Travel To Malaysia

Looking for a trip to Malaysia that’s authentic and stress-free? Rough Guides has you covered. Explore buzzing cities like Kuala Lumpur, soak up culture and food in Penang, and relax on Langkawi’s beaches. You can dive deeper too, think ancient rainforest treks in Taman Negara or island-hopping on the laid-back Perhentian Islands.

Our tailor-made travel in Malaysia means no group tours, no guesswork, just custom itineraries built by local experts who know the country inside out. No matter if you're into street food, wildlife, or highland hikes, we’ll plan a trip that fits you.

Trip Planning FAQ

What does a trip to Malaysia look like?

A typical Malaysian itinerary blends city energy with natural escapes. You might start in Kuala Lumpur, diving into its street food scene and skyline views from the Petronas Towers.

From there, fly to Penang for colonial charm and curry mee, then hop to Langkawi for sunset cocktails on the beach.

Nature lovers can head to the Perhentian Islands or dive off Tioman. Jungle treks in Taman Negara or tea trails in the Cameron Highlands offer a cool change of pace. With Rough Guides, you’ll discover both the highlights and lesser-known gems.

Can I customize my Malaysia trip?

Absolutely. Every Rough Guides journey is built around you. You set the pace and choose the places you want to see, from Borneo’s wild rainforests to the food markets of Malacca.

Our local specialists craft each itinerary based on your interests, so your Malaysia trip can focus on anything from island-hopping and jungle trekking to history, food, or culture. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all here.

How far in advance should I start planning?

We recommend starting planning your Malaysia trip 3-6 months in advance, especially if you're aiming to travel during high season (June-August or around Chinese New Year).

For more flexibility and better availability, tailor-made travel gives you a big advantage; you’ll lock in top stays and insider experiences well ahead. Last-minute trips are possible too, but a little extra time goes a long way in Malaysia.

Is it more expensive to book Rough Guides tailor-made travel?

Not necessarily. Costs are comparable to booking it all yourself, but the value is higher. You’ll get trusted local insights, handpicked accommodations, and 24/7 support while you’re on the road. Plus, you’ll save hours of planning.

We work with in-country experts who know how to make your budget go further, from boutique guesthouses in the Cameron Highlands to boat transfers in the Perhentians.

Who are the Malaysia local experts?

They’re handpicked travel pros who live in Malaysia and know it better than any guidebook. From tracking orangutans in Borneo to timing your trip for the George Town Festival in Penang, these specialists help you dig deeper into the country’s culture, nature, and food scene.

They'll recommend experiences you didn’t even know existed, and make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Ready to plan your Malaysia trip? Talk to a local expert today.