Malaysia Travel guide

Malaysia is a country of many cultures, diverse culinary options, and stunning landscapes. From Penang’s great streetfood to Langkawi’s beaches, Borneo’s wilderness, and pristine dive spots, it’s a place of diversity and endless adventure.

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10-day Borneo Itinerary

Explore by Destination

Semporna Kinabatangan Sukau George Town Penang Kuala Lumpur Perhentian Islands Malacca Kundasang Taman Negara Sandakan Sepilok

What to Know Before Visiting

Quick Facts

Time Zone UTC +8

Currency Malaysian Ringit (100 MYR= 25.6 USD)

Plug Types Type G (UK), 230V-240V / 50Hz

Tap Water Not drinkable

Payment Habits Cash + Card

Language Malay, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil

English Level Good

Emergency Number 999

Tipping Not expected

Safety Level Low risk

Guides

Best time to visit Malaysia

The overall best time to visit Malaysia is between March and early October. This window avoids the East Coast monsoon, offers good beach weather in most regions, and is ideal for island hopping, hiking, and wildlife spotting — especially in Borneo and the East Coast.

If you’re focusing only on the West Coast (like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi), December to March is also excellent.

West Coast (Mainland)

jan

32°C 23°C

feb

33°C 23°C

mar

33°C 24°C

apr

33°C 24°C

may

32°C 24°C

jun

32°C 24°C

jul

32°C 24°C

aug

32°C 24°C

sep

31°C 24°C

oct

31°C 24°C

nov

31°C 24°C

dec

31°C 23°C

East Coast (Mainland)

jan

29°C 23°C

feb

30°C 23°C

mar

31°C 24°C

apr

32°C 24°C

may

32°C 24°C

jun

32°C 24°C

jul

32°C 24°C

aug

31°C 24°C

sep

31°C 24°C

oct

30°C 24°C

nov

29°C 23°C

dec

28°C 23°C

Borneo

jan

30°C 23°C

feb

31°C 23°C

mar

32°C 24°C

apr

32°C 24°C

may

32°C 24°C

jun

32°C 24°C

jul

32°C 24°C

aug

32°C 24°C

sep

31°C 24°C

oct

31°C 24°C

nov

30°C 23°C

dec

30°C 23°C

How Much to Budget For Malaysia

During my 22 days in Peninsular Malaysia, I spent an average of RM 310 per day (≈ US $74).
During my 19 days in Sabah, Borneo, my daily average was RM 359 (≈ US $85).

These numbers include staying in private rooms every night, taking several tours, and generally travelling comfortably rather than on a strict backpacker budget. If you travel lighter, skip some activities, or mix in dorms, you can spend noticeably less.

You can read the full breakdown — including accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs — in my dedicated post about the travel budget for Malaysia.

Travel Budget for Malaysia

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Malaysia Travel guide

What to Know Before Visiting

Quick Facts

Guides

Planning

Must-Do Experiences

West Malaysia Guides

Borneo Guides

Best time to visit Malaysia

How Much to Budget For Malaysia