Geography Of Malaysia: Diverse Landscapes And Climates

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country distinguished by its unique geography, straddling the Malay Peninsula and the northern part of Borneo Island. This particular configuration makes it a country with varied landscapes, ranging from tropical jungle to mountains and paradise beaches.

Geographical Location

Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by the South China Sea which separates its two main parts:

Peninsular Malaysia: It occupies the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, connected to the Asian mainland. This part represents about 40% of the national territory but concentrates 85% of the population.

East Malaysia: It is located on the northern part of Borneo Island and includes the states of Sabah and Sarawak. This region covers 60% of the territory but is home to only 15% of the inhabitants.

Between these two parts lies the South China Sea, dotted with numerous islands belonging to Malaysia.

Main Regions

Malaysia is divided into 13 states and 3 federal territories, distributed as follows:

• West Coast: Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca
• East Coast: Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang
• South: Johor
• Center: Kuala Lumpur (federal territory), Putrajaya (federal territory)

• Sabah
• Sarawak
• Labuan (federal territory)

Each region has its own geographical and cultural characteristics, offering a great diversity of landscapes and experiences to visitors.

Main Cities

Kuala Lumpur: The capital and largest city of the country, Kuala Lumpur is the economic and cultural heart of Malaysia. Its metropolitan area, Greater Kuala Lumpur, had over 7.3 million inhabitants in 2010, representing nearly a quarter of the national population. The city is famous for its iconic skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers.

Other important cities:

• George Town (Penang): Second largest city, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Johor Bahru: Third largest city in the country, located at the border with Singapore
• Ipoh: Fourth largest city, renowned for its colonial heritage and cuisine
• Kuching: Main city of East Malaysia, capital of Sarawak
• Kota Kinabalu: Capital of Sabah, gateway to Mount Kinabalu
• Malacca: Former colonial city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Neighboring Countries

Malaysia shares land borders with three countries:

• Thailand: 506 km border to the north of the Malay Peninsula
• Indonesia: 1,782 km border on the island of Borneo
• Brunei: 381 km border, enclaved within the state of Sarawak

Additionally, Malaysia is separated from Singapore by the Johor Strait to the south of the peninsula, connected by two bridges.

Topography and Landscapes

Malaysia features a great diversity of landscapes:

In Peninsular Malaysia: A central mountain range, the Titiwangsa Mountains, runs through the peninsula from north to south. The highest point is Mount Tahan (2,187 m) located in Taman Negara National Park. The coasts alternate between fine sandy beaches and mangroves.

In East Malaysia: The terrain is more rugged, dominated by dense tropical forests and mountains. The country’s highest point, Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m), is located here in the state of Sabah.

Climate

Malaysia enjoys a warm and humid equatorial climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C. The country experiences two monsoon seasons:

• The northeast monsoon (November to March) which mainly affects the east coast of the peninsula
• The southwest monsoon (May to September) which primarily affects the west coast

These monsoons bring abundant rainfall, essential for maintaining the country’s exceptional biodiversity.

Biodiversity

Malaysia is recognized as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, hosting exceptional biodiversity:

• Over 15,000 plant species
• Over 150,000 animal species
• Varied ecosystems: tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs

This natural wealth makes Malaysia a popular destination for ecotourism and wildlife observation.

Malaysia’s unique geography, between peninsula and island, offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences. From tropical beaches to mountain peaks, through lush jungles and ultramodern cities, the country captivates with its contrasts and natural wealth.