Backpacking Malaysia Guide: My Route Through Cities, Islands & Jungles

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

Why Go Backpacking in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a country full of variation and surprises, and after a couple of weeks travelling around the numerous regions and areas of Malaysia, it truly left me wanting more. You can explore beautiful beaches, jungles, eat amazing street food, and, of course, check out some beautiful temples (this is Asia after all).

With solid public transport that works relatively well, and English spoken everywhere, Malaysia offers a great starter pack for Southeast Asia newbies looking to explore the region for the first time.

Kuala Lumpur is a genuine world-class city, making it a great base to start in. Head to Bukit Bintang and you’ll find virtually every type of cuisine that exists under the sun. Penang is another great place for foodies, whilst the Cameron Highlands have great mountain scenery. Then you have the islands of Langkawi and the Perhentians.

Whether you want to get off the beaten path in Malaysian Borneo, view orangutans and trek through remote jungles, dive below the surface, or you just want to chill on a beach all day, there is a destination in Malaysia for you.

There are different ways to do a Malaysia trip. It’s easy to travel through whilst heading overland between Thailand and Singapore. Then you have the possibility for a 2-3 week standalone trip, or a nature-heavy Borneo adventure.

Backpacking Malaysia 2-Week Itinerary: Malaysia’s Highlights

• Route: Kuala Lumpur > Cameron Highlands > Penang > Langkawi > Perhentian Islands (if time allows)
• Best For: A good blend of colonial charm and natural wonders
• Time Needed: 2 weeks
• Main Stops: Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, and Penang
• Works Best If Starting From: Kuala Lumpur or whilst coming down from Thailand

This itinerary is perfect if you have just 2 weeks to backpack Malaysia. I’d say this is the best route to follow for a Malaysia newbie. It mixes city life, temples, street food, mountains, colonial history, and great beaches.

Start your trip staying in Kuala Lumpur, also known as KL. Take a side trip to visit the Batu Caves, full of Hindu shrines. Climbers, you can hang out here for a couple days since there are over 160 rock climbing routes!

Next, we head to the Cameron Highlands, a “highlight” of your trip. These hill stations grow tea, coffee, and fresh fruit. Make sure to go on a local tour. One of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara, isn’t far. Adventurers can go on jungle treks lasting a week or more.

Afterwards, head to Penang and get lost in the beautiful colonial streets, venture through vibrant Little India and follow the street art around the city. Afterwards, find a chill  place to stay in Langkawi for some quality beach time.

If you have an extra week, head to the Perhentian islands on the other side of Malaysia for some epic diving! Don’t try and add Borneo if you’re on a limited time though.

Backpacking Malaysia 3-Week Itinerary: Jungles and Malaysia National Parks

• Route: Kuching > Batang Ai > Miri > Gunung Mulu > Bario > Kota Kinabalu
• Best For: Nature, jungles and trekking
• Time Needed: 3 weeks
• Main Stops: Kuching, Gunung Mulu, and Kota Kinabalu
• Works Best If Starting From: Kuching

This is perfect for outdoor adventurers who want to get far off the beaten path in Malaysia’s most undeveloped region: Borneo, an island Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei, is one of the last places on earth you can see endangered orangutans. It’s a world away from the 2-week itinerary I shared above, but may require flights and slower transport.

Start by staying in Kuching, Sarawak’s small capital, as a base. Don’t miss the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see endangered orangutans. This is a rewarding day-trip. Next head to Bako, Sarawak’s oldest national park. Here you will come across monkeys, fauna, and waterfalls!

Afterward, take a boat through the rivers and forests of Batang Ai. Next head to Miri for Niah National Park where you can find large caves, rainforests, and one of the world’s oldest human fossils. Gunung Mulu National Park offers further wonderful jungle scenery and a three-day trek through a network of limestone karsts and caverns.

If you like to hike, get to Bario for some multi-trekking through remote longhouses and up mountains. End your trip staying in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital. Visit the district with traditional over-water houses and spend your evenings at the markets.

If you have the time (and money), you can summit Malaysia’s toughest climb, Mount Kinabalu. A permit costs around $100, not including a $12 entrance fee, and you have to hire a guide which costs an additional $85, although you can at least split this cost 5 ways. Including everything else (accommodation, supplies etc.), it should cost around $300 to ascend in total.

Malaysia is a fantastically varied country with so much to explore! I’ll give you my top picks of the coolest places to visit on a backpacking trip to Malaysia. But first, a little summary for those in a rush:

• Best for first-time visitors: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Cameron Highlands
• Best for food: Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka
• Best for beaches: Langkawi, Perhentian Islands
• Best for jungle and wildlife: Borneo, Taman Negara, Bako, Gunung Mulu
• Best for culture/history: Penang, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur
• Best for trekking: Cameron Highlands, Borneo, Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Mulu

Backpacking Kuala Lumpur

This is the capital of Malaysia and arguably the most westernised place you’ll visit while in Malaysia. This is often where most backpackers in Malaysia will start, as it is the main hub for international flights. I only spent a short time in Kuala Lumpur, as it was a lot more expensive than the other areas I visited (albeit cheap by European standards), but I enjoyed great food, vibrant and varied culture(s) and the surprisingly decent hiking trails through urban jungle.

The Batu Caves are a short and cheap KTM metro ride from central Kuala Lumpur. The incredible Tamil temple and shrine attracts both worshippers and visitors alike. It isn’t one for the unfit; to get inside the temple you have a great stair workout ahead of you and the humidity will make sure even the fittest person ends with beautiful sweat stains. At the top, explore the inside of the cave and meet the locals… monkeys!

On the way down from the Batu Caves stop at the Bat Cave and take the 45-minute tour inside, wandering into complete darkness, to meet the animals that live down here. You may see spiders, bats, snakes, scorpions, and plenty of cave-dwelling bugs. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and it’s an experience that a lot of travellers miss on the way down!

