budget travel guide malaysia

The Cost of Travel in Malaysia: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Malaysia might be one of the most pleasant travel surprises I’ve come across. 

It was the second country in my year of travelling throughout Asia as a digital nomad and it was always my intention throughout this year to go with the flow. Of course, I had some top countries in mind that I knew I wanted to get to, but when and how, I left up to fate. 

So when I was searching for flights out of Guilin (China), Kuala Lumpur was one of the few destinations that didn’t require a long, expensive flight. So I thought to myself, “I guess Malaysia is my next stop!” And well, that stop turned into traveling throughout Malaysia for six weeks, because I just kept wanting to explore and enjoy it more. 

I think because I traveled there with no expectations and just excitement for the unknown, my experience was similar to the feeling of going to an amusement park for the first time as a kid — Malaysia evoked a sense of childlike wonder and play. 

Whether it was the energy of the locals, the diverse food, the street art, the beautiful nature, I was continuously pulled in by this country. Not to mention, it felt easy to stay there. Your money goes a long way, English is commonly spoken, and the infrastructure is very established.

I loved my time there so much that even after I’d left, I found my mind kept wandering back to my time in Penang or the Cameron Highlands. A few weeks ago, I again found myself in Asia with no set plans, and again there a cheap flight to KL showed up in my search. Well, you can guess what happened!

I was thrilled to find that things really haven’t changed a lot since the pandemic. Sure, accommodation prices have gone up a bit like they have everywhere, but they’re still super-affordable, and everything else like food, drink, and transport is still cheap and accessible even to those on a budget.

It seems that Malaysia is often overlooked by people traveling through the region, but after experiencing the many extraordinary layers of this country, I don’t understand why! One thing is for sure—anytime I talk about it with another traveler, we’re both in agreement on how great of a destination it is. 

If you have the chance to go, or even find yourself in nearby Singapore with a few days to spare, then I’d highly recommend making the trip. Have no expectations and get ready to be blown away by this wonderful country. 

What’s Included in This Post 

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, and food while I travelled around the country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of Malaysia, since this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from.

The amounts in this guide are listed in U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. I also included some prices in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM), as this is the local currency and what you will use day to day around the country. 

Now let’s talk about expenses!

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Malaysia

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Housesitting  is a great option for  free  accommodation. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year.

If you  do  have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. I have friends who have housesat in castles before! For free!  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

The Cost of Accommodation in Malaysia 

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these are  hostels . In Malaysia, you’ll find hostels all over the country, from tiny islands to large cities and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which will usually come in at around  $30-$70 a night  for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location. I always use  Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices.

That being said, if hostels aren’t your jam, you can still find a number of amazing hotel and homestay options for a great price. You might be looking at anywhere from $50-$100 a night for these places, depending on their location in the city. 

Here’s a list of my favourite accommodation options in Malaysia:

Kuala Lumpur — Star KLCC ($55 a night): Kuala Lumpur is one of those capital cities that’s more than just a stopover. I’d recommend spending at least 3 days before onwards travel through Malaysia; and there’s no better place to stay than Star KLCC. Right in the heart of the city, with amazing views and an easy walk to lovely KLCC park and the famous Petronas Towers, I really couldn’t have asked for a better location to explore KL from. My room was super clean and spacious, I loved having access to the pool to cool off after a long day walking around the city, and there was even a gym so I could try and work off some of those delicious curries I’d been eating!

George Town — Ren I Tang Heritage Inn ($58 a night) : Penang, and specifically George Town has my heart. I stayed at Ren I Tang for a week and I don’t think I could have chosen a better short-term home. It’s in a lovely old building from the 1800s that’s been fully restored but kept so many of the original features, from timber floors to a rope pulley to take luggage up to the top levels! Each room is a little different, adding to the charm. The breakfast is great, with Western and several local options each day., Malay, and the location can’t be beat: right in the heart of Little India, only a couple of blocks from Love Lane and all the murals and street art that Penang is famous for.

Langkawi — The Smith House ($65 a night): For an affordable but luxurious island stay, look no further than The Smith House. The rooms are super-spacious, clean, well-decorated, and include a smart TV for chilling in the evening. I felt that I was staying in a hotel that is much more expensive than it is, with such lovely rooms and wonderful staff. They always made me feel right at home with their friendliness and assistance: whatever I wanted to do on the island, they could easily help arrange it. That’s assuming you can drag yourself away from the gorgeous, sunny rooftop pool, of course!

Cameron Highlands — Fathers Guesthouse ($31 a night): Located in a peaceful spot but with easy access to the small town of Tanah Rata, Fathers Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay during your time in the Cameron Highlands. After a day of meandering through the famous tea plantations, forests, and lavender farms, I loved returning to the friendly staff, clean room, and relaxed atmosphere here. I had a bit of a personal issue while I was there and wasn’t able to go out for dinner one evening: one of the lovely staff members offered to go out and pick something up for me instead! Now that’s good service!

Malacca — Old Town Guesthouse ($32 a night): While visiting the historical city of Malacca, I’d highly recommend staying at the Old Town Guesthouse. It’s nice and close to the major attractions in the city like Christ Church and the Jonker Street night market, with lively, colorful decor that makes the place really come alive, but it’s the friendliness of the owner that really made the difference for me. Chatty and happy to share his recommendations on the best food and attractions in Malacca and the rest of the country, he really helped me make the most of my time in this lovely part of Malaysia.

Ipoh — Ipoh Bali Hotel ($65 a night): I’m so glad I made a short stop in the quaint city of Ipoh. It’s a great place to visit on your way to or from the Cameron Highlands and it has a lot of the charm that I loved about George Town—only with less crowds! Staying at the cozy Ipoh Bali Hotel meant that all the best parts of town were just a short Grab/taxi ride away, although honestly my room was so lovely, it was tempting just to stay inside and chill instead! It was great to have breakfast included (you choose what you’d like the day before, and get a call in the morning when it’s ready), and I loved being able to have a bath for a change: most hotels in Malaysia are shower-only, but not this one!

The Cost of Transportation in Malaysia  

I found transportation around Malaysia to be quite affordable. I mostly just used it between cities, since most of the accommodation I stayed in was close enough to the main attractions that I just walked wherever I needed to go. On the odd occasion when I needed to go further, though, Grab (the Southeast Asia Uber equivalent) really came in handy and again, didn’t cost much.

Buses —For long distance travel between cities, buses are the way to go. They leave very frequently from major bus stations and I found them to be pretty punctual and comfortable. There are over 100 bus companies to choose from in Malaysia; I can personally would recommend travelling with any of the below because of their good value and reputation. I mostly travelled with Plusliner and Transnasional and have no complaints!

• Super Nice 
• Plusliner 
• Transnasional  

A one-way bus ticket will cost you around $4-$11 (RM 15-RM 50) depending on the time and route. You can also book bus tickets and compare prices of companies on 12Go Asia , this was a super easy way for me to book intercity travel during my time in Malaysia 

Motorbike — If you or a travel partner is comfortable, I’d recommend renting a scooter or motorbike for daily excursions, specifically in Penang, Langkawi and the Cameron Highlands. It’s a cheap, fun, and easy way to get around in places where local public transport isn’t as frequent or widespread. You’re looking at anywhere from $4-$8 a day (RM 20-RM 40) , depending on the age and model of bike and how long you’re renting for. That doesn’t include gas which only costs around RM 10 / $2 for a gallon. 

Grab Taxi — I loved the convenience of Grab, specifically during my time in Kuala Lumpur. Grab isn’t in demand outside of major cities (this is when renting a motorbike comes in handy), but it’s a cheap and easy way to get around if you need to go a little further out or are short on time. I just looked through a bunch of my Grab receipts, and my cheapest one-way fare was 85 cents (RM 4) and my most expensive one was $5.50 (RM 25) . Not bad at all!

Flight — When I was travelling to Langkawi, my ferry got cancelled due to rough seas, so I ended up taking a last minute flight with AirAsia . In general, I wouldn’t recommend travelling by plane for the most part just because buses are so easy and cheap, but if you have to, then definitely go with AirAsia. My flight ended up costing me $30 (RM 143) . 

Ferry — Since the pandemic, the ferry between Penang and Langkawi sadly no longer operates: you now need to travel from either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis further up the coast. Getting there is a bit of a hassle, so most tourists now fly that route instead. If you did want to take the ferry, though, it leaves twice a day in both directions and costs RM27-34.50 ($6-7.50) each way . 

The Cost of Food in Malaysia 

Wow. What can I say about Malaysian food that will do it justice? I can easily say that out of all the places I’ve been, Malaysia has to be in my top three for food. The fusion of Indian, Chinese, and local Malay flavors result in a huge variety of dishes and specialties that will create a party in your belly. 

When it comes to Malaysian food, it’s hard to go wrong, but these are some of my favorite dishes that you absolutely have to try while you’re there:

• Char kuay teow (stir-fry noodles)
• Nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with a spicy chili sauce)
• Banana leaf (a banana leaf plate with rice and a variety of curries)
• Laksa (spicy noodle soup)
• Cendol (a dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, jelly and palm sugar) 

Because of the delicious tastes and affordable costs, I pretty much always ate out during my travels in Malaysia. Penang and Kuala Lumpur are specifically foodie hotspots, with several street food markets and stalls and a near-endless range of great restaurants. Compared to many other countries, eating out is easy, delicious, and cheap!

The only real exception is alcohol: it’s only allowed to be sold to non-Muslims, and has the third-highest tax rate in the world. For that reason, you may find yourself drinking less booze than usual while you’re here! If you do want a beer to help wash down that spicy laksa, you’ll pay around $2 (RM 9-10) for a can of Tiger from a convenience store, or RM 15 in a restaurant.

You can expect to pay around $2-$6.50 (RM 10-RM30) for street food dishes like the ones I mentioned above. I’d recommend getting a couple of smaller dishes paired with a water or soft drink; it’ll only cost you around $6-7 for your meal. It doesn’t cost much more in small local restaurants either, especially away from the tourist areas.

Because a simple breakfast is included at most hostels, if I only ate at local restaurants and street food stands for lunch and dinner, I’d typically spend around $15 (RM 72) per day on food.  

The other thing worth noting about Malaysia is that there’s an incredible coffee culture scene. I typically worked from a different coffee shop everyday, and found the coffee and food scene there to be both high-quality and reasonably priced.

A good latte will set you back around $3 (RM 15) , so if you’re like me and have a huge affinity for cute cafes, then add on another $5 – $10 per day (RM 24 – RM 48) . When you’re in Penang, you have to have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake at ChinaHouse. I can highly recommend the tiramisu!

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Malaysia   

Of all the things I loved about travel in Malaysia, being able to have an amazing time without spending much on tourist activities was right near the top. My favorite memories mostly involve me exploring the myriad of street art, architecture, and stunning natural attractions, and of course, eating all the food. 

George Town and Kuala Lumpur are shining stars for this. I got so much joy from simply spending my days on a treasure hunt for all the famous street murals in George Town, while in Kuala Lumpur, the exquisite temples and bustling street life of Chinatown and Little India left me energised every time I left my hotel!

Of all the places I went and things I did, seeing the Batu Caves (on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur) was absolutely one of the stand-out attractions. You might be familiar with the caves if you follow a lot of travel influencers, as it’s become a pretty popular spot. It’s not hard to understand why, given all of the colorful, rainbow-painted steps surrounded by gorgeous limestone cliffs. I’d never seen anything like it in my life.

This is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India, and once you climb to the top and meander through the series of cave temples, you’ll definitely understand why. Just make sure you don’t have any exposed food, or else those pesky monkeys will be all over you. 

Elsewhere in Malaysia, I still had an absolute blast. A friend recommended that I sign up for a cycling tour in Penang, and I wasn’t disappointed. This was a great way to see another side of the island up close and through the eyes of someone who has lived there his whole life. 

Here’s a breakdown of some my favourite attractions in Malaysia and their respective costs: 

• Batu Caves: FREE to enter. You can also take an inexpensive day tour to the caves, which makes getting there and back much easier.
• Petronas Towers: $21 (RM 98) . Skip-the-line e-tickets are also available for a few dollars more.
• KL Forest Eco Park: $8.50 (RM 40)
• Parasailing (Langkawi) : $44 (RM 210)  
• Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang): FREE 
• Boh Tea Plantations (Cameron Highlands): FREE  
• Penang Hill: $6.50 (RM 30)
• Penang Countryside Cycling Tour : $31 (RM 145)

The Cost of Miscellaneous Expenses in Malaysia

A local SIM card:  I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in Malaysia, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and now I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $4.50 for 1 GB of data  or $25 for 10 GB for Malaysia and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

(Ensure you have an e-SIM compatible phone before buying — all recent iPhones and many Androids are).

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Malaysia. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Malaysia? 

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs!

• Accommodation: $51 per day for two people in double/twin rooms ($25.50 each)
• Transportation: $15 per day
• Food: $18 per day
• Activities/Entrance Fees: $10 per day

Average amount spent in Malaysia: $68.50 a day!

Related Articles on Malaysia 🇲🇾 Where to Eat in Kota Kinabalu 🪲 Catching Fireflies on the Kawa Kawa River 🚍 How to Get from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

Kuala Lumpur is one of my favorite cities in the world. Although more expensive than other parts of Malaysia , KL’s diverse influences creates a unique blend of food, shopping, culture, and nightlife. The city is a melting pot of Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western influences, all of which combine to create a city like no other.

Home to some 8 million people, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities in the world for delicious Indian food (outside of India that is) as around 7% of the Malaysian population is Malaysian Indian. Foodies will find themselves with plenty of tasty options here, including some amazing street food.

KL is also home to the iconic Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest pair of twin buildings and a symbol of Malaysian progress and development (they were actually the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004).

This travel guide to Kuala Lumpur can help you plan an affordable and off-the-beaten-path trip to Malaysia’s most populous city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Kuala Lumpur

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Kuala Lumpur

1. See the Petronas Towers

These famous towers, standing over 452 meters (1,483 feet), dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Visitors can take in the view from the deck on the bridge, which joins the towers on levels 41 and 42. There is only a limited number of tickets per day so arrive early. Tickets are 80 MYR.

2. Visit the Butterfly Park

The Butterfly Park is an enormous landscaped garden that’s home to over 5,000 butterflies, plants, ferns, and flowers. It also includes an insect museum that includes massive beetles and camouflaged stick insects. Tickets are 25 MYR and there’s an additional 5 MYR fee to use a video camera (tripods are not allowed).

3. Tour Thean Hou Temple

One of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia , this six-tiered Buddhist temple is also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven. Built in 1894 by Kuala Lumpur’s Hainanese community, Thean Hou Temple sits on a hill with sweeping views of the city. Admission is free.

4. Visit Sri Mahamariaman

Built in 1873, the Sri Mahamariaman Hindu Temple sits just at the edge of Chinatown. This is the country’s oldest and most beautifully decorated temple. The temple’s most impressive feature is the gate tower which is adorned with depictions of Hindu Gods. Admission is free.

5. Wander the Batu Caves

After climbing up 272 steps, you’ll be rewarded with the huge golden Murugan statue and the entrance to the largest of the three caves: Cathedral Cave. Once inside, you’ll be amazed at its 100-meter-high (328 feet) ceiling and ornate Hindu shrines. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Kuala Lumpur

1. visit the national museum.

The National Museum is a great place to familiarize yourself with Malaysia’s history and culture. There are four indoor galleries that take you on a tour from the early history of Malaysia to today. The highlight is the skeleton of Perak Man, the oldest complete human skeleton found in Malaysia. It’s over 11,000 years old. The outdoor exhibit showcases transportation from over the decades, including a steam locomotive from 1921. Entrance to the museum is 5 MYR.

2. Devour the street food

Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western foods are all common in KL. The multicultural social mix in Kuala Lumpur creates an extremely varied blend of food. The markets and roadside stalls are great places to pick up hawker food. Jalan Alor is one of the most famous streets for street food and is a great starting point; just be ready to barter. Little India and Chinatown also have lots of inexpensive food stalls serving some of the most delicious food in the city. Try the Little India Market (open daily, 8am-9pm), or Petaling Street Market in Chinatown (open daily, 8am-8pm). Chinatown’s Central Market also has plenty of tasty options too.

3. Go up Menara Kuala Lumpur

Another focal point in Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is the Menara tower. At 421-meters tall (1,380 feet), it dwarfs its surroundings and is the seventh tallest building in the world. Unlike the Petronas Towers, the floor in the Skybox is transparent so you can see through the floor down to the ground. Admission to the observation deck is 48 MYR while admission to the outside Skydeck and Skybox is 120 MYR.

4. Visit Masjid Negara

This is Malaysia’s national mosque (Islam is the country’s official religion). Set within 13 acres of garden, it has the capacity to hold 15,000 people. Its bright blue star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the National Mosque outside of prayer time. Robes are given to visitors who are inappropriately dressed but try to dress respectfully before you arrive. Admission is free.

5. Wander through Lake Gardens Park

Also called the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, Lake Gardens opened in 1880, making it the oldest public park in Kuala Lumpur. Located near Chinatown and the main train station, this urban park is free to visit, though it also contains various museums and gardens with paid entry. One of them is Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, one of the largest free-flight walk-in aviaries in the world, with more than 3,000 birds from approximately 200 different species. Admission is 63 MYR. Other attractions in the park include the Perdana Botanical Park, the Orchid Garden, and the Islamic Arts Museum.

6. Visit the Royal Malaysia Police Museum

This is another museum located within Lake Gardens Park. It might sound like an odd museum to check out, but it’s surprisingly interesting. The collection here features old uniforms, as well as weapons, vehicles, and items that have been seized from members of Malaysia’s organized crime families. Exhibits go all the way back to when Malaysia was under British colonial rule. It’s free to visit.

7. Celebrate Deepavali

Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights and is one of the biggest celebrations for the Hindu community in Malaysia. It’s celebrated in October or November for five days. Also known as Diwali, Dipavali, Dewali, Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights, traditionally people host open houses with fireworks displays and serve Indian delicacies. Public celebrations can be found in the Brickfields neighborhood (aka Little India).

8. Explore the Islamic Arts Museum

The Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia is Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art. Within this vast space is an extensive library of Islamic texts and art, as well as the world’s largest scale model of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca (the Great Mosque of Mecca, which every Muslim is supposed to visit at least once). From jewelry and clothing to architecture and armor, spend the day exploring over 7,000 artifacts spread between 12 galleries. Admission is 25 MYR.

9. Take a food tour

If you want someone to help you explore the myriad food markets and teach you about the local food scene, take a food tour with Simply Enak . They have a variety of tours, including a walking tour through the Chow Kit market area, a nightlife tour, and a more generalized street food tour. On the street food tour, you’ll enjoy Malaysia’s most famous street food dishes, drink teh tarik (pulled tea), learn about traditional herbal medicine, and have the chance to try durian puffs — all while learning about food culture and history. Tickets cost 260-300 MYR.

10. Go on a bike tour

Cycling is on the rise in Kuala Lumpur and taking a bike tour is a great way to get a feel for the city. In operation since 2015, Mike’s Bikes is the place to go for bike tours, offering a variety of options to choose from, including the Best of Kuala Lumpur and the Pitstop Foodie Tour as well as evening sunset tours. Mike’s Bikes also gives back to the community with their Cycling School; they donate secondhand bikes to a local school for refugee children and help them upkeep their new bikes with bike maintenance classes. Tours start at 199 MYR for a 4-hour tour.

  For more information on other cities in Malaysia, check out these guides:

• Cameron Highlands Travel Guide
• Perhentian Islands Travel Guide

Kuala Lumpur Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs 35-55 MYR per night, while beds in 8-10-bed dorms cost 20-35 MYR. A private double room costs 85-125 MYR per night. Free breakfast, A/C, and Wi-Fi are all common. Most hostels rarely have kitchens so be sure to double-check if you require a place to cook your own meals. Some hostels have rooftop terraces and cafes, while several even have outdoor swimming pools.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start around 75 MYR per night for a basic double room with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and A/C. For a hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 100-150 MYR per night.

Airbnb is available throughout the city, usually in serviced apartments designed specifically for travelers, starting around 95-160 MYR per night.

Food – Malaysian cuisine, like the country itself, is a mix of many cultures, taking influences from neighboring China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Rice or noodles are the basis of most dishes, and seafood and fish feature prominently. As a Muslim-majority country, chicken and beef are usually halal. Commonly used vegetables include cabbage, bean sprouts, lotus root, sweet potatoes, taro, long beans, and many others.

The unofficial national dish is nasi lemak , fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, flavored with pandan leaf, and accompanied by different sides, usually served for breakfast. Other popular Malaysian dishes include roti canai (a sweet or savory flatbread), ikan bakar laksa (spicy noodle soup), and many different regional fried noodle and fried rice dishes.

Kuala Lumpur’s street food is legendary in both cost and flavor. You can find street food for under 10 MYR per dish, while Malay dishes in casual sit-down restaurants cost 15-20 MYR per dish. Traditional food like nasi lemak as well as various curries and dim sum are some of the cheapest options.

A fun option on a late night out is trying luk-luk . This is when you cook snacks on a stick by dipping them into boiling water or soup stock. You can cook a variety of vegetables, meat, or tofu. Prices range from 2-8 MYR per skewer.

At a mid-range restaurant with table service, a meal with a drink costs around 45 MYR. Western food is more expensive than local food but even still, a Western fast-food combo only costs around 15 MYR. At a nicer sit-down restaurant, a pizza is 30-50 MYR and a pasta dish is 40-50 MYR.

Beer at the bar shouldn’t be more than 15-17 MYR, a glass of wine starts from 28 MYR, and a cocktail is generally 35-45 MYR. An espresso at a chain like VCR costs around 12 MYR.

There are lots of high-end dining options in Kuala Lumpur if you want to splurge. Bottomless brunches with champagne and five-course tasting menus start from 450 MYR. A starter salad or soup starts at about 78 MYR while an entree like salmon or chicken starts at around 195 MYR.

A week’s worth of groceries costs 65-90 MYR, as long as you stick to local staples and avoid expensive western items (such as beef, wine, or cheese). However, given how cheap street food and local meals are and how few kitchens there are, you’re better off buying snacks and eating out for your meals.

Backpacking Kuala Lumpur Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Kuala Lumpur, my suggested budget is 115 MYR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, taking public transit to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free activities like walking tours.

A mid-range budget of 295 MYR per day covers a private Airbnb or private hostel, drinking more, taking the occasional taxi to get around, eating street food and the occasional sit-down meal, and doing more paid activities like museum visits and going up the Petronas Towers.

On a “luxury” budget of 520 MYR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel with a pool, eat at restaurants for all your meals, have more drinks, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MYR.

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Kuala Lumpur is cheap if you stick to street food, budget accommodation, and public transportation. You’ll be hard-pressed to break the bank unless you’re specifically traveling in luxury. But, just in case, here are some extra ways to save money in Kuala Lumpur:

• Shop at Lot 10 – This shopping mall sells genuine designer clothes for bargain prices, among the cheapest you are likely to find in Southeast Asia. If you want souvenirs, shop here.
• Stay in Chinatown – Chinatown is one of the cheaper neighborhoods for lodging in the city and it is relatively close to many attractions.
• Explore on foot – Chinatown and Little India are the neighborhoods with the most tourist sites. They are right next to each other and can easily be explored in a day without spending money on transportation.
• Watch out for scams – Be aware how much attractions cost before you arrive. The Batu Caves, for example, are free to enter. However, there are plenty of people outside trying to sell you fake tickets.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a better feel for the city, take a free walking tour. They last a couple of hours and are a great way to engage with the city’s history and learn about the culture. Kuala Lumpur Unscripted offers two different free walks to help you get acquainted with the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end! For a self-guided historical tour, check out Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with a local who can host you for free. You’ll not only get free accommodation but you’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Save money on rideshares – Grab is the Malaysian version of Uber and is way cheaper than taxis. Grab is the best way to get around the city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe (but heavily chlorinated) so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Looking for a budget-friendly place to stay? Here are some of my favorite hostels in Kuala Lumpur:

• Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse
• The Bed Klcc

How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur

Public Transportation – Kuala Lumpur has a reliable and comprehensive public transit system of buses, light rail commuter trains, and a monorail. Rides cost 2-15 MYR.

