Updated 22nd May 2020 | Originally published 06th July 2018

Malaysia, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Asia. It’s the perfect destination for a holiday as I was very quickly about to discover.

Originally, I had no intentions of a Malaysia holiday. Had it not been for the monsoon season in Sri Lanka I would’ve started my six-month adventure there, and skipped Malaysia altogether.

I didn’t know it when I began researching my Asia journey, but I was soon to discover all the amazing reasons why a holiday in Malaysia should’ve been near the top of my travel list.

Therefore, with May being the wrong time of year for India and Sri Lanka, I decided to jump straight into South-East Asia. The subcontinent could wait till later. I still needed to start somewhere though.

Singapore felt like a nice easy destination to fly into from my hometown of Adelaide.

It’s a direct 7.5-hour flight, several times a week, so it made perfect sense to start there.

However, I had at least 6 stamps for Singapore in my passport. Because it is an easy layover for Australians, I’d made use of every single layover by exploring every time. Hence I also had zero intentions of staying in Singapore either.

Where to next?

The next logical step was to get straight into Malaysia and then on into Thailand. I had been to both countries previously. Malaysia once when I was fifteen and Thailand a few years beforehand in 2014. I was way more interested in getting to Thailand, than really spending too much time in Malaysia.

Malaysia had never really been on my radar as somewhere I “had” to go or wanted to go really. I guess I didn’t really know much about it.

I found a bus that went directly from Changi Airport across the border into the town of Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

It was only $10 and a 45-minute journey.

With my super easy and cheap option found I started to plan my Malaysia holiday.

So, is Malaysia underrated as a destination?

I knew all about its bordering cousins, Thailand and Singapore. Who doesn’t?! But could Malaysia really stack up against those two powerhouses?

There was only one way to find out. My Malaysia holiday would start in Johor Bahru and go as far north as Langkawi Island. I’d given myself 10 days.

I quickly discovered that I had severely underestimated Malaysia as a top-quality destination for a holiday. Hence, discovering 10 days was also nowhere near enough time to explore properly.

It’s a country that is firmly on my revisit list and maybe even to live there one day.

So, what changed my mind in that short time period?

Diversity in Malaysia

Malaysia is a truly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. Multiculturalism at its absolute finest. Indigenous Malays, Singaporeans, Indian and Chinese people to name a few, have made Malaysia home over the centuries.

Throw all those cultures together and you are going to have an absolute melting pot of traditions, religions, architecture, food and language. Hence their catchphrase, “Malaysia Truly Asia”

Therefore, it’s not unusual to be able to visit an Indian Hindu Temple, walk up the road and visit a Muslim Mosque, finishing it all off by visiting a Chinese Temple. All in a matter of city blocks.

You can be walking through Chinatown, cross the street and find yourself smelling and tasting the delicacies from Little India. And why would you not want to have a dumpling and wash it down with a Roti?

Also worth mentioning is Malaysia’s colonial past. Whereby, it was conquered by the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese at various times in history.

Malaysia was a strategic port on the old spice route. Everyone wanted to stake their claim on the land and the trade at the time.

 These invasions have influenced the architecture, religion and landscape. For example tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands. The creation of UNESCO world heritage sites in Malacca. With its rich history and beautiful architecture from the Portuguese and the Dutch invasions. Also, further north in Penang with its British Colonial past.

Malaysian People

The Malaysian people couldn’t be a nicer and more welcoming group of people. My personal experiences with everybody I interacted with were so friendly, welcoming and helpful. They all wanted to know where I was from and how long I would be staying. Overall they were so glad I was visiting Malaysia for a holiday.

I met many people who went out of their way to befriend me. Which is always welcome when travelling solo and a great way to start a solo trip around Asia.

 Like my friend Pooja who I met in Langkawi. Originally from Mumbai, India, Pooja was living and working in Kuala Lumpur and on her own Malaysia holiday in Langkawi with her Mum. We started chatting the minute we got on the same boat tour. We then spent the entire tour together chatting and goofing around in the water. She also gave me all the advice about India.

Also, Burhan, the young man who was giving the information on my bus tour around Penang. I was the only one on the bus, it was so ridiculously hot that day. Burhan came and sat upstairs with me, giving me my own private tour and answering all my questions.

Instead of just giving me the information for the specific stops, he allowed me to ask him any questions. I found out so much information about the Royal Families. Can you believe there are eight Royal Families?! As well as how they are selected to be Royals.

