Best Time To Visit Malaysia
An overview of Malaysia’s seasons
The best time to visit Malaysia depends on the region you wish to visit. The country is split into three main areas: Peninsular Malaysia West, Peninsular Malaysia East and Borneo. Here are some travel tips for your Malaysia tour, and also a list curated by our experts on the top things to explore in Malaysia.
Malaysia is hot and humid for most of the year, and interspersed with tropical rain showers. The monsoon season on the eastern side of the Peninsula is between November and February, which is at the same time when the west coast experiences sunny and dry weather. Conversely, the wettest months on the west coast are April to October, which are the driest months on the east coast. The months between March and October are the best time to visit Borneo.
Best Time To Visit
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we recommend
- Visit Batu caves, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular tourist destinations. The limestone caves feature Hindu shrines along with depictions of Hindu mythology
- Spend time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, the capital city of Penang Island
- Observe pygmy elephants bathing and drinking in the Kinabatangan River in Sukau, Borneo
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- Explore the bustling bazaars of Kota Kinabalu, known for its vibrant culture and cuisine, and shop for Sabah’s famous pearls
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- Spend time on the pristine beaches of Langkawi
- While in Kuala Lumpur, treat your tastebuds to Malay cuisine at Bukit Bintang
- Explore the islands of Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sapi in Borneo’s Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
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we recommend
- Trek through the Gunung Raya rainforest in Langkawi to spot amazing wildlife
- Visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s tallest buildings until 2004
- Discover traditions of Borneo at the Mari Mari Museum Village, not far from Kota Kinabalu
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we recommend
- Spend time on the beaches of Perhentian Islands, Redang, and Tioman. Sunny days and calm waters, make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving
- Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan, Borneo
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we recommend
- Head to the second longest river in Malaysia, Kinabatangan River, one of two spots in the world where you can witness ten species of wild primates
- Visit Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Borneo, and spot wildlife amid dense tropical rainforests
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we recommend
- Plan a trip to Kuching, Sarawak’s beautiful capital city
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- Go snorkeling or scuba diving off the waters of Redang Island, or simply relax on its white beaches
- Explore the Danum Valley, home to a pristine rainforest that has remained unchanged and untouched for over a million years
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- Discover the world of orangutans on a visit to the Semonggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Kuching
- Trek through the Taman Negara National Park, the largest national peninsular Malaysia with one of the longest rope walkways in the world
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- Visit the beautiful Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations and strawberry farms
- Observe proboscis monkeys at the Labuk Bay Nature Reserve in Sandakan, Borneo
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we recommend
- Take the funicular train ride up to the top of Penang Hill and explore its many historical and religious landmarks
- Join a local host in their home for an authentic Malaysian dinner in Kuala Lumpur
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we recommend
- Visit the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, a tropical paradise, which is among the world’s largest covered bird parks
Best time to visit Malaysia by season
One of the key things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Malaysia is deciding on the time that is right for you. For example, if you want to avoid the rains, then you would need to plan accordingly.
Peninsular Malaysia (west coast) i.e. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara: December to February is ideal, but March to August are also moderately good months to go.
Peninsular Malaysia (east coast) i.e. Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan: Avoid the months of November to February, which experience heavy rainfall.
Sabah, Eastern Borneo: January to May; June to October are also moderately good months to go.
Sarawak, Western Borneo: June to September; March to May are also moderately good months to go.
What to Pack for Malaysia
Since the weather is warm throughout the year in most parts of the country, we recommend that you pack light summer clothes for your tour, e.g. cotton clothing. Don’t forget to carry a hat and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the tropical sun. During the monsoon season you will also need a rainproof jacket. For those going to Sandakan (Sukau/Abai) and/or Lahad Datu (Danum Valley / Tabin), please bring along swimwear, binocular, towels, sun block lotion, personal toiletries, insect repellent, torchlight, hat, leech socks, walking shoes and a raincoat. For Kuching, Mulu, Kota Kinabalu – sunblock lotion,insect repellent, hat, walking shoes. For other regions, pack good walking shoes and comfortable cotton T-shirts with long or short pants.
Popular Trips to Malaysia
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Mesmerizing Singapore and Malaysia
This private Malaysia and Singapore trip offers something for everyone. The verdant rainforests and exotic animals of Borneo appeals to nature and wildlife enthusiasts, vibrant Penang and Kuching satisfies the culture and heritage lover in you, while Langkawi offers crystal clear waters and soft white sands. In Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, uncover a unique blend…
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Highlights of Borneo
Venture into the wild heart of Borneo. Verdant rainforests, exquisite natural wonders and fascinating wildlife await you on this private Malaysia tour. Delve into the culture of the region at Kota Kinabalu. Keep an eye out for orangutans, pygmy elephants and more at Sukau, and marvel at the natural beauty of Danum Valley. You will…
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Highlights of Singapore & Peninsular Malaysia
Combine your Malaysia tour with a delightful Singapore sojourn. With a vibrant melting pot of culture, heritage, cuisine and natural beauty, and unique experiences curated by our destination experts, there are charming surprises awaiting you around every corner. End your private Southeast Asia vacation with some sun and sand at Langkawi’s gorgeous beaches.
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Highlights of Peninsular Malaysia
From the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and the verdant natural paradise that is the Cameron Highlands, to the historic city of Penang and the celebrated beaches of Langkawi, this Malaysia tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful peninsula.
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From the Blog
Best Places To Visit
Things To Do
From the island paradise of Langkawi, Bako National Park in Sarawak and tropical forests of Taman Negara to Southeast Asia’s street food in Kuala Lumpur, discover the top attractions in Malaysia.
Travel Guide
From language and currency to communications, health information and safety, find all that you need to know from our destination experts in our Malaysia travel guide.
Cuisine
From eating seafood in all the coastal regions, including Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi, to street food paradises in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, discover the diversity of Malaysian cuisine.
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
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