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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 6

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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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

Wendy Harrison

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.

When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.

I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.

One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Wendy

Cherone Wilson

House of Travel Howick

Travel has been a constant in my life since my OE started with a classic Contiki trip through Europe, followed by working in London and traveling through the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. I also spent a year working in Iceland—a now trendy travel hotspot—before returning to New Zealand.

In 2000, my family moved to the middle east living in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which provided an exciting base for exploring nearby destinations. We had unforgettable holidays in Austria, France, the UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter of travel, this time without children. Recent adventures have included Vietnam, India, China, Peru, and Cambodia.

My travel career started with Singapore Airlines and since 2019 I’ve been consulting at House of Travel in Howick. I love talking and connecting with clients, listening to their travel dreams and turning them into memorable experiences.

Whether you're looking for an island getaway, relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip.

Travel is an adventure that brings the world to life.

Cherone