The Malayan Sunbeam is a bright coppery red above with a black border on both the fore and hindwings. The silvery white underside has obscure fasciae on both wings, and the forewing post-discal band runs obliquely from near the apex towards the dorsum.

The butterfly appears to be seasonal in some parts of the nature reserves. It is a fast flyer and often stops to rest with the bright orange wings opened to bask in the sun.

Males can sometimes be found around damp sandy footpaths, feeding on the liquid nutrients in the soil, returning repeatedly to the same feeding spot even after being disturbed.