Primordial jungles, colonial charm and futuristic skylines - this is Malaysia to be discovered at every turn

It is a journey that combines modernity, spirituality and wild beauty to discover Malaysia, amid futuristic skylines, primeval jungles and turquoise beaches. 2026 promises to be a special Visit Malaysia Year that promises to elevate the tourism experience to a whole new level. To reach the Asian destination, one has to allow 15 to 17 hours of flying time, but once there, one realises that, from the pristine sea of Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands, to the rainforest of Taman Negara, via historic cities such as Malacca and Penang, each corner tells a different story. Its mountains, such as those of Sabah and Sarawak, offer breathtaking landscapes, ideal for adventure lovers, while its cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, are a perfect mix of modernity and tradition.

Malaysia is not only nature, but also culture. With a multi-ethnic population of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous other groups, every corner of the country is a meeting of different traditions and languages. Its festivities are lively and colourful celebrations that showcase its cosmopolitan identity. In 2026, with more than 380 events on the calendar, the country will be a non-stop party: concerts, sporting events, food fairs, art exhibitions and cultural festivals will offer unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller. There will also be opportunities to discover World Heritage sites, such as the historic temples of Malacca or the rainforests of Sarawak, where nature reigns supreme. And if the dream is to immerse oneself in local culinary traditions, there will be no shortage of experiences. Malaysian cuisine is a riot of flavours, a mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, where every dish is a discovery: from nasi lemak to char kway teow to fish and seafood delicacies.

Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, is a synthesis of cultures, scents and architecture. The Petronas Twin Towers dominate a panorama that alternates between golden mosques, Indian temples and futuristic shopping malls. Between a market and a rooftop, Kuala Lumpur reveals a cosmopolitan soul that does not give up its roots. Don't miss Merdeka Square and the restored colonial buildings, as well as the Central Market, a crossroads of handicrafts and spices. For a scenic dinner there is Marini's on 57, with a view of the illuminated towers. For a touch of spirituality, we recommend a visit to Batu Caves, a Hindu temple carved into the rock just outside the city, and to Masjid Negara Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Kuala Lumpur. There is no shortage of addresses for a stay in the capital: from the discreet luxury of the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur to the spectacular views offered by the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. Then, at the end of January, there is Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week for fashion addicts.

A two-hour drive from the capital, Malacca (a Unesco World Heritage Site) recounts centuries of trade between East and West. Dutch palaces, Chinese temples and Peranakan residences coexist amidst lanterns and the scent of spices. Here you can visit St. Paul's Hill and Christ Church, take an evening stroll along Jonker Street, and don't forget a sunset cruise on the Malacca River. Hotel addresses include the Majestic Malacca Hotel on the Small Luxury Hotels of the World circuit, or the Casa del Rio Melaka, a boutique hotel overlooking the river.

At an altitude of 1,500 metres, the Cameron Highlands offer coolness, tea plantations and mist-shrouded forests. This is a different kind of stop, suspended in time, where English colonial atmospheres meet tropical nature. The Boh Tea Plantation, the oldest in Malaysia, is well known here. This is the place to go trekking in the Mossy Forest, amidst mosses and giant ferns, as is the tea time at the Cameron Highlands Resort, which also offers visitors accommodation, immersing them in an atmosphere of colonial elegance. You can also opt for The Lakehouse, a romantic lodge with a fireplace and views of the valley.