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Malaysia was my second country along a backpacking trip I took through Asia in 2019. Unfortunately I only visited Kuala Lumpur before flying out to Indonesia, but I’ll be back someday to backpack through the rest! I loved Kuala Lumpur, and a taste of Malaysia wasn’t enough. But I was happy to explore the city, and checked off two places on my bucket list: the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves!
Malaysia was my second country along a backpacking trip I took through Asia in 2019. Unfortunately I only visited Kuala Lumpur before flying out to Indonesia, but I’ll be back someday to backpack through the rest! I loved Kuala Lumpur, and a taste of Malaysia wasn’t enough. But I was happy to explore the city, and checked off two places on my bucket list: the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves!
Out of all the must see places in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I think Batu Caves is the most impressive! And it’s not only beautiful, but it’s extremely accessible and an easy day trip fro...
Malay is the official language of Malaysia, although others speak Mandarin, indigenous languages and 60% of the population can speak English, as well.
Malaysian Ringgit
SYMBOL: RM
ABBREVIATION: MYR
CONVERSION: The currency rate is subject to change but typically $1 USD ~ RM 4
Malaysia uses plug type G which has a standard voltage of 240V and 50Hz. This plug type is both different than the U.S. and has a higher voltage. I suggest traveling with a plug adapter with a voltage converter.
U.S. citizens can travel without a visa to Malaysia if staying for less than 90 days. Visa information is subject to changes so double check here.
To check health advisories and what health precautions to take when traveling to Malaysia, check the CDC website.
Overall Malaysia is considered a very safe country to travel to. Simply follow standard safety precautions.
Malaysia is split in half and is a rather large country, therefore one side experiences wet season at the opposite time as the other. Most people visit the West side of Malaysia which is best to visit November – February. However Malaysia can be visited year round. The heat and humidity cannot be avoided and rain does not last long.
Malaysia is split in half and is a rather large country, therefore one side experiences wet season at the opposite time as the other. Most people visit the West side of Malaysia which is best to visit November – February. However Malaysia can be visited year round. The heat and humidity cannot be avoided and rain does not last long.
A hostel dorm bed in Malaysia is typically $4-15 USD per night, private rooms in an Airbnb can be anywhere from $10-60 USD a night, and hotel rooms $20-70 USD per night.
The cost of a meal in Malaysia is typicaly $1-5 USD.
To rent a scooter in Malaysia is typically around $7 USD, intercity trains under $1 USD for one trip, farther transportation such as trains and buses can be between $5-20 USD.
I would budget $30-40 USD per day in Malaysia. But as always with a budget, you could spend more or less and it depends how you travel and what kind of money padding makes you comfortable.
In cities such as Kuala Lumpur, an international credit card is accepted in many places. However, it’s a good idea to have cash as just as many places will only accept it.
