Malaysia holidays

Who are Malaysia holidays best for?

Travellers who dream of soaking up tropical sunshine on salt-white sand beaches will be in heaven here. The golden sunshine that splashes onto the landscape makes the crystal-clear seas, forget-me-not blues skies, and soaring palm trees especially dreamy - particularly in lovely Langkawi - an archipelago off the coast of Malaysia. Beyond the beach scene, Malaysia also offers velvety rolling green hills and fast-paced cities crackling with commotion. Curious travellers will find plenty to arouse their senses in Malaysia, a land of ancient culture etched out in the likes of Penang and hedonists too will rejoice in the endless boutique hotels and gourmet suppers. And for a simpler-style trip? Malaysia holidays can also charm with simple food carts and a soft approach to the splendours of life.

What can you find in Malaysia that you won’t find elsewhere?

Stand in the Cameron Highlands and gaze out over the sea of jade-green tea plantations for a view that is so outrageously beautiful that you'll be left slack-jawed and lost for words. In other corners, the jungle brims with life, inviting you to drift downriver and watch for wildlife that comes to lap water from its banks. Go deeper into the rainforest for longer treks where croaking frogs, monkey cries, and the thunder of waterfalls are the only sounds to break the silence. Borneo boasts its beautiful stilted houses, and beyond that, Malaysia’s extraordinary archipelago weaves together a wealth of cultures – from Indian and Chinese to Malay and European.

What are the best options for a Malaysia holiday?

A highlight of any luxury Malaysia holiday is a trip to Borneo, which has to be one of the most original destinations on the planet. This is an island where scientists have discovered 52 completely new species since 2005 alone. Original Travel consultants have travelled extensively throughout the Malay provinces of Sabah and Sarawak in the north of the island, visiting the best beaches, researching rainforest lodges in tribal regions, watching the incredible wildlife (including the endangered orangutan) and diving some of Asia's finest reefs. Mt Kinabalu is a trekkers' paradise, and Borneo also has some of South-East Asia's finest family hotels.

Kuala Lumpur, once a small Chinese mining town, is now the fast paced bright light city of South East Asia. Transit travellers frequent the city as it is a popular destination to stopover en route to Malaysia's paradise beaches. The city is peppered with iconic skyscrapers, traditional street markets, modern shopping malls, Moorish buildings and colonial architecture.

Off the west coast of mainland Malaysia, is the picturesque archipelago of Langkawi, which is made up of 99 lush islands just south of the Thai border and Phuket, and the luxurious hotels here are every bit as good as their Thai rivals. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or this trip is the first stamp in the passport, the turquoise waters and jungle cloaked islands will do nothing more than leave you in complete awe at their beauty.

Original Travel team members are passionate about the countries they work with, and have travelled to Malaysia a fair few times. As a result, they have the inside track on the best places to stay and visit during a luxury Malaysia holiday, and can tailor make an itinerary to suit your individual requests. As foodies we love Malaysia for the variety of mouth-watering dishes available to sample, so if it's a restaurant tip you are after, we have it. Basically it's all about beaches, jungle treks and dive sites - luxury holiday heaven.

Unique Experiences in Malaysia

The daylight hours bring endless shades of blue and soft white sands, while at night the inky darkness brings a sense of mystery. Grab a flashlight and walk along the beach until you come to a small crater, wait a moment beneath the moonlight, and all of a sudden the crater erupts with life and hundreds of baby turtles make their mad dash to the ocean, straight into the foaming white of the waves. An utterly magical experience that you'll never forget.