From palm-fringed beaches and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and bustling night markets, Malaysia offers incredible diversity. There’s plenty of history and culture to discover, as well as some of the best local cuisine in Asia.

Things to do

For wildlife lovers, Malaysia offers extraordinary biodiversity. Kuching is one of the best places to get up close with orangutans, while hundreds of wild proboscis monkeys can be seen swinging through the trees in the mangrove forests of Borneo.

From the kaleidoscopic corals of Sipadan to the cruising whale sharks of Lankayan Island, Malaysia boasts some of the top diving destinations on the planet. If you prefer to soak in the sunshine on a picture-perfect beach, you’ll love island gems such as Tioman, Langkawi and the Perhentians.

Malaysia will tantalise your palette with some of the best cuisines in Asia. Save your appetite for local favourites like nasi lemak, roti canai and curry laksa. For dessert, dig into a plate of mango sticky rice. If you prefer fine dining, Kuala Lumpur is known for its chef-driven restaurants, stylish bistros and sleek cocktail bars.

If you’re a history buff, don’t miss history-soaked destinations such as George Town and Melaka, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll love wandering along the cobbled streets and peering into charming colonial shophouses.

On par with Singapore and Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur is one of the premier shopping destinations in Asia. There are dozens of luxury malls to get lost in, including the dazzling Suria KLCC centre at the foot of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Bargain hunters can make a beeline for the night markets along Petaling Street.

Getting around

One of the biggest transport hubs in the world, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) offers flights to destinations across the globe. Kuala Lumpur features an easy-to-navigate public transport system, as well as taxis and rideshare services. In Peninsular Malaysia, long-distance buses and minivans are a convenient way to get from A to B. Ferries are the most common way to reach the islands.