Backpacking Malaysia: BEST Guide For First-Timers!
Malaysia was the fourth stop on my Southeast Asia backpacking adventure, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
It felt completely different from the countries I had visited before!
The main difference is that Malaysia is a Muslim country, so if you’re looking for a wild party scene, this might not be the place.
However, it is a fantastic destination for discovering a new culture, exploring a mix of modern and historic cities, and seeing breathtaking landscapes!
Here’s everything you need to know about backpacking Malaysia!
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Is Malaysia a Good Backpacking Destination?
Yes! Malaysia is a fantastic and underrated backpacking destination.
Like other countries in the region, it is budget-friendly, culturally rich, and has diverse landscapes.
English is widely spoken and it’s easy to get around.
That said, most backpackers stick to the same route, and getting off the beaten track can be tricky for first-time travelers.
Also, as I haven’t visited Borneo Island yet, my impressions of prices, ease of travel, and accommodation options are based on the Malay Peninsula.
PROS:
✅ Unique Culture – A blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures makes for an amazing experience.
✅ Great Food – Some of the best street food in the world, even for vegans like me!
✅ Easy To Get Around – You can find bus schedules and buy tickets online, and everybody speaks English.
CONS:
❌ Prices – Malaysia is generally budget-friendly, but Borneo can be expensive. Exploring off the beaten track takes extra effort and cost.
❌ Weather – It’s hot and humid year-round, with a monsoon season to consider.
❌ Less Party Scene – If you’re looking for crazy nightlife like Thailand, Malaysia is not the one.
Malaysia Backpacking Route
Malaysia is bigger than you might think, but most people visit the same places.
If you’re short on time, Malaysia is a fantastic country to explore in less than 2 weeks.
I spent about 10 days in Malaysia visiting Johor Bahru (I came from Singapore by land), Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.
Of course, I wish I had more time to visit Borneo, Langkawi, Cameron Highlands, and the stunning Perhentian Islands, but you’ll need at least 3 weeks in Malaysia for that.
Even with an early morning flight, travel days can take up most of your day.
Here’s the best way to spend 2 weeks in Malaysia for backpackers:
- Days 1-3: Malacca (Christ Church, Jonker Street)
- Days 3-5: Kuala Lumpur (Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Chinatown)
- Days 6-8: Cameron Highlands (Tea plantations, hiking, Mossy Forest)
- Days 9-11: Penang (George Town, street food, street art, temples)
- Days 12-14: Langkawi (Beaches, waterfalls, Sky Bridge)
Malaysia Backpackers’ Bucket List
There are so many cool things to do in Malaysia, especially if you have time to get off the beaten track and discover less-visited regions of this beautiful country.
Here are the most iconic activities in Malaysia to add to your itinerary!
1. Explore Kuala Lumpur’s Iconic Landmarks
The capital of Malaysia is one of the most unique cities I visited. It is the perfect mix of modernity and tradition.
Visit the iconic Petronas Towers, explore the street markets of Chinatown, and learn more about the history of this interesting country at the National Museum of Malaysia.
TOP TIP: Climb the Petronas Twin Towers for an epic 360° view of the city skyline!
2. Hike in the Cameron Highlands
If you need a break from the tropical heat, the Cameron Highlands offer cooler weather, stunning tea plantations, and great hiking trails.
You’ll love exploring the mossy forest and sipping fresh tea with panoramic views of the green hills. Especially after the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.
3. Climb the colorful stairs to Batu Caves
The colorful stairs leading to Batu Caves are one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Malaysia.
Keep your distance from the monkeys! They might look cute, but they can be unpredictable.
Batu Caves makes for an easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur. You can get there by Grab or train. I took a taxi there and a train back, and both worked perfectly.
4. Go Wildlife Spotting in Borneo
Borneo Island is at the top of my SE Asia bucket list, and I know I have to go back to see it.
Malaysia’s part of Borneo is home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world!
