Malaysia
Backpacking Guide
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Malaysia Travel Guides
Click on an area of Malaysia that interests you for a more detailed overview
Things To Do In Malaysia
There is always something exciting to do when backpacking Malaysia.
To get you inspired, I have provided some suggestions below.
LEARN TO DIVE
Malaysia is home to some of the best dive sites in the world. The Perhentian Islands offer an exceptional underwater diving experience with an abundance of marine life and visibility up to 30 metres. Numerous dive shops offer courses for numerous PADI certifications. It is known to not only be one of the best but also the most affordable place to dive! Sipadan is another incredible place to go diving, with only a limited number of people allowed to dive here a day, the protected site is bustling with marine life.
HAVE AFTERNOON TEA IN THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS
Afternoon tea in the Cameron Highlands is a delightful experience, offering the chance to enjoy a selection of pastries, sandwiches, English scones, clotted cream and a selection of teas. It is the perfect combination of Britishness and Malaysian views.
GO SHOPPING IN KUALA LUMPUR
Changkat Bukit Bintang is an iconic shopping district in Kuala Lumpur, lined with historic buildings, cool bars, upscale restaurants and food stalls. This is a great place to grab a drink and socialise with other backpackers!
LEARN HOW TO COOK CLASSIC MALAY FOOD
Taking part in an authentic Malay cooking class is a great way to learn how some of the country's most traditional dishes are made. You are introduced to some amazing new ingredients picked out at a local market before cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
ENJOY A DRINK AT A SPEAKEASY
PS150 is a hidden cocktail bar in Kuala Lumpur known for its creative cocktails and unique atmosphere. The bar is tucked away in Chinatown behind a facade that resembles an old shop, making it difficult to find. But if you can find it, the relaxed and intimate atmosphere inside makes for a great drinking spot.
VISIT A WATERPARK
Escape Penang is a water park located just outside of George Town. It offers a range of adventure and water activities like zip lining, obstacle courses, a wave pool, multiple slides and a lazy river. This definitely makes a fun day out and is a great way to cool down from the heat!
RIDE THE INFAMOUS JUNGLE TRAIN
Riding the Jungle Train in Malaysia offers a unique and scenic experience. The train traverses through picturesque jungles and villages with stunning scenery and wildlife along the way. Stops are made at various small stations, allowing a firsthand experience of Malaysian culture.
SPOT THE BORNEO BIG 5
Kinabatangan offers an off the beaten track experience away from the crowded tourist destinations, providing an immersive nature experience. This is one of the best places to see wild orangutans and pygmy elephants, as well as crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and hornbills.
Spotting The Borneo Big 5 - Travel Video
Read More: The Kinabatangan River - Everything You Need To Know
VISIT THE BATU CAVES
The Batu Caves are a significant religious site housing one of the largest Hindu shrines outside of India. Visitors can climb the 272 steps to reach the main cave temple, offering a rewarding view at the top. Make sure to dress appropriately when visiting any religious site.
Getting Around Malaysia
Bus
Taking a bus in Malaysia is a practical and enjoyable way to explore the country.
Intercity buses connect major cities and towns, generally offering comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning and charging ports. The main operators are Transnational, Plusliner, Aeroline and SuperNice.
The main bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur is known as TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan). You can buy tickets here or online, but I would advise booking at least 24 hours in advance as seats fill up quickly.
Plane
Domestic flights in Malaysia provide an efficient way to travel between various cities, especially if you want to explore both mainland Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo regions. The two major airlines are Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
Taxi
I would recommend downloading the app ‘Grab’ which is essentially Asia’s version of Uber. It is a widley used and conventient transportation service offering a reliable and cheap way of getting around cities. This is my go to option when making short journeys.
Public Transport
Public transport in Malaysia is available in both urban and rural areas, offering a cheaper and more authentic way of travelling around.
In Kuala Lumpur, the light rail, commuter rail and mono rail along with various bus routes, connects every part of the city making it easy to get around. There is a FREE GO KL City Bus that covers pretty much all of the tourist hotspots which I would recommend using, otherwise, bus rides cost between 1-15MYR (16p - £2.50). You can also pick up a Touch and Go (TnG) card that you top up with money to use on public transport, saving you 20% on each journey.
