What It’s Like To Travel In Malaysia?

Me and my husband visited Japan in 2024, and Malaysia randomly became part of the plan.

Initially, we were only thinking about a short layover there before flying onward to Japan. That was the original idea. But after a few days of conversations, a little bit of arguing, and a lot of late-night research, we eventually decided to add Malaysia to our itinerary and spend about ten days exploring the country.

The truth is, before this trip I had very little idea what it was like to travel in Malaysia. I had seen photos of Kuala Lumpur and a few tropical islands, but I did not have strong expectations. I did not know what to expect in Malaysia and I certainly did not think it would become one of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia.

Now after visiting, I can honestly say that travel in Malaysia surprised me in the best possible way.

Malaysia’s tourism slogan is “Malaysia Truly Asia.” I had heard that phrase many times before the trip, but I did not fully understand it until I arrived. Once you start traveling to Malaysia and exploring its cities, food, and culture, the slogan suddenly makes perfect sense.

Malaysia truly does feel like a small version of Asia in one country.

The culture is a fascinating mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions, along with some Western influences that come from the country’s colonial history. You can see that mix everywhere. In the architecture, in the languages people speak, in the temples and mosques, and especially in the food.

Within a single day you might visit a Hindu temple, walk past a Chinese shrine, and hear the call to prayer from a mosque.

That diversity is one of the biggest reasons to visit Malaysia.

Over ten days we explored Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Langkawi, and Malacca. Each place showed us a different side of the country. Modern skylines, historic streets, tea plantations, and tropical islands all within one trip.

If you are wondering what it’s like travel in Malaysia or planning your first trip, this guide shares my honest travel experience, what surprised me the most, and the reasons to visit Malaysia that made this country one of my favorite destinations in Southeast Asia.

Things to Know Before You Visit Malaysia

Languages Spoken in Malaysia

Before traveling to Malaysia I wondered whether communication might be difficult. Southeast Asia has many languages and sometimes it can take a while to adjust when traveling in a new country.

In Malaysia, that concern disappeared almost immediately.

Malaysia is actually one of the easiest countries in Asia for English speaking travelers. English is widely spoken across the country. Malaysia was under British colonial rule for more than a century, and English remained a major language in education and business.

The official language of the country is Bahasa Malaysia, also called Malay. It is used in government, schools, and national media. Street signs, transportation announcements, and official documents are usually written in Malay.

Malaysia is one of the most multilingual countries in Asia. Many people grow up speaking at least two or three languages.

Commonly spoken languages include:

• Bahasa Malaysia
• English
• Mandarin Chinese
• Tamil

During our ten days in Malaysia we never faced a language barrier. Ordering food, asking for directions, buying train tickets, or checking into hotels was always straightforward.

Even though English works almost everywhere, I still like learning a few local words when visiting a new country. Malaysians are friendly and often smile when travelers try to speak a little Malay.

A few useful words include:

Terima kasih – thank you
Selamat pagi – good morning
Selamat malam – good evening
Tandas – toilet

These are not necessary for traveling, but they are nice to know.

For travelers, the good news is that most important signs are bilingual. In airports, train stations, and highways you will usually see Malay and English together.

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Because Malaysia sits close to the equator, the weather stays warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures during travel in Malaysia usually range between 27°C and 32°C.

For many travelers, the most comfortable time for traveling to Malaysia is between December and April, when rainfall is slightly lower on the west coast of the country.

Light clothing, sunscreen, and staying hydrated are essential when exploring cities.

How to Get to Malaysia?

Malaysia is well connected with international flights, which makes traveling to Malaysia relatively easy from most parts of the world.

The main gateway for international travelers is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Major airlines flying to Malaysia include carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

From Europe and the Middle East, many travelers connect through cities like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. Travelers from the United States usually reach Malaysia through Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

Malaysia is also well connected to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Short flights from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam often take less than two hours.

Use the Grab App for Transportation

The easiest way to move around cities in Malaysia is using the Grab app.

Grab works similarly to Uber. You can request a ride, see the price in advance, and pay directly through the app or in cash.

It is usually cheaper than traditional taxis and much more convenient.

Currency and Payments in Malaysia

The official currency used during travel in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and larger restaurants. However, many small food stalls, markets, and local cafés prefer cash.

ATMs are easy to find in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca. When traveling to Malaysia, it is always helpful to keep some ringgit in cash for street food, taxis, and small purchases.

SIM Card and Internet in Malaysia

Staying connected while traveling in Malaysia is very easy.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport and in convenience stores throughout the country. Major providers include Maxis, Celcom, and Digi.

A typical tourist SIM card with 10 to 20 GB of data usually costs between 25 and 40 Malaysian ringgit, which is roughly 5 to 9 USD.

Mobile internet coverage is generally strong in cities and most tourist areas, making it easy to use maps, transportation apps, and travel guides while exploring Malaysia.

Dress Respectfully at Religious Sites

When visiting temples and mosques, modest clothing is recommended.

For example, at Batu Caves, visitors are expected to cover their knees and shoulders. At mosques like Masjid Negara, headscarves for women are a must, and robes are often provided for visitors who need them.

10 Reasons to Visit Malaysia: What It’s Really Like to Travel in Malaysia

Before visiting Malaysia I had a rough idea of what the country might be like. I imagined tropical weather, beaches, and big cities. But several things surprised me once I actually started traveling through the country.

Some of these were small details and others completely changed my perception of Malaysia.

If you are wondering whether Malaysia is worth visiting, here are some of the biggest reasons to visit Malaysia based on my own travel experience.

1. Malaysia Is a Beautiful Mix of Cultures

One of the most fascinating parts of travel in Malaysia is its cultural diversity.

Malaysia has a population of roughly 34 million people and the country is mainly made up of three major communities.

The largest group is the Malay population, who are mostly Muslim. Then there is a large Chinese Malaysian community, and a smaller but very visible Indian Malaysian community. Each group brought its own traditions, religion, language, and cuisine.

While traveling in Malaysia, it is common to see a mosque, a Chinese temple, and a Hindu shrine all within the same neighborhood.

In one neighborhood you hear the call to prayer from a mosque. A few streets away there is a bright red Chinese temple filled with incense. Around the corner you might find a colorful Hindu shrine with statues of gods and long garlands of flowers.

Malaysia officially recognizes Islam as the national religion, but the country is generally very tolerant of other faiths.

Historically Malaysia has always been a crossroads of trade. Its location along the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, made it a major trading hub for centuries.

Arab traders, Chinese merchants, Indian sailors, and later European colonial powers all passed through this region.

That long history of trade is exactly why Malaysia developed such a rich cultural mix.

In many cities you will find areas often referred to as:

• Little India
• Chinatown
• Malay districts

But even outside these neighborhoods the cultures blend together.

This diversity is one of the strongest reasons to visit Malaysia because you experience several Asian cultures in one country.

2. Malaysia Is Much More Modern Than you Expect

When people think about Southeast Asia, they often imagine crowded streets, old buildings, and chaotic traffic. Kuala Lumpur felt very different from that stereotype.

The city is modern, organized, and filled with impressive infrastructure. Wide highways connect different parts of the city, public transportation is efficient, and many areas feel almost futuristic.

The skyline is dominated by glass skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and massive shopping malls. At night the city lights up beautifully, especially around the Petronas Twin Towers.

Inside the city you will also find modern metro lines, air conditioned pedestrian walkways, and huge shopping complexes like Suria KLCC and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Honestly, Kuala Lumpur felt closer to cities like Singapore or Dubai than what I initially imagined.

3. Food Is Extremely Affordable

Food alone could be one of the main reasons to visit Malaysia.

Malaysia is famous for its food culture, and eating out is part of everyday life for many locals. Street stalls, hawker centers, and food courts offer delicious meals at very low prices.

For example:

A plate of Nasi Lemak often costs around 5 to 8 Malaysian ringgit. A bowl of Laksa usually costs 8 to 12 ringgit. A fresh piece of Roti Canai can cost as little as 1.50 ringgit.

I have dedicated a whole section to Malaysian food because it deserves to be appreciated.

For travelers who enjoy exploring destinations through food, traveling to Malaysia can be a fantastic culinary experience.

4. Malaysia Is Much Greener Than you Expect

I expected Malaysia to be tropical, but I did not realize how green the country actually is.

Large parts of Malaysia are covered in rainforest. In fact, some of these forests are estimated to be more than 130 million years old, making them among the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth.

Even near large cities you often see dense greenery and palm plantations stretching for kilometers.

Places like Cameron Highlands show a completely different landscape. Instead of tropical beaches, the area has rolling hills covered in tea plantations and vegetable farms.

The cooler temperatures there make it feel almost like a different country.

5. Transportation Is Surprisingly Easy

Before visiting Malaysia I assumed transportation might be complicated. That turned out to be completely wrong.

Malaysia has a well developed transportation network.

The metro system in Kuala Lumpur is especially easy to navigate. Stations announce stops in both languages and ticket machines have English options.

For example, the city’s metro and rail systems connect important areas such as:

• KL Sentral
• Bukit Bintang
• KLCC
• Chinatown
• Batu Caves

Tickets on the metro system usually cost between 1.20 and 3 Malaysian ringgit, which is less than 1 USD depending on the distance.

Because transportation signs are clear and English is common, getting around felt very simple even on the first day.

Domestic flights connect major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. Many flights take less than one hour and sometimes cost under 40 USD if booked early.

Buses are also comfortable and inexpensive. Long distance buses often have reclining seats and air conditioning.

For example:

• Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands takes about 4 hours by bus.
• Cameron Highlands to Penang takes around 4 to 5 hours.

Because of this, travel in Malaysia feels very accessible even for first time visitors.

6. Malaysia Feels Safe for Travelers

Safety is always something I pay attention to when traveling.

During our time in Malaysia we felt comfortable walking around both during the day and in the evening.

Busy areas such as Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur and the historic streets of George Town were lively late into the night.

Like any major destination, travelers should still stay aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded markets or transportation hubs.

But overall Malaysia felt safe and welcoming.

7. Beaches, Cities, and Mountains All in One Country

One of the best things about travel in Malaysia is the variety of landscapes.

Within a relatively short distance you can experience completely different environments.

You can explore modern cities like Kuala Lumpur, relax on tropical beaches in Langkawi, hike through mountain landscapes in Cameron Highlands, or walk through colonial streets in Malacca.

This diversity makes traveling to Malaysia ideal for travelers who want to experience several types of destinations in a single itinerary.

8. Malaysia Has Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Malaysia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight its historical and cultural importance.

One of the most famous is George Town, located in Penang. The historic center of George Town became a UNESCO site in 2008 because of its well preserved colonial architecture and multicultural heritage.

Another UNESCO recognized destination is Malacca, which played an important role in global trade between Asia and Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.

These historic cities add another layer of depth to travel in Malaysia.

9. Malaysia Is Surprisingly Affordable

Compared with many destinations around the world, Malaysia offers excellent value for travelers.

Meals at local restaurants often cost 10 to 20 Malaysian ringgit, which is roughly 2 to 5 USD.

Transportation and accommodation are also reasonably priced.

Compared with even many Cheap European cities, where even a simple meal might cost 15 to 20 euros, traveling to Malaysia can feel very affordable.

This affordability is one of the biggest reasons to visit Malaysia for budget conscious travelers.

10. Many Travelers Can Enter Malaysia Visa Free

Another practical reason to visit Malaysia is its relatively easy entry policy.

Citizens from many countries can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Others can obtain an e-visa in 24 hours. Check the visa requirements for your country.

This makes traveling to Malaysia convenient because you often do not need to apply for a visa in advance.

Combined with its well connected airports and transportation networks, Malaysia becomes an easy destination to add to a larger Southeast Asia itinerary.

Best Places to visit in Malaysia

One of the best things about travel in Malaysia is how much variety you can experience in a single trip. The country may look small on the map, but it offers so much.

Geographically, Malaysia is divided into two main parts.

The western part sits on the Malay Peninsula, where major cities and historic destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca are located.

The eastern part lies on the island of Borneo, which Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei. This region includes the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and is known for dense rainforests, wildlife, and mountains.

During our trip, we mainly focused on the western peninsula. That allowed us to experience the mix of cities, mountains, tropical islands, and historic towns without spending too much time on long travel days.

