Malaysia Tours & Holidays
Buzzing cities, idyllic islands, exotic ports and lush highlands combine to create magical Malaysia.
Home to a collision of cultures, you can eat roti for breakfast and feast on fragrant curries for dinner; admire mosques in the morning and temples in the afternoon; and visit remote villages as well as towering skyscrapers – it’s all possible in Malaysia.
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Articles of Malaysia
Malaysia at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Kuala Lumpur
POPULATION
33 million
CURRENCY
MYR
LANGUAGE
Bahasa Malaysia
TIME ZONE
(GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
CALLING CODE
+60
ELECTRICITY
Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
Learn more about Malaysia
Best time to visit
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.
Culture and customs
Malaysia is a modern melting pot – with Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian and indigenous groups making up the population. With this cultural diversity comes a mix of religions, customs, foods and languages. Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism are the main religions practised, although most of the world’s religions are represented somewhere in Malaysia. The Muslim call to prayer, Hindu Festivals and Buddhist ceremonies all coexist with relative peace, with the South-East Asian concept of ‘saving face’ leading most people to strive for harmony.
Regardless of cultural background, elderly people and those of high rank (business people, government officials etc.) are respected greatly. Food plays an important part in daily life, with religious celebrations and holidays characterised by family gatherings and elaborately prepared feasts. Alcohol isn’t a large part of Malaysian society (probably due to the significant Muslim population) but is widely available for purchase and consumption.
Experience Malaysian culture for yourself on our 18day Ultimate Adventure.
Eating and drinking
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Malaysia’s melting pot of cultural influences is evident in its cuisine.
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.
Try some of Malaysia's most famous dishes on our 9day Borneo Family Holiday.
Geography and environment
Balmy beaches, fish-filled reefs, wild jungles, verdant highlands, relaxed ports, colourful cities and simple villages – Malaysia has it all. Sharing land borders with Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand, Malaysia’s environment is as diverse as its population. From the urban cityscape of Kuala Lumpur and the colonial charm of Penang, to the old-world streets of Melaka, a journey through Malaysia will reveal changing landscapes and evolving environments.
While the large cities are typically built-up, busy and full of buzz, Malaysia’s provincial towns and remote highlands remain delightfully relaxed, with people living simple lives based on agriculture, animal husbandry or other small enterprises. With such a rich range of environments, Malaysia offers beaches and islands for swimming, snorkelling and diving; jungles and highlands for trekking and adventuring; and villages and cities for exploration and relaxation.
Explore this country's breathtaking landscapes on our 8day Highlights of Malaysia tour.
History and government
Early history
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. In the 16th century, Malaysia came under the influence of Portuguese and Dutch settlers, who increasingly expanded their reach throughout the region to create the Dutch East Indies. Under this influence, Malaysia did well in trade, and flourished as a result of the economic gains of being located on one of the most important trade routes of the time.
Recent history
During the 19th century, the British took control of the Malaysian Peninsula, with the Federated Malay States being officially formed in 1865. Malaysia remained under British rule until Japan invaded during World War II – but once Japan was defeated in 1945, British rule returned and the Federation of Malay was born in 1948. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya formed with Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah to create Malaysia.
Only two years after, Singapore became an independent state, leaving Malaysia in its current form. In the 1970s, Malaysia’s economy grew rapidly until the late 1990s, when the Asian Financial Crisis slowed economic growth in the region. The economy soon recovered, and Malaysia enjoyed the international exposure that came with hosting the 1998 Commonwealth Games (held in Kuala Lumpur). Currently, Malaysian standards of living continue to rise, and Kuala Lumpur has emerged as one of Asia’s premier cities.
Top 10 culinary experiences in Malaysia
1. Baba Nonya Banquet
The port town of Melaka is known for its unique Baba Nyonya style food. A fusion of Straits Chinese and Malaysian food (with hints of Portuguese, Thai and Indian), chowing down at a Nyonya restaurant is an elaborate affair filled with spicy flavours and tangy sauces.
2. Savour street eats
The streets of Malaysia are filled with locals pushing street carts selling everything from hand-made roti to fresh fruit, delicious satay and steaming bowls of laksa. Malaysian street food offers convenience, variety and flavour on a budget.
3. Taste some tea
Traditional tea is made a little differently in Malaysia. Order ‘teh tarik’ and watch as your condensed-milk tea is frothed and cooled by being poured dramatically between two metal cups, which are held metres apart.
4. Tuck into a hot curry
Beef Rendang is a Malay culinary favourite and is made at home, served at restaurants and prepared for special occasions. This spicy curry is packed with lemongrass, cinnamon, cloves, chilli and melt-in-your-mouth beef — an unforgettable fusion of flavours!
5. Seek out cool city eateries
The hip cafes and bars of Kuala Lumpur are a great place to mix with locals and connect with modern Asian culture. Head to the Jalan Bukit Bintang area in KL and check out the new-age teahouses, cool cafes and international dining options.
