National Park, home to unique wildlife like orangutans and rafflesia, the world’s largest flower which can grow up to one meter in diameter.

What to pack

You should carry an umbrella or raincoat on your visit to Malaysia, any time of the year. It is tropical and the weather can be unpredictable, even in July! Don’t forget sunscreen and light, cotton clothes to provide comfort in the hot, humid weather of Malaysia in July.

Planning a trip to Malaysia in July?

Whether you want to get the most out of the buzzy, cosmopolitan parts of Peninsular Malaysia or explore the abounds of natural beauty and wildlife of Borneo, July will not disappoint in terms of weather and an exciting array of activities. If you need help planning a customized trip to Malaysia , reach out to our local travel experts who’ll help you devise a tailored itinerary for your trip to Malaysia in July. For more information on related topics, make sure to read our Malaysia travel guide .

Related Articles

Related categories.

• How Long To Spend In Malaysia
• Malaysia Travel Advice
• What To Do In Malaysia
• When To Visit Malaysia
• Previous Post

Popular Destinations

• Europe Tours
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Italy Tours
• Spain Tours
• Argentina Tours
• Canada Tours
• Sri Lanka Tours
• Chile Tours
• Antarctica Tours

We use cookies to analyze traffic and give you personalized content and ads. It's an essential part of giving you a great site experience. Click on the 'Accept' button if you agree with our use of tracking and analytical cookies. Please refer to our  Cookie Policy  for more information.

Everything you need to know before visiting Malaysia

Jul 25, 2024 • 7 min read

Malaysia is a beautifully diverse country with tons to see and do – here's what you should know before you go. Mohammad Fahmi Abu Bakar/Shutterstock

Dynamic, multi-cultural and hugely underrated, Malaysia is Southeast Asia 's unsung tropical hero. Marrying tradition, nature and modernity , it's a country of space-age cityscapes, Islamic minarets and gilded Chinese shrines. It's a world where South Indian temples back onto million-year-old rainforests, and this mish-mash can be a lot to process for first-timers.

From what to pack to navigating the nation's ethnic and religious tapestry, these are the top things to know before you embark on a trip to Malaysia – an experience that can often feel like being in several countries at once .

1. Malaysia is a dazzlingly diverse country

Be prepared for many types of culture shock. In multi-ethnic yet predominantly Islamic Peninsular Malaysia, a 69.8% majority of Malay Muslims share the land with ethnic Chinese, Tamil Indians and a dozen aboriginal groups categorized as orang asli (original peoples). This means that red lantern-studded Chinese temples sit next to Hindu gopurams (temple gates) and the onion-shaped domes of intricate, modern mosques. Prayers go up to the sky in three main languages – Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil – and to three main religions: Islam, Chinese Taoism and Hinduism.

A short flight away across the South China Sea, the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah in Borneo feel like another world. The former has some 26 different ethnic groups, most of whom are Christian or Protestant, while Sabah is home to another 33 who communicate in over 50 languages and 80 dialects.

2. Pack for an eternal summer – but carry a light jacket

Tropical Malaysia enjoys steamy temperatures hovering around 86°F (30°C) year-round . All you really need to pack are light, loose-fitting cotton clothes to best cope with heat and humidity, and a pair of sneakers and flip-flops. If you forget anything, you can pick it up here. Also pack a hoodie or light jacket to prepare for the Malaysian habit of keeping air conditioning to frosty levels, especially inside shopping malls, buses and trains.

3. Technology is widely available… 

Kuala Lumpur must be one of the world's most futuristic cities, with ever-expanding highways, towers and skyscrapers eternally contending for space. Beyond the capital, there's excellent 4G mobile network coverage and fast wifi at most hotels and guest houses across the nation. Celcom is the best operator when traveling the Peninsula's jungly interior and Borneo. 

4. …but carry cash in the interior

ATMS (cashpoints) are widely available but thin out in the countryside, and they are often hard to find outside of Borneo's main cities. Stock up on the local currency, the Malaysian ringgit, if planning to go off the grid. 

5. The food is something to write home about

The delightfully spicy intricacies of Malaysian food (a concoction of curries, southern Chinese cuisines and pan-Indian dishes that never stop intermarrying) are best consumed fresh off the street, served without embellishments by local "uncles" – slang for older person – on plastic plates. 

The alternative is to sit and rub elbows with locals at a food court, or "hawker center" – large open areas, usually covered by a rooftop, packed with simple food stalls squeezed one against the other.

6. Dress casual but modest

Due to the constant heat, Malaysia's dress code is very casual. Wearing short pants, sandals, flip-flops and t-shirts is the accepted norm everywhere but is considered rude when visiting public offices, where long slacks, close-toed shoes and collared shirts are expected. In Malaysia's many kampung (villages), avoid revealing outfits to comply with local religious sensibilities. 

Modesty is also essential when choosing your beachwear. Bikinis and speedos are fine at big hotels, resorts and the tourist islands off the East Coast, such as Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang. But it's best to wear one-piece bathing suits and knee-length swimming trunks on any other beach, where the locals dip fully clothed.

7. Partying is a bit more expensive

Compared to its backpacker-centric Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand , Cambodia and Vietnam , Malaysia is a more expensive party destination because of heavy taxes on alcohol, which is forbidden to Muslims. The rest of the population is free to drink but forced to pay a higher price.

Alcohol is widely available in major tourist cities like Kuala Lumpur , George Town , Ipoh , Melaka and Johor Bahru,  while in smaller towns, beer is most often available at Chinese-run businesses. The best antidote to steep drink and cigarette prices is a visit to the tax-free islands of Langkawi and Tioman .

8. It's OK to speak in English if you don't know Malay

Picking up some survival Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language), the national lingo, is pretty straightforward – with its Roman alphabet and absence of tones, it's one of the easiest Asian languages to learn. But it's fine to speak English, especially with Malaysian Chinese and Indians, whose mother tongues are not Malay. Blame it on the British colonization, but practically everyone can communicate in English, and most prefer to do so when talking to foreigners.

9. You might be unknowingly rude

When pointing at someone or something, use the thumb and not the index finger, which is considered rude in Malaysia. Always keep your voice down, for raising the tone is an absolute no-no. Also, asking for help can sometimes be tricky, as many Malaysians take such questions as "losing face" or an invasion of their personal space.

When shaking hands, always remember to use your right hand, for the left is considered "toilet hand" in any Islamic culture. The only dining etiquette that matters in Malaysia is to never use the left hand when trying to eat with fingers like many locals do.

10. Respect nature and its spirits 

When a bunch of foreign tourists bared their bottoms on top of Mount Kinabalu in 2015, enraged Kadazan-Dusun locals blamed their act for the consequent magnitude 5.9 earthquake that killed at least 16 and snapped one of the sacred mountain top's two iconic "Donkey Ear" outcrops. 

The animist beliefs that predate the arrival of Islam to the Malay Peninsula have helped foster a highly regarded supernatural world in which nature plays a crucial role. For example, it's common to "ask for permission" before urinating in the jungle, from where locals never bring anything back for fear of piggybacking a curse into their own homes. 

Whenever a group enters a forest , it's best to give out nicknames or not call out each other at all – spirits are always listening. The orang bunian (invisible forest-dwelling creatures comparable to elves) can trick hikers and campers into following them deep into the jungle to never be seen again.

11. Boil the tap water

Because of increasing pollution of water sources and aging buildings fitted with rusted pipes, it's always best to boil tap water before drinking, or buy mineral water. Most hotels allow guests to refill their water containers. Carrying a water filtration system or purifying tablets can come in handy when striking out on multi-day hikes. 

12. Call 999 for any emergency

A single three-digit number, 999, connects to the police, the fire department, the ministry of health, the maritime enforcement agency and the Department of Civil Defence. Dial 999 112 if calling from a mobile phone. 

13. Vaccines are recommended

It is advisable to travel to Malaysia after being inoculated against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Malaria is generally not an issue in cities and most forested areas, so a prophylaxis is not strictly necessary. Dengue fever occurs sporadically in cities, but as there are no vaccines for it, the best strategy is to not get bitten by mosquitoes – use heavy-duty insect repellent.

Malaysia is one of Asia's top medical tourism destinations and boasts private hospitals equipped with excellent facilities. Make sure to have proper health insurance coverage, or be ready to pay for the premium.

14. Beware of snatch thieves

Traveling in Malaysia is generally a pretty safe experience for travelers of both sexes, but whether they travel solo or in groups, female travelers should pay attention when walking along the busiest roads of capital Kuala Lumpur. Keep your bags away from the roadside, for motorbike snatch thieves are well-known to target women, and some attacks have resulted in a victim's death. 

15. How to travel safely for LGBTQI+ travelers 

While a 2021 court ruling suggests change may be afoot, same-sex relationships are not only taboo in Malaysia, they're banned by federal law. For the LGBTQI+ communities here, the golden rule is to avoid publicizing relationships. In fact, public displays of affection are frowned upon in Malaysia in general, no matter your sexual orientation.  

16. Drug offenses can get you to the gallows

Stay away from drugs in Malaysia, where 200g of cannabis, 15g of morphine or heroin, and 40g of cocaine mean a death sentence. Offenders are shaken down extremely hard or jailed even for carrying much less.

This article was first published Feb 27, 2022 and updated Jul 25, 2024.

Explore related stories

Water Sports

Aug 20, 2024 • 13 min read

A gem of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture and memorable places. Here are 10 of the best.

Aug 15, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 12, 2024 • 12 min read

Aug 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Aug 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Jul 25, 2024 • 10 min read

Jul 12, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 15, 2024 • 9 min read

Jun 15, 2024 • 17 min read

Apr 21, 2024 • 6 min read

9 Unmissable Things To Do In Miami

The 12 Best UK Beaches To Visit In 2023

The Best Areas To Stay When Visiting Warsaw, Poland

The Ultimate 2 Week Queensland Roadtrip: 2023 Guide

• Yucatan Peninsula
• Winter in Europe
• Whitsundays
• Where you should stay
• where to stay in porto
• Where to stay in Bali
• where to stay cyprus

The Perfect 10-Day Malaysia Itinerary

Editorial Note: Earth Curious contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a beautiful country full of friendly locals, diverse landscapes, and delicious food. 

Since it’s such a big country, you need at least ten days to explore the best of what Malaysia has to offer. 

This itinerary is designed for those visiting Malaysia for the first time. This route will give you the best feel for the country’s most popular attractions. This 10-day itinerary will take you from Kuala Lumpur along the west coast. However, since Malaysia is such a big country, you’ll have to go back to experience the east coast! 

From island hopping to tasting tea in the highlands, getting around Malaysia is easy with its fantastic public transport. Here is the ultimate 10-day Malaysia itinerary where you’ll get around via bus, train, and plane. 

Table of Contents

What to see and do in kuala lumpur , where to eat in kuala lumpur , where to stay in kuala lumpur , what to see and do in malacca , where to eat in malacca , where to stay in malacca, what to see and do in the cameron highlands, where to eat in the cameron highlands , where to stay in the cameron highlands , what to see and do in penang , where to eat in penang, where to stay in penang , where to eat in penang , what to see and do in langkawi , where to eat in langkawi , where to stay in langkawi , what to see and do in langkawi, the best time to visit malaysia, what is the currency of malaysia , can you drink tap water in malaysia, the language of malaysia , is malaysia safe , final thoughts , day 1: kuala lumpur .

Start your 10-day journey in Malaysia in the capital of Kuala Lumpur. 

Although the city may be modern, it has beautifully retained a sense of mixed colonial and Asian heritage. 

Since Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, you can expect there to be plenty of things to see and do.

Start your day in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), where you can see the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Buy a ticket to the top of the viewing platform for spectacular views over the city’s skyline.

Next, make your way to one of the many modern malls scattered around the city.

At night time, visit Jalan Alor, the city’s most popular night market. No trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without visiting this place and tasting some delicious Malaysian food.

• Thirty8 Restaurant & Lounge: Located on the 38th floor of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, this restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese and western fusions to enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline. 
• Cedar on 15: Located on the 15th floor of the Impiana KLCC Hotel, Cedar on 15 boasts excellent views of the city and dishes up creative food. 
• Atmosphere 360: This revolving restaurant serves delicious, affordable food and offers spectacular views of the city, including close-up views of the Petronas Twin Towers. 

There is a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets in Kuala Lumpur, including 

• EQ Kuala Lumpur (high-end accommodation) 
• MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur (mid-range accommodation) 
• Paper Plane Hostel (low-end accommodation) 

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur 

Your second day in Kuala Lumpur will consist of exploring the city’s heritage rather than its modern attractions. 

Start your second day in Kuala Lumpur with a visit to the National Museum, where you’ll learn about Malaysian history and culture. 

Afterwards, walk through the busy streets of Chinatown, shop at the many different stalls in Central Market and marvel at the colonial architecture in Merdeka Square.

In the afternoon, catch a train from KL Sentral to the Batu Caves. The Batu Caves are one of the most popular cultural attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Hundreds of colourful steps lead to the entrance to the deep cave complex. The caves are naturally beautiful, but something else makes them enchanting. The addition of Hindu shrines and statues has turned the caves into a place of worship. 

On your second day in the city, you’ll want to try out local Malaysian restaurants, such as

• Bijan Bar & Restaurant: This restaurant prides itself on offering innovative ways of enjoying Malay food, enhancing flavours and methods of preparing local delicacies. 
• Old China Cafe: Serving dishes that originated from the Baba Nonya communities of Malacca and Penang, Old China Cafe serves authentic Malaysian food. 
• Sek Yuen: At over 70 years old, Sek Yuen is one of the oldest surviving Chinese Cantonese restaurants in the city. 

Day 3: Malacca 

On your third day in Malaysia, make the three-hour train journey to the coastal city of Malacca.

Malacca is one of the country’s most historic cities. Here you can trace the evolution of Malacca from a small fishing village to a Portuguese, Dutch, then British trading port. 

Start your day exploring the ruined Portuguese churches and forts in Malacca. In the afternoon, wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers many of the city’s old streets, including the famous Jonker Street. 

Walking along Jonker Street, you can browse the many antique shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the local Malaysian restaurants. 

In the evening, hop on a river cruise as the sun goes down over the city. Afterwards, have dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water to indulge in local Malaccan dishes with stunning views to match. 

In Malacca, the best thing to do is eat at various places, including restaurants and food stalls, to try the best of everything. 

• Donald and Lily’s: Serving up traditional Nyonya cuisine since 1980 and published in New York Times Magazine, a visit to Donald and Lily’s is a must.
• Chung Wah: Operating for over 50 years and the most popular outlet in Malacca, this Hainanese chicken rice shop is worth visiting for its famous chicken rice balls!
• Low Yong Moh: Known for its old-school dim sums, you can’t take a trip to Malacca without visiting this local family-run restaurant. 

Since Malacca is a popular city, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets, such as 

• DoubleTree by Hilton Malacca (high-end accommodation) 
• Eco Tree Hotel (mid-range accommodation)
• YOTE 28 (low-end accommodation)

Day 4: Cameron Highlands 

On your fourth day in Malaysia, leave Malacca early in the morning to catch the seven-hour train to the Cameron Highlands. 

The Cameron Highlands is one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia. And due to its high elevation, the temperature is always much cooler than the coast. 

This region is known for its unique mixture of colonial British and authentic Malay culture. Home to tea plantations, strawberry farms and hiking trails in the jungle, there is so much to experience in this part of the country. 

Due to the travel time from Malacca, you will arrive in the Cameron Highlands in the early afternoon, so one of the best things to do is to head to the Boh Tea Plantation.

The Boh Tea Company was founded in 1929 and is one of the most famous brands of tea in Malaysia. A visit to the Boh Tea Plantation will allow you to enjoy the lush green terraces and learn how the tea is harvested and grown. With sweeping views of the region, enjoy a cup of tea while admiring your surroundings. 

• Restoran Ferm Nyonya: This restaurant is known for its delicious Nyonya dishes. Not only that, the first is halal, and there are plenty of vegetarian options.
• Restaurant Tringkap: While the restaurant may look basic with plastic chairs and minimal decor, the food is some of the best in the area. 
• Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant: Boasting a small menu of fresh, flavourful Indian food, this restaurant is not one to miss!
• Cameron Highlands Resort (high-end accommodation) 
• Heritage Hotel (mid-range accommodation) 
• Bricks Backpackers Hostel (low-end accommodation)

Day 5: Cameron Highlands 

Since there is so much to see and do in the Cameron Highlands, you’ll need another day exploring the region. 

On your second day in the Cameron Highlands, you’ll experience the best of the outdoors. 

Get up early to climb Mount Brinchang. As one of the main peaks in the Cameron Highlands, a visit to the top of Mount Brinchang is a must. 

The main way to get to the top is to take a drive (hire a car or taxi) along a winding mountain road. Standing at 2,031 metres above sea level, you’ll be blown away by the sweeping views once you reach the top.

After your morning mountain adventure, spend the afternoon trekking through the jungle. 

With jungle tracks scattered throughout the region, you can find yourself on the top of forested hills, at the bottom of a sweeping valley or standing beneath a waterfall; a trek through the jungle is a must while in the Cameron Highlands. 