Buses in KL are generally faster than trains. RapidKL is the largest single bus network operator in Malaysia, currently running 177 routes around the city. The price depends on distance and destination, ranging between 1-5 MYR.

For 20% off fares, purchase MyRapid Touch ‘n Go, a contactless, rechargeable card that costs 5 MYR. You can load unlimited transit passes onto this card. A one-day transit pass costs 15 MYR the first time, and 5 MYR for each subsequent day pass. A three-day pass costs 25 MYR for the first time and 15 MYR for each subsequent three-day pass purchased.

Go KL City Bus is a free city bus initiative with four routes that loop through the central business district areas of Kuala Lumpur. These pass by many of the main attractions, shopping malls, and sights, running every five minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours.

Bicycle – oBike is the dockless bike-sharing system in Kuala Lumpur. It costs just 1 MYR for every 15 minutes. Simply download the app, sign up, and scan a bike’s QR code to ride.

Taxis – Taking a taxi can be tricky in KL. To start, there are two different types: the red and white Budget Taxi and the Blue or Yellow Executive taxi. For budget taxis, the base fee is 3 MYR, going up 1.25 MYR per kilometer. Executive taxis cost double.

If you do want to take a taxi, only get in ones that use a meter, which is required by law. If the driver doesn’t use the meter, get out and find one who will.

Rideshare – Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia. Just download the app and you’re good to go.

When to Go to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur stays hot and humid most months, making it ideal for year-round travel. On average you can expect temperatures around 34°C (93°F) during the day, and 27°C (81°F) at night.

KL is affected by two major monsoon seasons yearly and during this time certain areas face some short rainfall and thunderstorms. It does cool down after heavy rain, but the city is one of the least affected states by monsoon winds coming from the east or west. From October to January and March to April Kuala Lumpur experiences rain, so May to July is the best time to visit.

The busiest time for tourism is June through August. This also happens to be festival season, when Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Sarawak Gawai Festival take place. Get ready for a crowd if you plan your trip during this time. Prices for hotels and flights often rise at this time of year as well.

How to Stay Safe in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is generally safe, but unfortunately, petty crime and scams are common so you should be always on alert. That means no walking around with your phone out, never keeping anything in your pockets (especially when on public transport), and always keeping hold of your bag.

If you are eating out, keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through the straps so nobody can snatch it when you’re not paying attention.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended, never walk home alone at night, etc.).

For more detail on scams you might experience in Kuala Lumpur, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

When booking accommodation, look for hotels or hostels with 24-hour security. You always want someone around in case you need assistance. If you don’t feel safe somewhere, don’t hesitate to move on.

Use caution when getting money out by avoiding the ATMs on the street. Instead, go into the bank to use the ATM inside. That way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

Travelers should also note that Malaysia is a modest country, so revealing outfits attract more attention. This is especially of concern to women as groping and excessive ogling are common.

The monkeys at Batu Caves can be a bit mischievous. Do not approach monkeys quickly or give them treats. These monkeys grab anything within reach and can become quite aggressive. Protect your belongings, including keys, sunglasses, backpack, or purse. Again, don’t feed the monkeys!

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Asia and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 13 Best Things to See and Do in Taipei

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

MALAYSIA Travel Guide: Trip Highlights, Itineraries, & Tips

Welcome to Malaysia!

Malaysia is an amazing and diverse country that has something to offer everyone.  If you’re looking for amazing food, gorgeous islands, and beautiful landscapes — Malaysia is a destination you should highly consider for your next holiday.  I have traveled pretty extensively through Peninsular Malaysia, and it has grown to become one of my favorite countries in entire world!  I’ve compiled this Malaysia Travel Guide as a source for people planning trips to this amazing country.

This guide will go over trip highlights, how to get around Malaysia, Malaysia itineraries, and general travel advice!

Hope you enjoy reading my Malaysia Travel Guide and favorite photos from my travels!

Note:  This Malaysia Travel Guide will focus entirely on Peninsular Malaysia.  I have never traveled to Sabah or Sarawak, and am not too well informed about those areas of the country. 

Traveling to Malaysia soon…?  I’d definitely recommend purchasing the Malaysia Lonely Planet Travel Guide !  I pretty much always travel with a LP guidebook, and it can definitely a huge asset on the road!

Pulau Kapas, Malaysia

 Malaysia Trip Highlights

Kuala lumpur.

You’ll most likely be starting your Malaysian holidays in the amazing capital city — Kuala Lumpur.  This is truly a special place with friendly people, beautiful sights, and delicious food (just like the rest of Malaysia).  During my travels in South-East Asia , I was lucky enough to call this city home for awhile.  The first time I visited Kuala Lumpur I actually didn’t enjoy the city too much, but after spending more time there I discovered how special the city really is.

Check out the following blog posts I’ve written:

• 10 Amazing Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
• Heli Lounge, Kuala Lumpur; Drinks + Sunset on a Helipad
• The Absolute Best Thing To Do in Kuala Lumpur

TOP KUALA LUMPUR TIP

Sign up for AirBNB , and stay at the REGALIA CONDOMINIUM .  I used to live there, and it’s by far the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s luxury complex that has all the amenities you’d want, perfectly located, and  has the most amazing infinity pool.   There is a mall right next door with a grocery store, movie theater, and tons of other shops.  Also, if you sign up for AirBNB with this link , you’ll get $38 off your first visit!   Which is easily a free-nights accommodation at The Regalia!   Trust me.  You want to stay here!

Best Hostel in Kuala Lumpur

Reggae Mansion

  Perfect location, amazing rooms, and wildly crazy rooftop parties every night!  If you’re backpacking around Malaysia, than you have to stay at Reggae Mansion!  This place does sell out, so check rates & availability !

Penang is the cultural hotspot in Malaysia!  You’ll fall in love with it’s busy streets, beautiful artwork, and enchanting history.  Oh, and the food is absolutely amazing.   Most people come to Penang only planning a few day stay, but end up staying much longer than they expected.  You can spend a day on Batu Ferringi beach, hike through the National Park, and take the journey up to Penang Hill for spectacular views of the entire city.        

Best things to do in Penang:

• Beach day and sunset on Batu Ferringi Beach
• Spend some time hiking through the National Park
• Take a visit to Penang Hill for spectacular views of the city
• Stroll through Georgetown and check out all the artwork
• Eat at Penang’s famous hawker stalls

Best Hostel in Penang

Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel :   This is a recently opened hostel in Penang,and has excellent affordable rooms, very well-located in George town, and a really cool Japanese theme.  It’s got terrific reviews by everyone, and you’ll love your stay here!   Check rates & availability .

Officially known as Langkawi the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, around 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia.  It’s right at the border of Thailand, and is a popular place to visit for traveller’s going north/south between Malaysia and Thailand.  It is truly an amazing island with amazing things to do, cheap accommodations, tax-free booze, and beautiful landscape.

Check out some of my blog posts on Langkawi:

• A Backpacker’s Guide to Langkawi, Malaysia
• Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Langkawi
• Berjaya Resort Crashing in Langkawi
• Chasing Waterfalls in Langkawi

Best Hostel in Langkawi

Langkawi Dormitorio :  

Just footsteps away from the beach, this perfectly located hostel had comfortable rooms, great prices, and an excellent atmosphere!   Langkawi Dormitorio .

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is a stunning hill station in central peninsular Malaysia, and has become a popular destination for visitors in Malaysia. Roughly the size of Singapore, the Cameron Highlands covers a large stretch of land, and there’s tons to see, do, and explore.  You’ll fall in love with the beautiful green tea plantations, and will leave you speechless when you visit the highest peak in the Cameron Highlands

For more information on the Cameron Highlands, check out the guide below!

• A Backpacker’s Guide to the Cameron Highlands

Best Hostel in The Cameron Highlands:

CH Traveler’s INN :  

A newly opened hostel in the center of Tanah Rata, and simply the best place to stay on a budget for traveler’s visiting the Cameron Highlands!   Check rates & availability .

Taman Negara

Teman Negara National Park is the perfect place for travelers who love wild life viewing, jungle trekking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping and many more. It is well established as one of the most popular ecotourism in Malaysia.  Popular activities include the canopy walk, jungle trekking, rapid shooting, cave exploration, and boat cruises.

Recommend days spent here:  1-2 days max

Check out the Teman Negara National Park website for more information

The Perhentian Islands

Welcome to paradise.  The Perhentian Islands consist of both Perhentian Kecil & Perhentian Besar.  They are both absolutely stunning, and the minute you step foot on of the two islands you’ll never want to leave.   I’ve visited Perhentian Kecil on two different occasions now, and I definitely would not mind going back for a third.  The beaches are gorgeous, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the nightlife can get pretty crazy.

Perhentian Kecil is more for a younger crowd.  It’s much more lively at night and has an incredible fireshow.  Perhentian Besar has a lot more resorts, and is a bit more family oriented.

If you’re going to Malaysia — you’d be mistaken to skip the Perhentian Islands!

Check out my blog posts on this paradise island!

• A Backpacker’s Guide to the Perhentian Islands
• The Perhentian Islands: Perfectly Picturesque (Photo Essay)

Pulau Kapas

Pulau Kapas is an idyllic island escape for those looking for a bit more of a remote location.  You won’t find any big crazy resorts, fast wi-fi connection, or luxury restaurants.  What you will be rewarded with is amazingly beautiful water, suburb underwater life, and an extremely laidback atmosphere.  Pulau Kapas is truly a Malaysian gem, and I guarantee if you go for a couple days you won’t regret it!

For more information about traveling to Pulau Kapas:

• The Ultimate Guide to Pulau Kapas, Malaysia
• Longsha Beach Camping on Pulau Kapas, Malaysia
• Pulau Kapas: The Most Beautiful Island in Malaysia (Photo Essay)

Tioman Island

If you’ve looking for some more island action, than definitely make your way over to Tioman Island.  It isn’t as gorgeous as the Perhentians or Kapas, but it has some of the best scuba-diving sites in the whole country.  The island is pretty massive, and is a 2-hour ferry ride from the mainland.  It is a DUTY-FREE island, which makes drinking on this island pretty cheap!  It’s a popular destination for weekend trips from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, so book in advance if you plan on being there on a Saturday & Sunday.  If you do plan on going, I’d definitely recommend staying on ABC Beach.

When I was there, I happened to catch really bad weather, and had some transportation issues.  I still had a great trip.  Read about it below:

• A Weekend Trip to Tioman Island

Melaka is just a short bus ride away from Kuala Lumpur, and can be a great place to spend one night.  It’s small enough to walk around, explore, and try some delicious food.  There’s not a whole lot to see here, but it’s definitely worth the visit.

To plan your visit, check out this post titled:

• Top 15 Places To See in Melaka

Getting Around Malaysia

The Malaysian transportation is some of the best I’ve found in all of South-East Asia.  Prices are relatively low, there’s tons of options, and they are all relatively comfortable.

Flights / Airfare

Malaysia is actually a really easy country to book extremely cheap domestic flights.

• Malindo Air

If you know your exact dates, you can actually get great flight deals.  Malindo Air is really great and includes 1 20kh checked bag.  These are particularly useful for flights to/from Kuala Lumpur.

Perhentian Islands

Traveling around Malaysia on the bus transport is actually really easy, budget friendly, and comfortable.  There are loads of different companies that offer a ton of different routes.  None of the journeys take that long, and the busses can actually be really nice.  For bus schedules, routes, and fares, check out the website below.  I’ve booked online tickets with them, and made the process extremely easy.  You can just show the email confirmation at the bus station, and receive your ticket.

• EasyBook.com

• Hitchhiking in Malaysia

Just like in any destination, you should be careful when hitching a ride alone.  With that being said, Hitchhiking in Malaysia can be done, and it’s actually not too difficult.  I met these Spanish girls on Pulau Kapas who found a ride all the way from Teman Negara – Kuala Terranganu.  It’s not that it saves a ton of money, but it’s a great way to meet some local people, and have a unique travel experience.  For more information on Hitchhiking in Malaysia check the website below:

Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur

• Trains in Malaysia

I’ve actually never taken a train in Malaysia, but I have heard that the system works out.  I almost boarded a train from Penang – Kuala Lumpur, but ended up extending my stay in Penang, and finding a flight that was cheaper than the train!  I honestly think that dealing with trains on other routes would just get complicated, so I’d just personally recommend Flights and Busses over taking trains in Malaysia.

Sunset on Tioman Island

Renting A Car

I’ve never rented a car and explored Malaysia on my own (mainly because I’m a solo budget traveler), but I have had some friends rent a van and go on weekend trips from Kuala Lumpur.  It’s definitely not the best option for everyone,

Jeep Excursions in the Cameron Highlands

Malaysia Trip Itineraries

If you look at each of these locations on a map, you can see that it actually fits pretty well

One Week Malaysia Itinerary

If you are only in Malaysia for a brief visit, than you want to enjoy your holiday.  My advice would be to enjoy 2-3 days in Kuala Lumpur, and fly to either Penang for 3-4 days.  You don’t want to rush around each destination, because you will want enough time to enjoy each place and do all the activities.

Two Week Malaysia Itinerary

Days 1-3 — Kuala Lumpur

Take a morning bus to Teman Negara

Days 4-5 — Teman Negara

Book the early bus ticket to the Cameron Highlands

Days 6-7 —  Exploring the Cameron Highlands

Book the early departure bus to Penang

Days 8-10 — Penang

Catch the two hour ferry to Langkawi

Days 11-13 — Langkawi

Catch a domestic flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur

Day 14 // End of Trip — Kuala Lumpur for your outgoing flight..

Island Hopping Boats in Langkawi

Three Week Malaysia Itinerary

Book transportation to Marang Jetty for access to Pulau Kapas (Close to Kuala Terranganu)

Days 8-10 — Pulau Kapas & Gem Island

Book early morning boat back to mainland, and get to main bus station.  Book transport to Perhentian Islands

Days 11-15 — The Perhentians Islands

Book Domestic Flight from Kuala Terrananu Airport – Penang.  Cheap fares available if booked in advanced. 

Days 16-17 – Penang

Days 18-20 — Langkawi

Day 21 // End of Trip — Kuala Lumpur for your outgoing flight..

Water & Lights show at KLCC

One Month in Malaysia Itinerary

If you have a full month in Malaysia, I honestly would just recommend to follow the 3-week itinerary, but travel slower.  This will also allow flexibility with the domestic flights, and also spending less time on travel.  I would also recommend staying in Kuala Lumpur for an extra couple days, and doing a one-day trip to Melaka.  If you want to see it all, you can switch up this itinerary to add Pulau Tioman, but I would honestly skip it.  I found it to be really touristy, difficult to get to, and there are much better islands and beaches in Malaysia.

If you have even more time in Malaysia, look out for cheap domestic flights over to Borneo.  You could scuba-dive off the coasts of the world famous Sipadan island, or hike the highest peak in Malaysia — Mt. Kinabalu!

General Malaysia Travel Advice

Eat as much as you possibly can!  The food in Malaysia is absolutely incredible.  When you get to Kuala Lumpur, check out a Nasi Kandar and try the various curries, Roti Canai, and Nasi Lemak!

Interact with the locals!  Malaysian people are extremely friendly, and generally speak really great English!  They are very open and welcome to tourism, and can be a great experience.

Understand you are in a Muslim country!  Be respectful with your clothing!

Get a local SIM card!  Malaysia has a wide variety of phone plans, and it will come in handy to have 3G / 4G internet when your traveling.  I’d recommend Tune Talk.  There are great prices and deals, and it’s good coverage.

Download my Free E-Book — 77 Amazing, Helpful, Money-Saving Tips for Backpacking South-East Asia .  This goes over a ton of valuable information for Malaysia!

If you haven’t figured it out by reading this post, I have traveled pretty extensively throughout Malaysia.   I think it’s an amazing country, and am always thinking about going soon and exploring different parts.  I’m actually dying to get over to Borneo, but I’m sure that time will come eventually.

If you’re ever planning a trip to Malaysia, feel free to Contact Me with any questions!

Thanks for reading!

Share the Malaysian Love!  

What a great resource! Malaysia is toward the top of my travel list…hopefully I’ll have the time to do the 3 or 4-week itinerary!

Thanks for the great info!

Glad you like it Sarah! :) When you do go to Malaysia, I guarantee you’ll love it! It’s such an amazing country, and so much fun to travel around! Enjoy!

Glad I could help out man! It really is an amazing country! I can’t wait to get back and explore even more.

Thanks for the information. It is really helpful. I am planing to go to Malaysia next month but i only have a week. Perhentian islans sounds like an amaizing place. I am between going there or visit Bali. What do you reckon? Thanks

Regards Gara

Hmm. Bali or Perhentian? Tough Decision. TO be honest, I’d probably choose Bali because you can do a whole lot more in one week. Bali is kinda small, but packed with stuff to do. Perhentian is more of a chill-out, diving destination. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hello, I am crazy about looking for amazing food, gorgeous islands, and beautiful landscapes ans Malaysia is my dream destination. your blog has very rich content which includes numerous photographs of spots, Island, culture..and many more. Nicely organized and detailed blog.

Thanks so much Jesse! Awesome to hear my site is helping you out! :-)

Hey thanks man for giving this list.I will go Malaysia with my friends in next years.But i don’t know which place to start travel.But after read this i got a brief idea.I will go for 15 days tour.Hope you list will fulfill my journey.Can you give me a list of affordable hotels of Malaysia?

Hey Tina, I normally stayed in hostels because I was a super budget traveler in Asia, lol. I’d just check booking.com and read reviews and everything. :-)

Hi if u wanna come to malaysia and need me to guide you just whatsapp me – +601129293631 or dm me on instagram @hakimzakaria98

What an awesome blog! I’m heading to KL tomorrow from Sebah, I only have a week and at abit of a loss with figuring out what i can squeeze in and what not to miss. This is really helpful, so much info all in one place.

Thankyou! :)

So happy to help! Enjoy Malaysia! :-)

Hi! I’m Thien from Vietnam. I was in Malaysia a couple of years ago. Your sharing strongly reminds me of my traveling experiences when in Malay. Thanks greatly for that!

Would you like to try out some wonderful places in Vietnam? Check out this Things to do in Vietnam for various useful suggestions.

Hope that you can visit and explore our country one day.

Wow! Nice post! I love KUALA LUMPUR in Malaysia. It is my favorite place! Me and my Keymalaysia team already visited there!

Been in love with Malaysia ever since our first visit. Their beaches and rich culture is outstanding! Definitely coming back soon. So many more islands and sites to explore. Such a detailed and informative post you have! Kudos!

Hey, this blog is so helpful!!

We’ve got 2 weeks in Malaysia, we’d like to go to Penang, Langkawi, Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Kapas and of course Kuala Lumpur which we fly in and out of. Could you give me any info on how to get from each place please?

Any advice would be great thankyou!

Do u have a travel agency ? or just a traveler ?

Nice Malaysia Travel post author. Thank you. Keep it up.

Nice post author.Thank you.

I adore Malaysia – the beaches, food, street art and culture is the best, not to mention the scuba diving! Your guide has inspired me to return when I can, thanks Jones!

Thanks so much for this! Very useful guide  

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Malaysia Travel Budget: How Much Does A Trip To Malaysia Cost

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2022

Categories Malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia that consists of Peninsular Malaysia and part of Borneo.

Known for its multicultural population (Malay, Chinese, Indian, and many other nationalities) as well as for its beautiful beaches, interesting cities, and delicious food, Malaysia is a great destination for all types of travelers.

Malaysia is also a great place for budget travelers, from cheap accommodation to €0.20 nasi lemak, your money can go a long way in Malaysia!

Curious about our Malaysia travel budget? Keep reading for all the nitty-gritty details…

Malaysia travel budget

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Malaysia daily budget infographic

In the infographic below you can find a detailed budget breakdown of our Malaysia trip to give you a quick overview of how much (or actually how little) you can spend during your trip in Malaysia.

Of course, the amount you'll spend depends on your style of travel, the length of your trip, and the type of accommodation you choose.

However, compared to countries such as Japan , New Zealand , Canada , and Europe , Malaysia is a very affordable destination.

Generally speaking, you can travel around Malaysia on a budget of $30-$60 per day (per person). As you can see in the infographic, we spent $67 per day as a couple.

This Malaysia travel cost post includes all the expenses during our 12-day trip to Malaysia , as well as a breakdown per category (accommodation, transport, food, and activities).

Malaysia on a budget: essential facts and figures

• I traveled to Malaysia with my husband, all expenses are for the two of us together.
• We spent 12 days in Malaysia and I recorded our Malaysia expenses meticulously. We entered the country via Johor Bahru in the South and exited via the Thai-Malaysian border just above Changlung.
• In this Malaysia budget post, I quote prices in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as well as Euros (€) and US Dollars ($). When we were traveling in Malaysia, €1 was approximately 4MYR and $1 around 3,5MYR . Check the current exchange rate here .
• In total, we spent 2796MYR (€696/$804) in the 12 days we were in Malaysia. This comes down to an average of 233MYR (€58/$67) a day and includes all expenses in Malaysia plus transportation costs to the Thai Border.

Important note: the only costs I did not include in our Malaysia trip budget are the costs for diving at Tioman . Why are these costs not included? Diving is expensive and including these costs would inflate our Malaysia daily expenses and not give an accurate representation of how much money in Malaysia you need on an average day. Most people won't go diving and therefore won't incur these expenses, which is why I left them out of our budget for Malaysia.

How to save money when planning a trip to Malaysia

The good news is: traveling to Malaysia on a tight budget is definitely possible!

That being said, it's important to plan carefully, look for discounts, and be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your travel budget for Malaysia.

Avoid peak season (travel during the low season instead)

Start by researching the best time of year to visit Malaysia as flight costs and hotel prices can vary throughout the year. Malaysia actually has two high seasons:

• December until February
• June until August

During these months accommodation prices are at their highest. So if you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates and able to travel during shoulder season (from March to June), this is a great way to save money on your Malaysia trip.

Save money on flights

You can look for cheap flights to Malaysia on websites like Kiwi.com . Try different travel dates and see how this affects the price of your flight.

Generally, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days, so it's worth checking the booking sites and comparing prices on different days of the week.

You’ll get a better deal by booking your flight in advance. For domestic flights 1-3 months before your trip is ideal.

Although we got lucky and landed a great deal on last-minute tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. Reputable low-cost airlines in Malaysia are JetStar, Malindo Air, and Air Asia.

For international flights, it’s best to book 2-8 months in advance. Tickets to Kuala Lumpur are pretty much always the cheapest option.

That being said, you can also choose to fly into Singapore and s pend a couple of days exploring the city before traveling to Malaysia overland.

Lastly, you may be able to find cheaper flights if you're willing to be flexible with your departure and arrival times.

Sure, it’s not ideal to arrive in the middle of the night, but if it saves you hundreds of dollars it’s worth losing one night of good sleep.

✈️ Click here to find the best ticket deals

Book your accommodation in advance

Once you've got your flights booked, it’s time to research budget accommodation. I always use Agoda and Booking to find the best value-for-money accommodation for our trips.

I recommend checking both platforms before you book to make sure you get the best deals on hotel rooms.

Please note that Agoda includes taxes in their price whereas Booking doesn't always include this. Make sure to check this before finalizing your booking.

Also, if you're in a country with hefty ATM fees or a limit on how much cash you can withdraw per transaction it can be better to book with Agoda as you can often pay online with your credit card (thereby reducing your need for cash).

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Cost of travel in Malaysia

Now that you know some great ways to save money in the planning phase of your Malaysia trip, it's time for a deep dive into our Malaysia travel expenses. Our daily expenses can be divided into four categories:

• Accommodation costs : 39% of our daily travel costs
• Transportation costs : 22% of our daily travel costs
• Cost of food and drinks : 33% of our daily travel costs
• Activity costs : 6% of our daily travel costs

Malaysia budget travel

1. cost of accommodation in malaysia.

