malaysia
Malaysia offers a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, reflected in its vibrant food scene, festivals, and architecture. Explore the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the colonial charm of Georgetown, Penang, or the rich traditions of indigenous communities in Borneo. English is widely spoken which makes it easy for Kiwis to navigate and immerse themselves in local culture.
From pristine beaches of Langkawi and Tioman Island to the lush rainforests of Taman Negara and Borneo, Malaysia offers a range of activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Adventure seekers can also climb Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, or dive in Sipadan, one of the world’s top scuba diving spots.
Malaysia is an attractive and easily accessible destination for New Zealand travellers seeking relaxation, great food, adventure, cultural immersion and retail therapy.
Planning a trip to MALAYSIA
Malaysia Airlines flies daily from Auckland. The other main route is via Singapore.
For city life, malls and dozens of Michelin star restaurants, make sure you include several days in Kuala Lumpur.
For beaches – on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, cosmopolitan Penang Island combines beaches and food while Langkawi Island is an ideal high-end honeymoon spot. Tioman Island on the East Coast is known for it’s dive sites and tropical rainforests. Sipadan Island off the east coast of Borneo (East Malaysia) is undoubtedly Malaysia’s best dive spot.
For off the beaten track immersive cultural experience Borneo has traditional tribal villages deep within the rain forest.
Malaysia has so much more to experience than a short Kuala Lumpur stopover on the way to somewhere else!
Get in touch to discuss options.
MALAYSIA weather
Malaysia has a tropical climate all year with two distinct monsoon seasons. Temperatures remain steady in the low 30’s during the day and low to mid 20’s during the night.
The Southwest Monsoon season is roughly May to September, bringing downpours to the peninsular’s western side including Penang and Langkawi. The best months to visit these islands is between November and March when it is mostly dry and sunny.
The Northeast Monsoon season from November to March brings heavy rains to the eastern side of the peninsular and Borneo, although it can rain almost any day of the year in Borneo.
Kuala Lumpur’s driest months are July and August but it can also rain anytime.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide only based on previous years and can change at any time.
MALAYSIA Destinations
Beach breaks
penang
The melting pot of Indian and Malay cultures makes Penang a foodie’s paradise with plenty of Michelin star restaurants in the colonial streets of George Town. About 20 mintues from Georgetown is Batu Ferringhi, the beach destination here. George Town is also worth considering staying at for it’s architectural streets and treasures, shopping and restaurants.
Explore George Town
The first English settlement in South East Asia and named in honour of King George III. There’s plenty of history here and some amazing street art.
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
A night market stretching the length of the beach selling street food, clothing and souveniers.
Michelin Star Restaurants
Enjoy evenings out in some of the top restaurants in Malaysia
Batu Ferringhi Beach
If you’re after convenience stay on the beach near the night market.
Georgetown
A mix of old colonial style hotels and modern high rises are on offer.
LANGKAWI
Langkawi is an island close to the border of Thailand. Famous for its serenity, pristine beaches, clear water and lush rainforests.
Cenang Beach is the island’s hub for nightlife and water sports, while Datai Bay provides the most luxurious escape.
Relax and enjoy your resort.
Take a good book to read and really spend some time unwinding.
Day Trips to Other Islands.
Take a jetski trip to discover the highlights of the Langkawi Archipelago. or go island hopping on a boat tour.
Langkawi Sky Bridge
The world’s longest curved suspension bridge, measuring 125metres. Walk across the ravine above the jungle for fantastic views.
Undoubtedly The Datai Langkawi is the top resort, followed by Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Berjaya Langkawi Resort has overwater bungalows. The relaxed Casa Del Mar on Cenang Beach is the top pick on the beach.
Wild Borneo
east malaysia - borneo
Borneo is the 3rd largest island in the world, shared with Indonesia (Kalimantan) and Brunei.
Outside the cities which aren’t particularly exciting, East Malaysia is the place to go for incredible wildlife experiences – Malaysia’s highest mountain to climb, rivers and jungles to explore, tribal longhouses to stay and remote diving spots, it’s an adventurers dream.
Climb Mount Kinabalu
Malaysia’s highest peak at 4095 metres. The journey takes a minimum of 2 days and 1 night. For context, Aoraki / Mt Cook, New Zealands tallest mountain is slightly shorter at 3724 metres.
Kinabatangan River
Venture by boat along Kinabatangan River for a chance to see rare wildlife like pygmy elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and orangutans.
Sipadan Island
Dive at the remote Sipadan Island, a world-famous diving paradise with turtles, sharks and coral reefs to explore.
Visit Jungle Tribes
Visit or stay with the indigenous tribes and experience their traditional longhouses and way of life. This is the place of the original headhunters!
Expect to be roughing it in East Malaysia, except if you’re staying in the cities.
Sipadan and nearby islands have overwater bungalow and resorts of varying standards.
The Capital City
KUALA LUMPUR
The capital city of Malaysia, population of 2 million, is a modern city full of skyscrapers, shopping malls and traditional markets, restaurants and world famous street food.
Getting from the airport is easy by high speed train. A few days here is enough to see the highlights.
Street Food
Jalan Alor has over 200 sellers of Malay, Chinese, Indian cuisine.
Petronas Twin Towers
The world’s tallest twin towers. There’s an observation deck or just admire from afar.
Shopping
For convenient, the downtown area of Kuala Lumpur and ideally nearby an MRT station.
Compared to other cities like Singapore, high-end hotels are good value. Most are modern high-rise style hotels. Many of the international chains have hotels here.
