Known for its beaches, rainforests and distinctive blend of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures (and the resulting excellent cuisine), Malaysia has something to suit everyone. In Borneo, tiptoe into deep dark caves inhabited by hordes of bats and hop in a canoe to drift downriver, passing the longhouses of the native Dayak people. On the Perhentian Islands, days can slip away as you splash in clear turquoise waters, while in the forest of Taman Negara, you'll get the chance to live out your Indiana Jones fantasies. After your wilderness wanderings, head to the country's vibrant capital - Kuala Lumpur. For a bird's eye view over the sparkling skyline, wind your way to the top of the sky-high Petronas twin towers (over 1,480ft tall) and nab a spot on the dizzying observation deck; the perfect way to end your Malaysia holiday on a high.

Malaysia holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Malaysia with Original Travel

Our expert team meticulously crafts each Malaysia holiday to perfectly match your tastes. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, our curated experiences range from visiting rescued sun bears in the Bornean Sun Bear Sanctuary to creating authentic Malay dishes alongside a local chef. Whether you choose to relax in a beachfront villa or a forest lodge, our hand-picked properties are guaranteed to elevate your Malaysian getaway.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Malaysia

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Travel to Malaysia by Region

Borneo

One of the most alluring destinations in the Far East, the island of Borneo offers an unparalleled diversity of activities and cultures, and is a destination in its own right, even when not combined with mainland Malaysia. Divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Sultanate of Brunei, the island of Borneo is home to some of the world’s best wildlife as well as a bounty of beautiful sandy beaches. The star attraction of most Borneo holidays is, of course, the orangutan. Spot these amazing creatures in the forests of Sabah (one of the two Malaysian provinces on the island, alongside Sarawak) as well as discovering the lesser-known sun bears and pygmy elephants. After hiking in the rainforest, head to the gorgeous beaches of Gaya Island for a well-deserved spot of R&R and the chance to live out any island castaway fantasies.

Langkawi, Penang & Pangkor Laut

Chief among Malaysia's paradise islands are the 99 making up the Langkawi archipelago off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Two thirds of the main island's dramatic mountainous landscape is covered with ancient rainforest, while granite cliffs stretch down to powdery white beaches and superb coral reefs lie just offshore. For a complete change of scene on your Langkawi holidays, George Town is the main city and urban centre of Penang, another west coast Malaysia island further south. Dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the city is bustling with things to do, playing off the many faceted cultures that reside together in an impressive harmony. Once known as The Pearl of the Orient, George Town still exists as a link between Asia's two halves and the perfect place to explore diversity in its most remarkable from.

Tioman & The East Coast

Malaysia's east coast is a stark contrast to the densely populated cities to the west. Visitors are drawn here for the more sedate lifestyle, as well as a stronger taste of traditional Malay culture, found in relaxed villages and towns dotting the coast line. East Coast Malaysia holidays are all about rural and rustic. The islands situated off the eastern cost of Malaysia are certainly an ideal spot for the beach lover. With shallow turquoise waters and virgin beaches, these land masses have escaped being spoiled by imposing hotel chains and resorts. Visitors can enjoy the feeling of a true hideaway and stay in one of the boutique hotels hidden in the wilderness, whilst exploring jungles, waterfalls and snorkelling in the beautiful shallow waters. Tioman is the largest island off the east coast and offers some of the best diving spots in Malaysia. With a huge variety of marine life as well as wildlife, it's the norm to spot monkeys, snakes and lizards as you trek the island footpaths into the jungle. The Juara Turtle Project is based on the south eastern part of Tioman, which works to preserve the natural life on and around this incredible island. Back on the mainland, head to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu for an east coast city experience, where you can spot the old kampong-style houses in among city high rises and lose yourself in delicious seafood, bustling markets, mosques and squares.