• Delicious & Happiness Kitchen: This restaurant is a must-visit with low-cost, fresh and hot Chinese dishes. 
• Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant: Utilising traditional charcoal steamboat stoves and organic vegetables from their garden, this steamboat restaurant is a must.
• Yong Teng Cafe: If you’re looking for a cafe serving delicious breakfast food, head to Yong Teng Cafe for their famous pancakes!

Day 6: Penang

On day six of your 10-day Malaysia itinerary, travel from the Cameron Highlands to the island of Penang. 

There is a bus that can take you to the island, which takes around three hours. 

Penang is one of Malaysia’s most diverse and interesting destinations, which is why you’ll spend two days exploring it!

The diverse nature of Penang is represented by the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the old streets of Georgetown.

Spend your first day on the island exploring the old lanes, marvelling at the many murals and indulging in delicious Malaysian street food.

• Kheng Pin Cafe: This cafe is known for having some of the best lor bak (deep-fried meat, seafood and vegetables) in Penang, so it’s definitely worth visiting. 
• Sister Yao’s: This humble stall on Macalister Lane has been serving some of the best char koay kak (radish cake) for over 40 years. 
• Medan Selera Padang Brown: Lok Lok is a type of communal hot pot dish, and Medan Selera Padang Brown serves up some of the best in Penang.
• Eastern & Oriental Hotel (high-end accommodation) 
• Areca Hotel Penang (mid-range accommodation) 
• Red Inn Court (low-end accommodation) 

Day 7: Penang 

Wake up early on your second day in Penang because it will be an eventful day exploring nature and cultural attractions. 

Wake up early to walk to the top of the 833-metre Penang Hill for stunning views over the island. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the funicular to the summit instead. 

After soaking up the views from the top of the hill, make your way to Kek Lok Si, one of the largest Buddhist Temples in Malaysia. The temple is an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. 

After exploring the temple, head back to Georgetown to take the three-hour ferry to the nearby island of Langkawi. 

• New Lane Hawker Centre: Oh Chien is a fried oyster-filled omelette, and you can try one of the best at New Lane Hawker Centre. 
• Kafe Ping Hooi: Char koay teow is considered the most iconic street food in Penang, and you can try it at Kafe Ping Hooi. 
• Air Itam: Much like char koay teow, asam laksa is also one of the best dishes to eat in Penang. Try it at Air Itam!

Day 8: Langkawi 

After catching the three-hour ferry to Langkawi from Penang on the afternoon of day seven, spend the next two days relaxing.

Langkawi may be Malaysia’s most popular holiday destination, but you’ll be surprised at how relaxed, quiet and underdeveloped it is. 

After a jam-packed first seven days in Malaysia, spend your first day in Langkawi relaxing on the white sands of Cenang Beach. 

Swim in the ocean, soak up the sun on the sand and enjoy a few drinks at the rustic beachside bars while watching the sunset. 

• The Gulai House: If you’re up for a fine dining experience that serves Malaysian and Indian dishes, head to The Gulai House in the rainforest. 
• Yellow Beach Cafe: One of the best places to enjoy delicious food while watching the sunset on the beach is the Yellow Beach Cafe. 
• Langkawi Fish Farm Restaurant: Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Langkawi, situated over the water, the Langkawi Fish Farm Restaurant is a must-visit. 
• The St. Regis Langkawi (high-end accommodation) 
• Dash Resort Langkawi (mid-range accommodation) 
• Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang (low-end accommodation) 

Day 9: Langkawi 

On your last day on the tropical island, you can do two things: relax on the beach or hop on an island tour. 

If you prefer to relax on Cenang Beach again, go ahead!

Want to do something different? Hop on an island-hopping tour around Langkawi, where you can explore the area’s many tropical inlets and secret beaches. 

After you’ve spent your morning exploring the beautiful beaches and inlets around the island, head to Langkawi Sky Bridge. Here a cable car takes you to the top of one of the island’s tallest peaks, where a long bridge spans between mountains. Once you’re on the bridge, you’ll be welcomed with stunning views of the island, and on a clear day, you’ll be able to see the nearby Thai islands too. 

Spend your evening back on Cenang Beach, watching the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand.

• The Cliff Restaurant and Bar: Located on a cliff overlooking Cenang Beach, this restaurant is popular for its spectacular sunset views. 
• Kayu Puti: Located in the St. Regis hotel, this fine dining restaurant boasts delectable food from world-famous chef Gaetan Biesuz. 
• Orkid Ria Restaurant: Known for its seafood, this restaurant prides itself on serving the freshest seafood on the island. 

Day 10: Kuala Lumpur

On your final day in Malaysia, you can catch the one-hour flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

If you wish to make the most of your time left in Langkawi, you can catch an afternoon flight to Kuala Lumpur before your evening flight out of the country. 

Or, if you wish to explore Kuala Lumpur some more, you can head back to the city in the morning to spend the day wandering around. 

If your departing flight isn’t until the evening and you want to spend the day in a fun way, head to Sunway Lagoon.

Located 19km southwest of central Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon is a theme park with waterslides, an artificial river, a surf beach and a wave pool. What better way to escape the heat than spending your final day in Malaysia in the water?

Useful Tips for Travelling in Malaysia 

Malaysia is above the equator, which means the country experiences warm weather year-round. However, it’s a tropical country, so along with the hot days, you can also expect high levels of humidity and rainfall almost any day of the year. 

Since this 10-day itinerary focused on travelling throughout the west coast of Malaysia, the best time to visit is between December and April. This time of year is when the temperatures are cooler, less humid and a lot less rainy. 

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Malaysia. 

The language spoken in Malaysia is Malay. 

While most Malaysians speak English, it’s always courteous when travelling to a new country to learn some of the basics, such as

• How are you? = Apa khabar
• Please = Tolong
• How much? = Berapa 
• Can you speak English? = Bolehkah anda berbahasa Inggeris 
• Where is the toilet? = Di mana tandas
• Thank you = Terima kasih 
• You’re welcome = Sama-sama
• I don’t understand = Says tidak faham 

Malaysia is generally a safe country to visit for tourists. It’s a country where you’re unlikely to encounter violence. However, like most places, you should be careful when it comes to petty crime, such as pickpocketing. 

A country with a rich cultural history, spectacular landscapes, and beautiful attractions, Malaysia is definitely a country worth visiting. 

If it’s your first time visiting Malaysia, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for you as it takes you through the country’s most popular and highly rated places/attractions. And if after this trip you loved the country, you definitely have to revisit to explore the east coast.

When will you visit this beautiful Southeast Asian country? 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kuala Lumpur

• Itineraries

The Ultimate 12 Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary 

9 Days In France – The Ultimate Itinerary

Norway In 7-10 Days: An Ultimate Itinerary

The Best 14 Day Vietnam Itinerary: See The Wonders Of Vietnam

72 Hours in Bogotá – The Ultimate Itinerary

3 Days In Ottowa – For First-Time Visitors

• United Kingdom

How To Spend 1 Day In Liverpool: The Ultimate Guide

2 Weeks in Malaysia – The Best Malaysia Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: August 5, 2024

Categories MALAYSIA

2 weeks in Malaysia is a good amount of time to appreciate all this beautiful country has to offe r. In this guide, I’ll be sharing a recommended two-week Malaysia Itinerary, including the best places to visit, where to eat, sleep, & party, as well as all of our top tips for visiting.

When it comes to the best South East Asia travel destinations, Malaysia is a country that rarely makes the hotlist. Sure, it might not be as wild as Thailand or as trendy as Bali , but after spending quite some time backpacking in Malaysia, I can confidently say that it is fiercely underrated.

The thing we love most about Malaysia is its diversity. It is a cultural melting pot, and the multi-ethnic influence of Malay, Indian, Chinese and European concocts a culture (and cuisine) unlike no other in the region.

There’s also an abundance of things to see and do. From pulsating urban cities and charming heritage towns to sweeping rainforests and pristine islands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This Malaysia itinerary combines a little bit of all these things. We cover the country’s West and East Coast, including Malaysian Borneo. It will allow you to experience the very best of Malaysia in two weeks.

So let’s get to it and plan your perfect two-week Malaysia itinerary.

If it’s your first time travelling or backpacking Malaysia, I recommend checking out our First timers guide to travelling Malaysia . It’s jam-packed with useful information that will help you prepare for a fantastic, and safe, trip of a lifetime.

Is Two Weeks in Malaysia Enough?

Malaysia is a massive country with plenty to see and do. It’s impossible to experience it all in two weeks, so I encourage you to plan your Malaysia itinerary wisely and prioritise what you want from your trip.

This might include deciding between the east coast or the west coast of Malaysia. While you can combine the two, it would mean doing quite a lot of travel which can eat into your valuable exploring time.

Personally, with just two weeks in Malaysia, I would choose one or the other and make the most of my time in that region. That way, you have an excuse to come back again as well!

In the next section, you’ll find a more detailed explanation of what you can expect from each region.

East or West Coast Malaysia Itinerary

When planning your Malaysia itinerary, it’s important to understand there are 2 ‘sides’ to the country.  

First of all, you have Peninsular (West) Malaysia.   This region is more developed, boasting the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, along with other popular tourist destinations.  

You can look forward to a diverse and exciting itinerary in West Malaysia, from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang to the natural wonders of Langkawi and the Cameron Highlands.

Then you have East Malaysia.   Sparsely developed in comparison, the East attracts your more adventurous travellers. Those looking to explore the jungles of Borneo, or experience World-Class diving on the East Coast Islands.  

Up until now, we have only explored the West of Malaysia.   Though we know enough about the East that not only makes us desperate to go, but allows us to share some travel inspiration with you.

So with this in mind, below you can find two separate 2-week Malaysia Itineraries .   The first is a West Malaysia Itinerary and the second is a Borneo & East Malaysia Itinerary .

The Best of Malaysia in 2 Weeks

We have a lot to cover in this Malaysia Itinerary, so if you’re short on time, here are some of the highlights you can enjoy over your 14 days in Malaysia.

• Visit the mystical Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
• Encounter wild orangutans in the jungles of Borneo
• Trek to find the rare Rafflesia Flower in the Cameron Highlands
• Go on a street art hunt in Georgetown
• Sample delicious traditional Malaysian food .
• Visit some of the best beaches in Malaysia on Langkawi Island
• Experience world-class diving in Borneo
• Discover paradise islands on The Perhentians.
• Hike Mount Kinabalu National Park

Tips & Advice for this Malaysia Itinerary

Before I show you how to spend a perfect two weeks in Malaysia, here are some of my top tips for visiting. 

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has two peak seasons – from December to the end of January and from June to mid-September.

However, You will want a clear idea of what you want to do when planning your Malaysia itinerary, as the weather patterns differ in West and East Malaysia. 

The best time to visit Peninsular (West) Malaysia is between November and August. September and October see the peak of monsoon season, and severe downpours consume the region.

If you’re planning a trip to the east coast, the best time is between March and September. Late November to mid-February brings the arrival of monsoon season on the east coast.

Other than that, stable tropical temperatures and high humidity are to be expected all year round. You should also prepare for the occasional downpour. 

Getting Around in Malaysia

After covering most of Peninsular Malaysia, we found the easiest way to travel from place to place was by tourist bus.  

It is by no means the quickest way; however, the buses are comfortable and you do get to see some pretty epic scenery along the way.  

It is worth noting that the road conditions are generally very good in the tourist regions of the West.   Although, once you start travelling East to Borneo, they become more treacherous.  

We recommend avoiding bus travel in these areas as there is a history of accidents on the roads.  

You can also travel via train or air to most regions, but prices are much more expensive and routes are limited.

*Tip – We recommend using 12go Asia to book your bus travel around Malaysia.

In our experience, the easiest way to explore big cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang is through the bus and rail networks.   As well as being reliable, they are also super cheap.

The metro system in Kuala Lumpur puts the London Underground to shame with comfortable, air-conditioned carriages and routes to the must-see spots across the city.  

There are even ladies-only carriages for female travellers who may feel uncomfortable in the mixed.

Grab Taxis operate in most cities and are a safer, cheaper alternative to a local taxi.   If you do take a local taxi, be sure they use the meter.   Or agree on the fare in advance to avoid being ripped off.

Staying Safe in Malaysia

Despite being a lesbian couple in a country that still has anti-gay laws, we can honestly say that we have always felt safe while travelling in Malaysia.

Of course, we do not publicly showcase our relationship; however, Malaysia is a modest country, and any form of PDA is frowned upon – even for straight couples.

Other than the odd pickpocketing incident, crimes against tourists are extremely rare. You can minimise the risk of this happening by keeping valuables secure and out of reach.

Of course, exercising precaution is always wise when travelling in unfamiliar territory. Be pragmatic with your choices, follow these steps for staying safe in Malaysia , and you’ll be just fine.

If you are an LGBTQ traveller visiting Malaysia, I recommend reading this Gay in Malaysia guide and these safety tips for LGBTQ+ travellers .

Travel Insurance

There are a lot of fun activities to do on this Malaysia itinerary; however, with adventure always comes risk. With this in mind, you will want to have adequate travel insurance that covers you for any tricky situations.

We always recommend Heymondo for travel insurance . They are affordable, offer a variety of packages and add-ons, and you get 5% discount using our link! (discount applicable for non-American citizens). 

Internet in Malaysia

While taking a trip to Malaysia is the perfect time to unwind and disconnect, it’s also handy to have online access when you need it.

In our experience, most accommodations, cafes, and restaurants have free wifi available. However, we also like to access the internet when out exploring to access maps, find local restaurants, etc. 

We always travel with a  GlocalMe portable wifi hotspot  that allows us to access the internet pretty much anywhere in the world. We also buy a local sim card which are easy to pick up at airports or local malls.

Finally, we always use a VPN when we travel. Using a VPN is very important these days to make sure that all your data is safe and secure.

Also, it helps while travelling for safety reasons and unlocks geo-restricted content such as Netflix and helps avoid demographic price discrimination while looking for a flight or a hotel.

In my experience,  Surfshark is the best VPN for travel .

2 Weeks in West Malaysia Itinerary

The following 2 week Malaysia itinerary starts and ends in the capital city Kuala Lumpur. It focuses on popular west coast destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang and Langkawi Island.

I’ve included some of my favourite things to do in each location, as well as recommended places to stay.

• Days 1-3: Religious Sites, Nature Parks & Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
• Day 4 : Day Trip to the colourful city of Melaka
• Days 5-6: Trekking, Culture, and Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands
• Days 7-9: Street Art, Street Food, and Colonial Buildings in Penang
• Days 10-13: Beaches, Waterfalls, and Watersports in Langkawi
• Day 14 : Return to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur: 3 Nights

Your Malaysian adventures will begin in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.   Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts might be tempted to move out of the city right away.   But hold your horses, as you might find there is more to KL than meets the eye.

I’d be lying if I said that Kuala Lumpur doesn’t take some time to digest.   It can be a sensory overload to people like us who warm more towards natural landscapes.   However, after spending quite some time in KL over the past two years, it’s become one of our favourite cities in Asia.  

There are in fact, a ton of cool and unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur .   Whether you are into culture, shopping, architecture, nature, or food, you are sure to find something you love about the city.  

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Below is a list of some of my favourite things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but for a more comprehensive guide on how to plan your time see this 2 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary .

1.  Batu Caves

The Batu Caves should be a priority on your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur.   The caves are a whopping 400 million years old and built amidst limestone cliffs are a sight to behold.

As well as a popular tourist attraction, the caves are a significant religious landmark, housing numerous Hindu temples and shrines.  

What’s more, following a recent upgrade incorporating a striking rainbow staircase, the caves are one of the most Instagrammed places in Kuala Lumpur .

2.  Mosques and Temples

As expected from such an ethnically diverse nation, mosques and temples are abundant in the capital city.

In addition to the Batu Caves, you should check out the Thean Hou Buddhist Temple and the grandeur Federal Territory Mosque .

Both are architectural gems, with the design of the Federal Territory mosque inspired by the Taj Mahal and Mecca.

Take the stress out of planning and cover the KL cultural highlights with an organised tour. Click the link below to read hundreds of positive reviews regarding the tour which includes the Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple, and the National Mosque. At just $25 it’s insane value for money, but be sure to book in advance as it sells out fast!

Book Your Tour: Group Tour: Batu Caves & Cultural Exploration Tour

3.  KL Eco Park

From sweeping jungle to concrete jungle, it’s hard to believe that Kuala Lumpur was once nothing but rainforest.

When you look at today’s skyline, you’ll only see towering skyscrapers and air pollution. But, in fact, some effort has been made to preserve the city’s’ routes.

The  KL Eco Park  is a 200m squared area of protected rainforest in the heart of the city. Home to various endangered plants, birds, and monkeys, it’s rare to encounter such raw nature in a modern metropolis. 

The park boasts several nature trails, including canopy walkways amid the treetops. With the glistening skyline in the background, it makes for awesome photo ops.

4. Enjoy the Food

One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to enjoy the amalgamation of cuisine on offer. 

