Malaysia is a country divided into two stunning halves—Peninsular Malaysia in the west and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo in the east, with a scatter of beautiful islands in between. Located near the equator, Malaysia enjoys a consistently warm and humid climate, with average temperatures hovering around 27°C. This tropical climate nurtures one of the country’s most precious assets: its dense, lush rainforests, which cover about 60% of the land.
Peninsular Malaysia
Making up about 40% of the country’s total area, Peninsular Malaysia shares a border with Thailand in the north and connects to Singapore in the south. It’s packed with a mix of cultural treasures, island getaways, and iconic landscapes that define Malaysia’s charm.
Kuala Lumpur & Surroundings
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, high-rise city where modern skyscrapers meet cultural richness. Known for its iconic Petronas Towers and endless shopping malls, this capital is also home to impressive green spaces. Just north of the city, the Batu Caves offer a unique experience with their limestone caverns and Hindu shrines—though you’ll want to keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys!
Closer to the city center, Perdana Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape with lakes and lush walking trails. On the edge of KL lies Bukit Lagong, a nature park with treetop walks, riverfront picnic spots, and plenty of opportunities to see native birds in their natural habitat.
West Coast
Stretching from Langkawi in the north to the historical city of Malacca in the south, Malaysia’s West Coast is a paradise for culture lovers and foodies alike. In Penang’s Georgetown, you’ll discover delicious street food and colonial-era architecture, while Malacca offers a glimpse into Peranakan heritage and preserved shophouses.
This region might not be as renowned for beaches as the East Coast, but it still delivers on coastal beauty. Langkawi boasts some of the country’s most scenic beaches, and Pangkor Laut is home to wild hornbills and quiet forest trails. Inland, the Cameron Highlands provide a refreshing retreat filled with tea plantations, waterfalls, and colonial charm.
East Coast
If your dream vacation involves beach time and vibrant culture, Malaysia’s East Coast is calling. Facing the South China Sea, this region is dotted with fishing villages, traditional markets, and breathtaking islands. The Perhentian Islands are a popular pick—Perhentian Kecil is affordable and great for diving, while Perhentian Besar offers a more upscale experience.
Nearby, Redang Island dazzles with powdery white sand, and Tioman Island is known for both its rich coral reefs and jungle hikes. For hardcore divers, Pulau Tenggol is the hidden gem, boasting encounters with sea turtles and even whale sharks.
But the East Coast isn’t all about beaches. Taman Negara—one of the world’s oldest rainforests—is a must-see, offering canopy walks and river safaris. In the far north, Kelantan’s Kota Bharu stands out with its royal palaces, traditional Malay architecture, and the centuries-old Kampung Laut Mosque.
Johor
At the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor is often overlooked but deserves far more attention. While its capital, Johor Bahru, is mainly known for shopping and being a gateway to Singapore, the region is filled with hidden gems. Gunung Pulai offers a mix of jungle hikes and cascading waterfalls, while nearby Gunung Panti provides panoramic views and exotic wildlife sightings.
Despite its gritty reputation, Johor Bahru has charming touches of Victorian architecture. One of the best surprises? A magical river cruise that reveals glowing fireflies along the Johor River after dark.
Sabah
Sabah sits at the island’s northern tip and is home to Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak. Even if you’re not an experienced climber, you can hike to the summit at Low’s Peak for breathtaking views. Sabah is also one of the best places to see orangutans—visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or head deep into the jungle for a truly wild encounter.
For divers, the Sipadan Islands are legendary. Known for clear visibility and dramatic drop-offs, these waters teem with marine life and coral walls that are nothing short of spectacular.
Sarawak
To the south of Sabah lies Sarawak, another lush and biodiverse part of Malaysian Borneo. Its capital, Kuching, is a mix of vibrant Chinatown streets, cultural museums, and historic waterfronts. Just outside the city, Bako National Park offers well-marked jungle trails and the chance to spot rare proboscis monkeys.
Kubah National Park is another excellent day trip, ideal for birdwatching and waterfall hikes. Further afield, Gunung Mulu National Park features one of the world’s most elaborate cave systems. You can also visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to watch semi-wild orangutans swing through the trees during feeding time.