Malaysia
Country Atlas · No. 67Asia

Malaysia

Borneo rainforest and Penang street tables

Beach weeks·Adventure·Food & wine
The brief

Malaysia — Borneo rainforest and Penang street tables.

Two countries. Peninsular Malaysia for Penang (the Edison George Town) and Langkawi (The Datai, Four Seasons). Borneo for the orangutan country and the rainforest week. Kuala Lumpur as the urban anchor.

Often paired with a Singapore stopover or a Thai island close.

Beach weeksAdventureFood & wineFamilies
When to go

A year in Malaysia

Dec – Mar
West dry

Peak Langkawi and Penang, perfect beach weeks.

Mar – Oct
East dry

Peak Perhentians and Tioman, ideal diving.

Apr / Nov
Shoulder

Inter-monsoon, warm sea, fewer guests.

Mar – Oct
Borneo

Drier months for rainforest treks and orangutans.

Recommended hotels

Where to stay in Malaysia

Handpicked stays we love and recommend, chosen for their exceptional service, setting, and style — for every kind of traveler.

Resorts & regions

Where to go in Malaysia

The chapters we book most often — pair two or three for a classic week, or commit to a single one for the slow-travel version.
Kuala Lumpur
No. 01Asia

Kuala Lumpur

Skyline views, shopping, dining and an elegant city gateway.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur · Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur · The RuMa Hotel

Langkawi
No. 02Asia

Langkawi

Rainforest, beaches, villas and one of Malaysia’s most refined island escapes.

The Datai Langkawi · Four Seasons Resort Langkawi · The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi

Borneo / Sabah
No. 03Asia

Borneo / Sabah

Rainforest, islands, wildlife and soft adventure in Malaysian Borneo.

Gaya Island Resort · Bunga Raya Island Resort · Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Penang
No. 04Asia

Penang

Heritage streets, food culture, art, temples and colorful coastal charm.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel · The Prestige Hotel · Macalister Mansion

Malacca
No. 05Asia

Malacca

Heritage streets, riverfront walks, Peranakan culture and a charming short stop.

The Majestic Malacca · Liu Men Hotel · Casa del Rio Melaka

Also in Asia

Continue the journey

Ready to plan Malaysia?

A short note is all we need to begin composing your journey.

Malaysia — Asia — BookTravel USA