What to expect in Malaysia!

Just north of the equator, Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that was established in 1963. The country is made up of Peninsular Malaysia (or West Malaysia) and East Malaysia (on the island of Borneo).

Malaysia has an incredible ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. Its main three ethnic groups are Malay, Chinese and Indian. The primary religion is Islam, however you will also find many Bhuddist, Hindu and Chinese temples across the country.

We spent five weeks exploring this remarkable country. Continue reading for a breakdown of what to expect in Malaysia. Also check out our latest travel posts on our experiences there, including what to do in Kuala Lumpur and where to eat in Penang.

Capital City

Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is a popular urban area which has seen rapid growth in the turn of the new century, so much so that it is now among the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia. Although its full name is Kuala Lumpur, if you want to speak like a local then make sure you use the nickname “KL”! The capital city is home to the Petronas Towers, the largest twin towers in the world, as well as the colourful and exquisite Batu Caves.

Other popular places

Penang

Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia, and for good reason. Georgetown, the capital of Penang state, evolved into a food haven after the amalgamation of many cultures when the city became a massive trading port in 1786. As huge foodies, this was our favourite city to visit in Malaysia as it was bursting with incredibly skilled food hawkers. Georgetown is also known for its incredible art scene, with lots of street art and even a famous art trail.

Melaka

Melaka (also spelt Malacca) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique history. The city is filled with colonial structures and historical landmarks, making it very popular amongst tourists. As it is only a small city, it is an easy place to explore on foot and perfect for a small weekend trip. Melaka is also known for some great cuisines such as chicken rice balls, Nyonya cuisine and pineapple tarts.

The Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise. The Penhentians consist of two islands off the east coast. You will often find people referencing them as the ‘big island’ and the ‘small island’. People flock to these islands for a beach retreat and for the incredible diving opportunities on offer. We had an incredible time diving with OhLaLa Divers on Long Beach.

The Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are known for its outstanding natural beauty. Located in the rural mountains of Malaysia, the area is renowned for its tea plantations and extensive hiking trails. The highlands are a must visit for nature lovers looking for true peace amongst the green, mountainous landscapes.

Sabah

Sabah is a state on the island of Borneo with an abundance of endemic wildlife. There are so many things to experience in this incredible state… Why not scuba dive in the state’s capital city, Kota Kinabalu. Or you could test your endurance and climb Mount Kinabalu. Learn all about endangered orangutans when visiting the sanctuaries in Sepilok or search for wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.

Food

Malaysia’s food culture is just as rich as its ethnic diversity. Traditional Malaysian cuisine has been greatly influenced by the communities who traded within the country, over time creating a mergence of cuisines. Malay food is sweet, sour, spicy and aromatic, with rice or noodles being the base ingredient for most dishes. You can discover the country’s most popular dishes here.

Currency

Malaysia uses ringgit as its official currency, which is often written as RM or MYR. Prices you pay will range greatly depending on your location, with prices in cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang being higher. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between RM2 to RM15 for a cup of coffee.

CURRENT RATES |

1 USD = 4.73 MYR

1 GBP = 5.77 MYR

1 EUR = 4.99 MYR

(Accurate on 13.10.23)

Weather

Malaysia has a tropical climate, and as such is often hot, humid and subject to monsoons. The temperature is consistently hot and ranges between 20°C and 35°C depending on the time of year and your location within Malaysia.

Rainfall varies hugely depending on where you are located in Malaysia. See our general guide below.

East Malaysia

Monsoon season | October – February

Dry season | March – October

East Peninsular Malaysia

Monsoon season | November – March

Dry season | March – September

West Peninsular Malaysia

Monsoon season | May – September

Dry season | October – April

TOP TIP | When considering when to visit Malaysia, keep in mind that although the monsoon season will bring heavy downpours, there are still positives to visiting during this time. Downpours are often short-lived and the rain will often be interspersed with sunny spells. Likewise, tourist numbers will be lower, meaning quieter tourist spots and cheaper prices.