Travel to Malaysia — everything you need to know
When to go to Malaysia?
- November – February — West Coast (dry season) : Ideal for Langkawi, Penang and the west coast: calm seas and sunshine. KL is pleasant year-round.
- March – October — East Coast & Borneo : The east coast (Perhentian, Tioman) is accessible from March to October. Borneo is ideal from March to October for orangutans.
Weather in Malaysia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Kuala Lumpur.
- Kuala Lumpur: daytime highs from 30 to 33 °C depending on the season, 237 mm of rain per month on average.
- Langkawi: daytime highs from 28 to 33 °C depending on the season, 197 mm of rain per month on average.
- Kota Kinabalu: daytime highs from 29 to 31 °C depending on the season, 226 mm of rain per month on average.
- Penang: daytime highs from 26 to 28 °C depending on the season, 194 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a mosaic of cultures (Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak) set within lush nature. From the Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur to the Bornean forests where orangutans live, by way of the beaches of Langkawi and the Cameron Highlands, the country offers breathtaking diversity.
Kuala Lumpur
The Malaysian capital is dominated by the Petronas Towers (452 m), the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. The Indian district of Brickfields, Chinatown and the colonial Merdeka Square coexist in a vibrant, multicultural metropolis.
Highlights : Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Menara KL Tower.
Penang
Penang Island is Malaysia's food capital. George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its street art murals, colourful shophouses and Nyonya cuisine (Malay-Chinese fusion). Temples, mosques and hawker centres coexist harmoniously there.
Highlights : George Town (old town), Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), George Town Street Art, Kek Lok Si Temple.
Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)
Sabah and Sarawak are home to some of the richest rainforests in Southeast Asia. Sepilok orangutans, Sabah rhinos, Niah caves and Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m, the highest peak in Malaysia) set in extraordinary primary jungle.
Highlights : Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, Mount Kinabalu, Niah Caves, Mulu National Park.
Langkawi
The Langkawi archipelago (99 islands) is Malaysia's beach paradise, with white sand beaches, mangroves and geopark forests. Duty-free shopping, a cable car and clear water make it a relaxing island getaway.
Highlights : Pantai Cenang, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Tanjung Rhu.
Travel budget for Malaysia
Malaysia is very affordable for a highly developed country. Street food (hawker fare) is excellent and cheap. KL is affordable compared to other Asian capitals.
- Backpacker : 30–50 €/j — Hostel, hawker centres, public transport
- Comfort : 65–110 €/j — 3★ hotel, mid-range restaurants, excursions
- Luxury : 200 €+/j — 5★ Langkawi resort, fine dining, private transport
Practical tips for travelling to Malaysia
- Flight from Paris : ~12–13h (Malaysia Airlines direct, Air France)
- Visa : No visa required for French citizens (90 days)
- Currency : Malaysian Ringgit (1€ ≈ 4.8–5.2 MYR)
- Language : Malay (Bahasa), English widely spoken
- Electricity : Type G – 240V (same as UK, adapter recommended)
- Mobile network : 4G in cities, tourist SIM available at KLIA airport
- Tap water : Not drinkable, bottled water recommended
- Health : No mandatory vaccines, antimalarials recommended for deep Borneo
Compare Malaysia with other destinations