18 June 2026
In this guide
If you want modern cities, ancient rainforest and a real mix of cultures in one trip, Malaysia is an excellent choice. Its tourism slogan, “Malaysia, Truly Asia”, is well earned. Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous cultures live side by side here, and you feel it in every street. It is a country of contrasts: one day you are walking among some of the tallest towers in the world, the next you are hiking through one of the oldest rainforests on the planet.
One of Malaysia’s great strengths is how straightforward it is. The country is modern, safe and easy to explore, which suits couples and families alike. English is widely spoken, and you will have no trouble making yourself understood. Between the capital’s efficient rail network and short domestic flights to the islands, getting around is smooth and stress-free.
For food lovers, Malaysia is a treat. Its mixed heritage has produced a cuisine you will not find anywhere else: coconut-rich nasi lemak (the national dish), smoky char kway teow, flaky roti canai and all kinds of laksa. Street food is second nature here, especially in the historic towns, where some of the best meals are eaten at a plastic table on the pavement for a few dollars.
Beyond the cities, Malaysia has some of the most beautiful landscapes and beaches in Southeast Asia. Cool highlands, rolling tea plantations and islands ringed by clear water are all within easy reach. You can escape the heat in the misty hills, or snorkel over coral reefs alongside sea turtles.
Malaysia offers travel of a high standard that remains affordable, with excellent hotels and well-kept nature reserves at a fraction of Western prices.
What to see in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur – the modern capital
Most journeys begin in Kuala Lumpur (KL), a dynamic city known for its skyscrapers. Its emblem is the Petronas Twin Towers, especially striking when they light up at night. While in KL, visit the Batu Caves, a limestone hill with a giant golden statue and a colourful 272-step staircase leading up to the cave temples.
Langkawi – the Kedah archipelago
For a tropical beach escape, consider Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands off Malaysia’s north-west coast. It is known for duty-free shopping, white-sand beaches and the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a curved walkway suspended high above the forest canopy. It is the ideal place to hop between islands, enjoy the sea or have dinner by the water at sunset.
George Town (Penang) – food and street art
Penang is celebrated for its culture and its food. Its historic centre, George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its colonial architecture, playful street art and legendary hawker food. Wandering its old streets is like walking through an open-air museum, with something good to eat on every corner.
The Cameron Highlands – the cool of the hills
To escape the tropical heat, head up to the Cameron Highlands. The air is cool, the hills are green and misty, and tea plantations roll across the slopes. You can visit a tea factory, pick strawberries at a nearby farm and spend a quiet afternoon, cup of tea in hand, looking out over the valleys.
Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) – wild Malaysia
For nature lovers, Malaysian Borneo is not to be missed. It is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife in its natural habitat, including endangered orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. It is also home to Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia: a memorable climb for keen hikers.