If you haven’t spent all your money before you leave KUL, head up the KL Tower. It’s around $36 for both decks. Here you will get a pretty awesome view of the city, even better in the evening! Make sure you take a good cheesy picture with the Petronas Towers!

You should always dress respectfully if you visit any temples, including the Hindu temple at the base of the Batu Caves. Also keep an eye on your belongings. I never felt in real danger of pickpocketing here, it’s not Africa or South America, but there have still been a few cases, so be careful.

Use public transport to get around. The LRT is like a metro system, costing barely $1-2 per journey, and it covers most of the main stops like KL Sentral station and Bukit Bintang. A separate system is used to reach the airport however. This is about an hour outside the city.

Backpacking Kedah

When entering Malaysia from Thailand, you will most likely pass through the beautiful state of Kedah. While most travellers will just pass through, Kedah has plenty to offer and it’s worth stopping to explore. Explore some of the first European Colonial Streets and experience the beauty of Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai).

It’s quieter, and has a way more local feel than the international hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

The ancient Malays proclaimed Gunung Jerai sacred and some stunning temples were built throughout the mountain; many of them are still standing today. If you want to know more, the cheeky Malays have placed a great information board at the top of the mountain – all you have to do is climb 1175 meters to reach it!

Come here if you have a little extra time on your hands, and don’t have just a week or two to turbocharge through the highlights. It’s a side quest that adds flavour to your journey, rather than being the main adventure.

Backpacking Langkawi

Both a popular spot for visa-runs for Thailand and a great place to chill out for a few days, the peaceful island of Langkawi sits upon an ancient limestone shelf and is home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest eagle populations. This is a great place to head off on an adventure and if you head away from the party beaches you will find some great treks, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

Cenang Beach is where most of the action is. There’s plenty of jet skiing and other watersports, but the beach itself is not that great and is usually pretty crowded. To see the real Langkawi hire a motorbike and take to the open road for a day of exploring.

Whilst in Langkawi, I took to the trees with Skytrex Adventure for an action-packed afternoon of high ropes (don’t look down!) and zip-lining through the Forest Canopy. I’ve done a few high ropes and zip-lining courses around the world and this was one of the more challenging ones. It’s definitely worth a go if you want to kick-start your day.

There are a lot of great accommodation options in Langkawi. There are some awesome homestays in Langkawi as well as everything from chilled backpacker dorms and quiet Airbnbs to super posh resorts if you plan on splashing out.

I’d recommend checking out this breakdown on the best places to stay in Langkawi from my mate Bren. But if you really want to see the best of what Langkawi has to offer, ditch the party spots, and get away from Cenang.

Backpacking Penang

Being one of the first major areas in Malaysia occupied by the Europeans as well as an ex-trading hub for ships around the world, Penang’s beautiful neighbourhoods keeps much of its colonial heritage intact. It’s an incredible place to chill for a couple of days. It is one of the best places in Malaysia to slow down, eat well, and explore on foot.

‘Old Penang’ is one of the best places to go for a stroll and is filled with UNESCO sites. It’s a bit like stepping back in time…

Hire a bike for cheap – only around $5 for the day at most – and explore George Town and its legendary street art. Get lost in the beautiful colonial streets, venture through vibrant Little India, and follow the street art around the city. There are so many things to do in Penang, it’s a beautiful city!

It’s also Malaysia’s foodie capital with a delicious blend of influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian and other cuisines. Chulia Street in George Town comes to life in the evening, with an endless array of street food. And as you’d expect, satay is everywhere!

You can’t go to Penang and not visit Kek Lok Si Temple or ‘Temple of Ultimate Happiness’. This Buddhist temple faces the sea and overlooks the ever-growing city of new and old Penang. You can hire a guide at the car park relatively cheaply, which I highly recommend. The guide will immerse you in the incredibly beautiful and sometimes gory history behind each of the 10,000 carved symbols.

If this doesn’t convince you, this temple also has one of the biggest statues you will ever see – standing at 99ft (seven stories) Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy is pretty awe-inspiring. Get to this temple around Chinese New Year. Why? Well for 30 days the temple is decorated with thousands of lanterns. This sight is so beautiful that it will give you goosebumps.

Ever wondered what a Burmese Temple looked like?

Dharmikarma Temple is a favourite of mine due to its quirkiness! Explore the gardens of the temple and you will come across a Giant Globe. It is said that if you focus on your heart’s desires, close your eyes, and point, you will be directed to where you need to go – while also taking a cheesy picture of yourself.

You’ll also find a wishing well of fortune? Throw a coin and land it in one of the moving, engraved cups; each with a different future trait – I got Bon Voyage; I think it was pretty accurate.

Backpacking Cameron Highlands

A relatively new backpacker area, the Cameron Highlands are breathtakingly beautiful and should not be missed when travelling in Malaysia. Moving away from the cities and hitting the dirt roads, you will see some truly gorgeous mountainous scenery, cascading tea plantations, and mysterious cloud forest, making it one of the best places to stay in Malaysia.

It’s much cooler up in the hills here, which made a refreshing change from the humidity elsewhere in Malaysia.

When you’re staying in Cameron Highlands, I really recommend hiring a car (or a man with a van) and navigating the dirt track roads leading you into the incredible tea plantations. Learn about the tea-making process – which is actually a lot more interesting than I first thought it would be – sample the leaves, take a walk through the plantations, and even befriend the pickers who will laugh at your attempt at picking the correct leaves at a quick pace… It’s harder than it looks!

I hired a local guide and we went into the cloud forest in search for the rare and beautiful Rafflesia (one of the world’s largest flowers). It kind of looks like a giant upside down mushroom, but more red, and, according to my guide depending on the time of year, it smells like a dead elephant – thankfully it did not when we found it.