Train
Trains in Malaysia offer a convenient and comfortable way for tourists to travel with lines running up both the east and west coast and through the centre of Malaysia’s jungle!
All trains operate through Keratapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) and reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance on the KTM website or in person at a train station. The main train station in Kuala Lumpur is KL Sentral. I would advise booking at least 24 hours in advance as seats fill up quickly.
In Malaysian Borneo, the North Borneo Railway runs a sightseeing train that runs a round trip from Kota Kinabalu to Papar, serving breakfast and lunch along the way. It takes about four hours and costs around £55.
If you are wanting to explore Malaysias neighbouring countries, you can get a train from Kuala Lumpur heading south to Singapore or north to Thailand.
Best Time To Visit
Humidity is high in Malaysia all year round, however it transitions through hot, wet and cool seasons.
Hot Season: April - August
The hot season is the perfect time to visit coastal and island regions of Malaysia like Langkawi and Perhentian Islands. Temperature's soar to the high 30’s making sunbathing and water activities ideal, however city sightseeing uncomfortable, and forest fires can reduce the air quality.
Monsoon Season: March - November
Short frequent bursts of heavy rainfall are common in Malaysia during March and November, often accompanied with loud claps of thunder and impressive lightning. Tourism is quieter and the countryside is bursting with lush green scenery. This would be a great time to visit the highlands and rainforests.
Cool Season: December - February
This is the best time to visit Malaysia, however it is also when tourism is highest, making accommodation and transport more expensive. Temperatures sit in the mid 20’s making outdoor activities and city exploring enjoyable.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) celebrates the end of Ramadan and takes place each year based on the Islamic Lunar calendar. Malaysia’s Muslim population celebrates by enjoying a week of holiday, meaning business and transportation services are closed. If you travel during this time your plans could be disrupted.
Visa Requirements (updated 2025)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FOR UK CITIZENS
UK Citizens do not need a visa to visit Malaysia and are allowed to stay for 90 days on arrival.
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days or are visiting for any reason other than tourism, you will need a visa. You can apply for one from your nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission.
To enter Malaysia, you must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before you arrive in the country. You may be asked for this at check-in.
If you take any domestic flights to Malaysian Borneo, you will need to show your passport for an exit and entry stamp.
To be granted entry, your passport will need at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages with no damage or pages missing.
Malaysia Visa Information:
Travel Vaccinations
Before setting off on your backpacking adventure, I would highly recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a travel vaccine clinic to get the latest information on what vaccines to get. Make sure to leave plenty of time as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several months. If you plan on doing certain activities that may increase the risk of disease, such as jungle trekking, make sure to mention this to your health advisor. Remember to check your vaccination record as you may have had some as an infant or during secondary school.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Rabies
A Yellow Fever vaccine is not essential for travelling Malaysia. However, if you are planning on traveling to South or Central America, Africa or the Caribbean, be sure to get this vaccine. Click here for the Yellow Fever Map
Dengue Fever and Zika Virus
A common illness amongst backpackers is dengue fever which is contracted through mosquito bites. Whilst most people who contract the illness don’t know they have it, symptoms can include a high fever (hence the name dengue fever), severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash and swollen glands. Sounds nasty right?!
Malaysia is also a country where Zika Virus can be contracted. This is also transmitted through mosquito bites as well as unprotected sex. Symptoms tend to appear 3-14 days after contraction and can include a rash, itching, headaches, a fever, red eyes, muscle and joint pain.
Make sure you pack a bottle of insect repellent before you arrive in Malaysia along with some longer layers to cover your legs and arms in the evening. The best products are chemical based repellents like DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin. I have also used natural repellents such as lemongrass, which, to my surprise, did work, however its effectiveness was not as good as the chemical products.
Malaria Tablets
There is a low risk of malaria throughout the year in rural areas like Sabah and Sarawak, with a low to no risk in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur. Antimalarial medication is not typically advised however taking preventative measures is always encouraged. These include applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing protective clothing during the evening and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Click here for the Malaria Risk Map in Malaysia
I would strongly advise to consult with your healthcare provider when making a choice about antimalarial tablets. The tablets are often quite expensive and side effects can be uncomfortable. Therefore, given the low risk, many avid travellers don’t bother. I have backpacked all over Southeast Asia and I am yet to take a malaria tablet (or get malaria). However, like I said, it is still worth doing some research and speaking to a medical professional so that you are happy with whatever decision you make.
