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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 4

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Temples & Tropical Isles

Savour the fantastic flavours of Bangkok and explore the city's magnificent golden temples and palaces during a two-night hotel stay before joining Norwegian Sun. Discover the pristine beaches of Penang, known as 'The Pearl of the Orient,' and the unique wildlife of Langkawi. You'll also have more time to explore the rich heritage of Ho Chi Minh City with an overnight stay in port. The cruise concludes in Singapore, where you'll enjoy an overnight stay before your flight home.

Cruising is a breeze on smaller ship Norwegian Sun, where you'll enjoy a variety of dining options, lively bars and lounges, the award-winning Mandara Spa® and captivating entertainment!

14 night Fly, Stay & Cruise Package

from

$ 5899

per person share twin Inside Stateroom

Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line

Departs 20 Mar 2026

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AMAZING SAVINGS

Southeast Asia Discovery

Embark on an unforgettable journey with flights from Auckland to vibrant Singapore. Enjoy 3 nights in a centrally located Singapore hotel, complete with daily breakfast to start your adventures right.

Then, set sail aboard the spectacular Ovation of the Seas for a 4-night cruise from Singapore to Penang and Phuket, before returning to Singapore. Experience world-class entertainment, dining, and relaxation on board while exploring exotic ports of call.

7 nights Fly, Stay & Cruise Package

from

$ 3699

per person share twin Interior Guarantee Stateroom

Cruising with Royal Caribbean

Departs 17 Nov 2025

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WORLD CRUISE

World Cruise with Regent

Set sail from Miami aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Mariner for an extraordinary 154-night world cruise that circles the globe and returns you home with a lifetime of memories. Traverse 3 oceans, visit 6 continents, and explore over 40 countries with more than 75 ports of call, including 16 overnight stays in iconic destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of the South Pacific to the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, the historic treasures of Africa, and the charming ports of Europe, each day offers a new adventure. With up to 431 included shore excursions, you'll delve deep into local cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Aboard the Mariner, indulge in all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, exquisite dining, and personalized service that ensures every moment is exceptional.

154 Nights

Onboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner®

Book Early

per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite

Cruising with Regent Seven Seas

Departs 10 Jan 2026

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Gems of Asia

Savour the fantastic food of Bangkok and explore the city's fabulous golden temples and palaces during a two-night hotel stay before joining Riviera, a contemporary and sophisticated small ship, and set sail on a cruise to serene shores with Oceania Cruises. Discover the diverse heritage of Melaka, the beautiful sandy beaches of Penang, known as "The Pearl of the Orient," and the unique wildlife of Langkawi. There's more time to explore with overnight stays onboard in Bangkok, Phuket, and Singapore.

14 Night Fly, Stay & Cruise Package

from

$ 8829

pp share twin Veranda Stateroom

Cruising with Oceania Cruises

Departs 4 Nov 2025

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Meet our Malaysia specialists

Maree Thompson

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!

I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!

I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!

I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.

I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.

I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.

I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.

My Travel Tips

* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.

*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!

*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.

*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.

The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.

Maree

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure.

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

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