Malaysia is one of the most underrated countries in Southeast Asia.
For some reason, it’s often skipped on backpacking itineraries, but I highly recommend visiting there as part of your backpacking trip to Southeast Asia.
In this guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about backpacking in Malaysia. This includes the best places to visit in Malaysia, how to get around, backpacking tips and an itinerary suggestion.
Malaysia has become one of my absolute favourite countries. It was the first country in Asia I visited, so it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve now visited Malaysia as a backpacker three times. Every time I visit, I fall a little more in love with it. I’m constantly blown away by the culture, scenery, diversity, and food.
For some reason, backpackers tend to overlook Malaysia. It doesn’t have the wild parties of Thailand or the backpacker scene of Vietnam, but it’s special in its own way. Despite not being on the main backpacking route, Malaysia still draws in the crowds.
The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the major cities in Southeast Asia. While Kuala Lumpur is well worth a visit, there is so much more to Malaysia than this bustling city. You’ll find world-class street food, ancient rainforests, stunning white sand beaches and beautiful nature throughout the country.
Malaysia is relatively easy to get around and is an epic backpacking destination. It really has something for everyone and it’s easy to build an itinerary around what you enjoy.
Here is my guide to backpacking Malaysia.
How long to spend in Malaysia?
Beyond Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia offers many incredible places to visit. From the rolling green hills of the Cameron Highlands to the serene beaches of Langkawi and the tropical rainforests of Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia is a diverse destination.
Depending on where you plan to visit, two weeks is the perfect amount of time to see Malaysia’s highlights. Consider adding a week if you also want to visit Borneo or the Perhentian Islands.
If you have less time, I’ve shared the ultimate 7 day Malaysia itinerary for nature lovers, beach lovers, foodies and culture enthusiasts.
The best time of year to visit Malaysia
Answering “When is the best time of year to visit Malaysia?” isn’t as simple as for its Southeast Asian counterparts. While the temperature remains stable all year, the rain can vary throughout the country at different times of year. There are several micro-climates in Malaysia, but I’ll do my best to explain them.
Simply put, Malaysia is a year-round destination, but depending on your itinerary, different months have their benefits. There’s no general “high season” or “low season” for Malaysia as a whole.
Kuala Lumpur is a great destination to visit any time of the year. The dry season is traditionally between May and September, but you can still receive rain during other months. I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur in January, September, and November and didn’t notice any changes in the seasons. Kuala Lumpur is especially busy in January for the Lunar New Year celebrations. You may find accommodation more expensive during this period, and the main attractions are often busier than normal.
Malaysia has two standout Monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (April to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October to March). These two affect different areas of the country.
The popular Perhentian Islands are affected by the Northeast Monsoon season. It’s not advisable to visit this tropical paradise from October to March. The islands are often inaccessible, and even if you can get there, most of the hotels and restaurants will be closed.
The Southwest Monsoon impacts Langkawi and the area of Penang from April to September. Georgetown and Penang will still be accessible and enjoyable during these months, but you may want to avoid Langkawi.
The Cameron Highlands is also open to visitors all year round. Due to its higher elevation, the temperature here tends to be slightly cooler than in other places. The dry season in the Cameron Highlands is February to April and July & August. If you want to hike, I’d suggest visiting during these months.
The rainy season in Malaysian Borneo is from November to February and it’s generally recommended to avoid these months.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the weather unless you want to visit the Perhentian Islands or Malaysian Borneo. Malaysia is hot, humid and wet throughout the year.
How to get around Malaysia
Malaysia is a very easy country to travel around. If you’re a backpacker, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s very affordable.
Bus: The best way to get around Malaysia is by bus. All the main destinations mentioned for any backpacking trip to Malaysia are connected by bus. 12Go Asia is the best way to book your buses in Malaysia.
Ferry: You’ll need to catch a ferry to reach several destinations in Malaysia, including the Perhentian Islands and Langkawi.