We stayed at six different hotels during our 12-day trip, spending 91MYR / €23 / $26  on an average day. This adds up to a total of 1092MYR (€276/$312) spent on accommodation.

We stayed in a private room or bungalow with ensuite bathrooms. In the table below you can find the budget accommodations in Malaysia where we stayed during our trip (only the ones I recommend and could find online).

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

Budget hotels we stayed at in Malaysia

• Bamboo Hill (Tioman Island): these beautiful wooden bungalows are built against a rock and surrounded by trees. It's a very popular accommodation and often fully booked. Book here .
• The Lantern Hotel (Kuala Lumpur): rooms are small, but comfortable and clean. WiFi is good and great coffee is served in the communal area on the first floor. Book here .
• NR Langkawi Motel  (Langkawi): a lovely family-run hotel just outside of Pantai Cenang. The room is large, clean, and comfortable, and has a little porch where you can relax. Book here .

2. Cost of transport in Malaysia

Let’s take a closer look at public transportation in Malaysia. There are many ways to travel around the country, such as trains, local buses, taxis, and minivans.

A budget-friendly way to travel in Malaysia is by catching a bus. Bus services are available in all of the major cities and most of the smaller towns as well.

The easiest way to get from A to B in Malaysia is by booking your transportation ticket via 12Go Asia . This is an online platform where you can book tickets for trains, buses, ferries, minivans, and private transfers all around Southeast Asia.

I've used 12Go Asia several times and had great experiences with both the ease of booking on the platform itself as well as their fast and friendly customer service when I needed to amend our booking.

For example, you can use 12Go Asia to book tickets from:

• A bus ticket from Johor Bahru to Mersing ( check availability here )
• A ferry ticket from Mersing to Tioman Island ( check availability here )
• A bus ticket from Mersing to Kuala Lumpur ( check availability here )

How much did we spend on transportation in Malaysia?

Traveling in Malaysia was easy and cheap. Our transportation costs were 51MYR / €12,50 / $14,50  on an average day, bringing the total costs for transport in 12 days to 612MYR (€150/$174).

3. Cost of food and drinks in Malaysia

Malaysia is a food lover's paradise! A visit to Malaysia would not be complete without trying some of the country's famous dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Char Kway Teow
• Nasi Kandar

All of these dishes are packed with flavor and are sure to have your taste buds dancing. And there's more good news: the food in Malaysia is not only really tasty, but it’s also very cheap!

That is if you eat local food at local restaurants. Eating Western Food always triples the price of dinner when traveling around Southeast Asia.

Also, while food in Malaysia is very affordable, alcohol is pretty expensive. Because over 60% of the population is Muslim, alcohol isn’t served in most restaurants.

So when it comes to food and drinks, skip that beer (or glass of wine), explore the local markets to find inexpensive meals, and try delicious street food whenever you have the chance.

How much did we spend on food and drinks in Malaysia?

On an average day, we spent 78RYM / €19,50 / $22,50) on food and drinks. Total costs for food and drinks: 936MYR (€234/$270).

The great food is definitely one of the reasons I would love to go back to Malaysia. Because of its history and diverse population, the cuisine is really varied too.

You can have Indian paratha for breakfast, Malaysian laksa for lunch, and Chinese chicken rice for dinner. There are many options for vegetarians and vegans as well, especially in KL .

4. Activities in Malaysia

When you’re in Malaysia, make sure to take advantage of all the free activities the country has to offer, like exploring temples, historic cities, night markets, National Parks, and beautiful beaches.

Doing so will help you make the most of your vacation while still sticking to your budget.

When planning your Malaysia trip, it's also worth looking into tour companies that offer (discounted) activities that can help you save money while still getting the best experience.

Klook is the largest tour operator in Southeast Asia, but Get Your Guide has been working really hard on growing their SEA offers as well so be sure to check out those websites as well when you're planning your Malaysia activities.

Some of the most worthwhile tours in Malaysia are:

• Malacca UNESCO day tour (from Kuala Lumpur) : Explore the historical city of Malacca during this full-day private guided tour. Visit key landmarks that hark back to the Portuguese, Dutch, and English colonial periods and learn about the rich history of this old trading port. Check availability .
• Perhentian Islands snorkel tour : the best way to enjoy the crystal clear water, the beautiful underwater world and the dazzling marine life of Pulau Perhentian is to join a snorkeling tour. Check availability .
• Batu Caves tour in Kuala Lumpur : leave the busy city behind to explore Kuala Lumpur's beautiful countryside. Visit the rural Malay villages, discover the famous Batu Caves, and enjoy stunning views of Kuala Lumpur's skyline. Check availability .
• Penang street food tour : indulge your taste buds and eat like a local on this 4-hour street food tour in George Town. Step off the beaten track and mingle with the locals buying fresh snacks from food hawkers. Check availability .
• Cameron Highlands and Mossy Forest tour : be amazed by the unforgettable view of 2032 meters above sea level and have a fascinating nature experience on a half-day tour at Cameron Highlands. Check availability .

How much did we spend on activities in Malaysia?

We did a lot of sightseeing in Malaysia, both paid activities (such as renting a scooter on Langkawi ) as well as free ones (exploring Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur).

The average costs per day were 13MYR / €3 / $4  bringing the total costs for activities to a mere 156MYR (€36/$48).

5. How much does it cost to go scuba diving in Malaysia?

As mentioned, I excluded the costs for diving into the budget breakdown. For those interested in diving at Tioman: we paid 100MYR per dive per person with B&J divers .

Considering the excellent dive school and dive instructors and the amazing underwater world this was excellent value for money.

6. Travel insurance costs

I didn't include the cost of travel insurance in our Malaysia budget breakdown because we use our travel insurance for all our trips, not just for our Malaysia itinerary.

However, that doesn't take away the fact that making sure you have proper travel insurance is super important .

It helps protect you and your belongings in the event of a mishap during your travels. Furthermore, it provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, and more.

Also, having good travel insurance will provide you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a safety net in place.

With so much to consider when planning a trip, having the right travel insurance can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without stressing out about things that can go wrong.

How much does it cost to travel to Malaysia: in conclusion

These are the most important costs to take into account when you are traveling in Malaysia. As you can see it's pretty easy to make a Malaysia budget trip!

Below you can download the budget infographic. If you have any questions about this post, leave a comment below or send me a message .

Looking for more Malaysia travel inspiration? Also read my Perhentian Islands travel guide .

This post was updated in December 2022.

Wednesday 12th of December 2018

Beautifully described about my favorite place: Malaysia. Very informative blog about the cost, food and everything. Thanks for the blog!

Thank you Mia!

Thursday 9th of August 2018

Cost may vary person to person but you gave a wonderful idea about the travel guide and destination.

Thank you Sing Dong:-)

Saturday 24th of March 2018

Thanks for your precious information and easy representation, it made me more eager to travel. Thank you very much!

Wednesday 28th of March 2018

I'm happy to hear that! Have a great trip:-)

Saturday 11th of February 2017

Hi! I'm off to Malaysia this month! We will be mainly staying in Kuala Lumpur. I love the breakdown you have here. I would love to hear about any of the must eat places you found in Kuala Lumpur if you don't mind? Thank you so much!

Hi Daphnee, thanks for your kind comment! I'm happy to hear you find the breakdown useful:-). About places to eat in KL, we ate mostly street food (falafel wraps, nasi lemak, nasi pattaya and usually paratha for lunch). Breakfast was included in our KL hotel (the Lantern Hotel, you can find it in my 'Hotels in Malaysia' post) but there are plenty of options for that too. So not really must-eat places, but must-eat dishes;-). I hope this helps a little. Have a wonderful trip to Malaysia!

Ankit Suhane

Monday 5th of December 2016

Very good infographics and nice way to categories it. Most probably i am travelling to Malaysia then Singapore from there. This article is really going to help me. Can you please tell me the best way to go to Singapore from Malaysia? How we should plan it? Thanks in advance!

Hi Ankit, thank you, I'm happy to hear you find the infographic useful for planning your trip. If you check my Malaysia itinerary post (https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/12-days-in-malaysia-complete-itinerary-for-tioman-kuala-lumpur-and-langkawi/) you can find a detailed step-by-step information how to get from Singapore to Malaysia. Let me know if you have any further questions. Enjoy your trip!

TOP OF PAGE

Quick Facts

Best Time To Go

Cost & Spending

Travel Tips

Regions & Highlights

What To See & Do

What To Eat

Where To Stay

Trip Planning

Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and  since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

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Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! ​We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

With its rich and diversified cultural history, counting influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian and European heritage, complemented by its natural attractions of beaches and rainforests, Malaysia is a unique mix of the modern- and developing worlds. Presenting a happy mix of high-tech infrastructure and -systems combined with reasonable prices, Malaysia is a great destination for travellers. The capital, Kuala Lumpur houses the tallest twin towers in the world, while its islands are home to some of the most beautiful dive areas you will find. With offerings from trekking to sunbathing, from diving to dining, from bars to beaches, Malaysia is certainly worth a visit!

During 2014 we made our way from Koh Lipe (Thailand) by boat to Langkawi and on to Penang. We flew to Kuala Lumpur and travelled overland to Melacca from there. During 2019 we've spent a LOT of time in Malaysia with at least a month in each of Penang, Langkawi, and Sabah (Borneo).

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit. Current conversion rate here .

Electricity: 240V AC electricity. Power outlets are three-prong sockets (type G). Be sure to carry a universal travel adaptor so you can still use all your electronic devices. If you are from a country with 110V as a standard be aware that you will need a voltage converter.

Safety: With the exception of the Eastern Sabah region, Malaysia is generally very safe to travel in. The coastal areas of Eastern Sabah, on the island of Borneo, have seen an increase in kidnappings, and caution is advised. For the vast remainder of the country, you should have a safe and enjoyable stay. As with most large cities, pick-pocketing and petty theft can be a problem in big cities like Kuala Lumpur - remain aware and vigilant, and keep your belongings close. Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance! We would suggest checking out World Nomads or SafetyWing , for travel insurance as they have the best coverage for active travellers.

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR

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For the latest requirements or for application click

Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.

POSTS ON MALAYSIA

SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA

Temperatures vary little in Malaysia throughout the year and hover around a fairly constant 30°C by day, while humidity is high all year-round. Showers can be expected year-round too, mostly during afternoons, although these downpours are usually short and can clear up as quickly as they arrive. The major distinction between the seasons, and worth considering when you decide to visit Malaysia, is the arrival of the northeast monsoon - ushering in what is locally called the rainy season.

The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the western end of Sarawak, is particularly affected during this time, with late November through mid-February seeing the heaviest rainfall.

The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah, experience its wettest months during September and October. Monsoonal downpours during this time can be heavy and prolonged and can prohibit more or less all activity for its duration. Boats and ferries plying the routes to most islands in affected areas won’t attempt the sea swell at the height of the rainy season and service will be limited. In mountainous areas like the Cameron Highlands, the Kelabit Highlands, and in the hill stations and upland national parks, you may experience more frequent rain as the high peaks gather clouds more or less permanently.

The best time to visit most of Malaysia is generally between March and early October when you will avoid the worst of the rains and there’s less humidity, though air pollution, usually caused by forest fires in Indonesia, can cause hazy conditions and even cancel flights. Despite the risk of more rain, the months of January and February can be particularly rewarding, and you will find a number of significant festivals, notably Chinese New Year and the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam.

BEST TIME FOR:

Malaysia has plenty of stunning beaches and no matter the time of the year, the weather should be good somewhere. The best time to visit the beaches on the East coast is from March to September. The best time to visit the beaches on the west coast is from November to August as September and October can be very rainy.

LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES

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MALAYSIA TRAVEL COSTS

Travel in Malaysia is pretty affordable. A little pricier than some other areas in Southeast Asia, but still far less than most western countries. If you’re happy sleeping in a hostel and eating street food, you can easily get by on $30 a day. If you want to splurge on a nicer hotel or a few gourmet meals, you might want to budget up to $40 or $50 (or more if you’re used to a more western lifestyle). If you want to get an idea of how much we spent around Malaysia see our Budget Report section .

VALUE RANK:

Find discount flights to, travel tips for malaysia.

Transportation

Transport from one place to the next is fairly easy in Malaysia and is quite efficient. In larger cities, there are well established public transport systems. We advise checking bus, boat and train schedules ahead of time using BookAway or 12Go Asia , Skyscanner.com or Kiwi.com are handy tools for finding great flight deals.

RELATED POSTS:

SABAH - How To Get To Kudat & Sandakan

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF MALAYSIA

Admire the Petronas Towers

One of the most recognizable spots in Malaysia, the Petronas Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world - also once the world’s tallest building - from their completion in 1998 to 2004 when they were surpassed by Taipei 101. You can of course just enjoy the beauty of the towers for free from the surrounding KLCC Park but it's an incredible experience to walk across the connecting sky bridge to see the amazing views of the city or go even higher to the viewing deck from the 86th floor.

Insider Travel Tip: The lines to the Petrona Towers can get busy which is why we recommend booking your tickets online. The tickets get sent straight to your hotel making is super convenient.

KUALA LUMPUR: Budget-Friendly Fun Things To See And Do

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MALAYSIA

Attend a Cooking Class or a Foodie Tour

Next to Thailand, Malaysia has some of the best cuisines in Asia with a diverse cultural mix of ingredients. Seize the opportunity to get to know more of the incredible flavours of Malaysian cuisine by taking cooking classes in Malaysia which will equip you all the knowledge you need on how to make a great laksa or rendang. Another incredible way to experience the best is to join a foodie tour where you can taste the real Malaysia on a tour of Kuala Lumpur street food stalls with an expert guide.

Go to the Taman Negara National Park

The natural wonder of Taman Negara is estimated to be around 130 million years old and whether you’re looking to set out on a 100km trek, or just take an afternoon stroll, this is the perfect spot to explore. A day trip can be a great way to experience one of the oldest rainforests in the world where you can enjoy panoramic views from Teresek Hill, and ride the river rapids by longtail boat. If you are pretty fit and up for a great day of adventure and exploring we recommend this full-day tour . If you don't have a lot of time but want to see the best of Malaysia, we can recommend this private tour of the Cameron Highlands which includes transfers and a guide.

Visit the Batu Caves

The Batu cave is not only one of the most popular Tamil shrines outside of India but it remains an active place of worship. It is a popular site for tourist near Kuala Lumpur and often bundled in with other day tours although it's easy to do it by yourself in half a day. If you are in Malaysia during the Thaipusam festival (January / February), you can witness thousands of devotees carrying their offerings to the temple. The temple formation consisting of three huge limestone caves is truly spectacular and a special place to experience. There is no entry fee to access the temples grounds and both the outside and inside of the cave make for some great photos. You can watch a video we made recently of our visit there by train from Kuala Lumpur. If you want to get the absolute best photos, we would recommend going really early in the morning before it gets too crowded - and too hot! If you’re looking for a unique combo experience, consider this tour which takes you to the Batu Caves as well as firefly watchin g in nearby Kuala Selangor.

Relax in Langkawi Island

The district of Langkawi actually consists of an archipelago of 99 islands - and another 5 small islands which are only visible at low tide! The largest of these islands is Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi) and what most people refer to as simply Langkawi - or also affectionately named “The Jewel of Kedah”. Langkawi offers the traveller from hostels to extravagant resorts and everything in between. Take a couple of days and enjoy some of the incredible seaside beauty of this relaxing island. During 2019 we spent 4 weeks on Langkawi, taking our time to explore every nook and cranny looking for the best beaches (You will have to watch our YouTube videos to find out which one it is!). There is no shortage of activities to keep you busy on Langkawi! From a Mangrove Safari Boat Tour to the famous Langkawi Cable Car and Skybridge to a jetski island tour!

The Best BEACHES Of Langkawi

EXPLORE Langkawi On A Budget

See the Street Art in Penang

Another must-do while in Malaysia is to see the famous street art in George Town. Everywhere you go, you will find countless street murals often depicting children in various poses. The art is beautifully creative and unusual, making George Town a fun city to explore and walk around in. During 2019 we spent 4 weeks in Penang and found plenty to do and see in this fascinating part of Malaysia. There is much more to Penang than just street art! To learn more of what to see and do see our Penang guide here .

PENANG What to See and Do on a BUDGET

See Orangutans in Borneo

Borneo, the 3rd largest island in the world and the largest in Asia, is shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. It’s known for its ancient, biodiverse rainforest, home and is home to some incredible wildlife including orangutans, probosci's monkeys and clouded leopards. At 4095m Mount Kinabalu is the island’s highest peak and a popular destination for adventure travellers.

Dive Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai

Sipadan is a small island located off the Southeast edge of the state of Sabah on the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo. Touted as ‘an untouched piece of art’ by Jacques Cousteau, Sipadan is home to the best diving in Borneo, many say in the world. Famous for massive schools of fish, spiraling barracudas, enormous green turtles and schooling reef sharks, diving in the pumping current here is spectacular. If you're looking to level up your underwater photography game check out Underwater Photography Guide . This online book and magazine is a complete underwater photography tutorial full of underwater photography tips and techniques. It's a vast resource for improving your underwater photography, whether taking a camera into the water for the first time or a seasoned veteran looking for inspiration.

Explore SANDAKAN, Sabah

See ORANGUTANS in Sepilok, Sabah

Explore KOTA KINABALU, Sabah

WHAT TO EAT IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia largely consists of the Malay, Chinese and Indian – and each has their own types of food. This is an over-generalisation, but we found that Malays are fond of using coconut milk in their food, the Chinese deep fry as many things as possible, whilst the Indians love ghee. Jokes aside, there is obviously much more to each cuisine and you will be hard-pressed to not find an amazing meal on every street corner. All you have to do is find the nearest hawker food centre and you will be in heaven no matter what your preferences.

The Best Of Malaysian Cuisine

Malaysian Sweet Treats

Keep an eye out for the following must-try foods:

Nasi Lemak - Simply put, this is just rice soaked in coconut milk and steamed. But it’s always served with a mountain of sides, from hard-boiled eggs and peanuts to vegetables and meats. It’s a simple dish that’s got the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and delicious.

Apam Balik - Basically a rice flour pancake, this dish is filled with sugar, peanuts, corn, or all three. The ingredients are spooned onto a doughy centre while the outside cooks to crispy perfection, then it’s served up, often folded in half like a taco. This is easy to find at street stalls and is a cheap and satisfying snack on the go.

Satay - You’ve probably had satay before and if you have, you know how delicious it is. Skewers of chicken, beef, or pork are painted with peanut sauce and grilled to perfection. You can find similar skewers in other countries, but they just don’t compare to the authentic thing in Malaysia.

Nasi Danang - Popular breakfast food in Malaysia, Nasi Danang features rice cooked in coconut milk with fish curry and a spread of added ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, shaved coconut, and pickled vegetables.

Char Koay Teow - Roughly translating into “fried rice noodle strips” cooked in a steaming hot wok. There is one main characteristic of this dish – it is cooked with pork fat, and has little crunchy squares of pork lard. So for obvious reasons, this is not the world’s healthiest dish. But you know what, it tastes so good that it’s fine to make an exception, once in a while that is.

Laksa - This Malay dish consists of a noodle base combined with a gravy or sauce, meat, and vegetables. The exact recipe will vary depending on where you go. Some have coconut milk bases, while others feature thinner broths. I’d recommend trying it at a few different spots to see which you like the best!

Ais Kacang - A dessert commonly served in hawker stalls. It essentially consists of shaved ice (which is made with a special machine) and red beans and topped with various (bright coloured) syrups. Nowadays, vendors make the ais kacang more interesting by using using a mix of red beans, cendol, agar-agar cubes, grass jelly and sweet corn to form the base of this dish. This is then topped with the shaved ice, syrups, and in this case – ice cream!

Lor Bak - A dish that consists of a variety of snack-like foods – prawn fritters, bean curd wrapped sausages, fried tofu, century eggs, cucumbers… anything goes really. This is served with two sauces: the lor bak black sauce (a starchy and mildly sweet sauce with streaks of beaten egg whites) and a chilli sauce. You basically dip it in the black sauce, followed by the chilli sauce, and then eat. Strange, but all sorts of wonderful.

LGBTQ IN MALAYSIA

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WHERE TO STAY IN MALAYSIA

For a first-time visit to Malaysia, it's recommended to base yourself in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, as it offers a perfect introduction to the country's diverse culture, food, and attractions. Here's why:

Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur:

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's bustling metropolis, known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant street life, and multicultural atmosphere. Explore attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and Bukit Bintang shopping district.

Budget Accommodations:

BackHome Kuala Lumpur :  BackHome Kuala Lumpur offers budget-friendly accommodations in a stylish and modern setting. It provides dormitory rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and a cozy lounge area.

Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur :  Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur is a popular hostel offering affordable accommodations in the heart of the city. It features dormitory rooms and private rooms, a rooftop bar with city views, and regular events and activities for guests.

Mid-Range Accommodations:

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection :  Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection offers stylish mid-range accommodations in a central location. It features modern rooms and suites, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, and several dining options.

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection :  Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection provides elegant mid-range accommodations with a historic charm. It features luxurious rooms and suites, a spa offering massage treatments, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options including a colonial-style tea lounge.

Luxury Accommodations:

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur :  The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the upscale Bukit Bintang district. It offers opulent rooms and suites, a spa offering personalized treatments, a swimming pool, and several dining options including award-winning restaurants.

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur :  Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is another prestigious five-star hotel offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities. It features spacious rooms and suites with panoramic city views, a spa offering holistic treatments, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options including a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Tip : Visit Kuala Lumpur during the off-peak seasons (March to October) for better rates and fewer crowds, and consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during major events or festivals.

Where To Stay In Langkawi:

Langkawi is a popular island destination located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and duty-free shopping.

Cenang Plaza Beach Hotel :  Cenang Plaza Beach Hotel offers budget-friendly accommodations near Pantai Cenang Beach. The hotel features simple yet comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and easy access to shopping and dining options.

Sandy Beach Resort Langkawi :  Sandy Beach Resort Langkawi provides affordable accommodations with a beachfront location. Guests can stay in clean and cozy rooms, enjoy access to a swimming pool, and relax on the beach.

Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah :  Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah offers stylish mid-range accommodations with modern amenities. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and several dining options.

The Smith House Langkawi :  The Smith House Langkawi provides comfortable mid-range accommodations in a convenient location. Guests can stay in well-appointed rooms, enjoy access to a swimming pool, and dine at the hotel's restaurant.

The Danna Langkawi :  The Danna Langkawi is a luxurious five-star resort located on Pantai Kok Beach. It offers elegant rooms and suites with private balconies, a swimming pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, a spa offering a range of treatments, and multiple dining options including a fine-dining restaurant.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi :  Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is an exclusive luxury resort nestled on a private beach. It features spacious villas and pavilions with stunning views, a spa offering holistic treatments, multiple swimming pools, and world-class dining options.

Tip : Visit Langkawi during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather and outdoor activities, and consider booking accommodations directly through hotel websites for potential discounts or special offers.

Penang and Melaka are two additional fantastic destinations in Malaysia, each offering unique cultural experiences and historical attractions. Here are some accommodation options for each:

Where To Stay In Penang:

Penang is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious street food, and beautiful beaches, making it a top destination for travelers. Explore attractions like George Town's UNESCO-listed historic center, Penang Hill, and the vibrant street art scene.

Ryokan @ Muntri Street Penang :  Ryokan @ Muntri Street Penang offers budget-friendly accommodations in a heritage building in George Town. It features dormitory beds and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a cozy lounge area.

Tune Hotel Georgetown Penang :  Tune Hotel Georgetown Penang provides affordable accommodations in a central location. It offers compact yet comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a 24-hour front desk, and easy access to nearby attractions.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel :  Eastern & Oriental Hotel is a historic mid-range hotel located in George Town. It features elegant rooms and suites with colonial-style furnishings, a swimming pool, a spa offering massage treatments, and several dining options including a traditional English afternoon tea service.

