If there’s one common theme on your flight to Malaysia it’s the variety of people traveling to this Asian country. Malaysia is home to many different races and ethnicities and because of this, there is something for everyone. If history, culture, food, nature or adventure is your bag, you’ll find in Malaysia. Surprisingly, with all Malaysia has to offer, it’s not a highly toured country so those travelers booking Malaysia flights and vacations will find a lot of unexplored land. In fact, many people travel to Malaysia to take advantage of its lush forests and parks, luxury resorts on white sand beaches, and some of the best shopping and cuisine in Southeast Asia. 

What you won’t find when your flight to Malaysia arrives are typical 21st century lifestyles. Sure, the capital of Kuala Lumpur is the destination starting point for most flights to Malaysia and it’s been modernized to fit the needs of travelers and tourists, but Malaysia as a whole is uncomplicated and simplistic. 

Book a flight to Malaysia to see beauty in its most natural form.

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Malaysia Climate

Those booking flights to Malaysia will find themselves in a typical tropical climate: Temperatures on average sit at a balmy 86 degrees F, and the only distinct change in season hits with the arrival of the monsoons in November. Rainy season lasts from the end of October until the beginning of May, and this is when Malaysia cheap flights are easiest to come by.  

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When to Fly to Malaysia

Whether you're spending a rowdy night out in Kuala Lumpur or relaxing on the beaches of southern Malaysia, there's no wrong time to book your flight to Malaysia.

Peak Season

Malaysia cheap flights are scarce from May until October, when the monsoons subside and Malaysia lays sun-soaked in the tropical heat. 

Off-Peak Season: Monsoon season lasts from the middle of October through the beginning of April. Though the rain tends to drive tourists away, this half of the year is when you'll find cheap flights to Malaysia. Malaysia hosts a variety of festivals throughout monsoon season to make up for the dreary weather, including Thaipusam, a vibrant Hindu procession in January; Chinese New Year celebrations in February, the Langkawi Water Festival in April.

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Getting Around Malaysia

As a popular destination for foreign tourists, Malaysia has honed its network of air-conditioned busses to service all states in Peninsular Malaysia. The schedules are dependable, the rates are reasonable and the seating onboard is comfortable, making travel within Malaysia easily manageable for out-of-towners who aren't ready to rent a car and drive around the country themselves.  If you do happen to crave a little road time after your flight to Malaysia, keep in mind that Malaysians drive on the left side of the road and that an international driving license is required of all foreign tourists. The following chart gives approximate journey times from Kuala Lumpur (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Malaysia.
 AirRoadRail
Penang0.455.009.30
Alor Setar0.457.007.30
Johor Bahru0.353.006.00
Singapore0.456.007.00

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Malaysia Insider Information

  • If your Malaysia flight touches down in Kuala Lumpur, spend at least a few days meandering through the energetic Malaysian capital city. A wide array of architectural wonder provides a feast for the eyes. Spend the cash you saved on a cheap flight to Malaysia on souvenirs in the art-deco buildings of the Central Market, where you can find gorgeous batik prints, or gaze at the top of the world-renowned Petronas Twin Towers, which stand over the city at a whopping 88 stories.
  • Get your feet wet after your flight to Malaysia touches down with a trip to the beach! The Langkawi Archipelago offers some of the most sought-after resorts in Southeast Asia, with coral reefs, pristine waters and immaculate beaches.
  • The island of Borneo is divided and governed by three different countries, and Malaysi'’s territory consists of the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak. Both regions have hordes of tourists booking flights to Malaysia for a chance to surround themselves with the natural beauty of Borneo’s ancient rainforests, and scuba enthusiasts from around the world head to Sipadan Island for a glimpse at rare sea turtles and schools of barracuda amid breathtaking coral gardens.
  • Malaysia's history as a British colony is present in modern day Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square, home to the world's largest flagpole at 328 feet, was built to commemorate Malaysian independence in 1957, and the well-preserved examples of British architecture can be spotted throughout the city. Lake Gardens will provide you with a relaxing retreat after your flight to Malaysia as it did for British administrators throughout the colonial period. The massive expanse of Lake Gardens overflows with a variety of native foliage that stun the senses, and photographers will have a field day shooting the serene surroundings.

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Malaysia Airports

With several airports located throughout the country, finding cheap flights to Malaysia has never been easier.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) (Sepang): Most international Malaysia flights land in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. The airport is located 34 miles to the south of Kuala Lumpur..

Kota Kinabalu (BKI): The airport is located 4 miles from the city and serves as the international gateway to Sabah, the northeastern part of Borneo..

Kuching (KCH): The airport is located 7 miles from the city and serves as the gateway to Sarawak on Borneo.

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Passport/Visa

U.S. citizens aren't required to hold a visa in order to visit Malaysia, as long as their intended stay is less than three months. Travelers must carry their passports for travel within Malaysia if they're heading from peninsular Malaysia to Eastern Malaysia on Borneo, as well as between the Borneo provinces of Sabah and Sarawak.

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Entry Requirements

U.S. citizens are required to hold a valid passport upon their entry into Malaysia.

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Cheap flights to Malaysia

New York City (JFK) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
from$947RTwith Vayama
New York City (NYC) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
from$1,115RTwith Angel Travel (for Asia)
New York City (NYC) to Kuching, Malaysia (KCH)
from$1,120RTwith Airline Consolidator
New York City (JFK) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
from$952RTwith Hotwire
Newark Intl (EWR) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
from$1,304RTwith Kayak
New York City (NYC) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
from$1,031RTwith CheapOair.com

In-flight Reading

The Casuarina Tree

Somerset MaughamA collection of six short stories about life in British Malay.

The Harmony Silk Factory

Tash AwWritten from three perspectives (his adult son, his wife and his friend), this is the story of Johnny Lim, a larger-than-life Chinese man - a hero to some, and a crook to others.

The Teardrop Story Woman

Catherine LimA coming-of-age story about Mei Kwei, a young girl growing up during the British occupation of Malaya in the 1950s. Moving and atmospheric.

The Rice Mother

Rani ManickaLakshmi, far from home in an arranged marriage, pours all her energies into her five children, but her ambitions for them are swept away by World War II and the advancing Japanese army.

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Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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