Food Halls in China Town. Banana Leaf specialities in Little India. Cheap but delicious Roti Canai. The list is truly endless.

One place I do highly recommend that you visit for an evening, though, is  Jalan Alor Street . This area bursts into life at night, with countless food vendors serving a variety of culinary delights. 

Conveniently located in the Bukit Bintang area, it’s the ideal place to grab a beer and watch the bustling Kuala Lumpur world go by.

If you’re stuck on what to order, check out these  15 dishes you must try in Kuala Lumpur .

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Hostel – Mingle @Chinatown – Mingle  is located in the heart of Chinatown – The chic decor is a big attraction here.

Budget Private –   Step Inn Guesthouse – A great choice for budget travellers, Step Inn Guesthouse offers modest but affordable accommodation in central KL.

Luxury –   The Face Suites – Spacious and modern apartments with a fitness centre, bars, restaurants and jaw-dropping infinity pool.

For a full list of places to stay in Kuala Lumpur, you can check the latest prices here .

Malacca: Day Trip

For the next stop on your Malaysia travels, I recommend taking a day trip to the UNESCO Heritage city of Malacca.

This charming historic city doesn’t find its way onto most Malaysia itineraries – which is a pity, as it has a lot to offer.  

Malacca has a rich colonial history. You’ll find the influence of Dutch, Portuguese and British throughout the city. It helps provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of Malaysia. 

If you’re looking to explore somewhere a little bit unique, you should, at the very least, consider a day trip to Malacca which is easy to do from Kuala Lumpur.

You can travel there yourself using the local bus network. Or to make things easier, you could take a tour like this one and have everything organised for you.

Top Things to do in Malacca

Below I’ve summarised some of the top things to do in Malacca, For a more comprehensive guide be sure to check out our Malacca itinerary .

Windmill Dutch Square

Windmill Dutch Square is probably the most iconic area of Malacca. It’s certainly one of the most photographed places in Malaysia and with its striking architecture, I can see why.

You’ll find many significant attractions surrounding the square, including Stadthuys. Historically, Stadthuys served as residence to Dutch governors. Today, it houses a collection of museums.

Then there’s the beautiful Christ Church. Its terracotta colonial architecture reminded me of the Franciscan Church in Ljubljana.

One of the simpler things to do in Malacca, but also one of my favourites, is a gentle stroll along the river. 

The river is the focal point of the tourist centre. On both sides, you can enjoy the multitude of beauty that Malacca has to offer. 

Look out for the vibrant street art that adorns many of the buildings. You’ll also find popular landmarks such as the Clock Tower and Ghost Bridge.

I also suggest stopping at one of the riverside bars or cafes where you can watch the gentle pace of the city go by.

Melaka Straits Mosque

Melaka Straits Mosque might be one of our favourite landmarks in all of Malaysia.

Built on a man-made island just off the coast of the Malacca Strait it is a truly awe-inspiring structure. When the tide comes in high, it appears to be floating on water.

The best time to see the mosque is at high tide, or during sunrise or sunset. 

Malacca is a city bursting with museums. Like I said earlier, this is the place to educate yourself on Malaysian history.

If you’re keen to learn more about the Peranakan culture that is unique to Malacca, check out the  Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum . 

Then there’s Stadthuys which houses the museum of history and ethnography. Inside you can find all kinds of significant artefacts that tell the history of the city.

Villa Sentosa is also popular as its one of the best preserved traditional homes in the city. The museum inside depicts the life of a wealthy family in the early 20th century.

Jonker Street Night Market

If you can plan your trip to Malacca for the weekend, you’re in for a real treat. 

Jonker Street Night Market is one of the most entertaining things to do in the city. Set in the shopping capital, the street comes alive with a variety of stalls and heaps of entertainment.

Here is the best place to try delicious street food staples like satay celup, chicken rice balls, and nyonya laksa!

Cameron Highlands: 2 Nights

Just a 4-5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands are a picturesque rural region in the West of Malaysia.  

Boasting verdant nature, scenic views, and a bunch of adventure opportunities, the highlands are a worthy contender for your 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary.

The highlands are named after the British explorer who discovered them.   To this end, the fact that they are famous for their sweeping tea plantations is quite ironic.  

In keeping with British culture, you can also enjoy strawberry picking and traditional cream teas.

Things to do in the Cameron Highlands

Here’s a list of some of the Cameron Highlands highlights. Or for further travel inspo, check out these 25 Things to do in the Cameron Highlands .

1.  Jungle Trekking

Located next to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Jungle Treks and hiking in the Cameron Highlands is the number 1 activity.  

With tours starting from half a day up to 7 days plus, there are options to suit all interests and capabilities.  

On these tours, you get to experience some of the incredible scenery encompassing the highlands.   As well as learning about the region’s diversified flora and fauna.

2.  Hunt for the Rafflesia Flower

The Rafflesia flower is known to be one of the largest flowers in the world, and Malaysia is one of the few countries where you can find it.  

Growing up to 3ft in diameter, the extraordinary specimen is also known as the corpse flower thanks to its pungent odour!

*Tip – Your best chance of sighting the Rafflesia flower is during the rainy season and with the assistance of an experienced guide.

3.  Orang Asli Villages

Orang Asli, meaning ‘original people’ in Malay, refers to the indigenous groups living in Malaysia. The Cameron Highlands is one of few places where you can visit traditional villages.  

While these tours provide a fascinating insight into indigenous culture , it is a grey area whether or not it’s entirely ethical to visit them.  

We would say it’s ok, so long as you remain respectful at all times. It also helps if you buy something from the locals – handmade souvenirs make lovely keepsakes and it’s a way of giving back.

Places to Stay in the Cameron Highlands

Hostel –   Hikers Sleep Port – Conveniently located for those looking to explore all of the local attractions. Provides tour bookings and a free buffet breakfast for guests.

Budget Private –   Fathers Guesthouse Resort – Offering modest but comfortable private rooms . Enjoy nearby hiking trails and villages.

For more places to stay in the Cameron Highlands, you can check the latest prices here .

Penang/Georgetown: 3 Nights

If you are the slightest bit interested in Malaysian history, you should make Penang a priority on your two-week Malaysia itinerary.  

An island located along the west coast of Malaysia, the island once served as a major trading hub. However, it isn’t the beaches that attract visitors to come here.

Most tourists come to Penang to experience the capital of George Town. Famous for its heritage houses, street art, hipster cafes, and street food, UNESCO declared the city a world heritage site in 2008.  

Since then, Georgetown has flourished into a hub of creativity and culture. To ensure you hit all the best historical spots in town, you could consider the ‘ Explore Georgetown Half Day City Tour ‘.

Things to do in Penang

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Penang. Or for a more comprehensive guide, you can check out this Penang itinerary.

1.  George Town Street Art Hunt

The street art in Georgetown has become an iconic attraction among the backpacker crowd.   Created by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012, the unique works injected a new lease of life into the city.  

Hidden throughout a labyrinth of lanes and alleyways, searching for the famous murals makes for quite the fun treasure hunt. Or use this map and guide to locate the best ones.

2.  Tour the Heritage Houses

The pre-war heritage homes found all around Georgetown serve as a true reflection of the city’s colonial history.

Oozing charm and authenticity, it almost feels like you have stepped back in time to another era.  

You can also visit more affluent properties such as the Pinang Peranakan Mansion – once home to a 19th-century Chinese tycoon.

3.  Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si or the ‘Temple of Happiness’, is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.   The complex serves as a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists throughout SE Asia.

In true Buddhist fashion, the intricate design of the temple is tremendously impressive.   And if you’re not ‘templed-out’, we recommend this day trip from Georgetown.  

4.  Take a Penang Food Tour

A Penang food tour is an absolutely essential thing to do during your 2 weeks in Malaysia.  The food here is some of the best in the country, and you are sure to leave with a very satisfied tummy.

Furthermore, Georgetown is known to be the street food capital of the country, and you are never more than a few metres away from a hawker stand.  

There are so many delicious street foods you must try in Malaysia –  Satay, noodles, Lok Lok, Apom Balik…   Try it all I tell you!  

Places to Stay in Penang

Hostel –   The 80s Guesthouse – The 80s Guesthouse is one of the most popular hostels in Penang.  The chic industrial design is a crowd favourite .

Budget Private –   Rainbow House – Modest but super comfy rooms, Rainbow House is the perfect budget accommodation option in the heart of Georgetown.  

Mid-Range –   The Boutique Residence Hotel – Offering a touch of luxury in the heart of Georgetown – Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a la carte restaurant.

For places to stay in Penang, you can check the latest prices here .

Langkawi: 4-5 Nights

Your final stop on this 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary is Langkawi.   Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands located off the west coast.

Famous for their endless natural landscapes, the islands boast some of the best beaches in Malaysia.  

As a token of its beauty, Langkawi was declared a Unesco World Geo Park in 2007.   The interior of the main island is made up of lush rice paddies, majestic waterfalls, and sweeping rainforests.

All things considered, it is no surprise that   Langkawi is a popular choice among holiday goers and backpackers, alike.   The harmonious combination of relaxation and adventure appeals to all kinds of travellers.  

Things to do in Langkawi

Let’s look at the top things to do in Langkawi. Or for a more comprehensive guide, check out this Langkawi Itinerary .

1.  Beaches

Langkawi boasts some of the best beaches in Malaysia , so naturally, this is the number 1 thing to do here.

With many incredible beaches to choose from, it is worth renting a scooter for a day and discovering which one you like best.  

For all the action, Pantai Cenang is where it’s at.   Here you will find bars, restaurants, watersports, and shopping.  

Or for a quieter atmosphere, we can recommend Tanjang Rhu or Pantai Tengah .  

2.  Skytrex Adventure

One for the intrepid travellers, Sky Trex Adventure is an adrenaline-pumping assault course in the heart of the Langkawi Rainforest.  

With a choice of circuits depending on your capabilities, brave participants are faced with a number of challenging obstacles and zip lines.   Don’t look down!

3.  Waterfalls

There are a number of waterfalls to be found on Langkawi; though, Telaga Tujuh is arguably the most beautiful.  

The name, meaning ‘Seven Wells Waterfall’, refers to the seven connected natural pools.  

Adventurers can climb to the peak of the waterfall where magical views support a local legend that the area is home to fairies.

4.  Mangrove Tours

Mangrove Tours are a fiercely popular attraction in Langkawi which allow visitors up close and personal to some of the island’s most extraordinary nature.

As well as lush mangrove forests, you can expect to see plenty of wildlife.

You can either opt for a guided boat tour through the mangroves or if you are feeling more adventurous, why not try kayaking instead?

Places to Stay in Langkawi

Hostel –   Tubotel – Tubotel boasts sea views from their unique concept-style cube and tube-shaped accommodations.  

Budget Private –   Bohok Guesthouse – A cosy family-run establishment, Bohok Guesthouse offer great value for money in Pantai Cenang.

Mid-Range – The Smith House – The Smith House is perfect for those seeking a little extra comfort.  Facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, an on-site restaurant and a bar.

For more places to stay in Langkawi, you can check the latest prices here .

Day 14 – Return to Kuala Lumpur

See ya Malaysia, it’s been a blast!

2 Week East Malaysia Itinerary (Includes Borneo)

• Days 1-2: Religious Sites, Nature Parks & Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
• Days 3-8: Orangutans, Rainforests, & Diving in Malaysian Borneo
• Days 9-14: Snorkelling, Beaches, & Relaxation on the Perhentian Islands.

Kuala Lumpur: 2 Nights

Your East Cost adventures will inevitably begin in Kuala Lumpur, so it’s worth taking some time to adapt here and check out the highlights of the city.

See our section on Kuala Lumpur above for more information, or check out our suggested 2 Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary .

Malaysian Borneo: 6 Nights

Borneo, the world’s 3rd largest island, is divided among 3 countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

  Boasting sweeping rainforest, world-class dive sites, towering mountain ranges, and some of our planet’s most unique wildlife, it is a location that screams adventure.  

While 73% of the island is dominated by Indonesian territory, Malaysian Borneo comprises of 2 states – Sawarak and Sabah.  

To experience all the attractions that Borneo has to offer , you will want to spend time in both states.    

Top Things to do in Malaysian Borneo

1.  encounter wild orangutans.

There are only two places in the world where you can encounter endangered orangutans.   The first is Borneo, and the other is Sumatra .  

Sadly, with deforestation for palm oil plantations proving catastrophic to the orangutan population, it is uncertain how much longer the species will survive.  

There are rehabilitation centres throughout Borneo working to protect the future of the species. While visiting one of these centres gives you the best chance of a sighting, you can also take your chances of seeing them in the wild.  

Trekking through the rainforest or a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River both come with a good chance of spotting wild orangutans .    

2.  Scuba Diving

Encompassed by some of the most pristine oceans in the region,   Sabah boasts some exceptional diving opportunities .  

Despite the high demand, only a limited number of dive permits are issued each day to help protect the fragile ecosystem.

Although diving here is expensive, the rare opportunity to encounter flourishing coral reefs, several species of sharks, turtles, and other tropical marine life, makes it worth the money.

3.  Climb Mount Kinabalu

At 4095m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia.   To endure this climb will require both mental and physical strength, not to mention money to spare.  

The cost of a permit alone is £85/$110, and you will need to hire a guide. You can   a pply for your Mount Kinabalu permit here .

An alternative to the strenuous climb is to spend the day at Kinabalu Park. Kinabalu Park boasts jungle trails, beautiful plants, and views of the prodigious mountain.

4.  Spot Wildlife on the Kinabatangan River

Considered a highlight when visiting Borneo, river cruises along the Kinabatangan River allow visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife.  

These include the endangered proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, pythons, and elephants.

5.  Rainforest Trekking

The national parks in Sarawak provide unbeatable trekking opportunities, and with camping available in most places, makes for one hell of an adventure.  

Some parks require that you hire a guide, therefore be sure to do your research before you head out.

Perhentian Islands: 6 Nights

I’ll start by saying that travel from Malaysian Borneo to the Perhentian Islands isn’t exactly the easiest affair. However, after a week of adventuring in Borneo, it’s worth the journey to enjoy some downtime on the paradise islands.

The easiest way to travel from Borneo to the Perhentian Islands is to take a connecting flight through Kuala Lumpur.

Located off the East Coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are famous for their pristine beaches, azure waters, and spectacular diving conditions.

The largest island, Perhentian Besar, is a quieter and less crowded island. While Perhentian Kecil is livelier and more popular with backpackers.

Other than diving and snorkelling, there isn’t much else to do on the islands other than to immerse yourself in the tranquillity such conditions provide – heaven!

Additions to this Malaysia Itinerary

If you are spending more than 2 weeks in Malaysia, we would recommend taking your time through the itinerary and spending longer in the places you like the most.  

Alternatively, there are some lesser-known islands to consider such as Redang Island , Tioman Island, and Pangkor Island . Or visit Taman Negara National Park – the oldest rainforest in the world.

Budget for 2 Weeks in Malaysia

Travelling West Malaysia is suitable for all budgets and if you are sensible with your cash you can comfortably live on £20/25$ a day.  

Decent hostels can be found for as little as £5/7$ and often include breakfast, while budget private rooms are available for £10-20/15-25$.  

Food costs in Malaysia can also be very cheap.   Noodles or fried rice can be picked up at hawker stalls for as little as 5 MYR (£1/$1.20), while a good meal at a food court will set you back 10-15 MYR.  

If you want to dine at restaurants, expect to pay between 30-50MYR for a meal.

Entry prices for attractions will heavily depend on your interests.   Most of the mosques/temples, museums, and nature areas, are very cheap if not free to enter.  

But if you wanted to experience the view from the KL Tower, for example, it would set you back around £15/$20.

Alcohol in Malaysia can be almost prohibitively expensive for budget-conscious travellers.   It’s best to limit your consumption if you want to keep your daily spending down.  

If you are thinking of heading East to Borneo, you should consider that your daily spending will double if not triple, if you want to make the most of the attractions in the region.

Don’t forget, if it’s your first time travelling or backpacking Malaysia, check out our First timers guide to travelling Malaysia . It’s jam-packed with useful information regarding entry requirements, currency, safety, and all that jazz.

Enjoy your 2 Weeks in Malaysia!

Well, that concludes our recommendations for a 2 week Malaysia itinerary. I hope you’ve found it helpful and that you’re looking forward to your trip! 

We love hearing from you!  If you have any questions or feel that we’ve missed anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can  drop us a message  or leave us a comment below.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out our Malaysia series to help plan your trip.

Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here  where we share more travel tips and advice.

Stay adventurous and happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission,  at no extra cost to you.  And we can continue bringing you free travel tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates –  you are awesome, and we thank you! 

PIN IT FOR LATER

Sharing is caring ♥

Monday 3rd of July 2023

Thank you this was actually really helpful. Did you prefer east or west?

Our Taste For Life

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Hi Sarah, we're so glad you found this article helpful! I think East Malaysia, just because we prefer nature and adventure ♥

Tuesday 23rd of May 2023

Super helpful article. I've been planning a trip to Malaysia for my wife and I for a while and I really appreciate the input you have. It's very challenging to balance the time, budget and seeing all the things.