It’s apparently not “kept in the family”. They are selected for a period of years and then a new King and family are selected thereafter. So interesting!

They are genuinely happy, friendly people.

Food with all the influences of Asia

Oh my! The food. Malaysia is a “foodies” absolute paradise. It’s seriously next level. Remember all those different cultures and influences I told you about?

Your taste buds are certainly going to be tantalised on their very own Malaysia holiday.

Think Laksa, Rendang, Mee (noodles) Goreng (fried), Nasi (rice) Goreng, Ayam (chicken) Lemak, Roti, Dumplings, Sambal, Satay… oh my god somebody stop me! It’s all so damn good.

You have the pick of so many cuisines in Malaysia due to its multiculturalism.

You must try street food on your Malaysia holiday

There are plenty of street food vendors and night markets all over the country. Also, a plethora of Chinatown’s and Little India’s to explore, allowing you to try a wide variety of dishes and flavours.

Men and women pushing their little kitchens on wheels around the streets ready to whip up their speciality for you, for a tiny price.

Be sure to spend some quality time tasting your way around Jonker Street market in Malacca, Little India in Penang and Chinatown in KL. Not to be forgotten are the fresh food markets in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo.

Contemporary Asian can be found served in restaurants around Kuala Lumpur. Served to you in the style of Spanish Tapas that puts a whole new spin on your Asian meal. All the better to share with family and friends. Or all by yourself in my case.

Langkawi serves up amazingly fresh seafood. Restaurants along Pantai Cenang are filled with tanks of live fish and crustaceans awaiting their final fate.

Penang is renowned for its food. Best in Malaysia. Seriously! Added to this, they have a thriving Café culture. Therefore, you are sure to get a decent western-style coffee here. As well as bakery items and great desserts. 

If food is your jam then your Malaysian holiday is going to be top-notch and tasty AF.

Transportation

Malaysia has a fabulous network of roads making it really efficient to get around, and cheap too.

It actually has one of the most comprehensive networks in Asia, which includes the longest highway running for over 800kms. The North-South Expressway runs down the west coast of mainland Malaysia. It passes through important cities such as Johor Bahru in the South, KL in the middle and Penang up north.

The quality of the roads is also really great and makes the trips enjoyable. Just don’t select the rear seats as you’re above the suspension of the bus. As a result, you’ll have an extremely bumpy ride, no matter how great the roads are!

I, myself, travelled from south to north using only buses and ferries and it was incredibly cheap and easy. 

For the bus journeys and my ferry journey from Penang to Langkawi, I used the app Bus Online Ticket. They also have a website

The buses ranged from 10RM to 38RM ($4-$12aud) which is completely reasonable given the length of the journeys. The most expensive, if you can call it that, was the ferry from Penang to Langkawi. It cost me $24aud for the 3-hour journey. Hardly a budget breaker.

Grab is also a great option. It is South-East Asia’s version of Uber and is downloadable as an app. It’s much cheaper than Uber and super easy to use. It’s a great alternative if you’re short on time and want to get somewhere around town quickly.

UNESCO World Heritage towns

Penang and Malacca are both listed by UNESCO as world heritage towns.

If you’re not sure what this means, it means that these towns are of such outstanding universal value that their conservation is important for current and future generations.

The buildings within them represent the culture of the nation. The history is the legacy to be passed on.

Malacca has such a rich history with Dutch and Portuguese rule dating back to the 16^th century. It’s the spot where Islam was introduced to South East Asia. Most importantly, it was once the main and most important Port in South East Asia.

There are buildings, church ruins and gravesites of Dutch and Chinese people. Beautiful, quaint Chinatown speaks to the rich history of Malacca, as well as the fortification ruins left behind by the Portuguese.

Georgetown, Penang has more of the British Influence, dating from the 18^th century, to discover as you wander around its heritage zone. 

Georgetown also has fabulous Street Art including some 3D street art Installations.

You can do a self-guided walking tour of the Heritage area to try your luck at finding all the 3D art. An absolute must. You have to get a photo at each installation. If you don’t, have you even really been to Penang?!

Much to my liking, it also has a fabulous café/coffee culture. So, you can get a “proper” cappuccino or latte with some baked goods and pastries on the side, just like from home!

Both towns were important trade routes between east and west and as such have unique historical, architectural and cultural importance.

Langkawi Island

With miles of coastline and stunning beaches to choose from you really are spoilt for choice. If you want a tropical beach Malaysia holiday then Langkawi might be the island for you.