For more information about travel vaccinations, check your local government travel advice.
More Travel Vaccination Advice:
Costs and Budgets (updated 2024)
As a backpacker, I know how important it is to keep costs low whilst still ensuring an amazing travel experience. I have provided a rough idea of what costs look like per day so that you can plan your trip according to your budget. Whilst I have included the basics, try to also factor in a separate budget for emergencies (e.g. unexpected medical costs) and any of your bucket list activities that may cost a little more.
The currency in Malaysia is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Low Range Budget
Accommodation: £5-8 for a dorm bed in a hostel.
Food: £4-6 for street food but no alcohol.
Activities: £3-5 for free or cheap activities like hiking and relaxing on the beach.
Transport: £2-5 for public transport.
Average Daily Spend:
£14 - £24
Mid Range Budget
Accommodation: £10-22 for a private room in a hostel or hotel.
Food: £8-12 for street food and alcohol.
Activities: £10-15 for activities like museums, cooking classes and national parks.
Transport: £5-8 for public transport and the occasional taxi.
Average Daily Spend:
£33 - £57
High Range Budget
Accommodation: £25+ for a private room in a luxury hotel with leisure facilities..
Food: £20+ for restaurant food and drinks.
Activities: £15+ for any activity you fancy!
Transport: £10+ for Grab rides or train journeys.
Average Daily Spend:
£70+ the world is your oyster!
Sim Cards / Wifi
Staying connected in Malaysia is generally reliable and internet speeds can be fast. There are 4 national operators: Digi, Maxis, Celcom and U Mobile.
I would recommend choosing Digi or Maxis - I have used these both before and they worked very well.
Option 1: Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM is a great way to access the internet whilst overseas. Personally, this is the easiest option and the option I choose whenever I am travelling outside of my home country. It is simple, affordable and hassle-free. Instead of finding a store and physically swapping out your home SIM for a travel SIM, you can download a data plan to your phone and instantly connect to a mobile network when you land in the country!
The app I use for buying an eSIM is called Airalo. After downloading the app and choosing the SIM you want, it will walk you through how to install and activate the eSIM.
Option 2: Buy a physical SIM in store
Getting a physical SIM is relatively straightforward. There are kiosks and stalls selling SIMs in almost every shopping mall, airport and city centre. You will need to present your passport as identification in order to register and activate the SIM. Sellers are very helpful with getting everything set up!
Plug Type
The standard plug type in Malaysia is Type G. An important item to pack is a universal travel adaptor that can offer conversion to multiple plug types. If you plan on taking any styling tools (hairdryer/curling tong) a converter is worth taking to avoid power surges.
Pack an extension lead! That way you can plug in one adapter for this and still have multiple plugs available!
DOWNLOAD A VPN!
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and offers a safer, freer and more secure online experience.
What does a VPN do?
1. It keeps your personal data like passwords, search history, account details and credit card details private.
2. It allows access to home content abroad as well as content from other countries. This is great when you want to watch Netflix shows only available in certain countries.
3. It can be cheaper to book flights and accommodation when connected to a different country.
Click here to give the Surfshark VPN 30 day free trial a go!
Language
The official language in Malaysia is Malay, also known as Bahasa Malaysia. Many locals are not familiar with English, so here are some useful phrases to use:
Hello - Halo
Thank you - Terima Kasih
Thank you very much - Terima Kasih Banyak
How are you? - Apa Khabar?
No - Tidak
How much? - Berapa?
Not spicy - Tidak Pedas
I don’t understand - Saya tidak faham
I don’t know - Saya tidak tahu
Please - Sila
Religion
The main religion in Malaysia is Islam followed by Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.
When travelling Malaysia you will see a variety of impressive places of worship, from colourful Hindu temples to beautiful mosques. When planning your trip to Malaysia, be mindful of religious holidays that take place throughout the year as these can cause disruption to transport services and tour operators.