Hi Daniel, we're so glad you found our article for Malaysia helpful! With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone. I hope you and your wife have a wonderful time in Malaysia!

Monday 20th of July 2020

This is a great article. Very inspiring and informative too. Thanks for sharing!!

Wednesday 29th of July 2020

Hi Robbin, thank you so much, this has made our day!

Vegetarian Restaurant in Penang - Best Veg food in Penang – Tripntricks

Thursday 2nd of April 2020

[…] to visit in Malaysia. If you are visiting Malaysia for one or two weeks then it should be in your Malaysia itinerary. In this Asian country, you find many restaurants and food courts which serve the only […]

Friday 14th of February 2020

You have discussed an interesting topic that everybody should know. Very well explained with examples.

Wednesday 1st of April 2020

Thank you very much Micky! We are happy to hear this!

• Best time to visit Malaysia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

• Weather and climate in Malaysia

Because of its location near the equator, Malaysia weather is stable year-round. Although the country has two seasons (rainy and dry), there is very little variation in temperatures throughout the year.

When is the monsoon in Malaysia?

When is the best time to visit malaysia, festivals in malaysia, travel ideas for malaysia, created by local experts.

Uniquely Rustic Malaysia

Malaysia has it all: great beaches, fascinating history, natural habitats and remarkable wildlife. Bustling KL offers the perfect city break; while further afield hiking trails, pristine jungles and fascinating ecosystems will keep the more adventurous visitors entertained.

Hidden UNESCO Sites of Malaysia

Steeped in historical significance and natural beauty, Malaysia is home to several emotionally moving UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It seems fitting, given the country's cultural touchstones and awe-inspiring parks—from solitude amidst the mangroves to history walks among colonial buildings.

The Cameron Highlands in a Nutshell

Experience Malaysia's largest and most impressive hill station, the Cameron Highlands, in all their glory, with this compact trip. Let your picturesque surroundings soak in as you visit the famous Batu Caves, the Lata Iskandar Waterfalls and a local tea plantation.

Malaysian Wildlife Explorer

Experience the stunning and varied wildlife of Malaysia with this exciting trip: meet the world's smallest bear, the Bornean sun bear; encounter injured orangutans preparing to rejoin the wild; then embark on a series of cruises on the Kinabatangan River to spot yet more Malaysian wildlife!

Traditional Malaysia & Wild Borneo

Combine the culture and traditions of Malaysia with jungle outposts and adventure in Borneo. From lively Kuala Lumpur to desert island beaches, highlands and dense rainforest, this is a wonderful introduction to Southeast Asia.

Highlands and Islands of West Malaysia

Experience the rolling highlands and stunning islands of West Malaysia, with this exciting, compact trip that would make the perfect add-on to an existing trip to Malaysia.

High temperatures and humidity are the most common characteristics of Malaysian weather. Average temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F) in most of the country and humidity levels are usually above 80%.

The only exceptions to the hot and humid Malaysian weather are the country’s highlands and mountain ranges. For example, in peninsular Malaysia, areas like the Cameron Highlands stay around the mid 20°Cs (high 70s°F) and can drop below 15°C (60°F) during the winter months. Similarly, temperatures in Mount Kinabalu, located in Borneo, are usually in the mid 10°Cs (around 60°F) and can drop below zero at night.

The monsoon arrives in Malaysia between September and February. However, not all areas are affected equally. For example, in Borneo, the monsoon affects mainly the western Sarawak coast. In this area, monsoon rainfall peaks between November and February.

On the other hand, the west coast of peninsular Malaysia (including the islands of Penang and Langkawi) and the state of Sabah in Borneo see the most rainfall in September and October. As for Malaysia’s east coast , the heaviest rains fall between November and March.

This should be taken into account when deciding when is the best time to travel to Malaysia, since monsoon rains can disrupt your travel plans. Boat and ferry trips to and from the islands can be delayed for hours or cancelled altogether due to strong winds and stormy seas. Seawater is murky at this time of the year, ruling out watersports like diving and snorkelling. All in all, the monsoon season may not be the best time to travel to Malaysia if you’re here on a beach or island holiday.

Moreover, low and dense clouds can affect visibility in mountain areas (for example in the Cameron Highlands, one of the country’s top tourist destinations). Flooding can happen in low-lying areas near the coast and affect road trips. If you choose to visit during the monsoon, it’s best to stick to cities with good infrastructure.

The months between March and October are considered the best time to visit the country. This period is characterised by mostly dry weather and clear skies. In addition to that, during these months most of the country experiences a slight drop in humidity levels, which can make sightseeing and outdoor activities more comfortable.

If your travel plans include the islands on Malaysia’s west coast, consider booking a trip during the first two months of the year. This is the best time to visit Langkawi and Penang without having to worry about weather-related travel problems.

Another thing you’ll need to consider when deciding what’s the best time to visit Malaysia is haze and pollution due to slash-and-burn farming. This happens every year to some degree or another, and low air quality can interfere with outdoor activities. The haze tends to be worse in Borneo and areas close to Indonesia. There are no fixed dates, since some years air pollution peaks early in the year, whereas other it’s worse in late summer.

When to visit Malaysia in winter

Being a tropical country, Malaysia does not have real winters. Between December and February, the only difference will be slightly lower temperatures in the early mornings and evenings and lower humidity. This is the best time to visit Malaysia if your travel plans involve outdoor activities and island getaways.

On the other hand, it’s best to avoid travel to the northeast during the winter, as the area will be affected by the monsoon.

On another note, winter is a good time for retail therapy. Year-end sales will be in full swing in Malaysia’s capital city. Kuala Lumpur is known for being a shopping haven and home to some of the region’s biggest shopping centres.

Visiting Malaysia in December-February

January - February is the best time to visit Langkawi . Calm seas and dry weather make it easy to explore the bountiful nature of this island. This is the time to take a boat trip around the island’s tropical beaches, or to hike Langkawi’s highest mountains and enjoy the views.

The same goes for Penang , located approximately 100 km (70 miles) south of Langkawi. The island boasts an exciting mix of cultural and natural attractions and is best explored during the winter months. Some popular things to do include hiking in the hills near the island’s capital Georgetown, or jungle trekking in Penang National Park. Penang’s International Dragon Boat competition is definitely worth watching, and takes place in December.

However, because this is peak season in both Langkawi and Penang, we recommend that you make reservations in advance.

When to visit Malaysia in spring

Spring in Malaysia means stable weather with little rain or wind, so this is the perfect season to discover the country’s natural treasures. March and April are the best months for outdoor activities, whether they involve jungle trekking or watersports.

Although Malaysia is mostly known for its islands and rainforests, this season brings the ideal weather to explore the country’s mountains, like Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Gunung Ledang near Singapore, or Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands.

Visiting Malaysia in March-May

March marks the beginning of the dry season in Borneo. This is a popular time of the year for rainforest retreats or wildlife watching trips.

Spring is also the dry season in the northeastern coast of peninsular Malaysia, so this is the ideal time to get away from it all in the spectacular Perenthian Islands . In addition to idyllic beaches, the Perenthians offer many opportunities for jungle exploration, wildlife watching, and even turtle hatching.

A relaxing stay in the Perenthians can be combined with a scenic train trip on the Jungle Railway , which meanders through the interior of peninsular Malaysia. This is one of the best train trips you can take in this part of the world and is a definite hit with photographers and young travellers.

April is a popular month to climb the summit of Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in South East Asia. The climb is perfectly doable for people without experience and is usually done over two days. The mostly dry and clear weather increases visibility, and seeing the sun rise from the summit will surely be one of the highlights of your trip.

After hiking Mount Kinabalu, you can reward yourself with a day trip to the white sand beaches of Tunku Abdul Raman National Park, which is easily reached by boat from Kota Kinabalu .

When to visit Malaysia in summer

Malaysian summers are hot and wet. Humidity is high and the weather is quite variable. In a matter of minutes, the weather can quickly change from hot and sunny, to cloudy and stormy. If you visit during the summer, plan for wet weather and be flexible with your travel plans.

Early summer is one of the best times to visit Malaysia if you’re interested in its natural scenery. The island of Borneo is a great summer destination for nature enthusiasts. Top landmarks include Sabah’s Lost World (also known as the Maliau Basin Conservation Area), and the national parks in Gunung Mulu and Bako.

Visiting Malaysia in June-August

June and July are the best months of the year to go on a relaxing getaway to Tioman island , near Singapore. This is the closest thing to a tropical paradise that you’ll find in Malaysia’s eastern coast. Minimal chances of rain mean that the seawater is warm and crystal clear - ideal for swimming and diving! Moreover, ferry connections between the mainland and the islands are very reliable.

During summer, Borneo’s rainforests are deep into the fruiting season, increasing the chances of seeing orangutans in the wild. Other top activities include swimming with dolphins in Borneo’s southeast coast, or catching a glimpse of whale sharks off the coast of Sabah.

You may also want to include Mangrove cruising or canoeing exploration to your summer itinerary. Mangroves are some of Malaysia’s most biodiverse habitats. Day trips, mangrove safaris, and river cruises can be easily booked in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching .

When to visit Malaysia in fall

This is monsoon season in most of Malaysia. Rain and thunderstorms happen daily, but since they tend to take place in the afternoons, it’s still possible to enjoy your time here as long as you plan your activities around this. For example, you can set the mornings aside for outdoor activities, and leave indoor plans for later in the day.

Heavy rainfall also means tropical greenery will be at its most spectacular, especially towards the end of the season.

Visiting Malaysia in September-November

October and November are usually dry in Melaka , a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to dozens of colonial buildings.

Although tourists visit the Cameron Highlands all year round, November is the best month to explore the area. At this time of the year, the hills are covered in vibrant green thanks to the abundant rainfall of previous months. Strawberry picking, hiking in moss forests, visiting honey and lavender farms, and trips to tea plantations are the Highland’s star attractions.

Some of Malaysia’s most well-known festivals take place during these months. Mid-Autumn festival is widely celebrated by Melaka’s Chinese community, and this brings an abundance of seasonal treats and colourful lanterns to the city’s streets. And there’s also Deepawali, celebrated all over the country but especially in Hindu enclaves, such as the district of Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur or Penang’s Little India.

When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

Monsoon rains hit Kuala Lumpur from October to March, with a peak in rainfall and humidity between September and November. The best months to avoid the monsoon are June, July, and August. However, the chances of a passing rain are always there, since the city experiences rainfall more than 200 days/year.

But outside of the monsoon season, rains are short-lived and shouldn’t interfere with your sightseeing. And this being a modern city, you’ll never be far from shopping centres, coffee shops, or museums where you can wait for the storm to pass.

If you’d prefer to travel when the humidity is below average, December and January are the best options. As for temperatures, January is the “coldest” month, with daily lows of 23°C.

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Malaysia’s southern neighbour has very similar weather, but since Singapore is much smaller, there’s no weather variation within the country. The general advice is to avoid the monsoon season, which runs between September and February.

Late February to mid-April is the best months of the year to visit Singapore, since they are the driest. The dry season extends over the summer, but monsoon and higher-than-usual temperatures and humidity during these months may limit outdoor activities.

What is the best time to visit Borneo, Malaysia?

The best time to visit Borneo is spring and summer, before the monsoon rains set in. But there’s a reason why Borneo is the world’s third-largest rainforest: rainfall is abundant and can happen anytime, so you should always be prepared for showers - or thunderstorms!

Borneo is split into two states: Sabah in the northeast, and Sarawak in the northwest. The weather is virtually the same, although it rains more often in Sarawak.

Spring and summer weather brings the ideal conditions to explore Borneo’s wild nature, one of the main reason to visit the island. The warmer months are synonymous with excellent visibility in Borneo’s eastern islands like Lankayan, Mabul, and Sipadan, which offer world-class diving and snorkelling.

With so many ethnic groups and religions represented in Malaysia, you’ll be unlucky if your trip doesn’t coincide with some sort of festival. Religious celebrations range from exuberant family-oriented pageants to blood-curdlingly gory displays of devotion. Chinese religious festivals are the best times to catch free performances of Chinese opera, or wayang, featuring crashing cymbals, clanging gongs and stylized singing. Secular events might comprise a parade with a cast of thousands, or just a local market with a few cultural demonstrations laid on.

Bear in mind that the major festival periods may play havoc with even the best-planned travel itineraries, and that some festivals are also public holidays.

A festival and events calendar

The dates of many festivals change annually according to the lunar calendar. The Islamic calendar in particular shifts forward relative to the Gregorian calendar by about ten days each year, so that, for example, a Muslim festival that happens in mid-April one year will be nearer the start of April the next. We’ve listed rough timings; actual dates can vary by a day or two in practice depending on the sighting of the new moon.

January & February

• Ponggal (mid-Jan) A Tamil harvest and New Year festival held at the start of the Tamil month of Thai. Ponggal translates as “overflow”, and the festival is celebrated by boiling sugar, rice and milk together in a new claypot over a wood fire till the mixture spills over, symbolizing plenty.
• Thaipusam (late Jan/early Feb) Entranced Hindu penitents carry elaborate steel arches (kavadi), attached to their skin by hooks and skewers, to honour Lord Subramaniam. The biggest procession is at Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves.
• Chinese New Year (late Jan/early to mid-Feb) At which Chinese communities settle debts, visit friends and relatives and give children red envelopes (hong bao/ang pao) containing money; Chinese operas and lion- and dragon-dance troupes perform in the streets, while markets sell sausages and waxed ducks, pussy willow, chrysanthemums and mandarin oranges. The major towns of west-coast Malaysia see Chingay parades, featuring stilt-walkers, lion dancers and floats.
• Chap Goh Mei (Feb) The fifteenth and climactic night of the Chinese New Year period (known as Guan Hsiao Chieh in Sarawak), and a time for more feasting and firecrackers; women who throw an orange into the sea at this time are supposed to be granted a good husband.
• Easter (March/April) Candlelit processions are held on Good Friday at churches such as St Peter’s in Melaka.
• Qing Ming (April) Ancestral graves are cleaned and restored, and offerings made by Chinese families at the beginning of the third lunar month, signifying the start of spring and a new farming year.
• Vesak Day (May) Saffron-robed monks chant prayers at packed Buddhist temples, and devotees release caged birds to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and attainment of Nirvana.
• Sabah Fest (late May) A week of events in Kota Kinabalu, offering a chance to experience Sabah’s food, handicrafts, dance and music; right at the end comes Rumah Terbuka Malaysia Tadau Kaamatan, a harvest festival in Kota Kinabalu.

June–August

• Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (June) Festivities in KL to celebrate the birthday of Malaysia’s king, elected every five years by the country’s nine sultans or rajahs from among their number.
• Gawai Dayak (June) Sarawak’s people, especially the Iban and Bidayuh celebrate the end of rice harvesting with extravagant longhouse feasts. Aim to be in a longhouse on the Rejang or Batang Ai rivers, or around Bau.
• Feast of St Peter (June 24) Melaka’s Eurasian community decorate their boats to honour the patron saint of fishermen.
• Dragon Boat Festival (June/July) Rowing boats, bearing a dragon’s head and tail, race in Penang, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu, to commemorate a Chinese scholar who drowned himself in protest against political corruption.
• Sarawak Extravaganza (Aug) Kuching hosts a month of arts and crafts shows, street parades, food fairs and traditional games, all celebrating the culture of Sarawak.
• Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (late Aug) Held to appease the souls of the dead released from purgatory during the seventh lunar month. Chinese street operas are staged, and joss sticks, red candles and paper money are burnt outside Chinese homes.
• Ramadan (starts second week of July in 2013) Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar fasting in the daytime, and breaking their fasts nightly with delicious Malay sweetmeats served at stalls outside mosques.
• Hari Raya Puasa/Aidilfitri (falls in July or August) Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan by feasting, and visiting family and friends; this is the only time the region’s royal palaces are open to the public.
• Malaysia National Day (Aug 31) Parades in KL’s Merdeka Square and other cities mark the formation of the state of Malaysia.

September–December

• Moon Cake Festival (Sept) Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, this is when Chinese people eat and exchange moon cakes, made from sesame and lotus seeds and sometimes stuffed with a duck egg. Essentially a harvest festival.
• Navarathri (Sept–Oct) Hindu temples devote nine nights to classical dance and music in honour of the consorts of the Hindu gods, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahman.
• Thimithi (Oct/Nov) Hindu firewalking ceremony in which devotees prove the strength of their faith by running across a pit of hot coals.
• Deepavali (Oct/Nov) Also known as Diwali, this Hindu festival celebrates the victory of Light over Dark: oil lamps are lit outside homes to attract Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and prayers are offered at all temples.
• Hari Raya Haji/Aidiladha (late Oct) Muslims gather at mosques to honour those who have completed the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca; goats are sacrificed and their meat given to the needy.
• Christmas (Dec 25) Shopping centres in major cities compete to create the most spectacular Christmas decorations.

The Rough Guides to Malaysia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Malaysia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Malaysia

• Sports and Outdoor activities in Malaysia
• Culture and Etiquette in Malaysia
• Eating and drinking in Malaysia
• How to get to Malaysia
• Getting around Malaysia: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health Malaysia
• Shopping tips for Malaysia
• Travel Tips Malaysia for planning and on the go

Find even more inspiration here

• Travel Tips

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Malaysia?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

3 Weeks in Malaysia Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Malaysia is one of my favourite destinations in Southeast Asia. Compared to its neighbouring countries, Malaysia is less crowded and offers very different features . In this country, you will be stunned by the massive skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur.

Then you can also hike the highlands of Cameron, where the weather is simply fantastic. Lastly, there are many areas where you can enjoy the beach.

3 weeks in Malaysia is plenty of time. Since so many domestic flights and buses will connect the popular destinations to one another, you don’t have to waste too much time transporting from place to place. Malaysians also speak incredible English. Hence, communicating with the locals will not be a problem.

In this itinerary for Malaysia, I will show you how you can spend 20 days here covering popular destinations without making your itinerary too busy. You will have plenty of time to explore each location and visit many must-see attractions in Malaysia.

CHECK OUT: 3 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia or 3 weeks in Thailand

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO MALAYSIA

Before we dive into the day-to-day things to do, let’s first discuss basic things you should remember before booking your flight. If it’s your first time here, these travel tips will help you prepare and learn about your next holiday destination.

When is the best time to go to

Malaysia’s seasons can vary depending on the region. The West Coast and East Coast have different dry and wet seasons, not to mention the Borneo region of Malaysia (Sabah). The best time time to visit Malaysia depends on where you want to go.

For example, the best time to travel the West Coast is from December to March, and the East Coast is from April to October.

I personally went all over mainland Malaysia from June to July, and the weather couldn’t have been better. I also went during the month of April, only in Kuala Lumpur. It was a little cloudy, but no rain.

To avoid the crowd, go to Malaysia from the end of January until the middle of March . Although Malaysia’s population of 60% is practising Islam, the Christmas season is still one of the busiest times of the year.

First, due to its excellent weather but also because the country observes this time of the year as a public holiday. In comparison, Ramadan is celebrated sometime from March to April .

Are 3 weeks enough for Malaysia

Spending 20 days in Malaysia is an ideal amount of time. Of course, it won’t be sufficient if you want to visit every city and every island. But it’s enough to start with. With three weeks in Malaysia, you can visit 3-4 major cities , go hiking, explore the beaches, and discover cultural sites.

With this much time, you can travel both on mainland Malaysia and the Borneo (Sabah) side of Malaysia . Make sure you have a travel itinerary though, so you can visualise how much time to spend in each place and how to get from point A to point B and not waste your time with unnecessary hassle.

Average cost of 3 weeks in Malaysia

Malaysia is an affordable destination to explore. a budget of $1,200 for 20 days in Malaysia is a good one which will allow you to stay in private rooms, eat out, and travel mostly by air. This is around a $60 per day budget. Most a ccommodations will cost you $25-$35 , and eating out is about $5-$10 . The rest will cover transportation and tours.

You can do Malaysia on a $700 to $900 budget for a 20-day trip if you’re on a tight budge t. You will stay in hostel dorms, consume affordable but tasty street food, and book a more budget-friendly tour.

For those who want to treat themselves, plan to spend around $2,500, which will house you in luxury hotels and dine you at more excellent restaurants.

These budgets are calculated per person and don’t include your flight to and from Malaysia.

What to pack

It is advised to dress moderately while travelling around Malaysia. Of course, you wear swimsuits at the beach, but remember that you must not go in total nudity.

Make sure to pack a long and lightweight cardigan or jacket to cover your legs and shoulders, especially when visiting religious or sacred places. Some areas will also require women to cover their heads. Hence, a lightweight scarf is something you should pack.

Check our what to pack article for a 3-week trip . We also have a summer packing list that might be helpful.

How to get around

Getting around Malaysia is relatively easy. Kuala Lumpur has buses and metro rails that go around the city . There are also ride-hailing apps that you can download and use. In contrast, many bus companies can take you from one city to another.

Flying domestically is also easy . It’s affordable, and pretty much all tourist destinations have an airport. So let’s say you want to hit all the top cities, you can fly from KL to Penang or Langkawi, or even Sabah (Kinabalu).

Unlike other parts of Southeast Asia, you can use your IDP (International Driver’s Permit) in Malaysia or your international driver’s license without converting it to a local one . You can rent a car here and drive on your own, but remember that the Malaysian driving side is on the left side (just like the UK, AU, and NZ).

Malaysia offers free visas to nearly everyone for 12-90 days except for some countries in Africa, South Asia, and China. Travellers with a passport from China and most of South Asia will have to apply for an evisa valid for three months for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Package tours

For people who prefer a hassle-free trip and would rather have someone make the arrangements for you, you should look into package tours. This is the kind of service where you book the tour and the tour host will arrange accommodation, activities, food, guides, and even porters to make your trip convenient.

Other travel tips

One last thing you should remember is that alcoholic drinks are legal and can be obtained anywhere in the country. However, it’s costly. When it comes to arranging your booking, here is a list of websites and tools I use when travelling to book accommodations, tours, and more.

MUST-SEE PLACES IN MALAYSIA (pinned map)

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

ALSO READ: 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary

3 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA ITINERARY

You can spend 21 days in Malaysia and be able to visit Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Langkawi, and Perhentian Islands. Y ou might have to track back in some areas to get to the next destination , but that’s fine, I will walk you through it.

Day-to-day overview

• Day 1 : Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. You can use the bus shuttle as a budget option or book a private transfer for comfort and to save time to get to your hotel in downtown KL. If you arrive early, get a local sim card with data.
• Day 2 : Explore Kuala Lumpur’s top attractions; perhaps book a city tour including Batu Caves
• Day 3 : Day trip to Genting Highlands or Port Klang.
• Day 4: Travel from KL to Cameron Highlands by bus, you can fly to Ipoh then a van or bus to Cameron Highlands
• Day 5 : Travel around Cameron Highlands, visit tea plantations
• Day 6 : Hike around Cameron Highlands
• Day 7 : Get from Cameron Highlands to Penang by bus , takes around 4-5 hours
• Day 8-9 : Spend time discovering Penang street art and food
• Day 10 : Go to the beach
• Day 11 : Transfer from Penang to Langkawi by boat or plane , travel time is 40 minutes to 3 hours
• Day 12 : Rent a motorbike and go to Langkawi SkyBridge
• Day 13 : Book a mangrove or boat tour
• Day 14 : Do paragliding and explore downtown Kuah
• Day 15 : Travel from Langkawi to Perhentian Islands by plane and bus , then transfer to a ferry. Fly to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu, then a bus or minivan to Besut , then a ferry to the islands
• Day 16 : Relax on the beach
• Day 17 : Sign up for snorkelling, boat tour, or diving
• Day 18 : Enjoy the islands
• Day 19 : Travel from Perhentian Islands back to KL or where you’re catching your flight home, souvenir shopping
• Day 20 : Flight home

Kuala Lumpur for 4 days

Kuala Lumpur is most likely where you will land . Some people love this city, some don’t, and I totally understand. The bustling city, skyscrapers, and hot and humid weather are not a great combination.

However, there are many things to see and explore in Kuala Lumpur. Besides, while you are here, you can gather yourself, buy items you might need, and finalise your next destination.

The best way to get to the city is from the airport by taxi or booking a car. If you are on a budget, you may also use the airport shuttle bus, which you can book at the arrival area. You can skip Cameron Highlands and book a day trip from Kuala Lumpur.

Things to see in Kuala Lumpur

• Petronas Twin Towers – Twin Tower observation deck and Batu Caves combo tour
• Malacca/Melaka – you can enjoy a full-day trip from KL
• Menara Kuala Lumpur
• Genting Highlands – get on a day tour from KL that includes Batu Caves
• Dataran Merdeka
• KL Tower – buy your admission ticket to skip the line
• Central Market
• Try local street food – book a night tour
• Thean Hou Temple
• Batu Caves – you can book a half-day tour or combine Batu Caves with the National Mosque tour
• Ilham Gallery
• Kuala Selangor – see the glowing Kuala Selangor firefly tour
• Buffet Dinner at Atmosphere 360

Accommodations in Kuala Lumpur

• Affordable: Space Hotel in Chinatown or Amethyst Dorm in KLCC
• Mid-range: Ceylonz Suites by Five Senses or Queens Service Suites at Times Square
• Luxury: The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel or Eastern Suites at Platinum KLCC

Cameron Highlands for 3 days

You can drive your own car or take the bus from Kuala Lumpur. It’s about a 3-hour drive to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur. This region is famous for its cooler weather, massive green areas, and lots of outdoor activities you can do, such as hiking.

Simply put, Cameron Highlands is the opposite of Kuala Lumpur . A visit here will give you a glimpse of Malaysia’s tropical forest.

Things to see in Cameron Highlands for 3 days

• Jungle Trail 1 (Gunung Brinchang)
• Mossy Forest
• Tringkap Hiking Trail
• Lavender Farm
• Strawberry picking at Kampung Taman Sedia
• Boh Tea Estate Habu
• Day trip to Taman Negara
• Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5
• Lata Merkor or Geruntum Falls

Accommodations in Cameron Highlands for 3 days

• Hostel: Traveller Bunker Hostel 1 or Bricks Backpackers Sleeper Box
• Apartment-style: Peony Square Residences or TR Homestay

Penang for 4 days

You can reach Penang by bus from Cameron Highlands, which is about 250 km (155 mi) or a 3.5-hour drive. Penang is an island west of Malaysia connected by the Jambatan Pulau Pinang and the Second Penang Bridge. You can also get to the island by taking a short ferry ride from Butterworth.

3 weeks in Malaysia is incomplete without visiting this island. Penang is well-liked for its unique 3D street art, delicious food scene, diverse culture, and incredible place for a dip . Although an island, Penang has low-rise buildings and a lot of greenery and hiking trails.

Things to see in Penang

• Walk around and find Penang Street Art – there’s a full-day tour for this
• Fort Cornwallis
• Dark Mansion Museum – book a tour
• Hawker Centres – to try local street food
• Penang Hill – combine this with Temple Tour
• Masjid Terpung Tanjung Bungah
• Kek Lok Si Temple
• George Town Street Food – enjoy a 4-hour tour or an evening food tour
• Penang Little India
• Countryside Cycling – read the tour reviews
• Penang National Park
• Explore the colonial architecture of Penang: Queen Victoria Tower, City Hall, and St. George’s Church
• Orangutan Island – join the half-day tour
• Upside Down Museum
• Escape Penang Water Park
• Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion – visit with a local guide
• Wonderfood Museum
• Explore George Town with a local guide visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Accommodations in Penang

• Affordable: Cocoa Mews Cafe and Homestay or Tony’s Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Modern Hotel or Gallivant Hotel
• Luxury: Eastern & Oriental Hotel or Maritime Suites by Comfy

Langkawi for 4 days

Langkawi is an island north of Penang, right at the border of Thailand. Getting to Langkawi is quite fun, well, unless you get seasick. You will arrive on a duty-free island by taking a 3-hour ferry or a 35-minute flight . This means that compared to other places in Langkawi, it is a little cheaper.

IMPORTANT UPDATE : You can’t take the ferry from Langkawi to Penang (and vice versa) anymore. The service has stopped since the pandemic and still unsure when it will be back in operation. The best choice is to book a flight between these two islands.

You can make your transportation from the airport to your accommodation if you book a private airport transfer or use ride-hailing apps. There will also be taxis if you prefer that.

Things to see in Langkawi

• Langkawi Skybridge Cable Car – get on a private tour
• Pulau Payar
• Pulau Lembu
• Kilim Geopark Mangrove – check this tour or this Mangrove Safari boat tour , you can also do a Kayak tour
• Eagle Square
• Mahsuri Tomb and Museum / Kota Mahsuri
• Galeria Perdana
• Tanjung Rhu Geoforest Park – get there on a sunset kayak trip
• Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
• Dayang Bunting Island – visit this place and the Langkawi archipelago on a jet ski tour
• Gunung Raya
• Langkawi Countryside – go on a bike tour
• Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise
• Parasailing on Langkawi Beach
• Private island tour – visit all must-see attractions and will save you time as well

Accommodations in Langkawi

• Affordable: Motordorm Backpackers Hostel or Dar Yasmine Motel
• Mid-range: Cloud9 Holiday Cottages or Chill Suites
• Luxury: Villa Molek or Ombar Villa

Perhentian Islands for 5 days

Relaxing on Malaysia’s most beautiful beach is a great way to end your 3 weeks in Malaysia vacation. Perhentian Islands are located on the west-east side of Malaysia near Kelantan. It’s your dream crystal clear water, fine white sand beaches, and serenity . Even though these groups of islands are undeniably stunning, not many tourists get to reach this area.

To reach this magnificent location, you will have to travel back to Penang (or Kuala Lumpur), where you can take a direct flight to Kota Bharu (which is Kelantan). From the airport, take a taxi that will take you to Kuala Besut. From here, you will take a ferry to the islands.

You can also fly to Kuala Terengganu, take a taxi to Kuala Besut, and then take a ferry to the islands.

Things to see in Perhentian Islands

• Scuba Diving
• Snorkelling
• Jungle Trekking
• Turtle Beach – you can simply take a look or volunteer at the sanctuary
• Adam and Eve Beach
• Terengganu Marine Park
•  Tupai Beach Bar

Accommodations in Perhentian Islands

• Affordable/Mid-range: Samudra Beach Chalet or Perhentian Chomel Chalet
• Luxury: Bubu Resort or Aluna Resort

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA

You should spend your 3-week holiday in Malaysia for many reasons, but what makes it worth the visit is how welcoming the locals are and how easy it is to travel around. You can easily hop from one place to another.

Whether you like cities with high-speed trains and tall buildings or are looking into spending time on the beach and hiking, Malaysia has something to offer you.

I hope that you found this itinerary for 3 weeks in Malaysia helpful. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to pack some sunscreen!

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

The Perfect 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary And Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2024

Categories Malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia that is home to a mix of cultures, multiple languages, many different (and delicious) cuisines, and tons of interesting places to visit.

This Malaysia 2 week itinerary will help you plan your trip around Malaysia. From tropical islands to historic Melaka or buzzing Kuala Lumpur, this post got you covered!

Malaysia 2 week itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Malaysia in 2 weeks

Malaysia is a large country and as I said above, there are many things to see. This 2 week Malaysia itinerary focuses on Peninsular Malaysia and doesn't cover any sights in Borneo.

I made two trips to the Malaysian peninsula, during my first Malaysia 2-week trip I visited Tioman , Kuala Lumpur, and Langkawi .

During a different trip, I spent another two weeks in Malaysia and visited the Perhentian Islands and Penang.

Two fellow travel bloggers have kindly provided their personal travel recommendations for Melaka and the Cameron Highlands.

So you'll have plenty of options to choose from and create your own customized Malaysia itinerary based on the information in this post!

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Malaysia itinerary and travel map

In the map below you can find my suggested itinerary, where to stay, and highlights to visit during your 14 days in Malaysia.

Click here for the interactive map

2 weeks in Malaysia itinerary

Day 1-4: tioman island, day 5-6: melaka, day 7-9: kuala lumpur, day 10-11: cameron highlands.

• Day 12-14: Langkawi

Where to stay in Malaysia

In the table below you can find the best places to stay in Malaysia. Further down in the post you can read more details about these hotels.

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Check the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Malaysia

The best time to plan a trip to Malaysia depends on the destinations in Malaysia you want to visit. Malaysia has two distinct climates on the east and west coast. On the east coast, the best time to visit is between June and August. For the west coast, the weather is generally the best between December and February. Please note that the islands on the east coast, such as the Perhentians, Tioman, and Redang, are often inaccessible during the monsoon season. The east coast monsoon season is from November and March. We visited Malaysia twice, once in April and once in May and personally, I feel these are great months to travel to Malaysia as well. The weather was good during both of our Malaysia trips (quite hot but no rain). Another benefit of visiting outside of peak season is that accommodation prices are generally lower and there are fewer crowds.

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit, abbreviated as MYR or RM. 1 USD and €1 are approximately 4.7 MYR. Check the current exchange rates here . While ATMs are widely available in cities and usually don't charge withdrawal fees, they can be difficult to find (or non-existent) on smaller islands or in tiny villages. Be sure to bring enough money with you when visiting those more off-the-beaten-track destinations in Malaysia, you don't want to get stuck somewhere without any cash.

There is a pretty good chance you don't need a visa as there are almost 100 countries that are granted visa-free entry to Malaysia. However, to check which situation applies to you and whether or not you need a visa, check the Malaysian government website .

Malaysia is an easy country to travel to, there are many cheap flights as well as an extensive (and well-organized bus network) and a train line running from North to South. Flights are very cheap, for example, I only paid €15 for a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, including checked luggage! I booked this flight just one day before departure, so even if you are traveling last minute you may be able to find a bargain flight. Trains are a great option for those exploring the west of Malaysia, a train line runs all the way from Thailand to Singapore . The service is (generally) reliable and the trains are quite modern. Read more about train travel in Malaysia on Seat61. Buses are modern (compared to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos) and generally leave on time, even when there are only a few people on the bus (a major difference from other countries in Southeast Asia ). Click here to book online train and bus tickets

Malaysia in two weeks: the perfect itinerary

Tioman is a beautiful tropical island and while it's not a large island (just 10 km wide and 20 km long), there are many fun things to do on Tioman Island.