Our Malaysia holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Malaysia

Malaysia Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Malaysia Testimonials

1 reviews
5 / 5
"The refurbishment of the Datai has been remarkable - no expense has been spared. In particular the Beach Villas were extremely spacious & luxurious. The staff were very friendly & well trained & the 4 restaurants all were very good. Overall we had an extremely enjoyable & relaxing holiday"
Franck - London
Published on 26th May 2019

Our Malaysia
specialists

Who better to entrust with your Malaysia travel plans than our team of consultants? While you’re away, we’ll hook you up with the best guides around, teeming with a contagious passion for their beloved Southeast Asian country. For the finer details, our Concierge is clued up on your likes and dislikes and is just a WhatsApp away for personalised tips and tricks on where to go and what to see. In short, we’ve covered every possible travel-related base in Malaysia.

Who are Malaysia holidays best for?

Travellers who dream of soaking up tropical sunshine on salt-white sand beaches will be in heaven here. The golden sunshine that splashes onto the landscape makes the crystal-clear seas, forget-me-not blues skies, and soaring palm trees especially dreamy - particularly in lovely Langkawi - an archipelago off the coast of Malaysia. Beyond the beach scene, Malaysia also offers velvety rolling green hills and fast-paced cities crackling with commotion. Curious travellers will find plenty to arouse their senses in Malaysia, a land of ancient culture etched out in the likes of Penang and hedonists too will rejoice in the endless boutique hotels and gourmet suppers. And for a simpler-style trip? Malaysia holidays can also charm with simple food carts and a soft approach to the splendours of life.


What can you find in Malaysia that you won’t find elsewhere?

Stand in the Cameron Highlands and gaze out over the sea of jade-green tea plantations for a view that is so outrageously beautiful that you'll be left slack-jawed and lost for words. In other corners, the jungle brims with life, inviting you to drift downriver and watch for wildlife that comes to lap water from its banks. Go deeper into the rainforest for longer treks where croaking frogs, monkey cries, and the thunder of waterfalls are the only sounds to break the silence. Borneo boasts its beautiful stilted houses, and beyond that, Malaysia’s extraordinary archipelago weaves together a wealth of cultures – from Indian and Chinese to Malay and European.


What are the best options for a Malaysia holiday?

A highlight of any luxury Malaysia holiday is a trip to Borneo, which has to be one of the most original destinations on the planet. This is an island where scientists have discovered 52 completely new species since 2005 alone. Original Travel consultants have travelled extensively throughout the Malay provinces of Sabah and Sarawak in the north of the island, visiting the best beaches, researching rainforest lodges in tribal regions, watching the incredible wildlife (including the endangered orangutan) and diving some of Asia's finest reefs. Mt Kinabalu is a trekkers' paradise, and Borneo also has some of South-East Asia's finest family hotels.

Kuala Lumpur, once a small Chinese mining town, is now the fast paced bright light city of South East Asia. Transit travellers frequent the city as it is a popular destination to stopover en route to Malaysia's paradise beaches. The city is peppered with iconic skyscrapers, traditional street markets, modern shopping malls, Moorish buildings and colonial architecture.

Off the west coast of mainland Malaysia, is the picturesque archipelago of Langkawi, which is made up of 99 lush islands just south of the Thai border and Phuket, and the luxurious hotels here are every bit as good as their Thai rivals. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or this trip is the first stamp in the passport, the turquoise waters and jungle cloaked islands will do nothing more than leave you in complete awe at their beauty.

Original Travel team members are passionate about the countries they work with, and have travelled to Malaysia a fair few times. As a result, they have the inside track on the best places to stay and visit during a luxury Malaysia holiday, and can tailor make an itinerary to suit your individual requests. As foodies we love Malaysia for the variety of mouth-watering dishes available to sample, so if it's a restaurant tip you are after, we have it. Basically it's all about beaches, jungle treks and dive sites - luxury holiday heaven.


Unique Experiences in Malaysia

Spend a night at one of the gorgeous resorts on the island of Sipadan

The daylight hours bring endless shades of blue and soft white sands, while at night the inky darkness brings a sense of mystery. Grab a flashlight and walk along the beach until you come to a small crater, wait a moment beneath the moonlight, and all of a sudden the crater erupts with life and hundreds of baby turtles make their mad dash to the ocean, straight into the foaming white of the waves. An utterly magical experience that you'll never forget.

Best places to go in Malaysia



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