Hacking my way through the cloud forest was incredible. The trails are not well trodden, the views are incredible (when the trees break) and the knowledge the locals have on the plants and conservation in the area is extraordinary. If you’re after a real adventure whilst backpacking Malaysia, this is it.

The Cameron Highlands can feel touristy in parts, but it is still worth visiting for the climate, scenery, and break from the lowland heat.

Backpacking Melaka

An easy three-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur, this beautiful small town has an incredibly strange obsession with Hello Kitty, with the cartoon kitten often adorning local rickshaws. The city itself resembles a small town in Europe. Once the ‘must-see’ place in Malaysia before Kuala Lumpur developed, it is now a much sleepier backpacker city with mass tourism having moved elsewhere within Malaysia. Melaka is a cheap place to hang out, making it a perfect rest stop.

UNESCO protected, Melaka is filled with an incredible history and many of the old colonial buildings are still in great condition. Melaka is easy to navigate by bicycle or foot. Wander the streets and enjoy the bright colours, colonial buildings, and reflective water canals.

Head down Jonker Street where the city’s heritage meets some crazy museums, awesome market shopping, and some epic Malaysian food. It’s a little quirky and a great place to find things you will never need but want anyway. Melaka is definitely a stop you shouldn’t miss when backpacking Malaysia.

It’s affordable, has a decent chilled backpacker vibe, and is a fun stop if heading between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Malaysia

Borneo is without a doubt the way to go. Borneo is Asia’s biggest island and a rather intriguing oddity of Malaysia’s backpacking trail.

More than half of Borneo is Indonesian territory with the remaining being Malaysia EXCEPT for two small sections which comprise the country of Brunei. Brunei is also very off the Southeast Asia backpacking trail, which is a shame as it’s a bit of a gem in my eyes.

Borneo is a nature lover’s paradise. You can head to Kuching as a base – or stay in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah – however, once you head outside of these semi-touristed areas, you’re just looking at pure jungle wilderness.

Borneo is world-famous for its population of endangered orangutans, however, there’s heaps more to the island too! All manner of rare and exotic wildlife can be seen on Borneo, and there’s heaps of world-class diving and trekking too.

The culture of Borneo is very different from mainland Malaysia with a whole host of different ethnic groups and intricacies. You’re heading pretty far out into the sticks, so exploring takes effort and time, but isn’t that the whole point of getting off the beaten path?

If you feel extra explorer lazy, though, you could take a tour with Global Work and Travel. They at least let broke backpackers pay in instalments which is really quite nice of them!

Jungles, temples, caves, ruins, bustling metropolises, backpacker bubbles, and a whole host of exquisite beaches dotted around Malaysia… There’s so much stuff to do in Malaysia, but here are my personal picks!

1. Climb around the Batu Caves

Head outside of Kuala Lumpur to explore these limestone cliffs and caves, which represent Hindu shrines and a site for pilgimage. Climbers rejoice! There are over 160 routes in the area. It’s easy to reach from KL via the MRT to KL Sentral station, and the KTM from there.

You need to dress modestly here, and can even visit the Hindu shrine at the bottom. If you make it up the lengthy colourful staircase, then you’ll be surrounded by monkeys which is pretty awesome!

2. Hit the Beach in Langkawi

Langkawi is among the best islands in Malaysia. It’s an inhabited island in an archipelago of over a hundred islands in the Andaman Sea. Langkawi Island is popular with both backpackers and honeymooners and has something to suit all budgets.

Cenang is the main hub, but the real beauty comes further out, in quieter spots where you can relax. You can whizz round on a motorbike, check out the beaches and waterfalls, and even duty free shopping! You can buy fags, booze, choccies, and more without paying any taxes.

3. Hang Out in the Cameron Highlands

These hill stations provide visitors with cool water and fun tea and coffee plantation tours! You can also fruit pick at one of the many fruit farms, including yummy strawberries.

It’s cooler here, so wrap up warm. You won’t find the heat and humidity in other parts of Malaysia up here. I also suggest bringing some rain protection with you too.

4. Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

This park is a collection of five islands found off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. This is a popular place to hike, trek, swim, and dive, especially in March which is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu.

It’s doable as a day trip from Sabah. Pretty easy to sort from there, so you can start enjoying some of Malaysia’s dreamy scenery under the surface.

5. Eat the Street Food

Try the authentic food, which in my opinion is not as spicy as Thai food and is, in fact, more flavorful. You will get a HUGE portion for such a tiny price – Malaysia seriously has some of the best street food in the world!

The three main ethnic groups here (Chinese, Malay, Indian) combine to create an incredible away of (often spicy) street treats. Penang and Kuala Lumpur are foodie capitals for sure, with the latter also having endless international restaurants. Hawker centers are cheap food courts with tons of affordable local options.

6. Get your Culture on in Malacca

Malacca or Melaka has interesting architecture and a high concentration of museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. Janker Street is the main hub for activity here.

It’s UNESCO-recognised, rich in colonial history, and has a really cool floating mosque with a gold dome. I’m a fan!

7. Island Hop the Perhentian islands

Blissful and balmy tropical islands? Malaysia has those too! Come here for fresh seafood and scuba diving. The islands can be visited by ferry and water taxis operate between the various islands giving visitors the chance to island-hop at their leisure.

It’s a seasonal destination though. Avoid coming here from October, when the rains start to assemble, to early March, which is when monsoon season should subside.

8. Haggle for Souvenirs

This is super common in Malaysia and also great fun. The only way to get a good deal is to bargain. Make sure you read up on how to haggle before you go so you’re ready to negotiate like a pro!

Just remember that not every destination is haggle-friendly. Local market stalls, yes, malls and restaurants, no.

