Most Malaysia holidays involve some time in Kuala Lumpur. Whether you’re planning to stay in the capital for a week or just a couple of days, this vibrant city has plenty to offer. Old-meets-new Kuala Lumpur – also known as KL – is a hybrid of tradition and modernity, home to glitzy skyscrapers, colonial architecture and spice-scented markets.

As you explore the labyrinthine streets, you’ll feel like you’re taking a tour of the world. Browse the colourful shops of Little India, feast on flavour-filled dishes in Chinatown, and marvel at the Moorish architecture in Merdeka Square. From the ancient Batu Caves to the scenic Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur is crammed with must-see sights.

And soaring above them all – serving as a constant reminder that KL is an ultra-modern city – there are the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. No trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without walking across the towers’ Skybridge, where you’ll have panoramic views over the city below.

If you want to enjoy some beach time on your Malaysia trip, make your way to Langkawi or Penang. Anchored off the west coast of mainland Malaysia, north of Kuala Lumpur, these two islands are home to their own unique attractions, but both have sandy swathes and turquoise waters.

Much-loved for its white-sand bays, Penang is an idyllic spot for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. But, if you’d like to keep active, you can also try your hand at watersports, or hike along a canopy walkway through the trees of Penang National Park. For a side of culture, spend a day strolling around the island’s capital, George Town. Here, you can see striking shrines, visit a historical fort, and watch monkeys play in the Botanical Gardens.

Or you could head further north to Langkawi. Fringed by powdery sands, this archipelago – and its eponymous main island – has some truly lovely beaches. But that’s not the only attraction. In the heart of Langkawi, you’ll find lush rainforests and Malaysia’s oldest mountain range. The island’s natural wonders are so special, in fact, that it was named Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

The world’s third-largest island, Borneo is shared between three countries – Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. And Malaysian Borneo is a nature-lover’s dream.

If you’ve ever wanted to traverse tropical jungles and see gentle orangutans, Borneo is a must-do on your Malaysia holiday. You can go on guided walks through the world’s oldest rainforest, where you’ll be able to see a variety of exotic birds, wild monkeys and stunning butterflies. You can swim beneath waterfalls and climb to the top of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. And you’ll be able to see Borneo’s iconic orangutans.

When you fancy some downtime, Borneo has that covered, too. Sail to one of the islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where you can spend your days snorkelling among rich corals and unwinding on picture-perfect beaches. Whether you’re looking for a luxury getaway or an action-packed Borneo tour, our experts will help you choose the right option for you.

As you’d expect from a jungle-clad country, Malaysia has a tropical climate. Temperatures vary, but it’s usually between 28°C and 35°C. You can expect hot, humid days, and the afternoons are often interspersed with rain showers. So, even if you plan your visit to Malaysia during the dry season, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight waterproof.

The best time for your Malaysia holiday depends on whereabouts you’d like to go. On the mainland, Kuala Lumpur is driest between May to August, when temperatures average 32°C. At the other end of the spectrum, March and April are the wettest months in the capital, so you may wish to avoid going at this time of year.

By contrast, Penang and Langkawi see dry, sunny days between December and March. And, over in Borneo, Sabah’s dry season runs from March to September, with March, April and May being the driest months.

Visa: British passport holders do not need a visa for trips lasting 90 days or less
Language: Malay
Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Time difference: GMT +8 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight to Kuala Lumpur takes just under 13 hours
Capital city: Kuala Lumpur