Luxury Malaysia Travel

Can I combine other destinations with Malaysia?

Malaysia’s setting in the dead centre of Southeast Asia, plus KL’s status as a major regional flight hub, make combinations with nearby countries are enticingly easy to put together. The obvious combinations are with the world-beating wildlife attractions of Malaysian Borneo, just an hour flight across the South China Sea, or with Singapore, located at the bottom tip of the Malay peninsula and accessed by road, rail, and also by air from many regional Malaysian airports. Indonesia has commonalities of culture, language, cuisine, and climate and makes an intriguing combination; Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are all also just a short flight away.

How do we get around?

As with our other destinations in Southeast Asia you’ll mostly be joined by a private English-speaking guide for all transfers and sightseeing. A key difference in Malaysia is that it is often a driver-guide (one person fulfilling both roles): partly due to cost as Malaysia has a stronger economy than its neighbours, and also as the roads are noticeably – but not entirely! – less hectic. Malaysia’s good roads also make self-drive an option: a particularly fun route connects KL, the Cameron Highlands, and Penang. Train travel connects all major points on the West coast (plus Singapore) and with comfortable, modern carriages makes a relaxing and scenic way to get around.

Is Malaysia accessible for western visitors?

Malaysia is an extremely friendly and accessible destination. A legacy of British rule, plus the many sub-cultures within the population, sees English used as a ‘Lingua Franca and widely spoken throughout the country. Most Malaysians you encounter will be near-fluent English speakers – albeit with an accent and some intriguing loan words and slang thrown in! Road signs and public transport are usually triple-printed in Bahasa (the official Malaysian language), English, and Chinese. Helpfully you’ll also find that Bahasa uses Roman script with many recognisable signs and menu items: kopi (coffee), teksi (taxi), restoran (restaurant), etc. As a rule, you’ll also find that Malaysian people are extremely friendly, largely informal, and great fun.