Grab: Grab is Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber. Popular destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown have the app available. It’s a lot cheaper compared to some places in the world.
Domestic flights: many of Malaysia’s destinations, such as Langkawi and Penang, have airports and luckily, flying domestically in Malaysia is very cheap. You may find this more convenient than the bus, especially if travelling between Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur.
Is Malaysia safe for solo travel?
Yes, Malaysia is very safe for solo travellers, including solo female travellers. I’ve been to Malaysia once with a friend and twice by myself and have never encountered any issues.
Serious crime is rare in Malaysia, even in Kuala Lumpur. However, as everywhere in the world, petty crimes such as pick-pocketing occur, so be sure to keep your belongings safe. I always felt comfortable walking around Kuala Lumpur by myself in the dark but avoided any quieter roads or unknown areas. This is a general rule I follow anywhere in the world.
Food in Malaysia
Malaysia has some of the world’s most delicious food. Before visiting, I knew little about this culinary haven and wouldn’t have been able to tell you what Malay food was.
Malay food is spicy, aromatic, and full of fresh flavours. It is a true reflection of its multicultural population, combining some of the best flavours from around Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole.
When backpacking Malaysia, you’ll find the best food being sold on the streets (which is great for budget backpacking!). The food hawkers in Malaysia are known to sell some of the best street food in the world. Some of the vendors have even won prestigious awards for their incredible food.
Each region and city often has its unique specialities, making Malaysian street food a culinary adventure as you travel around the country. There is an endless list of incredible Malaysian foods to try, but here are five of my favourites.
- Nasi Lemak: This is an obvious one, but no trip to Malaysia would be complete without trying the national dish. Nasi Lemak consists of rice, anchovies, eggs, and pandan leaves. It normally comes with a customisable side, such as chicken or curry. This popular dish is served all over the country.
- Roti Canai: This is a popular street food in Southeast Asia, but it’s believed to have originated in Malaysia. It’s basically Indian style bread served with accompaniments such as dhal or curry chicken. I could eat this every single day.
- Char Kway Teow: A dish featuring flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, vegetables, and eggs. It’s a little bit spicy too! I don’t eat fish, but I tried a vegetarian version. It was one of my favourite dishes in Malaysia.
- Lok Lok: This is a popular Malaysian street food that involves skewering various ingredients such as meats, seafood, and vegetables. It’s perfect for vegetarians, with lots of vegetables and tofu available. Once you’ve picked your skewers, they’re either boiled or grilled.
- Curry Laska (or Curry Mee): This is a popular Malaysian noodle soup with aromatic curry broth. It can vary around the country, and can also be adapted for dietary requirements. I had several vegetarian versions of this delicious dish.
Trying street food in an unfamiliar country can be a little intimidating. As Malaysia was the first country I visited in Asia, I opted to join a food tour to experience my first taste of Asian street food. I would highly recommend doing this. There are so many foods I would have been unsure about trying if I hadn’t been on the tour.
Is Malaysia expensive?
Malaysia is a little more expensive than Vietnam and Cambodia, but it was cheaper than I was expecting. Prices have gone up everywhere, and Southeast Asia is no exception.
I found Kuala Lumpur to be a little cheaper than Bangkok. This was based on my stay in a hostel and practically living off the delicious street food. I was surprised at how cheap things were in Malaysia after being warned it was so expensive there. Malaysia is a great country to visit if you’re on a budget.
A suggested backpacking budget for Malaysia is £250 per week, but I think you can do it cheaper than this away from Kuala Lumpur.
Where to start your trip in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the perfect starting point for your backpacking trip around Malaysia. This incredible city is full of culture and culinary delights. However, Malaysia is in a convenient location in Southeast Asia, and your journey doesn’t have to start or end in Kuala Lumpur.