The Edison George Town :  The Edison George Town offers stylish mid-range accommodations in a restored colonial building. Guests can stay in well-appointed rooms and suites, enjoy access to a rooftop swimming pool, and dine at the hotel's restaurant serving fusion cuisine.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa :  Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is a luxurious five-star resort located on Batu Ferringhi Beach. It features spacious rooms and suites with private balconies, a large swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a spa offering a range of treatments, and multiple dining options including a beachfront restaurant.

The Prestige Hotel Penang :  The Prestige Hotel Penang is an upscale boutique hotel situated in George Town. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings, a rooftop infinity pool with city views, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving international cuisine.

Tip : Visit Penang during the Penang International Food Festival in April or the George Town Festival in July for cultural experiences and culinary delights, and explore the island's attractions by using the free shuttle buses provided by the local government.

Where To Stay In Melaka:

Melaka (or Malacca) is a historic city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, multicultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. Explore attractions like Jonker Street, A Famosa Fortress, and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

Rosa Malacca :  Rosa Malacca offers budget-friendly accommodations in a convenient location near Jonker Street. It features clean and cozy rooms, a rooftop terrace with city views, and friendly staff.

The Rucksack Caratel :  The Rucksack Caratel provides affordable accommodations with a stylish and modern design. Guests can stay in dormitory beds or private rooms, enjoy access to a swimming pool, and relax in the hotel's garden area.

Casa del Rio Melaka :  Casa del Rio Melaka offers comfortable mid-range accommodations along the Melaka River. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites with river views, a swimming pool, a spa offering massage treatments, and several dining options including a riverside bar.

The Settlement Hotel :  The Settlement Hotel provides mid-range accommodations in a heritage building in Melaka. It offers spacious rooms and suites with traditional Malaysian decor, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

The Majestic Malacca :  The Majestic Malacca is a luxurious five-star hotel located near the historic district of Melaka. It features elegant rooms and suites with colonial-style furnishings, a swimming pool, a spa offering traditional Malay treatments, and a fine-dining restaurant specializing in Peranakan cuisine.

Tip : Visit Melaka during the weekends for the Jonker Walk Night Market, where you can experience the city's vibrant street life and sample local delicacies. Additionally, consider taking a river cruise along the Melaka River to admire the city's historic landmarks from a different perspective.

Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Here are some accommodation options for Sabah:

Where To Stay In Sabah:

Sabah offers a range of attractions, including Mount Kinabalu, the Kinabatangan River, and the stunning islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Borneo Swiss Guesthouse :  Located in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Swiss Guesthouse offers budget-friendly accommodations with clean and comfortable rooms. It provides a convenient location near local attractions, friendly staff, and basic amenities for a pleasant stay.

H2 Backpackers Kota Kinabalu :  H2 Backpacker Kota Kinabalu provides affordable accommodations for budget travelers. It offers dormitory beds and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a cozy lounge area. The hostel is centrally located and provides easy access to transportation and nearby attractions.

The Klagan Hotel :  Situated in Kota Kinabalu, The Klagan Hotel offers comfortable mid-range accommodations with modern amenities. It features spacious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Hotel Sixty3 :  Hotel Sixty3 is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. It offers chic and contemporary rooms, a rooftop terrace with city views, and easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa :  Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is a luxurious five-star resort set on a pristine beach in Tuaran. It offers spacious rooms and suites, a championship golf course, a nature reserve with orangutans, a spa offering holistic treatments, and multiple dining options including a beachfront restaurant.

Gaya Island Resort :  Gaya Island Resort is an exclusive luxury resort located on Gaya Island near Kota Kinabalu. It offers elegant villas and suites with sea views, a spa offering traditional Malay treatments, a swimming pool, and several dining options including a seafood restaurant and a beach bar.

Tip : Visit Sabah during the dry season (March to October) for the best weather and outdoor activities and consider exploring the diverse wildlife of the Kinabatangan River or embarking on a diving adventure in Sipadan Island , one of the world's top diving destinations. Additionally, book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

For hassle-free bookings, use platforms like  Booking.com  for competitive rates or   Holiday Swap  for unique homes worldwide. Ensure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, and align your preferences with nearby activities such as surfing, snorkeling, or cultural exploration.

Malaysia Budget Travel – When and Where to Go and How Much It Will Cost

More tourists are visiting Malaysia each year from the Western backpackers to wealthy visitors from the Middle East. But, despite the level of tourism, Malaysia budget travel isn’t as easy as in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Many tourists often travel to Malaysia for shopping in Kuala Lumpur at places like KLCC Shopping Mall, Midvalley Mega Mall and Pavillion. And those who do want to travel around the country often find it to be more expensive than they expect.

Is it possible to travel in Malaysia on a low budget?

Let’s start by addressing: is Malaysia expensive to visit? The answer is that it’s possible to visit Malaysia on the cheap if you plan your trip carefully.

Staying in the central areas such as near Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station and KLCC in Kuala Lumpur can be expensive. Budget hotels are around KL Sentral in Brickfields neighbourhood. Hostels and guesthouses are usually in Bukit Bintang, Chow Kit or Chinatown where you can find a bed for as low as $4 per night in a hostel. If you’re looking to find a budget hotel, you can expect to pay more. The prices are similar, if not higher, in other parts of the country in the non-touristy destinations.

When eating out, the places most recommend for tourists are often overpriced. For example, Jalan Alor, a street lined with hawkers serving local food tend to have prices up to 50% higher than elsewhere. Few Malaysians come here to eat. If you want to reduce your daily cost in Malaysia for food, consider visiting one of the food courts, especially those away from central areas. Whenever you eat, always ask for a menu and make a mental note of what you ordered as some restaurants do overcharge tourists, both intentional and not.

If you want to eat at one of the self-service Indian restaurants, always double check the bill. Not everyone calculates the order correctly, and many of the waiters work by memory. Ask for a receipt and double check the amount you need to pay.

Is it expensive in Malaysia to drink alcohol?

Alcohol isn’t as readily available as neighbouring countries in SEA. You can only find reasonably priced beer in some of the Chinese restaurants and at the food courts, which tend to be three small cans for around RM 12 ($2.90) or higher depending on the brand. Larger 660ml bottles are sometimes on sale here too. If you visit the bars, expect to pay much higher for a can or a bottle of beer and top-shelf liquors are very expensive.

If you're staying near KL Sentral, some of the Indian-owned convenience stores sell cans and bottles of beer for as low as RM 5.50 for a 500ml can ($1.30). Alcohol prices in Malaysia are high compared to neighbouring SEA countries and buying from the convenience stores are the cheapest option. Don't expect alcohol in halal restaurants such as the Indian Muslim or Malay ones.

Budget travel in Malaysia: independently or on a packaged tour?

Most Western tourists backpacking Malaysia will do so independently. Other nationalities, such as the Chinese tourists, almost always come as part of a packaged tours.

The pros and cons of independent travel to Malaysia

• You can plan and stick to a budget.
• Getting around the country is easy giving tourists more flexibility.
• Endless amounts of delicious food are available at meager prices if you know where to eat.
• Malaysia has a lot of public holidays such as Chinese New year and Eid taking place over a long weekend. Bus tickets sell out fast and there are lots of traffic jams.
• Admission fees in Malaysia are often dual priced. Foreigners always pay more. The attractions advertise as MyKad holders and non-MyKad holder prices. All Malaysian citizens hold a MyKad.
• Foreigners now have to pay a tourist tax of RM 10 ($2.40) per person, per night at hotels in Malaysia. This can add the costs up significantly if you’re travelling on a budget.

The pros and cons of a packaged tour to Malaysia

• A tour company will meet you at the airport and takes care of logistics. All you need to do is enjoy the tour.
• Guides take you to the destinations and offer a backstory and facts to help you understand what you’re seeing.
• All admission fees and tourist taxes are included so you won’t be faced with any unexpected costs.
• Tours are expensive.
• You have limited time and less flexibility.
• Some tours are overpriced. You should be able to make the same trip for less independently.
• You may end up in a big group where it’s difficult to ask your tour guide questions.

Top budget itineraries

There are lots of affordable places to visit and inexpensive accommodation if you know where to go. Most tourists visit Kuala Lumpur and Penang, which tend to cost more than Tanah Rata, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak. More rural and off-the-beaten-path destinations have fewer hotels making the price higher.

You can take a coach from Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands for between RM 35 to RM 40 ($8.40 to $9.60) one-way. The journey takes between three and a half to four hours depending on the season and traffic. It's difficult to get around in Cameron Highlands unless you rent a car or join a tour. Taxis are available but relying on them all the time becomes expensive. Budget accommodation is available in Tanah Rata as the area gets a large number of domestic tourists.

Malacca and Johor

The historical city of Malacca and Johor are to the south of Kuala Lumpur by bus. Expect to pay between RM 10 to RM 15 ($2.50 to $3.60) to get to Malacca (two hours) and up to RM 40 ($9.60) for Johor (five hours). Always check if there’s an upcoming public holiday as ticket prices increase and sell out quickly. Malacca was a former Portuguese colonial port and has quite a few historic buildings remaining. Johor is a great place to base yourself for a cheap trip to Singapore.

Domestic flights travel to both Sabah and Sarawak from various places in West Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, stretches along the coast. A short ferry ride can take tourists to the nearby islands with Manukan Island being the most popular. Mount Kinabalu, in Kundasang Ranau, is two and a half hours from the city. The food in Sabah is inexpensive and very cheap by western standards. Expect a dish to cost from 6 RM ($1.40) and upwards. The prices in Sabah are similar to those in Kuala Lumpur.

The best free attractions in Sabah include the Signal Hill Observation Deck, which gives a great view of Kota Kinabalu. Tourists also like exploring Gaya Street where an open market held on Sundays. The Waterfront is a pleasant place to take a stroll and get some photographs of the sea too.

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and Miri, the second city, are the two most popular destinations. Sarawak is famous for national parks and caves. Food is cheaper than both Kuala Lumpur and Sabah with a plate of local noodles costing just RM 4 to RM 5 ($1). Free activities include exploring Kuching’s Waterfront and walking along Indian Street. You can also search for and photograph the cat statues in the city centre too. Sarawak is one of the most affordable cities and is often included in the top budget itineraries in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur and Penang

If you decide to spend most of your time in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, check out the following free attractions. KLCC Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens, Merdeka Square and Central Market are the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. You can also check out Penang’s temples, beaches and street art for free.

Best cheap hostels/hotels in Malaysia

The best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur if you're travelling on a low budget include Brickfields (near KL Sentral Main Station), Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street. Knowing the best low-key places to stay can save the savvy traveller a considerable amount that could be better spend on other activities.

The best accommodation (prices based on one traveller and stated in USD):

• PODs The Backpackers Home & Café in Brickfields Kuala Lumpur. From $7 to $8 for a bed in a dorm or $16 for a single room with a shared bathroom.
• M & M Hotel. Basic rooms start at $18 per night. Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
• RL Budget Accomodation. Some of the cheapest accommodation with rates as low as $4 for a dorm bed or $12 private room with fan in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi.
• Cas Idaman Motel. Expect at least $29 per night for a private room in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi.
• The Frame Guesthouse. Beds cost between $9 and $11 for a bed in a dormitory in Georgetown, Penang.
• Lagenda House, $21 per night for a double bed with a private bathroom in Georgetown, Penang.
• SKYPOD Boutique Hostel. Starts prices from $7 for a bed in a dorm in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
• Monaco Boutique Hotel. From $21 per night for a double room in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
• Check In Lodge. A bed in a dorm starts at $6 per night or $20 for a private room in Kuching, Sarawak.
• Padungan Hotel. A double room with en-suite costs between $18 and $21 in Kuching, Sarawak.

Top tips for budget travel in Malaysia

If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, check out the following less-obvious travel tips to help you save more money.

Join a free walking tour in Kuala Lumpur. The local city government offers free weekly tours to take tourists around Kuala Lumpur with a knowledgeable, English speaking guide. Tours often last two and a half hours and are tip-based, which means you give as much or as little as you can afford. If you’re interested in joining, visit the Free Dataran Merdeka Heritage Guided Tour’s website for times and the meeting point.

Be savvy with public transport Use the public transportation such as LRT and Monorail in Kuala Lumpur. But, in other major cities around Malaysia where mass transport doesn’t exist, rely on GrabCar and Uber rather than taxis. When you arrive at KLIA, use the Airport coach rather than the Express railway.

Local street food You’ll find street food around Malaysia with hawkers selling snacks on the streets to noodles inside restaurants. The food is cheap and costs a few ringgits for a decent meal. Eating here will save a considerable amount compared to the restaurants aimed at tourists.

Drinking Alcohol Expect the price of alcohol to be quite high by local standards, especially in the bars and pubs. A top money saving tip is to find a local non-Halal convenience store and buy reasonably priced beer from there.

Be smart about accommodation Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Malaysia, and the cost of buying bottled water from the shop adds up quickly. Find a guesthouse that offers filtered water or allows you to boil water in your room. Buying bottles each day will be expensive over a couple of weeks.

Shopping in Malaysia Many tourists come to Malaysia for shopping. You’ll find bargains in Chinatown and Little India for clothes, souvenirs and food.

Visit the free places Almost every city in the country has free places to visit such as Perdana Botanical Garden and Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. Buddhist temples in Penang are also free to enter.

Use the bus to travel long distances Buses are often cheaper than flying. Several buses depart daily between Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, Johor, Cameron Highlands and Penang. If you want to visit East Malaysia, monitor the airlines, such as Malindo or Malaysian Airlines, for one of their regular ticket promotions.

Take advantage of Couchsurfing Couchsurfing is popular in Malaysia, and you can stay for free with a local host. This not only gives you the chance to save on accommodation but you also meet and make friends with a local Malaysian.

Get a SIM card with a data plan (internet package). Data plans are inexpensive in Malaysia, and you can easily buy a SIM card from the airport or phone shops. Data plan costs as low as $3 for 7 days or $10 for 30 days. Having your own internet saves costs on sitting in cafes and gives you the flexibility to be connected whenever you want.

Conclusion:

Malaysia is an affordable travel destination if you plan your trip carefully. Don’t expect the same prices as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, but the food is cheap and accommodation is inexpensive if you know the right places to go.

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Malaysia travel blog — The fullest Malaysia travel guide for a budget trip for the first-timers

A tropical paradise located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a fascinating and attractive country all visitors over the world by its harmonious combination of ethnic groups and cultural beliefs. The country of Malaysia is divided into two regions including Malaysia Peninsula and Malaysia Island separated by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia is extremely prosperous region with skyscrapers in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, while the Malaysia island region owns rubber forests and mystical beauty beaches that attracts the adventurous travelers. Let’s check out our Malaysia travel blog (Malaysia blog) — The fullest Malaysia travel guide for a budget trip to Malaysia for the first-timers that will help you prepare for the perfect trip to the beautiful country with many interesting things below.

• What to buy in Malaysia? — Top +11 famous gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in Malaysia
• Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw
• Penang travel tips — Some best tips for traveling and dining in Penang Island, Malaysia
• Best areas to stay in Penang — Top 5 best places to stay in Penang for the first-timers
• Penang food blog — 10 best street food in Penang & best places to find them

Malaysia travel blog: When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

You can travel to Malaysia at any time of the year because this is a country with humid tropical climate, ecosystems are rich and diverse. The weather in Malaysia is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season and dry season.

From April to August, September every year: It is the dry season in Malaysia, sunny but not too hot. Average daily temperatures range from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius, suitable for moving and enjoying outdoor activities without fear of weather.

From October to March of the next year: The rainy season of Malaysia, the weather will be much cooler. You may encounter a heavy rain but stop fast, so do not worry about the weather will affect your trip!

According to our Malaysia travel guide, from June to August is the best time to visit Malaysia because it is less rainy and sunny in this time. In addition, at this time, many shopping malls in Malaysia will have the biggest promotions of the year can be up to 70%. You will definitely be satisfied to buy a lot of bargains at this time.

Malaysia travel blog: Malaysia travel cost

Cost of transportation.

Like other developed countries in Southeast Asia, the main means of transportation in Malaysia include public transport (buses, trains, MRT) and personal vehicles such as cars, motorbikes. Depending on your budget and the travel distance you can choose the appropriate means of transportation.

Normally, the bus will cost you about RM5-11 per trip. Other vehicles such as MRT, LRT, … are only popular in big cities like Kuala Lumpur . Taxis are quite expensive, costing about RM3 / mile and will be four times more expensive if you can not find one to go with.

Cost of accommodation

Malaysia is one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia and Asia, so you will easy to find motels, hotels, resorts and homestays. The areas that attract most visitors are Kuala Lumpur , Penang and Langkawi . Single bed in dormitory room from RM30-55 per night, private room at RM75 per night, RM100 per night for a double room. The hotel rates range from RM80 per night to several times higher, depending on the “number of stars” and location of the hotel.

With hotels in Kuala Lumpur you should rent near the KL Sentral area or Bukit Bintang area because it is easy to moving around and reasonable price. You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Kuala Lumpur on Agoda.com or Booking.com which is very easy.

Read more:  Where to stay in KL? — Top 8 best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for the first-timers .

Cost of eating out

Food is also one of the attractions for visitors to Malaysia. From satay grilled, or Malaysian traditional dish – nasi lemak with rice, scented cake and coconut milk flavor. If you just want to taste the food, you will have to pay about RM4-11 for each street food dish. And it will cost RM7-20 for each dish you call in the restaurant. Or simply, you can join the gastronomic tours of Kuala Lumpur and Penang – famous cities for gourmets.

The cost of self-sufficient playing

Malaysia has the three most popular tourist areas: Kuala Lumpur , Penang Old Town and Langkawi . Each region will have a different kind of activity, but the price is quite cheap compared to other places in Southeast Asia. With city tours like Hop on hop off Kuala Lumpur, the fare is about RM38-75 per trip (24 hours or 48 hours). Other activities such as trekking in the forest are about RM35-75. If you want to go to the sea and playing on the islands, then you can choose to dive. The price for a snorkeling trip will be RM245-300 and the diving course will be only RM830-1325.

Malaysia travel blog: Some tips to save money when traveling to Malaysia

Pre-booking tickets, services, tours.

For those who already have self-sufficiency travel experience, reservation of air tickets for travel Malaysia is probably should not discussed. However, if you are new to self-sufficiency traveling, the “hunt” for cheap tickets is one of the top priority. With Malaysia destination, AirAsia is a good option to find cheap tickets because it is headquartered in Malaysia and often has promotions.

Beside airline tickets, pre-booking services, tours, tickets will also help you save more cost and time. In many cases, you will save up to 30- 40% more than buying tickets directly, especially at the famous amusement parks such as Sunway Lagoon, The Lost World of Tampon or national parks. Or when you traveling go with a large group of people, buying tickets in advance will also help you to plan your leisure and entertainment more appropriately.

Moving by public transport

To save the best cost when traveling Malaysia self-sufficient, you should choose the public transport. This system is especially popular in Kuala Lumpur with buses and MRT, LRT, KLIA Express, KTM Commuter, … The price per trip is usually not more than RM50 and you can buy Touch-n-go card and MyRapid card to reduce the cost of the trip. For example, with a MyRapid card the price for a bus trip is about RM0.8 (compared to direct buy is RM1). In addition, if you go in large groups, you can take a taxi but need to bargaining before getting up the car.

Limit drink wine and alcoholic beverages

Malaysia’s religion is Islamic so the rules on drinking are very strict. Although visitors are not prohibited from drinking, but the costs of beer, wine, cocktails and alcoholic beverages are often expensive. Therefore, you should limit yourself to a certain amount of money for beverages is one of the best ways to save money.

Enjoy street food

Similar Thailand, you can find for yourself all kinds of street food, full flavors and variety price on the streets of Malaysia. Not only delicious, these dishes are quite cheap, the prices range from a few to a few dozen ringgit (RM). The only thing you have to keep in mind is choosing the right place for quality and clean. The secret is to choose places where there are many local people dining, this assures you both of price and quality.

Malaysia blog: How to get to Malaysia?

From Vietnam you can fly to Malaysia from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Jetstar and AirAsia. These airlines have direct flights to Malaysia with the price ranging from RM800 to RM1250 for a round-trip ticket. One thing to note is that AirAsia often has the most discounted rates for this route flight.

By road, railway

From Singapore: From the island you can take the bus to Johor Bahru, from here you continue to travel by bus to Melaka and Putrajaya and finish the journey by train to the capital of Malaysia.

From Thailand: From Thailand’s Hat Yai tourist destination, you can either take a bus or train to Kuala Lumpur directly.

Malaysia travel guide: How to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to city?

When you arrival at the airport in Kuala Lumpur , it is about 50km from the city center, so you can moving into the center by a shuttle bus for around RM10. You can also easily buy bus tickets at the ticket counter at the airport hall. This bus operates on average about 30 minutes per trip.

Malaysia travel blog: How to getting around Malaysia?

To travel around in Malaysia you have many ways such as plane, bus, train … You should remember the railway stations, the main bus stations and the main public transports here.

Main railway stations, major bus stations in Malaysia

KL Sentral: This is the largest traffic hub in the capital of Kuala Lumpur , which is also the stopping point for most public transports in the city. You can easily find useful information about tourist attractions and local tours in Malaysia.

Pudu Station (or Puduraya): This is a bus station located in the center of the city and just 100 meters from China Town, 50 meters from the subway station and 300 meters from the Central Market.

Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBSBTS): This is the last stop of the bus routes from the South, at this stop you can choose services of RapidKL LRT, KLIA Transit and taxi.

The main means of transportation in Malaysia

LRT: LRT (Light Rail Transit) is a type of tram in Kuala Lumpur, with two main lines: LRT Kelana Jaya and LRT Ampang Line. Read more:  Guide to LRT Kuala Lumpur — LRT Kuala Lumpur route, timetable & fare .

KL Monorail: This type of high tram is quite popular in Malaysia, including the important stations are Bukit Bintang, Tuah Cave (transit point), Maharajalela (near China Town).

KTM Komuter: This type of train operates with two main routes: Tanjung Malim – Sungai Gadut and Batu Caves – Pelabuhan Klang. It connects most of the outskirts towns of the city such as Rawang, Sungai Gadut, Seremban, Pelabuhan Klang, Tanjung Malim.

Bus: This type of public transport popular in Malaysia has six specific routes: KV1 runs in the city center, KV2 runs in the North City, KV3 runs in the East City, KV4 runs in the South East, KV5 runs in the South and KV6 runs in the West.

Taxi: Taxi here is quite expensive and according to the Malaysia travel experience you should only choose this vehicle if you do not choose alternative vehicles. The opening price is about RM3, approximately ~$1, nearly double in Vietnam.

Malaysia travel blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Malaysia

West coast of the malay peninsula, kuala lumpur.

Bustling, prosperous and full of fun, Kuala Lumpur is a great place for you to joining in fun games, shopping, or simply enjoy Kuala Lumpur cuisine in the small streets. Combination of Malaysian, Indian and Chinese culture, the capital of Kuala Lumpur is full of entertainment activities for all visitors.

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s most important destination, is also the capital of Malaysia, with its symbol is the Petronas Twin Towers. Inside the tower is the famous shopping area Suria KLCC. Some of the British colonial buildings left include the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Merdeka Square, and the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. In the city center there is Chinatown with many Chinese shops and eateries. The green of the city is concentrated in Lake Garden Park. It is not far from is the National Mosque of Malaysia, architecture is influenced by Islam. If you prefer shopping, go to the famous shopping district of Bukit Bintang, visit BB Plaza or Berjaya Times Square. Other attractions include Southeast Asia’s largest Islamic Art Museum IAMM, Muzium Negara National Museum, Zoo Negara National Zoo, Istana Budaya National Theater, and north of Kuala Lumpur is Batu Caves, where located of the Hindu Lord Murugan statue. From Kuala Lumpur, it is possible to ride to the resort on the Genting Highlands plateau, another important destination of Malaysian tourism.

Read more: 

• Kuala Lumpur blog (KL blog) — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia .
• Kuala Lumpur 1 day itinerary — How to spend 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur ?
• Where to stay in KL? — Top 8 best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for the first-timers .
• 5 cool Kuala Lumpur souvenir shops you should visit .

