10 Best Holiday Destinations in Malaysia This New Year 2026

It’s hard to pick the 10 best holiday destinations in Malaysia, because there are just so many great ones!

Malaysia is such a wonderfully diverse place, full of rich culture and amazing nature. From misty mountain highlands to sun-drenched beaches, and from historic cities to buzzing urban centres, there’s just so much to experience.

And as the New Year approaches, it feels like the perfect time to explore. To help you kick off 2026 in the best way, we’ve put together our picks for the 10 best holiday destinations in Malaysia for this New Year.

Whether you’re local, expat, or tourist, you’ll find something here that makes you want to pack your bags and go.

Let’s dive in!

1. Kuala Lumpur

If you’re looking for the best holiday destination in Malaysia that mixes city buzz, culture, and ease, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is hard to beat.

We found ourselves wandering under the towering lights of the Petronas Twin Towers, tasting street food on Jalan Alor, and taking a moment for peace at the KL Forest Eco Park.

It’s a place where Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures weave together beautifully.

You can explore modern malls and heritage streets in one day.

The vibe? Energetic, convenient, and full of discovery.

The weather is warm, so light clothing works. And remember to always carry an umbrella!

Best time to go: All year round. Now through early year works great since New Year celebrations are vibrant. For even more color, go during the Chinese New Year.

2. Penang

If you want a destination that really earns the label “best place to holiday in Malaysia” for culture and glorious food, Penang is the answer.

Its heritage city of George Town is full of street art, colonial architecture, and tasty hawker fare.

Penang was even ranked 12th globally in the 2025 UK Post Office Holiday Money Report for value and experience.

We loved grabbing char kuey teow in a local food court, then strolling seaside at Batu Feringghi at dusk. The vibe is relaxed yet rich.

The weather is good in the early year (avoid heavy monsoon months). For Lunar New Year, Malaysia meets food-fest heaven here.

3. Langkawi

For beach time and nature in one go, we picked Langkawi as a top contender among the best Malaysia holiday destinations.

We took the cable-car up to the SkyBridge, walked the mangrove boardwalks in the Kilim Geoforest Park, and ended our days on white-sand beaches.

The mood: relaxed island living, but with enough things to do that you won’t get bored.

Go in January or early in the year to avoid heavier rainfall. Perfect for a fresh start to the year in good spirits.

But if you really want to beat the crowds, you can plan your visit between April and August.

4. Cameron Highlands

Time to cool down: this is a place we absolutely recommend for a change of pace.

The Cameron Highlands bring a completely different feel compared to the coast.

With tea plantations, strawberry farms, mossy forest trails, and crisp air, it stands out among the best holiday destinations in Malaysia for nature lovers.

We sipped tea at the BOH plantation and took strolls through the mist. The vibe is calm and refreshing.

Pack a light jacket because temperatures dip nicely.

Best time: early year or anytime you need a break from tropical heat.

5. Melaka

Want a holiday with historic charm? Melaka has it.

As a destination for those seeking the right balance of “city” + “story”, this city hits the spot.

For lovers of heritage, architecture, and relaxed strolls, Melaka makes the list of the best place to holiday in Malaysia.

We wandered Jonker Street’s night market, soaked in the building colours of Dutch Square, and cruised the Melaka River under lantern lights.

The vibe is romantic, leisurely, and full of past echoes. Early year is a good time for it.

6. Sabah (Borneo)

If you’re ready to go further and explore the wild, Sabah in Borneo is one of the standout, best Malaysian holiday destinations for outdoor adventure.

We loved exploring the amazing rainforest, orangutans, and marine life around Mt Kinabalu and the coastal islands. The vibe: raw, natural, and unforgettable.

For the Lunar New Year, Malaysia feels big, bold, and full of possibilities when you include Sabah.

Best time: While the rain at the year’s beginning may make it difficult to do all outdoor activities, this is also the time of year when the rainforest thrives.

However, most people visit from April to October to spot the orangutans and whale sharks!

7. Taman Negara

For nature’s grandeur right in Peninsular Malaysia, Taman Negara deserves its place among the best holiday destinations in Malaysia list.

