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Malaysia

Bold bites, big sights and endless colour

A melting pot of culture, nature and mouthwatering flavour

Malaysia is a fascinating fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous cultures, making every encounter a window into something new. Everyone you meet brings a little of their story to your holiday – and that diversity runs through everything.

It’s also a country of contrasts. In Kuala Lumpur, sleek skyscrapers and mega malls sit side by side with bustling night markets and fragrant street food stalls. In Penang, colonial-era buildings frame streets that pulse with bold modern art and creativity.

Nature lovers are spoiled for choice – hike through Borneo’s lush rainforests, spot orangutans in the wild, or sink into the golden sands of Langkawi. And the food? It’s the ultimate cultural mash-up – from spicy laksa and rich beef rendang to buttery roti canai, smoky satay and hand-pulled noodles.

Chase waterfalls, temple-hop, snorkel turquoise bays, explore centuries of history or simply follow your nose to the next hawker stall – Malaysia is an adventure for all your senses.

Let our Malaysia specialists plan your perfect Asian escape.

Flight time

The flight from Auckland to Malaysia takes roughly 11 hours nonstop. It takes a while to get there but the sights and sounds of this vibrant destination will soon have you ready for action.

Best time to go

Malaysia is a year-round destination, but December–February is best for the west coast, March–May for wildlife and beaches, June–September for Kuala Lumpur and diving, and October–November for Melaka and the Cameron Highlands.

Time difference

Malaysia is 4–5 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving in NZ. It won't take too long to get your body on to local time.

Bohey Dulang Island in Malaysia. Image Credit: Nora Carol Photography

Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia. Image Credit: Unsplash

Sea boats in Malaysia. Image Credit: Getty

Cruising in Malaysia 7

DRINKS + WIFI

Singapore to Bali

Your holiday begins in Singapore and unfolds across some of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. From the beaches of Phuket to the tropical charm of Langkawi and Penang, followed by culture-filled days in Port Klang, each stop offers its own vibrant flavour. After relaxing days at sea, the journey continues through Indonesia’s island gems—Celukan Bawang, Lombok, and beautiful Bali—bringing together sunshine, culture, and unforgettable coastal scenery in one seamless getaway.

15 Night Fly Stay Cruise Package

from

$ 5999

per person share twin
Prime Inside Stateroom

Cruising with Celebrity Cruises

Departs 24 Nov 2026

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Kek Lok Si Temple Located In Penang, Malaysia

LAST CABINS

Sun, Sea & Culture

Begin your adventure with a 2-night stay in Singapore, including daily breakfast. Then, set sail from Singapore on an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. Discover the cultural charm of Penang, relax on the pristine beaches of Langkawi, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Phuket. With serene days at sea and exciting ports of call, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation—concluding back in Singapore.

8 Night Fly Stay Cruise Package

from

$ 3829

per person share twin Interior Stateroom

Cruising with Royal Caribbean

Departs 16 Nov 2026

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2027 SAILING

ONBOARD CREDIT

Pearls of Southeast Asia - Feb 2027

Set sail roundtrip from Singapore onboard Sapphire Princess®. Explore the vibrant cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia, unwind on Thailand’s tropical shores, and discover Malaysia’s rich heritage in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, with relaxing sea days in between.

Enjoy Princess signature features such as Movies Under the Stars & the Lotus Spa, experience new Broadway-style shows, and get the best sleep at sea with the scientifically designed Princess Luxury Bed!

14 Night Cruise

from

$ 2985

per person share twin
Inside Stateroom>br/>Flights are additional

Cruising with Princess Cruises

Departs 6 Feb 2027

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NEW CRUISE

ONBOARD CREDIT

Treasures of Southeast Asia

Sail from Singapore to Fremantle on Sapphire Princess and uncover the best of Southeast Asia along the way. Soak up Bali’s exotic appeal, wander the colonial streets of Penang’s beautifully preserved George Town, and enjoy laid-back days at sea as you cruise south toward Western Australia. A relaxing journey that blends vibrant culture, warm island charm and easy holiday vibes from start to finish.

Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details

Enjoy Princess signature features such as Movies Under the Stars & the Lotus Spa, experience new Broadway-style shows, and get the best sleep at sea with the scientifically designed Princess Luxury Bed.

