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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 5

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

Cruising with Princess Cruises

Departs 28 Sep 2027

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Kek Lok Si Temple Located In Penang, Malaysia

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

$ 3599

per person share twin Interior Stateroom

Cruising with Royal Caribbean

Departs 16 Nov 2026

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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 Feb 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

Lisa Cooper

House of Travel Rangiora

My passions are travel & people which is why I love what I do! I love to share in the excitement of your travel planning and help create your dream holiday! I also understand there is not a one size fits all for travel and will ensure your holiday is individualised to you!

I've been lucky enough to visit so many amazing countries of the world and I would love to help you do the same whether it is a family trip to Aussie, a river cruise in Europe, relaxing Island getaway or an adventurous safari in Africa.

My office hours are: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am -3pm

Lisa

Jared Wilson

House of Travel Christchurch City

No. of countries visited: 40+

Favourite place to visit: Anywhere in South America

Next place on the list to visit: Kenya

Quote: “Never pass up a bathroom”

About me: With over 2 years of solo travel across 40+ countries, I am passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and uncovering the unique experiences each destination has to offer. Fluent in Spanish, Latin America is my particular area of experience and expertise. Whether you're after an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, I’m committed to designing a memorable and seamless trip tailored specifically to you.

Why I love travel: It allows me to escape the sometimes repetitive nature of daily life. I enjoy experiencing new places or returning to ones that I love. I like making connections with people from places around the world and having experiences that can’t be replicated.

My travel tips:

Meet the locals – Almost all of my favourite and most cherished travel experiences have involved meeting and making friends with the local people. It is a sure-fire way to have a more unique and intimate holiday experience.
When in Rome – A cliché but one to that will enrich your travel, observe how the locals live and learn from it. Try the local brew or dish, join in on the fun. Also respect local customs and traditions, this will allow a richer and safer experience.
Expect the unexpected- Be ready for unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur at some point during a trip. If you are expectant and prepared for troublesome scenarios you can save yourself a lot of grief. After all, you want to make your break from reality as stress free as possible.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

Colombia- An up and coming travel destination, a country cursed with the reputation earned from its past. It is extremely geographically diverse and amazing bang for your buck. I still haven’t found a country with warmer and friendlier people.
Spain- A country full of amazing destinations to discover, with a rich history and a world class gastronomical scene. The fun loving people, the nightlife and the picturesque towns with uniquely their Spanish architecture are a must experience.
Mexico- Mexico is a country which is truly fascinating, an amazing place to get to know. It’s a big country with lots to explore - like the US it is made up of states (32), the more you see the more you’ll want to see. It is full of the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of. The locals are extremely friendly and of course the cuisine one of the best and most famous on the globe.

What’s in my suitcase:

Spare phone, cables and a travel adaptor- Fact is electronics are a very important travel tool and to be prepared is important so you don’t have to go in the dark.
A Journal- A great way to record all the little details and memorable moments. When moving fast and or experiencing a lot we naturally forget things. Writing it down will help to recall in future and also to have what you’ve written forever is something special.
Travel cubes- Will help you to keep your suitcase nice and organised for easy packing and ultimately will save you time making things easier to find.

My most memorable travel stories:

Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together with part of the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Porto – totalling 1200kms. My hiking shoes broke so I did the last 1000kms in Sandals.
Doing a 32 day Top Deck bus tour around Europe. Easily one of the best months of my life full of laughs and all round good times. I made some strong friendships and saw a lot in such a short space of time.

Jared