Going to malaysia in August, need some help planning trip. Please help.
Hello,
My girlfiend and I are planning a trip to malaysia and idonesia from August 7-29, so we only have three weeks. We are looking for untouristy places, in particular beaches. Luxury is of NO concern. We want to induldge oursleves in the local culture and cusiune. Also, I would like to do some diving, and see some wildlife. Borneo and Taman Negara sound very appealing. Does anyone have any suggestions as must see places for a young couple looking for a "relaxing adventure." One caveat: we do not drive.
Thanks for any help
Matt
Reply to this If you need more information
i suggest you go to Malaysia tourism gov website ...
Click here
may be you are lucky.
Reply to this Hey Matt,
Maybe i can give some tips on this.
1) Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Twin Towers, KL Towers, Dataran Merdeka, shopping, Chinatown, lots of type of food to try out, Batu caves (lots of steps to climb!)
2) Penang: Another fav destination for tourists. Very colonial (spelling?), culture, delicious foods, beaches.
3) Kuching: This is east Malaysia (i suggest you book a flight thru airasia.com, m'sia's own budget airline). Lots of different food and culture here. Sarawak Cultural Village (where you can see lots of native things etc)
4) Miri: Also east m'sia. Mulu Cave... a good 3km walk to the cave! :D i personally loved it.
5) Kota Kinabalu: Not sure what's there but also a popular destination. very cultural.
6) Taman Negara: As you mentioned... it's in Pahang, quite a distance. Should book a package when you get to KL as you said that you won't be driving.
PM me if you need any more infos! 😊 Will be glad to help out!
Reply to this Hi matt,
if u want to know about indonesia see http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/
becouse most of the local people here can not speak english , i think you beter learn some basic indonesia laguague to comunicated with them
the best diving site in Manado sulawesi island , try chek them out . or if near jakarta in tousand island area ok
if u like to try local transportation that ok too, we are a friendly people , not to worry
enjoy you trip here in indoneisa ,
take care
magdalena
Reply to this Hiya Matt,
I have been to Malaysia a few times so hopefully can help you with a few places to see. In KL stay at the Red Palm hostel, this is a fantastic little place, only 14 beds, the friendliest and most helpful owners of any hostel I have ever stayed in. But book early as its very popular. For wildlife I would head to a place called Tasik Chini, its a bit of a trek to get to, but thats part of the fun, its also no where near as busy as taman negara. The guy who runs the hostel there, rajan jones (well he was running it in 2003) is an expert on all the jungle plants and animals, he takes groups out on jungle treks which are fantastic fun. For the beach life head to the perhentians on the east coast...fantastic beaches and fairly undeveloped. I have heard that the beaches on the east coast mainland are pretty amazing, but havent been to them unfortunately.Penang is worth a visit, Georgetown is full of character and great food.
Thats all i can think of off the top of my head....oh if you can..try and fly with Malaysian Airlines...fantastic. Also to save time when your in Malaysia, use Air Asia, very cheap and quick.
Hope this has helped,
Ian
Reply to this Hi Guys,
We are a newly established boutique backpacker and lounge in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo. We may not be able to offer you lavish accommodation however do join us for a drink should you visit! I'll be more than happy to assist you with your travel plans should you be visiting KK. Visit our website www.velvet.com.my and you can drop us an email there with any questions you may have. Do be specific with what you require and we'll try to assist you as best we can.
Cheers!
Reply to this Hi Matt and all,
I found these links useful when looking in to planning our trip...
http://adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/129/itinerary/55.aspx
Check out the other itineraries too - 54 also looks good and 59 is geared towards Islands and beaches.
We're going to Singapore in Late March and travelling Malaysia and Thailand for 6 weeks before heading on. Could you let me know if you find anything else that's useful?
Also does anyone have a MUST DO (or several) for Peninsular Malaysia?
Cheers and happy travels,
Simon
Reply to this Hello,
We just spent two months in Malaysia and if I would recommend something it would have to be Borneo. We only stayed in Sabah but if you like wildlife, there are enough. Proboscis monkeys, Oranutans, one of the worlds best dive spots in Sipadan and beautiful nature everywhere. We stayed at Tropicana Lodge in Kota Kinabalu and if you get the chance go on one of the trips with the owner. He goes where nobody else goes, we went python hunting and also to a beach so long and completely deserted.
On the mainland the best places to take it easy is the islands on the eastcoast, Perhentian and Tioman. They might be a bit touristy but still nice places to see. Tioman is under construction so in a couple of years time it will look completely different. Best time to get there is now! Tioman is also taxfree.
The food is great throughout Malaysia due to their mixed ethnics. Everywhere you can find Malay, Indian and Chinese for small prices.
In the middle you have the Cameron Highlands, a bit cooler and very relaxed. But if you don't like hiking there's not too much to see. Very cheap though.
Westcoast I would recommend Penang and Langkawi. Some people really dislike Penang but if you like food it is a haven. As long as you stay away from the taxi-drivers. Langkawi is the main tourist spot and the place you are most likely to see charter tourists but still a nice place to go. A bit pricier than the rest but taxfree so the beer is cheap.
Anywhere you go really good, only place I didn't like was Kuala Lumpur. In bigger cities you tend to get less genuine people. Just remember that it is a muslim country so try to dress appropriate. Everyone speaks English but it's always good to know a couple of local phrases.
Reply to this Thanks everyone. From all the responses this is what we have panned. 2 nights in KL. 2 in Cameron highlands. 3 in Penang. 5 in perhentian 8 in sabahand 6 days not planned. any suggestions for the 6 days?
Reply to this I'd say not to completely plan for every single day. Give yourself some room for flexibility in case you really like it somewhere and want a few extra days there.. of if you run into some travellers who are going somewhere you didn't originally consider.
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