6. Down a luscious lassi
With a large Indian population, it’s not hard to find a refreshing Lassi when in Malaysia. Made from yoghurt and fresh fruit, sipping a cool Mango Lassi is the ideal antidote to a humid summer’s day.
7. Relish some rice
Chicken–rice is a favourite with locals and travellers alike. Available at small neighbourhood eateries, night markets and from street carts, this option is a great, low-cost meal for travellers on the go.
8. Slurp a bowl of laksa
Chicken, prawn, tofu and fish; there are many different varieties of spicy laksa to try while in Malaysia. Noodle types and ingredients may vary around the country - a good excuse to try laksa in every town you visit.
9. Chill out with a coconut
Quench your thirst with a fresh coconut juice. Sold at roadside stalls and on beaches, a straw is simply slipped into a stripped back coconut for a refreshing post-swim pick-me-up.
10. Feast on roti
No visit to Malaysia is complete without encountering roti. Walk down any busy street and the sight of people kneading roti dough at street stalls and shop windows will be common. Often served with lentils, potatoes, onions and rice, roti is an excellent option for vegetarians looking for a meat-free meal.
Shopping
Malaysia has a shopping experience to suit travellers on all budgets. From dazzling, modern malls and exciting night markets to boutique speciality stores, the opportunity to buy something special is never far away.
It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Things to buy in Malaysia
1. Kuala Lumpur
The capital’s huge malls offer loads of variety and opportunities to shop. Shoes, bags and accessories are all great buys - from haute couture labels to chic chain-store fashions.
2. Melaka
Home to a diverse range of artisans and craftsmen. Browse the markets, galleries and shops to pick up antiques, art and bespoke items. Handcrafted wooden ornaments, leather sandals, vibrant woven bags and antique coins are the best picks.
3. Penang
Boasts an eclectic mix of sleek malls, independent stores, interesting boutiques and open-air street markets. Head to Little India to source Indian-inspired saris, garlands and silver jewellery or stroll along Rope Walk to find one-of-a-kind antiques and treasures.
4. Langkawi
This island has duty-free status, making it a great place to buy fragrances, watches, cameras and other technology. For art lovers, the Craft Cultural Complex showcases locally made fabric, ceramics, baskets and jewellery.
Get shopping on our 20day Best of Borneo small group adventure.
Festivals and events
Thaipusam
Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves light up in honour of the Hindi deity Subramaniam (also known as Lord Murugan). Pilgrims arrive after sunset and watch as brave individuals thread hooks and skewers through their bodies to carry decorative steel arches to the Gods. This is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
Malaysian Grand Prix
For a bit of high-octane fun, see the fastest cars in the world in action at the Malaysian Grand Prix, held near Kuala Lumpur each year.
Ramadan and Eid
Ramadan is observed by the Muslim population of Malaysia. During the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset - refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Eid marks the end of fasting with three days of feasting and celebration.
Public holidays that may impact travel include:
Chinese New Year
Federal Territory Day
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan)
Labour Day
Wesak Day (Buddha's Birthday)
King's Birthday
Hari Raya Qurban (Feast of Sacrifice)
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year)
Merdeka Day (National Day)
Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
Please note dates of Malaysia's public holidays may vary.
Further reading
| Title | Author |
| Evening is the Whole Day | Preeta Samarasan |
| The Rice Mother | Rani Manicka |
| The Long Day Wanes: A Malayan Trilogy | Anthony Burgess |
| The Gift of Rain | Tan Twan Eng |
| A Malaysian Journey | Rehman Rashid |
| Malaysian Stories | Somerset Maugham |
Malaysia travel FAQs
Most nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Malaysia for stays less than three months if the trip is for tourism or business purposes. This includes citizens from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and South Africa.
This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
Last updated: 6 June 2023
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.
Tipping isn’t expected in Malaysia. Some restaurants include a 10% service fee in bills. Feel free to leave a tip at restaurants or with taxi drivers if you’re feeling generous – it will be appreciated.
The internet is easy to access in Malaysia’s large cities, with internet cafes and WiFi hot spots quite common, especially in tourist spots, hotels and hostels. Regional areas and rural communities might have little to no internet access, so be aware of this before heading out of the city.
Mobile phone coverage is excellent in Malaysia’s large cities; however, it may be patchy in regional areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated on your phone before leaving home.
Layering is the key to dressing for Malaysia — specifically long, loose, lightweight clothing as it's culturally respectful and will keep you cool in the tropical climate. A light fabric like linen is great for the heat as it absorbs moisture (read: sweat) and dries quickly. You might want to avoid cotton as it takes ages to dry — not ideal for places like Borneo where the humidity can be oppressive! Sportswear is also a good option for hot weather.
Malaysian public toilets are a mix of western-style toilets and squat toilets. Up-market hotels and malls will usually have both options, whereas rural areas will almost certainly only have squat toilets. Be aware that soap and paper aren't always supplied, so be prepared and carry your own.
It's not recommended to drink the tap water in Malaysia. Filtered water is a better option; try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.
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.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Eden Reforestation Projects
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
Find out more or make a donation
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation