Malaysia offers something for everyone without the loud and crowded hustle and bustle of an overdeveloped nation. Here, you enjoy pristine rainforests and marine parks, holiday on postcard-perfect beaches, take in the culture of its small towns, shop for inexpensive handicrafts, and eat some of the most flavorful food in Southeast Asia.
Beaches, shopping, food, culture
Primarily tropical, it remains hot and humid throughout the year, with the best months May to September. Rains are heaviest from October to November and from April to May on the West Coast and from November to January on the east coast, including Sabah and Sarawak.
Happier days are ahead! For now, virtually escape to these 10 cheerful places.
An ode to Kuala Lumpur’s underground, The Chow Kit weaves retro design and contemporary art into one of the city’s prettiest hotels.
Not only does this storied stay hit all the marks, but it is also the only seafront hotel in George Town.
A new boutique hotel brings fresh life to the seafront in cooler-by-the-day Penang.
In the tropical wilderness of Langkawi, on the fringe of Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, an evolved breed of kids’ club is burying its peers in the sandpit.
A little-known north Borneo beach is Sabah’s best alternative diving spot, writes Marco Ferrarese, who asks that you keep Mengkabar Bay to yourself—and don’t disturb the tarsiers.
Faced with a rapidly dwindling gamat, or sea cucumber, population, The Andaman Hotel in Langkawi takes the lead to regenerate them.
In George Town, there’s a meal of a different sort at Hikayat, a sleek one-stop-shop for literature, creativity and Penang’s latest, most artsy accommodation.
No expense is spared at this sky-high five-star just a few steps away from the Petronas Towers.
The Datai Langkawi has reopened after an extensive renovation and the astute realization that the modern traveler’s greatest luxury is learning to commune with nature. On a wellness sojourn, Jeninne Lee-St. John finds the best of intentions under the rainforest canopy.
Traveling on the job doesn’t have to be boxy and boring. These upscale hotels do the hard work for you, leaving more time to enjoy your surroundings.
As Malaysia goes through a political shake-up, the capital is rippling with change. With an influx of luxury hotels and experimental, proudly Malaysian restaurants, plus a community of small bars adding cool spots to spend the night, Eloise Basuki finds it is now worth lingering in Kuala Lumpur.
From snazzy cabaret clubs to street vendor-dessert inspired cocktails, Mark Lean trains his beer (or margarita) goggles on Kuala Lumpur’s evolving bar scene.
Situated on Telaga Harbour, close (but not too close) to the island’s international airport, The Danna Langkawi is an intimate oasis with just eight individually designed suites.
Unbridled, gorgeous vistas define The Westin Langkawi, an elegant, low-rise resort perched on a bay fringed with white sand, a location that overlooks forest-clad isles jutting out of the Andaman Sea.
Set on Tanjung Rhu, one of the island’s best beaches, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi combines indigenous architecture with gracious service in a resort experience unmatched in Malaysia.
