Photo: The Datai Langkawi 
malaysia
Malaysia combines ancient rainforest, excellent beaches and some of Asia’s most varied food. Langkawi’s resorts sit in jungle beside the Andaman Sea, while Penang’s George Town is a UNESCO-listed mix of shophouses, temples and street art.
In Borneo, Sabah offers orangutans, proboscis monkeys and Mount Kinabalu, with island resorts just off the coast.
Kuala Lumpur is a great start or end to the trip, and Malaysia pairs easily with Singapore.
where to go
A modern skyline, colonial buildings and brilliant food.
George Town's heritage streets and hawker stalls.
Rainforest, mangroves and quiet beaches.
Cool tea plantations in the hills.
Orangutans, rainforest and Mount Kinabalu.
Clear water and coral reefs around Tioman and Redang.
when to go
The coasts have different seasons, so there's always somewhere in good weather.
November to April
The best time for Langkawi and Penang.
April to September
Calm seas on the east coast islands, which mostly close from November to February.
March to October
Drier weather for wildlife and walking in Sabah.
where to stay
Photo: The Datai Langkawi Pavilions on a long beach with limestone views.
Ask us about this hotel
Sabah Photo: YTL Hotels Ipoh
Villas among limestone cliffs and natural hot springs.
Ask us about this hotelLooking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Malaysia, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
See orangutans in the wild and at rehabilitation centres in Sabah.
Explore the mangrove forest by boat with a naturalist.
Discover heritage shophouses, clan temples and street food.
Walk through tea estates in the cool Cameron Highlands.
Look for proboscis monkeys and hornbills at dusk.
Snorkel the reefs around Langkawi or the east coast islands.
November to April for the west coast, April to September for the east coast, and March to October for Borneo.
Very. The rainforest resorts, wildlife and beaches are ideal for children.
Yes, in Sabah on Borneo, both in the wild and at rehabilitation centres.
Please speak to your GP or a travel clinic before you travel, and check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest advice.
Singapore is a short hop, and it also pairs well with Thailand or Indonesia.
pair it with
A Himalayan kingdom of monasteries, prayer flags and mountain valleys, with a handful of exceptional lodges.
Explore
Angkor's temples at sunrise, Phnom Penh's markets and a quiet stretch of coast and islands.
Explore
The Great Wall, Beijing, Shanghai and the karst landscapes of Yangshuo, best with an expert guide.
Exploreget in touch
Tell us your dates and we'll pick the right coast and rainforest for you.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
