Four weeks in Malaysia just wasn’t enough to even begin to scratch the surface of all this country has to offer. Bustling cities, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife and amazing terrain – this South-East Asian hub has it all. It reminded us a lot of Singapore, with many of the same modern conveniences – without the exorbitant cost.
Our trip was focused mainly on the western side of Peninsular Malaysia, and the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo. There is plenty more to see though – Langkawi, the Perhentian Islands, Malacca and Sipadan being on our list to visit next time.
As a very common layover for most other Asian and Middle Eastern destinations, consider a few days in the capital of Kuala Lumpur is well worth it – even if for the food alone!
Cities We’ve Visited to Date
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Tanah Rata (Cameron Highlands), Penang (Georgetown, Batu Feringghi),
Malaysian Borneo: Kota Kinabalu, Sepilok, Sungei Kinabatangan, Sandakan
MALAYSIA FACT FILE
Affordability
Malaysia is such an affordable place to visit! Accomodation offers great value for a low price, eating out is incredibly cheap with a huge variety, and getting around the country is insanely cheap – whether flying, taking the train or a bus!
Connectivity
Staying connected in Malaysia is easy, with most accommodation and restaurants and cafes offering lightning fast free wi-fi. You can also pick up a SIM card from the different service providers – found in the airport and shopping malls. Maxis is a great network, you can pick up a 60 day SIM card with 4GB of data for just 65 RM.
Communicating
Malaysia is an incredibly multi-cultural country, with an assortment of languages spoken. It has a huge expat community, and therefore English is quite common and you should have no trouble using simple English with most locals.
Getting Around
Malaysia is home to Air Asia, one of our favourite airlines for not only flying around Asia on the cheap but within the country itself – we’re talking $13 flights! As well as cheap flights, there are a number of train lines, and very comfortable affordable long distance buses.
Read MORE about our adventures in Malaysia!
Cameron Highlands – The ‘Coolest’ Place in Malaysia
The Cameron Highlands is one of our favourite places in Malaysia – the cool temperature, incredible scenery and amazing produce. Check out this article for our suggestions on what to see and do.
An island paradise just 15 minutes away by boat? We’ll take that! If you’re in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are absolutely worth a day trip!
Hawker Stalls and Michelin Stars – Eating Out in Malaysia
Did you know that you can eat at a Michelin star restaurant in Kuala Lumpur for just $10? Or that hawker stall food will be some o f the best you’ve tasted? Malaysia’s cuisine is as varied as is the environment you enjoy it in – check out this article for more foodie inspiration!
A Wildlife Safari on the Kinabatangan River
Malaysia’s second longest river, the Kinabatangan, is home to several species of animals endemic to Borneo. A safari on the river is the best way to discover these incredible creatures – but it’s all about location, location! If you’re considering this adventure, read this post for our suggestions on how to pick a tour provider.
Sepilok in Sabah – A Destination in it’s Own Right
Many travellers stop by Sepilok for a half day, with a quick visit to it’s popular Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre – but this little corner of the world offers so much more! Read this article for what to do in Sepilok that warrants a visit for a few days.
Looking for a unique experience in Georgetown, Penang? Make a visit to the Upside-Down museum – totally gimmicky, but so gimmicky it’s good! Check out this article for details and photos of our visit!
Exploring Street Art in Penang
Georgetown Penang is home to an amazing variety of street art – finding it is like a real life treasure hunt! See what we came across and how to plan your very own treasure hunt!
