Peninsular Malaysia offers the cities of Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu (KL and KT), while teaching in Island Malaysia means saying hello to life in Borneo, one of the most loved tropical paradises on the planet. Penang, an island off the northwest coast, is the country’s food capital and teachers should stop there at some point during their time teaching in Malaysia just to dine on flavors from around the world.

Kuala Lumpur. This modern sprawl is the capital of Malaysia and home to the world’s highest sky bridge which connects the Petronas Towers. It earns international fans because of its well planned downtown. Museums, shopping, tourist hotspots, and everyday needs are all within easy walking distance downtown. The minimal need for transportation is great since many teachers go without cars for at least a portion of their time teaching in Malaysia, however renting an apartment can be a bit expensive within the downtown area.

Kuala Terengganu. KT (get used to the abbreviations because no one in Southeast Asia will actually say the full name) has a population of about 400,000 people, and a tropical rainforest climate that is hot and humid year round. If you’re sensitive to heat be sure to consider whether or not your school has air conditioning. KT is Malaysia’s hub for higher education with several colleges and universities located within the city. The famous Floating Mosque resides there as well as multiple Chinese Temples. It is the most conservative state in Malaysia and women are expected to wear full baju and a headscarf – the traditional Muslim attire. The patterns are endless and the outfits include long sleeves and floor length skirts.

Borneo. The Island section of Malaysia is part of Borneo, the third largest island in the world and the largest in Asia. It is a well know tourist area because of its beautiful beaches and conservation areas. It is a great place for individuals who want to teach abroad in Malaysia and also enjoy outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, hiking, caving, and wildlife observation. It is home to nearly 300 endangered species and provides many opportunities to volunteer in sanctuaries and be immersed in nature.