If you’re looking for a bigger Southeast Asia backpacking route, consider visiting Malaysia after Thailand. The Malaysian Island of Langkawi is right on the border of Thailand, and it’s just a 90-minute boat trip from Koh Lipe to Langkawi.
Langkawi is a stunning tropical island and, if you are coming from Thailand, the perfect place to begin your Malaysia backpacking route.
If you enter from Langkawi, you can easily follow the below itinerary backwards.
Malaysia: best places to visit and itinerary ideas
Here are the best places to visit for backpacking Malaysia. I’ve included a suggested amount of time to spend in each place so you can create the perfect Malaysia itinerary for your timeframe.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia. It was the first city I visited in Asia and has quickly become one of my favourite cities in the world. It seamlessly blends old and new and is full of history. It’s an incredibly diverse and multicultural city and is an absolute must-visit on any Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary.
Continue planning your backpacking trip to Malaysia with the ultimate Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
There are heaps of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but some of the highlights include:
- Petronas Twin Towers: The crown jewel of Kuala Lumpur is the iconic Petronas Towers. The towers loom over the city, creating a stunning skyline. For the best views of the Petronas Towers, visit KLCC Park. Alternatively, head up the towers to the Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city.
- Batu Caves: The Batu Caves are an absolute must-visit on any trip to Kuala Lumpur. This Hindu Temple is famous for its colourful steps, which lead up to caves full of shrines.
- Chinatown: Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is a busy and vibrant area of the city. The streets are lined with vendors selling items and traditional street food. A visit to Chinatown is sure to get the senses tingling.
Recommended time to spend in Kuala Lumpur: 2 – 3 nights
Melaka
The historic city of Melaka is just a 90-minute bus ride from Kuala Lumpur and an absolute must for those who are interested in Malaysia’s past. The city boasts a stunning display of incredible architecture which showcases its colonial past.
Some of the top sights in Melaka include the Jonker Street Night Market, the Red Square and the Floating Mosque.
Tip: it’s easy to visit Melaka as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. I’d only recommend staying overnight if you enjoy historic cities and learning more about the history. If you prefer nature or beaches, I’d skip Melaka.
Recommended time to spend in Melaka: either a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or 1 night for city lovers.
Taman Negara
Next up is the ancient rainforest of Taman Negara, the country’s main national park and one of the world’s oldest rainforests. If you’re a lover of nature, this should certainly be included in your Malaysia itinerary.
This ancient rainforest is home to some incredible wildlife and scenery waiting to be explored. From canopy walks to hidden waterfalls, Taman Negara is a haven for adventure lovers.
You can visit Taman Negara as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, but I’d suggest staying at least one night. Most of the accommodations there offer one- or two-night packages which include transport and activities. You can visit Taman Negara on the way to the Cameron Highlands.
If you plan to do the trip independently, there is a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara or organise a shuttle.
Recommended time to spend in Taman Negara: 1 – 2 nights
Cameron Highlands
Next up is the stunning Cameron Highlands, a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. It’s truly beautiful with rolling hills, tea plantations and ancient rainforests. The area is heavily influenced by the British after being a British Hill Station, and at times you feel like you’ve been transported to rural England as you eat a scone with gorgeous countryside views.
The main town in the Cameron Highlands is Tanah Rata, which is likely where you will be staying. It’s a great place to base yourself being close to all the attractions and hiking trails. Tanah Rata also has some great food options available.
While much quieter than other destinations on this list, the Cameron Highlands offers plenty of things to do. I suggest joining a day tour to visit the ancient Mossy Forest and the famous Boh Tea Plantation. The Cameron Highlands is also a fantastic hiking destination.
Getting to the Cameron Highlands is straightforward. Use 12Go to book your bus from Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata. It’s a three to four-hour drive from the city. The roads get windy towards the end as you drive up to the Highlands, so if you’re prone to travel sickness, I’d take some medication first.
The Cameron Highlands is a must on your backpacking Malaysia itinerary.
