Malaysia holidays

Best hotels in Malaysia

Malaysia holidays have many different sides to explore, from the most modern of cities to wildlife-packed rainforests and idyllic islands. You can gaze up at Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers, slow down on Langkawi's beaches and eat your way around Penang’s street markets. City buzz, island time and plenty of good food - where do you start?

In Kuala Lumpur, skyscrapers rise above busy markets and colourful neighbourhoods. See the Petronas Twin Towers, browse the shops of Bukit Bintang, or follow the smell of street food through Chinatown. With English widely spoken, it's easy to settle in and start exploring.

Ready to slow things down? Langkawi brings tropical beaches, lush rainforest and clear blue water. Spend the day island-hopping, explore the mangroves or head up to the Langkawi Sky Bridge for views worth getting your camera out for.

Then there's Penang. George Town's colourful streets are filled with murals, temples and places to eat. Its UNESCO-listed centre reflects the island's Malay, Chinese, Indian and colonial influences - and the island's famous hawker food means there's always something else to try.

Three places, three very different moods. The difficult bit? Deciding where in Malaysia you want to see first.

Discover the best destinations to visit in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur
The skyline is one of the first things you'll notice in Kuala Lumpur. The Petronas Twin Towers rise above busy streets, huge shopping malls and neighbourhoods packed with places to eat. You can visit the colourful Batu Caves, browse Chinatown or stay out late among the bright lights of Bukit Bintang.

Come hungry, too. You'll find Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours everywhere, from street food stalls to markets and restaurants. Add easy transport links and plenty to see, and Kuala Lumpur makes a lively start to your Malaysian holiday.

Langkawi
Fancy swapping city streets for sea views? Langkawi is an island escape with sandy beaches, green rainforest and calm, clear water. Pantai Cenang is one of its best-known beaches, with plenty of space for lazy days by the sea.

Away from your sunbed, you can ride the Langkawi SkyCab, walk across the Sky Bridge or take a boat through the mangroves. Island-hopping and snorkelling trips give you even more ways to get out on the water. Or you could just stay on the beach. We won't judge.

Penang
In Penang, a good day can start with street art and end with a plate of char kway teow. George Town's UNESCO-listed centre is full of colourful murals, temples, clan houses and old streets to explore.

Take the funicular up Penang Hill for views across the island or head to Batu Ferringhi for a day by the sea. Then make room for dinner. Hawker centres serve local favourites such as assam laksa and nasi kandar, with plenty of stalls to try as you go.

Popular Malaysia destinations

Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang

22°C - 34°C

Depending on which side of the coast you’re on, Malaysia’s weather varies from the west to the east. Temperatures are high all year round but its tropical, humid climate also causes prolonged periods of rain, known as the monsoon season.

View live forecast

13- 14 hours

As the busiest airport in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has great connections including a high-speed railway which takes you to the city as well as a number of bus services.

Map of Malaysia

Malaysia is best for...

City folk: Kuala Lumpur has a buzz like no other, which is hardly surprising as Malaysia's capital. The iconic Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline, but it's the bustling markets, colourful neighbourhoods and incredible street food that give the city its unmistakable character.

Beach lovers: Whether you're unwinding on the golden sands of Langkawi or soaking up the lively atmosphere of Batu Ferringhi in Penang, Malaysia is made for beach lovers. Think crystal-clear waters, swaying palms and warm sunsets, with plenty of opportunities for watersports, island hopping or simply relaxing by the sea.

Culture vultures: George Town is the cultural heart of Penang, where colourful street art, beautifully preserved heritage buildings and bustling markets sit alongside Chinese temples, mosques and colonial architecture. It's a fascinating place to explore, with every street revealing another piece of Malaysia's rich history and multicultural heritage.

Fast facts for Malaysia

Language: The official language of Malaysia is Malay. However, the country is known for being multilingual so don’t be surprised if you hear locals speaking English, Madarin and Tamil. You should get by speaking in English, but the natives have been known to offer a better service if you attempt to say a few Malay phrases.

Currency: The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit.

Local time: Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+8).

Fly to: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is around 75 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre. Alternatively, Langkawi International Airport, located on the east of Langkawi Island.

Flight time from UK: 13 - 14 hours

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at Malaysia’s official tourism website.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Malaysia safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Malaysia, please visit the FCDO website.

Malaysia weather

You'll be pleased to know that Malaysia is a year-round hot destination, but you do need to keep the monsoon in mind. The most important thing to remember about the weather in Malaysia is that the monsoon season is between November and March. In these months you'll experience lots of rain on the east coast of the peninsula, when many resorts will close.

So, if you want to travel in our winter, your best bet is to choose a western island like Langkawi and Penang. They're perfect all year round but especially nice in January and February, when it's dry and bright with calm seas. You'll find ideal conditions to top up your tan and swim, with up to nine hours of sunshine and temperatures averaging 29°C on land and in the balmy sea.

If you're on the west coast you'll experience a lighter wet season from April to October, but the rain is unlikely to spoil your holiday. You'll have brief, refreshing thunderstorms in the afternoons, with the sunshine never far away.

You'll notice the high humidity in Kuala Lumpur all year round, as it's a constant 80%. The temperature is a steady 28°C and it's driest in July, with most rain falling in November. If it gets too sticky, head to the coast for fresher sea breezes or up into the highlands, where temperatures average a pleasant 22°C.

Being close to the equator, the temperature throughout Malaysia doesn't fluctuate a great deal. It's hot and humid all the time, with the thermometer measuring between 21°C and 32°C. Wear lots of sunscreen and seek shade around midday. Take layers of light, breathable clothing and rainwear. Note that Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, so pack a scarf to cover your head if you want to visit a mosque and wear modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Mosquito repellent will also come in handy.

More hotels in Malaysia

Discover the best destinations to visit in Malaysia

Kota KinabaluBeachy bliss, vibrant street life and night markets

Kuala Lumpur

PenangA vibrant port city with old world charm

Places similar to Malaysia to visit

SingaporeSingapore is a small but prosperous island nation off the southern tip of Malaysia in Southeast Asia. If you’re confused as to whether it’s a city, an island or a country, the answer is, it’s all three. It’s currently the only independent island-city in the world, trumping Hong Kong, which officially remains part of China.

FAQs

What are the best places to visit in Malaysia?

Kuala Lumpur with its Petronas Towers, the beaches and rainforest of Langkawi, and the historic port town of Penang are among the most popular stops for visitors to Malaysia.

What's the best time of year to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia is warm year-round, but the driest weather on the west coast, including Langkawi and Penang, generally falls between December and February.

How long is the flight to Malaysia from the UK?

Direct flights from the UK to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) take around 13 hours.

Do you need a visa for Malaysia?

UK passport holders don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You will need to complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) beforehand though – a short online form due within 72 hours of arrival – so it's worth checking current entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.

Is Malaysia good for combining a beach holiday with sightseeing?

Yes, Malaysia works well for a multi-centre trip, pairing city time in Kuala Lumpur with beach relaxation in Langkawi or Penang, often combined with neighbouring Singapore or Thailand.