December is arguably the most exciting month to hit the road in Malaysia. The school year-end holidays run from mid-November well into January, Christmas and New Year long weekends stack neatly on top of each other, and the whole country shifts into a festive, adventure-ready gear. The flip side? Car rental availability tightens fast. If you are planning a self-drive getaway for December 2026, now is the time to lock in your wheels. Here are the best destinations to consider — and what you can expect to pay on MT Car Rentals.
1. Langkawi — Sun, Sea, and No Sales Tax
Langkawi is the perennial favourite for the year-end crowd, and for good reason. Duty-free shopping, white-sand beaches, cable car rides, and island-hopping tours make it a complete family package. The southwest monsoon wraps up by October, so by December the weather in Langkawi is largely sunny and settled — a direct contrast to the northeast monsoon that brings heavy rain to the east coast between November and February. December is genuinely one of Langkawi's most pleasant months to visit.
Pick up your rental at Langkawi International Airport or Kuah Jetty. Budget options start from around RM60/day for a Perodua Axia or Viva, while a Perodua Alza comes in from RM100/day for families who need the extra seats. For those looking to travel in style, Toyota Alphards are available from RM249/day and Toyota Vellfires from RM250/day — making Langkawi one of the most competitively priced premium MPV markets on the platform. The island also has a strong Mini Cooper selection, with convertibles and hatchbacks from RM550/day for travellers who want to cruise Cable Car Road in something memorable.
2. Penang — Feasting, Heritage, and Festive Cheer
George Town at Christmas and New Year is a genuinely special experience. The UNESCO World Heritage shophouse streets get draped in festive lights, the food scene goes into overdrive, and the cool coastal breeze makes wandering the old city a pleasure. December also falls within Penang's drier months — the northeast monsoon (November to February) sends its heaviest rain to the east coast rather than the northwest.
Pick up at Penang International Airport, Penang Sentral, Butterworth KTM/ETS Station, or Bukit Mertajam KTM/ETS Station. A Perodua Axia starts from around RM96/day, Proton Saga from RM100/day, and Perodua Myvi from RM115/day. Mid-range family choices include the Perodua Alza from RM180/day and Perodua Aruz from RM220/day. For larger group travel, the Toyota Alphard is available from RM680/day and the Hyundai Staria from RM650/day. Penang operates as one area under the platform's area-based model, so you can pick up at Butterworth and return at the airport, or mix and match any listed Penang locations, without any issue.
3. Johor Bahru — Theme Parks, Festive Buzz, and the Southern Gateway
JB is the go-to December destination for families with young children. Legoland Malaysia, Hello Kitty Town, and the Angry Birds Activity Park keep the school holiday crowd busy, while JB's vibrant food and shopping scene caters perfectly to adult travellers. December also marks the start of JB's festive season alongside the Singapore visitors who cross the causeway in large numbers, so book early.
Pick up at Senai International Airport, JB Sentral, Johor Bahru City Square, or Larkin Sentral. Budget cars like the Perodua Axia start from RM120/day. Families who need more space can opt for the Perodua Alza from RM180/day, the Perodua Aruz from RM220/day, or the Toyota Innova (2nd Generation) from RM250/day — a great choice for larger groups with luggage. Premium travellers are well served: the Toyota Alphard starts from RM270/day, Toyota Vellfire from RM350/day, and the Toyota Fortuner or Proton X70 from RM450/day for those wanting a capable SUV.
4. Ipoh — Heritage, Hipster Cafes, and a Relaxed Pace
Ipoh has quietly become one of Malaysia's most fashionable road trip destinations, and December's cooler evenings make exploring its colonial streets and limestone cave temples even more enjoyable. The Perak heritage city is a comfortable three-hour drive from KL, making it ideal for a long weekend escape over Christmas or New Year.
Collect your car at Ipoh Airport, Ipoh KTM/ETS Station, or Ipoh Amanjaya Bus Terminal. A Perodua Axia starts from RM110/day, with the Proton Saga from RM130/day and the Perodua Alza from RM200/day for families. Those planning a more premium road trip can book a Toyota Alphard or Toyota Vellfire, both from RM650/day in Ipoh — excellent value compared with KL pricing for the same models.
5. Kota Kinabalu — Borneo Jungle, Island Beaches, and a Spectacular New Year
Sabah's capital city is spectacular in December. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands are open year-round, the drive to Mount Kinabalu National Park is breathtaking on clear mornings, and New Year's Eve in KK — with its waterfront setting — is one of Malaysia's best countdown experiences. December sits outside the main east coast monsoon belt, and KK weather is generally fine throughout the month.
Pick up at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). A Perodua Axia or Proton Saga starts from RM120/day, while the Perodua Bezza is available from RM130/day. Families can step up to the Perodua Alza from RM180/day or the Toyota Innova from RM280/day. For the full Borneo adventure experience, the Toyota Alphard is available from RM750/day in KK.
6. Kuching — Sarawak's Cultural Capital at Its Best
Kuching deserves far more attention than it typically gets from Peninsular Malaysia travellers, and December is a wonderful time to visit. The Sarawak Museum, the Waterfront, Bako National Park, and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre are all within striking distance of the city. The food scene — from kolo mee to laksa Sarawak — is outstanding, and the city has a genuinely relaxed, charming pace that is perfect for a year-end wind-down.
Pick up at Kuching International Airport or Kuching Sentral. Budget rentals start from RM80/day for a Proton Saga, with the Perodua Myvi from RM100/day and the Perodua Bezza from RM115/day. Mid-range options include the Perodua Alza (2nd Generation) from RM170/day and the Honda WR-V from RM200/day. For those wanting a premium experience, the Toyota Alphard is available from RM550/day and the Toyota Vellfire from RM600/day in Kuching — some of the most competitive large MPV pricing on the platform outside Langkawi.
Book Early — December Fills Up Fast
Year-end school holidays, combined with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year long weekends, make December the single most competitive month for car rental availability in Malaysia. Prices rise and popular vehicles sell out weeks in advance — particularly Toyota Alphards, Vellfires, and Fortuners in JB, and Langkawi premium listings. Whether you are planning a beach escape on a duty-free island, a cultural city break, or a full Borneo adventure, book your December rental on MT Car Rentals now to secure the best vehicle at the best rate.