You can visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, cruise the Kinabatangan River, and explore the rainforests of Danum Valley.
5. Wander the Colorful Streets of George Town, Penang
Penang is a dream for food lovers and culture seekers. Walk around George Town’s UNESCO-listed streets, check out the famous street art, and eat your way through the hawker stalls.
TOP TIP: Join this food tour in Georgetown to try all of Malaysia’s must-try dishes!
6. Snorkel or Dive in Sipadan
If you’re a diving lover, you’ve probably heard about Sipadan, an island formed as corals grew on top of an extinct volcano over thousands of years.
Naturally, it is one of the top diving destinations in the world, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life.
Even if you don’t dive, the snorkeling here is absolutely incredible!
Sipadan is pretty remote, and not many people make the trip, but it’s totally worth it.
7. Relax on the Perhentian Islands
If you want to escape the crowds and swim in the clearest blue waters, you need to add the Perhentian Islands to your backpacking Malaysia itinerary!
Malaysia has some of Southeast Asia’s best beaches, yet many travelers skip the Perhentian Islands just because they’re a little harder to reach.
However, it’s so worth it! Think white sand, turquoise waters, and fantastic snorkeling.
8. Explore Taman Negara National Park
One of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara is a paradise for jungle trekking, canopy walks, and river cruises.
It is a fantastic place to escape the hustle and pollution of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy Malaysia’s tropical landscapes.
TOP TIP: You can even visit Taman Negara on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur!
9. Admire the Cultural Heritage of Malacca
Malacca is rich in history, featuring Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial influences.
It was the first place I visited in Malaysia, apart from Johor Bahru, and I absolutely loved it!
This small town has some of the most picturesque historic houses, a lively night market street, and the iconic Red Christ Church.
10. Visit the Stunning Langkawi Archipelago
Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s most popular backpacker spots, it’s almost like a party island compared to the rest of the country.
It’s a paradise for nature lovers and beach bums. Rent a scooter, chase waterfalls, or take a cable car up to Sky Bridge for breathtaking views.
TOP TIP: Take a ferry from Langkawi to start backpacking in Thailand!
11. Try all the Street Food
Finally, one of the best things to do in Malaysia is to eat your way around the country.
Hear me out, Malaysia has some of the most incredible street food I ever tasted. And that’s coming from a vegan who couldn’t even try most of it!
Best Hostels in Malaysia
Picking the right hostel can make or break your backpacking if you’re traveling solo.
But don’t worry, I’ve already found the best hostels in Malaysia for solo travelers!
- Kuala Lumpur: Mingle @ Highstreet – Great social vibe and a pool.
- Cameron Highlands: Hikers Sleep Port – Cozy and perfect for hikers.
- Malacca: Ringos Foyer – Best location and social vibes.
- Penang: Some Place Else – Clean, comfortable, and organizes events.
- Langkawi: Bed Attitude Hostel – Modern, friendly atmosphere and near the beach.
- Kota Kinabalu: Faloe Hostel – Great base to meet friends and explore the island.
Getting Around Malaysia
Malaysia is a big country, divided between the Malay Peninsula and Borneo Island.
Most tourists stick to the Malay Peninsula, but the entire country has great transportation options, making it easy to get around.
Buses In Malaysia
Buses are reliable and budget-friendly options for long-distance travel in Malaysia.
I took several buses in Malaysia and had a great experience each time.
In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever taken a bus as comfortable as the ones in Malaysia. The seats were huge!
I took a bus from Johor Bahru to Malacca, and Malacca to Kuala Lumpur, and both were on time, affordable, and comfortable.
Trains In Malaysia
If you prefer train travel, the KTM railway connects major cities and is comfortable and affordable.
Trains cost a bit more than buses but are often faster and more comfortable. The railway network is well-developed, and you can even take a train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang!
Domestic Flights
If you’re short on time, budget airlines like AirAsia make domestic flights cheap and fast.
