Malaysia
Malaysia 🇲🇾
Malaysia feels instantly familiar and at the same time full of surprises. This country in Southeast Asia offers a unique blend of cultures, nature and adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. The diversity is evident everywhere, from the colorful street markets to the serene rainforests and from the vibrant cities to the tranquil island beaches.
Melting pot of cultures
Malaysia is truly a melting pot of cultures, with Malaysians, Chinese, Indians and countless other ethnic groups living together. You not only see that, but you taste it. The street markets, such as those in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, are a walhalla for foodies. You can smell the herbs and spices of dishes such as laksa, nasi lemak, satay and dim sum from afar. Every meal here is an adventure. Try a roti canai with a spicy curry, or enjoy a sweet cendol on a hot afternoon. The food in Malaysia is as diverse as the people themselves, and your taste buds will be challenged every day here.
Malaysia’s natural beauty is stunning. The country is home to ancient rainforests like Taman Negara, where you can hike under dense foliage and spot exotic animals. The Cameron Highlands offer a cool escape with vast tea plantations and misty mountains. And the islands, such as Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands, draw with crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs-a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Visit Malaysian Borneo and spot orangutans in the vast rainforests.
For adventurers, opportunities abound. Climb Mount Kinabalu in Borneo or explore the impressive caves of Mulu National Park. The rainforests are perfect for trekking and wildlife spotting, while the coastlines invite water sports. Malaysia’s history is palpable in cities such as Melaka and George Town, where colonial buildings and ancient temples tell the story of a rich past. In Kuala Lumpur, the modern capital, futuristic skyscrapers alternate with traditional markets. Whether you love culture, nature or adventure, Malaysia offers it all in a unique mix!
The ideal itinerary through Malaysia
Ready for an unforgettable adventure through Malaysia? Discover our carefully crafted itinerary that takes you to the most fascinating sights of this beautiful country. Start your journey with the colonial charm and historical monuments, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of dynamic cities, and explore the rich cultural diversity. Sample delectable local dishes and experience the unique flavors Malaysia has to offer. Prepare for a journey full of discovery and surprise in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Everything for your trip
Click and compare flight tickets to Malaysia through Tix.nl. Determine your own departure and arrival city and plan your optimal trip.
Plan your regional transportation together with 12go.asia. The Asian platform to arrange your local public transportation.
View and book the best activities in Malaysia through Tripadvisor. From city tours to snorkeling trips, there is something for everyone.
We have made a selection of hotels through Expedia. Click on a hotel for more information or search for a hotel of your choice through the website.
Travel prepared and make sure you have had all your vaccinations for Malaysia. Schedule can be done through the GGD.
Before you go, see if the country you are going to has a visa policy. You can arrange this yourself online or at the airport upon arrival.
Good to know!
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Language
Bahasa Melayu
Time difference
Summer time 6h, winter time 7h
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
Malaysia has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The best travel time varies by region: for West Malaysia (including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi), the period from November to February is best, as it is drier. East Malaysia (such as the Perhentian Islands) is best visited from March to September, when there is less rain. The monsoon seasons bring short, heavy rains: from May to October in the west and from October to February in the east.
Public transportation in Malaysia offers an authentic and efficient way to explore the country, with a wide range of options such as buses, trains and the iconic tuk-tuks in certain cities. For urban travel, there are extensive bus networks and modern city lanes such as the LRT and MRT in Kuala Lumpur. For longer distances, trains such as the KTM Intercity and ETS are a scenic and comfortable choice. The famous train ride from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, for example, offers scenic views. Apps such as 12go.asia and Rome2Rio are useful for planning your trip. In addition, private cab services and apps like Grab offer convenient and reliable transportation options throughout the country.
Malaysian cuisine is a delicious symphony of flavors, influenced by Chinese, Indian and indigenous Malaysian culinary traditions. Be sure to try the national favorite, nasi lemak, a dish consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and boiled egg. Another must-try is rendang, a rich, spicy stew made from beef and spices. Along the coast, you can enjoy a variety of seafood, perfectly grilled with local spices. For a sweet ending, cendol is a popular Malaysian dessert made from coconut milk, green rice flour jelly and palm sugar.
Malaysia has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The best travel time varies by region: for West Malaysia (including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi), the period from November to February is best, as it is drier. East Malaysia (such as the Perhentian Islands) is best visited from March to September, when there is less rain. The monsoon seasons bring short, heavy rains: from May to October in the west and from October to February in the east.