There are 5 villages along the west coast of Tioman: Kampong Genting, Paya, Tekek, Air Batang (also known as ABC), and Salang. Located on the east side of the island is Juara village, which is accessible by road (from Tekek).

We stayed at the villages Salang and ABC and walked to Tekek as well. Of these three, I personally preferred Salang, as it's the most secluded and least developed.

Tioman truly is a tropical paradise, one of the prettiest islands in Southeast Asia , with monkeys crossing the ‘main street’ of the village and giant lizards lurking in the river.

The ocean around Tioman is a National Reserve and Tioman is a great place to go scuba diving, because of the beautiful corals and rich marine life.

During one of our dives, I saw a shark, a giant moray eel, and a turtle in just one dive!

Other things we did on Tioman were walking the coastal path between Salang and Tekek, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and sampling the delicious Malaysian cuisine at the local restaurants.

Read more about scuba diving on Tioman .

Where to stay on Tioman Island

Ella's place in salang .

In Salang, we found a cozy little bungalow at Ella’s Place , located at the northern end of the beautiful beach.

There is no warm water for showering, but Tioman is a hot and tropical island so that wasn't an issue for us. The accommodation is very basic but clean.

The bed has a mosquito net and there's a fan for some fresh air at night (there are aircon bungalows as well). The views from the property are lovely and the sunsets are spectacular…

We paid 75MYR (€19/$21) per night for a bungalow with a fan. You can't find the property online and therefore cannot book ahead.

If you are visiting Tioman during the week outside of peak season, you can take your chances and hope there is a bungalow available at this awesome little spot in Salang!

Bamboo Hill in Air Batang (ABC)

We spent two nights in Salang and another two nights at the village Air Batang (ABC). We were very lucky to stay at the very popular (and often fully booked)  Bamboo Hill .

These beautiful wooden bungalows are built against a rock and surrounded by trees. Needless to say, the views from the bungalows are splendid…

We had monkeys peeking into our room and a cat who hid her three tiny kittens in our room to protect them from the lizards! I highly recommend Bamboo Hill, it's a lovely place to stay, and the family who runs it is very kind.

We paid 100MYR (€25/$28) per night. You can find this place online, this is their official website. You can also make a booking by sending an email to booking @ bamboohillchalets dot com.

Be sure to make a reservation as soon as you know your trip dates, as I mentioned above this place is very popular and often fully booked.

The luxury option: the Berjaya Tioman Resort

Both accommodations mentioned above are absolutely lovely, but they are pretty basic. If you prefer to stay at a more luxurious hotel, consider staying at the Berjaya Tioman Resort .

The resort is located near Tekek village, and a pickup and drop-off service from the jetty pier in Tekek is included when booking a room at the Berjaya. There are different room types, such as Garden en Seaview chalets and a Junior Suite.

There are many activities offered at the Berjaya Resort, ranging from an 18-hole golf course to a children's playground and a tennis court. Views from the Beach bar are wonderful and the staff is kind and welcoming.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking

Tioman to Melaka

From Tioman, take a jetty back to the mainland (Mersing) and go to the Mersing bus terminal.

There are daily buses operating a direct route between Mersing and Melaka. Check the online schedule to make sure there is a bus available on your desired travel date.

You can book a ticket online as well, to secure your seat.

Caroline from CK Travels: Melaka, formerly called Malacca, is located south of Kuala Lumpur and is a small riverside town.

Rich in British, Dutch, and Portuguese colonial history, Melaka proudly carries its UNESCO world heritage status.

Melaka is very compact so easily explored by foot and is full of wonderful heritage buildings, ancient landmarks, and quirky street art. 

There are many fun  things to do in Melaka  but below you can read about the three main highlights.

Jonker Street weekend night market

This open-air weekend night market is one of the best in Southeast Asia and runs every Friday to Sunday from the river to the far end of Jonker Street.

You’ll find a variety of stalls selling unique souvenirs, local handicrafts, and amazing street food, plus there is a huge stage offering fun entertainment.

Make sure you try Nyonya Laksa, a rich and creamy coconut-based noodle soup that is a Melaka specialty and a mix of Malay and Chinese influences.

Melaka Red Square

This iconic and historic red square is home to many terracotta red buildings in the Dutch colonial style built between 1660 and 1700.

This photogenic square is located in the center of town and is also the meeting point for Melaka’s collection of kitsch cartoon trishaws which are really fun and colorful!

Melaka River Cruise

Taking a river cruise is a great and relaxing way to see many beautiful historical buildings and interesting sights around Melaka’s old town, including Kampung Morten, one of the few remaining traditional villages in the area.

The scenic round trip takes 45 minutes and runs daily from 9 am to 11.30 pm. The tickets cost 30MYR per adult.

Consider booking this UNESCO highlights tour if you love to learn more about the historical city of Malacca and its key landmarks

Where to stay in Melaka: Majestic Malacca Hotel

One of the best places to stay in Melaka is the Majestic Malacca Hotel . This boutique hotel housed in an impressive heritage mansion dates back to 1920.

The colonial-style rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and beautifully designed bathrooms. There is a (small) swimming pool, a spa, and even a library to relax and read a book after enjoying a day of sightseeing in Melaka.

Altogether, the splendid architecture, as well as the wonderful staff, will make your stay at the Majestic Malacca Hotel a memorable one!

Melaka to Kuala Lumpur

From Melaka, the easiest way to travel to Kuala Lumpur is by bus. There are several departures a day and the journey takes 2-2.5 hours. Check the bus schedule and book online here .

One of the things I love about Malaysia is its diversity and a great example of this is Kuala Lumpur.

The capital of Malaysia is home to 1.67 million people. 44% of the people living in KL are Malay, 43% are Chinese, 10% are Indian and the rest of the population has nationalities from all around the world.

There is an almost endless list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur and you could spend weeks or even months exploring this interesting city.

However, for those of us who only have limited time, here are some of the places you can't miss during your Kuala Lumpur itinerary .

Get lost in Chinatown

Chinatown is a slightly chaotic part of the city and can feel like a maze with no escape. Along Petaling Street vendors are selling all kinds of food and fake designer goods like bags, sunglasses, and watches.

Chinatown is a fun place to walk around for a couple of hours and the Central Market is a good spot to pick up a souvenir or two for friends or family back home.

Wander around Brickfields (Little India)

Another worthwile neighborhood to visit in Kuala Lumpur is Brickfields, home to Little India and a vibrant and exciting place to explore.

Explore the shops for authentic Indian goods, taste delicious Indian cuisine and take a tour of the local Buddhist and Hindu temples such as Sri Kandaswamy Kovil and Maha Vihara.

KLCC and the PETRONAS Towers

One of the places you can't miss during a trip to Kuala Lumpur is a visit to KLCC. KLCC is one of the more expensive districts and home to a lot of shopping malls and the famous PETRONAS towers.

The best place to admire the PETRONAS Towers is from the Sky Bar of the Traders Hotel (located across the towers). From the bar, you'll have an excellent view of the city and the iconic Petronas Towers.

Insider advice: plan your visit to the Sky Bar just before sunset. You can watch the sunset while enjoying a drink, and see the towers both by day and by night.

While the Batu Caves are located a 30 minutes trip (by public transport) from the city center, they are absolutely worth visiting!

These huge caves and the imposing statue 43-meter-high statue of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan, are important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

Therefore, behave and dress respectfully (bring a scarf or sarong to cover up before entering the caves).

Opening times are 6 am until 9 pm and there is no entrance fee for the caves. You can easily reach the Batu Caves by public transport, but if you prefer you can also book a half-day tour including transport and a guide.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Budget option: the lantern hotel .

The Lantern Hotel is located in Petaling street, in the midst of Chinatown, and very close to an MRT station (Pasar Seni). I stayed here twice and would gladly return for a third stay.

While the rooms are small, they are comfortable and clean. WiFi is good and proper coffee is served in the communal area on the first floor.

And I mean actual coffee bean coffee, not the 3-in-1 instant drab that's supposed to be coffee that you're often served in Asia. Altogether a good place to stay for budget travelers looking for a very central location!

Click here to book

Luxury option: the Traders Hotel

As I mentioned above, the best place to see the Petronas Towers is the Traders Hotel .

If you don't mind paying a bit more (and I say a bit more, because while the Traders Hotel is a 5-star hotel it won't cost you a fortune), you can enjoy the view of the iconic towers from your own room.

Be sure to select a Twin Towers Room when making a reservation to avoid disappointment!

Besides splendid views, the Traders Hotel offers excellent facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, 2 onsite restaurants, a gym, and a spa.

Looking for more Kuala Lumpur travel inspiration? Also read about the best  things to do in Kuala Lumpur and check out this  48 hours Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands

Traveling between Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands is best done by bus. The bus journey takes around 5 hours and there are several bus companies operating this route (with multiple departures a day).

Check the bus schedule and make an online booking here.

Vicki from Vicki Viaja : Cameron Highlands was definitely the greenest place I have ever visited and one of the highlights of our trip to Malaysia.

Located east of the Malaysian town of Ipoh, the Cameron Highlands is an absolute must-see when traveling between the North and the South of the country (or vice-versa).

The most important thing you should know about the Cameron Highlands is that it's a bit cooler than the surrounding area, due to the altitude of the Highlands.

Be sure to bring some warm clothes ( long pants and a thin jacket ) if you are visiting the area.

The highlights of our Cameron Highlands itinerary were definitely the tea plantations and the Mossy Forest.

If you want to learn more about the history of these sights, the individual plants, and tea production, we strongly recommend booking a half-day tour .

A tour is around 60MYR and includes transport, a knowledgeable guide, and a fantastic half-day of sightseeing around the most famous spots in the region.

Click here to book a Cameron Highlands tour

Tea Plantations

During the tour, your guide will explain to you everything about tea production in this region.

Our guide also made sure every tour participant received the perfect souvenir photo of their trip to the Cameron Highlands. Of course, you can also try the delicious tea that's produced at the plantation.

Mossy Forest

The Mossy Forest is another highlight of any trip to the Cameron Highlands. There are so many different green plants waiting to be discovered!

There are some excellent photo spots as well. Simply walk along the marked path and enjoy the beautiful views.

Strawberry Farm

As a perfect end to your tour, I recommend a stop at Strawberry Farm. Here you can find freshly picked strawberries in all their forms. We especially liked the juice.

If you prefer to discover the Cameron Highlands without a tour, of course, you can do so as well. For example, you can rent a car and drive the same route by yourself. We recommend starting early in the morning before all tourists begin to roam the tea plantations.

Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands: the Heritage Hotel

My recommendation is to stay in Tanah Rata during your time in the Cameron Highlands. Tanah Rata is the largest township in the area and buses from Kuala Lumpur stop at the Tanah Rata bus terminal.

A good place to stay is the Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands , which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the town center.

I recommend booking one of the Deluxe Wing rooms, which is the newer part of the hotel. Rooms are spacious and clean with comfortable beds.

There are two onsite restaurants (the Jasmine Garden Restaurant and the Rainforest Restaurant) as well as the Vintage Bar and the Vintage Lounge, serving Cameron Highlands tea, cookies, and cake.

Cameron Highlands to Langkawi

Traveling from the Cameron Highlands to Langkawi will take a full day, no matter your chosen mode of transport. There are several options:

• Take a bus back to Kuala Lumpur and catch a flight to Langkawi. While this may feel like backtracking, it's actually the most comfortable option. The bus journey is the shortest one and the airport in Langkawi is close to Pantai Cenang, the best place to base yourself in Langkawi.
• Take a bus to Butterworth and change to another bus going to Kuala Perlis. At Kuala Perlis, catch the ferry to Langkawi (Kuah).
• Take a bus to Ipoh and change to another bus going to Kuala Perlis. At Kuala Perlis, catch the ferry to Langkawi (Kuah).

If you have a couple more days to spend in Malaysia, I highly recommend adding Penang to your itinerary before heading to Langkawi. Not only will it break the long journey between the Cameron Highlands and Langkawi, but Penang is also a wonderful place to spend a couple of days. You can read more about Penang below.

Day 11-12: Langkawi

Another wonderful island in Malaysia and a great place to end your Malaysia trip itinerary is Langkawi.

Langkawi is located just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia and, unlike the islands on the east coast, can be visited year-round.

While Langkawi is much more developed than Tioman Island, you'll find beautiful white-sand beaches here, as well as a dense green jungle.

There are also several wonderful luxury resorts in Langkawi, making it the perfect place to end your Malaysia holiday in style. These are some of the best 5-star hotels in Langkawi:

• The Datai ☆☆☆☆☆ (pictured below)
• Casa del Mar ☆☆☆☆☆
• The St. Regis ☆☆☆☆☆

You can read more about Langkawi in my Langkawi trip itinerary, but here are my top 3 things to do in Langkawi.

Langkawi Sky Bridge

Two of the most famous attractions in Langkawi are the Langkawi Cable Car and the Langkawi SkyBridge.

The cable car will take you to a height of 708 meters above sea level. From the top station, it's only a short walk to the SkyBridge.

The bridge is about 100 meters from the ground, something you'll find quite scary when walking across the transparent section of the floor about midway on the bridge (pictured above).

Click here to book your online ticket .

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu is a secluded beach on the northeast side of Langkawi. Unlike the main beach in Pantai Cenang, this beach is usually very quiet.

With splendid views, soft white sand, and shallow water, this is a perfect beach to spend an afternoon.

Watch the sunset on Pantai Cenang

This busy but beautiful beach in Pantai Cenang is an excellent place to watch the sunset and a perfect way to end your two-week Malaysia itinerary.

You can enjoy the view from the beach or opt for dinner or a drink at one of the restaurants located along the beach.

Either way, the views will be stunning. Don't forget to take a picture that will forever remind you of your amazing Malaysia holiday…

Where to stay in Langkawi on a budget: NR Langkawi Motel

The NR Langkawi Motel  is a lovely place to stay. It's a small family-run hotel just outside of Pantai Cenang, perfect if you've rented a car or a scooter for your Langkawi trip.

The room is large, clean, and comfortable, and has a little porch where you can relax. The owner is very welcoming and friendly, altogether we had a nice stay here.

If you have more time to spend in Malaysia…

If you have more time to spend in this beautiful country, consider adding the Perhentian Islands or Penang (or both if you have another week or so) to your Malaysia trip plan.

Georgetown (Penang)

Penang is another island just off Malaysia's west coast and is known for its incredible street food scene. Don't come to Penang expecting tropical beaches and palm trees.

While you will see palm trees and there are some beaches, that's not why you should visit Penang. The reason why Penang is highly worth visiting is because of Georgetown, the capital of the island.

The old town of the city is a UNESCO heritage site, where you'll find colonial buildings, colorful Chinese shophouses and mansions, beautiful temples, and old mosques.

George Town is also known for its street art and you'll undoubtedly have come across one of the famous murals on Instagram.

In Malaysia's Lonely Planet you can find a self-guided street art walking tour, making it easy to locate the most famous murals.

However, also allow yourself plenty of time to wander around and discover lesser-known but equally beautiful and original pieces of art!

Another reason why you should visit Georgetown is for the food. Often named the food capital of Malaysia or even the world, there is no better place to sample as much street food as you possibly can than Georgetown.

Grab a bowl of Hokkien Mee at CY Choy Road or Roti Canai at Transfer Road. If you prefer Char Koay Teow , visit Siam Road and if it's Teow Chew Chendol you're craving head to the small stall on Penang Road.

More Penang street food dishes and where to eat them can be found here .

Alternatively, indulge your taste buds and eat like a local on this 4-hour street food tour . Step off the beaten track and mingle with the locals buying fresh snacks from 4-5 food hawkers (with your guide). Click here to learn more about this excellent food tour.

Other worthwhile places to visit in and around Georgetown are Fort Cornwallis, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill.

Where to stay in Georgetown: Campbell House

There are many hotels and other types of accommodation in Georgetown, suitable for any budget. We stayed at a couple of different hotels in Georgetown but our favorite place was Campbell House .

This lovely boutique hotel is housed in a meticulously restored building dating from 1903! The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer all the comforts you can expect from a 4-star hotel.

However, what really sets this hotel apart is the dedication of the staff to make your staff the best it can be.

From the many small complimentary extras (drinking water, fresh lime ice tea, and even milk in case you want to make coffee in your room) to accommodating our requests such as an extra towel, a map with sightseeing spots in Georgetown, or recommended places to eat around the hotel.

The hotel staff will do anything they can to make sure you have an amazing stay at the hotel and in Georgetown.

The Perhentian Islands

There is no shortage of heavenly tropical islands in Malaysia and the Perhentians are no exception.

The Perhentians are a cluster of small islands about 20 kilometers off the Northeast coast of Malaysia. There are 2 main islands: Perhentian Besar (Besar means big) and Perhentian Kecil (Kecil means small). 

