Best Time and Places to Visit in Malaysia

You will be surprised to know that Malaysia, situated in Southeast Asia, is home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest! Yes, that’s true. The Taman Negara, which is over 130 million years old, is even older than the Amazon rainforest in South America.

If you are planning to visit Malaysia, you will get a bit of everything: city life, history, adventures, beaches, and amazing food, all packed in one destination. Malaysia is unique because it is a blend of different cultures like Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other natives and tribals.

But when you are planning your trip, do not forget to get international travel insurance from Bajaj General Insurance for a safe journey.

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia is a country near the Equator and has high temperature and humidity throughout the year. The architecture of Malaysia is such that it is split into two different regions and is separated by the South China Sea: West Malaysia or Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

West Malaysia shares its border with Thailand while East Malaysia shares it with Indonesia and Brunei. Understanding the geography of Malaysia will be helpful in planning your trip. Beaches are located on the east and west coasts while the highest peaks can be found in East Malaysia. Mountain ranges, tea plantations, and hill towns are famous in West Malaysia. The best time to visit Malaysia depends on which part of the country you plan to visit.

West Malaysia

If you want to visit this region, the best time is from December - March. During this time, it is less rainy and the weather is dry. It can be a great time to visit beaches, dive in the clear waters and tour the city. The temperature in the region around this time is 24°C to 32°C.

East Malaysia

The story is a little different here. The east coast faces heavy rain from November – February and during this time, most beach resorts are shut completely. So, if you want to enjoy scuba diving or experience snorkelling, the ideal time is March – September. During this time, the temperature is around 26°-30°C.

Malaysia’s tallest peak and the world’s oldest rainforests, found in East Malaysia can be visited year-round but during the monsoon in November-February, there are heavy monsoon rains and it is all wet around. There are national parks in this region and it is better to visit this place in March – September when it is dry to avoid muddy trails.

Highlands

Highlands in Malaysia refers to the mountainous elevated regions that have cooler temperatures and are famous for terraced tea plantations and strawberry farms. You can visit Highlands in West Malaysia during any time of the year as the temperature is always cool due to the high altitude.

Places to Visit in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a mix of modern culture and traditional sites. It is the largest city in Malaysia and is located in West Malaysia.

In Kuala Lumpur, you can visit the Petronas Twin Towers, which are one of the tallest buildings in the world. Then, there are Batu Caves, where you will find a colourful Hindu temple inside limestone caves and a giant golden statue at the entrance. For street food, you can head to Jalan Alor Night Market. Kuala Lumpur is known for shopping; you will find luxury brands in malls and affordable brands in Berjaya Times Square.

Langkawi

It is a group of 99 islands located on the northwest coast of West Malaysia. In Langkawi, there are beautiful beaches with soft white sand and clear blue water. Also, this island is duty-free, so you can get chocolates, perfumes, cosmetics, etc. at a cheaper price compared to the rest of Malaysia. There is also a sky bridge here. A cable car takes you to the top of a peak where you can walk across the bridge and have a thrilling view of the island, rainforest, and Andaman Sea.

Penang

Penang is called the food capital of Malaysia. Food lovers from all over the world visit Penang to try the unique flavours. In Penang, there are heritage mansions and historic Buddhist temples. Also, there is a World Heritage Site in Penang in George Town which is famous for its colonial architecture and temples. There are many colourful murals and street art scattered throughout the city that showcase cultural information to tourists.

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is a hill station where you will find lush green tea estates. There are strawberry and vegetable farms, flower nurseries, and herb gardens in the region. The highland area is surrounded by hills, forests, and waterfalls, perfect for nature trails.

Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)

Borneo is a large island in the region and is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Malaysian part of Borneo is called East Malaysia and is made up of two states: Sabah (north) and Sarawak (west). The region is famous for its wild rainforests, mountains, and wildlife.

Conclusion

Malaysia is a vibrant and diverse country that offers something for every kind of traveller. There are beautiful beaches, modern city life, rainforests, national parks, culinary delights, etc. Malaysia has a unique cultural blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences and it adds another layer of charm and is reflected in its architecture, festivals, and cuisine.

If you are planning to visit Malaysia, get an international travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance for a safe trip.

FAQs

What is the most famous food in Malaysia?

The most famous food in Malaysia is nasi lemak, char kway teow, laksa, roti canai, and street food.

What to pack when I visit Malaysia?

When you are visiting Malaysia, pack light clothes for the hot and humid weather, raincoat, umbrella and jacket for highlands.

Which languages are spoken in Malaysia?

Malay is the official language of the country but most of the people understand English as well.

Is travel insurance mandatory when visiting Malaysia?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but is recommended, as it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.

What are the top places to visit in Malaysia for first-time visitors?

The famous places for first-time visitors are: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Cameron Highlands, and the Perhentian Islands.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.