Malaysia & Singapore could be siblings. Both with modern metropolis’, significant Chinese influence, & plenty of lovely temples to explore. The biggest difference– The putrid rotting smell of Durian–Malaysia’s favorite fruit, hangs in the air at every marketplace.
To date, I’ve only had the pleasure of visiting Georgetown on the little tear-drop island of Penang and Kuala Lumpur the bustling capital city. & in Georgetown, I was completely charmed by the cake shops, street art, & colonial buildings. Penang also has the world’s smallest national park, home to the endangered Dusky Leaf Monkey. KL is a foodie city alongside the best. While I didn’t get to know it enough to write about it during my 3-day stay, it should land on every traveler’s Malaysian itinerary.
Malaysia Travel Guide
Recommended Cities: Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Cameron Highlands, Borneo
Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 2-3 weeks.
Things to Consider Before You Go: Most of Malaysia is rather conservative. Dress appropriately.
Estimated Backpacker Budget
On a Shoestring: $40/day
Flashpacker: $45/day
Backpacker Luxury: $55/day
Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.
Malaysia is perfect for travelers looking for modern cities, nature, phenomenal food, & cultural experiences.
Malaysia Blog Posts
What to Eat in Kuala Lumpur: A DIY Food Tour (Map Included)
Wondering what to eat in Kuala Lumpur? As one of the top foodie cities…
The Less-Touristy Georgetown Guide (Malaysia)
Your guide to planning the perfect trip in Georgetown, Malaysia. My honest opinions of…
