Malaysia Solo Journey | How To Plan A Enjoyable Solo Journey To Malaysia

By Aisha Preece. This submit on planning a solo journey to Malaysia comprises affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!

Trying to expertise Malaysia solo journey for your self, however need assistance with the planning?

Then you definately’re in the correct place!

Whether or not it’s your first or one centesimal time going overseas by yourself, touring solo in Malaysia is an unimaginable expertise for a lot of causes.

Together with pleasant locals who can typically converse in English, this lovely nation is protected, inexpensive, and an ideal location as your second tropical dwelling.

In all honesty, Malaysia is a significantly underrated nation with loads of issues to discover — whether or not it’s distinctive flavors, cultural heritage, buying, or historic sights. 

You’ll additionally fall in love with the budget-friendly and scrumptious avenue meals. Think about a plethora of dishes: from fluffy coconut rice to scrumptious slow-cooked meat full of flavors, all for the worth of $3! 

And that’s just the start of what to stay up for.

On this article, I share a few of the finest sights to suit into your Malaysia solo journey itinerary.

As a neighborhood, I’m excited to share a few of the many particular experiences you may have right here in addition to insider suggestions that may assist make feminine solo journey in Malaysia protected, enjoyable, and really unforgettable.

Fast tip: Whereas Malaysia is protected for solo journey, it’s nonetheless good to pack journey security necessities. One prime decide is Clever Travel Companion pickpocket-proof clothes, which can assist maintain your valuables protected from fairly theft incidents.

Confidently Get pleasure from Solo Journey In Malaysia [Free Course]

Earlier than we dive into our solo journey Malaysia information, right here is an invitation to seize a seat in Jessie’s free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course.

The 6-day course is designed that can assist you really feel assured about reserving your first solo journey and exploring the world alone.

Classes embody:

• Frequent solo journey fears and how you can overcome them
• How to decide on your excellent solo journey
• Easy methods to inform family members you’re going to journey solo
• Mentally getting ready on your solo journey with out shedding your thoughts
• Important steps for staying protected on a solo journey
• Easy methods to take superb solo selfies

When you’ve grabbed your seat, learn on to dive into our solo journey information on visiting Malaysia and having an excellent journey.

Is Malaysia Secure To Journey Alone?

Sure, Malaysia is a really protected nation to journey alone. If you’re involved about feminine solo journey security, you’ll be comfortable to know that the nation has a low violent crime fee. 

Moreover, in line with the latest World Peace Index report from Vision of Humanity, Malaysia has a excessive state of peace and ranks #18 in the complete checklist of 163 international locations.

This being mentioned, in greater cities like Kuala Lumpur you need to be cautious at night time as some thieves on motorbikes could roam round. To essentially shield your self, contemplate investing in a couple of journey security necessities like pickpocket-proof garments or a personal safety alarm.

The place Is Malaysia?

If you’re uncertain the place Malaysia is on the map, the simplest method to discover it’s to search for Thailand and Singapore, after which establish the land in between them.  

The actual reply is: Malaysia is positioned within the South East a part of Asia, consisting of two areas. 

One area is named West Malaysia and it’s positioned on the Malay Peninsula, under Thailand. Just a few standard vacationer locations in West Malaysia embody Kuala Lumpur, Penang Island, and the Cameron Highlands.

The opposite, separated by the South China Sea, occupies part of the Borneo island bordering Brunei and Indonesia and is called East Malaysia. It’s typically known as “the Borneo States” or “Malaysian Borneo” and contains the State of Sabah, the State of Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

Getting To Malaysia

There are a couple of transportation choices for a solo traveler in Malaysia:

Flying to Malaysia: 

Touring by airplane is the quickest and hottest method to attain Malaysia. 

There are six worldwide airports in complete, with two worldwide airports inside Kuala Lumpur:

• Kuala Lumpur Worldwide Airport (KLIA1) and KLIA2
• KLIA1 is the primary worldwide airport for vacationers

Arriving to Malaysia by prepare: 

There are two places to enter Malaysia by prepare, both from Bangkok or Singapore. Each cease at Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral), the nation’s largest transit hub.

To journey from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur (22 hours):

There are two trains you will want to take. 

The primary prepare is a sleeper prepare that may take 17 hours from Bangkok to Padang Besar. 

The second prepare will take 5 hours from Padang Besar to Kuala Lumpur. 

It’s a fairly snug trip as you move the plush greenery.

To journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (7 hours):

There are three trains you will want to take to succeed in Kuala Lumpur. 

You’ll first take a prepare from the Singapore Woodlands Practice Checkpoint to move to Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral) for a 5-min prepare trip.

Subsequent, you’ll take the prepare from JB Sentral to Gemas in Negeri Sembilan for a 4-hour trip. 

Lastly, buy a prepare ticket from Gemas station to KL Sentral for an additional 3-hour journey.

Arriving to Malaysia by bus:

That is the most affordable choice if you’re planning on doing Malaysia solo feminine journey on a price range! 

I like to recommend taking the bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur because the period is way shorter (6 hours), with over 100 bus routes from Singapore throughout peak days similar to Friday and Saturday.

Getting Round Malaysia As A Solo Traveler 

You will get round in Malaysia both through prepare, bus, and airplane — or by e-hailing a automobile from the Grab app. 

