Malaysia Holidays

Malaysia offers its visitor numerous holiday choices, from exploring high-tech KL, relaxing on one of its sandy beaches or meeting the tribal villagers of Sabah in Borneo. Peninsular Malaysia is the more developed of the country's two regions and is home to the country's most popular beach resorts - Penang and Langkawi - as well as the ever-developing city of Kuala Lumpur. Easy Malaysia occupies the northern segment of Borneo and it is famously known for its resident orang-utans and lush rainforests.

Best Time To Visit: Year round. Malaysia basks in year-round sunshine; the heaviest rainfall occurs between November to February in Borneo and the East Coast. Climate chart is based on Kuala Lumpur.

Time Difference: GMT +8 hours.

Visas: Visas are not required for British passport holders for stays of up to 3 months.

Language: Bahasa Malay but English is widely spoken.

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit.

Flight Information: Direct airlines include Malaysia Airlines. Emirates and Qatar Airways have great connections through Dubai and Doha and Singapore Airlines fly via Singapore.

Flight Time: Approx 12 hours.

1. Ultimate Experience
See sunrise from the top of Malaysian Borneo's Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia. It is a challenging climb but the reward is more than worth the effort.

2. Best Beaches
Malaysia has amazing beaches all along its coast, but some of the best can be found in Langkawi and along the quieter east coast.

3. Where To Go For Adventure
The Taman Negara National Park is one of the planet's oldest tropical rainforests - and one of the most dramatic. It is home to countless species of wildlife and has spectacular caves, waterfalls and mountains.

4. Water Parade
Malaysia's coastline is nothing short of stunning. The island of Redang off the east coast is less visited and offers great diving.

5. Shopping
Kuala Lumpur has a great combination of traditional markets and modern shopping malls. You'll find some real bargains whatever you're after.

6. Dates For The Diary
The Hindu festival of Thaipusam results in more than a million celebrants congregating at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur (February 2010). The KL Festival is a month-long collection of events and performances that takes places across the city (July 2010).

7. Best For Kids
Children and adults alike will be in awe of Borneo's wildlife. At the Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary you can get up-close to the magnificient 'people of the forest'.

8. Best For Couples
Pangkor Laut Resort is a privately-owned island where peace and tranquility reigns supreme. The Malay-style villas offer the perfect romantic retreat.

9. Splash Out
The 5* Datai Langkawi sits on one of Langkawi's finest beaches, surrounded by a tropical rainforest.

10. Live Like A Local
The villages of the tea plantations in the Central Highlands allow a fascinating glimpse into traditional life.