Trip to Malaysia - Need help with suggestions

[Flaming Choy]

Hi everyone,

It seems there are many well travelled CPer so hoping you can help me.

I'm planning a trip to Malaysia/Bali in September for about a month (around 5 days in Bali and the rest in Malaysia). What are some of the highlights/can't miss spots? Any hidden gems? How much time should I spend on the west and east side?

We'd like a mix of city, culture, jungle and beach.

Thanks in advanced for the suggestions.

[darklord700]

Don't flash in Malaysia, ever.

[Flaming Choy]

Originally Posted by darklord700

Don't flash in Malaysia, ever.

or strip at the top of a sacred mountain I guess.

[Hatter]

Dont do any drugs or they'll kill you.

[karl262]

What airline are you flying?

[lazypucker]

I was thinking to myself - what are the chances to have 2 air disasters for a single airline, let alone 2 within a year?

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Apparently Langkawi is heaven on earth. My brother and both my parents rave about it.

Petronas Towers would be hella cool to see and go up.

I'm trying to remember the name of the fruit my brother won't stop talking about years after his trip. They look like oranges but taste amazing.

I haven't been (everyone else in my family has, not that I'm bitter).

I'm going to check flights now.

Enjoy the trip!

[DoubleF]

Don't compare anything to Singapore. Heck, probably don't bother mentioning Singapore at all.

[tete]

We flew Malaysian Airlines this February - Hong Kong to Penang, and return to HK (via KL). I'm not a good flyer, so believe me, their air disasters were pretty present in my mind, but overall, it was a great airline, no complaints.

We did a side trip to Malaysia on a trip to Hong Kong this past February. We only went to Penang, which is an island on the north west side of Malaysia, close to Thailand. We had an amazing time -people were super friendly, food was great, lots of siteseeing, urban and more rural. We went to a Tropical Fruit Farm, a Spice Garden, hit lots of sites in the historic city of George Town. Our daughter was just over 3 at the time, so we were a slight bit limited on some of our siteseeing and timelines (not many late nights, naps were mandatory, museums were few and far between), but I still think we saw a ton of stuff. I'd highly recommend Penang. You could do a few days in George Town, then head up to Batu Ferringhi to the north/east of the island for more beach type relaxation. We ended up not spending any time at the beach as it was so killer hot and there was little shade. (And we were staying in a rental apartment a good 15 min walk from the beach, uphill on the way home). I think there are some hidden gem beach areas further west, however, so there are options out there.

Have fun! I'd love to go back again and see more of Malaysia.

[Flaming Choy]

Originally Posted by karl262

What airline are you flying?

Depends on the itinerary (flying into KL or Penang) but either Air Canada/China Southern (ick), or ANA for the international flights, and Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia, Silk Airlines for the internal flights.

I'll make sure to hug the pilots to brighten their day and avid active warzones when flying.

[Bunk]

Kuala Lumpur. Stay in or very close to the Golden Triangle. Virtually nothing of interest outside this core. There is less street life than you might imagine for a city of 7+ million, perhaps because of the heat, but this area is walkable and interesting. It's very, very hot and humid. I remember walking through the city's botanical gardens, the workers looked at us like we were out of our minds being outside by choice in 35 degrees and 99% humidity.

Langkawi is nice, although there are better resort places in SE asia. It's all very polished and new. Interestingly, the resort we stayed in, virtually no one used the beach, which we found odd.

Georgetown is an interesting city with a lot of cool colonial architecture. You can take a jet boat from Langkawi to there.

[starseed]

I was just there a month ago! My original plan was to go to Langkawi and stay at an airbnb, but some friends of friends who live there said that it was an overpriced tourist trap and convinced us to go to Ipoh instead. Basically all we did there was eat and rest because it was so hot. It was beautiful though!

Definitely go to their random outdoor 'restauran's and order chee cheong fun. So good! (If you order an iced coffee to go, do not be surprised if it comes in a bag)

We also went to Central Market, which is a decent place to find souvenirs. I highly recommend the fish spa...

Also, a train from KL Sentral goes to the batu caves, which is a quick free thing to go and see. Take water. Dont stare into the monkeys' eyes.

Also, KFC congee!

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Some of the suggestions here are pretty accurate. I would add a few more things.

Food: Best to try dishes that are made famous in their local locations. Don't stray out of this. If someone says try Assam laksa in KL, don't. It will never be as good as if you're in Penang. Some foods to try in KL are, Nasi Lemak, Cha Kwoe tiau, Bak Kut Teh (nice ribs broth). In Penang, Assam Laksa, find a nice indian mamak store (KL applies too), Beef Rendang. You want authenticity with Nyonya dishes, so try to find a place that only serves Nyonya food. Penang is a good location for this.

As far as beaches are concern, I would avoid Langkawi. I would go to Pangkor, tioman or redang island. You will be glad you did.

Forgot to mention the night markets or Pasar Malam. You can always bargain, but if you're in Penang, make sure to speak in Mandarin (if you know how), and Cantonese if you're in KL.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

If you feel the need to understand the local customs better and not get ripped off. PM me.

[FLAMESRULE]

Also been to Georgetown and Penang. Had the best meal of my life at the Spice Garden. Has hired a guide for the day and he recommended it. So I went and spent a couple hours wandering around. Had a hunger for spicy food so talked to the chef at the little resteraunt at the top and me made the most incredible spicy Penang Chicken curry. Ate it in the middle of the jungle and farm overlooking the ocean...just awesome.

But my favourite spot in Malaysia so far is going on an eco tour down the Kinabatangan River on Borneo. Spent 4 days at the Sukua Lodge and it was heaven on earth. Great guides, food, and the wildlife is amazing. Got to see monkeys, orangutan so, dozens of different bird species, crocodile, etc. I spent a day looking for the Elephants but didn't see them. I would do that trip every time I visit.

It's my second most favourite country to visit (behind France). The people are truly amazing and they have a wonderful culture. Enjoy your trip.

[tete]

Originally Posted by FLAMESRULE

Also been to Georgetown and Penang. Had the best meal of my life at the Spice Garden. Has hired a guide for the day and he recommended it. So I went and spent a couple hours wandering around. Had a hunger for spicy food so talked to the chef at the little resteraunt at the top and me made the most incredible spicy Penang Chicken curry. Ate it in the middle of the jungle and farm overlooking the ocean...just awesome.

\\

Yes! The Spice Garden has amazing food. It's not cheap (for Malaysia standards) but it was so good. And the view is amazing. Even though the heat is crazy hot with crazy humidity, I still think I could live there quite nicely.

[cupofjoe]

I really enjoyed the Cameron Highlands, Kuching and the rest Sawarak was amazing as well.

[jtfrogger]

Make sure that you have a pool wherever you stay. You'll need the break from the heat.

And eat street food. It is amazing.

[savemedrzaius]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

Apparently Langkawi is heaven on earth. My brother and both my parents rave about it.

Petronas Towers would be hella cool to see and go up.

I'm trying to remember the name of the fruit my brother won't stop talking about years after his trip. They look like oranges but taste amazing.

I haven't been (everyone else in my family has, not that I'm bitter).

I'm going to check flights now.

Enjoy the trip!

I'm not sure what fruit this is, (persimmon?...looks more like a tomato though) but if you are going to Malaysia I have two words for you: Durian Buffet!!!!!

[Flaming Choy]

Thanks guys,

I'll check out some of the islands/beaches.

Is it pretty easy to travel within the country? What's better, flying, train, bus, boat?