Putrajaya located 30km from the south of Kuala Lumpur, is Malaysia’s federal administrative center, formerly known as Prang Besar. There are magnificent buildings such as Perdana Putra, Putra Mosque, Seri Perdana, Taman Putra Perdana, Millennium Monument and Jambatan Seri Wawasan Bridge. Do not miss this place on your journey in Malaysia.

The big island of western Malaysia, is also a state name of Malaysia, includes Penang Island and part of the land adjacent to it. Penang is the central point of Malaysia tourism thanks to its rich cultural and ethnic diversity and rich culinary life. Some of the popular attractions are Penang Hill / Bukit Bendera, Penang Botanic Gardens, Kek Lok Si Temple, combined style of Khmer, Thai and Chinese, Penang Butterfly Farm, Snake Temple and War Museum. Some notable cities of Penang state are Georgetown, Butterworth and Nibong Tebal.

• Penang travel blog — The fullaest guide for a budget trip to Penang of Malaysia .
• Best areas to stay in Penang — Top 5 best places to stay in Penang for the first-timers .
• Penang travel tips — Some best tips for traveling and dining in Penang Island, Malaysia .
• Exploring Penang – Things to do & what to see in The Pearl of the Orient of Malaysia .
• Penang Malaysia things to do — 9 awesome things to do in Penang from cooking curries to zip-lining .
• Penang food blog — 10 best street food in Penang & best places to find them .
• 4 reasons why you should visit Penang .
• Penang itinerary — How to spend 3 days in Penang?
• Penang street art — Wonderful street art painting in George Town of Penang .

Georgetown is the capital of Penang state, is also one of the most attractive destinations in Malaysia. Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combining the influence of Chinese culture and Islamic culture with the remains of British colonialists. Some best places to visit are Cheong Fatt Tze Building on Leith Street, Pulau Pinang City Council Building, Cornwallis Citadel on Light Street, Little India, Armenian Heritage Street with many colonial buildings, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Queen Victoria Clock Tower, Wat Chaiyamangalaram Temple, Dhammikarama Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Hainan Temple on Munri Road, Kuan Yin Teng Ancient House, St. George’s Church and Church of the Assumption. Georgetown is also considered one of Malaysia’s best places to eat. Explore the Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western cuisines on the streets of this city.

Melaka / Malacca

Another Malaysia’s heritage is recognized by UNESCO, with the history and culture influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British under colonial period. Melaka contributes to the Malaysia’s tourism outstanding attractions such as the Baba Museum and Nyonya Peranakan located in an old Peranakan house, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Christ Church Protestant, Dutch Square with Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, Jonker Street, Heeren Road and adjacent streets – the old center of Malacca next to the Malacca River, the Masjid Kampung Hulu Mosque, the Porta de Santiago, the Stadthuys Dutch architectural building, Bukit China cemetery, Hang Li Po Well (King’s Well), Poh San Teng Temple and Geok Hu Keng Temple.

• Where to eat in Melaka? — Best restaurants in Melaka & best places to eat in Melaka .
• Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw .
• Malacca travel blog — The fullest guide to discover Malacca, Malaysia .

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Your ultimate malaysia travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in malaysia. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Malaysia is like two countries in one, cut in half by the South China Sea.

Influenced by China and India, the multicultural peninsula is a zenith of culture with dynamic urban metropolises while Borneo is where travelers go for respite on one of the many turquoise beaches or to explore its vast and ancient jungles. 

This Malaysia  travel guide  will help you plan your next vacation.

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• Hawker Stalls
• Great Things to do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island

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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Malaysia

• Malaysia power voltage is 230/240 V 50 Hz; Power sockets G.
• The Malaysian currency is the Malaysian Ringett (MYR) and is around 4 MYR to 1 USD.
• Malaysia is a multicultural but  predominantly Islamic country.
• Water is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled mineral water, however, is easily available in shops and supermarkets.
• For five consecutive years, Malaysia has won the coveted Guinness League of Excellence Award and bragging rights for brewing some of the  best Guinness in the world.
• Visiting during  Ramadan  is not a problem as visitors and non-Muslim Malaysians aren’t expected to abstain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during the month of fasting.
• Malaysia has one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world, said to host some 20% of the world’s animal species. The Taman Negara in Malaysia is over 130 million years old and is considered the oldest forest in the

Things to See and Do in Malaysia

• Hike Mount Kinabalu  – This 4095 metre mammoth is a 2-hour bus ride from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo’s northern province.
• Trek the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu  – a stone forest of white and grey limestone, jutting 45 metres out of the earth in razor sharp formations.
• Go on a Jungle Safari  – Take a boat up the The Sungai (river) Kinabatangan right into the heart of the jungle of Borneo, and stay in a rustic camp for a few days with  Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures . 
• Attend the Thaipusam Fesitval  – It is the most fascinating festival you will ever witness. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival that happens every January or February.
• Take Cooking Lessons –  Learn about the rich Malaysian cuisine by taking cooking classes for a short time during your stay.
• Visit Sarawak Cultural Village –  This is the home of Malaysian culture where you can learn about the art, music and culture of the people.
• Explore Kuala Lumpur  – Malaysia’s intrinsic colourful contrasts climax in spectacular Kuala Lumpur.
• Enjoy Tea Time in Cameron Highlands  – When travelling to Malaysia, one normally doesn’t think of tea plantations and mountain chalets. But when visiting the Cameron Highlands in the country’s interior, that is exactly what you will find.

Accommodation

Budget  – Budget hotels in Malaysia start from about 4 USD per night, which is very affordable. Some of these hotels provide free Wi-Fi and free parking spaces.

Mid Range  – In Malaysia, hotels in this category cost about 12 USD per night on average. Rooms here are fitted with air conditioners and water heaters. Some hotels also provide free Wi-Fi.

High End  – Hotels here have modern rooms and suites fitted with kitchenettes. There are also gyms, indoor or outdoor pools, dining, free Wi-Fi, and in some cases, free shuttle or chauffeur services. Rooms cost 100 USD and above per night.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation in Malaysia.

Nasi Lemak –  Nasi Lemak, which is the traditional dish of Malaysia, is coconut rice cooked with pandan leaf and topped with chili sauce or other Malaysian curries.

Ikan Bakar –  This is marinated grilled fish or seafood, spiced with chili sauce, wrapped in banana leaves, and prepared over charcoal.

Nasi Kandar –  With influence from India, this dish consists of steamed rice, Indian style curries, and a variety of protein options.

Char Kuay Teow –  This is a stir fry noodle dish known for its unique smoky taste and accompanied with seafood and protein of your choice.

Bak Kut Teh –  Bak Kut Teh is a Malaysian broth-based delicacy consisting of pork ribs, spices, and herbs that are slow-cooked until they are tender.

The Best Ways to Get Around Malaysia

Getting to maylasia:.

Flights:  Malaysia has airports in major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Penang. You can get direct flights to Malaysia from the United Kingdom, India, and Taiwan, to name a few.

You can check for the best flights to Malaysia on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are common in Malaysia, and fares cost around 4 USD.

Taxis / Uber : There are affordable and safe taxi services in Malaysia. Most taxis are metered but cost about 1 USD and above depending on the distance. Uber is no longer available in Malaysia, but there are substitutes like Grab and Easy Taxi.

Car Rental:  Car rental services are available in Malaysia. Depending on the rental company, you may spend about 45 USD a day.

You can also compare  prices here .

When to go To Malaysia

The weather in Malaysia is always warm and humid, which makes it easy to visit at any time of the year. However, there is an important point that should be noted. The east coast and west coast have different rainy seasons.

For the former, it starts around November till mid-February and is quite intense. The west coast has a more toned down rainy season, which begins in April and ends in October.

Where to Stay in Malaysia

MOV Hotel –  If you plan to visit Kuala Lumpur, this hotel has western breakfast options, free Wi-Fi, a gym, swimming pool, and other attractions.

The Waterfront Hotel Kuching –  Located in Kuching, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, airport shuttle and an indoor pool.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel –  This hotel in Penang has a golf course, fitness, spa and wellness centers. They also offer free Wi-Fi, free parking, and complimentary breakfast.

What to Pack for Malaysia

Malaysia is hot and humid with a typically  tropical climate . Average temperatures lie between 21 C and 32 C. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah.

On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the rainy season is April to May and October to November.

• Dress conservatively.  Malaysia is a Muslim country, as a result women should be dressed conservatively (long pants, shirts with arms and shoulders covered) while men are recommended to keep their shoulders and legs covered. Many religious sites forbid shorts and sleeveless shirts for both sexes, so a light scarf is handy to wrap around the shoulders. Swimsuits are ok to wear at the beach or pool, but make sure to cover up before walking anywhere else.
• The protection basics  – Travellers should stock up on the essentials: sun block, mosquito/insect repellant containing DEET or a pyrethroid insecticide, sunglasses and a hat.
• Pack for Humidity  – for humid weather it is best to pack fabrics that breathe as much as possible and natural fabrics, like cotton, linen or rayon (avoiding silk, wool and polyester). Clothing should be loose and comfortable to encourage the flow of air and allow moisture to evaporate. Think: cool yet conservative
• Sarongs  – From protecting yourself from the hot island sun, covering up at religious sites or keeping warm on a cool night, sarongs are a must-have.

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Malaysia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Malaysia Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Malaysia  click here.

16 Best Things To Do In Penang, Malaysia

7 Legendary Hawker Stalls in Penang, Malaysia

Photowalking the Streets of Georgetown, Penang

• Destinations

Malaysia Travel Guide

Malaysia is a diverse Southeast Asian country with one of the most developed economies in the region. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has a lot of cool urban sights like the Petronas Twin Towers, while the Malaysian state of Sabah in Borneo is known for rugged jungles and unique wildlife.

Read through this complete Malaysia travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Malay; 'Thank you' is 'terima kasih'

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Kuala Lumpur

Visa free access for 160+ nationalities

Tropical; hot & humid year round (rainy season varies depending on area)

Power Plugs

Malaysia has a major airport in Kuala Lumpur (code: KUL) with direct flights from many countries all over the world.

In fact, a good portion of the air traffic in Southeast Asia connects through this airport, so if you do any traveling in this part of the world then you'll most likely pass through Kuala Lumpur at some point in your journeys.

In Malaysian Borneo (Sabah), the main airport is Kota Kinabalu (BKI). You can shop for flights to Malaysia on Skyscanner.

Malaysia is a pretty safe travel destination, with a low violent crime rate from the UN of 2.1 per 100k inhabitants (66% lower than the global average).

I’ve traveled in many parts of Malaysia and didn't witness any crime. Terrorism is not an issue here and attitudes toward foreigners seem welcoming. Just practice normal precautions, especially at night. Mosquito spray can be a good idea too, especially during the rainy season.

The climate of Malaysia is tropical, so the weather is hot and humid year round. Malaysia's rainy season for the west coast runs from April to October, and the most sunny months for the west coast are from November to February.

For Kuala Lumpur, the opposite is true, so the most sunny months are May through September. It's still possible to visit Malaysia in the rainy season, but you might want to give yourself some extra days as a buffer in case of bad weather.

Malaysia can be a very budget friendly travel destination, with  hostels available from 25 Ringgits ($5 USD) and private hotels from 70 Ringgits . Meals are also cheap, costing about 15 to 30 Ringgits depending on location.

Transportation in Malaysia is generally by motorbike or car, and these can be rented, but hiring a driver is cheap and often preferable. The  Grab  transportation app is great for getting around cities like Kuala Lumpur.

The best Malaysia tours & activities

My latest blog posts about Malaysia

15 Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

There are lots of amazing things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, and it seems like we’re discovering more every time we visit. Not only …

Thean Hou Temple: Chinese Shrine In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Thean Hou Temple is a colorful Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with some awesome architecture. It’s a contemporary building (1987), but it has all of the …

How To Visit The Batu Caves In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The Batu Caves are one of the best things to see near Kuala Lumpur city in Malaysia. These are big limestone hills with huge caves to explore …

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Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Malaysia Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

So, you’re considering Backpacking Malaysia, well, you’re in for a bloody treat mate!

It was 2016 and I had been travelling through Southeast Asia for roughly 6 months, with the stalwarts of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos under my belt, it was time for the next adventure: Backpacking Malaysia. Little did I know at the time, but I was about to journey into one of my favourite countries and somewhere I would return to time and time again. 

My love affair with Malaysia started of course, in bustling KL. It took me to the bright colours of colonial Penang, the stunning shores of Langkawi, the rolling hillsides of the Cameron highlands, the magical jungles of Borneo and beyond. 

Malaysia felt like it offered everything a traveller could want all in one neat package of reliable transport, English as a second language, easy visa entry and super friendly locals. Yet those conveniences didn’t leave it feeling sterile or “too easy”. 

Instead, it left me with more energy, mental space and time to fully immerse in the delights that Malaysia laid out before me: Culture, landscape, nature, cuisine and diversity. It’s got it all! 

And now, amigos, I am proud to unveil the broke backpacker guide to backpacking Malaysia on a budget…

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Go Backpacking in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a country full of variation and surprises, and after a couple of weeks travelling around the numerous regions and areas of Malaysia , it truly left me wanting more. You can explore beautiful beaches, jungle, eat amazing street food, and, of course, check out some beautiful temples (this is Asia after all).

Whether you want to get off the beaten path in Malaysian Borneo , view orangutans and trek through remote jungles, or you just want to chill on a beach all day, there is a destination in Malaysia for you.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Malaysia

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Below are a few of my favourite spots that I recommend checking out on your own adventure backpacking across Malaysia.

Backpacking Malaysia 2-Week Itinerary: Malaysia’s Highlights

This itinerary is perfect if you have 2-3 weeks to backpack Malaysia. With three weeks you could take your time, and spend more time on the islands.

Start your trip staying in Kuala Lumpur , also known as KL. Take a side trip to visit the Batu Caves , full of Hindu shrines. Climbers, you can hang out here for a couple days since there are over 160 rock climbing routes!

Next, we head to the Cameron Highlands, a “highlight” of your trip. These hill stations grow tea, coffee, and fresh fruit. Make sure to go on a local tour. One of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara , isn’t far. Adventurers can go on jungle treks lasting a week or more.

Afterwards, head to Penang and get lost in the beautiful colonial streets, venture through vibrant Little India and follow the street art around the city. Afterwards, find a chill  place to stay in Langkawi for some quality beach time.

If you have an extra week, head to the  Perhentian islands  on the other side of Malaysia for some epic diving!

• Best Places to Visit in Penang
• Penang Travel Itinerary
• Best Places to Visit in Langkawi
• Langkawi Travel Itinerary

Backpacking Malaysia 3-Week Itinerary: Jungles and Malaysia National Parks

I haven’t been to this part of Malaysia, but I created this itinerary for your inspiration. This is the perfect itinerary for outdoor lovers and adventurers who want to get far off the beaten path in Malaysia’s most undeveloped region: Borneo, an island Malaysia that shares borders with Indonesia, and one of the last places on earth you can see endangered orangutans.

Start by staying in Kuching , Sarawak’s small capital, as a base. Don’t miss the  Semenggoh orang-utan sanctuary to see endangered orangutans. This is a rewarding day-trip. Next head to Bako , Sarawak’s oldest national park. Here you will come across monkeys, fauna, and waterfalls!

Afterward, take a boat through the rivers and forests of Batang Ai. Gunung Mulu National Park offers wonderful jungle scenery and a three-day trek through a network of limestone karsts and caverns.

Next head to Miri and Niah National Park. If you like to hike, get to Bario for some multi-trekking through remote longhouses and up mountains. End your trip staying in Kota Kinabalu , Sabah’s capital. Visit the district with traditional over-water houses and spend your evenings at the markets.

If you have the time (and money), you can summit Malaysia’s toughest climb, Mount Kinabalu . Last I heard a permit was over $100 and you have to hire a guide.

Malaysia is a fantastically varied country with so much to explore! Here are my top picks of the coolest places to visit on a backpacking trip to Malaysia.

Backpacking Kuala Lumpur

This is the capital of Malaysia and arguably the most westernised place you’ll visit while in Malaysia. This is often where most backpackers in Malaysia will start, as it is the main hub for international flights. I only spent a short time in Kuala Lumpur, as it was a lot more expensive than the other areas I visited but I was the great food, vibrant and varied culture(s) and the surprisingly decent hiking trails through urban jungle.

The Batu Caves are a short and cheap KTM metro ride from central Kuala Lumpur. The incredible Tamil temple and shrine attracts both worshippers and visitors alike. It isn’t one for the unfit; to get inside the temple you have a great stair workout ahead of you and the humidity will make sure even the fittest person ends with beautiful sweat stains.

At the top, explore the inside of the cave and meet the locals… monkeys! In 2016, major renovation work was done inside the cave, but now things are quiet again with everything looking in tip-top shape.

On the way down from the Batu Caves stop at the Bat Cave and take the 45-minute tour inside, wandering into complete darkness, to meet the animals that live down here. You may see spiders, bats, snakes, scorpions, and plenty of cave-dwelling bugs. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and it’s an experience that a lot of travellers miss on the way down!

If you haven’t spent all your money before you leave KUL, head up the KUL tower . It’s around $25 for both decks. Here you will get a pretty awesome view of the city, even better in the evening! Make sure you take a good cheesy picture with the Petronas Towers!

Backpacking Kedah

When entering Malaysia from Thailand, you will most likely pass through the beautiful state of Kedah. While most travellers will just pass through, Kedah has plenty to offer and it’s worth stopping to explore. Explore some of the first European Colonial Streets and experience the beauty of Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) .

The ancient Malays proclaimed Gunung Jerai sacred and some stunning temples were built throughout the mountain; many of them are still standing today. If you want to know more, the cheeky Malays have placed a great information board at the top of the mountain – all you have to do is climb 1175 meters to reach it!

Backpacking Langkawi

Both a popular spot for visa-runs for Thailand and a great place to chill out for a few days, the peaceful island of Langkawi sits upon an ancient limestone shelf and is home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest eagle populations. This is a great place to head off on an adventure and if you head away from the party beaches you will find some great treks, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

Cenang Beach is where most of the action is. There’s plenty of jet skiing and other watersports, but the beach itself is not that great and is usually pretty crowded. To see the real Langkawi hire a motorbike and take to the open road for a day of exploring.

Whilst in Langkawi, I took to the trees with Skytrex Adventure for an action-packed afternoon of high ropes (don’t look down!) and zip-lining through the Forest Canopy. I’ve done a few high ropes and zip-lining courses around the world and this was one of the more challenging ones. It’s definitely worth a go if you want to kick-start your day.

There are a lot of great accommodation options in Langkawi. There are some awesome homestays in Langkawi as well as everything from chilled backpacker dorms and quiet Airbnbs to super posh resorts if you plan on splashing out.

However, if you want to stay somewhere really decent that is also affordable, I recommend the Yacht Club Hotel . This hotel has a cool bar offering a great view over the attached Marina where you can boat-watch as people bring their yachts (lucky bastards) in for the night. This hotel also has some of the best WiFi I found on Langkawi so if you need to work, it’s a good place to stay. Otherwise, I’d recommend checking out this breakdown on the best places to stay in Langkawi from my mate Bren.

Backpacking Penang

Being one of the first major areas in Malaysia occupied by the Europeans as well as an ex-trading hub for ships around the world, Penang’s beautiful neighbourhoods keeps much of its colonial heritage intact. It’s an incredible place to chill for a couple of days.

‘Old Penang’ is one of the best places to go for a stroll and is filled with UNESCO sites. It’s a bit like stepping back in time…

Hire a bike for cheap – only around $5 for the day – and explore George Town and its legendary street art. Get lost in the beautiful colonial streets, venture through vibrant Little India, and follow the street art around the city. There are so many things to do in Penang;  it’s a beautiful city!

You can’t go to Penang and not visit Kek Lok Si Temple or ‘Temple of Ultimate Happiness’. This Buddhist temple faces the sea and overlooks the ever-growing city of new and old Penang. You can hire a guide at the car park relatively cheap, which I highly recommend. The guide will immerse you in the incredibly beautiful and sometimes, gory history behind each of the 10,000 carved symbols.

If this doesn’t convince you, this temple also has one of the biggest statues you will ever see – standing at 99ft (seven stories) Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy is pretty awe-inspiring. Get to this temple around Chinese New Year. Why? Well for 30 days the temple is decorated with thousands of lanterns. This sight is so beautiful that it will give you goosebumps.

Ever wondered what a Burmese Temple looked like?

Dharmikarma Temple is a favourite of mine due to its quirkiness! Explore the gardens of the temple and you will come across a Giant Globe. It is said if you focus on your hearts desires, close your eyes, and point, you will be directed to where you need to go – while also taking a cheesy picture of yourself.

You’ll also find a wishing well of fortune? Throw a coin and land it in one of the moving, engraved cups; each with a different future trait – I got Bon Voyage; I think it was pretty accurate.

Backpacking Cameron Highlands

A relatively new backpacker area, the Cameron Highlands are breathtakingly beautiful and should not be missed when travelling in Malaysia. Moving away from the cities and hitting the dirt roads, you will see some truly gorgeous mountainous scenery, cascading tea plantations, and mysterious cloud forest, making it one of the best places to stay in Malaysia.

When you’re staying in Cameron Highlands , I really recommend hiring a car (or a man with a van) and navigate the dirt track roads leading you into the incredible tea plantations. Learn about the tea-making process – which is actually a lot more interesting than I first thought it would be – sample the leaves, take a walk through the plantations, and even befriend the pickers who will laugh at your attempt at picking the correct leaves at a quick pace… It’s harder than it looks!

I hired a local guide and we went into the cloud forest in search for the rare and beautiful Rafflesia (one of the world’s largest flowers). It kind of looks like a giant upside down mushroom, but more red, and, according to my guide depending on the time of year, it smells like a dead elephant – thankfully it did not when we found it.

Hacking my way through the cloud forest was incredible. The trails are not well trodden, the views are incredible (when the trees break) and the knowledge the locals have on the plants and conservation in the area is extraordinary. If you’re after a real adventure whilst backpacking Malaysia, this is it.

Backpacking Melaka

A three-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur, this beautiful small town has an incredibly strange obsession with Hello Kitty, and the city itself resembles a small town in Europe. Once the ‘must-see’ place in Malaysia before Kuala Lumpur developed, it is now a much sleepier backpacker city with mass tourism having moved to the other ever-growing cities within Malaysia. Melaka is a cheap place to hang out, making it a perfect rest stop for broke backpackers travelling in Malaysia.

UNESCO protected, Melaka is filled with an incredible history and many of the old colonial buildings are still in great condition. Melaka is easy to navigate by bicycle or foot. Wander the streets and enjoy the bright colours, colonial buildings, and reflective water canals.

Head down Jonker Street where the city’s heritage meets some crazy museums, awesome market shopping, and some epic Malaysian food . It’s a little quirky and a great place to find things you will never need but want anyway. Melaka is definitely a stop you shouldn’t miss when backpacking Malaysia.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Malaysia

Borneo is without a doubt the way to go. Borneo is Asia’s biggest island and a rather intriguing oddity of Malaysia’s backpacking trail.

More than half of Borneo is Indonesian territory with the remaining being Malaysia EXCEPT for two small sections which comprise the country of Brunei. Brunei is also very off the Southeast Asia backpacking trail , however, that’s for good reason: we don’t speak of Brunei.

Borneo is a nature lover’s paradise. You can head to Kuching as a base – or stay in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah – however, once you head outside of these semi-touristed areas, you’re just looking at pure jungle wilderness.

Borneo is world-famous for its population of endangered orangutans, however, there’s heaps more to the island too! All manner of rare and exotic wildlife can be seen on Borneo, and there’s heaps of world-class diving and trekking too.

The culture of Borneo is very different from mainland Malaysia with a whole host of different ethnic groups and intricacies. You’re heading pretty far out into the sticks, so exploring takes effort and time, but isn’t that the whole point of getting off the beaten path?

If you feel extra explorer lazy, though, you could take a tour with Global Work and Travel . They at least let broke backpackers pay in instalments which is really quite nice of them!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Jungles, temples, caves, ruins, bustling metropolises, backpacker bubbles, and a whole host of exquisite beaches dotted around Malaysia … There’s so much stuff to do in Malaysia, but here are my personal picks!

