Trip to Malaysia - Need help with suggestions

[Meelapo]

Make sure to buy throat lozenges when in Kuala Lumpur. The smog really messes up your throat. Also, if you blow your nose and the stuff that comes out is black don't worry. That's the smog again.

There are some really nice night markets that you should check out. I don't remember the name(s) but you can ask around. The food they serve is amazing.

Also make sure to eat the following:

- Jackfruit
- Durian (ignore the smell if you can)

[GirlySports]

take a small tour to genting highlands. Amusement park, casino and just to cool off.

[Dentoman]

Was just in Bali 2 months ago. If you are looking for a less busy beach with good waves for boogie boarding I would hit Jimbaran. Much quieter and cleaner than Kuta. Restauarant seating right on the beach. If you are looking for the party scene and shopping, then Kuta is for you. There are also some black sand beaches which are cool to see.
Ulawatu temple is very interesting. Get there for sunset. They have a traditional dance show .... wasn't my thing, but it might be for you. Watch out for the monkeys at this place. They will steal stuff!! Stole my 6 year olds glasses off her face (our fault, she put them on for the show and then forgot to take them off). The temple guards got them back ... still wearable fortunately. They also stole flip flops right of a woman's feet right in front of us.
We were in Ubud for a few days as well. Lots of culture and temples around there. There is one on a mountain top ... can't remember the name, but it was very cool. There is no shortage of temples to see.
People in Bali are very friendly. Had no problem as an English speaker.

Just a heads up .... the ATM's in Bali won't dispense money unless it is from a credit card. My ATM card would not work but my Visa did. If you have a Visa debit card from your bank, that should work. It worked for our friends, but their bank was in Singapore.

[wontondestruction]

I just read that it's a bumper crop for durian. As a result, it's supposed to be very good this year, and pretty affordable. It's good to give it a try, just to say that you had the "king of fruits".

[OffsideSpecialist]

Originally Posted by 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?

I visited four Southeast Asian countries a few months ago, and found Malaysia was definitely the easiest to get around in. I travelled by train since I am a big fan of train travel, but I think buses were fine and Air Asia and Firefly offer good cheap flights. Transport is pretty cheap too, I got a sleeper from Butterworth to KL for about $14. Alternatively, I could have flown from Penang to KL for a similar price.

[Flaming Choy]

Awesome, thanks for the tips everyone.

For Bali, we aren't looking for the party spots, so i'll definitely check out Jimbaran.

Love Durian (girlfriend does not so more for me), so that makes me happy.

[starseed]

The smell of durian is not that appealing, but the taste was OK. I can see how you would love it if you grew up with it. I tried it before going to Malaysia and it was vile... But I guess that was because it wasn't fresh. The jackfruit was good!

[Scrambler]

Flaming, how much do you have booked thus far? I may be able to hook you up with some deals for flights and hotel; for the latter that will depend on your budget/what you're aiming for as I have connections with some hotels/resorts (but of course not all...)

PM me if you're interested.

Either way have a great time, Malaysia is a cool country to visit. It's been far too many years now but I can recall KL, Penang and Malaysian Borneo being some of the coolest places I've traveled to.

[Flaming Choy]

Thanks Scrambler. PM sent.

I haven't booked anything yet, so still pretty open right now.

[Flaming Choy]

Hey guys,

Quick thread bump. I booked our flights (thanks Scrambler) but have a couple questions on activities.

Has anyone been to the Perhentian Islands? I'm thinking of staying in Besar instead of Kecil (more relaxing), but does anyone have any accommodation suggestions?

Also, where is a good jungle trek option? Is it better in Borneo?

Thanks everyone.