9. Hang Out With Endangered Orangutans

Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre is one of the biggest and most well-known orangutan sanctuaries in Malaysia. The sanctuary is located near Sandakan.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve is where I went, it’s easily accessible from Kuching. Just be sure to not get too close to the orangutans, and don’t feed them.

10. Explore Gunung Mulu National Park

Located in East Malaysia, this park is known for its caves and karst formations. There are ample hiking opportunities around the caves and rainforest!

It’s remote, so be sure to plan ahead as it takes some time and effort to get here. The rewards are well worth it though!

Hostels are only just beginning to pop up throughout Malaysia. During my time there, I chose to stay at guesthouses rather than the hostels, as they were cheaper! These days, however, there’s an increasing number of hostels and eco-friendly accommodations in Malaysia.

Throughout Malaysia, guesthouses, hotels, Airbnb, or being hosted with CouchSurfing will be your main options for accommodation. Guesthouses are fantastically priced for us broke backpackers and you can score a bed for as little as $3 a night! Although it’s nearer $7-12 for a good place.

Guesthouses are generally family-run spots with more of an intimate feel.

If you are backpacking Malaysia in peak season, use Airbnb as an alternative. Often just as cheap, the added bonus is you may get a whole apartment! If not, you’ll at least make some awesome local friends. 

Or pack your camping hammock instead and sleep for free! Some hostels will charge you for amenities and some restaurants won’t even charge you a dime.

Unmarried couples generally won’t have a problem travelling and staying together when in Malaysia. You may have to request a double bed in some places (if necessary) but otherwise, you will be met with friendliness and the beautiful hospitality that Malaysian people are famous for. Only unmarried Muslims face problems, and must stay apart.

The Best Places to Stay in Malaysia

You can backpack Malaysia for as little as $12 a day.  That means you’ll be staying in shitholes, eating the cheapest street food, and doing the bare minimum activities though.

You don’t have to go THAT cheap to do things cheapy here, but with a few smart travel tips, your budget will be easy to keep in check. Stick to cheap guesthouses or hostels, good street food, and buses rather than flights/trains and you shouldn’t spend more than forty dollars a day.

Alcohol isn’t cheap in this Muslim country, and will send your costs up fast. Island accommodation, diving, Borneo guides + permits, private transport, and touristy activities are also pricy. Mount Kinabalu will blow your budget out the water.

A Daily Budget in Malaysia

Money in Malaysia

DO NOT buy Malaysian Ringgit before travelling to Malaysia. Why? You will get a crappy exchange rate. Money is easily exchanged upon arrival in Malaysia, and you’ll get a much better exchange rate in the country.

Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

Malaysia accepts the majority of international cards so long as they are Visa or MasterCard, and they don’t charge particularly terrible withdrawal fees. It’s advisable to get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well (pack a travel money belt for this).

When travelling to rural areas, cash is always best because ATMs will become scarce fast. If arriving by land, exchange only what you absolutely need before entering Malaysia. Some drivers will accept US dollars as payment if you have nothing else, but don’t count on it.

Once you head into the rural areas don’t expect ATMs anywhere. Carry cash with you, just enough for what you will be doing and a hidden backup stash in case of delays. I did find cards were easy to use in the big cities though.

Travel Tips – Malaysia on a Budget

Sometimes things are country specific, sometimes they’re just the golden rules of budget backpacking. Either way, if you’re backpacking Malaysia on a shoestring budget, here are some tips to stretch your money further.

• Eat the Street Food: Put your stomach to the test! Nah, just kidding. The street food in Malaysia is awesome and I didn’t encounter any stomach or bathroom problems while here. The trick, as with anywhere serving street food, is to go for the one that already has a queue. No one queues for bad food. This will be the cheapest way to eat, but if you’re not convinced, then head to the hawker centers (food courts), which are basically the same thing.
• Haggle: It is commonplace while market shopping to haggle for your goods. Even if you think it is cheap for you without haggling, you are not getting the local price or a good deal. It’s heaps of fun as well, so get your game face on and snag some random goodies!
• Guesthouses: Cheaper than most hostels and way cheaper than hotels, this is the best way to save money while travelling through Malaysia. They’re often family-run too, so you will meet some awesome locals. If you want to book something online, Hostelworld offers some of the best deals in Asia.
• Couchsurfing: A fantastic way to travel without spending money! You’ll make local friends and see a whole other side to the tourist part of town. Just be sure to cook your host a meal to say thank you for putting you up!
• Hitchhike: Hitchhiking is a great way to meet the locals, and it may even score you a free bed for the night as well – two for one is always good right? If you’re not comfortable hitchhiking, take the bus: it’s super cheap and relatively comfortable. Hitchhiking isn’t common though, so it may be tricky to find a ride, and you could end up waiting a while.
• Free temples: Not every attraction has to cost a pretty penny. Many religious temples in Malaysia are free to enter, so check a few out for a different cultural experience. I especially love the colourful Hindu temples.
• Go dry: Despite being a Muslim country, Malaysia does sell alcohol. However, it isn’t cheap. It’s rare to find in convenience stores, and often restricted to a handful of areas. Ditch the booze for a week or two, and you’ll have a budget-friendly blast!
• Bring a filtered water bottle: You can drink tap water anywhere in the world with a good filter, and it won’t make you ill (if it really is a good filter). I’ve never had a problem, even in countries like India.

You know those tiny pieces of plastic you used to use to connect yourself to the internet abroad? Sim Cards I think they were called? Well yeah, we’re ditching those.

These days, wherever you go in the world an eSIM is by far the best way to stay connected from the minute you land. You can download an eSim before you leave home and then activate it when you are still sitting on the plane waiting to disembark.

You skip all the hassle of trying to figure out different providers and navigating airport prices to make sure you’re not getting scammed.

Of all the many eSim providers out there, we suggest Jetpac. Jetpac works just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected before the pilot says you can stand up.

