Malaysia

Located just south of Thailand on the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia is a tropical paradise in the heart of southeast Asia. It’s perhaps best known for its beaches, rainforests, and its wealth of natural beauty and impressive scenery. The capital, Kuala Lumpur houses the tallest twin towers in the world, while its islands are home to some of the most beautiful dive areas you can see. Whether you’re up for trekking and diving, or just want to relax on the beach and dine in the city, Malaysia is certainly worth a visit.

Traveling to Malaysia is easy; for citizens of most countries you won’t need to apply for a visa beforehand. There are a handful of countries in Asia that require a visa for Malaysia, but most will not. For most of Europe and North America, you’ll receive a 90-day visa stamp upon arrival; certain other countries are only valid for 30-days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry.

Malaysia and Singapore share a lot of the same festivals and traditions, but Malaysia definitely has its own flair. From brightly colored street festivals to sobering religious days, the country has a lot to celebrate with its own unique cultural heritage.

Malaysia experiences high heat and humidity all year-round, and there isn’t a lot of distinction between the seasons. The most notable difference is that the monsoon season arrives in November/December and brings on the “rainy season” until mid-February. During this time, travel is not recommended on the East coast of the peninsula (unless you’re happy staying indoors all afternoon!).