Besides Kuala Lumpur, other popular destinations include Melaka, Penang, the Cameron Islands and the Taman Negara rainforest. Embark on a driving expedition of the country’s many famous temples. Thanks to the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Portuguese influences throughout the country the architecture varies widely making Malaysia’s towns and cities colourful examples of the changing attitudes and beliefs of its people throughout history.
Find out more about driving in Malaysia. You may also like to view our destinations in Malaysia.
Malaysia Tourist Board: The official website for the Malaysian Tourist Board – a useful resource for planning your trip to Malaysia.
Know Before You Go: Travel advice from the FCO for Malaysia.
Explore and Experience Malaysia!
The Perhentian Islands located just off the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsular are home to some stunning beaches and offer great snorkeling opportunities.
Taman Negara is Malaysia’s premier national park as well as one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Take to the tree tops with a canopy walk or spot wildlife from the ground on one of the many popular hiking trails.
Buy some local crafts at Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from batik and songket (brocade) to rattan baskets and labu, a gourd-shaped ceramic jug.
Visit George Town on the island of Penang. This bustling Chinese-dominated haven is bursting with elaborate temples, colonial-era mansions and beaches galore.
Across the sea from the Peninsula lie the east Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. Book a boat trip to explore this fascinating part of Malaysia.
Visitors to Sarawak head straight to Kuching, the old colonial capital. After, be sure to visit the Iban longhouses of the Batang Ai river system.
In the north, Gunung Mulu National Park is the principal destination; many come here to climb up to view its extraordinary razor-sharp limestone Pinnacles, and spot the odd looking Proboscis Monkey and orang-utans.
Cultural Celebrations in Malaysia!
Thaipusam is the most spectacular Hindu festival in Malaysia marking the day when Lord Shiva’s son, Murugan, was given a lance to vanquish three demons. Participants subject themselves to a wide range of unbelievable body piercings including the striking Vel Kavadi. These are ornately and elaborately decorated cages of spikes that pierce the skin of the carrier. Covered in peacock feathers, flowers and pictures of deities these are hard to miss and a sight to behold. (January)
Rainforest World Music Festival is held in the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village. It celebrates the diversity of world music, while at the same time highlighting the use of traditional acoustic instruments. This 3-day festival is fast becoming the largest musical event in Malaysia. (July)
Hungry Ghost Festival is observed by the Chinese and best experienced in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. The festival commemorates the opening of hell's gates for the spirits from the lower realm to roam freely for a month. Things to note during the festival are the larger than life papier-mache figures and performances of Chinese opera and Ko-Tai (energetic singing and dancing with performers in glittering costumes). (July)
Tipping etiquette in Malaysia!
Tipping generally isn’t expected in Malaysia, however it won’t be refused if offered.
A 10% service charge is normally included in a bill however it is worthwhile to check this as locals also tend to round up the amount and leave the change. If you received good service, a 5%-10% tip is sufficient. It is not required or expected to tip taxi drivers. If a member of hotel staff has given you good service, a tip in the region RM 2- 10 tip is adequate.
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