If you’re coming from Taman Negara, your accommodation can book a transfer for you. From the north such as Penang or Ipoh, you can get a coach to the Cameron Highlands
Recommended time to spend in Cameron Highlands: 2 -3 nights
Next up: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Cameron Highlands
Ipoh
Ipoh is a hidden gem in Malaysia. Many backpackers and visitors skip it, but it’s a real gem. This colourful city is a foodie haven surrounded by incredible scenery.
Discover the best things to do in Ipoh.
You can easily get to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands and Penang. In fact, it’s even possible to do a day trip from Georgetown.
Recommended time to spend in Ipoh: 1 -2 nights
Georgetown (Penang Island)
Next up on your Malaysia backpacking itinerary is the incredible area of Penang, specifically Georgetown.
Georgetown was one of my favourite spots in Malaysia. I only spent two nights here and wish I had stayed longer. It’s full of vibrant and colourful streets, delicious street food and amazing scenery.
Here are some of the best things to do in Georgetown.
Try the world-class street food
The street food in Georgetown is known to be some of the best in Malaysia, and the world. Once the sun starts to set, the streets are lined with hawkers selling their mouth-watering dishes. I had some great street food in Kuala Lumpur, but this was somehow even better.
Opt to join a street food tour in Georgetown.
Visit Penang National Park
About an hour on the bus from Georgetown is Penang National Park, a small but beautiful spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. Spend a day exploring the hiking trails, searching for monkeys and relaxing on its pristine beaches.
The 101 public bus will get you to the park in around an hour (I paid RM7 for a return ticket). Once you arrive, you’ll have the option to get a boat into the park or hike to one of the famous beaches.
Read all about visiting Penang National Park.
Search for Street Art
Georgetown is known for its street art throughout the area. Spend a few hours wandering the street and alleyways searching for the fantastic street art.
Tip: most of the paintings show up on Google, but it’s more fun to spend a few hours exploring and seeing what you find.
Visit the many temples
Georgetown and Penang are full of temples including the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia – Kek Lok Si – which is around 30 minutes from Georgetown.
If you want to stay local and stick to walking, you will find plenty of temples including Hindu and Taoist scattered throughout Georgetown.
Penang Hill
Close to the Kek Lok Si temple is Penang Hill, a gorgeous viewpoint over the area. You can either hike up or get the funicular to the top – it’s one of the steepest tunnels in the world so it’s worth the experience.
Tropical Spice Garden
The tropical spice garden is around an hour from Georgetown (towards the National Park), and gives you the opportunity to experience local spices, see how they’re grown and buy the freshest of spices. There are also cooking classes you can sign up for.
How to get to Georgetown
Georgetown and Penang are well connected with the rest of Malaysia. I’d suggest getting the bus to Butterworth (Penang Sentral) and the ferry across to Georgetown from there. The ferry cost is RM1.20 per person and skips the need for a taxi. Busses run from the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
The other bus station near Georgetown is the Sungai Nibong station, which is around a twenty-minute taxi ride from Georgetown. You won’t have to get a ferry, but you will need a taxi into Georgetown which is much more expensive than the ferry.
If you’re coming from Langkawi, you’ll need to get the ferry to either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis. Busses run to Penang from there.
Use 12Go to book your transport around Malaysia.
Recommended time to spend in Georgetown: 2 – 3 nights
Langkawi
Next up is Langkawi, a small but beautiful island right next to Thailand. In all honesty, you can spend as much or as little time as you like here. You can see the highlights in a few days or spend a week relaxing on the beach.
The best place to stay in Langkawi is Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach). There are lots of accommodation options here suitable for all budgets. It’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the island and its many beaches and waterfalls.
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is arguably the most popular attraction in Langkawi. The bridge takes you high above the canopy of the jungle and gives you spectacular 360-degree views of the island. Langkawi is also a great spot to hire a moped and explore the island’s pristine beaches and hidden spots. Snorkelling and diving are also popular activities here.
