Indonesia or Malaysia?

You know you want to see South East Asia, but can’t decide between Indonesia and Malaysia? We’re here to help.

The most lauded islands in Indonesia, Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands, draw travellers in with white sandy beaches, rice fields and temples. Malaysia also has some stellar beaches, as well as its thriving capital city, Kuala Lumpur, mist-draped highlands and wild jungle. Our guide provides you with the inside story on every aspect of each destination, from the best beaches and cultural experiences to the local wildlife and cuisine. 

The vibe: Bali, Lombok & Gili Islands vs Malaysia 

Bali is a pure and holy place with hundreds of incense-scented temples surrounded by jungle. Where the jungle clears, water-filled rice terraces mirror the sky, and provide a great place for a gentle stroll. The Balinese excel at customer service – think floating breakfasts in your pool, and ultra-relaxing spa days culminating in petal-filled baths. 

The nearby Lombok and Gilli islands make a great add-on to a Bali trip. The pace is slower, and the main attraction is the coral reefs – perfect for diving and snorkelling. 

Malaysia has many faces – sophisticated jazz bars, street markets, and skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, historical heritage, rainforests singing with wildlife sounds, and island escapes such as Langkawi and Pangkor Laut for barefoot beach time. Malaysian Borneo’s vast forests are home to orangutans – many are living in protected areas where you can see them. 

Top things to do: Bali, Lombok & Gilis vs Malaysia

Bali keeps you busy from dawn till dusk. Early birds can hike up Mount Batur and see the sunrise from the top. For a gentler excursion, meander along the narrow paths that thread through the green rice paddies in Ubud, followed by a luxury spa treatment in one of the many cool and serene retreats. Take a short boat trip from southern Bali to the Nusa islands – you’ll gaze open-mouthed at the stunning coastal scenery. Wind up the day with the unique experience of a Kecak fire dance performance at Uluwatu temple as the sun goes down.

The best island-hopping in Indonesia starts from Bali. Travel to Lombok and dare to do the challenging trek up the steep Mount Rinjani active volcano. Afterwards, search out secret pink-sand beaches, where you can relax undisturbed. Or hop over to the chilled-out Gilli Islands and snorkel with turtles.

Malaysia’s diverse highlights range from urban bustle to natural escapes. Urbanites will relish the street art and street food in Penang, and shopping and rooftop dining in Kuala Lumpur. Nature lovers will be drawn to the wild tea walks in the Cameron Highlands, epic forest canopy views of mist-shrouded jungle in the Danum Valley, Borneo’s remote rainforest with orangutan encounters, and hidden river lodges. And for those seeking undisturbed peace, Langkawi and Pangkor Laut promise island seclusion. 

Cultural contrasts: Indonesia vs Malaysia 

Culture is strong in Bali – temples laden with offerings, frequent rituals, and dramatic traditional dances are ubiquitous on the island. Travel to see the Balinese New Year, Nyepi (usually March or April), celebrated as a day of silence and meditation, or witness Galungan’s island-wide celebrations of good over evil. On Lombok, visit the island’s Sasak people to learn their customs and witness a traditional stick fight. 

Malaysia is a true melting pot – Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous influences mix. Hindu temples sit beside mosques, and street festivals abound thanks to so many different cultures. Join in with the Chinese New Year, the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam at the Batu Caves, or the Muslim festival of Hari Raya and feast on authentic dishes. 

Best beaches: Indonesia or Malaysia? 

Malaysia is where you‘ll find soft sand and turquoise water beaches. Langkawi’s long expanses or Pangkor Laut’s private-island perfection. Perfect for gentle swimming and kicking back at your resort. 

Bali’s beaches are all different. The Bukit peninsula in the south is the place for sunsets and surf spots. Elsewhere, the island’s volcanoes deliver black sand to many beaches. Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur host buzzy beach clubs. For more secluded shores, island-hop to Lombok or the Gilis for pink beaches, reef snorkelling, and that off-grid island vibe. 

