Where is Malaysia Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 18, 2024

Where is Malaysia located on the map? Malaysia is an independent nation located in Southeastern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Malaysia on maps.

Malaysia Location in World Map

Malaysia consists of two parts of the country. These are separated by the South China Sea. West and East Malaysia are at least 600 kilometers apart.

West Malaysia is located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and borders Thailand in the north. Singapore is in the south. East Malaysia is located on the island of Borneo and comprises two states. They are called Sabah and Sarawak and are in the north of Borneo. The eastern part borders on Indonesia. The Sultanate of Brunei is enclosed by East Malaysia.

Malaysia is an amalgamation of 13 states and three federal territories. These do not officially belong to one of the 13 states, but are directly subordinate to the federal government. They are called Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

Here you can see where Malaysia is. The dichotomy is also easy to see.

Location Information of Malaysia

Latitude and Longitude

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. The country lies at approximately 4.2105° N latitude and 101.9758° E longitude. Malaysia’s geographical location places it strategically between the Indian Ocean to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, with a landmass that spans both the Asian mainland (Peninsular Malaysia) and the island of Borneo (comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak).

The country shares land borders with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, while the South China Sea divides its two main regions: the Peninsular part and the island states of Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia has a coastline of approximately 4,675 kilometers and is known for its tropical forests, pristine beaches, and biodiverse ecosystems.

Capital City and Major Cities

The capital city of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur (KL), which is the cultural, financial, and economic heart of the country. Located on the Malay Peninsula, Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest city, with a population of over 1.8 million in the city center, and nearly 8 million in the metropolitan area. Known for its iconic Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur also serves as a major business hub and tourist destination, offering a blend of modern skyscrapers, historic architecture, shopping districts, and green spaces.

Other major cities in Malaysia include:

George Town: Located in Penang state, George Town is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of local delicacies influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures.
Johor Bahru: Situated at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor state. The city is a major gateway to Singapore and is known for its growing economy, shopping centers, and recreational parks.
Ipoh: The capital of Perak state, Ipoh is known for its colonial-era buildings, limestone hills, and natural caves. The city is famous for its food culture and is an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Malacca (Melaka): A historical city located in Melaka state, Malacca is famous for its colonial past, particularly the influence of Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic center attracts millions of visitors each year.
Kota Kinabalu: The capital of Sabah state on Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is known for its proximity to Mount Kinabalu (the highest peak in Southeast Asia), as well as its beaches, islands, and vibrant local markets.
Shah Alam: The capital of Selangor state, Shah Alam is an important administrative and industrial city in Malaysia. It is home to the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia’s cities are a blend of modern infrastructure and rich cultural heritage, with a strong focus on economic development, tourism, and education.

Time Zone

Malaysia follows Malaysia Standard Time (MYT), which is UTC+8. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year. This time zone places Malaysia in the same time zone as several other East and Southeast Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Malaysia’s central time zone makes it a convenient location for business and trade in the region, as it aligns with key financial hubs in Asia.

Climate

Malaysia has a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures that range between 77°F (25°C) and 95°F (35°C) year-round. The country is affected by two monsoon seasons, which influence rainfall patterns and the climate in different regions.

West Coast (Peninsular Malaysia): The west coast, including cities like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Malacca, experiences year-round tropical weather. The wet season occurs from May to September, when the southwest monsoon brings heavy rains, while the dry season typically lasts from November to March.
East Coast (Peninsular Malaysia): The east coast, including cities like Kota Bharu and Kuantan, experiences a heavier rainfall during the northeast monsoon from November to February. The dry season occurs from March to October, although it still experiences humidity and intermittent rain.
Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak): Malaysia’s Borneo region experiences rainfall throughout the year due to its tropical rainforest climate. The monsoon season here typically runs from November to March, though rain is common year-round. Temperatures in Borneo range between 75°F (24°C) and 90°F (32°C), with cooler temperatures found at higher altitudes.

