Malaysia tours & vacations

The climate in Malaysia is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures do not fluctuate much and stay in the 30s most of the day, dropping back to the mid to high 20s at night. This makes Malaysia a great place for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in the sun.

Humidity is higher during the wet season and can be quite oppressive for those not used to it. The wet season changes from coast to coast. From November to April, the wet season hits the east coast of the peninsula and it is dry on the west coast. From May to October, it's dry on the east coast and wet on the west.

Some people of Malaysia observe Ramadan. If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it is important to consider that some restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating at reduced hours during this time.

Learn more about the best time to visit Malaysia

Weather in Malaysia

Most of Malaysia has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather throughout the year. While the country experiences wet and dry seasons, the line between them is blurred and showers can occur at any time of year. The temperatures in Malaysia are steady, with averages of 23°C to 32°C along the coast and lowlands and a cooler 14°C to 25°C in the highlands. It’s even colder at higher elevations like Mt Kinabalu in Borneo, which can see sub-zero temperatures at the summit.

Learn more about the weather in Malaysia

The first recorded historical mentions of Malaysia date back to 7th and 8th-century Sanskrit and Chinese texts. During the following centuries, Malaysia came under the influence and control of Indonesia, Thailand and India – with the accompanying religions, cuisines and languages spreading in the region. Later on, European nations, namely the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British, occupied or laid claim to areas of Malaysia before it became its own state in 1963.

Today, Malaysia is a varied mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian and indigenous. With this cultural diversity comes a mix of religions, customs, foods and languages. Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism are the main religions practised.

Regardless of cultural background, elderly people and those of high rank are respected greatly. Food plays an important part in daily life, with religious celebrations and holidays characterized by family gatherings and elaborately prepared feasts.

Malaysia’s most important festivals and events include Thaipusam, Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Eid.

Malaysia is a country in South East Asia that sits at the end of the Malay Peninsula, bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. Malaysia also spreads to the east across the Strait of Malacca to the island of Borneo, where its states, Sabah and Sarawak, share borders with Indonesia and Brunei.

Malaysia is an incredibly diverse land with balmy beaches, fish-filled reefs, wild jungles, verdant highlands, relaxed ports, colourful cities, simple villages and Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest mountain, which reaches 4,095 metres. 

While in Malaysia, keep an eye out for their native wildlife, ranging from pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys to the endangered orangutans.

Malaysia’s unique position on the maritime trade route meant many new spices, flavours and dishes from travellers and traders crossed its shores, leading to a cuisine with foreign influences.

Things to try in Malaysia

1. Malay

Delicious roti, chicken rice, spicy sambal eggplant and kopi peng (iced coffee).

2. Baba Nonya/Peranaken Cuisine

Fresh spring rolls, babi chin (stewed pork belly) and Mee Siam (rice noodles).

3. Indian

Aromatic curries, cool lassis, delicious daal and sweet fried coconut balls.

4. Chinese

Hearty noodle broths, Peking duck pancakes and chrysanthemum tea.

The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Credit cards are widely accepted by malls, hotels and large restaurants in Malaysia. Smaller guesthouses, shops and cafes may not accept credit cards, so ensure you have enough cash to cover purchases in smaller establishments.

ATMs are easily found in large cities and towns but are far less common in rural and remote areas. Ensure you have enough cash before heading to isolated areas, as ATMs might be sparse.