1. Climb around the Batu Caves

Head outside of Kuala Lumpur to explore these limestone cliffs and caves, which represent Hindu shrines and a site for pilgimage. Climbers rejoice! There are over 160 routes in the area.

2. Hit the Beach in Langkawi

Langkawi is among the best islands in Malaysia . It’s an inhabited island in an archipelago of over a hundred islands in the Andaman Sea. Langkawi Island is popular with both backpackers and honeymooners and has something to suit all budgets.

3. Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

This park is a collection of five islands found off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. This is a popular place to hike, trek, swim, and dive, especially in March which is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu .

4. Eat the Street Food

Try the authentic food, which in my opinion is not as spicy as Thai food and is, in fact, more flavorful. You will get a HUGE portion for such a tiny price – Malaysia seriously has some of the best street food in the world !

5. Get your Culture on in Malacca

Malacca or Melaka has interesting architecture and a high concentration of museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore.

6. Island Hop the Perhentian is

Blissful and balmy tropical islands? Malaysia has those too! Come here for fresh seafood and scuba diving. The islands can be visited by ferry and water taxis operate between the various islands giving visitors the chance to island-hop at their leisure.

7. Haggle for Souvenirs

This is super common in Malaysia and also great fun. The only way to get a good deal is to bargain. Make sure you read up on how to haggle before you go so you’re ready to negotiate like a pro!

8. Hang Out With Endangered Orangutans

Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre is one of the biggest and most well-known orangutan sanctuaries in Malaysia. The sanctuary is located nearby Sandakan.

9. Explore Gunung Mulu National Park

Located in East Malaysia, this park is known for its caves and karst formations. There are ample hiking opportunities around the caves and rainforest!

10. Hang Out in the Cameron Highlands

These hill stations provide visitors with cool water and fun tea and coffee plantation tours! You can also fruit pick at one of the many fruit farms.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Hostels are only just beginning to pop up throughout Malaysia. During my time there, I chose to stay at guesthouses rather than the hostels, as they were cheaper! These days, however, there’s an increasing number of hostels and eco-friendly accommodation in Malaysia .

Throughout Malaysia, guesthouses, hotels, Airbnb, or being hosted with CouchSurfing will be your main options for accommodation. Guesthouses are fantastically priced for us broke backpackers and you can score a bed for as little as $5-$15 a night!

If you are backpacking Malaysia in peak season use Airbnb as an alternative. Often just as cheap, the added bonus is you may get a whole apartment! If not, you’ll at least make some awesome local friends. 

Or pack your camping hammock instead and sleep for free! Some hostels will charge you for amenities and some restaurants won’t even charge you a dime.

Unmarried couples generally won’t have a problem travelling and staying together when in Malaysia. You may have to request a double bed in some places (if necessary) but otherwise, you will be met with friendliness and the beautiful hospitality that Malaysian people are famous for.

The Best Places to Stay in Malaysia

You can backpack Malaysia for as little as $15 a day.  Sometimes it’ll be more if you want a fancy cocktail rather than a beer for a change.

However, with a few basic travel tips for Malaysia , you’re budget will be easy to keep in check. Stick to cheap guesthouses, good street food, and buses rather than flights and trains and you shouldn’t spend more than forty dollars a day.

A Daily Budget in Malaysia

Money in malaysia.

DO NOT buy Malaysian Ringgit before travelling to Malaysia. Why? You will get a crappy exchange rate. Money is easily exchanged upon arrival in Malaysia, and you’ll get a much better exchange rate in the country.

Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

Malaysia accepts the majority of international cards so long as they are Visa or MasterCard, but many of these charge pretty insane withdrawal fees. It’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well (pack a travel money belt for this).

When travelling to rural areas, cash is always best because ATMs will become scarce fast. If arriving by land, exchange only what you absolutely need before entering Malaysia. Some drivers will accept US dollars as payment if you have nothing else, but don’t count on it.

Once you head into the rural areas don’t expect ATMs anywhere. Carry cash with you, just enough for what you will be doing and a hidden backup stash in case of delays.

Travel Tips – Malaysia on a Budget

Sometimes things are country specific, sometimes they’re just the golden rules of budget backpacking . Either way, if you’re backpacking Malaysia on a shoestring budget, here are some tips to stretch your money further.

• Eat the Street Food: Put your stomach to the test! Nah, just kidding. The street food in Malaysia is awesome and I didn’t encounter any stomach or bathroom problems while here. The trick, as with anywhere serving street food, is to go for the one that already has a queue. No one queues for bad food. This will be the cheapest way to eat, but if you’re not convinced, then head to the food courts (which are basically the same thing).
• Haggle: It is commonplace while market shopping to haggle for your goods. Even if you think it is cheap for you without haggling, you are not getting the local price or a good deal. It’s heaps of fun as well, so get your game face on and snag some random goodies!
• Guesthouses: Cheaper than most hostels and way cheaper than hotels, this is the best way to save money while travelling through Malaysia. They’re often family-run too, so you will meet some awesome locals. If you want to book something online, Hostelworld offers some of the best deals in Asia.
• Couchsurfing: A fantastic way to travel without spending money ! You’ll make local friends and see a whole other side to the tourist part of town. Just be sure to cook your host a meal to say thank you for putting you up!
• Hitchhike: Hitchhiking is a great way to meet the locals, and it may even score you a free bed for the night as well – two for one is always good right? If you’re not comfortable hitchhiking, take the bus: it’s super cheap and relatively comfortable.

Why You Should Travel to Malaysia with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Malaysian seasons range from wet, comfortable, hot and humid. The West and East Coast can experience completely different weather from one another so it really depends on where you want to go in Malaysia.

Overall, the west coast is best between October to March , and the East coast is best from March to October .

The east coast gets quite a bit more rain than the west, and if travelling to Malaysia in the wet season, you may find a lot of stores, hotels and guesthouses closed. I travelled around Malaysia from December to the end of January and the weather was spot on.

Festivals in Malaysia

Given the massive cultural and ethnic spread in Malaysia, there’s a huge range of festivals to go wild at too. Religious shebangers, cultural shindigs, and musical shemozzles – it’s a blast.

• Thaipusam (January/February) – If you’ve ever wanted to watch men stick spikes through their cheeks and shake what their mumma gave them, this is your chance! One of the most important festivals for Tamil people, things really kick off in Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Caves around this time of year.
• Malaysia Water Festival (April) – The concept is pretty similar to the Thailand Water Festival: everyone gets out in the streets with super soakers and water balloons. There are other activities too, but really, this one’s all about H2- whOa .
• Gawai Harvest Festival (June) – If you’re looking for something a little more esoteric, than get yourself Sarawak (in Borneo) at the start of June. It’s a harvest festval – similar to Pagan festivals in concept – hugely important to a number of indigenous peoples of the Sarawak area. Expect to be fed… a lot.
• Rainforest World Music Festival (July) – Also held in Sarawak, this world-famous international music festival sees a lot of ecclectic artists grace its stage. You get quite a variety of music, however, traditional music, world fusion, and other contemporary international styles tend to be the main affair.

What to Pack for Malaysia

Malaysia has to be one of my favourite places in Asia for shopping and you will find that most people – especially in the busier areas – take a lot of pride in what they wear. The more modern areas of Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur will be a lot more westernised in their dress sense; you can pretty much wear what you would at home on a day-to-day basis with only a few exceptions.

In the more rural areas it is a wise to be respectful and dress a little more conservatively, especially if you are a woman. Although Malaysia is a melting pot with a mixture of religions, the most prominent practice is that of Islam (and the Islamic dress sense ).

Showing a lot of flesh for men or women will attract a lot of attention or, worst-case scenario, cause offence. Jeans and a t-shirt, covering shoulders and cleavage is perfectly fine. Try to keep shorts/skirts/dresses at or just below the knee. Tight and fitted clothing will attract attention such as harmless stares.

You also shouldn’t forget your backpacking essentials! Here are the pieces of gear that I never go travelling without. For even more packing ideas, check out my list gear to take backpacking !

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Malaysia is completely safe for travel. The majority of people you will meet when travelling in Malaysia are incredibly friendly and genuine people.

Malaysia is a peaceful country and incredibly accepting and respectful of other cultures; be respectful back and don’t break the rules. If you do, you may find yourself in a bit of a tough spot.

As long as you stick to the basic tips for travelling safe , you’ll be totally gravy.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the worlds toughest countries when it comes to drugs. If you get caught with drugs you’ll most likely get a mandatory prison sentence or even worse, the death penalty. I’d recommend avoiding drugs altogether when travelling Malaysia, but if you’re going to dabble in these illicit substances, then at least be sure that you’re keyed in on taking drugs on the road .

Alcohol in Malaysia is pretty pricey because it is forbidden for Muslims to drink. However, those who are not Muslim are free to drink if they wish. Many restaurants won’t serve alcohol but will turn a blind eye to those bringing in their own to have with their meal.

House parties are pretty common in Malaysia and are heaps of fun! You’ll find modern clubs in the main cities such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny to get in!

Travel Insurance for Malaysia

Travelling without insurance would be risky, so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. It’s definitely a smart idea to have travel insurance for Malaysia.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

I arrived in Malaysia by travelling from Thailand across the Thai/Malay border. We hired a local man and his van to drive us to the border in Thailand and then walked through and caught another man in a van on the other side.

There are long-distance bus services that will take you from Thailand to Malaysia as well, but this costs a little more and takes a little longer as well. If you’re short on time or simply a baller, flights from Thailand to Kuala Lumpur are very cheap.

If you’re coming from outside of Asia, the International flight’s hub is Kuala Lumpur, and you can get great deals with an array of different airlines. I have found Malaysian Airlines and Emirates (via Dubai) to offer some of the best prices into Malaysia.

Flying to other airports in Malaysia is easily done but will often cost more and you will stopover in Kuala Lumpur anyway, so you may as well hop off and explore!

Entry Requirements for Malaysia

As of 2016, the majority of nationalities will be able to get a visa on arrival for Malaysia for no cost at all, which is fantastic! For the UK and a number of other nations, you will be permitted to stay for a maximum of 3 months on arrival, but be careful not to overstay this. Malaysia, unlike many other Asian countries, is having a big crackdown on illegal immigration and overstaying your visa may be a tricky (and expensive) situation to get out of.

If you know you will be staying longer than 3 months in Malaysia, it is recommended you visit the Malaysian Diplomatic Mission  in your own country to obtain the correct visa. If you are in the country, head to your local embassy or otherwise just hop out of the country and come back in again.

Once through immigration, Malaysia is a relatively safe and welcoming place to travel. A couple of months is heaps of time to explore this beautiful country. Entering overland into the country you will have your fingerprints taken, passport scanned, and you may be asked about your exit plans, especially if you don’t have a flight out of the country booked.

Malaysian immigration is not new to backpackers so as long as you have an idea of how you will leave, you should be fine. It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of when/how you will be leaving and someone you can call who will vouch for you, just in case. If you need help organising your visa, try using iVisa.

It only takes 2 minutes!  Book your transport on 12Go now  and guarantee your seat easily.

Malaysian roads are top-notch in tourist areas but will quickly turn to gravel and dirt tracks as you venture further away from backpacker hubs and out of the cities. All the same, your options for public transport in Malaysia are plentiful! It’s easy to get around Malaysia.

One of the best ways to get around when backpacking in Malaysia is by bus. Buses are a comfortable and affordable way to travel around Malaysia, however, they’re not the fastest option. Most buses have English translations and super helpful drivers.

It may take longer than flying but buses tend to be air-conditioned and the scenery is pretty beautiful. I wouldn’t recommend using buses in the cities though; they are slow, more expensive and due to congestion are not able to stop exactly where you need to be.

Malaysia is revamping its train service and if you are looking to get from the top to the bottom pretty quickly, it’s a comfortable ride. I didn’t use the long-distance train service whilst backpacking Malaysia, but it is perfect for those short on time.

It is pricier than the bus service and most train services run on a one-line system that will restrict the stopping options you have on the way through the country.

I did not take any domestic flights within Asia but you can pick these up relatively cheap in-country through the likes of Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia for as little as $10 – $30 , one-way, to most destinations in Malaysia. If you only have a short time in Malaysia, this is a great way to travel.

Driving in Malaysia, once out of major cities, is relatively straightforward, and I would dare to say, one of the safest places to drive in Southeast Asia. With good road infrastructure in the cities, traffic lights and well-marked signs your biggest pest will be tailgating and the lack of signal use.

Venture into the countryside expect gravel and dirt roads but beautiful and plentiful view stops. If you are exploring by car in monsoon season, I would recommend hiring a 4×4 car if possible. Getting stuck in the mud is never too much fun!

Kuala Lumpur’s metro is the best, if not, then the only way to travel inner city. The metro will connect to all the must-see places in town as well as the shopping district, nightlife, and areas such as Little India. They even have air-con!

Running every few minutes, why waste your time and money hailing a taxi when the metro will beat the traffic and even take you as far out as the Batu Caves?! Ladies, there is even female-only carriages if you are travelling alone and/or feeling slightly anxious about mixed carriages and local customs.

In Malaysia, you’ll get the best deal on a metered taxi. Don’t jump in a non-metered taxi without agreeing on the price first. You will definitely pay A LOT more than you need to.

Always haggle the price with a non-metered taxi. If they won’t budge, move on, and always check if there’s someone with a much better deal.

To travel around Malaysia quickly would involve a lot of flights, but you’d be missing out on some epic overland scenery and road-trips. Travelling in Malaysia is, after all, a part of the appeal. There is so much to be seen from the road…

Rather than just rocking up at the bus stop in the hope they will have space to fit you on, you can now book tickets in advance for most of Southeast Asia using 12Go ! I love 12Go and used it myself pretty often when backpacking around Malaysia.

Hitchhiking in Malaysia

Hitchhiking in Malaysia is uncommon but not at all difficult. For broke backpackers on a tight budget, hitchhiking offers one of the most cost-effective ways to get around whilst backpacking Malaysia.

The busier roads in Malaysia are often highways, which can make scoring a ride a little tricky. The best tip I was given was to put yourself in a spot that if you score a ride and they come in at speed, you can get out the way. Malaysians are curious and ridiculously friendly, so on a good day, it shouldn’t take you longer than 5 minutes to hitch a ride.

Expect short distance riding, especially in rural areas where not many people are driving by. It’s far more likely you will catch lots of short rides rather than one long one. Make friends with other tourists at gas stations and café stops. You never know who has a spare seat in their car.

Before hopping in the car it’s a good idea to clear the air and make sure the driver is aware you are hitchhiking, not hailing a taxi. That would make for an awkward exit…

Top Tips for Hitchhiking in Malaysia

• Take a road map of Malaysia : It isn’t exactly necessary, but it may help you out in a pinch. Plus, doing it old-school is just a blast!
• Look like a tourist: People know what hitchhiking is and they are interested in foreign visitors, so make sure you look like a tourist. On busy roads, sometimes the wait time is less than 5 minutes.
• Don’t hitch right on the motorway: Unlike in other countries in Asia, it’s not advisable to hitchhike right on the motorway. Police won’t bother, but cars are much less likely to stop if they are too fast or there is no safe place to stop.
• Have a sign with ‘Tumpang’ written on it: This can help, especially if you choose to walk on the Expressway.
• Learn some useful phrases:  Drivers usually speak English, so a few local phrases like the ones below will help!
• Read our Hitchhiking 101 Guide : It helps!
• Where are you going? – Di Mana anda akan pergi?
• I am going to… – Saya mahu pergi ke…
• Please stop here. – Sila berhenti di sini.
• I have no money. – Saya tidak ada duit.
• Thank You – Terima Kasih (Treema-Kahseh)
• I am hitchhiking. – Saya sedang hitchhiking.

Onwards Travel from Malaysia

The main peninsula of Malaysia shares borders with Singapore and Thailand , both of which are relatively easy to cross. To cross the overland route from Malaysia and travel to Singapore requires A LOT of time and patience though. Malaysia also borders with Indonesia if you are over in Borneo.

Thinking about backpacking in The Philippines or Indonesia after Malaysia? Why not follow in the footsteps of the explorers of old and hop on a boat? With some journeys taking just eight hours to reach the Philippines, and ferry prices being relatively cheap, catching a boat out of Malaysia can be an adventurous alternative to flying…

Onwards travel to Indonesia  via ferry is not as common as it once was and these days it can be hard to find a boat heading in the right direction. Melaka is the best place to find a ferry onwards to Malaysia. From here, it is likely your arrival port will be Padang (Sumatra) in Indonesia.

Onwards travel to the Philippines via ferry is recommended from Sandakan using either Aleson Lines or SRN Fastcraft. Neither of these companies offer comprehensive websites, so check the latest information when in country and haggle for the best price. Aleson Lines takes around 16hrs while SRN Fastcraft is only 8hrs to reach the Philippines.

For a more adventurous and unique way to sail to Indonesia or the Philippines (or really anywhere else) check out findacrew.net . Basically, this is Couchsurfing for sailors. You will find locals, travellers, and expats with their own boats looking for crew to help them adventure oversea to their next destination.

It’s perfect if you have a lot of time on your hands and a limited (or non-existent) budget. Many captains don’t require you to have any previous experience and you may even get paid a little for helping out!

Personally, I can’t think of a better way to begin a new adventure after backpacking Malaysia. I will definitely be trying this on my next trip to Malaysia.

Malaysia is a primo spot for working travellers and one that a lot of long-term backpackers and digital nomads end up in. While rural and off-track areas of Malaysia can still be pretty crazy, cities and touristed areas are very modern and, at times, Westernised. Kuala Lumpur alone is a hugely crucial international business and trade hub with plenty of foreigners expatting there.

While there’s no shortage of choices available for working in Malaysia, teaching English is one of the most common forms of employment for backpackers. You will need a work permit for Malaysia , however.

A Temporary Employment Pass is the standard work visa in Malaysia unless certain extenuating circumstances apply (like you work in a highly-technical and highly-payed field). These passes last up to two years and are pretty easy to obtain provided you jump through the require bureaucratical hoops.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Teaching English in Malaysia

While Southeast Asia as a whole is a prime English teaching destination, Malaysia is one of the hottest candidates among those. Many travellers stop for a contract’s period working as an English teacher in Malaysia .

Given Malaysia’s familiarity with both tourists and expats, as well as their stronger economy and tighter infrastructure, it’s a perfect destination for those with TEFL degrees looking to teach English abroad . You can pitch yourself up in a nice pad for 6-12 months, enjoy the local cuisine, and have a completely refreshed bank account by the time you’re ready to hit the road again!

Now, you will need the aforementioned work permit for this alongside a potential sponsorship/employer. The last thing you’ll need is a TEFL certificate.

TEFL certificates open up a lot of doors for travellers. With one under your belt, you’ll find opportunities to work on the road (and, thus, extend your travels) most places in the world!

There are a lot of choices for acquiring a TEFL degree, however, I recommend running the course through MyTEFL . Not only are they a highly reputable and effective company, but Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount (using the code PACK50)! Not a bad deal at all considering that the payoff is a life of indefinite travel.

Volunteer in Malaysia

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Malaysia which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

While parts of Malaysia are greatly developed, there are still plenty of opportunities for backpackers to offer up some time and skills in other, more rural areas. Most of the gigs you’ll find are ‘bread and board’ opportunities working in hospitality, which are a great way to give back to the local community. English teaching and conservation work are other popular options. A tourist visa is enough for volunteering in Malaysia, although longer stays may require a ‘special visit visa’. 

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Malaysia, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

There are some amazing options for street food in Malaysia. Here are some must try foods in Malaysia:

• Banana Leaf Rice: This is white rice served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curried meat or fish, pickles, and the super addictive papadum (look like giant, round, flat crisps)!
• Nasi Dagang: Rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry and extra ingredients such as fried shaved coconut, solok lada, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetable pickles.
• Hokkien mee: Thick yellow noodles braised in thick dark soy sauce with pork, squid, fish-cake and cabbage as the main ingredients.
• Satay: Meats on sticks over a BBQ – simple, scrumptious!

If you’re interested in learning the cuisine, then check out this site for awesome deals on Malaysian cooking classes !

Malaysians are incredibly friendly people; they have grown up in one of the biggest melting pots of cultures I have come across. They are so interested in your story and will often ask you a lot of questions. They love to take pictures with the people they meet. This even happened to me at the border crossing.

If you don’t want your picture taken, just politely decline, though they may take a sneaky one anyway. It is not uncommon for Malaysians to invite you for tea or for dinner. It is up to you if you want to accept this offer, but I mean, why wouldn’t you?

I have yet to meet an unfriendly Malaysian and found everyone to be extremely respectful. If nothing else, you will not be without friends when backpacking in Malaysia.

Useful Travel Phrases for Malaysia

It always helps to learn new languages and pieces of the local language when you travel to a foreign country! Below are my favourite Malaysia travel phrases:

• Hi Friend!  – Hi!
• Kwan apa khabar?  – How are you?
• Sangat bagus. – Very good.
• Siapa nama anda? – What’s your name?
• Nama saya … – My name is….
• Selamat malam  – Goodnight
• Selamat tinggal  – Goodbye
• Berapa harganya ini? – How much is this?
• Di mana tandas? – Where’s the toilet?
• No plastic bag – Tiada beg plastik
• No straw please – Tidak ada jerami sila
• No plastic cutlery please – Tidak plastik alat makan sila
• Terima kasih – Thank you
• Tolong – Please
• Saya dari … – I’m from ….
• Makan! Makan!  – Eat! Eat!
• Saya tidak faham – I don’t understand

Books to Read About Malaysia

Backpacking Malaysia will be made even more incredible with background knowledge. To truly get an idea of the incredible range of cultures, religions, and traditions in Malaysia, I highly recommend reading some of these books set in Malaysia before your travels.

• Floating on a Malayan Breeze: Travels in Malaysia and Singapore – A great insight into how Malaysian culture developed and grew after splitting with Singapore and how different the two places are.
• A Town Like Alice –  The story of Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman who becomes romantically interested in a fellow prisoner of World War II in Malaya, and after liberation emigrates to Australia to be with him, where she attempts to generate economic prosperity in a small community – to turn it into “a town like Alice”.
• Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo – If this doesn’t convince you to go and explore the wild side of Borneo, I don’t know what will.
• Malaysia – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture – I don’t normally take guide books with me, but this was a good read before I left.
• The Harmony Silk Factory – A fantastic read comparing different cultures and how they lived and worked together. One of my favourites!

I love reading before taking my next trip. Actually, I just love to read in general. Check out more of my favourite books to read on the road for some lazy hammock day inspiration!

A Brief History of Malaysia

For many centuries, the British colonized Malaysia.

On December 8, 1941, the Japanese invaded the Malay Peninsula and they quickly overran it, but after WWII the Japanese were overrun.

As they were gaining independence, there was tension between Malays and non-Malays. It culminated in violence after an election in May 1969. The two sides came to violence and the government declared a state of emergency and parliament was suspended.

The Malaysian government then adopted a new, successful economic policy. It was remarkably successful.

From the 1970s on, Malaysia changed from being a poor, agricultural country to a rich, industrial one. The standard of living of the Malaysian people rose dramatically and Malaysia remains more prosperous than most Southeast Asian countries today.

There are a lot of incredible reasons to travel Malaysia . It’s a beautiful country filled with many beautiful people.  Enjoy it!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Scuba Diving in Malaysia

Malaysia has plenty of great scuba diving options. The most famous sites, however, are located on  Sipadan Island  and Mabul Island . 

Sipadan is by far the best place to enjoy scuba diving; it is also not that easy to actually dive at because of the restricting rules that are in place (i.e., daily permits). Mabul is known worldwide for its amazing muck diving conditions.

Scuba Dive Malaysia on a Liveaboard Trip

So you have some diving experience under your belt and you want to get to know some of Malaysia’s best dive sites intimately?

Then consider joining a liveaboard scuba diving trip in Malaysia !

There is no better way to experience remote, super interesting dive sites than on a liveaboard trip. You get what you pay for: excellent food, days of diving, and comfortable accommodation.

