Custom travel to Malaysia

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most diverse destinations — a cosmopolitan country (60% Malay Muslims, 23% Chinese, 7% Indians) where mosques, Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian temples coexist peacefully. 33 million inhabitants, two territories separated by the South China Sea: Peninsular Malaysia (south of Thailand) and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak, shares the island with Brunei and Indonesia). Kuala Lumpur (8 million inhabitants, capital) — Petronas Twin Towers (88 floors, 452 m, world's tallest twin towers 1998-2004), KL Tower (421 m), Batu Caves (Hindu sanctuary with giant golden Murugan statue, 272 colorful steps), Chinatown, Petaling Street. Penang (UNESCO 2008, Georgetown) — British colonial heritage, world-ranked street food (Anthony Bourdain), street art. Malacca (UNESCO 2008) — Portuguese (1511), Dutch (1641), British (1824) heritage. Cameron Highlands (Boh tea plantations at 1,500 m, coolness). Borneo: Sabah (4,095-m Mount Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sepilok orangutans, Sipadan diving world top 5), Sarawak (Kuching, UNESCO Mulu Caves). Exceptional fusion cuisine (nasi lemak, char kway teow, laksa). 12-15 days ideal to combine peninsula and Borneo.

Highlights

  • Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Towers and Batu Caves
  • Penang: UNESCO Georgetown and street food
  • Malacca: UNESCO and colonial heritage
  • Borneo (Sabah): orangutans and Mount Kinabalu
  • Sipadan: world top 5 diving
  • Cameron Highlands: tea plantations

Frequently asked questions

When?

March-October peninsula. May-September Borneo (calm sea at Sipadan). Avoid November-February (east coast monsoon).

How long?

10 days for peninsula. 14 days to add Borneo (Sabah).

Budget?

€2,600-€3,600 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €4,200-€6,000. Flights: €700-€1,100.

Visa?

No for French citizens < 90 days.

Family?

Yes, from age 8. KL and peninsula very suitable. Borneo: from age 12 (jungle, diving).

How to get around?

Malaysia Airlines/AirAsia domestic flights (KL-Borneo 2 h 30). ETS train for peninsula. Private car with driver.

Sipadan: how to book?

120 permits/day, distributed 1-3 months in advance by resorts (Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking). Minimum Open Water level, 20 dives recommended.

See orangutans: where?

Sepilok (Sandakan, Sabah) — sanctuary with feedings. Danum Valley (Sabah) — wild observation. Semenggoh (Kuching, Sarawak) — alternative.

Combine?

Yes: Malaysia + Singapore (40-min flight, 7-h train), Malaysia + Indonesia (Bali), Malaysia + Thailand.

Tips?

Service charge 10% often included. Appreciated in hotels, with guides.