One of the best things to do on the Perhentians is scuba diving (or snorkeling), the ocean around the islands is a designated marine park and the underwater world is amazing.

If you stay on Kecil as we did, there are also some nice little trails through the lush green jungle if you are into hiking. When heading out for a hike, be sure to carry plenty of water as well as sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

You can walk from Long Beach to Coral Bay (1km), from Long Beach to Fisherman Village (3,2km), and from Long Beach to the Wind Mills on top of the hill (2km).

Read my extensive guide to the Perhentian Islands for more information.

Where to stay on Perhentian Kecil: BuBu Resort

This lovely hotel can be found in Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil). We very much liked our room at BuBu Resort : the bed was comfortable, the bathroom was modern and clean and the towels were soft and fluffy.

The best thing about the room was the view from our balcony (pictured above on the right).

Each morning the smell of freshly baked croissants and Italian coffee lured us to the breakfast buffet. The food menu for lunch and dinner was excellent as well.

While prices were higher than at the other restaurants on the island, the quality of the food was also much better and the portions were very generous.

BuBu also operates a sister hotel, BuBu Villa , on the opposite side of Long Beach. These beautiful villas are perfect for a honeymoon or a family vacation.

2 week itinerary Malaysia: in conclusion

I hope this post will help you build your itinerary for Malaysia! Malaysia is a wonderful country to visit, you'll experience different cultures, eat lots of delicious food, meet many friendly people and get to admire beautiful nature.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Do you want to read more about Malaysia ? Check out these posts as well:

• Malaysia travel budget
• Reasons to visit Malaysia
• Things to do on Langkawi with kids

This post was updated in January 2023.

Tuesday 21st of January 2020

The best itinerary, I’ll add it to my list for the next visit:-)

Friday 24th of January 2020

Thank you Joe, happy to hear you liked the post:-)

Friday 6th of December 2019

Great 2-week itinerary trip thanks for the blog.

Thank you Joe, happy to hear you enjoyed the post:-) Have a great trip around Malaysia!

David Turley

Sunday 15th of April 2018

I love reading your website and all of your itineraries. It is really helping me with planning some of my trips. My girlfriend, Leanne, is going traveling in October for a year but unfortunately I am not going with her. However, I will be going out a various half terms to go and see her. I have already used your website to help us plan Malaysia in December, so I am ready and excited for that! Your website has helped give me an idea of how much we would spend per day and good places to go. We are doing it a slightly different way round, going from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. I booked the Lantern Hotel based on your recommendation and I can’t wait to spend 3 nights there. Is transport in Malaysia expensive at all?

In terms of Bali, I am looking to go out there for 2 weeks next Easter. Which places would you definitely recommend? And also, how much was that villa you stayed in for your honeymoon? It looked amazing!

Then next summer we are looking to do 6 weeks in the Philippines. This is another one I am really excited about. Is there any spots you think we 100% cannot miss? This would really help us again.

Thank you for reading my blog and I'm happy to hear my posts are helping you plan your travels:-). You'll be traveling to some great places, Malaysia has beautiful coral, the Philippines has the most amazing beaches and Bali is so relaxed...

Transport in Malaysia is not expensive, flights are cheap (we flew to Langkawi for €15 per person) and buses are cheap too (Mersing to KL is around €10-12). You can book online and check in with a digital ticket.

About Bali, you can find my 2 week itinerary here: https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/bali-2-week-itinerary-first-visit/. I would definitely visit Nusa Penisa, go diving and get a little off the beaten track (north of Ubud). I was lucky enough to work with Jamahal Resort and received free accommodation. You can find prices here: http://jamahal.net/reservation/#content.

For the Philippines you can check out my itinerary here: https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/a-complete-itinerary-for-a-three-week-trip-to-the-philippines-luzon-palawan-and-bohol/. I can highly recommend each of the places we visited, if you have 6 weeks I would add Siargao island and Malapascua to your places to visit list. I haven't been here myself but these places were recommended by friends of mine.

I hope this helps! Enjoy your travels:-). Lotte

Monday 5th of December 2016

Hey Lotte thanks for sharing this post with me. Going to follow it in my 7 days trip to Malaysia next month.

You are very welcome! Happy travels around Malaysia:-)

Thursday 20th of October 2016

It is actually TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan/Southern Integrated Terminal) located at Bandar Tasik Selatan. From here you can go to Chinatown by taking a rapidkl train to Plaza Rakyat Station and walk to chinatown

Sunday 23rd of October 2016

Thanks for the addition Abdul!!! Are you from KL?

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport Guide
• Top Destinations in Malaysia
• Things to Do in Malaysia
• Common Greetings
• Currency in Malaysia
• Scams to Avoid
• Visiting Kuala Lumpur
• Neighborhoods to Know
• Best Hotels
• Public Transportation Guide
• Top Things to Do
• Where to Shop
• Guide to Malaysian Street Food
• Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur
• Eating at Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Alor
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's top 10 destinations.

The Most Popular Places to Visit in Malaysia

The most popular places to visit in Malaysia are stunning — and the country's excellent infrastructure makes getting to them relatively painless.

Although Malaysia is always ranked well among the most visited countries in Asia, China usually steals the limelight and #1 spot. Long-term budget travelers often shun Malaysia as being "too expensive" (mostly because alcohol does cost more than in Thailand). Meanwhile, short-term vacationers in Southeast Asia seem to skip Malaysia for lack of time.

But Malaysia has a lot of beauty, diversity, and adventure on offer, as showcased by these tempting top destinations.

You'll most likely fly into Kuala Lumpur when traveling to Malaysia, so this one's a no-brainer. But unlike some other big cities in Asia where travelers arrive and get out of town as soon as possible, Kuala Lumpur is a worthwhile destination of its own.

The mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influence means you'll have no shortage of culinary exploits in Malaysia's capital city . The cultural diversity is a big part of Kuala Lumpur's allure. Take a short walk or jump on the extensive train network and you can see the delights of numerous cultures.

Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of unique neighborhoods to explore . Interesting sights such as the Petronas Towers , the Perdana Botanical Garden, and the Menara KL Tower provide plenty of enjoyable distractions before you head farther afield in Malaysia.

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Malaysians are proud of their big island on the west coast — and they should be! The colonial city of Georgetown was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has plenty to offer in the way of museums, a seaside fort, historic homes, and most importantly, a famous street-food scene.

Numerous artists have left their marks in the form of murals along the streets of Georgetown. Cafes, shops, and things to do can be found dotted throughout.

Penang is considered one of the best places in Southeast Asia to sample delicious street food of all types. The waterfront esplanade known as Gurney Drive in Penang is lined with stalls and eateries for trying local Malay, Chinese, and Indian treats , among others.

The Perhentian Islands

Backpackers and budget travelers love Malaysia's Perhentian Islands , especially Perhentian Kecil — the smaller of the two islands — where fine sand and excellent snorkeling/diving fill the day before parties start at night.

Nearby Perhentian Besar — the big island — caters more to families, couples, and travelers who are willing to spend more to enjoy the blue water and skip some of the partying. Regardless of the island you choose, getting to the Perhentians requires taking a speedboat. There are a few challenges for setting up shop on the islands .

The Perhentian Islands are very seasonal . Accommodation can be difficult to find on Perhentian Kecil in July, the peak month, but the islands are mostly empty during the winter months due to rain and stormy seas.

Malaysian Borneo

The option to exchange dirty concrete for green rainforests and abundant wildlife is only a cheap, quick flight away ! Visitors to Malaysia often stick to the mainland and forget about the natural wonders on earth's third-largest island only a short hop away.

The Malaysian part of Borneo is divided into two states: Sarawak in the south and Sabah in the north. Both have different vibes and charms . The Rainforest World Music Festival held outside of Kuching each summer is one of the most exciting music-and-culture events in Southeast Asia.

From endangered orangutans to rainforest canopy walks and some of the best diving in the world, Malaysian Borneo should definitely be a part of any trip to Malaysia.

Spelled locally as "Melaka," Malaysia's Peranakan city of Malacca is a worthwhile stop for cultural, historical, and colonial sites . UNESCO even declared Malacca a World Heritage Site in 2008.

Visitors are rarely disappointed by the old town in Malacca. If nothing else, the relaxed vibe is pleasant enough to keep people around for a few days. The close proximity to Kuala Lumpur makes getting there by bus easy. Train isn't an option in Malacca.

Tip: Many shops and museums close in Malacca on Tuesdays — plan your visit accordingly!

Taman Negara

Westend61 / Getty Images

Taman Negara literally means "national park" in Malay, and well, that's what it is! Taman Negara is Malaysia's oldest national park and is considered to be one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. A long canopy walkway gives visitors a chance to see life high in the trees that normally isn't visible from the ground.

You can enjoy waterfalls and beautiful trekking, bird spotting, rafting, fishing, night safaris, and there's even a chance to see wild elephants — if you're very lucky. Tourists sleep across the river in Kuala Tahan and then take cheap boats to the park entrance.

Some serious guided trekking is available in Taman Negara as is caving.

Cameron Highlands

Malaysia's green Cameron Highlands are one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you'll actually want a jacket or warm blanket at night. After sweating across tropical climates, you may appreciate the change of climate.

The Cameron Highlands are like nowhere else in Malaysia. You'll see plenty of lush scenery, tour beautiful tea plantations, and enjoy access to decent hiking trails that weave through plantations and around volcanoes.

Strawberry farms, butterfly gardens, and flower greenhouses are all enjoyable distractions to be found in the Cameron Highlands. The climate provides good conditions for growing fresh vegetables and producing delicious local honey.

Tioman Island

Located on Malaysia's east coast not too far from Singapore, Tioman Island is a different kind of island destination . Accommodation and excellent diving are surprisingly inexpensive; development is relatively minimal for such a nice island. Abundant nature and scenery make up for the island's severe shortcomings in the culinary department.

Tioman is carved into many different beaches; you'll have to choose when arriving by boat. Some beaches are secluded and surrounded by jungle. ABC Beach is arguably the most popular beach, particularly for budget travelers. Moving between beaches by boat is the regular option, unless you're up for a jungle hike through the interior.

Tioman Island enjoys duty-free status just as Langkawi does, but don't even consider taking your tax-free liquor across the border into Singapore !

simonlong / Getty Images

Located off the northwest corner of Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi is one of the top island destinations in Malaysia for both foreign tourists and Malaysians.

With an airport and ferries connecting it to the mainland, as well as a large tourist infrastructure, Langkawi could unfairly be called Malaysia's version of Phuket, the busiest island in Thailand.

Langkawi has many tourist attractions on offer such as Malaysia's largest indoor aquarium, a cable car, and the Sky bridge that allows views across the island. Unfortunately, the drone of jet skis cause the busiest beaches to be less serene. Duty-free status means that beer is sometimes barely more expensive than bottled water!

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi can be found for as cheap as US $20! Getting to the island is fast and inexpensive .

Selangor actually describes Malaysia's most developed and populated state that leads up to Kuala Lumpur's urban sprawl. Here you'll find a Formula One racetrack, the National Zoo of Malaysia, and enormous theme parks including an indoor snow park.

Selangor is busy and booming; shopping malls sprawl in many directions. When you can't possibly shop anymore, head to the nearby Genting Highlands — Malaysia's version of Vegas perched on top of a mountain. The First World Hotel and Plaza is the world's largest hotel with 10,500 rooms and a theme park.

But Selangor isn't just about concrete and glowing signs: The famous Batu Caves there are a Hindu shrine with the largest statue of Lord Murugan (the god of war) in the world. The Batu Caves draw large crowds, especially during the Thaipusam holiday .

When you're ready to be wooed by nature, the abundance of fireflies along the river in Kuala Selangor is a dazzling spectacle worth seeing!

Related Articles

More related articles.

Malaysia Weather in July - Activities & Events

Malaysia in July varies in its tropical climate from the east coast to the west. The east experiences a dry and sunny climate overall, whereas the west coast enjoys a hot and humid climate with some intense but short rain showers. In the central peninsula, the lowlands and highlands expect a lower monthly rainfall with rain showers usually during the afternoon. The average temperature in Malaysia during July is around 29 degrees Celsius through the parts of Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, while the Cameron Highlands have a lower temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. 

The east coast namely Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands, Terengganu , Redang and Kota Bharugets receives ample sunshine and usually remains dry with a pleasant seaside temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius. 

The west coast (Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor) attracts the south-west monsoon winds that bring with them short but intense thunderstorms and rain showers. This makes the sea less favourable to visit during this time, with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. 

Average Temperature : 28 - 32 degrees Celsius  Rainfall - 150mm- 200 mm Average Humidity - 80% Sun  - 12 Hours

Places to Visit in Malaysia in July

1. perhentian islands .

2. Cameron Highlands 

Cameron Highlands, with its magnificent green highlands, is a tourist favourite for hiking and trekking in July. The country’s largest hill station with its enormous tea cultivation padlocks will leave you gaping and wanting for more of the peaceful getaway. You can also visit the temples while you’re here. The hill station is about 200 kms from the city of Kuala Lumpur, that is also a must-visit due to the favourable and pleasant weather conditions, its busy life and easy access to almost all parts of the country. 

3. Malacca 

4. Tioman Island

This duty- free Island comprises 8 main villages. It has also gained fame as a tourist spot for being a natural reserve. Kampung Tekek is recognizably the most visited place here and is a must-visit when you are visiting, especially during July to soak in the pleasant sunshine, have a pleasing swim and relax for a weekend getaway. Snorkelling and diving are some of the popular tourist activities that you can do here!

Festivals & Events in Malaysia in July

1. rainforest world music festival.

Held in Kuching, Sarawak, Rainforest World Music Festival is a 3-day long fest hosting and celebrating the diverse music including contemporary, fusion, traditional music and cultural displays from across the world. This festival hosts various main stage performances by local and famous artists, workshops, concerts, food stalls and other art and craft.

Rainforest World Music Festival  Dates 2023 - Friday, Jun 23, 2023 - Sunday, Jun 25, 2023

2. George Town Festival 

George Town Festival is a 16-day annual art and cultural fest that is held in George Town in July to preserve the heritage that the town embodies. People from various occupational backgrounds come from all over the country to showcase their art and talent in various dimensions of engineering, designing, theatre etc. and collaborate to make this yearly fest a success to look forward to each year.

George Town Festival Dates 2023 - 15 July 2023 - 30 July 2023

Tips for Visiting Malaysia in July

• Don’t forget to check the climate and weather before you pack your essentials.
• It’s advisable to pre-book everything to avoid hassle .
• Keep your documents in hand, just in case you need them. Keep them safely to avoid petty thefts. 
• Try the local cuisine while you are here. Every place has something unique to offer.

This post was published by Ishani Nayak

Share this post on social media Facebook Twitter

FAQs on Malaysia

Is july a good time to visit malaysia, is kuala lumpur hot in july, malaysia travel packages.

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Extravagant Langkawi Kuala Lumpur Holiday Package

5 nights 6 days singapore malaysia package, highlights of malaysia tour package, shimmering kuala lumpur, fantastic fun at malaysia tour package, exciting malaysia tour package, related articles.

Travel Tips

Local Currency in Malaysia - The Tourist Guide

Online Visa For Malaysia - For A Smooth Vacation

Art & Culture

Culture of Malaysia – Unravel the Malaysian History, Language & Culture

Languages in Malaysia - What Languages Are Spoken in Malaysia?

Currency of Malaysia - An Essential Guide to the Malaysian Ringgit

Safety in Malaysia - How Safe is Malaysia for Travel?

Car Rental in Malaysia - Your Guide to Renting a Self-Drive Car

43 Interesting Facts About Malaysia to Acquaint the Curious Traveller in You

International Driving License in Malaysia - An Extensive Guide

Smoking in Malaysia Is Now Banned and Here's What to Do If You Are a Smoker

Malaysia in August - Best Things to Do, Festivals & Events

What to Wear in Malaysia – Essential Travel Necessities

Malaysia Weather in June - Places to Visit, Activities, Festivals

Malaysia Weather in September - All You Need to Know

Malaysia Weather in December - Stunning Places to Visit, Things to Do & Festivals

Malaysia Weather in April - Best Places to Visit & Festivals

Malaysia Weather in November - Climate, Festivals & Places to Visit

Malaysia Weather in May - Sightseeing, Events & Travel Tips

Weather in Malaysia in March - Travel Tips & More

Malaysia Launches the World's Longest Waterslide At Penang!

Fairs & Festivals

Religion in Malaysia - Everything You Need to Know

Experiences

Shopping In Malaysia - Where To Go & What To Buy

Music of Malaysia – Where East Meets West

Festivals in Malaysia – A Colourful Celebration

Sabah Travel Guide - A Complete Itinerary To The Unexplored Part of Malaysia

Food & Drink

20 Must-Try Street Food in Malaysia

Romantic & Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Malaysia - Romancing in the Land of Mountains!

Diving in Malaysia - 10 Best Scuba Dive Locations for a Soul Stirring Experience

Top 40 Malaysian Food to Get That Regional Detour on a Platter!

Camping in Malaysia - 10 Panoramic Camping Spots

Comments on this post

Browse package collections, malaysia package collections.

