Malaysia Backpacking

Malaysia is an easy country to travel around. Its multi-ethnic population, which includes people of Malay, Chinese and Indian origin, live harmoniously alongside each other and you’re very unlikely to be hassled by touts or begging. It’s also a country with plenty of natural beauty, offering visitors great opportunities for hiking, beach time, diving, wildlife and exploration. Bahasa is the official language, but English is widely spoken, as is Chinese (Hakka and Hokkien).

It’s generally a cheap place to travel around, too. Transport costs are low, and there are plenty of Chinese hotels and hostels available, offering good value, budget accommodation. It is possible to get by on around 20 US dollars a day. The country has an excellent bus network, with a mix of local, public buses and private ones which service longer routes. This is the most economical way to get around, and the buses are pretty comfortable, frequent and reliable. It is also possible to reach Malaysia via bus from neighbouring countries. There is also a very good train network, with one line running all the way to/from Thailand, via Singapore. Malaysia is hot and humid all year round, and it does rain a lot, particularly during the monsoon season from November to March on the east coast (where many of the finest beaches and islands are located).

The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a buzzing city. There are western influences (most notably in the business district, with its high rise buildings and hotels), but it manages to retain an authentic charm, too. Head to the Chinatown or the Kampung Baru districts for colonial buildings and colourful markets.

Penang is a great place, simply for wandering around and soaking up the multi-cultural atmosphere. It’s possible to see a Buddhist temple, Hindu temple and a church sitting within striking distance of each other. Or for yet more quaint, colonial charm, head to Melaka, one of the country’s most interesting yet relaxing towns to visit.

The Perhentian Islands, located just 20km off the east coast are a firm backpacker favourite. Crystal clear waters, white sand and a very relaxed vibe can provide a welcome respite from touring the fume-filled cities of South East Asia. Kecil is the smaller of the two islands and is popular with a young crowd, due to its abundance of cheap beach huts and lively bars. The larger Besar island is slightly more sedate, but if you’re unsure which you’ll prefer, it’s only 5 minutes to cross from one to the other and boats are frequent.

If you’re on the west coast, then head to Langkawi. It’s better known as a package tourist’s destination but it has a lot to offer any visitor, with its pristine, palm-fringed beaches, jungle-clad hills and pretty rice paddy fields.

The more adventurous will find the Taman Negara national park unmissable. It’s home to jungle no less than 130 million years old if you’re lucky, you may spot some endangered species including the Asian elephant, tigers, rhinos and leopards. This area is also the home of one of Malaysia’s aboriginal groups, the nomadic Batek people. Or, if you want to venture into even wilder land, head to Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) to see Orang-Utans and to climb the incredible Mt Kinabalu.