JetPac eSim Packages For Malaysia

1GB – 4 Days – $1

5GB – 30 Days $8.50

10GB – 30 Days – $15

Malaysian seasons range from wet, comfortable, hot and humid. The West and East Coast can experience completely different weather from one another so it really depends on where you want to go in Malaysia.

Overall, the West coast is best between October to March, and the East coast is best from March to October.

Borneo is a different kettle of fish. It can be wet all year-round, and is pretty humid in the rainforests. So weather-wise Borneo needs to be treated different from the mainland. Kuala Lumpur on the other hand can easily be visited at any time. Even in the wet season, many walkways are covered, so you don’t get TOO wet. Well, you do around the Petronas Towers… Penang is another year-round destination, with rainfall and humidity amongst the challenges you may face.

The east coast gets quite a bit more rain than the west, and if travelling to Malaysia in the wet season, you may find a lot of stores, hotels and guesthouses closed. I travelled around Malaysia from December to the end of January and the weather was spot on.

Malaysia’s coasts follow different monsoons; see how it fits with the rest of the region in our best time to visit Southeast Asia guide. The Perhentians are basically off-limits in monsoon season (November-February) with pretty much everything closed down, and that’s fair, because it wouldn’t be fun anyway.

Festivals in Malaysia

Given the massive cultural and ethnic spread in Malaysia, there’s a huge range of festivals to go wild at too. Religious shebangers, cultural shindigs, and musical shemozzles – it’s a blast.

• Thaipusam (January/February) – If you’ve ever wanted to watch men stick spikes through their cheeks and shake what their mumma gave them, this is your chance! One of the most important festivals for Tamil people, things really kick off in Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Caves around this time of year.
• Malaysia Water Festival (April/May) – The concept is pretty similar to the Thailand Water Festival Songkran: everyone gets out in the streets with super soakers and water balloons. There are other activities too, but really, this one’s all about H2-whOa.
• Gawai Harvest Festival (June) – If you’re looking for something a little more esoteric, than get yourself Sarawak (in Borneo) at the start of June. It’s a harvest festival – similar to Pagan festivals in concept – hugely important to a number of indigenous peoples of the Sarawak area. Expect to be fed… a lot.
• Rainforest World Music Festival (June) – Also held in Sarawak, this world-famous international music festival sees a lot of eclectic artists grace its stage. You get quite a variety of music, however, traditional music, world fusion, and other contemporary international styles tend to be the main affair.

Just be aware that festivals can make prices shoot up, so book accommodation well in advance to minimise the damage.

What to Pack for Malaysia

You need to pack and dress practically in Malaysia. More modern areas of Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur will be a lot more Westernised, you can pretty much wear what you would at home on a day-to-day basis with only a few exceptions. In the more rural areas it is a wise to be respectful and dress a little more conservatively, especially if you are a woman. Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country, complete with the Islamic dress sense, so keep that in mind.

Showing a lot of flesh for men or women will attract a lot of attention or, worst-case scenario, cause offence. Jeans and a t-shirt, covering shoulders and cleavage is perfectly fine. Try to keep shorts/skirts/dresses at or just below the knee. Tight and fitted clothing will attract attention such as harmless stares.

A rain coat is essential. You never know when the rains will come here, and when they do, they come HARD. Mosquito repellant is also a must in much of the country, although I’ve never found it necessary in Kuala Lumpur (it’s essential in Borneo though). Bring a dry bag for the islands, a good power bank, and ear plugs if staying in hostels.

You also shouldn’t forget your backpacking essentials! Here are the pieces of gear that I never go travelling without. For even more packing ideas, check out my list gear to take backpacking!

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Check Best Price

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Check Best Price

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Check Best Price Check Best Price

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check Best Price

Malaysia is very safe for travel. The majority of people you will meet when travelling in Malaysia are incredibly friendly and genuine people. Travellers should still use common sense around traffic, petty theft, scams, nightlife, weather, and adventure activities.

Kuala Lumpur is ultra safe on crime, but there are still a couple of things to look out for. I found motorcyclists often come flying down paths and other places where they shouldn’t be. On one occasion, I looked left to see the traffic coming down a one-way road, and was lucky not to be hit by a bike coming the wrong way. Also, KL has a huge rat problem. Be wary of eating at outdoor markets, as this is where rats tend to gather – more commonly in rain or at night.

Always use reputable tour operators when doing activities. A poorly-reviewed tour could lead to safety issues – something I’ve experienced in other countries before. This is especially important for diving and trekking activities. It doesn’t matter so much for a Kuala Lumpur walking tour.

Watch out for monkeys. They bite, steal, and can carry deadly illnesses such as rabies. The Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur are the most dangerous spot, purely because this is where monkeys and humans come within the closest proximity. Don’t carry food when near monkeys.

Always check the weather before any boat, island or trekking activities. Monsoons can be lethal. There’s a reason why places like the Perhentian Islands shut down for monsoon season. Never underestimate the power of bad weather.

As long as you stick to the basic tips for travelling safe, you’ll be totally gravy.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the worlds toughest countries when it comes to drugs. If you get caught with drugs you’ll most likely get a mandatory prison sentence or even worse, the death penalty. I’d recommend avoiding drugs altogether when travelling Malaysia, anything else is incredibly stupid and may completely ruin your life.

Alcohol in Malaysia is pretty pricey because it is forbidden for Muslims to drink. However, those who are not Muslim are free to drink if they wish. Many restaurants won’t serve alcohol but will turn a blind eye to those bringing in their own to have with their meal.

House parties are pretty common in Malaysia and are heaps of fun! You’ll find modern clubs in the main cities such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny to get in! Langkawi is also a place good for drinking.

It’s illegal for unmarried Muslim couples to share rooms. No problem for non-Muslims, but if either partner is Muslim, you can get in a lot of trouble if caught staying together.

