Malaysia What to Expect + Travel Guide (2025)

Flo MBT
Feb 26
5 min read

Updated: Jul 26

Malaysia is a country with something for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure in the jungle, the energy of bustling cities, or the serenity of island life, Malaysia has it all.

We had the opportunity to visit Malaysia twice—first in July 2023 and again in January 2025. Each trip gave us a unique perspective on this diverse and vibrant destination. In this article, we’ll share our experiences, impressions, and the highlights of our journey through Malaysia.

Key Information
Our Experience by Destination
Public Transportation Options
Good to Know

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Key Information

Size: 330,803 km²
Population: ~33.5 million (as of 2024)
Religion: Islam (official), with significant Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu communities
Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia, official), with English widely spoken, plus Chinese and Tamil
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) - 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD
Plug: Type G

Our Experience by Destination

We only visited Peninsular Malaysia, located on the Malay Peninsula. We will need to come back to visit East Malaysia, which is on the island of Borneo.

1. Kuala Lumpur – A Blend of Tradition & Modernity

We went to KL twice and Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone! From the iconic Petronas Towers to bustling street food markets, the city keeps the cultural essence of Malaysia alive while embracing a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Street art, night markets, and historical sites add to the charm!

>> Find our complete guide: Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

2. Cameron Highlands – Tea Plantations & Cool Escapes

A refreshing break from the tropical heat, Cameron Highlands was perfect for a two-day retreat. We rented a scooter to explore tea plantations, and charming cafés serving tea and cake. A guided day tour helped us uncover the region’s hidden gems. The cool weather and relaxed vibe made it a great stop.

3. Penang (George Town) – A UNESCO Gem Full of Life

We rented a scooter to explore Penang. George Town stole our hearts with its vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and artistic energy. This UNESCO-listed city is busy but beautiful, packed with heritage buildings, great cafés, and street art. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and foodies alike!

4. Langkawi – Nature, Beaches & a Hint of Adventure

Langkawi offers a laid-back tropical escape with a mix of beachfront bars, scenic viewpoints, and activities. Here too, we rented a scooter to explore the island. The mangrove tour of Kilim Geoforest Park was an absolute highlight - We chose an eco-tour to explore the mangroves, ensuring we left no impact on the delicate ecosystem. Unlike some other tours that feed the eagles - disrupting their natural hunting habits - we wanted to experience wildlife in its purest form.

5. Melaka – A Colorful & Lively UNESCO City

Melaka's rich history and vibrant streets make it a joy to explore. The Jonker Street Night Market (on Fridays and Saturdays) was lively and full of delicious street food! We loved wandering through its colorful streets, discovering old temples, and soaking up the city’s colonial charm. One of our top highlights was venturing off the tourist trail to visit Sentosa Villa.

>> Find our complete guide: Melaka - The 8 Things To Do in Melaka

6. Johor Bahru – An Authentic Local Experience (not recommended - read below)

At the border with Singapore, Johor Bahru isn’t the most touristy destination, and many sites were either closed or difficult to access. We would not recommend stopping at Johor Bahru, especially if you only have a few weeks in Malaysia. But what we appreciated was the authentic night market, where locals shop without the usual touristy souvenirs - just real Malaysian life unfolding before us.

7. Tioman Island – A Tropical Paradise for Adventure Lovers

We absolutely loved our time on Tioman! The island is stunning, offering snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and even surfing on the east coast. It felt untouched and more rugged than other islands, making it an adventurer’s dream. A must for nature lovers!

>> Find our complete guide: Tioman Island Everything You Need To Know: A Tropical Escape Guide

8. Taman Negara – A Jungle Adventure Like No Other

Spending two days in Taman Negara was an unforgettable experience. While we didn’t get to do the overnight jungle trek & cave camping (as it wasn’t open yet), the park still delivered an immersive rainforest experience. It’s a fantastic spot for hiking, and wildlife spotting.

>> Find our complete guide: Taman Negara Everything You Need To Know

9. The Jungle Train – A Slow but Scenic Ride

We took the jungle train from Kluang to Kota Bharu, and it was quite an experience! The first stretch was overnight and not the most comfortable, but the second part, from Jerantut to Kota Bharu, was stunning. Slowly rolling through the jungles, a unique way to experience Malaysia’s interior!

10. Perhentian Islands – A Dream of Crystal Waters & Marine Wonders

The Perhentian Islands felt like paradise on earth! With crystal-clear waters in every shade of blue, soft sandy beaches, and incredible marine life, we swam alongside sea turtles and reef sharks.

>> Find our complete guide: Perhentian Islands: Malaysia’s Best-Kept Tropical Paradise (+ Travel Guide)

Public Transportation Options

We found traveling in Malaysia to be easy, affordable, and comfortable. Here are the main ways we got around:

Bus: We booked almost all our transportation through 12go.asia, which made planning super smooth.
The bus system in Malaysia is excellent — always clean, comfortable, and reliable. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel between cities.
Price Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands (one-way): 50 MYR
Train: We took the train twice in Malaysia as well as we wanted to experience the Jungle Train. Overall a good experience and cost-effective, train was not the most comfortable but we bought the basic ticket.
Ferry and fast boat: We took ferries/ fast boat to reach both Tioman Island and the Perhentian Islands. Each journey was smooth, and budget-friendly. The fast boat ride to the Perhentian Islands was quite an experience!

Good to Know

💰 Payment: Many businesses in Malaysia operate on a cash-only basis, so it's always a good idea to carry cash. Be aware that some remote areas, like the Perhentian Islands, do not have ATMs.

🕌 Religion: Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, and you’ll often hear the call to prayer (adhan) throughout the day.

🚽 Toilet Paper: Public restrooms don’t always provide toilet paper, so carrying a small pack of tissues is a good habit.

🎟️ Tourist Pricing: In some attractions, such as museums, there may be different ticket prices for locals and foreigners. This is a common practice in several countries and helps subsidize costs for residents.

🚖 Negotiation: We found that prices in Malaysia are generally fixed and fair. No one ever tried to overcharge us, and even when testing taxi fares on the same route multiple times, the prices remained consistent.

💦 Water: Bottled or filtered water is highly recommended.

🍢 Street Food: Malaysia is famous for its incredible street food! We never got sick eating out, but in remote areas, it's best to be a bit more cautious—especially with raw vegetables and ice.

🔒 Security: Overall, we felt very safe traveling in Malaysia, even in smaller cities with few tourists. The locals were welcoming, and we never encountered any issues. Beware of the monkeys! Never leave your bags unattended—they’ve mastered the art of unzipping them!

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☕️ Thanks a ton!