If you have the burning desire to do heaps of scuba diving in awesome locations, then a liveaboard diving trip somewhere amazing may be just the thing for you.

Trekking in Malaysia

Adventurists and avid trekkers will want to head to Borneo. There are several beautiful national parks, and ample opportunities to hike through jungles, over mountains, and through remote villages. If you’re a fan of the trail, be sure to plan a hiking adventure in Malaysia .

Just be good to Malaysia.

Writing your name in black marker on temples, chugging beer while shirtless, swearing loudly, and visiting unethical animal attractions ? You, Sir, are a twat.

Luckily, most backpackers don’t fall into this category but, when you’re out and about and have had a few too many drinks, it can be easy to embarrass yourself.  It’s easy to get carried away in Southeast Asia: everything is so damn cheap and so much fun.

Look up ethical animal sanctuaries , and learn more about the Palm Oil Plantation/deforestation crisis.

If you’re not into seeing the temples, no worries , but don’t be disrespectful, inappropriate, or deface them – certainly, do not try to wander in shirtless. Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, so dress conservatively when you are not on a beach.

Wear a helmet when you hop on a motorbike in Asia. Despite being an experienced driver, I’ve had a total of three crashes in South East Asia over the last ten years. On the one occasion, when I wasn’t wearing a helmet, I split my head open and had to go to the hospital. It was an expensive mistake.

The local people are sick of scraping foreigners off the road and, trust me, you don’t look cool for not wearing a helmet.

Humans are humans; treat people you meet along the way with the same respect you would show your friends and family back home. You are not superior to anyone including the girls/guys walking the streets.

Go to Asia and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of, but be respectful along the way. Travelling the world makes you an ambassador for your country , which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country…

All in all, just be cool, homie. Malaysia is a beautiful place filled with a lot of beautiful people. And now, you have everything you need to know to hit the road and begin backpacking Malaysia. So get out there already!

Got more to add to the guide? Let me know in the comments below! We’re always on the hunt for the tastiest new updates on our favourite countries.

And above all, have a blast, amigos. Eat ’til you drop, then eat some more!

• Where to stay in Malaysia
• Backpacking Southeast Asia Travel Guide
• Backpacking Indonesia
• Backpacking Thailand
• Backpacking Vietnam Travel Guide
• Backpacking Cambodia

Nic Hilditch-Short

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25 Comments

Super Great info. thanks for this. Malaysia is one of my Favorite destinations. I have only been to peninsular malaysia but hoping to hit up Borneo areas as well and will certainly check back when I do.

I love reading such long and detailed posts about any place or a country. They instantly ignite the wanderlust within. I have only been to KL in Malaysia. But now I feel like exploring the country thoroughly!

Wow, very informative. Do you think traveling Malaysia can be a good choice for someone who is 5months pregnant?

So in love with Malaysia too! Always been mesmerized by the beaches and their rich culture. Planning to come back next year. Enjoyed reading your post. Kudos!

Wow this is an excellent trip to Malaysia…many and many i can observe the places Borneo,Epic Road Trip and the lights beauty its just stunning thanks for the blog!

Good resource! I will admit I have never really thought about Malaysia too much, but after reading your blog will definitely consider this in my bucket list.

I love Malaysia Chinese foods! I also love travel in Malaysia! When i first travel Malaysia i have no idea. I spend a lot of my for travel! But now i know everything! Awesome post! I got Malaysia visa from Keymalaysia.com website! Thanks, dear for the awesome content!

Try Kuching in Sarawak, for something different in Malaysia. Thanks for the pics they brought back happy memories of our visits. My wife and I have been there a number of times and we love the place.

Will thank you for informing us of Malasia and their beautiful culture. I would really love to see it, especially the tea plantations.

Hi Will, I’m a Malaysian and I want to correct you on a mistake. Under the section “Backpacking Melaka”, the picture describing [Cool art on the streets of Melaka] is actually located in Georgetown, Penang but not Melaka. I love reading your posts here. I’m planning to backpacking in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in the upcoming June. Thank you for all the tips you shared.

Dating women in a theocracy? I had no luck whatsoever…

You can date women in any country if you act respectfully and throw down some charm, I met my wife in Iran.

Absolutely fantastic post! Thanks

Great guide but this should be a guide on travelling in West Malaysia only. Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysia too but I guess you didn’t go there.

Hi, how easy is it to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang? Do buses/trains run quite regularly? Same with to Langkawi, is there a boat from penang to Langkawi and is there quite regular travel from Langkawi back to KL.. Thanks

It’s actually quite easy to travel from KL to Penang by bus. You can take a bus from Pudu Sentral (around RM30 per person). The bus terminal operate 24 hours.You can get a bus each hour. A boat from Penang to Langkawi is approx RM60 per person. You may want to consider AirAsia as another alternative because sometimes they sell tickets cheaper than the ferry. Hope this help. We are able to pick you up at the airport and offer you affordable accomodation. Do contact me and i will bring you around. =)

Inbox us anytime. https://www.facebook.com/BrogaHomestay/

Great post, was super helpful in our trip around Malaysia! I also recommend checking out Borneo, there is some world-class diving, beaches, hiking and unforgettable encounters with orangutans in the jungle ?

Check out our blog for lots of tips and inspiration: https://bonatravels.com/2017/10/15/destination-guide-malaysia/

Great post! Borneo is my favourite place in malaysia , especially kinabatangan river.

https://www.facebook.com/BrogaHomestay/

Well-made guide, although it really just scratches the surface…nothing on Sarawak/Sabah? Malaysia has a lot of unknown places to discover, especially in the interior. Driving a car, as you suggested, is a good idea. I like Highway 76 a lot, leaving North of Kuala Kangsar to gerik, passing via lenggong, it goes through some really nice scenery and towns worth exploring. And about Penang… check out my site.

I love peninsular Malaysia too but backpacking Sarawak is just about the most fun you can have in SE Asia

Hi there, i have rooms for backpacker located near to tourist attraction at Broga Hill, Gunung Tok Wan & Sek Na Tu temple. This area suitable for hikers, camping & backpackers. How can i list my room in your website? Looking forward for your reply. Thank you

Ah next time you should go to Tioman! Amazingly clear water with beautiful coral and colourful fish.

I planned on going to Malaysia for about a week and ended up staying for four. Wonderful place.

Such a detailed information about Malaysia! I wish this will be very helpful for all the people who are looking forward to plan their next trip to Malaysia. All they need to do is to read this blog post!

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2023 Kuala Lumpur Itinerary (5 Days 4 Nights) with Budget

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 29, 2023 | Itinerary , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , Travel Guide | 0 comments

Detailed Kuala Lumpur itinerary with budget for 1, 2, 3 ,4 , 5 days with sample budget. Includes Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur, Top Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur for First Timers, and other KL travel essentials. 

What I love about Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is it’s a culturally diverse city. Everywhere you go, the beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian culture are apparent.  Kuala Lumpur (KL) is one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia, and somehow, it has changed almost beyond recognition over the years. It has grown to become one of the most visited countries in the world and one of the leading countries in shopping, boasting some of the largest shopping malls.

  A few days stay in Kuala Lumpur is enough to see and appreciate some of its popular tourist attractions like the Merdeka Square and the old heritage buildings nearby, Chinatown, Bukit Bintang and the Golden Triangle, Batu Caves, and of course, Malaysia’s poster boy – Petronas Tower.

If you’re planning to travel to Kuala Lumpur soon, here’s my latest Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for 5 days 4 nights.  I broke down the itinerary into 1,2,3,4,5, Days with budget, so you can decide for yourself, how many days you plan to stay in this lively city.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

KUALA LUMPUR TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Malaysia has scrapped the travel requirements for tourists. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers can now enter the country without the need for Covid19 test and quarantine.

But if you’re a Philippine Passport Holder, I still suggest you prepare a copy of your hotel booking, tickets, tours, and travel insurance. Just in case the Immigration Officer (IO) asks for it. You can purchase travel insurance when you book your airline ticket, airlines like Cebu Pacific offer this. You can also purchase travel insurance through your Gcash App.

Malaysia also lifted the indoor mask mandate. So, wearing of mask is now optional, but you are required to wear mask when riding public transport, e.g. bus, train, MRT, etc.

KUALA LUMPUR BUDGET PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST TIME TO VISIT KUALA LUMPUR: There’s not really a best time to visit Kuala Lumpur as it is year-round destination, however, March to May and October to November are the rainiest months. I experienced visiting Kuala Lumpur during November (off-peak season), and it was raining every day I had to adjust my itinerary.  But since it’s low season, flights and hotels are way cheaper!

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN KUALA LUMPUR: 3-5 days is usually enough to visit the top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur. But of course, you can stay longer if you want to explore more of the city and the nearby districts.

MALAYSIA TIME : Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia has the same time as the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan.

MALAYSIA MONEY AND ATM: 1 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) is equivalent to roughly ₱12.61 (SGD 0.31/ $0.23).

DRONE IN MALAYSIA: Is drone allowed in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia? Yes. You don’t need permit to fly drones that are less than 20kg in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, so long as it’s for personal use only.  But you must abide by the drone laws in Malaysia.

• drone flights during the day only and good weather condition
• no drone flying within 4.5km of any airport and military bases
• no drone flying within 50 m of another human, structure, or building
• no drone flying within 150 m of any outdoor gathering with 1,000 people

KUALA LUMPUR ESSENTIALS

MALAYSIA SOCKET: Bring a travel adapter because Malaysia uses a G-type socket same as the British socket. The standard voltage is 240 V and standard frequency is 50 Hz.

MALAYSIA SIMCARD/POCKET WIFI: While most hotels in Kuala Lumpur have free Wi-Fi, having internet during your tour or getting around the city is indispensable.

• MALAYSIA SIM CARD: B UY HERE
• SIM CARD FOR ASIAN COUNTRIES: BUY HERE
• POCKET WI-FI: RENT HERE

MRT/LRT Card: If you plan to commute in Kuala Lumpur using the rail lines and buses, best to purchase the MyRapid Touch’n Go Card, a smartcard ticketing system that can be used on rails and buses, like our own MRT/LRT card. Just tap it on the reader and the fare will automatically be deducted. You can top up the Touch’n Go card at rail stations and convenience stores.

• KL Touch’n Go Card: BUY HERE  

KLIA EKSPRES: If you’re going to Kuala Lumpur City from the airport (KLIA or KLIA2), you can book the KLIA Ekspres, which will take you directly to KL Sentral.

• KLIA EKSPRES: DISCOUNTED HERE 

KUALA LUMPUR TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to stay in kuala lumpur .

  If you’re wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, here are my recommended areas.

If you’re on a budget, Chinatown is a good option. Here, budget and midrange hotels abound. It is also near many attractions such as the Chinatown, Central Market and the Old Heritage District. If you’re staying in this area, from KLIA or KLIA2, you can take a bus to Pudu Raya (Pudu Sentral) Terminal. Bus fare starts at RM 10 (₱128/$2.36) and travel time is roughly 1 hour and 26 minutes.

Here are some top reviewed budget and mid-range accommodations in Chinatown:

• The Explorer’s Guesthouse
• CHECK RATES HERE
• The Travelhub Guesthouse
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Chinatown KL
•   AC Hotel by Marriot Kuala Lumpur

BUKIT BINTANG

Bukit Bintang is a popular choice among tourists, as it dotted with budget and mid-range accommodations.  It is also a recommended area to stay while in Kuala Lumpur because of its food street as well  as its proximity to many top attractions in Kuala Lumpur. This is such a touristy area, so, beware of pickpockets when walking around.

• Ceria Hotel
• Prescott Hotel Bukit Bintang

I’ve stayed in this hotel before. It is walking distance to Berjaya Times Square and restaurants, groceries, and convenience store. They also offer cheaper room rates for solo travelers.

• Travelogue Guesthouse
• Asia Like Boutique Hotel

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

If you’re looking for a mid-range accommodation that is near the top tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur, the Golden Triangle is the place to be.  It is peppered with serviced apartments offering more space than you’d get in a same priced hotel room.

•   MS Boutique Hotel Kuala Lumpur
• RESERVE HERE
• MPalace Hotel Kuala Lumpur
• K Hotel Kuala Lumpur

KL Sentral is another option for places to stay in Kuala Lumpur especially if you plan to travel other destinations in Malaysia since this is a central transit hub.

• My Hotel @ Sentral
• Metro Hotel @KL Sentral

This is a not-so-touristy area and you’ll be able to observe local life here. I stayed here recently because I was looking for a budget to mid-range hotel that has a safe so I can store my laptop and hard drive while I’m on tour. And since I booked just a week before my trip, most hotels have higher prices already and the hotels in this area are the only ones left that fit my budget. It’s not so close to many attractions, but it’s sprinkled with MRT/LRT/Monorail and Kmuter train station, so, I was still able to reach many attractions.

• Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur
• CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE
• East Riverine Boutique Hotel

HOW TO GET TO KUALA LUMPUR 

Kuala Lumpur has 2 international airports:

• KLIA (also KLIA1) – home to many flagship airlines
• KLIA2 – home to budget airlines like Cebu Pacific

  MANILA TO KUALA LUMPUR

  From Manila fly to Kuala Lumpur. I recently visited Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific Air.

You can book your flight at cebupacificair.com  

• IMPORTANT : If the Philippine travel tax is not yet included in your airline ticket, you need to pay it at the airport. If you’re flying via Cebu Pacific, refer to the Economy Class Travel Tax rate below.

KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT TO KUALA LUMPUR CITY

From Kuala Lumpur Airport, how do you get to Kuala Lumpur City?

• KLIA Ekspres – links KLIA and KLIA2. Will take you directly to KL Sentral.
• KLIA Transit – stops at all stations along the line.

2. By Bus : From KLIA2, you can go to KL Sentral by bus. Proceed to Level 1 and look for the bus terminal. Fare is roughly RM 12 (₱152/$3).  Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes.

• KLIA2 TO KL SENTRAL BUS TICKET: RESERVE HERE

Airport taxis are available at both KLIA and KLIA2, if you’re traveling in groups, this is a good option. Taxi from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center will cost around RM 75 (₱964/$18), including the RM2 taxi coupon, toll fees, and a fixed RM 3 and RM 0.19 per km/21 seconds.

At the airport, just follow the sign to the metered taxi, purchase a taxi coupon for RM 2 and queue for the taxi. At KLIA2, metered taxis are at Level 1 of Gateway KLIA2.

4. By Private Transfer /Car Rental

  If you want a hassle-free transfer from KLIA or KLIA2 to your hotel, you can book a private transfer by car. This is recommended if you are traveling in groups or if you’re traveling with seniors and kids.

•   KL Airport Transfer: RENT HERE

GETTING AROUND KUALA LUMPUR

The first time I visited Kuala Lumpur is over a decade ago and I remember doing a walking tour around the Chinatown, Little India and the Old Heritage District of Kuala Lumpur.  Then, I revisited KL many times after that, but we use private tour or private vehicle, so, I didn’t notice the huge improvement of Kuala Lumpur’s transport system over the years, until my recent visit.

  Kuala Lumpur has such an extensive public transport system consisting of LRT (Light Rapid Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, commuter lines, monorail, and buses.

MyRapid Touch’n Go Card

Kuala Lumpur has such an extensive public transport system consisting of LRT (Light Rapid Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, commuter lines, monorail, and buses.

• MY Rapid Touch N’ Go Card: BUY HERE

The LRT, MRT, and monorail in Kuala Lumpur operate under the Rapid Rail.

• LRT – the most common rail line being used, it can be found near most attractions in Kuala Lumpur, particularly the (5) LRT Kelana Jaya Line. Other helpful lines are 3) LRT Ampang Line, (4) LRT Sri Petaling Line.
• MRT and the commuter rail (KTM Komuter) – for longer distances and connects Kuala Lumpur with nearby towns. Use the commuter line (1) KTM Seremban Line for Batu Caves.
• Monorail – goes through the city center and connected to LRT lines. If you’re staying in Chowkit or Bukit Bintang, you might use this line often.
• ERL – This operates the KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, which connects KLIA and KLIA2 and runs between the said airports and KL Sentral.

Kuala Lumpur has 10 rail lines:

See Kuala Lumpur Rail Map below. Download map HERE .

BY HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS

One of my recommended ways to explore Kuala Lumpur is by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus because it has bus stops at most major tourist attractions in the city. This is best if you’re traveling with kids and seniors. You can book your tickets below.

• KL HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TICKET: DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE
• KL CITY LIGHTS TOUR (NIGHT TOUR):  RESERVE HERE  

BY CAR/VAN RENTAL

A hassle-free way to get around Kuala Lumpur is by private car. You can rent a car through the link below.

• CAR RENTAL: RESERVE HERE  

Kuala Lumpur taxi rate by day is RM 3 for base fee (including 1 km) then RM 1.25 per kilometer thereafter. At night (midnight until 6:00 AM) base fee is RM 4.50 (including 1 km) then RM 1.88 per kilometer thereafter.

  Surcharges:

• RM 12 – airport surcharge
• RM1 – use of luggage compartment
• RM 2 – order by phone

BY RIDESHARE

Just download Grab app and you’re good to go.

  BY TOUR PACKAGE

  If you don’t have the time and energy to commute, Kuala Lumpur tour packages are the way to go. They’re pretty affordable and will cover many popular attractions in Kuala Lumpur. You can reserve a slot through the links below.

• KUALA LUMPUR HALF DAY CITY TOUR:  BOOK HERE    
• KUALA LUMPUR INSTAGRAM TOUR: BOOK HERE        

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR

1. petronas tower.

• Location: KLCC Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest MRT Station: KLCC Station
• Nearest Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Stop:
• Open Hours: Tues – Sun 10: AM – 6:00PM, Last admission at 5:30 PM, Closed on Monday
• Entrance Fee: FREE if you’re just on the ground taking photos. But there’s a fee if you go up the tower. You can book tickets in advance through the link below to avoid the long queue.
• PETRONAS TOWER TICKET: BOOK HERE  

Here’s the Petronas Tower entrance fee:

2. KLCC PARK

• Location: Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest LRT/MRT Station: KLCC Station
• Nearest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stop: KLCC (Bus Stop # 15)
• Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE

3. SALOMA LINK

Saloma Link (Pintasa Saloma) is a pedestrian bridge that connects Kampung Baru with Kuala Lumpur City. It’s a popular Instagram spot for tourists especially at night when the colorful lights are turned on from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

• Nearest LRT/MRT Station: Kampung Baru Station

  4. MENARA TOWER KUALA LUMPUR

Another must-see structure in Kuala Lumpur is Menara Tower Kuala Lumpur, you can see this around Masjid Jamek area and Bukit Nanas area.

• MENARA TOWER TICKET: BOOK HERE
• Location: 2 Jalan Punchak, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest LRT/MRT Station: Dang Wangi Station or Bukit Nanas Station
• Nearest Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Stop: KLCC (Bus Stop # 15)
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

 5. MERDEKA PNB 118 (KL 118)

• Location: Cangkat Stadium, Kuala Lumpur
• MRT/LRT Station: Merdeka Station, Plaza Rakyat Station
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stop : Merdeka Square (Bus Stop 11)
• Open Hours: Still closed. Set to open mid-2023.

6. MASJID JAMEK

One of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, situated in the Old District along the confluence of Klang and Gombak River, where Kuala Lumpur derived its name. The mosque is inspired by Mughal architecture. It was designed in Indo-Saracenic style by English architect Arthur Benison Hubback. Masjid Jamek’s interior is noticeably bare and simple. Our mosque guide said during those times, they don’t know yet how to write in Arabic calligraphy, which is often used as design inside most mosques.  If you want to know more about Muslim faith, the guide at Jamek Mosque are very good at explaining them briefly.

• Location: Jalan Tun Perak, Wilayah Persekutuan, KL
• MRT/LRT Station: Masjid Jamek Station
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Merdeka Square (Bus Stop 11)
• Open Hours: Open to visitors Daily (except Friday) 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE, donation/tip is highly encouraged.

   7. RIVER OF LIFE

At night, the River of Life transforms into another dramatic scenery during the dancing symphony fountain with lighting effects and blue fog in sight.

• Location: Jalan Benting, near Masjid Jamek
• Open Hours: 24 hours

8. SULTAN ABDUL SAHMAD BUILDING & MERDEKA SQUARE

The late 19 th century Sultan Abdul Sahmad Building was once the office of British colonial government. This gorgeous building was inspired by Moorish architecture just like the Masjid Jamek.

• Location: Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur
• Open Hours: Daily 24 hours
• Entrance Fee: Free

9. KL GALLERY

ALSO READ:  KUALA LUMPUR CITY GALLERY  

• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  10. CHINATOWN

  Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a lively neighborhood packed with age-old colorful shop houses, cafes, restaurants, and food stalls. While in the area, don’t miss the following:

• PETALING STREET – The center of Chinatown in KL packed with restaurants, stalls, and vendors selling imitation designer bags, electronic, clothing, etc.
• TEMPLES – Chinatown is dotted with colorful temples .
• Guan Di Temple – A beautiful Taoist Temple along Jalan Tun HS Lee.
• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple – A Hindu Temple near Guan Di Temple.
• Sin Sze Si Ya Temple – The oldest Taoist Temple
• Kuan Yin Temple – A Buddhist temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion
• KWAI CHAI HONG – A back alley at Jalan Panggong (Lorong Panggong) with 10 old shop houses that was recently restored so that tourists can relive Chinatown in the olden days. It’s now a popular Instagram spot because of the art murals painted here.
• CAFES – After a tiring walking tour of the Old District and Chinatown, you hang out at one of the cafes scattered at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Jalan Pangong, Jalan Petaling and Jalan Sultan.
• Location: Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur
• MRT/LRT Station: Pasar Seni Station, Merdeka Station
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Chinatown (Bus Stop 3)
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM

 11. CENTRAL MARKET (Pasar Seni)

• Location: Jalan Hang Kasturi
• MRT/LRT Station: Pasar Seni Station
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Central Market (Bus Stop 4)
• Open Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

12. NATIONAL MOSQUE OF MALAYSIA

National Mosque of Malaysia replaced Masjid Jamek as the main center of worship in 1965. This massive mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 people. It has a unique 16-pointed star roof, which resembles an umbrella and 240 feet tall minaret. There’s no nearby MRT/LRT station, best to visit via KL Hop-on Hop-Off Bus. Or you can reach it by foot via Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin.

• MRT/LRT Station: N/A
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: National Mosque (Bus Stop 10)
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

13. NATIONAL PALACE OF MALAYSIA

  Istana Negara or the National Mosque of Malaysia is the official residence of the King of Malaysia. It replaced the Old Istana Negara, which is now a Royal Museum. I was able to visit both. However, you can’t really enter the new palace, for security reasons, you can only take photos outside the gate. They’re located on different compounds, far away from each other.

• National Palace of Malaysia (New Istana Negara)
• Location: Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim
• Nearest MRT/LRT Station: N/A
• Nearest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stop: National Palace (Bus Stop 8)

• Old Istana Negara (Royal Museum)
• Location: Jalan Istana
• Entrance Fee (Foreign Visitors): Adult – RM 10 (₱127 / $2.29), Child 6-12 years- RM 5 (₱63/$1.15)
• Entrance Fee (Malaysians): Adult – RM 5, Child 6-12 years- RM 2
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Temporarily Closed)
• Nearest MRT/LRT Station: Tun Sambanthan Station
• Nearest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stop: N/A

  14. PERDANA BOTANICAL GARDEN AND KL BIRD PARK

Here, you’ll also find the massive KL Bird Park, home to a staggering 3,000 endemic and foreign birds of roughly 200 diverse species.

• Perdana Botanical Garden
• Location: Jalan Perdana
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Nearest MRT/LRT Station: Pasar Seni Station
• Nearest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stop: Bird Park (Bus Stop 9)
• KL Bird Park
• Location: 920 Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana
• Entrance Fee: Adult – RM 75 (₱950 / $17), Child – RM 50 (₱633/$12)
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:30

15. NATIONAL MONUMENT & PLAZA TUGUN NEGARA

Overlooking the Lake Gardens is this bronze monument commemorating the Task warriors and civilians who died defending Malaysia against the Japanese soldiers during the World War II and (1941 – 1945) and the Malayan Emergency (1948 – 1960).

