Welcome to Malaysia

Malaysia is like two countries in one, cleaved in half by the South China Sea. While peninsula flaunts bustling cities, colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and chill-out islands, Malaysian Borneo hosts wild jungles of orangutans, granite peaks and remote tribes, along with some pretty spectacular diving. Throughout these two regions is an impressive variety of microcosms ranging from the space-age... Read More

Top experiences in Malaysia

Recent articles

Ipoh old and new: come explore Malaysia’s renaissance city

The spark is finally returning to the time-worn neighbourhoods of Ipoh. For too long, the capital of Malaysia’s Perak state was considered a faded has-been of a city – and that’s if travellers thought of it at all. But restorations are in full swing, especially in the streets of Old Town, and Ipoh’s coffeehouses and heritage houses are staging a long overdue comeback.

Old and new in Ipoh Old Town © simonlong / Getty Images
Anita Isalska
Lonely Planet Writer

Shaking hands with royalty: inside the Sultan of Brunei’s palace

The Sultan of Brunei takes an inclusive approach to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities at the end of Ramadan, hosting an ‘open house’ at his official residence in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. For three consecutive days the palace is open to the public, who are treated to a celebratory meal, greeted in person by the sultan or his wife – and even given a gift.

Thanks to his tiny country’s vast oil and gas reserves, the Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world, with a reputation for extravagance and a fondness for polo ponies and supercars. When he’s at home in Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah lives in Istana Nurul Iman (Palace of the Light of Faith), a 1788 room dwelling that is officially the largest residence of a current head of state in the world and is normally closed to the public.
Isabel Albiston
Lonely Planet Writer

Escape to Tioman: where to get wet and wild on Malaysia's adventure island

Sitting like an emerald dragon guarding the translucent waters of the South China Sea, Pulau Tioman offers every possible shade of paradise. While many travel here with a relaxed beach holiday in mind, the island has enough activities to keep adventure-seekers occupied for at least a week. Chart-toppers include world-class diving and snorkelling, jungle hikes to waterfalls, adrenaline-pumping climbing and culinary exploration.

Tioman's Salang Beach is among the island's most beautiful © Alan Copson / Getty Images
Greg Benchwick
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

Starting at $24.99

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Malaysia adventures

$703.75 Small group tours

7-Day Best of Malaysia: Cameron Highlands, Penang, Kota Bharu and Terengganu Tour Round-Trip from Kuala Lumpur

See the best of Malaysia on a 7-day coach tour, traveling round-trip from Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy accommodations at popular resorts in five fantastic locations — Cameron Highlands, Penang, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan — where you’ll discover natural and cultural highlights with your informative guide. Visit the Islamic Civilization Park, tour a tea plantation, climb the steps to Sam Poh Tong cave temple, stroll through the Kuala Sepetang mangrove forest and ride a trishaw around Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
$342.59 Private & luxury

Private Tour: Malacca Malaysia Day Trip from Singapore including Lunch

Malacca is filled with a wealth of medieval charm, picturesque buildings, multi-racial population and quaint narrow streets. This Malacca day trip private tour from Singapore includes a visit to historic sites such as St.Paul's Hill where St.Francis Xavier was interned, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and Porta De Santiago - the Portuguese fortress.Visit Malaysia's most historical city, which has seen the rise and fall of major empires struggling to retain their foothold in the region. Malacca was governed by the Malay Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British who have left behind a wealth of the past, evident in Malacca medieval charm, picturesque buildings, multi-racial population and narrow streets. This Malacca Malaysia private tour includes a visit to historic sites such as St.Paul's Hill where St.Francis Xavier was interned, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and Porta De Santiago - the Portuguese fortress. Enjoy a Malaysian lunch in Malacca.
$111.25 Courses & classes

Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour

Learn to cook authentic Malaysian dishes in a natural garden setting in Penang! Your 6-hour class takes place in the Tropical Spice Garden with expert chefs. You’ll visit a market in the fishing village of Teluk Bahang to find fresh ingredients before a hands-on cooking lesson. After preparing a delicious meal from scratch, sit down for a scrumptious lunch and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Numbers are limited to 8 people, ensuring an intimate experience with a small group of fellow food lovers.Experience the diversity of Malaysian cuisine as you learn to prepare traditional dishes, using rich flavors and spices from a fusion of cultures, including Malay, Chinese and Indian. After hotel pickup by minivan, travel with your guide and small group to Teluk Bahang, a friendly fishing village located on the northwestern tip of Penang Island. Meaning 'Heat Wave Bay,' its name refers to the high temperature of the sea breeze that flows onto shore. Visit the local market where villagers seek the day’s fresh ingredients each morning, such as fish, vegetables, dry goods and fresh cuts of meat. Around the corner you’ll find stalls selling fresh fruit to complete the nutritional needs of many households living within the area. Your guide will enlighten you about the secrets to Malaysian cuisine and its varied dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates. Then head to Penang’s Tropical Spice Garden and explore the spice terraces with your guide. View more than 100 varieties of tropical spices and herbs used in flavorings as well as medicines and dyes, and retrace the historical route of the spice trade. At the cooking school, located on sloping land within the garden's natural setting, join expert local chefs and learn how to cook several authentic Malaysian dishes.During this hands-on lesson, your small group prepares your own meal from scratch, using traditional mortars and pestles to grind fresh spices and herbs like lemongrass, ginger, curry leaves, garlic and shallots — all harvested straight from the garden! Learn about their culinary features from your instructors, who make Malaysian cooking a fun and unforgettable experience. Afterward, enjoy your yummy lunch with your fellow cooking enthusiasts before returning by minivan to your hotel.

$28.36 Sightseeing tours

City Sightseeing Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this City Sightseeing tour is the best way to see the sights of Singapore. Explore Singapore with this 24- hour ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights as you hop on and hop off 22 conveniently located stops around the city.
$123.35 Sightseeing tours

5-Day Singapore City Pass: Night Tour, Marina Bay Tour and Universal Studios Singapore®

Make the most of your visit to Singapore with this 5-day city pass that gives you access to the city’s most popular attractions and activities. Enjoy sightseeing tours all over the city, including the Night Adventure Tour and the Marina Bay Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, all giving you lovely views of city sights on board either a retrofitted amphibious vehicle or open-top bus! As a bonus, your pass includes local discounts and admission to three of Singapore’s exciting attractions including Universal Studios Singapore.
$838.65 Small group tours

3-Day Taman Negara Adventure from Kuala Lumpur

While you’re in Kuala Lumpur, take a three-day trip to explore Taman Negara, one of Malaysia’s most pristine rainforests. On this exciting journey, canoe up the Tahan River to explore jungle vegetation, get a bird’s-eye view of the forest on the canopy walkway and take a jungle survival class. This exhilarating adventure is the perfect way to experience the wild beauty of Taman Negara.
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