Is Malaysia Price Visiting? (This is What To Anticipate)

Malaysia isn’t talked about by vacationers almost as a lot as Bali, Phuket, and even Singapore. Someway, it’s usually missed by vacationers in Southeast Asia, though many who’ve visited will let you know they adore it for its delicacies, multi-ethnic tradition, and unbelievable nature.

Nevertheless, Malaysia could be very completely different from its neighboring international locations, and it actually is probably not everybody’s cup of tea (even when the literal cups of tea in Malaysia are unbelievable, because of its famend tea-growing tradition).

That’s why I’m right here to let you know precisely what Malaysia has to supply and allow you to determine for your self if it’s price visiting for you.

Malaysia at a Look

Usually talking, you possibly can count on Malaysia to be calmer, extra organized, and extra conservative than international locations like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Indonesia.

This may make it a bit love-it-or-hate-it.

It appears that evidently backpackers normally have extra blended opinions about Malaysia, usually preferring the rough-and-tumble ambiance and occasion scene in different Southeast Asian locations. At the very least, that’s been my impression from talking with travellers on the Southeast Asia path.

In fact, you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the many different great points of Malaysia, but it surely’s helpful to know that the nation is extra orderly and calm than different elements of the area.

Then again, Malaysia appears to draw much more curiosity from touring {couples} and households, for whom the phrases ‘organized’ and ‘calm’ are usually not essentially negatives!

After I labored for an journey journey company some years in the past, Malaysia was considered one of our prime locations for households on the lookout for a enjoyable journey journey, because of its dependable logistics mixed with a wealth of cultural and pure points of interest.

Whereas it’s a bit extra subdued than different Asian locations, this has additionally saved tourism improvement in verify. It’s arguably simpler to discover a quiet escape in Malaysia than in different overdeveloped and generally over-the-top locations within the Southeast Asia area.

One other argument in favor of Malaysia for some is that English is broadly spoken (by about 60% of the inhabitants), so the language barrier is far much less of a difficulty.

As all the time although, journey could be very subjective, so let me describe the vibe in Malaysia extra so you can also make up your personal thoughts. One factor to know is that Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo are very completely different, which I’ll clarify in a minute.

What to Anticipate of Malaysia

The combo of cultures

Upon arriving, you’ll instantly be hit by an array of cultures because of its location on the intersection of many historic buying and selling routes. You’ll discover a melting pot of Malay, Chinese language, Indian, and indigenous influences.

The mix of language, meals, and customs is sort of a welcome shock. Malaysia’s Muslim majority additionally offers it a distinct taste; roughly 60% of the inhabitants follow Islam so you possibly can count on to listen to calls to prayer from the mosques reverberating via the cities a number of occasions a day.

After I first visited Malaysia a few years in the past, this felt fairly unique to me! Nevertheless, it might probably take a little bit of getting used to, particularly if you happen to’re a light-weight sleeper.

Faith

Everytime you say Muslim, many individuals’s ideas instantly go to super-conservative international locations like Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, Islam in Malaysia is pretty average general.

Very similar to in Indonesia, loads of locals might be OK with consuming alcohol, for instance. Nevertheless, consuming in public (i.e. not in a bar) could also be socially frowned upon, as are sturdy public shows of affection. That is simply one thing to pay attention to and modify to.

The principles are completely different in Malaysia for Muslim and non-Muslim residents and vacationers. Nevertheless, don’t count on full moon events in every single place or enormous ranges of social liberalism in each a part of the tradition. Don’t fear, persons are very pleasant, however issues are usually not as exuberant or ‘anything-goes’ as in different elements of Southeast Asia.

That stated, Malaysia represents a mixture of religions and cultures. In addition to spectacular mosques, you will notice indicators of different religions as effectively. As an example, you possibly can go to many superbly adorned Hindu temples in mainland Malaysia. In Georgetown, you possibly can go to the Chinese language Taoist temple of Han Jiang and in Malacca, you possibly can see the remnants of the St. Paul’s Church as soon as utilized by Dutch, English, and Portuguese colonists.

Stage of improvement

One other factor that you simply’ll little doubt instantly discover if coming from, say, Cambodia or Vietnam is the extent of improvement and general cleanliness in Malaysia.