We briefly touched Borneo, but most of our time traveling to Malaysia was spent exploring the western side of the country.

Here are the places that stood out the most during our travel in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur

If you are traveling to Malaysia for the first time, Kuala Lumpur is usually the starting point.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city and the largest city in the country. The metropolitan area has more than 8 million residents, making it the economic and cultural center of Malaysia.

The skyline is dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which stand 452 meters tall and remain the tallest twin towers in the world. Visitors can go up to the observation deck or the skybridge between the towers for panoramic views of the city.

Another impressive landmark is the Kuala Lumpur Tower, a 421 meter tall communications tower that offers one of the best viewpoints in the city. The observation deck provides a full 360 degree view of the skyline.

Just outside the city you will find Batu Caves, one of the most famous Hindu sites in Southeast Asia. Visitors climb 272 colorful steps to reach the limestone cave temple. The caves themselves are estimated to be around 400 million years old.

The city is also home to beautiful mosques such as Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia, which can accommodate around 15,000 worshippers.

For shopping and nightlife, the Bukit Bintang district is the liveliest part of the city. It is packed with shopping malls, rooftop bars, restaurants, and the famous Jalan Alor street food market.

Kuala Lumpur also has excellent transportation, modern highways, and huge shopping malls. Many travelers are surprised by how developed the city feels when traveling to Malaysia.

Cameron Highlands

After the busy energy of Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands offer a completely different atmosphere.

Located about 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands sit at an elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level. Because of this altitude, the temperatures here are much cooler than the rest of Malaysia.

While most of the country stays around 30°C, Cameron Highlands often feels like a refreshing 18°C to 25°C.

The region was developed by the British in the 1930s as a hill station where colonial officers could escape the tropical heat.

Today the area is famous for its rolling tea plantations. The most well known plantation is the BOH Tea Plantation, where visitors can walk through green hills covered with tea plants and enjoy tea while looking out across the valley.

Strawberry farms, butterfly gardens, mossy forests, and small hiking trails also make this region a relaxing stop while traveling in Malaysia.

After several days in busy cities, Cameron Highlands felt like a peaceful change of scenery.

Penang and George Town

If you love history and food, Penang should definitely be on your Malaysia itinerary.

The capital of Penang is George Town, a historic port city that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The city grew rapidly during the colonial period when it served as an important trading hub between Asia and Europe.

Walking through George Town feels like stepping into a living museum. Colonial buildings, Chinese temples, Indian shrines, and old shop houses line the narrow streets.

One of the most popular activities here is exploring the famous street art murals scattered across the city. These murals have turned George Town into an open air art gallery and attract visitors from all over the world.

Penang is also considered the street food capital of Malaysia. Hawker centers and night markets serve some famous Penang dishes include:

• Char Kway Teow – stir fried noodles with shrimp and egg
• Penang Laksa – a sour fish noodle soup
• Hokkien Mee – noodle soup with pork and seafood broth

Many travelers say that the food alone is a reason to visit Penang.

For anyone interested in culture, architecture, and food, Penang is one of the highlights of travel in Malaysia.

Langkawi

After cities and mountains, it was time for some beaches.

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands located in the Andaman Sea near the border of Thailand. The islands are known for their white sand beaches, tropical forests, and relaxed atmosphere.

Langkawi is also a duty free island, which means many goods such as chocolates, perfumes, and alcohol are cheaper here compared with the rest of Malaysia.

One of the most famous attractions on the island is the Langkawi Sky Bridge. This curved pedestrian bridge sits about 660 meters above sea level and offers incredible views of the surrounding islands.

Visitors reach the bridge by taking the Langkawi cable car, which climbs steeply up the mountain and provides breathtaking views along the way.

The beaches in Langkawi are perfect for relaxing after a busy travel itinerary. Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular beaches with cafés, restaurants, and sunset views.

If Kuala Lumpur shows you the modern side of Malaysia, Langkawi shows you its tropical side.

Malacca

Malacca, also known as Melaka, is one of the most historically significant cities in Malaysia.

Located about 150 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, Malacca sits along the Strait of Malacca, which has been one of the busiest trade routes in the world for centuries.

