Malaysia Travel Guide: Where To Go & How To Plan It 2023

Malaysia Travel Guide

Welcome to our Malaysia travel guid.

From its tropical beaches and lush rainforests, to its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, Malaysia has something to offer every kind of traveler.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture buff, you’re sure to find something to love in this amazing country.

So, buckle up and join us as we dive into the best that Malaysia has to offer. With our insider knowledge and insider tips, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

Malaysia Travel Guide:

Malaysia, no doubt is my all time favourite country. Malaysia is a country of incredible landscapes, delicious food, tropical islands, and friendly people.

Malaysia is famous for its cuisine, a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian traditions. As a holiday destination, Malaysia is still under the radar compared to its neighbours Singapore and Thailand.

Malaysia is a true traveler’s paradise.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s rich history, indulging in its delicious cuisine, or simply soaking up its relaxed tropical vibe, there’s something for everyone in Malaysia.

Planning an itinerary is an important aspect of any travel experience, and this is especially true for a country as diverse as Malaysia.

With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive travel guide, designed to help you make the most of your time in Malaysia.

We’ll cover everything from the best ways to get there, to the must-see attractions, to the best places to stay, eat, and experience the local culture. And how to use public transport in Malaysia to save up expenses.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best of Malaysia.

Malaysia Travel Guide

Must See Attractions in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a lot of must-see attractions, and it can be difficult to decide which to add to your itinerary.

There are so many places that simply cannot be put in one post as there’s sooooo many places and tourist attractions to visit in Malaysia. But we will choose the best ones in this Malaysia Travel guide. Here are some of the most popular:

Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur:

These iconic twin towers are an iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur and offer breathtaking views from the observation deck on the 86th floor. You cannot miss this place that’s why its on top of our list.

You must take the tickets in advance from the official website as it can be quite challenging getting a ticket last minute as they tend to sell out fast.

Some of the shots that we took during our recent visit to Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas tower

Petronas Tower

Petronas Tower

Menara Tower, kuala lumpur

Menara Tower, also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur, is a landmark skyscraper located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Standing at 421 meters tall, the tower is one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Visitors to the tower can take a ride to the observation deck on the high-speed elevator, which offers views of the city through its glass walls.

From the top, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower, and the city skyline.

Make sure to book your tickets in advance to ensure you get the tickets as last minute they tend to sell out fast and often the ticket is more expensive during walk-in.

Menara Tower   Menara Tower

You can go to the observation Deck and take awesome pictures in the sky boxes. There’s two sky boxes there. You get to be there for 1 minute – 40 Seconds. So you need to make sure to take quick shots and pose well.

Zoo Negara

Zoo Negara, also known as the National Zoo of Malaysia, is a popular tourist destination and one of the oldest zoos in Southeast Asia.

We went to the Zoo early morning. Zoo, no doubt is my all time favorite place to be as I get to see the natural beauty and the majestic animals.

 

Zoo Negara is approx 15 minutes drive away. We took the RAPID KL card and used the rail to reach there. it only costed us 5 MYR per person. so 10 MYR for two person.

And the highlight and the animal that took my heart away was this cute lil Panda.

Zoo Negara Panda

When you visit Zoo Negara, don’t forget to experience the special show.

Multi-Animal Show (Sea Lion/Macaws)

Petaling Street:

Petaling Street is known as Chinatown, due to its location in the city’s Chinese community.

The street is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, street vendors selling a wide range of goods, and food stalls serving traditional Malaysian cuisine.

Petaling Street is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to experience local culture and cuisine. You can find a lot of cheap and counterfeit products there. Make sure you negotiate hard to get the best deal possible.

Petaling Street

 

Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia.

It is considered one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs attracting visitors from around the globe.

Sipadan is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish.

The island is surrounded by sandy beaches and lush jungle, offering visitors a chance to relax and explore the island’s unique ecosystem.

Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Cameron Highlands is a highland resort town located in the Pahang state of Malaysia.

It’s surrounded by beautiful green hills and tea plantations, and visitors can take guided tours.

The temperatures in the highlands are always pleasant and mild, with an average between 21-25 degrees

Batu Caves, Selangor:

These stunning limestone caves are a Hindu shrine and a popular pilgrimage site, as well as a popular tourist attraction.

Batu Caves

During your visit to Batu Caves, you will meet a lot of mischievous monkeys. Remember the saying do not feed the monkey.

They may seem cute but they may bite or steal your stuff so be careful and take extra measures to take care of your personal belongings.

Accommodation in Malaysia:

Malaysia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and style, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the most popular options:

Luxury Resorts: For those looking for a truly indulgent experience, Malaysia offers a wide range of luxury resorts, from serene beachfront properties to towering city-center hotels.

Boutique Hotels: For a more personal and unique experience, consider staying in one of Malaysia’s many boutique hotels, which offer characterful, individually-designed rooms in historic or converted buildings.

Budget Accommodation: For those on a tighter budget, Malaysia offers a range of budget-friendly options, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels.

Also read the Ultimate Trip Planning Guide 

Kuala Lumpur Cost Of Living

Normally Airbnb’s are the best options (Personal preference). We always use Airbnb and book the best and most affordable place for our vacation.

Malaysia is not very expensive when it comes to accommodation. You can easily find a nice place for 20 to 30 USD a night.

We booked 2 months in advance and below is our view. We had the marvellous view + monorail sound every 10 minutes, it was just what I wanted.

Malaysian Food

Malaysia is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine, with a fusion of flavors from its Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks in Malaysia:

Nasi Lemak:

This classic Malay dish consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of accompaniments, including spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, and boiled eggs.