Whereas many Southeast Asian international locations wrestle with trash air pollution, Malaysia is a breath of recent air—actually. The federal government has carried out strict legal guidelines and initiatives to maintain the nation clear, making it one of many cleanest international locations within the area.

You can too count on glorious transportation in Malaysia. The nation has a well-developed community of roads, trains, and buses that make it straightforward to get round. After hustling to catch buses and throwing your backpack into the again of pickup vans in different international locations, it could really feel like a aid for the bus to exhibits up when it stated it will!

The meals

One of many largest promoting factors for visiting Malaysia is the meals. Malay delicacies isn’t as effectively often called Thai, partially as a result of there aren’t a billion Malaysian eating places around the globe appearing as culinary embassies, however actually I’ll get simply as enthusiastic about a tremendous Laksa curry as, say, a Tom Yam soup.

What’s nice is the number of meals you possibly can expertise as effectively, owing to its mixture of cultures together with Malay, Indian, and Chinese language.

The road meals is top-notch, but when it isn’t your factor, Malaysia additionally has a wonderful restaurant scene. In Kuala Lumpur, you’ll have high-end choices at unbelievable costs, in addition to Western-style dishes if you happen to’re feeling homesick.

Tourism ranges

Regardless of having epic caves, jungle reserves, seashores and islands, and cities with beautiful spiritual monuments, tourism in Malaysia is at rather more cheap ranges general than, say, Bali or the Thai coast.

That stated, statistically Malaysia is likely one of the most-visited international locations in Southeast Asia. Maybe that is much less noticeable as a result of completely different type of tourism than in a number of the extra rambunctious locations in Thailand. Indonesians, Singaporeans and Chinaese account for many of Malaysia’s guests, with fewer visiting from Western international locations.

Worth for cash

Lastly, let’s discuss some {dollars} and cents (or on this case, ringgits and sens).

Malaysia could not have absolutely the lowest costs in Southeast Asia; for that, you have to have a look at international locations like Vietnam or Cambodia. Nevertheless, I might argue it has a number of the finest worth for cash general, which means an inexpensive price range provides you with a comparatively prime quality of lodging and meals (one thing completely different from merely being low cost!).

Malaysia is typically thought-about dearer, however I’m wondering if that’s simply occasion backpackers taking a look at solely beer costs, that are certainly larger than in Thailand because of taxation. Extra usually talking, Malaysia is sort of inexpensive for vacationers, particularly contemplating the comparatively excessive way of life. A backpacker price range of $30/day is feasible, whereas $50/day will nonetheless be lots if you happen to’re travelling on a modest price range however possibly taking a couple of extra excursions or staying in native budget-friendly inns.

Regardless of its larger stage of improvement, Malaysian costs for issues like meals or lodging are very cheap. For that reason, cities like Penang and Kuala Lumpur are well-liked stops for digital nomads seeking to hold their overhead low.

Peninsular Malaysia vs Borneo

Malaysia is successfully break up into two elements: the peninsula bordering Thailand, and the northern a part of Borneo which borders Indonesia.

The 2 are very completely different!

If you happen to’re into cities and tradition, you might extra benefit from the peninsula, whereas journey vacationers will in all probability need to head straight to Borneo.

Subjectively, the epic jungle experiences and the beautiful coral reefs in Borneo spoke to my pursuits greater than the comparatively tidy and arranged cities within the Peninsula. If you happen to’re a backpacker with an curiosity in nature, I like to recommend testing the japanese states of Sabah and Sarawak, that are stuffed with adventurous locations to go to.

(I ought to point out right here the peninsula additionally has its share of untamed nature, similar to within the Taman Negara Nationwide Park. However normally the itineraries right here emphasize the cities and tea fields extra, with the jungles usually being an additional.)

The Malaysian a part of Borneo is known as East Malaysia, and it consists of two states: Sabah and Sarawak.

“Borneo” is definitely a reputation you’ll affiliate with nature documentaries on Discovery Channel or Nationwide Geographic — and also you’d be proper. This landmass is residence to a number of the largest uninterrupted rainforests in Southeast Asia.