The country’s climate supports its rich biodiversity, including extensive rainforests, mangroves, and diverse wildlife. The wet and dry seasons make Malaysia an ideal year-round destination for tourists, though it is best to visit certain regions during specific times of the year to avoid the heaviest rains.

Economic Status

Malaysia is a highly developed and export-oriented economy, known for its diverse industrial base, rich natural resources, and growing technology sector. The economy has seen significant growth over the last few decades, with Malaysia emerging as one of the most industrialized nations in Southeast Asia. It ranks among the world’s leading producers of palm oil, rubber, tin, and other commodities.

Manufacturing: Malaysia has a robust manufacturing sector, particularly in electronics, automobiles, machinery, chemicals, and petroleum products. The country is a major producer of semiconductors, making it an essential part of the global supply chain in electronics.
Agriculture: Malaysia is one of the world’s leading exporters of palm oil, rubber, and cocoa. The agriculture sector also produces timber, rice, and tea, contributing to the country’s export revenue.
Tourism: Tourism plays an important role in Malaysia’s economy, with visitors drawn to its beaches, historical cities, diverse wildlife, and modern infrastructure. Malaysia is known for its eco-tourism and luxury resorts, with areas like Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur attracting millions of tourists annually.
Finance and Services: Malaysia is a growing financial hub in the region, with a well-developed banking sector and a strong presence of multinational corporations. The country also has a thriving services sector, including IT, telecommunications, education, and healthcare.
Natural Resources: Malaysia is rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas, timber, and minerals. The country is a major exporter of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to international markets.

Despite these strengths, Malaysia faces challenges such as income inequality, a reliance on exports, and an aging population. Nevertheless, the government is actively working to diversify the economy and invest in technology, infrastructure, and education.

Tourist Attractions

Malaysia is known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and bustling cities. Popular tourist destinations span from pristine beaches and islands to vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and historical sites.

1. Petronas Twin Towers

Located in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers are among the tallest buildings in the world. Standing at 452 meters (1,483 feet), these iconic towers are a symbol of Malaysia’s rapid modernization and are open to the public for breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck.

2. Langkawi

Langkawi, a group of islands off the northwest coast of Malaysia, is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and natural beauty. The island is a major tourist destination offering outdoor activities such as skydiving, snorkeling, water sports, and eco-tourism experiences.

3. George Town

George Town, the capital of Penang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases a rich mix of colonial, Malay, Chinese, and Indian architectural styles. The city is famous for its street art, local food, and vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India.

4. Mount Kinabalu

Located in Sabah, Borneo, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, standing at 4,095 meters (13,435 feet). The mountain is a popular destination for trekkers and hikers, offering spectacular views, biodiversity, and unique plant life.

5. Batu Caves

Located just outside Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a Hindu temple complex built into limestone caves. The site is famous for its towering Lord Murugan statue and its steep staircase that leads visitors to the main temple cave.

6. Malacca

The historic city of Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial-era architecture, including St. Paul’s Hill, Christ Church, and the A Famosa fortress. The city’s history reflects a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences.

7. Taman Negara National Park

One of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara is a national park that covers over 4,300 square miles. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and gibbons, and offers activities like canopy walks, trekking, and river cruises.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can enter Malaysia without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond their intended stay, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. However, those wishing to stay longer or for other purposes (such as business or work) will need to apply for an appropriate visa.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City: The distance between Kuala Lumpur and New York City is approximately 16,000 kilometers (9,942 miles). Flights typically take between 20-22 hours with one or more layovers.
Distance to Los Angeles: The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Los Angeles is approximately 13,500 kilometers (8,400 miles). Flights typically take around 18-20 hours, with at least one layover.

Malaysia Facts

Size	330,290 km²
Residents	31.9 million
Language	Malay
Capital	Kuala Lumpur
Longest river	Rajang (563 km)
Highest mountain	Kinabalu (4,095 m)
Currency	Ringgit