Malaysia vacations

Savor street food, walk in rainforests and marvel at gleaming skyscrapers on a tropical urban adventure in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

The palm-lined beaches, tropical rainforests and sunset cocktails draw travelers to this Malaysian island getaway. But it’s the bargain shopping that keeps them coming back.

Penang is a mishmash of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, which shine through in its eclectic architecture. It’s also a stepping stone to lush jungles and pristine beaches.

Crowned by the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur is a capital city where ancient traditions meet modernity. Alongside mega-malls and luxury hotels, find historic mosques and temples like the nearby Batu Caves, with its ornate Hindu shrines. On Penang Island, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its historic buildings that range from British Colonial to ancient Chinese.

This tropical nation has some of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests on Earth. Take a two-day guided hike through Taman Negara, one of the few remaining Malayan tiger habitats. Or visit Borneo’s Rainforest Discovery Centre and stroll its treetop walkway. With orangutans and some of the world’s largest flowers and tallest tropical trees, this wildlife haven is among the best things to see in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its cuisine, a blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay flavors. Find everything from spicy Indian fish head curry to Malay ‘nasi lemak’ (fatty rice) and Cantonese sweet-and-sour chicken. The best food is often found at hawker markets or in old neighborhoods like Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur. To dive deeper into the flavors, take a food tour.

Some of the best beaches in Malaysia are on the postcard-perfect island of Langkawi. Pantai Cenang steals the show with stunning sunsets and buzzing parties, while quieter Pantai Pasir Tengkorak has pillowy sands surrounded by monkey-filled jungles. For scuba diving, head to Redang Island. Dive among green turtles and giant stingrays in a protected marine park, then relax on the crescent-shaped Pantai Teluk Dalam.

Malaysia’s landscapes range from Borneo’s misty cloud forests to Cameron Highlands’ rolling tea plantations. Marvel at impressive rock features at Sarawak’s Deer Cave or prehistoric paintings at Niah Caves. Adrenaline junkies should take a guided hike of Mount Kinabalu, a soaring peak with panoramic views across Borneo. For a quick nature escape from Kuala Lumpur, check out Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi’s colorful birdlife and walking trails.

Rice dishes are at the heart of Malaysian cuisine. Try ‘nasi kandar,’ steamed rice with aromatic curry, or ‘nasi lemak,’ coconut rice typically served with cucumber, anchovies and sambal chili paste. Another favorite is ‘laksa,’ spiced coconut noodle soup found in Penang and Sarawak. The restaurants in Malaysia’s capital include everything from low-key local joints to Michelin-starred institutions, offering Cantonese, modern Malaysian, South Indian fare and more.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic art, spanning over a millennium. Also in Kuala Lumpur, the ‘Muzium Negara’ (National Museum) tells the story of Malaysia’s history. Get acquainted with native wildlife and Indigenous culture at the Sarawak Museum. Or discover plant specimens and Malaysian handicrafts at the Perak Museum, famed for its late-19th-century architecture.

The best time to visit Malaysia’s peninsular west coast is from December to February, as the weather is perfect for exploring the islands of Langkawi and Penang. June to September brings the driest conditions for exploring Kuala Lumpur and many parts of Borneo. If you’re planning to explore multiple regions, visit during the March to May shoulder season for warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.

It’s possible to have a cheap trip to Malaysia. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 15 Malaysian ringgit (RM), and a local beer costs RM16. Short taxi rides start from around RM15, while rideshare apps such as Grab may offer cheaper rates.