Malaysia
The Country Guide
What Malaysia is known for
Malaysia is diversity, food, and nature. A melting pot of cultures and cuisines, the iconic Petronas Towers, rainforest older than the Amazon, and islands with pristine reefs. English is widely spoken and travel is easy and affordable.
The regions
Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is a modern, multicultural hub. Penang is the food capital and a UNESCO heritage city. Langkawi has the beaches and resorts. And Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) offers rainforest, orangutans, and world-class diving at Sipadan.
Sport, adventure & the outdoors
World-class diving at Sipadan, rainforest trekking and wildlife in Borneo, climbing Mount Kinabalu, island-hopping, and golf.
Wellness & recovery
Island spa resorts on Langkawi and rainforest retreats in Borneo pair natural calm with world-class treatments.
When to go
The dry season varies by coast; broadly, December to February and June to August are good. We plan around the monsoon, which shifts between the coasts.
Good to know
Currency. The Malaysian ringgit, about 4.5 to one US dollar. Visa. Most Western passports enter visa-free for short stays (typically up to 90 days). Health. No vaccinations required to enter; standard precautions. Getting around. Domestic flights and private transfers connect the peninsula and Borneo; we handle it.