Most bigger cities in Malaysia have airports, including the islands of Langkawi, Penang, and Borneo.
I took a flight from Penang to Singapore at the end of my backpacking trip to Malaysia, and it was perfect as I didn’t have to go back to Kuala Lumpur.
TOP TIP: Book in advance for the best prices! You can find domestic flights for under €20 which is great if you’re visiting Malaysia on a budget!
Taxis In Malaysia
I was surprised by how affordable taxis in Malaysia were, and I took them to get around Kuala Lumpur and Penang several.
Just like in the rest of SE Asia, using the Grab is the easiest way to get around in cities without haggling with taxi drivers.
Public Transport
All the places I visited in Malaysia had very affordable and well-developed public transportation.
I took buses all over Johor Bahru for less than €0.50!
The best part is that you can find bus schedules and prices online, so you can plan your trips.
Each city has its own public transport operator, so browse the name of the city and bus schedule, and you should be able to find it.
Best Time to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia is a tropical country with warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the region.
Interestingly, the ideal time for the Malay Peninsula doesn’t align with the best season for Malaysian Borneo.
So, if you’re backpacking Southeast Asia for several months, you can even plan your Malaysia trip in two parts!
- Best time to visit Western Malaysia: November to April
- Best time to visit Eastern Malaysia: April to September
- Best time to visit Borneo: April to October
Malaysia Backpacking Budget
Malaysia is affordable, but I found it slightly pricier than Thailand or Vietnam.
What I found interesting was that you can enjoy quite luxurious experiences for significantly less than in Europe, but it’s not necessarily cheap.
While street food is cheap, you’ll still pay €8 to €10 for a meal in a sit-down restaurant.
Surprisingly, taxis in Kuala Lumpur were quite cheap, especially when split with other travelers.
Expect to spend around €25 to €45 per day in Malaysia, depending on your travel style.
- Hostels: €8-20 per night
- Food: €2-8 per meal
- Transport: €5-20 per day
- Activities: €5-25 per day
I spent €38 per day in Malaysia, which covered sharing a private room, taking several taxis, fancy vegan restaurants, and entrance fees to attractions.
Of course, you can stretch your budget by staying in hostels, using public transport, and skipping pricier meals and activities.
Is Malaysia Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, I felt completely safe in Malaysia as a solo female traveler and didn’t have any uncomfortable encounters.
I mostly stayed in tourist areas, but I also spent four days in Johor Bahru, a city primarily visited by locals.
Most locals in Malaysia speak English, so it was great not having a language barrier and being able to ask for help.
As always, keep an eye on your belongings as pick-pocketing can occur in crowded places.
Keep in mind that Malaysia is a Muslim country and has very severe sentences for certain abuses. For example, there’s a mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking!
FAQ: Backpacking in Malaysia
Yes, you can absolutely visit Malaysia without going to Borneo. Most of the country’s main attractions are on the Malay Peninsula, and Borneo can always be saved for another trip with a bigger budget.
Malaysia is a Muslim country and locals dress fairly conservatively, especially in the rural regions. However, tourists can wear shorts in most tourist areas like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and more.
Yes, you can buy and drink alcohol in Malaysia, as there is no nationwide ban on alcohol despite Malaysia being a Muslim country. However, you might find it slightly expensive, especially compared to the neighboring countries.
Final Thoughts: Backpacking Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most diverse and underrated backpacking destinations in Southeast Asia.
From the modern capital of Kuala Lumpur to historic towns like Malacca and Georgetown, you’re in for a treat!
Also, the white sand beaches of Malaysia are stunning, with so many places to escape the crowds.
Overall, I loved backpacking in Malaysia, but getting off the beaten path felt complicated and expensive.
There wasn’t a lot of information online, and I was short on time so I had to leave a lot of the country for some other trip.
That said, I know I’ll be back to explore more of this stunning country—hopefully with a bigger budget!
Planning your backpacking SE Asia adventure? Check out my other country-specific guides!