What’s the food like? 

Bali caters to both budget travellers and gourmets. Local warungs are affordable and cheerful, serving traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng and babi guling. Jimbaran is famous for its seaside tables and seafood beach BBQs at sunset. Western-style health food cafes serve smoothies and avocado toast, while Seminyak and Ubud host fine dining restaurants. 

Lombok’s island staples include ayam taliwang (spiced grilled chicken) and sate rembiga (beef skewers), while Gili’s beach bars keep it casual with upbeat tiki bars for tacos and cocktails, as well a budget-friendly local dishes.

Malaysia is a foodie’s dream. Penang’s hawker stalls serve next-level smoky char kway teow and creamy laksa. In Kuala Lumpur, you can don your best dress for high-end dining, or cruise the night markets in your flip-flops for midnight snacks. Borneo offers powerful, local flavours from grilled river fish to citrusy hinava (raw fish salad). Try ambuyat, a gooey speciality made from sago palm. 

Where to stay & twin-centre ideas  

Indonesia  

Pair Seminyak’s sophisticated beach scene with the calm of Ubud’s rice fields for a classic Bali twin-centre.  

See it all on a multi-island tour of Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Start with Lombok’s beaches, find even more calm on the Gilis, then up the tempo with Bali’s cultural highlights. Or do it in reverse! 

Our wild card for magical adventure is the Seatrek sailing tour, cruising from Komodo to the Nusa Tenggara Islands on the lookout for whale sharks, vibrant coral and the fearsome Komodo dragons. 

Malaysia

Singapore’s modern buzz complements Langkawi’s island vibe perfectly.  

The best way to experience Borneo is from the Shangri-La Rasa Ria hotel, set in a 64-acre reserve with its own private beach. 

From the frenetic pace of Kuala Lumpur and a surfeit of culture, music and dining, fly over to Langkawi and stay at The Datai Langkawi – surrounded by ancient rainforest and an uninhabited beach. Watch dusky leaf monkeys harvesting tree leaves and flying lemurs sailing across the jungle canopy. 

Honeymoon options: Bali vs Malaysia 

Most Southeast Asia honeymoon guides will favour Bali. It’s a favourite for its private pool villas, romantic landscapes and luxury retreats like The Elysian in Seminyak or Viceroy Bali’s rainforest hideaway. 

Malaysia’s honeymoon scene is often overlooked. It embodies a quiet luxury – from sunset cocktails from Kuala Lumpur’s high-end skyline bars, to stilted over-sea villas at Pangkor Laut Resort, or a rainforest stay at The Datai Langkawi. 

Travel & getting around

Bali’s diversity is best explored by area. Traffic can be heavy, so don’t try to drive too far in one day, especially in the south. Laze on the beach in the south, head inland to Ubud for temples, rice fields and yoga, and then travel east or north to see Bali’s quieter, less explored side. Ride apps make finding a driver easy. Ferries are the best way to jump to Lombok and the Gilli Islands.  

Malaysia is built for easy multi-centre trips. Short domestic flights link Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Borneo. Ride apps work well in towns. It’s easy to pick and mix culture, rainforest, and coast in one seamless itinerary. 

Best time to go? 

Bali’s dry season is from April to September. October to March is hot, humid and prone to intense downpours.  

Malaysia’s west coast (Langkawi, Penang) is driest from November to April. The east coast (Terengganu) has its dry season from February to June. Borneo’s best window is from April to September.  

Can you combine both? 

Yes – Kuala Lumpur and Bali pair well if you go via Singapore, though we feel both Bali and Malaysia are worthy of their own trip. If time’s on your side, we’ll help shape a smart Southeast Asia multi-centre.

The wrap-up: Which to choose? 

Bali’s your go-to for spiritual temples, wellness escapes, island-hopping and romantic retreats.  

Malaysia offers more contrasts, from city culture and delectable street food to rainforest adventures and soft-sand beaches.

This article was created on 3rd September 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.