When visiting places of worship, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully: Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes, avoid tight or revealing clothing and remove hats and sunglasses before entering a temple.
Staying Safe
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Police: 999 or 112
Fire: 994
Ambulance: 999 or 112
SCAMS AND CRIME
Malaysia, like many other countries, may encounter various scams specifically targeted at tourists:
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Taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare or use tampered meters. To avoid this, use reputable companies like Grab and avoid accepting rides from unmarked cars.
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Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas so make sure to stay vigilant and keep your belonging secure and in sight.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
If you are hiking or trekking, always make sure to check weather forecasts to avoid hiking in heavy rain (usually May to September on the west coast and October to March on the east coast). Rainfall can make areas of Malaysia the perfect home for leeches, so avoid hiking in muddy areas or ensure you have leech protective gear. Remember to stick to designated trails and be cautious of wildlife like snakes and insects. If you are hiking alone, inform someone about your plans and expected return time, just in case something goes wrong.
INSURANCE
Accidents can and do happen when backpacking. Make sure you have all the correct protective gear when taking part in any hazardous activities AND most importantly, get yourself covered with travel insurance. I recommend SafteyWing as the best backpacker travel insurance. You will also need to get yourself an International Driving Permit in order to legally drive here. Insurance will not cover you if you don’t have this.
FOOD AND WATER
Street food in Malaysia is generally safe to eat. However, to minimise the risk of food and waterborne illnesses make sure to:
1. Eat at well reviewed establishments and street vendors with a high turnover of customers.
2. Choose food that is hot and fresh and avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood and eggs.
3. Stick to sealed, store-bought dairy products that have been pasteurized.
4. Always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact before drinking.
5. Wash your hands frequently and consider carrying hand sanitizer.
LGBTQ+ BACKPACKERS
Malaysia has fairly tough laws on same-sex activity, with authorities occasionally carrying out raids on LGBTQ+ events. Malaysia is a conservative and religious country therefore any form of public affection should done with caution. Kuala Lumpur is generally more welcoming of LGBTQ+ tourists and is considered relatively safe for members of the community. For more advice check your local government travel advice.
UK Government LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
UK Government LGBTO+ Malaysia Advice 2024
For Up to Date UK Government Safety Advice: Click Here
Insider Tips
A great way to save money when backpacking is to eat local food. Street food in Malaysia is a great alternative to a restaurant meal. You can find delicious food including dumplings, rice, noodles and fresh fruit at half the price. I was hesitant to try food from street stalls at stalls, however, don’t always judge a book by its cover!
If you are going to Malaysia for a ‘backpacking’ experience, then make sure to do it properly! Book into hostels instead of hotels - this is a much better way to meet likeminded travellers and keeps to a lower budget. Not all hostels are party party party - if you want some down time to chill out, there are tons of more relaxed hostels to stay in. If you want more privacy but also want to socialise, booking a private room in a hostel is a good option!
Whilst having a phone full of photos is a great way to remember your time backpacking, I would highly reccommend packing a notepad and pen. Writing as little as a sentence a day is really good way of noting down what you got up too, how you felt, any friends you made etc. Putting the photos together with the diary makes an invaluable book to look back on years down the line.
Whilst it is a great idea to have a plan of the kinds of activities you want to do, don’t tie yourself down to anything. With this I mean try not to book anything in advance - as a backpacker plans change ALL THE TIME. Travel agencies and tour companies are dotted all over Malaysia so wait until you arrive to book anything. Activities are often also cheaper when booking in person.
Whilst tourists can drink in Malaysia, if you are after a party holiday, I would suggest flying to somewhere like Thailand instead. Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country and therefore the Islamic law prohibits the consumption of alcohol for Muslims. For non-muslims, these rules do not apply, but it does mean that alcohol is less readily available in certain areas of the country. If you do drink, make sure not to go too crazy - public drunkenness is seen as incredibly disrespectful to their local customs!
When packing for Malaysia, you will need less than you think. Don’t bother buying multiple long skirts, baggy trousers and expensive swimwear; you can get these and more for as little as £2. Save your money for cool adventures like a diving!
Malaysia Travel Videos
Follow my travels on Instagram for fun and exciting reels!