Malaysia holidays

Crowned by the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur is a capital city where ancient traditions meet modernity. Alongside mega-shops and luxury hotels, find historic mosques and temples like the nearby Batu Caves, with its ornate Hindu shrines. On Penang Island, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its historic buildings that range from British Colonial to ancient Chinese.

This tropical nation has some of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests on Earth. Take a two-day guided hike through Taman Negara, one of the few remaining Malayan tiger habitats. Or visit Borneo’s Rainforest Discovery Centre and stroll its treetop walkway. With orangutans and some of the world’s largest flowers and tallest tropical trees, this wildlife haven is among the best things to see in Malaysia.

It’s hard to miss the Petronas Twin Towers. At 452 metres, they’re the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. Once you’ve soaked up the views from the observation deck, take a quick trip from the capital to Batu Caves, rich with geological and spiritual treasures. In Penang, check out the elegant Blue Mansion, once home to a wealthy Chinese businessman with a fascinating rags-to-riches story.

Some of the best beaches in Malaysia are on the postcard-perfect island of Langkawi. Pantai Cenang steals the show with stunning sunsets and buzzing parties, while quieter Pantai Pasir Tengkorak has pillowy sands surrounded by monkey-filled jungles. For scuba diving, head to Redang Island. Dive among green turtles and giant stingrays in a protected marine park, then relax on the crescent-shaped Teluk Dalam Beach.

Malaysia’s landscapes range from Borneo’s misty cloud forests to Cameron Highlands’ rolling tea plantations. Marvel at impressive rock features at Sarawak’s Deer Cave or prehistoric paintings at Niah Caves. Adrenaline junkies should take a guided hike of Mount Kinabalu, a soaring peak with panoramic views across Borneo. For a quick nature escape from Kuala Lumpur, check out Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi’s colourful birdlife and walking trails.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic art, spanning over a millennium. Also in Kuala Lumpur, the ‘Muzium Negara’ (National Museum) tells the story of Malaysia’s history. Get acquainted with native wildlife and Indigenous culture at the Sarawak Museum. Or discover plant specimens and Malaysian handicrafts at the Perak Museum, famed for its late-19th-century architecture.

Rice dishes are at the heart of Malaysian cuisine. Try ‘nasi kandar’, steamed rice with aromatic curry, or ‘nasi lemak’, coconut rice typically served with cucumber, anchovies and sambal chilli paste. Another favourite is ‘laksa’, spiced coconut noodle soup found in Penang and Sarawak. The restaurants in Malaysia’s capital include everything from low-key local joints to Michelin-starred institutions, offering Cantonese, modern Malaysian, South Indian fare and more.