The city was founded in the 15th century and became an important port connecting traders from China, India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Because of this long history, Malacca has been influenced by several colonial powers including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

The most recognizable landmark in the city is the Stadthuys, a large red Dutch colonial building constructed in 1650. Nearby you can also see the remains of A Famosa, a Portuguese fortress built in the 16th century.

Like George Town, the historic center of Malacca is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking along the Malacca River in the evening, with colorful buildings and lights reflecting on the water, is one of the most relaxing experiences during travel in Malaysia.

Borneo

While we mainly focused on the western peninsula, it would be impossible to talk about travel in Malaysia without mentioning Borneo.

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Malaysian part includes the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

This region is famous for its rainforests, wildlife, and adventure travel.

Borneo is one of the few places in the world where you can still see wild orangutans, explore dense jungle, and climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia.

Many travelers visit Borneo to experience nature, go diving around coral reefs, or explore national parks.

We did not spend much time there on this trip, but it is definitely on our list for the next time we return to Malaysia.

And if traveling in Malaysia taught me one thing, it is that this country always gives you a reason to come back.

The Food Scene in Malaysia: What I Liked Most

If someone asked me to describe Malaysia in one word after my trip, food would probably be near the top of the list.

Malaysia is widely considered one of the best food destinations in Southeast Asia. The country’s multicultural population has created a cuisine that blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences into something very unique.

Meals in Malaysia are often affordable, flavorful, and easy to find almost anywhere.

You can eat in restaurants, street stalls, night markets, and large food courts known as hawker centers. Many locals eat out several times a day because food is inexpensive and widely available.

Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s National Dish

One of the most famous dishes in the country is Nasi Lemak. Nasi Lemak is often considered Malaysia’s national dish and it is eaten at any time of the day, including breakfast.

The dish usually includes:

• Coconut rice
• Sambal chili paste
• Fried anchovies
• Peanuts
• Boiled egg
• Cucumber slices

Many restaurants also add fried chicken or beef rendang.

The coconut rice is fragrant and slightly creamy because it is cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves. The sambal adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavor.

A basic plate of Nasi Lemak can cost as little as 5 to 8 ringgit, which is roughly 1 to 2 USD at local food stalls.

Laksa: A Bowl of Bold Flavors

Another dish that travelers should try is Laksa. Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that comes in several regional variations.

In Penang you will often find Asam Laksa, which has a tangy fish broth flavored with tamarind and herbs. In other parts of Malaysia you might see Curry Laksa, which has a richer coconut curry broth.

Both versions are packed with flavor and usually include noodles, herbs, and vegetables.

A bowl of Laksa typically costs around 8 to 12 ringgit, depending on the restaurant.

Roti Canai: A Popular Breakfast

One of my personal favorites during the trip was Roti Canai.

Roti Canai is a flaky flatbread that comes from Indian Malaysian cuisine. It is made by stretching and folding dough many times before cooking it on a hot metal griddle.

The bread becomes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is usually served with small bowls of curry or lentil sauce for dipping.

Roti Canai is especially popular for breakfast. Many small restaurants open early in the morning and serve it with tea or coffee.

A piece of Roti Canai often costs only 1.50 to 2.50 ringgit, which is less than 1 USD.

Tropical Fruits Everywhere

Malaysia’s tropical climate also means there are plenty of fresh fruits.

Markets often sell:

• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Dragon fruit
• Durian

Durian is probably the most famous fruit in the region. It has a very strong smell that some people love and others dislike. In fact, many hotels and public transportation systems ban durian because of its odor.

Interesting Facts About Malaysia That Surprised Me

Before traveling to Malaysia, I mostly knew about the famous skyline of Kuala Lumpur and its tropical islands. But once I started learning more about the country, I realized Malaysia has some pretty fascinating facts.

Some of them are surprising, some slightly strange, and some genuinely impressive.

Here are a few interesting things I learned while traveling in Malaysia.

1. Caning Is Still a Legal Punishment

Yes, you read that correctly.

Malaysia still uses judicial caning as part of its legal system for certain crimes. It is mostly applied for serious offenses such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and violent crimes.

Interestingly, Malaysia also has relatively low crime rates compared with many countries. May be good for Malaysia?