It’s one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and we’ve heard some incredible stories of jungle treks, canopy walks, and wildlife spotting.

The vibe: earthy, immersive, and a little daring.

If you feel like disconnecting and starting your year with fresh ‘wild’ energy, this is it.

Make sure to plan transport and lodging ahead as it’s more remote.

8. Ipoh

We love Ipoh for its mix of food, heritage, and nature, and we believe it qualifies as one of the best Malaysian holiday destinations, especially for a two-or three-day getaway.

It’s not as loud as city centres, but that’s part of its charm.

We sampled Ipoh white coffee, explored cave temples, and ambled through old town streets.

The vibe: laid-back, authentic, and full of local character.

Timing: early year works fine, especially if you avoid major holiday peaks.

9. Perhentian Islands

If you’re dreaming of a more secluded island escape, the Perhentian Islands sit among the very best of the best holiday destinations in Malaysia.

We spoiled ourselves with the crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, turtles, and relaxing beach days.

We found the mood: slower pace, nature-rich, and restorative.

Note: the East Coast islands can be affected by monsoon seasons, so check for January/early-year travel windows.

If you’re planning your New Year holiday in Malaysia, this might be a dreamy option.

10. Kuching, Sarawak

If you want something different for your New Year trip, Kuching is easily one of the best places to holiday in Malaysia right now.

It’s the kind of city that feels warm and welcoming, with beautiful riverfront views, heritage buildings, and delicious Sarawak laksa waiting at every corner.

We loved walking along the Kuching Waterfront at sunset. Across the river, the golden-domed State Assembly Building and Darul Hana Bridge make the skyline unforgettable.

You can also take day trips to nearby attractions like Bako National Park for proboscis monkeys, or the Sarawak Cultural Village to get a feel of the region’s native traditions.

The vibe: easygoing, friendly, and full of charm. January is a great time to visit. The weather’s good, and the city has a festive, community feel leading into the Lunar New Year Malaysia celebrations.

Final Thoughts on the Best Holiday Destinations in Malaysia

There you have it: our personal take on the 10 best holiday destinations in Malaysia for this New Year, 2026. We hope you feel excited about planning something, whether it’s a short escape or a longer journey.

Each place brings something unique: city thrills, heritage walks, beach naps, jungle treks, or hill station cool-downs. One tip: check the weather and peak-season travel periods (especially for island destinations).

For the New Year Malaysia holiday planning, bookings may fill up fast, so it helps to plan ahead.

Start the year fresh with a getaway that makes you feel alive and renewed. We’re excited for you!

FAQs on the Best Holiday Destinations in Malaysia

Which part of Malaysia is best for a holiday?

Greater Kuala Lumpur (Twin Towers, Hindu temple in Batu Caves), Ipoh, Perak (for food & limestone cave experience), Penang (food and history), Genting Highlands (cool weather, for indoor games), Cameron Highlands (cool weather, best tea experience, mossy forest), Sabah (islands experience).

What is the most beautiful part of Malaysia?

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Malaysia: Melaka, Penang, The Perhentian Islands, Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Island, Tioman, Taman Negara.

Is Penang or Langkawi better?

Which is better: Langkawi or Penang? We love them both, but Penang has a special place in our hearts. There’s more to explore beyond your hotel, and it’s especially fulfilling for anyone who loves culture, food, and city walks. Langkawi is the place if you need downtime and want to immerse yourself in nature.

What is the coldest place in Malaysia?

The lowest temperature in Peninsula Malaysia was recorded at Cameron Highlands on 1 February 1978 at 7.8 °C (46.0 °F). The lowest temperature in East Malaysia was recorded on Mount Kinabalu at −4 °C (25.0 °F).

Which part of Malaysia has the best weather?

Cameron Highlands: With temperatures in the low 20s °C, the Cameron Highlands provide a welcome escape from the high humidity in the rest of Malaysia. It is a great place to visit year-round. The region sees the most rain from September to November, which means the scenery is at its greenest and lushest in November.

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