Alcohol in Langkawi is duty-free, so you’ll find it’s cheaper than on the mainland and there are plenty of bars to help you make the most of this.
Langkawi will be your first destination in Malaysia if entering from Thailand. It’s only a 90-minute ferry ride away from the Thai paradise of Koh Lipe. I spent a week in Langkawi but ended up visiting Koh Lipe for two nights.
Getting to Langkawi is relatively straightforward, you’ll either need to catch the ferry or a flight. Read my guide on how to get to Langkawi.
Recommended time to spend on Langkawi Island: 3 – 4 nights
Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are the definition of tropical paradise. Think pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life.
The Perhentian Islands are the ultimate holiday style destination. If you want a nice resort and to lie on the beach for a week, this is the perfect place. There are two islands to choose from: Perhentian Cecil and Perhentian Besar. Besar is much bigger and more developed, but both islands are beautiful.
Note: the Perhentian Islands are generally inaccessible from October to March due to the monsoon season. It’s likely most hotels will be closed during this period.
The best way to get to the Perhentian Islands is to get the ferry from Kuala Besut. You can either get the bus here from Kuala Lumpur or fly to Kota Bahru then catch a short bus to Kuala Besut.
How long to spend in the Perhentian Islands: at least 4 days
Malaysian Borneo
Last, and by no means least, is Malaysian Borneo. It’s worth noting Malaysian Borneo is a completely different island to the rest of the destinations mentioned on this list and is arguably a trip in its own right.
Malaysian Borneo is known for its sacred mountain of Mount Kinabalu, lush rainforests and unique wildlife. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see wild orangutans. Sabah is one of the best places to see orangutans in Malaysia. I’ve yet to have the opportunity to visit Malaysian Borneo but it’s very high on my list.
Note: Borneo is very expensive compared to the rest of Malaysia and might not be suited for a budget backpacking trip. To see orangutans on a budget, consider visiting Indonesia’s North Sumatra.
To get to Malaysian Borneo, you’ll need to fly.
Backpacking Malaysia tips
Here are some tips for your backpacking trip to Malaysia:
Currency
The official currency in Malaysia is Malaysian Ringgit. Make sure you carry cash with you in Malaysia. While you’ll find paying with card okay in some places, the street food vendors and public transport systems still only accept cash. There are ATMs all over Malaysia.
Sim Cards
If you want to stay connected, you can buy a cheap, local Sim Card in Malaysia. I got mine from 7-11.
The second time I visited I opted for an eSim from Airalo instead. eSims are a lot easier to use than a physical sim. It means you don’t risk losing your actual sim card and can easily switch between the two.
Dress code
Malaysia is a conservative country. When visiting the temples and mosques, women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples will refuse entry to those who refuse to do this. I always travel with a long skirt to wear for days when visiting temples.
Religion in Malaysia
Malaysia is a very multicultural country. Islam is the main religion, but Buddhism and Hinduism are also popular. As you explore Malaysia, you’ll come across different influences from each of these religions including beautiful buildings dedicated to each religion.
Packing tips
Pack lots of cool clothes for Malaysia. It’s a hot and humid destination at any time of year. Make sure to include tops which cover the shoulders and either a long dress, trousers, or long skirt to cover your knees when visiting the temples. If you plan to visit the Cameron Highlands, include something that’s a little warmer.
Hostels
Malaysia doesn’t have the biggest backpacking scene compared to that of Thailand or Vietnam. While there are ample hostels available all around the country, I personally didn’t find them the most social of places. I’d suggest using Booking to find the best accommodation in Malaysia.
It’s worth noting that asides from Langkawi, there isn’t a massive drinking culture in Malaysia. If you’re looking to party, Malaysia might not be the answer.
I hope you found this Malaysia backpacking guide helpful. Continue planning your trip to Malaysia with these helpful articles.
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