Nevertheless, simply know this isn’t what you’ll see at first. Think about my shock after touchdown in Kota Kinabalu when I discovered myself driving down 4-lane motorways via landscapes comprised of countless rows of palm timber. (Malaysia is definitely one of many world’s largest palm oil producers.)

However fret not, Borneo remains to be one of the biodiverse locations on Earth, which you’ll quickly see as you go deeper into the inside. Visiting the epic Mulu Caves or exploring the dense jungles of Kinabatangan (the place you’ve got likelihood of recognizing wild orangutans) will certainly make you whisper ‘Borneo’ a lot as David Attenborough does when he narrates a BBC documentary.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for an journey journey expertise, then that is actually the a part of Malaysia to go to. If you happen to favor to be out in nature, uncover hidden waterfalls, go to a number of the world’s largest caves, and trek via the jungle, then Borneo is the place to go.

East Malaysia is barely much less developed than the Peninsula, nevertheless. A neighborhood described it to me as “like peninsular Malaysia however 15 years behind it”. The infrastructure is of top quality, however it’s a bit wilder in locations and there are fewer inhabitants facilities general in Sabah and Sarawak.

If you happen to’re extra into cities and tradition, then West Malaysia could enchantment to you extra. Nevertheless, East Malaysia does have some fascinating city and cultural sights as effectively. As an example, town of Kuching is quite nice and has a loopy obsession with cats (town title is just like the phrase ‘cat’ in Malay) and it even has a unusual cat museum. Nevertheless, there are extra sights similar to historic temples and museums within the mainland areas.

Malaysia vs Thailand

Malaysia and Thailand are sometimes in contrast as a result of they’re neighbors, however in lots of respects, they couldn’t be extra completely different.

Whereas Thailand has many cultural points of interest, it’s additionally usually recognized for seashores and islands, and—let’s be actual—consuming out of buckets. Malaysia is extra of a cultural vacation spot general. That doesn’t imply it doesn’t have seashores and islands too, however its wealthy historical past and various tradition influenced by Indian, Chinese language, and Arabic cultures are extra usually a motive to go.

Thailand usually feels a bit like a free-for-all with vehicles and motorbikes, crossing the roads, and even littering, however Malaysia is much more structured. There are designated crosswalks, and general, it feels lots cleaner and extra organized.

As a result of the nation is majority Muslim, it’s additionally rather more conservative than Thailand. Whereas in Phuket you may be brazenly consuming on the seashore and discover ladyboys strolling down the road, this isn’t what occurs in Malaysia.

The place they each agree is in the case of scrumptious meals. Whereas in Thailand you’ll take pleasure in the perfect pad Thai of your life for round $2 and the perfect mango sticky rice for $1, in Malaysia, you will discover equally scrumptious meals however with a bit extra selection. Get pleasure from bubble tea each day for $2 or dumplings for even cheaper.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a trip with quite a lot of partying, lazy seashore days, and wild adventures, Thailand is your spot. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for a extra cultural expertise with wonderful meals and exquisite structure — maybe mixed with a quiet seashore escape — then Malaysia may simply be the place try to be headed.

The Borneo facet of Malaysia additionally affords some epic nature experiences, similar to within the Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park and the jungle river cruises down the Kinabatangan River.

What’s Malaysia Well-known For?

Malaysia affords all kinds of points of interest, from lush rainforests and epic reefs in Borneo to the road artwork and exquisite mosques and temples within the peninsular cities. Listed below are a couple of of the highlights to offer you an thought.

Kuala Lumpur

The capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies within the middle of Peninsular Malaysia and serves as a hub for touring to different elements of the nation.

Kuala Lumpur is just like the Amazon model of Singapore. On each nook is a big shopping center and high-rise flats outline the skyline. Whereas quite a lot of SEA capitals are chaotic, and doubtless just a little soiled, Kuala Lumpur feels all shiny and new. The streets are clear, the general public transportation system is environment friendly (and low cost!).

This additionally means it has its detractors. I needed to chortle when studying a Nomadlist assessment of KL, which stated that “the vibe is aggressively lukewarm”. I can see the place this remark comes from. Personally, I used to be prepared to maneuver on after a day or two, a lot preferring the ambiance in Penang or Malacca.

