From lively cities to remote islands, Malaysia is a country that truly has it all. Malaysia luxury travel can be whatever you want it to be: a sophisticated city break, an adventurous vacation or a serene tropical getaway. Here’s a list of the best luxury travel destinations in Malaysia so that you can decide where to go. 

Kuala Lumpur

When it comes to luxury travel destinations in Malaysia, you just can’t miss the capital city of Kuala Lumpur or “KL” as people in the know call it. It’s a cultural melting pot brimming with vibrancy and energy. There’s so much to see and do here, from ogling the Petronas Towers to taking the 272 steps in front of the sacred Batu caves. The fusion of cultures in Kuala Lumpur means that it’s home to some truly amazing fine dining. There are plenty of gourmet restaurants where you can enjoy your dinner alongside stunning views of the city’s skyline. It’s also full of lavish hotels, upscale malls and glamorous sky bars. What more could you want from a luxury city break? It’s also becoming a go to location for expats looking for reasonably priced alternatives.

Langkawi 

When you close your eyes and picture a tropical paradise, you probably envision somewhere a lot like Langkawi. This serene archipelago is mostly undeveloped, save for the exceptional luxury resorts, of course. It’s home to pristine beaches and ancient rainforests where you can catch a glimpse of rare wildlife. It’s the ultimate island getaway and personally, I can’t get enough. 

Georgetown, Penang 

If you’re a city-lover looking for luxury travel destinations in Malaysia, look no further than Georgetown. Georgetown is the capital of Penang, and arguably Malaysia’s coolest city. For one thing, the whole area is a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s home to some of the best street art I’ve ever seen, as well as charming colonial architecture and fantastic food. For a historic heritage stay, opt for the legendary Eastern&Oriental Hotel.

Georgetown is also celebrated for its quirky museums. There’s the Chocolate and Coffee museum (yum), the Rice museum and the Upside Down museum where everything is – yes, you guessed it – upside down. 

For more on Penang, check out this travel guide.

Malaysian Borneo

Borneo is one island divided between three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. It’s often overlooked as a luxury travel destination but that’s big a mistake because Malaysian Borneo is absolute paradise. It’s one of the most biodiverse islands in the whole world and is home to some wonderfully dramatic landscapes. Best of all, there are a handful of opulent luxury hotels from which you can enjoy the tropical wilderness. 

Besar, The Perhentian Islands

The gorgeous Perhentian Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. There are two main Perhentian Islands: Kecil, which draws a backpacker crowd, and the upscale Besar. There are several opulent resorts to choose from on Perhentian Besar. Most of these boast picturesque private beaches – not that things ever really get super busy here anyway. The island is home to some amazing marine life, too. I highly recommend using your time here to explore it as thoroughly as you can.

For more Southeast Asian luxury travel, why not check out this guide to the best Thai islands for luxury travelers or this list of amazing things to do in Vietnam?