Low or shoulder season is the best time to visit in my opinion. 

The weather is still nice if a little on the humid side but it provides you with a nice beach getaway without all the throngs of people that high season brings.

There are two main beaches on the island, Pantai Cenang and the much quieter Pantai Tengah. Both can be found on the island’s west coast. 

Pantai Cenang is bigger and more popular with tourists. Therefore, there are numerous water sports to partake in, a plethora of restaurants, cafes and shops on the street directly behind the sandy beach to keep you busy. As well as a multitude of tour operators to get you to the outlying islands. Pantai Cenang has arguably one of the best sunset views in Asia. 

You also have a short 20-minute minivan ride to the Sky Cab and Sky Bridge which I think are a must just for the views alone.

Back to those tours!

Up and down the main street in Pantai Cenang, you honestly can’t walk 2 steps without falling over a travel agent selling all sorts of half-day and full-day tours.

There is such a variety, that if you’re an active holidaymaker, as opposed to just lying on the beach the whole time, you will be spoilt for choice.

One of the most popular is an island-hopping half day trip which takes you to three main islands off the coast of Langkawi.

The first stop is Pulau (island) Dayang Bunting with an inland freshwater lake. The shape of the lake resembles the silhouette of a pregnant lady reclining, hence its name which translates to Isle of the pregnant maiden. 

The next stop on the boat trip is to watch wild eagles feed, in another cluster of islands called Pulau Singa Besar.

Finally, finish with free time at Pulau Beras Basah to swim, snorkel and kayak to your heart’s content in the clear warm waters or just laze on the beautiful white beach.

Just watch out for the monkeys!

That particular tour was a half-day tour beginning at 9 am and finishing at 1:30 pm.

Now listen to this! It cost 30RM or $9aud….For all that!

Did I mention that your Malaysia holiday is going to be cheap AF too!

Prices

Malaysia has a strong economy and a relatively low cost of living so you can expect to have a budget holiday.

It may not be as cheap as its counterparts in Thailand or Cambodia but you can still have a budget holiday here.

Accommodation for as little as $10aud a night, transportation as aforementioned and food, if you eat street food or from markets can give you huge savings. Eating for as little as $2-5 for a plate of something substantial.

Personal Safety

Malaysia is generally a safe country, however, it is always prudent to be aware of petty crime.

Personally, I  found Malaysia to be very safe. I wandered around both day and night in each town I visited.

I always had my phone and camera with me in my backpack. At no point did I ever feel threatened, uncomfortable or unsafe anywhere.

You’ll have no worries if you have a good sense of your own personal space, know who and what is around you as well as remain vigilant at all times.

Weather

You can book your Malaysia holiday year-round.

Being close to the equator it has consistent hot and humid weather. However, it is worth knowing when the rainy seasons hit.

The west coast has rains from April to October and the east coast has its rainy season from November to February.

Unique Biodiversity 

There is so much to see and discover on your Malaysia holiday. When it comes to biodiversity Malaysia has it in swathes. Malaysia is actually recognised as one of only 12 mega-diverse countries in the world.

On Borneo alone, you can go diving amongst coral reefs, watch rare turtles lay their eggs on beaches, trek in the rainforests and try your luck at spotting elusive and endangered animals such as Orangutan, Hornbills, Proboscis Monkeys and Pygmy Elephants.

Take a trip up to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. You can trek to the peak, visit the botanic gardens or walk amongst the canopy.

If you’re really lucky, you might get to see the rare parasitic corpse lily called the Rafflesia plant. But don’t get too close, it stinks like rotting flesh.

The mainland is just as rich with flora and fauna including Tigers, Tapirs and the Sumatran Rhinoceroses. All unfortunately endangered also.

Unfortunately due to gross deforestation of the rain forest to make way for palm oil plantations, much of the landscape on Borneo is noticeably scarred and void of its natural forests.

In conclusion

Malaysia is definitely an underrated travel destination and one that I didn’t give enough credit until I was already there.

There are a lot of amazing things on offer for all kinds of holidaymakers. Whether you’re an adventure traveller, an animal lover, a foodie or just want to island-hop and chill on the beach, Malaysia has it all.

Don’t be like me, it is totally worth putting on your list of destinations to visit and personally I cannot wait to get back there and explore even more.

Let me know in the comments if you have been on a Malaysia holiday and what your favourite part was? Or, if I’ve convinced you that Malaysia is a destination you need to visit.

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