12 Night Cruise

from

$ 2179

per person share twin
Interior Stateroom
Flights are additional

Cruising with Princess Cruises

Departs 28 Sep 2027

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Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand

Soak up Southeast Asia’s vibrant flavours on a round-trip voyage from Singapore. Visit the colourful streets of Penang, unwind on Langkawi’s pristine shores, and enjoy the tropical charm of Phuket. With relaxed sea days and rich cultural stops, this itinerary blends relaxation, cuisine, and island beauty into one effortless escape back to Singapore.

5 Night Cruise Package

from

$ 1039

per person share twin
Interior Stateroom
Flights Additional

Cruising with Royal Caribbean

Departs 21 Mar 2027

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Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Discover the wonders of Asia with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide between vibrant capitals, tranquil islands, and stunning natural landscapes aboard your luxurious superyacht. Explore bustling markets, ancient temples, and historic castles, or sail through serene waters like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and Japan’s cherry blossom–framed rivers. Every journey blends the region’s rich traditions and diverse cultures with the comfort and service that define The Ritz-Carlton experience.

View Asia Early 2026 Season Sailings
View Asia 2026/27 Season Sailings

2026 - 2027 Sailings

Natural Beauty & Rich Traditions

Cruising with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Departs 8 Mar 2026

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ONBOARD CREDIT

Viking World Cruise 2027

Adventure from the tropics to temperate wonders on this sweeping 141-night Viking World Cruise aboard the elegant Viking Sky, starting in Florida and ending in Greenwich. Explore 31 countries across the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe—each stop offering rich culture, history, and scenery at every turn. Enjoy immersive overnight stays, curated excursions, and expert-led enrichment activities that bring each destination to life. With Viking’s signature all-verandah staterooms, relaxing public spaces, and thoughtful inclusions like cultural performances and spa access, this is world exploration reimagined in comfort and ease. It’s an unforgettable global story, and you’re at the helm.

141 night World Cruise

Included Business Class Airfare*

from

$ 117,495

AUD

per person share twin
Veranda Stateroom

Cruising with Viking Cruises

Departs 28 Dec 2027

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Meet our Malaysia specialists

Sharon Rapsey

House of Travel Christchurch City

Sharon has been with the House of Travel team for 15 years and is known throughout the New Zealand wide team as Shaz. Shaz's 10 years' experience in the groups and events division is invaluable.

Her knowledge of the best seats at the Australian Open, to her contacts for all things Motor Sport makes her an integral part of our team.

A tennis player herself, Shaz has a passion for the sport and having attended many times has valuable information, she can help tick the Grand Slams off your bucket list.

"I love helping all our clients with their dream holiday based around a special event, anywhere in the world I will endeavor to access the best possible tickets for your experience. My motto is to create memories, not things".

Away from the events world, Shaz works in her beauty business.... that is when she isn't on the court.

Favourite place to visit: Thailand
Next place on the list to visit: Africa

Sharon

David Williams

House of Travel Christchurch City

In the 28 years of owning House of Travel Christchurch City, I have successfully developed a passionate and award-winning team of travel specialists. Our holiday specialists can take you to the destinations that you have dreamed of and let you know inside information that will enrich your travel experience. The highly experienced business travel division will exceed your expectations leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless travel experience every time. We also have a fantastic HOT Events team that can take care of your conference, team building or any event requirement you might have from a planned dinner event to incentive or recognition programme.

From my beginnings in customer sales and service, travelling to over 60 countries, my primary focus is overseeing all divisions, and growing our every popular Sporting Events Programmes. A highlight is delivering a highly successful games campaigns with our New Zealand Olympic Travel team. This includes all New Zealand Team Athlete Travel to providing a family and friends programme as well as a world class corporate offering for sponsors.

I am however most proud of the team for us being awarded three top awards at the National Travel Industry Awards - Best Retail Travel Agency in New Zealand, Best Travel Consultant in New Zealand, Best Groups Team in New Zealand.

Great holidays are made better together with the House of Travel Christchurch City team.

David

Elizabeth Turney

House of Travel Hamilton City

I’m someone who’s always had a deep passion for travel and a genuine love of connecting people with the world around them.

I’ve been fortunate to live in several countries and have spent many months backpacking through South America, Europe and Asia, experiences that have given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. For me, travel is more than just visiting new places, it’s about creating meaningful connections and helping others experience the transformative power of discovering the world.

Whether it’s sharing stories, planning journeys, or offering guidance, I’m passionate about helping others create their own unforgettable travel experiences.

Liz