Travel Insurance for Malaysia

Travelling without insurance would be risky, so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. It’s definitely a smart idea to have travel insurance for Malaysia.

Sort out your insurance before you go. There are several good options, but our overall pick is SafetyWing. Most of the Broke Backpacker team has used it at one point or another, and we’ve filed claims for rabies jabs in Bali, a hospital stay in Mexico, and a clinic visit for a stomach bug that wouldn’t quit. All paid out.

It’s month-to-month, no lock-in, no itinerary required, and you can buy it after you’ve already left. A little over $2 a day if you’re under 40.

New SafetyWing customers: use code BROKEBACKPACKER for 8 free weeks of electronics theft coverage. You have to scroll down and click the pink camera on their landing page to enter it, and you have to do it before creating your account.

I arrived in Malaysia by travelling from Thailand across the Thai/Malay border. We hired a local man and his van to drive us to the border in Thailand and then walked through and caught another man in a van on the other side. The border is open from 5am-11pm Thai time, which is 6am-midnight Malaysian time. Just remember that border crossing times are unpredictable, so allow more time than you think you need.

There are long-distance bus services that will take you from Thailand to Malaysia as well, but this costs a little more and takes a little longer as well. If you’re short on time or simply a baller, flights from Thailand to Kuala Lumpur are very cheap.

If you’re coming from outside of Asia, the international flight’s hub is Kuala Lumpur, and you can get great deals with an array of different airlines. I have found Malaysian Airlines and Emirates (via Dubai) to offer some of the best prices into Malaysia.

KL is one of Asia’s most well-connected cities, with even the likes of Baghdad and Ashgabat offering direct flights, as well as tons of more mainstream destinations.

Flying to other airports in Malaysia is easily done but will often cost more and you will stopover in Kuala Lumpur anyway, so you may as well hop off and explore!

Entry Requirements for Malaysia

As of today, the majority of nationalities will be able to get visa-free entry to Malaysia for 30-90 days, which is fantastic! Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU countries, and several other nations will be permitted to stay for a maximum of 3 months on arrival, but be careful not to overstay this.

Malaysia, unlike many other Asian countries, is having a big crackdown on illegal immigration and overstaying your visa may be a tricky (and expensive) situation to get out of. You could be fined over $2,500, deported, and banned for several years if caught (although in practice, you may not be hit so hard by overstaying for a few days… but it’s luck based and I wouldn’t take the risk).

If you know you will be staying longer than 3 months in Malaysia, it is recommended you visit the Malaysian Diplomatic Mission in your own country to obtain a longer visa. If you are in the country, head to your local embassy, or leave the country and return.

Once through immigration, Malaysia is a relatively safe and welcoming place to travel. A couple of months is heaps of time to explore this beautiful country. Entering overland into the country, you will have your fingerprints taken, passport scanned, and you may be asked about your exit plans, especially if you don’t have a flight out of the country booked.

Malaysian immigration is not new to backpackers, so as long as you have an idea of how you will leave, you should be fine. However, officially you are supposed to have a return ticket to enter. It’s a good idea to have one just in case.

If you need help organising your visa, try using iVisa.

Visiting Malaysia? Don’t risk having to sit on the floor or change your itinerary because you missed the last ticket at the station! Find the best transport, best time and the best fare with 12Go. And why not use what you’ve saved to treat yourself to something nice upon arrival? It only takes 2 minutes! Book your transport on 12Go now and guarantee your seat easily.

Malaysian roads are top-notch in tourist areas but will quickly turn to gravel and dirt tracks as you venture further away from backpacker hubs and out of the cities. All the same, your options for public transport in Malaysia are plentiful! It’s easy to get around Malaysia.

To travel around Malaysia quickly would involve a lot of flights, but you’d be missing out on some epic overland scenery and road trips. Travelling in Malaysia is, after all, a part of the appeal. There is so much to be seen from the road…

Rather than just rocking up at the bus stop in the hope they will have space to fit you on, you can now book tickets in advance for most of Southeast Asia using 12Go! I love 12Go and used it myself pretty often when backpacking around Malaysia.

You can normally wing it with transport on the mainland, but Borneo needs a little more prep work beforehand.

Hitchhiking in Malaysia

Hitchhiking in Malaysia is uncommon but not at all difficult. For broke backpackers on a tight budget, hitchhiking offers one of the most cost-effective ways to get around whilst backpacking Malaysia.

The busier roads in Malaysia are often highways, which can make scoring a ride a little tricky. The best tip I was given was to put yourself in a spot that if you score a ride and they come in at speed, you can get out the way. It can be unsafe if you aren’t careful. Malaysians are curious and ridiculously friendly, so on a good day, it shouldn’t take you longer than 5 minutes to hitch a ride.

Expect short distance riding, especially in rural areas where not many people are driving by. It’s far more likely you will catch lots of short rides rather than one long one. Make friends with other tourists at gas stations and café stops. You never know who has a spare seat in their car.

Before hopping in the car it’s a good idea to clear the air and make sure the driver is aware you are hitchhiking, not hailing a taxi. That would make for an awkward exit…

Top Tips for Hitchhiking in Malaysia

• Take a road map of Malaysia: It isn’t exactly necessary, but it may help you out in a pinch. Plus, doing it old-school is just a blast!
• Look like a tourist: People know what hitchhiking is and they are interested in foreign visitors, so make sure you look like a tourist. On busy roads, sometimes the wait time is less than 5 minutes.
• Don’t hitch right on the motorway: Unlike in other countries in Asia, it’s not advisable to hitchhike right on the motorway. Police won’t bother, but cars are much less likely to stop if they are too fast or there is no safe place to stop.
• Have a sign with ‘Tumpang’ written on it: This can help, especially if you choose to walk on the Expressway.
• Learn some useful phrases: Drivers usually speak English, so a few local phrases like the ones below will help!
• Read our Hitchhiking 101 Guide: It helps!

