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.
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.
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.
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Explore Malaysia - Bonus Side Trip with Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia
Malaysia - Bonus Side Trip with Malaysia Airlines
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Malaysia FAQs
What is the best time to visit Malaysia?
Malaysia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on where you're travelling.
The west coast, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi, is generally best between December and April, while the east coast islands tend to have their best weather between March and October.
Thanks to its tropical climate, you'll find warm temperatures throughout the year, making Malaysia an excellent option for beach holidays, city breaks and cultural adventures.
How long should I spend in Malaysia?
Most New Zealand travellers spend 7 to 14 days in Malaysia.
A week is enough to combine Kuala Lumpur with a beach destination like Langkawi or Penang, while two weeks allows you to explore multiple regions, experience the food scene, visit cultural sites and enjoy some downtime on the coast.
Where should I go on holiday in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers a fantastic blend of cities, culture, beaches, rainforests and islands.
Kuala Lumpur is popular for shopping, food, culture and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Penang for its incredible street food and heritage streets, Langkawi for beaches, resorts and island-hopping, Malacca (Melaka) for history and colonial architecture, Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) for wildlife, rainforests and adventure and Perhentian Islands for snorkelling and crystal-clear waters.
Many first-time visitors combine Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi for a well-rounded Malaysian holiday.
Is Malaysia a good holiday destination for New Zealanders?
Absolutely. Malaysia is a popular choice for Kiwi travellers thanks to its affordability, diverse culture, excellent food, family-friendly attractions and beautiful landscapes.
Whether you're looking for a city break, a beach escape, a foodie adventure or a multi-country Southeast Asia itinerary, Malaysia offers excellent value and plenty to see.
Do I need a visa for Malaysia from New Zealand?
New Zealand passport holders can generally visit Malaysia for short-term tourism without applying for a visa in advance.
Entry requirements can change, so it's always worth checking the latest travel advice and entry requirements before you depart.
How do I find the best Malaysia holiday package?
The best Malaysia holiday packages often combine flights, accommodation and transfers, with the option to add tours and island stays.
Booking early is recommended during school holidays and peak travel periods. Many travellers also combine Malaysia with Singapore, Thailand or Vietnam as part of a multi-city Asian holiday.
Is Malaysia expensive to visit?
Malaysia is often considered one of the best-value destinations in Southeast Asia.
Accommodation, transport and dining are generally very affordable, while luxury hotels and beachfront resorts can offer remarkable value compared to many other international destinations.
How much does a Malaysia holiday cost from NZ?
Malaysia offers excellent value for money.
Many New Zealand travellers find that accommodation, food, transport and sightseeing costs are lower than in many other popular holiday destinations. Whether you're seeking luxury resorts or budget-friendly travel, Malaysia caters to a wide range of budgets.
Where should I stay in Malaysia?
The best place to stay depends on the type of holiday you're planning. Kuala Lumpur is perfect for shopping, dining and sightseeing, Penang is ideal for culture, heritage and food lovers, Langkawi is popular for beaches, families, and resort stays, and Borneo is great for wildlife encounters and nature experiences.
Malaysia has accommodation options to suit every budget, from boutique hotels and apartments to luxury beachfront resorts.
What should I pack for Malaysia?
Malaysia's tropical climate means lightweight clothing is essential.
We recommend packing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Swimwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- A small umbrella or rain jacket
- Modest clothing for visiting mosques and religious sites
Humidity can be high, so light fabrics are your best friend.
Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for Malaysia.
A comprehensive policy can help cover medical expenses, travel delays, lost luggage, cancellations and activities, giving you greater peace of mind while travelling.
What currency is used in Malaysia?
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while ATMs are easy to find throughout the country.
Can I use New Zealand dollars in Malaysia?
No, New Zealand dollars are not accepted for everyday purchases.
You'll need to exchange NZD into Malaysian Ringgit or withdraw local currency when you arrive.
Is Malaysia safe for travellers?
Malaysia is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
As with any destination, it's sensible to keep an eye on your belongings, use reputable transport providers and stay aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas.
Can you drink tap water in Malaysia?
It's generally recommended that visitors drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.
Most hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities provide easy access to safe drinking water.
How do I get around Malaysia?
Getting around Malaysia is easy thanks to its modern transport network.
Choose to journey by train, domestic flights, buses, taxis, ride-share services or private transfers.
For most visitors, trains and ride-share services like Grab, provide a convenient and affordable way to travel around major cities.
Do I need to hire a car in Malaysia?
Most travellers don't need a rental car in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or other major cities.
Public transport and Grab are widely available and affordable. However, hiring a car can be useful in destinations like Langkawi if you'd like the freedom to explore at your own pace.
What are the best things to do in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers an incredible variety of experiences.
Some visitor favourites include:
- Visiting the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
- Exploring George Town's street art and food scene in Penang
- Relaxing on Langkawi's beaches
- Riding the Langkawi SkyCab
- Visiting the Batu Caves
- Spotting orangutans and wildlife in Borneo
- Exploring Malaysia's bustling night markets
- Enjoying island-hopping and snorkelling adventures
Is Malaysia family-friendly?
Yes, Malaysia is a fantastic destination for families.