2. Malaysia Defeated a Communist Insurgency

Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world that successfully defeated a communist insurgency.

Between 1948 and 1989, the country experienced a long conflict known as the Malayan Emergency, where communist guerrillas attempted to take control.

After decades of conflict, the Malaysian government eventually defeated the insurgency.

3. It Rains About 200 Days a Year in Kuala Lumpur

If you visit Kuala Lumpur and it starts raining, do not assume you are unlucky.

Rain is actually a normal part of life in the city. Kuala Lumpur receives rainfall on around 200 days each year because of its tropical climate.

4. Malaysia’s Highway Network Is Longer Than Earth’s Circumference

Malaysia has an impressive highway system that stretches for about 65,000 kilometers across the country.

To put that into perspective, the circumference of the Earth is approximately 40,075 kilometers.

That means if you drove the entire Malaysian highway network end to end, you would technically travel a distance longer than driving around the entire planet.

5. Bird’s Nest Soup Can Cost $4,000 per Kilogram

One of the most unusual delicacies in Malaysia is bird’s nest soup, a dish that is particularly popular in Chinese cuisine.

The nests are made by swiftlet birds, which build their nests using hardened saliva on the walls of caves.

These nests are carefully collected and then used to make a soup believed to have health benefits such as improving skin and boosting the immune system. Poor Birds!

The price can be astonishing. High quality bird nests can sell for up to $4,000 per kilogram.

6. Malaysia Has a Rotating King

Malaysia’s political system is quite unique. The country has a constitutional monarchy, but the king is not permanent.

Instead, the king is elected every five years from one of the nine royal families of Malaysia.

This system is known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and it is one of the few rotating monarchies in the world.

7. There Are 13 States and Several Royal Families

Malaysia consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories. Nine of these states have hereditary rulers known as Sultans. The remaining states are governed by appointed governors.

Traditionally, the rulers are Malay Muslim men, talk about patriarchy.

8. Palm Oil Is One of Malaysia’s Biggest Exports

Malaysia is one of the largest producers of palm oil in the world.

As you travel around Malaysia, especially outside major cities, you will often see large palm plantations stretching for kilometers.

Together with Indonesia, Malaysia produces the majority of the world’s palm oil.

9. Malaysia Shares Borneo With Two Other Countries

Malaysia is divided into two separate regions.

The western part lies on the Malay Peninsula, while the eastern part sits on the island of Borneo, which is the third largest island in the world.

Borneo is shared between three countries:

• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Brunei

10. Malaysia’s Motto Is “Unity Is Strength”

Malaysia’s official national motto is “Unity Is Strength.” Once you visit the country, it becomes clear why.

11. Malaysia Has One of the Oldest Rainforests on Earth

Malaysia’s tropical rainforests are estimated to be around 130 million years old.

That makes them older than the Amazon rainforest. These ancient forests are home to incredible wildlife including orangutans, sun bears, hornbills, and many rare plant species.

Large parts of these forests can be explored in national parks such as Taman Negara, which is considered one of the oldest rainforests in the world.

Is Malaysia Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

After spending about ten days traveling across Malaysia, I can honestly say that it became one of the most interesting countries I have visited in Asia.

If someone asked me whether Malaysia is worth visiting, my answer would definitely be yes.

In my opinion it is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations. It has the infrastructure of a developed country, the cultural diversity of several nations combined, and landscapes that range from busy cities to quiet islands.

Before this trip, Malaysia was not at the very top of my travel list. I knew about the beaches of Langkawi and the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, but I did not realize how much variety the country actually offers.

The country also feels welcoming and safe. Throughout our trip we met friendly locals who were happy to recommend dishes, explain cultural traditions, or simply chat about where we were visiting from.

Looking back at the trip now, I think Malaysia is an excellent destination for travelers who want variety without traveling extremely long distances between places.

If you are planning your first visit to Malaysia, I would recommend giving yourself enough time to explore more than just one city. The real beauty of the country appears when you experience several different regions.

And once you do, you might find yourself wanting to come back again.

Planning your own Malaysia adventure? Save this guide so you can come back to it while planning your itinerary.

I regularly share detailed travel guides, itineraries, and travel tips from destinations around the world on touroclock.com to help make trip planning easier.