Malaysia travel guide




Malaysia is...
Malaysia isn't...
Our Malaysia Holidays
Borneo orangutan holiday
Trekking, wildlife and beach adventure holiday to Borneo
Borneo tailor made tour on a shoestring
The Best of Borneo: Wildlife, Adventure, Idyllic Beaches
Malaysia holiday, rainforests and beaches
Explore Malaysia staying in sustainable hotels
Malaysia holiday, Kuala Lumpur & Tioman Island
Explore cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, relax on Tioman Island.
Borneo tour, Great Apes and Beach escapes
Explore bustling cities, lush jungles and paradise beaches.
Borneo tailor made holidays, wildlife & beaches
A luxury tour of the best wildlife & beaches of Sabah
Borneo 8 day tour, the wild heart of Borneo
A unique experience in the untouched, beautiful Sarawak.
Kuala Lumpur and Sabah wildlife tour
Wildlife adventure in the heart of Borneo
Malaysia food and culture holiday
Discover many of Malaysia's culinary highlights
Borneo holiday, Land below the wind
9-day tour of Malaysia's spectacular Sabah State
Borneo family volunteering holiday
Encounter orangutans and meet local tribes in magical Borneo
Borneo and Malaysia holiday, trekking orangutans and rainforest
An active exploration of Borneo
Borneo Mount Kinabalu climb holiday
Adventure holiday to see wildlife and climb Mt Kinabalu
Sabah holiday, land beneath the wind
Wildlife & culture in Malaysia
Family holiday in Sabah
Discover the best of Borneo in just under 2 weeks
Malaysia tour, Coast to Coast
Highlights and off the beaten track Malaysia
Borneo wildlife holiday, Sarawak
A light trekking and jungle adventure holiday in Sarawak
Borneo and Malaysia small group holiday
Visit both halves of Malaysia
Malaysia holiday, highlights of the Peninsula
Malaysia old and new staying in eco-accommodation
Thailand and Malaysia Islands cruise
Some of the worlds most beautiful islands on a stunning ship
Sarawak holiday, wildlife adventure
Tailor-made wildlife and turtle holiday to Sarawak
Borneo wildlife volunteer project
Encounter orangutans and elephants in the Bornean jungle.
Borneo tour, Orangutans and Iban
Spotting wild orangutans and meeting indigenous tribes
Borneo holiday, Highlights of Borneo
The highlights of Sabah, from Orangutans to Mt Kinabalu
Sarawak wildlife & beach holiday
Encounter an orangutan & hike through virgin rainforest
Langkawi holiday Malaysia with Singapore stopover
Singapore and some serious relaxation at The Datai Langkawi
Orangutan volunteering in Borneo
Volunteer at an award-winning orangutan rehabilitation centre in Malaysian Borneo
Clouded Leopards and rare mammals in Borneo tour
The only tour dedicated to all 5 species of cat in Borneo
Honeymoon in Borneo
Luxury Borneo Honeymoon, best of wildlife & luxury resorts
Penang to Singapore overland tour
From Penang to Lake Toba and finishing in Singapore
WHAT WE RATE & WHAT WE DON’T
Malacca
Bako National Park
Berembun Forest Reserve
Penang National Park
Sepilok
Protected Rainforests
Snorkelling
Langkawi Island
Kuala Lumpur's Malls
Feeding monkeys
Western food
City hotels
Our top Malaysia Holiday
Borneo orangutan holiday
Trekking, wildlife and beach adventure holiday to Borneo
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
FOOD, SHOPPING & PEOPLE
Eating & drinking in Malaysia


People & language
Native Malay people account for half the population of Malaysia with indigenous Orang Asli, Chinese and Indian communities making up the majority of the remaining ethnic groups. Sunni Islam is Malaysia’s official religion although Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism are also practiced.English is widely spoken but learning a few words in Malay is always appreciated:
Terima kasih = Thank you
Nama saya ialah... = My name is...
Tiada masalah = No problem
Tidak, terima kasih = No thank you
Itu sudah cukup sekarang = That’s enough now
Gifts & shopping
There are several classes and workshops where you can try traditional batik painting, which, alongside a cultural experience, makes for an original piece of art to take home.If you'd prefer a souvenir that's been created by an expert, most shops in KL's undercover Central Market state what's authentic and what's not, whereas it can be a bit hit and miss within the surrounding open-air street stalls.
Petaling Street in KL and Jonker Street in Malacca are ideal for bagging a bargain so look around before settling on a price. Be fair though – consider the time and craftsmanship that has gone into a piece, rather than just aiming for the lowest price.


How much does it cost?
Meal for two in mid-range city restaurant: £12Plate of char kway teow from a street stall: £1
Breakfast buffet in a hotel restaurant: £4.50
Metered return taxi ride to Batu Caves from KL: £23
Return train trip to Batu Caves from KL: £1
10% service will usually be added to a restaurant bill, although most Malaysians will round up the total and leave as an extra tip. An average salary for a waitress in Malaysia is about £1.50 per hour.