We spent a lot of time eating Malaysian food in Kuala Lumpur and we absolutely loved it. Highly recommend that you try it.

Char Kway Teow:

This popular noodle dish is made with stir-fried flat noodles, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and is often served with a spicy sauce.

Roti Canai:

This flaky, buttery flatbread is a staple of Indian cuisine in Malaysia and is often served with a variety of dips and curries.

Teh Tarik:

This sweet, milky tea is a staple drink in Malaysia and is often enjoyed with a meal or as a pick-me-up during the day.

Durian:

Love it or hate it, this spiky fruit is a defining food of Southeast Asia and is known for its pungent aroma and creamy, rich flavor.

These are just a few of the many delicious foods and drinks that Malaysia has to offer, and trying new dishes is an essential part of any visit to the country.

So, be brave, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new!

A Culturally Rich Country:

Malaysia is a culturally rich country, with a diverse population that celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable:

  • Thaipusam: This Hindu festival is celebrated by Tamil communities in Malaysia and involves devotees carrying intricate and ornate offerings on a procession to a temple.
  • Chinese New Year: This colorful and lively festival is celebrated by Malaysia’s Chinese community and involves traditional food, decorations, and family gatherings.

I travelled to Malaysia twice and each time I went during November/Jan period. During this time you can see a very nice colourful decoration almost everywhere in kuala Lumpur.

This festival is the widely celebrated event in Malaysia. You will a lot of hustle bustle during that time. From November to January. Making it the best time to visit Malaysia.

  • Hari Raya Aidilfitri: This Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and forgiveness.
  • Deepavali: This Hindu festival of lights is celebrated by Malaysia’s Indian community and is characterized by bright lights, intricate decorations, and sweet treats.
  • Malaysia Day: This national holiday marks Malaysia’s independence from British rule and is celebrated with public speeches, parades, and cultural performances.

So, be sure to plan your trip around one of these exciting events, and immerse yourself in the local culture. You will not regret it.

Is Malaysia Safe To Travel?

A big YES, I felt really safe while I was in Malaysia.

Malaysia is generally considered a safe and healthy destination, but it’s always a good idea to take some basic precautions when traveling. Here are some tips to help ensure your trip is safe and healthy:

  • Health: Before traveling to Malaysia, it’s important to check the latest health advice for the country, as well as to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for any health issues that may arise during your trip.

 

  • Safety: Malaysia is generally considered a safe country, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take the usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. This includes not leaving your belongings unattended, avoiding walking alone at night, and being cautious of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your trip to Malaysia is both safe and healthy, and allow you to fully enjoy all that this amazing country has to offer.

Also read the Best Travel Quotes to get you hyped up for travel.

Costs of traveling in Malaysia

Malaysia is generally considered to be one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Here are some rough estimates of the costs you can expect:

  • Accommodation: Budget accommodations, such as Hotel: 30 – 200 USD / night Hostel: 10 – 20 USD / night
  • Food & Drink: Basic meals, such as street food, can cost as little as MYR 5-10 ($1-2.5), while restaurant meals can range from MYR 20-50 ($5-12). Drinks, such as coffee or tea, can cost MYR 5-10 ($1-2.5), while alcohol is more expensive and can cost upwards of MYR 20 ($5) for a beer or cocktail. These prices are tentative and may change when you visit Kuala Lumpur.

  • Transportation: Public transportation, such as trains and buses, is relatively cheap and affordable, with fares starting at MYR 1-2 ($0.25-0.50). Taxis are also widely available, with trips around the city costing MYR 10-30 ($2.5-7.5), depending on distance.

This is one of my favorite mode of transportation. Even though Grab is also available widely but if you really want to experience something unique, better try the local transport.

We stayed 10 days in Malaysia and only used public transport the entire time. It was a surreal experience as I personally love Monorail.

Yes, I’m HUGE fan of a monorail.

Monorail Malaysia

Overall, the cost of traveling in Malaysia is relatively low compared to other popular travel destinations, and it’s easy to stretch your budget further by choosing budget-friendly options for food, drink, and accommodation.

Best time to visit Malaysia

Malaysia has a warm and humid climate of 25 – 33 degrees throughout the year.

The best time to visit West-Malaysia is between December and March. You can escape the heat by going into the highlands where temperatures range from 15 – 25 degrees.

Please note it can also rain during November – Jan so it’s always good to bring an umbrella with you when you travel during this time.

In terms of indicators of human development, such as life expectancy, education, and standard of living, Malaysia ranks relatively highly compared to other developing countries.

Overall, Malaysia is a country with a rapidly growing economy, a diverse population, and a rich cultural heritage, but it still faces many challenges as it works towards becoming a fully developed country.

Do I need a Visa to travel Malaysia?

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, can enter Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa.

However, visa requirements can vary based on your nationality, so it is best to check with the Malaysian embassy or consulate before your trip as we stated in this Malaysia Travel Guide.

Can I drink tap water in Malaysia?

No, you cannot drink tap water in Malaysia. But there are mineral water areas at public parks where it’s written “Drinkable Water” so that one is safe to drink.

Enjoy some of the shots taken during the trip.

I hope you enjoyed reading the Malaysia Travel Guide. Please do share it with others and follow us on social media.

One Reply to “Malaysia Travel Guide: Where To Go & How To Plan It 2023”

  1. 15 Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur: 2024 Guide says: January 26, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    […] Malaysia Travel Guide: Where To Go & How To Plan It 2023 […]

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