Spoiler alert: Malaysia is one of those places that has it all
Asia is home to so many beautiful nations - all unique and with a great variety in both nature and culture. Malaysia is one of those countries where you're never done exploring. Whatever triggers your wanderlust, you can be sure that Malaysia has got it!
1. The bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur
In most Asian countries, you're point of entry is one of these big chaotic metropolises. Well, the same goes for Malaysia, but unlike most other Asian capitals, Kuala Lumpur is very easy to navigate. The city hosts awesome food markets and lots of cultural events and as a bonus you find one of the best bars in South East Asia. If you're just looking for food, one of our favourites is Limapulo - it's cheap but amazing food (they even get a mention in the Michelin restaurant guide!) and the places is loved by locals. Definitely try the signature dish Laksa, or go for the always tasty Satay instead.
2. Beeeeeautiful beaches
From the big city to beautiful beaches. In general, Malaysia boasts some absolutely fantastic beaches! In the north of Malaysia, you'll find Langkawi off the western coast and Perhentian Islands and Tioman off the eastern coast. And we promise you, no matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed. Crystal clear waters, awesome snorkeling spots and warm white sand between you toes. What else would you need?
3. Borneo - It's a jungle out there!
Though constant headlines about deforestation of Borneo, the island still boasts one of the world's most unique and rich wildlife. Thanks to a lot of conservation projects, most of the jungle is still intact and absolutely worth a visit! Malaysia shares Borneo with Indonesia, and some of the highlights on the Malaysian side is diving in Sipadan (on the north eastern coast), spotting wildlife, including orangutans, in one of the many national parks, trekking Mt. Kinabalu or enjoying one of the many festivals in Kuching.
4. It's easy to get around!
Getting around Malaysia is super straightforward, whether you're city-hopping or heading out to more remote spots. Major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang have modern public transport with trains, buses, and ride-sharing apps that won’t drain your wallet. But the ease of travel doesn’t stop there. Want to explore beyond the cities? No problem! Malaysia's got an extensive network of long-distance buses and affordable domestic flights, making it a breeze to zip between islands, coastal towns, and the highlands. For example, you can take a quick flight to the stunning beaches of Langkawi or Borneo, hop on a bus to the tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, or catch a ferry to the Perhentian Islands for some epic snorkeling. Plus, the locals are some of the friendliest around—whether you need directions or just a good food recommendation, someone will be happy to help.
5. The Mt. Kinabalu trek
If you're fond of adventure and physical challenges, then you should take the opportunity to climb Malaysia's highest peak, Mt. Kinabalu. The mountain is a UNESCO world heritage site with more than 6,000 species of plants and 326 species of birds, you can probably imagine why. Needless to say, it's a beautiful hike to the top and both the sunset at Laban Rata and the sunrise on the final climb will make some Insta-worthy shots!
Pro tip: Book well in advance. The trek is popular, and it WILL get sold out.
6. A perfect year-round destination
Malaysia's tropical vibe makes it a year-round winner. It's warm and sunny most of the time, with temps hanging around 25°C to 35°C. The best part? You can plan your trip around the seasons to get the most out of what Malaysia has to offer. If you’re traveling in the summer (April to September), the east coast and Borneo are where it's at. You'll get to enjoy crystal-clear waters, epic diving spots, and chill beach days on islands like the Perhentians, Redang, and Tioman. When the monsoon rolls in from November to March, just head over to the west coast. Places like Langkawi and Penang are in their prime, offering dry weather and perfect conditions for exploring. No matter when you go, Malaysia’s got a spot that’s ready to show you a good time.
7. Cultural, culinary and Religious Melting Pot
Malaysia is one of the world's best examples of cultures and religions coexisting in harmony. It's a mashup of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities, each adding their own flavor to the country. The coolest part? You can see it all around you. In George Town, Penang, there’s a mosque, a Christian church, and a Buddhist temple all within a few hundred meters of each other - that's the norm here, not the exception. And when it comes to festivals, everyone gets in on the action. From Hari Raya to Chinese New Year, Deepavali to Christmas, there's lots to celebrate.
This melting pot also means you'll be diving into some of the most incredible food you'll find anywhere in Asia. The food scene is just as much a mix of the Chinese, Indian and Malaysian as you'd expect. Our recommendations: try Curry Laksa, Maggi Goreng, Rendang or Sambal Udung.
8. Bang for your buck!
Although inflation has been a thing in Asia just as much as in the West, it's still really cheap to travel around Malaysia. If you're on a budget, this is the place for you! You can find quite cheap accommodation, the food is equally affordable and local transportation is very budget friendly as well. Of course, you can scale up if you wish and make your trip more luxurious, but who needs a fancy 5-star hotel, when you can wake up in a bamboo beach hut to the sound of the birds whistling and waves gently kissing the beach. Yes, Perhentian Islands, I am looking at you!
Malaysia has a lot more to offer you
This blog only touches on some of the many reasons to put Malaysia on top of your bucket list, but of course there are many more. Talk to one of our travel advisors and start planning your own adventure to the golden peninsula - soon you'll be basking in that golden glow yourself.
Reach out and start planning!
