Malaysia

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of the most genuinely multicultural countries in Asia, and this is visible in everything from its architecture to its food markets. Chinese temples stand next to Hindu temples stand next to mosques, often within a few streets of each other, in a coexistence that feels natural rather than curated. The country's food culture is a direct product of this - hawker centres in Penang and Kuala Lumpur offer Chinese, Malay, Indian Tamil and Peranakan cuisines side by side, and the standard across all of them is exceptionally high.

For British-Indian passengers, Malaysia has a particular warmth. The Indian Tamil community has been in Malaysia for over a century, and the presence of Hindu temples, Tamil schools, South Indian restaurants and Indian cultural life is substantial - especially in Kuala Lumpur's Brickfields district and across Penang. The food is excellent for vegetarians, halal options are universal, and the country's English-language proficiency makes navigation easy. Our guided tours add the historical depth and regional variety that transforms a comfortable visit into a memorable one.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Malaysia Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with superb South Indian Tamil cuisine readily available
• Vegetarian options outstanding throughout, including pure vegetarian South Indian thali restaurants
• Halal food universally available across Malaysia
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• Indian Tamil heritage sites included on itineraries, including Hindu temples and Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has a tropical climate throughout the year, with regional variation in monsoon timing.

April to September is the drier period on the west coast (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi). This is the main touring season for most of our Malaysia itineraries.

October to March brings the northeast monsoon to the east coast (Kota Kinabalu, the Perhentian Islands), while the west coast remains relatively dry.

Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) is best visited between March and September when the weather is most consistent for wildlife watching and river journeys.

Popular Destinations Within Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur - the Petronas Twin Towers (the world's tallest twin buildings), Batu Caves Hindu temple complex on the city's outskirts, the Brickfields (Little India) district, the Central Market for crafts and culture, and the excellent food hawker centres of Jalan Alor.

Penang - George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage city, with its extraordinary street art, clan jetties, Peranakan shophouses, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and a hawker food scene that is widely considered the finest in Malaysia.

Batu Caves - a series of limestone caves containing Hindu shrines, with a 272-step staircase guarded by a 43-metre gold statue of Lord Murugan. The annual Thaipusam festival here draws over a million devotees.

Malacca - another UNESCO World Heritage city, with Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial layers stacked on top of a Malay sultanate history. The Baba Nyonya Peranakan Museum is outstanding.

Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) - the Malaysian states on the world's third largest island. Orangutans in the Sepilok sanctuary, proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan River, Gunung Mulu caves and the communities of indigenous Dayak peoples.

Langkawi - a duty-free island archipelago in the northwest, with white sand beaches, cable car views over the archipelago and a relaxed resort atmosphere.

Practical Information

• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Language: Bahasa Malaysia (official); English widely spoken across the country, particularly in cities and tourist areas
• Time zone: Malaysia Standard Time (GMT+8). No daylight saving.
• Electricity: Type G plugs (240V). UK plugs work without an adapter.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Malaysia holidays are fully protected