Kuala Lumpur is known for the Petronas Twin Towers, which was the tallest buildings in Asia. It is usually residence to the Batu Caves, a well-liked Hindu shrine with a big golden statue and rainbow-coloured steps.

For a guided expertise, you possibly can take this half-day cultural tour at Batu Caves and Kuala Lumpur.

Penang

Town of Penang is among the many most soulful in Malaysia, making it an incredible place to spend a while. The hawker markets are at their peak in Penang they usually’re an epic mixture of Indian, Chinese language, and Malay. The island additionally has nice seashores, however they’re not the primary attraction—it’s all concerning the avenue artwork right here.

The Kek Lok Si temple is among the many most spectacular temples I’ve ever seen. The temple complicated is residence to a large bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, and boasts beautiful views of Penang from its hilltop location.

Penang can also be residence to Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage website with lovely colonial structure and cultural landmarks. It additionally has a tremendous avenue artwork scene; you possibly can seize a map from nearly any resort and begin making your method round Georgetown to verify off the well-known murals.

Personally, this was my favourite cease in Peninsular Malaysia, having a lot of attraction and loads of issues to see and do. You’ll be able to simply see Penang’s highlights on this tour!

Langkawi

Langkawi is a key island resort vacation spot near the border with Thailand. The seashores are beautiful with lengthy golden stretches of sand and calm waters good for swimming. It’s additionally a wonderful seashore vacation spot for affordable water sports activities. Each 20 meters you’ll discover locals promoting parasailing, jet snowboarding, and banana boat rides at round $30 an hour.

What units Langkawi aside from different seashore locations in SE Asia is its duty-free standing. This implies you may get low cost booze right here and there are fairly a couple of backpacker hostels which can be well-liked amongst price range vacationers who throw some fairly superior seashore events. However general, Langkawi goes to be lots quieter and extra laidback than different seashore locations like Bali or Phuket.

Cameron Highlands

The highlands of Malaysia are such a stark distinction from the remainder of the nation. Excessive up within the mountains, it’s a lot cooler and actually appears like a wholly completely different nation. The sticky air of the remainder of the nation feels worlds away right here.

You’ll be able to count on to spend your days mountain climbing via tea plantations, visiting completely different fruit farms, and taking within the cool mountain air. If you happen to’ve been backpacking via SEA for some time, this may be the right place to take a break and recharge.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Malaysia is residence to Southeast Asia’s highest peak: the beast of a mountain referred to as Kinabalu. It is likely one of the few locations within the area the place you possibly can actually hike far above the clouds and get a number of the most panoramic views of Borneo.

If you wish to do that, take note it’s not less than a 2-day expertise and to guide it not less than a couple of months forward of time. It’s because permits are restricted and you’ll solely ascend with a professional information.

Kinabatangan River

An incredible factor to do in Sabah, Borneo, is to take a two-day river cruise on a longboat via Kinabatangan Nationwide Park, which features a keep in a jungle lodge in the midst of the rainforest.

On my journey, I noticed dozens of untamed monkeys (together with some uncommon Proboscis monkeys), quite a few crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes, and kingfisher birds, amongst many different animals. One of many highlights is an evening hike via the forest, the place guides will present you all kinds of nocturnal creatures.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Malaysia is actually the place I’ve completed a few of my most memorable scuba diving ever. At Sipadan Island, I used to be surrounded by barracuda, reef sharks, and sea turtles. (A dive grasp lately instructed me the reef has degraded considerably lately, but it surely’s nonetheless lovely and there are lots of different choices to take a look at too.)

The perfect dive websites are unfold all through each Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. In some locations it’s not essentially the massive stuff that’s most spectacular, however the abundance of tiny critters you’ll discover in all sizes and styles. Muck diving round Mabul Island was considered one of my experiences that completely exceeded my expectations, letting me see an enormous vary of small and bizarre-looking creatures.

However these are just some locations to get you going in your analysis!

Malaysia has extra unbelievable issues to do than you possibly can in all probability slot in one journey. From the 88-story skyscrapers of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, to the Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park, residence to one of many world’s largest caves, or the UNESCO streets of Georgetown stuffed with avenue artwork, Malaysia affords an enormous number of locations and experiences.