Families love the mix of beaches, theme parks, wildlife experiences, shopping and cultural attractions. Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang are particularly popular with families travelling from New Zealand.
What should I know about cultural etiquette in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a multicultural country with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous influences.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, remove your shoes before entering mosques and some homes, be respectful during cultural and religious celebrations and always ask permission before photographing people in rural communities.
Locals are friendly and welcoming and showing respect for local customs is always appreciated.
Do I need cash or can I use cards in Malaysia?
Both are useful.
Cards are widely accepted in shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, while cash is handy for local markets, food stalls and smaller businesses.
Is Malaysia a good stopover destination?
Yes. Malaysia is an excellent stopover option for travellers heading between New Zealand, Europe and Asia.
Kuala Lumpur's modern airport, affordable accommodation, world-class dining and easy access to attractions make it ideal for a short stopover. Even two or three nights gives you enough time to experience the city's highlights and break up a longhaul journey.
What apps should I download before travelling to Malaysia?
These apps can make travelling around Malaysia much easier:
- Google Maps
- Grab
- Google Translate
- Klook
- XE Currency Converter
Downloading offline maps before you arrive can also be helpful, especially if you're planning to explore outside major cities.
Meet our Malaysia specialists
Nicky de Clifford
House of Travel Merivale
Having spent the last 30
years in the Travel Industry I can safely say "I love my job" !!
Getting to put together dream holidays is very rewarding and it's great to see
so many more Kiwis getting out to see this amazing world of ours...
I love to tailor holidays that are uniquely personal to you. Every person has
different needs, wants and "must do's" for their holiday. Nothing is
cookie cutter in the world of travel so being able to put together an itinerary
that is bespoke and personal is rewarding for myself and for you, the
traveller.
My favourite destinations would be Europe (especially France and Italy), South
East Asia (especially Vietnam and Thailand) and of course our Island
neighbours. I have been to Fiji numerous times and every time I just love it.
But there are so many places I have yet to travel to and I look forward to
sharing my travel stories along the way.
I look forward to working with you..
Nicky
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
Chris Fifield
House of Travel Christchurch City
Chris has travelled the globe several times over... with his 30 plus years' experience in the industry he is unquestionably efficient and knowledgeable when it comes to organising any form of travel!
Chris' passion for his career is evident in all holidays he organises. His personal travel experiences compliment his leisure travel background, as he can think outside the box logistically and ensure that all your travel needs are met, and you are guided throughout your journey.
"Whether your travel dreams are exploring the rugged West Coast of New Zealand to a luxury break in Fiji, I am 100% committed to ensuring you have the best experience planning and fulfilling your dream holiday."
Outside of work, you will find Chris in the great outdoors having fished his way throughout New Zealand, hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, skied the Canadian Rockies, just to name a few.
Years in the industry: 37
No. of countries visited: 40+
Favourite place to visit: Western Canada
Next place on the list to visit: Bali
Work, save, travel, repeat.
Why I love travel:
There is so many different cultures to experience and history that goes way beyond New Zealand's few hundred years of course - stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed all over the world.
My travel tips:
- If you are there - do it. Travel is all about experiences that create wonderful memories, so don't regret not doing something because you were concerned about the price - the bank won't mind and you will talk about it for years to come.
- Pack light as you can always find a laundromat - though I do need to take me own advice!
- Find the most comfortable walking shoes you can find and break them in before you go. You will probably do lots of walking in some countries .... old European cobbled streets can take a toll.
- Be prepared to and learn how to tip so you don't get thought of as a bad tourist - most of the world tips for service and yet it's so foreign to us, but very important to do so.
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Pacific Islands - a close tropical beach escape. The rest of the world dreams of these exotic locations and they are just there for us.
- Canada - amazing wilderness experiences on a grand scale.
- Italy - organised chaos! I just love the expressive personalities of the people, as well the fabulous food and drink and amazing history.
- Vietnam - a bit of everything from great beaches to amazing food and stunning rural scenery and different minority cultures.
- Mediterranean Cruise - why not take your hotel with you - wake up each day with a new culture and experience to be had - this is the place to cruise!
What's in my suitcase:
- Too much - I must do better!
- One universal adaptor and a 4 plug New Zealand multi box
Chris
Louise Stephens
House of Travel Christchurch City
With over 26 years in various roles in the travel industry, Louise's international knowledge and experience is wide-ranging and her logistical and organizational skills are exceptional.
Louise loves being able to create packages and experiences for clients and then deliver them onsite to see them enjoying the experiences beyond their expectations. Louise has been a part of the team that have taken New Zealand Supporters to multiple Commonwealth Games and Olympics along with Rugby and Netball World Cups.
While sports travel is still Louie's first love, over the past three years she has worked more in our Conference Management side of HOT Events. Working alongside the team in managing corporate conferences covering all aspects from destination research and contracting, through to registration administration and onsite event management.
When not talking sport at the desk, Louise is off being active - taking her two dogs (and husband) for long walks and runs in the stunning hills around Christchurch.
Favourite place to visit: Switzerland
Next place on the list to visit: Canada
Louise
Customer holidays snaps
Best. Malaysia Holidays. Ever!
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