Malaysia
A country split between the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo. Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures overlap inside a single street, and rainforest and coral reef sit half a day apart.
Landmarks
City towers and beaches, then the mountains and caves of Borneo.
- Twin towersPetronas Twin TowersKuala Lumpur
Two 452m towers joined by a skybridge on the 41st floor. The pond in KLCC Park frames the whole thing after dark.
- Limestone cave templeBatu CavesNorth of Kuala Lumpur
A Hindu shrine sits above 272 rainbow-painted steps. Monkeys are everywhere, so avoid carrying food up.
- The highest peak in BorneoMount Kinabalu, 4,095mSabah, Borneo
Daily climbing numbers are capped, so permits and mountain huts need booking months ahead.
- A diving pilgrimageSipadan IslandEast coast of Sabah
Turtles and barracuda pass along a vertical wall. Daily entry permits are limited and arranged through resorts in advance.
- A bridge on a ridgeLangkawi Sky BridgeLangkawi
A cable car climbs to a 700m ridge where a curved walkway looks out over the Andaman Sea. It closes in strong wind.
- Street of the strait tradersJonker StreetMelaka
A Peranakan shophouse row left largely intact. A night market fills it on weekend evenings.
World Heritage
Two trading cities, two rainforests, and a prehistoric valley.
- Melaka and George TownHistoric Straits citiesMelaka and Penang
Portuguese, Dutch and British buildings stand among Peranakan houses. The two cities are inscribed together as one site.
- Gunung Mulu National ParkAmong the largest caves anywhereSarawak, Borneo
Millions of bats stream out of Deer Cave at dusk. The park is reached only by air.
- Kinabalu ParkA treasury of alpine plantsSabah, Borneo
The elevation range packs rainforest through alpine scrub onto one mountain. Rafflesia blooms in parts of the park.
- Lenggong ValleyPalaeolithic sitePerak
One of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia was found here. The museum is the way in.
Where to go
The peninsula and Borneo are more than two hours apart by plane.
- Kuala LumpurThe capitalWestern peninsula
Towers, markets and night hawker streets in one city. Most trips begin here.
- PenangThe island you eat your way throughNorthwest peninsula
George Town is known for lane murals and street food. Hawker centres fill up every evening.
- Kota KinabaluGateway to BorneoSabah
Direct flights arrive from Korea. Sunsets, island hopping and the Kinabalu climb all start here.
- LangkawiThe duty-free islandAndaman Sea
Beaches and mangrove tours, with duty-free alcohol and tobacco. Reached by ferry or plane.
- Cameron HighlandsTea plantations on a plateauPahang, inland
At 1,500m people come up to escape the heat. Tea and strawberry fields run one into the next.
- MelakaThe old port townSouthwest peninsula
Two hours by bus from Kuala Lumpur. Many people visit as a day trip.
When to go
Hot all year, with a wet season that depends on which coast you are on.
- West coast dry seasonDecember to FebruaryKuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi
Little rain and calm seas. It is peak season, so rooms cost more.
- East coast monsoonNovember to FebruaryPerhentian, Tioman, Redang
The monsoon shuts island resorts and ferry services outright. Do not plan east-coast islands in this window.
- BorneoMarch to September is safestSabah and Sarawak
Drier weather suits climbing and diving. October to February sees frequent rain.
- HazeOccasional, June to SeptemberWestern peninsula
Regional fires turn the sky grey in some years. Check air quality readings if you have a respiratory condition.
- RamadanDates shift each yearNationwide
Some restaurants close during the day and Ramadan markets open near sunset. It rarely disrupts a trip.
Before you go
Islam is the state religion, but this is a multi-faith society and the feel changes by region.
- EntryVisa-free short stays, digital arrival cardNationwide
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. An online arrival card is required before you land, so check the current rules before leaving.
- Re-entry check for BorneoSabah and Sarawak stamp separatelyBorneo
Flying from the peninsula to Borneo means passport control again even on a domestic flight. Carry your passport.
- MoneyRinggit, with cards and QR payment commonNationwide
Cards work well in cities, but hawker centres and markets are cash. Keep small notes.
- DressCover shoulders and knees at places of worshipMosques and temples
Many mosques lend robes at the entrance. Everyday streets are relaxed.
- Getting aroundDrives on the left; ride-hailing is easiestNationwide
In cities ride-hailing costs less than taxis and avoids fare disputes. Between cities, buses and domestic flights are frequent.
- LanguageMalay, with widely spoken EnglishNationwide
Signs and notices often carry English alongside. Chinese and Tamil are also spoken in cities.
- Emergency number999Nationwide
One number reaches police, ambulance and fire. From a mobile, 112 also works.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.