Overview
Malaysia offers UK travellers a rich mix of cultures, cuisines and landscapes — the soaring towers of Kuala Lumpur, the heritage streets of Penang, rainforests in Borneo and the beaches of Langkawi. It's also a superb stopover on the way to Australasia. Comparing every fare in one place makes finding the right flight quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Malaysia
Malaysia is tropical and warm all year, with rain possible at any time. The west coast (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi) is driest from around December to February, while the east coast and Borneo are best from March to October. Fares rise over Christmas and school holidays, so travelling in quieter weeks helps. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateway is Kuala Lumpur (KUL), with Penang (PEN), Langkawi (LGK), Kota Kinabalu (BKI) in Borneo and Kuching (KCH) also served.
Airlines and routes
Malaysia Airlines flies direct from London to Kuala Lumpur in around 13 hours, with AirAsia X also operating long-haul services. For connecting options — often better value — Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines serve Malaysia via their hubs. Compare carriers for your exact dates for the best fare.
Popular places to visit in Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur: the Petronas Towers, markets and street food.
- Penang (George Town): heritage architecture and famous cuisine.
- Langkawi: beaches, cable car and island hopping.
- Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak): rainforest, orangutans and Mount Kinabalu.
- Malacca: a colourful, history-rich UNESCO city.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Malaysia
- Book a few months ahead for the best value on long-haul fares.
- Consider a stopover fare if you're continuing to Australia or Asia.
- Compare direct flights against one-stop routes via the Gulf or Singapore.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists; a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is required before entry.
- Currency: the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
