Malaysia

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Malaysia

Malaysia is a destination full of surprises. A bustling melting pot of traditions and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups influence its rich and vibrant culture.

Malaysia is formed by the 11 states and 2 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) of Peninsular Malaysia , East Malaysia which includes the 2 states (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.

A land of colour and contrasts, towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts and five-star hotels sit just metres away from ancient reefs, while the multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of vibrant festivals.

Boasting some of the world’s oldest rainforests and incredible wildlife in the Borneo jungles, Malaysia is famed for its beautiful Orang Utans which can be viewed from tree top walkways in a magical rainforest lodge. Divers will want to head straight to the infamous Sipadan-Kapalai and explore opportunities to to spot Parrot fish, swarms of Barracudas, and turtles grazing. For a little Robinson Crusoe adventure, the 99 exquisite islands of the Langkawi archipelago are best explored by private boat to reach the more remote and uninhabited islands.

From big cities, tranquil beaches, and astonishing wildlife in the Borneo jungles, to the rugged mountains and their cool highland hideaways, rich, humid mangroves and indigenous tribal cultures, not forgetting its celebrated cuisine, Malaysia combines Asia’s best attributes and packages them up for journey like no other.

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Quick Facts

Capital
Kuala Lumpur

Population
31 million (UN, 2012)

Area
329,847 sq km (127,355 sq miles)

Major Languages
Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam

Major religion
Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism

Monetary Unit
Ringgit

Flight time from London
13 hours

Time Difference
GMT + 8

When to go
Malaysia experiences tropical weather year round with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF) on the coast and higher elevations far colder with temperatures between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall in the country varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Langkawi’s coast is tropical with temperatures starting from roughly 23°C early in the year to 34°C nearing the end of the year. Rains are expected from April to October so the best time of year to visit Langkawi is between November and March.

Borneo is also hot and humid with rain expected year round and temperatures in the 20s and early 30s on the coast while in the mountains cooler temperatures can be expected with Mount Kinabalu dropping to freezing overnight.

Kuala Lumpur is similarly tropical with warm and humid days circa 27°C and cooler evenings. The heaviest rains can be expected between March to April and September to November.

With year temperatures invariably hovering above 27°C, the best weather in the east of Malaysia is between March and September but afternoon showers can be expected at any time of year.

The west coast of Malaysia sees a temperature range of between 20°C – 35°C with warm days and cool nights. Rainfall can be expected year round, generally in short sharp bursts which last an hour or two but the wettest months are September to November, subject to the prevailing monsoon winds.

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High Season
Mid Season
Shoulder Season

Highlights

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur or KL is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a unique blend of cultures that results in a truly unique capital. The city’s PETRONAS Twin Towers, soar 452 metres above street level and are 88 stories tall. This mega structure stands majestically over KL, presenting a view of the icon from almost every corner of the city. Just beneath the Twin Towers are Malaysia’s best shopping hot-spots.

Travellers with a penchant for Broadway-like theatres will find KL’s talented acting community brings impressive shows and performances from the traditional to the satirical. Revellers will find KL’s vibrant night scenes perfect to satiate their appetite for the most happening places to party.

For those who yearn to experience the traditional old world appeal of Malaysia’s culture and values, the old streets of KL with its captivating day-to-day activities and aromatic smells will charm its visitors.

Langkawi

Made up of 99 delightful islands on Malaysia’s west coast, the archipelago of Langkawi is positioned within turquoise waters, the heart of the main island, Pulau Langkawi, a muddle of pretty paddy fields and forest-clad hills. It is here you’ll find a majority of the region’s luxury hotels as well as spectacular wildlife. Fringed by talcum powder beaches and gently rocking palm trees, Langkawi is particularly well known for its fantastic scuba diving opportunities.

Home to mangrove swamps and theatrical limestone cliffs, the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is teeming with macaques, fish eagles, otters, tree crabs and monitor lizards. Caves play host to large bat colonies as well as impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

For those who enjoy an active outdoor life style, the island’s emerald rainforests are ideal for trekking. If you have a head for heights, a cable car will take you to the island’s peak, with the famous Sky Bridge presenting panoramic vistas over the island, sea and on occasion all the way to the coast of Thailand.

With a varied climate throughout Malaysia, in Langkawi, the best of the weather can be enjoyed between November and April.

Borneo

Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sarawak and Sabah are the first and second largest of Malaysia’s thirteen states, sharing the island with Brunei and Indonesian Kalimantan.

Once described by David Attenborough as one earth’s ‘richest treasure-houses’, the island boasts magnificent rainforests and rugged mountains combined with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna.

With an estimated 222 mammal species, 420 bird species, 100 amphibian species, 394 fish species, and 15,000 plant species, Borneo is a naturalists Mecca. Notorious for its orangutans Borneo, is home to at least 12 other primates species including two gibbon species, five langurs, two macaques, the tarsier, the slow loris, and the endangered proboscis monkey. In the northeast corner of the Heart of Borneo the eastern Sumatran rhinoceros, the most critically endangered rhino species in the world, can be found. The area is also home to the Borneo pygmy elephant.

Access to such wildlife is made possible through a stay in the magical rainforest where awe-inspiring treks or laid back boat trips wind through the trees, allowing one to capture this unspoilt paradise in its purest form.

Of course it is not just the wildlife that attracts visitors to Borneo, its culture is richer than most and with indigenous tribes, still living in their longhouse settlements, guests are invited to discover and on occasion even witness traditional ceremonies and customs which have been practised for thousands of years.

Borneo is also home to fantastic beaches and marine life, ideal for relaxation following an inland adventure or exploring the magical coral reefs, teeming with a wealth of underwater riches.

Tropical showers cool the land with heavier rainfalls during the monsoon months from November to March.