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As Malaysia is positioned close to the equator, the weather is hot and humid year-round with occasional tropical rain showers. Seasons differ in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. So, the best time to visit Malaysia depends on the region you plan to visit. The wet season on the peninsula east coast and in Sarawak region runs between November and February. During this time, the west coast experiences sunny weather. Conversely, the rainiest months on the west coast and in Sabah region are April to October (peaking in September–October); but rains are sharp and short. So, if you aim for MarchAugust, most likely you'll have a great time in Malaysia. Spring is a good time for birdwatching, witnessing vanilla blooming or feeding baby sharks. Mind, this is the period of thick haze caused by air pollution, which can lead to flight cancellations. Hot and humid summer from June to September is a peak season when the country is filled with tourists, so book in advance. Numerous festivals like Christmas and Chinese New Year attract waves of tourists to Malaysia (especially west coast) from late December to early February.

33 things to do in Malaysia

Harvest of Edible Swiftlet Nests

February–April | July–September Food

Have you tried a soup made with birds? With eggs? What about soup from the whole bird nest?

Proboscis Monkeys

all year round Nature

They may seem very cute because of their golden fur and tiny brown eyes, but their huge nose make them look rather weird

Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu

February–April Nature

You can start your lazy morning in bed with a cup of coffee, or enjoy your hot drink from a thermos on top of a mountain!

Birdwatching

March–June | September–November Activity

Choose Malaysia if you want to see as many different kinds of birds as possible and meet colleagues from all over the world

Black Orchids

March–August Nature

Black orchids are a rare and fascinating flower not to be missed!

Tea Plantations and Pulled Tea

February–March | August–September Nature

Black, green, Oolong, teh tarik—try various sorts of tea in Malaysia

Malay Martial Arts Silat

July | September Event

Are they fighting or just dancing? It might be both, especially if they practice Silat

Mangrove Forests

January–February | June–August Nature

Check out these trees growing in sea water that host lots of crabs and prawns

Feeding Baby Sharks

April–June | October Activity

Even predators can be cute and friendly, if you know how to behave

Asam Embang (Mawang) or Jungle Mango

January–February | July–August Food

This huge type of mango can be tasted and enjoyed only in Borneo

Watching Orangutans

May–October Nature

Thumbs up for orangutans and their opposable thumbs

Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes

March–October Nature

These plants eat insects and even small mammals

Gong Making in Sabah & Matunggong Gong Festival

all year round (gongs) | October (festival) Event

Some tribes are distinct with dances, some with hunting, and the Rungus community has mastered its skills in making gongs

Canopy Walks in Borneo

April–June Activity

See where birds fly and gibbons jump in Borneo

Kuching Cat City

April–September Activity

If you are a cat lover, visit this town occupied with cats while it enjoys a short break from rains

Traditional Kite Flying

March–April Activity

Peacocks, cats, and moons fill the sky when large kites are launched at the end of harvest

Diving near Borneo Island

April–October Activity

Dare to challenge a famous sea Drop Off

Hot Springs

March–May Nature

Do you believe in the miraculous healing power or just want to test your body with really hot water on a cooler spring day?

Pygmy Elephants

June–September Nature

The world's smallest subspecies of elephants live in Malaysian Borneo

Bats of the Sarawak

March–September Nature

If you are not scared of vampires, visit this four-million bat colony

Langkawi SkyBridge

January–August Activity

Follow this curvy bridge up in the mountains and touch the Malay sky

Longboat Ride and Longhouse Overnight

May–August Activity

Spend a few nights with an indigenous community to learn the cultural roots of many cultures of Southeast Asia

Borneo International Kite Festival

September 25–29, 2024 Event

Dragons, tigers, lizards, cats, and more! It gets very crowded up there, high in the sky

Chinese New Year

January 29–February 13, 2025 Event

Chinese dragons and lions, night fireworks and magically lit temples, and many open houses for every person

Rafflesia

April–May | September–October Nature

This flower is big, impressive, heavy, rare, unique and very stinking

Flashing Fireflies of Kampung Kuantan

November–August Nature

A huge colony of fireflies performs their dance of light as a one whole organism

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

March–July Activity

The world's highest via ferrata near the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo's highest peak

Petronas Twin Towers

all year round Activity

If you're into tall buildings and long-range views, these twin skyscrapers are a must item on your bucket list

Gawai Dayak (Hari Gawai)

early June Event

A vibrant Dayak ethnic festival, marking the end of the harvest season in Sarawak, Malaysia and West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

May 14, 2023 Event

The premiere hot air balloon event in Malaysia

Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

February 1–2, 2020 Event

An impressive balloon festival on the island of Penang

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Ring in NYE at the beach or in the bustling megapolis of Kuala Lumpur

Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition

May, 2025 Event

There's hardly another festival in the world that brings together so many kinds of machinery

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