Malaysia is an amazing country located in Southeast Asia. In fact, Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
Malaysia offers several experiences – from climbing mountains to jungle trekking, from island retreats to scuba diving, from colorful temples to delicious food tours, from the hustle of Kuala Lumpur to relaxing white sand beaches – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Malaysia, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Malaysia, the best destinations, recommended itineraries, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Language | Malay |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | MYR (Malaysian ringgit) |
| Internet reliability | Good |
Malaysia is a big and versatile country and depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into three sections to help you understand the seasons in Malaysia. We also added info regarding the Ramadan.
| Areas | Season | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland southwest |
Dry season Wet season Ramadan |
November to June May to September 23rd April to 23rd May |
| Mainland northeast |
Dry season Wet season Ramadan |
November to May November to March 23rd April to 23rd May |
| Borneo |
Dry season Wet season |
March to October December to February |
Planning your trip to Malaysia? We created Malaysia itineraries to help you. You can pick the length of your stay and follow our recommended itineraries. We created itineraries for up to one month including our favorite Malaysian destinations. Note that since Borneo is quite far, you can either pick the mainland or Borneo. If you have more time, you could spend time in both places.
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Malaysia, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. You can find dorms starting at $5 per night.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than MYR 30. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants and markets.
Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting temples and National Parks, going on a snorkeling or diving trip, or visiting museums you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Malaysia here to have an idea of the costs involved.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Malaysia. You can either fly, take a bus or travel by train to reach your destinations. You can reach the islands easily by ferries.
To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO or via a travel agency. Most of the time, your hotel and hostel may be able to arrange it for you.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5-10 per night | $25-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $5-10 per meal | $10-15 per meal | $15+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $30+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/train | By bus, train, flight, driver | Private driver |
Overall, traveling around Malaysia is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
As a female traveler, it’s always smart to avoid dark alleys and walking alone in the dark. Although, been there, done that, and I never had any issues. Note that Malaysia is quite conservative, so you may have unwanted attention – to avoid this, you can dress in a more convervative way. “Cat-callling” happens often in Malaysia – I usually ignore it.
Pickpocketing and phone snatching is a common thing in Malaysia – so be careful when holding your phone in the street – I’ve seen this happens quite a lot. Also, I’ve heard several men having weird encounters at night under alcohol effect, so be careful.
I, myself, hitch-hiked with another female travelers around Malaysia without any problems. I felt safe every time. You can read more about it here.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in the Malaysia. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
Most nationalities get up to 90 days for free. You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Malaysia, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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