Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Malaysia travel guide

Malaysia Tourism | Malaysia Guide

You're Going to Love Malaysia

From bustling cities to lush nature, a trip to Malaysia is a mix of delicious food, rainforests and wildlife, as well as islands that will take your breath away.

Article

What to do in Malaysia

1. Visit Kuala Lumpur

From trying Malaysia street food at Jalan Alor to visiting the famous Petronas Towers and the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur will fascinate you with its cultural mix.

2. Visit Georgetown

Georgetown is a multicultural hub located in Penang. Visit Buddhist and Chinese temples, relax in the Penang Botanic Gardens, or head to the Penang Hill for a special view.

3. Marvel at Tea Plantations

Head to the Cameron Highlands where you can admire tea plantations and visit tea factories to learn the making process.

4. Hike in Mount Kinabalu National Park

Active travelers will love discovering this national park, which offers panoramic views. If you want to take it easy, visit the Botanical Garden instead.

5. Go Diving and Snorkeling at the Perhentian Islands

A trip to the Perhentian archipelago is a must for any deep-sea lovers. Go snorkeling or swim with giant turtles. Relax at the beaches.

1. Visit Kuala Lumpur

From trying Malaysia street food at Jalan Alor to visiting the famous Petronas Towers and the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur will fascinate you with its cultural mix.

2. Visit Georgetown

Georgetown is a multicultural hub located in Penang. Visit Buddhist and Chinese temples, relax in the Penang Botanic Gardens, or head to the Penang Hill for a special view.

3. Marvel at Tea Plantations

Head to the Cameron Highlands where you can admire tea plantations and visit tea factories to learn the making process.

4. Hike in Mount Kinabalu National Park

Active travelers will love discovering this national park, which offers panoramic views. If you want to take it easy, visit the Botanical Garden instead.

5. Go Diving and Snorkeling at the Perhentian Islands

A trip to the Perhentian archipelago is a must for any deep-sea lovers. Go snorkeling or swim with giant turtles. Relax at the beaches.

When to visit Malaysia

Malaysia in March
Estimated hotel price
AED 379
1 night at 3-star hotel
Malaysia in March
Estimated hotel price
AED 379
1 night at 3-star hotel

Malaysia is hit by two monsoons throughout the year. In the south, this happens from May to September, and October to March in the north. Keep this in mind when booking your trip to Malaysia and avoid monsoon season.

How to Get to Malaysia

Entry Requirements

Nationals of most countries can enter Malaysia with an entry permit stamp given on arrival for stays ranging from 14-90 days. Israeli citizens need to hold a letter of approval from the Malaysian Ministry for admission.

Plane

Malaysia is well-connected through flights and its national airline, Malaysian Airlines, flies to 150 countries. Low-cost airline AirAsia offers cheaper flights to and from a range of countries throughout Asia and Oceania.

Train

International Express trains are available from Thailand, connecting Bangkok with Padang Besar, and operated by Thai rail company State Railway of Thailand. It is also possible to arrive by train from Singapore with the Shuttle Tebrau line.

Car

It is possible to drive into Malaysia from all 4 bordering countries, with crossings available from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

Bus

Direct bus connections are available from Singapore with a large number of services available, as well as Thailand and Indonesia. There are no direct connections to Brunei, but trips from the border are possible.

Boat

Ferries are available daily from various points in Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, and a more limited amount of ferries are available from the Philippines, linking the Zamboanga Peninsula to Sandakan.

Entry Requirements

Nationals of most countries can enter Malaysia with an entry permit stamp given on arrival for stays ranging from 14-90 days. Israeli citizens need to hold a letter of approval from the Malaysian Ministry for admission.

Plane

Malaysia is well-connected through flights and its national airline, Malaysian Airlines, flies to 150 countries. Low-cost airline AirAsia offers cheaper flights to and from a range of countries throughout Asia and Oceania.

Train

International Express trains are available from Thailand, connecting Bangkok with Padang Besar, and operated by Thai rail company State Railway of Thailand. It is also possible to arrive by train from Singapore with the Shuttle Tebrau line.