To be honest, not a lot. Malaysia is a stable country that doesn’t have ever-changing rules, borders closing on a whim, or giant spanners that get in the way of a successful backpacking trip.

They introduced e-visas in 2016, which simplified the entry process for many nationalities. And little has changed on this front since then.

Otherwise, Malaysia is chill. Some prices have gone up on average, but nothing too extreme. Accommodation costs have even gone down a little in recent years. You can still bag a bargain with dirt-cheap street food and budget-friendly transport.

There is one negative change unfortunately, and that is that it’s no longer possible to do Liveaboard scuba trips in Malaysia. The country is still an unreal scuba spot though regardless, and you should head to Sabah to hang out with the mightily impressive marine life living under the water.

Malaysia is a prime spot for working travellers and one that a lot of long-term backpackers and digital nomads end up in. While rural and off-track areas of Malaysia can still be pretty crazy, cities and touristed areas are very modern and, at times, Westernised. Kuala Lumpur alone is a hugely crucial international business and trade hub with plenty of foreigners expatting there. Penang is another popular choice.

While there’s no shortage of choices available for working in Malaysia, teaching English is one of the most common forms of employment for backpackers. You will need a work permit for Malaysia, however.

A Temporary Employment Pass is a common work visa in Malaysia unless certain extenuating circumstances apply (like you work in a highly technical and highly paid field). They mostly cover manual labour and service roles. These passes can last for up to 60 months and are possible to obtain provided you jump through the required bureaucratic hoops. Generally not the easiest path to digital nomadism for backpackers though.

Teaching English in Malaysia

While Southeast Asia as a whole is a prime English teaching destination, Malaysia is one of the hottest candidates among those. Many travellers stop for a contract’s period working as an English teacher in Malaysia.

Given Malaysia’s familiarity with both tourists and expats, as well as their stronger economy and tighter infrastructure, it’s a perfect destination for those with TEFL degrees looking to teach English abroad. You can pitch yourself up in a nice pad for 6-12 months, enjoy the local cuisine, and have a completely refreshed bank account by the time you’re ready to hit the road again! Don’t expect this to be a quick 1-2 month thing though – it’s more long-term.

Now, you will need the aforementioned work permit for this alongside a potential sponsorship/employer. Addtionally, you require a TEFL certificate. Many employers also look for a Bachelor’s degree (in any subject).

TEFL certificates open up a lot of doors for travellers. With one under your belt, you’ll find opportunities to work on the road (and, thus, extend your travels) most places in the world!

There are a lot of choices for acquiring a TEFL degree, however, I recommend running the course through MyTEFL. Not only are they a highly reputable and effective company, but Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount (using the code PACK50)! Not a bad deal at all considering that the payoff is a life of indefinite travel.

Volunteer in Malaysia

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Malaysia which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

While parts of Malaysia are greatly developed, there are still plenty of opportunities for backpackers to offer up some time and skills in other, more rural areas. Most of the gigs you’ll find are ‘bread and board’ opportunities working in hospitality, which are a great way to give back to the local community. English teaching and conservation work are other popular options. A Social Visit Pass is what to look for if you want to go volunteering in Malaysia.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Malaysia, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $59 a year to only $49.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

There are some amazing options for street food in Malaysia. The three major ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian) combine to cook up some absolutely banging cuisine. Here are some of my favourite must-try foods here:

Kuala Lumpur has to go down as one of the world’s best food cities. It has every cuisine you can imagine. What do locals eat on the planet Mars? Well there’s probably a restaurant for it somewhere in KL. Penang is also a popular foodie city, with a stronger local influence. Melaka isn’t too shabby either.

Look for hawker centres – cheap food courts with lots of local foods in them. Much cheaper than Western restaurants.

If you’re interested in learning more about the cuisine, then check out these awesome deals on Malaysian cooking classes!

Malaysians are incredibly friendly people; they have grown up in one of the biggest melting pots of cultures I have come across. They are so interested in your story and will often ask you a lot of questions. They love to take pictures with the people they meet. This even happened to me at the border crossing.

If you don’t want your picture taken, just politely decline, though they may take a sneaky one anyway. It is not uncommon for Malaysians to invite you for tea or for dinner. It is up to you if you want to accept this offer, but I mean, why wouldn’t you?

I have yet to meet an unfriendly Malaysian and found everyone to be extremely respectful. If nothing else, you will not be without friends when backpacking in Malaysia.

The country is dominated by three major ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Unlike neighbouring Singapore, the Malays are top dogs here rather than the Chinese. Indigenous people are known as “bumiputera” and they have real estate discounts, priority when setting up businesses, and dominate positions of power. Malays make up the overwhelming majority of Bumiputera, alongside smaller remote groups from Borneo.

In Singapore, they try and pretend “everyone is equal” despite the Chinese dominating and controlling all positions of power in practice. Here in Malaysia, they don’t even try to hide the fact that Malays come first.

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, with almost all Malays following Islam. They often wear hijabs, but it’s rare to see more extreme forms of Islamic dress, like the niqab or burka. This isn’t Afghanistan, so don’t fret too much about clothing here. As long as you aren’t doing something extreme like wearing beachwear in the city, you’ll be fine.

Useful Travel Phrases for Malaysia

It always helps to learn new languages and pieces of the local language when you travel to a foreign country! Below are my favourite Malaysia travel phrases. You don’t need to know any Malay as English is widely spoken, but it will be massively appreciated if you do.

Books to Read About Malaysia

Backpacking Malaysia will be made even more incredible with background knowledge. To truly get an idea of the incredible range of cultures, religions, and traditions in Malaysia, I highly recommend reading some of these books set in Malaysia before your travels.