Malaysia Honeymoon Packages

India Malaysia Tour Packages

Top Listed Packages

Singapore Malaysia Tour Package With Cruise: Superstar Libra

Malaysia Itinerary 7 Days - Kuala Lumpur, Genting and Langkawi

Malaysia Itinerary 5 Days - Kuala Lumpur Special

Malaysia 4 Nights 5 Day Tour Package - Genting Highland and Kuala Lumpur

Thailand Singapore and Malaysia Tour Package for 10 Nights

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Best Hotels in Langkawi

For Special Purposes

Romantic Hotels in Langkawi for Honeymoon

Top Places in Malaysia

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Malaysia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Malaysia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles August 14, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Malaysia within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Malaysia, OR
• People planning to stay in Malaysia for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Malaysia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Malaysia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Malaysia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Malaysia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Malaysia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Malaysia.

If rabies exposures occur while in Malaysia, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Malaysia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Malaysia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Malaysia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Malaysia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Malaysia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Malaysia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Malaysia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Malaysia.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Malaysia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

• COVID-19 Full Coverage
• Cover Stories
• Ulat Filipino
• Special Reports
• Personal Finance
• Other sports
• Pinoy Achievers
• Immigration Guide
• Science and Research
• Technology, Gadgets and Gaming
• Chika Minute
• Showbiz Abroad
• Family and Relationships
• Art and Culture
• Health and Wellness
• Shopping and Fashion
• Hobbies and Activities
• News Hardcore
• Walang Pasok
• Transportation
• Missing Persons
• Community Bulletin Board
• GMA Public Affairs
• State of the Nation
• Unang Balita
• Balitanghali
• News TV Live

Alice Guo has left PH in July — Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday revealed information that dismissed Bamban, Mayor Alice Guo, who was also identified as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, had left the country on July 18.

"I am now in receipt of information that in fact this person was already out of the country on July 18, 2024 to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ipapakita ko po ang dokumentong ito, bilang patunay na pumasok sa Malaysia si Alice Guo.  Siya po ay pumasok ng 12:17:13 military time ng July 18..." Hontiveros said in a privilege speech during Senate's session.

[I am now in receipt of information that in fact this person was already out of the country on July 18, 2024 to Kuala Lumpur. She entered [Malaysia] 12:17:13 military time of July 18...]

According to the senator, Guo has used her Philippine passport to leave the country.

After going to Malaysia, Hontiveros, citing information from her sources, said that Guo went to Singapore to meet her father Guo Jian Zhong, mother Lin Wen Yi, her brother Wesley Guo and Cassandra Ong, the named representative of the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga Lucky South 99.

"Tumuloy si Alice Guo sa Singapore, kung saan nag tagpo tagpo sila ng kanyang magulang na sina Lin Wen Yi at Guo JIanZhong. The couple flew in from China on July 28, 2024. Mistulang reunion sila doon kasama sina Wesley Guo at si Cassandra Ong," she said.

[Alice Guo went to Singapore, where she met with her parents Lin Wen Yi and Guo JlanZhong. The couple flew in from China on July 28, 2024. They had a reunion.]

"Who allowed this travesty to happen? Sino ang may kagagawan nito? Hindi makakaalis si Alice Guo kung walang tumulong sa kanya na mga opisyales ng pamahalaan [Who's responsible for this? Alice Guo cannot leave the country if not for assistance from government officials]," Hontiveros said.

She then raised the possible need for law enforcement agencies to be investigated.

"Para tayong ginisa sa sarili nating mantika. I have always believed that legislative hearings are policy-driven kaya noong nag announce na ng ban ang Pangulo, sabi ko, we have done our jobs, let law enforcement take the lead," she said.

"Pero paano kung ang law enforcement mismo ang kelangan imbestigahan? What if they dropped the ball? Paano kung sila ang dapat managot? Nangako ang BI sa akin at sa Senate President Pro Tempore na hindi nila hahayaan si Guo Hua Ping na makaalis sa Pilipinas, eh yun pala ay wala na talaga siya," she added.

Hontiveros urged the need for these loopholes to be addressed.

"Kung hindi po natin ito gawan ng paraan, as an institution, as a country, parang nagpasampal tayo sa dayuhang ito na paulit ulit na sinasaula ang ating mga batas, patakaran at proseso," she ended.

(If we do not address this, as an institution, as a country, it's like we allowed this foreigner to slap us in the face several times by disrespecting our laws, regulations and processes.)

Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo raised the possibility of Guo using a private plane to depart from the Philippines. Tulfo attributed this to the lack of processing center for chartered planes where the customs and immigration officers can check travel documents, specifically passports, as well as the luggage of the outgoing passengers. "This is one example kung bakit ito si Alice Guo ay nakalabas. Walang nakalagay kung anong eroplano, right, going out? I'm very sure ito ay lumabas through a chartered plane, through a private plane. So all we need to do is tanungin natin kung mate-trace yan, ano 'yung mga chartered plane na lumabas that very day from the Philippines dun natin mata-track down at sino ang mga nag-process po ng kanilang passport sa loob ng eroplano," he said. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who actively participated in the investigation into Guo's background along with Hontiveros, disclosed that one of his office staff went to the law firm in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan which supposedly notarized the counter-affidavit of Guo. According to Gatchalian, the law firm exists but the lawyer who notarized Guo's counter-affidavit, Atty. Elmer Galicia, was not there when his staff visited them. "Nakausap po ng staff po natin sa telepono at ang sabi po ni Atty. Galicia na si Guo Hua Ping ay pumunta sa kanya personally on August 14, 2024. So talaga pong may pinagluloko po tayo dahil parang lumalabas at bumabalik. At despite na meron pong arrest warrant ay hindi po ito pinapansin," he said. Gatchalian suggested inviting Galicia in the next Senate hearing into the raided POGO hubs to find out if the lawyer was lying or Guo really appeared before him. "Itong abogadong to ay dapat po maimbitahan para malaman ho natin ang katotohanan either siya ho 'yung nagsisnungaling at wala pong personal appearance o talagang balik-labas, balik-labas po ng ating bansa na lumalampas po sa Bureau of Immigration dahil hindi naman po makakalabas at makakabalik po ng ating bansa kung hindi po tinatatakan po yung kanyang pasaporte," he said.

(This lawyer should be invited in order for us to learn the truth, either he is lying and there is no personal appearance or they leave and enter the country several times without passing through the Bureau of Immigration since one cannot enter or exit our country without your passport being stamped.)

Gatchalian said that in the sworn counter affidavit that Guo filed on Aug.15 with the DOJ, an Atty. Elmer Galicia  was the notary public.

"He told our staff this morning that Alice Guo personally appeared in his office when said document was executed," the senator said to Nimfa Ravelo via Super Radyo dzBB.

GMA News Online reached out to Guo's legal counsel, Atty. Stephen David, but he has yet to reply as of posting time.

Still in PH?

Meanwhile, Justice spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not receive any report of departure from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

“As far as we know, Mayor Guo is still in the country,” he said in a message to reporters.

Clavano said that the DOJ will continue to  gather information from the BI and the National Bureau of Investigation.

“This is a case of national significance. Thus if it is indeed true that Alice Guo has left the country, a thorough investigation is needed to hold those responsible accountable. This is not a light matter,” he said.

However, the spokesperson also noted that Guo had filed a motion with a counter-affidavit at the DOJ last Friday, which was notarized on August 14 in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

He said there were also sightings of Guo after July 18.

In a tweet, GMA Integrated News' Jonathan Andal said government officials are still verifying the information that Guo had left the country.

DOJ, NBI, and PAOCC are now verifying the information revealed by Sen Risa Hontiveros that Alice Guo has already left the Philippines @gmanews pic.twitter.com/IsrlTkKVlq — Jonathan Andal (@JonathanAndal_) August 19, 2024

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said: "As far as we know, Mayor Guo is still in the country. There has been no report to us of an attempted departure from the Bureau of Immigration ... There have been reported sightings from LEAs [law enforcement agencies] after July 18, 2024.

In a tweet, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio said that they are coordinating with their local partners and foreign counterparts.

For his part, National Bureau of Investigation chief Director Jaime Santiago said they are verifying the information from their Malaysian and Singaporean counterparts. — RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News

Alice Guo is in Indonesia: immigration bureau

MANILA – Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo arrived in Indonesia over the weekend and could have bypassed travel checks, the Bureau of Immigration said Tuesday. 

Guo, who was accused of facilitating the operation of an illegal POGO hub, first headed to Malaysia and Singapore in July before traveling to Indonesia via Batam island, said BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval. 

“She just arrived in Indonesia the other day…August 18,” Sandoval told ANC. 

Hontiveros wants DFA to cancel Guo's PH passport 'immediately'

There are no records on Guo’s exit from the Philippines and “reliabl e” information on her whereabouts came from the BI’s foreign counterparts, its spokesperson said. 

“She (Guo) might have left the country illegally without passing through required immigration checks,” Sandoval said.

Guo has left Philippines, says Hontiveros

Guo could have used a private plane without informing immigration authorities or “she might have taken the route that many human traffickers are illegally abusing, crossing the borders to our seas in the south if she was able to get a boat or yacht to Malaysia,” the official added.  Sandoval said the Philippines could seek the cancellation of Guo’s travel documents so that her host country could send her back to the Philippines for being an undocumented visitor. 

Notary insists he saw Alice Guo on Aug. 14 amid reported escape

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has instructed the Bureau of Immigration “to come up with a report immediately” on Guo's exit despite an  Immigration Lookout Bulletin (ILBO) that directed authorities in July to closely monitor any attempt for her to slip out of the country.

“As civil servants, we have sworn to the country our unwavering integrity, transparency and accountability in all our actions and decisions ,” Remulla said in a press release.   

"Hence, I am issuing this final warning against erring BI personnel who may have had a participation in the escape of Guo despite strict restrictions imposed by our government, it’s either you come out and unveil the truth or wait until I personally get to the bottom of this where heads will roll and all hell will break loose." 

'May kasabwat': Lawmaker wants answers over Alice Guo exodus

He said authorities would also look into "the possibility that the camp or legal counsels of the embattled ex-mayor may have had a hand in her slippery exit from the Philippines." 

"Let me reiterate that as much as lawyers have an obligation to protect the interests of their clients, they also have a broader responsibility to uphold the Rule of Law and safeguard public interest,” he added. 

BRINGING BACK GUO 

The Philippines can tap two legal channels to bring back Guo, namely extradition and a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOOC) said. 

“Mayroon pa ho tayong legal channels na puwede pong sundan para mapanagot natin ito… Titingnan natin kung saan siya lalanding eventually. Kung yung kaniyang lugar na pupuntahan ay mayroon ba tayong extradition treaty,” PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio told TeleRadyo Serbisyo. 

“Kung wala naman po, puwede po nating i-trigger yung Interpol red notice. Kapag siya ay nalabasan ng may warrant of arrest, we will apply for the Interpol red notice, that is an international arrest warrant,” he added. 

Comelec finds basis to file complaint vs Alice Guo

Casio said foreign authorities confirmed that Guo went to Malaysia and Singapore, despite the lack of immigration records of her exit from the Philippines.  

“Malamang lumabas po ito ng Pilipinas via backdoor... Hindi po siya dumaan sa immigration procedure natin, sea ports or airports,” the official said. 

“Dalawa ang tinitinggan naming posibilidad, isa sa Mindanao at isa dito sa Luzon na pwede niyang pinanggalingan para makalabas ng Pilipinas,” he continued. 

Guo asks DOJ panel to dismiss human trafficking complaint

GUO ‘STILL IN PH’: LAWYER 

Guo “is still in the country,” said her lawyer Stephen David, citing his conversation with the dismissed mayor on Tuesday morning. 

“I have no reason not to believe her considering that in fact, last week, she appeared before a notary public and executed her sworn statement,” David told ANC. 

The lawyer said he advised Guo to offer proof of her whereabouts. 

“If you are indeed in the country, then this is the best opportunity for you to show that not everything that the government is throwing against you is reliable,” he said, recounting the advice he gave her. 

“Mistakes are always possible. If she can show that she is here, that will be very advantageous to her.” 

Tax evasion complaint filed against Guo

Guo has denied alleged links to a gambling hub that was raided over reports of human trafficking. She has insisted that she is a Filipino, despite authorities' allegations that she is Chinese national Guo Hua Ping. 

• The Star ePaper
• Subscriptions
• Manage Profile
• Change Password
• Manage Logins
• Manage Subscription
• Transaction History
• Manage Billing Info
• Manage For You
• Manage Bookmarks
• Package & Pricing

Malaysia's Jan-July trade hits RM1.65T

Monday, 19 Aug 2024

Related News

Thai economy is nearly in crisis: Caretaker finance minister

Us economy remains resilient as pressures gradually subside, funding for esports could result in big win for hong kong economy, industry players say.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s January-July trade in 2024 grew by 9.8 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to hit RM1.652 trillion, the highest value recorded for the period, said the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI).

Exports increased by 5.1 per cent to RM862.23 billion and imports by 15.5 per cent to RM789.71 billion during the seven months, resulting in a trade surplus of RM72.52 billion, it said in a statement today.

Exports of manufactured goods expanded by 4.8 per cent y-o-y to RM735.76 billion owing to solid exports of machinery, equipment and parts, iron and steel products as well as manufactures of metal.

Exports of mining goods edged up by 4.3 per cent to RM62.85 billion, aided by strong exports of crude petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while exports of agricultural goods rose 7.9 per cent to RM57.75 billion on the back of increased exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products as well as natural rubber.

On the performance for July 2024 alone, MITI said trade jumped 18.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), the fastest rate in 21 months.

The value reached RM255.88 billion, the highest since October 2022, the ministry said.

"Exports continued their upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive month, expanding by 12.3 per cent to RM131.15 billion while imports increased by 25.4 per cent to RM124.73 billion.

"The trade surplus amounted to RM6.42 billion, marking the 51st consecutive month of surplus since May 2020,” it said.

MITI said export growth was primarily driven by increased demand for palm oil and palm oil-based

agriculture products, machinery, equipment and parts, petroleum products, and electrical and electronic (E&E) products.

Exports to major trading partners, namely ASEAN, the United States (US), the European Union and Taiwan recorded double-digit growth.

The ministry said that compared to June 2024, trade, exports and imports grew by 7.6 per cent, 4.1 per cent and 11.6 per cent, respectively.

MITI said all major sectors registered a strong double-digit export growth in July 2024.

Exports of manufactured goods, which comprised 85.5 per cent of total exports, grew by 10.6 per cent to RM112.08 billion.

This fifth consecutive month of y-o-y expansion was supported by increased exports of machinery, equipment, and parts, petroleum products, E&E products as well as manufactures of metal, it said.

Meanwhile, exports of agriculture goods rose 32.8 per cent to RM10.07 billion, bolstered by higher demand for palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products that resulted in increased export volumes and prices.

Exports of mining goods expanded by 10.2 per cent y-o-y to RM8.04 billion, driven by strong exports of LNG amid higher export volumes.

MITI said in July 2024, trade with ASEAN, which made up 27.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade, grew 16.8 per cent y-o-y to RM71.07 million for the fifth consecutive month of growth.

Exports, which had increased consistently since April 2024, climbed 16 per cent to RM40.12 billion while imports from ASEAN rose 17.8 per cent to RM30.95 billion.

It said double-digit growth in exports was recorded to major ASEAN markets -- Singapore (up 18.1 per cent y-o-y to RM21.06 billion), Thailand (up 10 per cent to RM5.56 billion) and Vietnam (up 13.8 per cent to RM4.95 billion) -- as a result of strong exports of petroleum products.

Meanwhile, trade with China, which contributed 16.3 per cent to Malaysia’s total trade in July 2024, increased by 12.6 per cent y-o-y to RM41.72 billion, the fourth consecutive month of double-digit expansion.

Trade with the US, which represented 12.4 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade, surged by 49.4 per cent y-o-y to RM31.76 billion. Exports grew by 30.9 per cent to RM17.79 billion, marking the highest export value thus far, led by higher demand for E&E products, machinery, equipment and parts as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products.

Meanwhile, imports from the US soared by 82.2 per cent to RM13.98 billion.

MITI said Malaysia’s robust Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 5.9 per cent in the second

quarter of 2024, which set to pave the way for the country to achieve Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) growth forecast of 4.0 per cent - 5.0 per cent for 2024, will enhance investor confidence and unlock further trade opportunities.

Globally, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has forecast that the volume of world merchandise (goods) trade will grow 2.6 per cent in 2024, a substantial rise from negative growth of 1.2 per cent recorded in 2023.

"Global economic conditions seem to have improved month by month, attributed to increased global demand, although the WTO has cautioned that geopolitical tensions and political uncertainty may limit the scale of the global trade recovery.

"MITI and its agencies will continue to remain vigilant to global external shocks, which could impact Malaysia’s growth trajectory,” it added. - Bernama

Tags / Keywords: Malaysia , Trade , Exports , Jan-July 2024 , ASEAN , US , China , MITI 

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

SOWING THE SEEDS OF COLLABORATION

Next in business news.

Trending in Business

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

• Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!