16. THEAN HOU TEMPLE

Another Instagram favorite in Kuala Lumpur is the 6-tiered Chinese temple dedicated to Mazu, the Sea Goddess. This beauty is blend of modern and architectural techniques with elements of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It’s a long walk from Thun Sambanthan Station, best to join the Kuala Lumpur tours that includes a visit to Thean Hou Temple.

• Thean Hou Temple
• Location: Persiaran Endah
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Nearest MRT/LRT Station: Thun Sambanthan Station

KUALA LUMPUR DAY TRIPS

1. batu caves.

The colorful 272 steps of Batu Caves has been an Instagram favorite in recent years. But this massive cave has long been a tourist favorite in Malaysia after the Petronas Tower.  Batu Caves is a limestone hill in Selangor, built with vibrant Hindu shrines and temples.  Since this is a place of worship, please respect the locals praying. Follow the dress code if you want to enter the main temple and caves.

• ✔ BATU CAVES & KL TOUR: RESERVE HERE
• ✔ BATU CAVES + GENTING HIGHLANDS TOUR: BOOK HERE
• Location: Gombak, Selangor
• Entrance Fee:
• Main Temple – Free
• Cave Villa – Foreigners RM 15 (₱63/ $1.15), Malaysians RM 7 (₱63/ $1.15)
• Dark Cave Tour: Starts at RM 35 (₱443/ $8)
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Nearest Train Station (KTM Komuter): Batu Caves Komuter Station

  Dress code: Girls must be wearing pants or long skirts. NO short skirts and sleeveless tops.

2. GENTING HIGHLANDS

This is an integrated resort housing a hotel, shopping malls, temple, Genting Skyworld Theme Park, and the Genting Skytropolis, so, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Located on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, Genting Highlands offers a scenic view of the lush massif and lush rainforest. You can book tickets below in advance to secure a slot.

• ✔ KL to Genting Highlands (Shared Van): RESERVE HERE
• ✔ KL to Genting Highlands (Private Van): RESERVE HERE
• ✔ Genting Highlands Cable Car: RESERVE HERE
• ✔ Genting Skytropolis: DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE
• ✔ Genting Skyworld: DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE
• ✔ Genting Highlands Pass: TICKETS HERE
• ✔ Jungle Gym: TICKETS HERE
• ✔ Resorts World Awana: RESERVE HERE
• ✔ Genting Highlands Day Trip: BOOK  HERE
• ✔ Glamping at Genting Highlands: RESERVE HERE

3. PUTRAJAYA

  This beautifully planned garden city is the administrative and judicial capital of Malaysia. Here are some places to see in Putrajaya:

• ☑Putrajaya Mosque
• ☑ Minister’s Building
• ☑ Putra Perdana & Secret Garden Putrajaya
• ☑Putrajaya Botanical Garden
• ☑ Putrajaya Pavilion
• ☑Seri Wawasan Bridge
• ☑Putrajaya Lake
• ☑Putrajaya International Convention Center
• ✔ PUTRAJAYA TOUR & RIVER CRUISE: RESERVE HERE
• ✔ DISTRICT 21: DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE
• ✔ Le Meridian Buffet Lunch or Dinner: RESERVE HERE
• ✔ Putrajaya Marriot Hotel Restaurant: RESERVE HERE

• Location: Putrajaya
• Nearest Train Station (KLIA Transit): Putrajaya and Cyberjaya Station

WHERE TO STAY IN PUTRAJAYA

• THE EVERLY PUTRAJAYA: CHECK RATES HERE  or CHECK RATES HERE
• LE MERIDIAN HOTEL: BOOK HERE or CHECK RATES HERE
• ZENITH HOTEL: BOOK HERE or CHECK RATES HERE

4.  COLMAR TROPICALE

A few years ago, I visited this lovely resort because I couldn’t afford to travel to Europe yet.  Colmar Tropicale is actually a picturesque resort in Bukit Tinggi inspired by Colmar, a medieval French Village in Alsace. It features a swimming pool, Japanese Garden, tennis court, and a botanical garden. It’s a perfect place for some photo op and yes, it does look like Colmar, France. You can visit this as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, but if you want to soak up its atmosphere, you can book an overnight stay through the link below.

✔ Colmar Tropicale Tour: BOOK HERE or CHECK RATES HERE

5. SUNWAY LAGOON

  If you’re in Kuala Lumpur for a family get-away, check out Sunway Lagoon! It’s a theme park with 5 adventure zones – Water Park, Wildlife Park, Amusement Park, Scream Park, and Extreme Park, and over

✔ Sunway Lagoon: DISCOUNTED TICKETS  HERE

✔ Sunway Lagoon with Private Transfer from KL: RESERVE HERE

✔ Sunway Lagoon Hotel: BOOK HERE or CHECK RATES HERE

•   How to get to Sunway Lagoon:
• From KL Sentral, take Kmuter train to Pelabuhan Klang. Get off at Setia Jaya. 27 mins, 8th stop.
• Walk to Sunway-Setia Jaya Station. 3 min.
• Ride BRT Sunway Line to USJ7.
• Get off at Sunway Lagoon. 5 min, 2 nd
• Walk to Sunway Lagoon. 14 mins.

KUALA LUMPUR ITINERARY

If you’re planning to commute in Kuala Lumpur and follow this itinerary, find the nearest MRT/LRT/Monorail to your hotel first.

If you’re traveling with seniors and kids, I won’t recommend a DIY Tour using MRT/LRT/Monorail. You can go for the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or just book a half day or whole day group tour in Kuala Lumpur.  They’re pretty affordable anyway, and you’ll get to visit the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur with a tour guide.

• Kuala Lumpur Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: DISCOUNTED BUS TICKET HERE
• Kuala Lumpur Day Tour: RESERVE HERE

You can read my Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide (link below) with an itinerary good for seniors and kids using Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

ALSO READ: KUALA LUMPUR TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

The sample Kuala Lumpur budget above doesn’t include the price for accommodation, airfare, travel tax, drinks, souvenirs and other shopping expenses.  I spent roughly RM 437 ( ₱ 5,616.32 -$103.20) for 5 days 4 nights’ accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, for a ₱1,123.26 hotel per night.  So, if I add that to the Kuala Lumpur travel budget above, my total expense is roughly RM 1,109.30 ( ₱14,426.71 -$262.93).  You could save more if you find a cheaper accommodation and if you’re a party of two if you’ll share the accommodation.

KUALA LUMPUR SIDE TRIPS

If you still have more days to spend in Malaysia, you might want to consider the following side trips from Kuala Lumpur.

1.CAMERON HIGHLANDS

  ALSO READ: 

Cameron highlands itinerary (3 days 2 nights), cameron highlands travel guide (budget + itinerary).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the birthplace of Malay civilization. This popular tourist destination is known for its narrow lanes dotted with colorful Baba Nyonya houses and Dutch brick-buildings. It has a long-withstanding history of colonial rule under the Portuguese, British, and Dutch.

MELAKA TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

3. legoland malaysia.

• Legoland Malaysia: DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE
• Legoland Malaysia Hotel: BOOK HERE
• Transfer between Singapore and Legoland: RESERVE HERE

4. LOST WORLD OF TAMBUN IPOH

  This beautiful theme park is another project of Sunway Lagoon. It is located in Ipoh, about 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur. The Lost World of Tambun is enveloped by lush tropical forest, age-old limestone hills, and natural springs. Kids and adults will definitely have fun here.

• Lost World of Tambun: DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE

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Dynamic cities, fabulous food, beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests – all of this can be found in Malaysia.

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2024 kuala lumpur malaysia travel guide blog with diy itinerary for first-timers.

Traveling to Kuala Lumpur this 2024? Check out this Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Blog 202 with sample itinerary to help you plan a memorable Malaysia adventure!

2024 travel guide to kuala lumpur, malaysia for first-timers.

Finally! Makikita ko na ang Petronas Towers! Hahaha! 😂😂😂 #AirAsiaInKualaLumpur #Malaysia 🇲🇾 A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Aug 3, 2017 at 2:29am PDT

How to Get There?

Singapore to kuala lumpur, klia2 to kuala lumpur city center, visa requirements, how to stay connected in kuala lumpur.

Where to Stay?

What to do in Kuala Lumpur?

Top 10 things to do in kuala lumpur for first-timers.

• Visit Istana Negara (National Palace)
• Relieve history at Tugu Negara (National Monument)
• Take a photo of the National Mosque of Malaysia
• Learn more about KL at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
• Get a piece of history at Merdeka Square
• Be Amazed by the KL Tower ( Buy discounted admission tickets here )
• Visit Batu Caves
• Go up the Petronas Twin Towers Observation deck ( Buy discounted admission tickets + one-way transfer here )
• Watch a Cultural Show
• Food Trip and Shopping
• Take a historical walking tour of colonial British buildings
• Take a photo of Petronas Towers ( Buy discounted admission tickets + one-way transfer here )
• Gaze at art works at Galeri Petronas
• Visit Houses of worship
• Enjoy the Parks
• Visit the Central Market
• Explore Little India in Brickfields

TOP TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR

PETRONAS Twin Towers

Sunway Lagoon Water Theme Park

Ripley's Adventureland, Jurassic Research Center, 4D Trick Art Museum & Zombie Outbreak

KidZania Kuala Lumpur

Genting Highlands

Where to Eat in KL?

1. saloma theater restaurant, 2. restoran oversea, 3. canai 15 café.

Yesterday's #KualaLumpur #CityTour. ❤️❤️❤️ #AirAsiaInKualaLumpur #Malaysia 🇲🇾 A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Aug 4, 2017 at 4:42pm PDT

Sample Kuala Lumpur Itinerary?

Here's our original 4d/3n kl itinerary:.

Here's what really happened...

• Istana Negara (National Palace)
• Tugu Negara (National Monument)
• National Mosque of Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
• Merdeka Square
• KL Tower ( Buy discounted admission tickets here )

Travel Tips and Reminders?

• Travel time from KLIA2 to KL City Center is about 1 hour. Plan your trip accordingly.
• You can exchange your Philippine Peso or US Dollars in the money changers at the airport or at the city center. When I changed my PHP to MYR at the airport, exchange rate is about 0.078; but at the city center, exchange rate is 0.081. So, it's better to change your money at the city center.
• For electricity, most establishments use 3-pin square plugs and sockets at 220–240 V. Don't forget to bring a universal adapter.
• Some public toilets asks for a payment of 0.50 MYR, so be sure to always have 0.50 cents coins with you.
• Dress appropriately when visiting mosques, temples, and other houses of worship.
• To save on travel expenses, join group tours , walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels , and take advantage of PAL, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific promos and flight seat sale .

I hope this Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide Blog for First-timers helped you in planning an awesome KL adventure. Please don't forget to SHARE this to your friends. Enjoy your trip to Malaysia!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 1 comment :.

Hi. Im planning to visit KL for 4 days and 3 nights. Is 10,000 php is okay for my pocket money. Im travelling alone. Hear your reply thanks

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA: Budget Travel Guide

Comprising 99 islands, Langkawi lies in Andaman Sea, off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its main island, Pulau Langkawi, takes its name from the reddish brown eagle that has also become the symbol of the island. The archipelago is known for its natural resources. It may be small but it is packed with all kinds of natural wonders — glorious waterfalls, white beaches, mangrove forests, brackish rivers, limestone cliffs, and diverse wildlife.

While Langkawi’s popularity as a honeymoon and backpacking destination in Malaysia skyrockets, it remains unheard of to most Filipinos. During my visit, the manager of the hotel where I stayed shared that there were not many Pinoy tourists who grace the island with their presence. In fact, he added, we were the first Filipinos to check in at his resort that year and it was the middle of July already.

If you’re planning to set foot on Langkawi, here are some things you might need to know.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

How to Get to Langkawi

There are no direct flights to Langkawi from Manila, which means you will have to connect somewhere and I bet it’s going to be Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. From KL, you have three options:

• By air . You can fly to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia flies to Langkawi 8 times a day. Fare is around RM120 (PHP 1625). It’s fast and there’s no need to take a ferry. Just make sure you have enough allowance when booking a connecting flight.
• By bus . There are several bus companies operating to Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah, which serve as jump off points to Langkawi. Make your way to Puduraya Bus Terminal or Duta Bus Terminal and get a ticket. Fare ranges from RM 30-RM 40.
• By train . Take the sleeper overnight train to Kuala Perlis! At KL Sentral, book a second-class berth (as low as RM34) onboard the Senandung Langkawi Train to Arau Station, third to the last stop. The train’s final destination is Hat Yai, Thailand so make sure you wake up early the next morning or else you’ll find yourself in Thailand. The train leaves KL at 9:20pm and arrives at Arau Station at 8am. From here, take a cab to Kuala Perlis and hop onto a Langkawi-bound ferry (RM18).

Of the three, I like the train option the most and for many reasons. First, you can save a room night; meaning you won’t need to check in at a hotel that night because you’ll be spending the night on the train. Second, it is almost as cheap as the bust but it’s more comfortable because you get to have a bed and you can move around inside the train. Lastly, you get a good view of the Malaysian countryside in the morning.

Where to Stay in Langkawi

Check rates and availability here.

Most hotels, hostels, and resorts in Langkawi are clustered along Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. You might want to just pick accommodations here because this means you’ll be staying near major establishments including the island’s top restaurants, stores, and attractions. The beach is wide and fine, and the sunset is nothing short of breathtaking.

Hotel aggregators are good places to start looking. For hotels and resorts, you might want to check out Traveloka. I have tried only one hotel here — Langkawi Tropical Resort .

Places to Visit in Langkawi

Here are some of the most popular tourist spots in Langkawi that you might want to check out. The photos will take you to a detailed description of the place sprinkled with some of my personal experiences.

Where to Eat in Langkawi

Seafood is the island specialty. (Duh?) Our little yummy friends from the bottom of the sea are relatively cheap here. The road parallel to Pantai Cenang is bordered by lanes of restaurants offering plates of scrumptious seafood delights. And because Langkawi is in the northwestern tip of the country, the Thai influence leaking southward is evident in the cuisine. Here are some dishes you might want to sample:

Of all the restaurants I tried during my 2-day stay, we liked Orkid Ria the most. You can read my review here .

Getting Around Langkawi

There are many ways to get around the island. In other destinations, the bus is the obvious choice but I don’t think it holds true for Langkawi. Some of the points of interest are not along the bus route. But here are more ways:

• By bicycle. From RM12 per day. Great way to see the island but it can be a little bit too tiring especially around the hilly parts.
• By motorcycle. From RM40 per day. You need to pay for the gasoline, though.
• By taxi. Cabs in Langkawi use the fixed rate system and not the meter. Short distances can cost up to RM15 and longer distances RM25.

You can also strike a deal with a cab driver to take you on a tour around the island and wait for you at each stop. It is usually at RM100 for 4 hours and additional RM25 per succeeding hour. That’s what we did and we were able to visit the destinations listed above within 6 hours. And because we were a party of 2, we divided the cost.

That’s about it! I’ll try to add more information to this post each time I set foot on the rising star destination of West Malaysia.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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• Borawan Beach and Dampalitan Island: Budget Travel Guide
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Great series of posts on Langkawi! My wife and I will be going there for a week in September, and your posts just got us even more excited. Can’t wait. :)

Ooooh! Do share your experience after and lemme know if I need to update anything in this post. :)

Yoshke, Thanks for your in detail budget traveling guide to Langkawi. I am planning to go to Malaysia in a few months. This post helps me a lot to decide the average daily costing in Langkawi.

No problem, Munnajnu! Do make a stop in Cameron Highlands, too! :)

Yoshke, you have such a good blog. Very educating! Keep it up.

Thanks, Yna! :D

Nice Blog! Very Interesting and educating..

All the Best.

Kris http://www.lifestylenurse.com

The tickets for the sleeper train can be booked on the spot or you have to book it beforehand?

Hello! does Malaysia require an IDP (International Driving Permit) for tourist who will be touring using a motorbike? I’ve read somewhere that countries that are part of the ASEAN does not require an IDP.

Naku wala akong idea about that. :(

Hi, loved your itinerary on Langkawi. I have a few questions. Is Langkawi safe for solo female travelers? & can u plz share ur contact of the rental car/driver?

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23 Jun 2024 - 5 min read

A Complete Guide to KLIA Airport Transfer: All You Need to Know

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a major gateway to Malaysia and an essential aviation center in Southeast Asia. This airport is located approximately 45 km from South Kuala Lumpur in the Sepang District of Selangor. This strategic location makes this airport suitable for both international and domestic flights.

This airport can handle 47.2 million passengers, 660,040 tonnes of cargo, and 319,026 aircraft movements in 2023. This makes KLIA the 35th busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers. Operated by Malaysia Airports (MAHB) Sepang Sdn Bhd, KLIA is a key hub for Malaysia Airlines, MASkargo, Batik Air Malaysia, UPS Airlines, and World Cargo Airlines, as well as a main base for AirAsia and AirAsia X.

Since its opening in 1998, KLIA has consistently expanded its services and facilities to meet the growing demands of air travel. Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the airport's layout emphasizes efficiency, aesthetics, and the incorporation of natural environmental elements, which can be seen in its lush green spaces and the iconic, curved rooflines that suggest traditional Malaysian motifs.

KLIA is equipped with two main terminals: the Main Terminal Building, dedicated to full-service airlines, and KLIA2, a terminal specifically designed for low-cost carriers. This distinction makes KLIA uniquely capable of handling a wide spectrum of travel needs and preferences. They also provide many useful facilities for passengers such as shopping centers, business services, and relaxation zones.

Overall, as the busiest and largest airport in Malaysia, KLIA has provided the best facilities that fulfill the traveler's needs. It can be seen through how they handle millions of travelers and tons of cargo, KLIA is set up to meet the needs of both local and international flights. With ongoing updates and enhancements, KLIA is committed to making travel easy and enjoyable for everyone. It showcases the best of Malaysian culture and technology, making it a top choice for travelers around the world. Whether you're coming to see Malaysia or heading elsewhere, KLIA offers a smooth start or end to your journey.

Importance of Efficient Transfers

Efficient airport transfers are crucial for any traveller because it provides a seamless bridge between the airport and the final destination. For many people, the experience of arriving in a new city begins with how easily they can navigate from the airport to where they need to be. A smooth transfer service not only reduces stress but also significantly impacts the overall travel experience, enhancing satisfaction and comfort.

Upon arrival, travelers often face challenges such as navigating unfamiliar territory, handling luggage, and managing travel fatigue, all of which can be mitigated by reliable and convenient transfer options. Whether it’s the availability of direct shuttle services, clear signage for car rentals, or prompt taxi and ride-hailing services, efficient transfers ensure that visitors can proceed with their plans without unnecessary delays.

Moreover, when airport transfers are efficiently managed, they contribute to the perception of the city as accessible and tourist-friendly. This is particularly important for the country where tourism plays a vital role in the local economy. Efficient transfers not only facilitate tourism but encourage travelers to return or recommend the destination to others.

Transportation Options Available for KLIA Airport Transfers

KLIA offers several transportation choices to meet the needs of every traveler. These are transportation options that are available for KLIA Airport Transfer:

You can order a taxi ride at the airport using a coupon system. Just purchase a coupon at the counters located at the Domestic Arrival and International Baggage areas on Level 3 of the Main Terminal. Prices start at RM32.20 and depend on where you're going. They have different types of cars, including sedans and luxury vehicles. For more details, you can call Airport Limo at 1-300-88-8989 or visit their website.

These taxis are available at Terminal 1 and charge you based on how far you go or how long the ride takes, starting with a small initial fee for the first kilometer or three minutes will cost you around RM3 to RM6. You can get a coupon for these taxis at a counter on Level 1 of the Main Terminal.

The quickest way to get to the city center from KLIA is by taking the KLIA Ekspres, a non-stop train that gets you to KL Sentral in 28 minutes. There's also a transit train with three stops that takes about 35 minutes. These trains offer comfortable seating, digital entertainment, accessible features like wheelchair-friendly washrooms, and space for luggage. Check out their website for ticket prices and schedules.

KLIA offers several bus services that connect to various parts of Peninsula Malaysia. You can catch these buses from Level 1 at Block C of the Short-Term Car Park and also from Level 1 of the Main Terminal Building. Make sure to check the latest information and book your tickets on their website.

Cost and Accessibility

When traveling from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the city center, you have various transfer options each suiting different budgets and preferences.

Taxis offer a direct and convenient way to get to the citycentere, with the trip costing approximately RM60 – RM100, depending on the time and specific destination within the city​. The cost is also depending on whether you take airport taxi or metered taxi. Airport taxi is definitely more expensive because the price starts from RM32. Taxis are available around the clock and provide a stress-free journey to your destination without the need to navigate public transport.

2. Bus Services

For a more economical option, buses like the Sky Bus and Aerobus run regularly from KLIA to KL Sentral with tickets priced at about RM15 for one way and RM30 fora round trip. Buses offer a cost-effective solution, though travel times can vary significantly based on traffic conditions, potentially taking up to two hours during peak times or adverse weather conditions​.

3. Train Services

The KLIA Ekspres is a faster alternative, linking the airport to KL Sentral in just 28 minutesstartings from RM44. Trains run every 15 to 20 minutes, making it a reliable and speedy option for getting to the heart of Kuala Lumpur​.

Each of these options offers different benefits, whether it's the speed of the KLIA Ekspres, the affordability of bus services, or the convenience and comfort of a taxi. Your choice will depend on your budget, the level of comfort you desire, and how quickly you need to reach your destination.

Convenience vs. Budget

When choosing transportation from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the city, travelers must balance convenience and budget. Each mode of transport offers different advantages depending on your priorities.

For those prioritizing convenience, taxis provide direct access from KLIA to your destination in Kuala Lumpur. While this option offers comfort and privacy, it is also the most expensive, with fares typically ranging from RM 60 to RM 100. It's ideal for those with more luggage or traveling in groups where the cost can be shared.

On the other hand, the KLIA Ekspres train is an excellent middle-ground option. It is faster than road transport, taking only 28 minutes to reach KL Sentral, and costs around RM44. This service combines both speed and relative affordability, especially suitable for solo travelers and those looking to avoid city traffic.

For budget-conscious travelers, buses represent the most economical choice, with fares as low as RM15. Although travel time can be longer, especially during peak traffic, buses are a cost-effective method for those with more flexible schedules.

By assessing factors such as travel time, comfort, and overall expense, travelers can make informed decisions that best fit their needs. For instance, combining a bus ride with a short taxi trip can balance cost savings with convenience, especially if traveling light or during off-peak hours.

Malaysia offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and historical sites, making it a captivating destination for any traveler. Exploring this diverse country through its efficient public transport system not only adds to an authentic travel experience but also supports eco-friendly tourism practices. From the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur to the scenic hills of the Cameron Highlands, each destination is accessible through a network of buses, trains, and ferries, allowing you to navigate Malaysia's attractions conveniently and affordably.

For those planning the journey, Traveloka provides a seamless service to organize travel arrangements efficiently. This platform allows you to book various travel services, including flights, buses, and hotels, facilitating a smoother travel experience across Malaysia. By using Traveloka, travelers can easily plan their itinerary, compare prices, and manage bookings all in one place, ensuring they have more time to enjoy the beauty of Malaysia without the hassle of complicated travel logistics.

Whether you are a first-time visitor who wants to explore the iconic Petronas Twin Towers or a returning traveler ready to explore Malaysia’s hidden gems deeper, utilizing public transport, let Traveloka be your guide on a memorable journey.

Also read: 15 Hot Springs in Malaysia

Superpark Malaysia Admission Tickets

Flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Malaysia Airlines

Start from RM 41.02

Kuantan (KUA) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Mon, 22 Jul 2024

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

Start from RM 47.38

Kota Bharu (KBR) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Tue, 23 Jul 2024

Batik Air (Malaysia)

Start from RM 50.48

Johor Bahru (JHB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Mon, 15 Jul 2024

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