• Floating on a Malayan Breeze: Travels in Malaysia and Singapore – A great insight into how Malaysian culture developed and grew after splitting with Singapore and how different the two places are.
• A Town Like Alice –  The story of Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman who becomes romantically interested in a fellow prisoner of World War II in Malaya, and after liberation emigrates to Australia to be with him, where she attempts to generate economic prosperity in a small community – to turn it into “a town like Alice”.
• Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo – If this doesn’t convince you to go and explore the wild side of Borneo, I don’t know what will.
• Malaysia – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture – I don’t normally take guide books with me, but this was a good read before I left.
• The Harmony Silk Factory – A fantastic read comparing different cultures and how they lived and worked together. One of my favourites!

I love reading before taking my next trip. Actually, I just love to read in general. Check out more of my favourite books to read on the road for some lazy hammock day inspiration!

A Brief History of Malaysia

For many centuries, the British colonised Malaysia. They built the foundations for modern Malaysia with a slew of economic, infrastructure and system growth reforms. Paved roads, rule of law, electricity grids, the railways, improved healthcare, and trade ports were amongst many things the British brought here.

One of the few downsides of British rule, was the failure to protect Malaysia. On December 8, 1941, the Japanese invaded the Malay Peninsula and they quickly overran it, but after WWII the Japanese were defeated themselves. Ethnic clashes ensued after the Japanese surrender, but were quickly crushed by the British returning.

The Brits tried stripping Malay sultans of their disproportionate power, offering citizenship to the Chinese and Indian workers under the 1946 Malayan Union, but this was repealed two years later after fierce resistance from the Malays. The Malayan Emergency followed from 1948-1960 as communist terrorists murdered three plantation owners in Penang.

This led to a 12-year conflict, which the communists framed as “anti-colonial”. In 1957 Malaysia received independence, achieved peacefully after Britain handed the reigns over to a pro-British government. The communists, heavily weakened by this point, lost their cause, and locals turned on them. Six years later, the “Malaysia” we know today was formed, with the Federal Republic of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) and Singapore combining.

Singapore was expelled due to ethnic differences in 1965, and Malaysia has had relative stability ever since, with a couple of blips along the way.

Today, in modern Malaysia, Penang has emerged as a technology hub, Kuala Lumpur is a global megacity (albeit with some shoddy infrastructure away from the glossy centre), and both are top food destinations. Malaysia is a genuine world-class wildlife country too. An elite nation from a travel perspective, and one on the up for locals too, with decent living standards, especially in the cities.

There are a lot of incredible reasons to travel Malaysia. It’s a beautiful country filled with many beautiful people.  Enjoy it!

Scuba Diving in Malaysia

Malaysia has plenty of great scuba diving options. The most famous sites, however, are located on Sipadan Island and Mabul Island. 

Sipadan is by far the best place to enjoy scuba diving; it is also not that easy to actually dive at because of the restricting rules that are in place (i.e. daily permits). Mabul is known worldwide for its amazing muck diving conditions. Other great spots include Sabah, known for having some of Malaysia’s best diving, and the Perhentian Islands, with decent cheap options for newbies.

Check seasons and visibility before committing to anything. The last thing you want is to put your safety at risk in what can be considered an extreme sport.

ALWAYS check reviews for dive shops before booking. When safety is important, you don’t want to risk going with an amateur. I’ve had some precarious moments by picking the cheapest tours, rather than safe ones, and it’s really not worth it.

Trekking in Malaysia

Adventurists and avid trekkers will want to head to Borneo. There are several beautiful national parks, and ample opportunities to hike through jungles, over mountains, and through remote villages. If you’re a fan of the trail, be sure to plan a hiking adventure in Malaysia.

Mount Kinabalu is the final boss for hikers in Malaysia. It is TOUGH! Plus, you need permits to go up there. And a fair bit of cash unfortunately…

Gunung Mulu offers some caves and rainforest trekking, but the Cameron Highlands are a goated beginner spot. Treks there are easy, although the soggy weather can make things much trickier.

Bring proper hiking boots with you. These have been a godsend during my mountain adventures! I’d recommend leech repellant if you’re going into jungles for a few days.

Malaysia is easy. Visa-free for many, very cheap, safe, English-speaking, and home to a decent network of buses, trains and planes. This is a perfect spot for Southeast Asia newbies.

From munching everything imaginable in “budget Singapore” Kuala Lumpur, to trekking through the misty Cameron Highlands, to hanging out with orangutans in Borneo, there’s never a boring day in Malaysia. There’s Langkawi for the beach bros, Penang for foodies, the Perhentians for divers, the list goes on!

Eat the street food, stay in guesthouses, travel by bus, and perhaps most importantly, travel slow. This is how you’re gonna backpack Malaysia on a budget. Flying to Borneo is awesome, Kinabalu is breathtaking, and KL has some top restaurants, but these are all budget bashers that will defeat a broke backpacker in no time.

Don’t be disrespectful, inappropriate, or deface temples – certainly, do not try to wander in shirtless. Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, so dress conservatively when you are not on a beach. And don’t be an idiot who touches drugs.

Wear a helmet when you hop on a motorbike in Asia. Despite being an experienced driver, I’ve had a total of three crashes in South East Asia over the last ten years. On the one occasion, when I wasn’t wearing a helmet, I split my head open and had to go to the hospital. It was an expensive mistake. The local people are sick of scraping foreigners off the road and, trust me, you don’t look cool for not wearing a helmet.

Go to Asia and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of, but be respectful along the way. Travelling the world makes you an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and either change or reinforce stereotypes that may be associated with your country…

All in all, just be cool, homie. Malaysia is a beautiful place filled with a lot of beautiful people. And now, you have everything you need to know to hit the road and begin backpacking Malaysia. So get out there already!

Come for the food and easy logistics, stay for the jungles, islands, cultures, and the kind of travel days that make Malaysia far more memorable than many backpackers expect.