Car

It is possible to drive into Malaysia from all 4 bordering countries, with crossings available from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

Bus

Direct bus connections are available from Singapore with a large number of services available, as well as Thailand and Indonesia. There are no direct connections to Brunei, but trips from the border are possible.

Boat

Ferries are available daily from various points in Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, and a more limited amount of ferries are available from the Philippines, linking the Zamboanga Peninsula to Sandakan.

Popular airports in Malaysia

IPHIpoh
BKIKota Kinabalu
BTUBintulu
KULKuala Lumpur Intl
AORAlor Setar
JHBJohor Bahru Sultan Ismail Intl
SBWSibu
MYYMiri
KCHKuching
LGKLangkawi
TWUTawau
TGGKuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmood
KUAKuantan
PENPenang Intl
SZBKuala Lumpur Subang
KBRKota Bharu Pengkalan Chepa
SDKSandakan
LDULahad Datu
MKZMalacca Batu Berendum
LBULabuan
Show more

Popular airlines serving Malaysia

Lufthansa
Good (7,409 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,386 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,367 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,961 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,737 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,966 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,925 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,925 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,339 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,622 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,157 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,486 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,251 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,897 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,324 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (998 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,367 reviews)
TAP Portugal
Good (1,977 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Malaysia

Where to stay in Malaysia

Mid-range hotels are available throughout the country and are one of the most popular options for accommodation. If you are on a budget, hostels and apartment rentals are available in all touristy areas. For a bit of a splurge, you will find 5-star hotels in all the big cities.

Where to stay in popular areas of Malaysia

Most booked hotels in Malaysia

See all
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
AED 301+
View
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
AED 440+
View
Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
AED 297+
View
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
AED 676+
View
Hotel Sixty3
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
AED 168+
View
The Magellan Sutera Resort
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
AED 463+
View

How to Get Around Malaysia

Public Transportation

A small metro system and 3 lines of monorail are available in Kuala Lumpur, but for the most part, the country functions on trains and buses, the latter being the cheapest travel option.

Trains

KTMB operates long distance trains throughout the country except for the areas of Sabah in Borneo. Electric trains service the northern part of the country, while the south still runs on diesel trains for the most part.

Bus

Buses are the most popular mode of transport as they can get you anywhere around the country. The two main bus companies are Transnasional and NICE/Plusliner.

Car

Malaysia has an excellent network of roads and highways, which makes driving easier than in other Asian countries. If you are planning to rent a car, please note that you will be driving on the left side of the road.

Plane

A large number of flights connect the country through AirAsia, Malaysian Airlines and Firefly. Some regional airlines offer flights on specific routes, such as Berjaya Air, which flies to resort islands.

Public Transportation

A small metro system and 3 lines of monorail are available in Kuala Lumpur, but for the most part, the country functions on trains and buses, the latter being the cheapest travel option.

Trains

KTMB operates long distance trains throughout the country except for the areas of Sabah in Borneo. Electric trains service the northern part of the country, while the south still runs on diesel trains for the most part.

Bus

Buses are the most popular mode of transport as they can get you anywhere around the country. The two main bus companies are Transnasional and NICE/Plusliner.

Car

Malaysia has an excellent network of roads and highways, which makes driving easier than in other Asian countries. If you are planning to rent a car, please note that you will be driving on the left side of the road.

Plane

A large number of flights connect the country through AirAsia, Malaysian Airlines and Firefly. Some regional airlines offer flights on specific routes, such as Berjaya Air, which flies to resort islands.

Best car hire deals in Malaysia

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

AED 70/day

Economy

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

AED 230/day

Intermediate
Find car hire in Malaysia

The Cost of Living in Malaysia

The cost of everyday living in Malaysia is relatively inexpensive, with a cheap meal costing as little as 10 MYR (2.50 USD), a sit down meal for 2 costing around 60 MYR (15 USD), transportation starting at 3 MYR (0.75 USD) for a one-way trip, and groceries costing around 150 MYR (35 USD) per week. Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is best for small transactions.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Malaysia

Malaysia Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Malaysia country guide for the best Malaysia travel tips. To help you organise your Malaysia trip ideas, this Malaysia visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do and more.