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MALAYSIA

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Malaysia in a way like no other. One of the most diverse countries in southeast Asia, Malaysia is a land where cultures and religions live in harmony. There are Malays, Indians, Chinese, Hindus, the indigenous Orang Asli and Dayak tribes in Borneo, and each group celebrates their differences through vibrant festivals and cuisine. Malaysia’s history also tells a complex story, and you can find a fusion of Malay, Dutch, British and Portuguese influences in the UNESCO-listed towns of Malacca and George Town. Our Malaysia holidays will take you from sharing lunch with a local family in Kampung Cantik village, to climbing the rainbow staircase to Batu Caves, a mystical shrine in the mountains. Sample local fruits at Chow Kit Market, set beside the gleaming towers of Kuala Lumpur, then drive through the Cameron Highlands' emerald valleys for local tea and scones. From pulsing cities to pristine beaches, and rainforest-clad mountains teeming with wildlife, Malaysia is bound to inspire. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"There is so much to explore in Malaysia, and I'll take you from sharing lunch with a local family in a Kampung Cantik village, to enjoying tea and scones in the emerald valleys of the Cameron Highlands."

 

Travel Director

Malaysia at a

glance

Currency

Malaysian ringgit

Winter avg temp

25°C

Summer avg temp

31°C

Time Zone

GMT +8

Capital City

Kuala Lumpur

Language

Malay

Good Morning

Selamat Pagi

Good evening

Selamat petang

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by Ankush Nath Sehgal
Image by K X I T H V I S U A L S

From pulsing cities to pristine beaches, from the mystical Batu Caves to the emerald valleys of Cameron Highlands, and from powdery beaches to rainforest-clad mountains teeming with wildlife, Malaysia is bound to inspire. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover one of the most diverse countries in Southeast Asia.

Image by Azlan Baharudin
Image by Kanwardeep Kaur

Our top 3 things to do in Malaysia

Our Malaysia holiday packages take in all the incredible sights of Malaysia, from the cultural fusion of Malacca, to the emerald valleys of the Cameron Highlands.

Enjoy the fusion of international influences in Malacca

Our Local Specialists will reveal the blend of Malay, British, Dutch and Portuguese influences behind the UNESCO-listed city of Malacca. It was once a vital trading port, and we’ll take you from the Dutch Square to the top of Malacca Hill, then to Kampung Kuli, where you’ll find traditional crafts.

Visit the Kampung Cantik village

Join a local family for lunch in the village of Kampung Cantik, and take a walk around the village to see the Malacca kampong stilt houses. You’ll discover the friendly culture of the village as you participate in some of their favourite games including silat, an indigenous form of martial arts.

Try local delicacies at Chow Kit Market in Kuala Lumpur

Wander the stalls of Chow Kit Market, the largest wet market in Malaysia. It’s filled with hundreds of shopfronts piled with fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, and there’s also a dry market where you’ll find clothes and crafts. Our Local Specialists will show you how the locals haggle for their fresh produce.

Best museums in Malaysia

We’ll reveal the dynamic history of Malaysia through its museums, from hilltop Buddhist temples, to the arts of the Orang Asli people.

Orang Asli Museum

The aboriginal Orang Asli people of the Malaysian Peninsula are renowned for their handicrafts and wood carving skills. The Orang Asli Museum in Kuala Lumpur displays their arts and crafts, including the famed wooden carved masks and figures by the Mah Meri and Jah Hut tribes.

Kek Lok Si Temple

The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple towers on a hilltop in Penang. You can explore the temple grounds to find the pagoda, the four heavenly kings pavilion, tranquil gardens and the turtle liberation pond. At the top of the hill, you’ll see the giant statue of the Goddess of Mercy.

Perak Cave Temple

One of the most famous temples in Ipoh, Perak Cave Temple was created in 1926 by a Chinese Buddhist couple. You can climb the staircase into the cave to find a golden Buddha statue surrounded by beautifully painted murals. Continue climbing and you’ll discover a viewpoint with panoramic views across the hills of Ipoh.

Best food in Malaysia

The best Malaysia tour packages take in the country’s diverse cuisine, and we’ll show you all the favourites from fiery Rendang to Nasi Goreng.

Nasi Lemak

The beloved national food of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is an aromatic dish of rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf. It’s served with spicy sambal and a variety of sides like eggs, beef, chicken curry, cucumber and fried anchovies. Nasi Lemak is commonly eaten at breakfast, although you’ll find it served all day.

Nasi Goreng

Found all over the country, Nasi Goreng is Malaysia’s answer to fried rice. This traditional rice dish is cooked with onions, shallots, chilli, soy sauce, tamarind, nuts and spices and served with your choice of egg, pork, prawns or crispy fried chicken.

Rendang

Rendang is one of Malaysia's favourite traditional dishes. It’s a fragrant curry served during celebrations and festivals, and the flavours are rich and spicy. Commonly served with beef or chicken, the curry is made from turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir leaves, tamarind and coconut milk.

What to pack for Malaysia

Umbrella

A small travel umbrella will come in handy in Malaysia, from shielding you from the monsoon rains to blocking out the blazing sunshine.

An adaptor plug

In Malaysia the standard voltage is 240 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Comfortable shoes

From climbing Malacca Hill and hiking through forested mountains, to walking the cobbled streets of George Town, you’ll need a reliable pair of walking shoes.

Light modest clothing

Malaysia is hot and humid for most of the year and you’ll need light and loose clothing. It’s also a highly religious country and it’s best to dress modestly with shoulders and thighs covered.

Sunscreen and repellent

Protect yourself from the natural elements of Malaysia with at least SPF 30 sunscreen and a strong DEET insect repellent.

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to Malaysia Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Malaysia and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

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