March is an ideal time to visit Malaysia if you want to focus on wildlife and nature. The start of the dry season in the east and Borneo means travelers will be spoiled for choice. Spot orangutans in Sarawak and Sabah, climb Mt. Kinabalu, hike in the jungles, and encounter a range of other wildlife throughout the country. Read on to find out more about travel to Malaysia in March.

Weather

It's sometimes said that spring starts in Malaysia in March. While this description isn't entirely accurate for a tropical country without significant temperature differences, the weather tends to get warmer in March. Temperatures don't vary greatly throughout the country and sit between 71°F (22°C) and 91°F (33°C) throughout the year. Places at higher altitudes are usually cooler. Eastern parts of the country that are drenched over the "winter" (December to February) dry out from March, including Malaysian Borneo and the Perhentian Islands. Western areas, including the capital Kuala Lumpur, get more rain. 

Crowds & Costs

March is a shoulder-season month for travel to Malaysia. Popular parts of western Malaysia (including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Melaka) see fewer tourists than in the preceding months. However, the weather is still generally fine for visiting these places. Eastern parts of the country get busier as the rains clear and wildlife-watching activities in the forests and national parks become possible. Prices will be higher in these areas than in the previous months, but many more businesses and hotels will be open.

Be aware that Malaysian schools take vacations in late March, which can affect availability in beach resort areas, where Malaysian families travel.

Where to Go

March is a great time to spot wildlife and birds in Malaysia, and you can do this both in Sarawak and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) and Peninsula Malaysia. If you're flying into Kuala Lumpur ("KL") and don't have the chance to travel down to Borneo, check out Taman Nagara, a national park northeast of KL. The 130-million-year-old rainforest has canopy walkways and caving and hiking opportunities. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, Mt. Tahan (7,175 ft /2,187 m).

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a range of wildlife in a network of hides on stilts, including various monkeys, Malayan tapirs, elephants, and possibly even the critically endangered Sumatran rhinos.

Many people travel to Malaysia for a beach vacation, and in March, the beautiful Perhentian Islands, off the northeast coast of Peninsula Malaysia, are accessible. The islands see plenty of tourists, but they're also relatively undeveloped, with little infrastructure, spotty internet access, and no ATMs. Just what you need for a relaxing break. Diving and snorkeling are popular here, or you can swim in the clear turquoise waters and relax on the white-sand beaches.

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What to Do

The Malaysian parts of Borneo Island and Sarawak and Sabah states offer even more wildlife and nature-focused activities. Borneo is one of only two places in the world where it's possible to see orangutans in the wild (the other is neighboring Sumatra, a part of Indonesia). There are good chances of spotting them at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve near Kuching and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah. You may also see them from a cruise on the Kinabatangan River in northeastern Sabah, along with proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, pythons, and elephants.

If you make it to Borneo, you might consider climbing Mt. Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia at 13,435 feet (4,094 m). It can be ascended without technical equipment or knowledge, but the two-day climb is tough and does include some rope-assisted scrambles to reach the top. The views from the summit are impressive when the clouds clear, as is the range of flora and fauna you can see in the Kinabalu National Park.

Opt for a jungle hike instead to get active without the strain of climbing a mountain. Some of Borneo's national parks can be hiked independently, while others require a guide. Visit the Bako National Park in Sarawak to see the silver leaf and macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, kingfishers (and much more) while you hike.

Events in March

Easter, (especially) Melaka. Malaysia is a multicultural country, and around 9% of the population practices Christianity. Melaka is the place to go to experience a Malaysian Easter, with candlelit processions leading to churches on Good Friday. Easter can fall in late March or early-mid April.

Ramadan, nationwide. More than 60% of Malaysians practice Islam, and the holy month of Ramadan sometimes falls partly in March. During this month, practicing Muslims fast during daylight hours. While this might affect restaurant hours in some places, and it's important to be respectful of locals who are fasting, it can be a fun time to experience local culture after dark.

Traveling to Malaysia in March? Check out these great itineraries

Borneo Eastern Wildlife Adventure - 5 Days. During this 5-day journey, you'll explore the jungle by river and land in search of elusive wildlife and encounter endangered species through the local conservation and rehabilitation centers.

Discover Sarawak: Off the Beaten Path in Malaysian Borneo - 14 Days. From the Deer and Lang Caves to trekking the limestone formations of the Pinnacles Trail, there is so much to do and see in Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. 

More Helpful Information

Malaysia in February
Malaysia in April
Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia Tours & Itineraries