Malaysia packs futuristic Kuala Lumpur, powdery beaches on the east coast, tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands and ancient rainforest in Borneo onto one accessible, English-speaking and affordable territory. Here is how to plan a coherent trip.
The west coast (Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Langkawi) is driest from December to March. The east coast (Perhentian, Tioman, Redang) is best from March to October and largely closed from November to February during the monsoon.
Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) can be visited year-round, but national parks are most pleasant from March to October. Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid year-round with short daily showers.
Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur. Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, night markets.
Days 3-4: Malacca. UNESCO-listed historic city, Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture, Jonker Street food.
Days 5-6: Cameron Highlands. Tea plantations, jungle treks, strawberries and local markets.
Days 7-9: Perhentian or Tioman islands. Beaches, snorkeling with turtles and whale sharks (in season).
Day 10: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
For 15-18 days add Borneo (Kuching, Bako National Park, Sepilok orangutans) and/or Langkawi.
A 10-day trip in Malaysia costs €900-1,600 per person excluding flights.
- 3-star hotel: €40-80/night. Hostels and guesthouses: €15-30/night. - Meals: €15-30/day with excellent street food. - Domestic transport: comfortable long-distance buses (€10-25/ride), domestic flights KL-Kota Kinabalu/Kuching (€60-120).
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian ringgit (MYR) makes the country very affordable for euro-based travellers.
French citizens can stay up to 90 days visa-free. Passport valid 6 months after return date.
Tap water is drinkable in Kuala Lumpur but variable elsewhere: stick to sealed bottles. Recommended vaccines: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, typhoid depending on regions. Dengue is present: use mosquito repellent. Malaysia is a safe destination overall.
December-March for the west coast, March-October for the east coast. Borneo is best March-October.
No, French citizens can stay up to 90 days visa-free. Passport valid 6 months after return.
10 days minimum for KL, Malacca, Cameron Highlands and one island. 15-18 days to add Borneo or Langkawi.