Getting round Malaysia by prepare

The Klang Valley space (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Putrajaya) has essentially the most built-in railway system, with MRTs, LRTs, and monorails to get across the metropolis. 

As well as, Malaysia has two major railway traces that stretch from north to south (Padang Besar, Perlis to Singapore) and east to west (Gemas, Negeri Sembilan to Tumpat, Kelantan).

The bus is the most affordable method to get round Malaysia

Taking the bus is your most cost-effective transport choice, though the frequent site visitors congestion inside populated cities could trigger delays and disrupt your journey plans.

 It’s a lot wiser to take the bus for long-distance journey out of state.

There was once a Speedy Penang Vacationer Passport that allowed limitless touring for one week at an inexpensive value of RM 20 ($4), nevertheless it was sadly terminated.

Flying round Malaysia

At present, there are 4 Malaysia flight operators with home flights, together with:

• AirAsia
• Malaysia Airways
• Firefly
• MYAirline

AirAsia has the most affordable flights if you’re flying to Pulau Pinang and to main cities in East Malaysia. 

Touring round Malaysia by automobile

The simplest method to navigate round Malaysia is by automobile.

I don’t advocate driving your self as native drivers may be ruthless on the street — particularly in Penang!

It’s higher to hail a trip from the Seize app on your security and sanity. 

Malaysia Solo Journey Map

To assist in giving you a lay of the land for exploring this excellent nation, here’s a map:

It has a few of the details of curiosity talked about on this Malaysia solo feminine journey information pre-plotted to make it straightforward so that you can switch to your telephone and begin exploring.

Greatest Solo Journey Locations In Malaysia

Now let’s talk about the place to really go throughout solo journey in Malaysia. Whereas there are numerous choices for nice locations, a couple of of my prime picks embody:

Kuala Lumpur

You may’t go to Malaysia with out visiting Kuala Lumpur, aka KL Metropolis!

This bustling capital metropolis affords solo vacationers loads of distinctive meals, native tradition, vacationer sights interesting to locals and foreigners alike, and a vibrant nightlife like no different. There are additionally many alternative tours and experiences in KL that may simply turn into the spotlight of your Malaysia itinerary.

Kuala Lumpur is essentially the most developed metropolis within the nation and has an environment friendly public transportation system for simply getting round. As such, it is among the finest locations to journey alone in Malaysia.

It’s no shock that Kuala Lumpur was simply awarded Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel. With that, listed below are some enjoyable issues to do for solo journey in Kuala Lumpur: 

The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers on the earth and are iconic landmarks that stand out within the KL skyline. Sure ranges — together with its double-decker Skybridge — inside its 88 flooring are open to the general public with an entrance price. 

That being mentioned, Petronas Twin Towers isn’t the one iconic tower in KL you may take a look at. 

The Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is only one.4 miles away from the dual towers and in addition has an observatory deck the place you may get a 360-degree glimpse of metropolis. It seems notably majestic at sundown. 

If the peak doesn’t make you dizzy, strive eating in its revolving restaurant— positioned 925 toes above floor stage. This expertise contains spectacular views, dwell leisure, and a scrumptious Malaysian meals buffet.

And if you want to dive into quite a few native delicacies in a single location, then Jalan Alor — one of the vital well-known meals streets in Kuala Lumpur — is the place to be. Give the fried durian a strive! You too can select to book a guided street food tour to have a neighborhood present you the very best issues to pattern.

Professional tip:

If you wish to discover a lot of the metropolis shortly, hop off at each prepare cease from Financial institution Rakyat Bangsar to KLCC on the Kelana Jaya LRT line. You could come across some fancy speakeasy bars or native delicacies for lower than $2!

Kuala Lumpur Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kuala Lumpur.

Selangor

Step out of Kuala Lumpur and you’ll arrive in Selangor. That’s as a result of Selangor is the encompassing state outdoors of the capital metropolis.

Selangor is the nation’s most developed state, with a stable infrastructure and an honest public transportation system. Due to this, you may solo journey in Selangor with ease.

When it comes to vacationer sights, the beaches in Selangor are a spotlight as are the various native nature experiences.

For instance, Kuala Selangor is understood for its firefly sightings, because it’s dwelling to one of many largest firefly colonies on the earth. Seeing the fireflies lighting up the sky after darkish feels magical, and the easiest way to view them is on a guided boat ride because the fireflies dance within the sky and thru the mangroves.

One other spotlight of touring or backpacking Malaysia is experiencing the “Sky Mirror” at Kuala Selangor Seashore. The Sky Mirror seems at low tide when a sand bar — which is touted as Malaysia’s personal “Salar de Uyuni” — seems, and also you get a reflective mirror impact on the bottom.

In case you’re trying to take some attention-grabbing journey images, you received’t need to miss it.

Do notice that the Sky Mirror doesn’t happen daily, as climate situations have to be excellent the place the tide is low sufficient to replicate the sky. It’s best to go to both on the day of the total moon or the brand new moon. 

One other sight price including to your Malaysia itinerary is Batu Caves simply minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. Batu Caves is a limestone mogote that hosts a number of Hindu temples and the well-known Lord Murugan golden statue. 

There are additionally mountain climbing actions round this huge hill that you could take part in, with routes appropriate for inexperienced persons and superior climbers.

In case you do not need gear with you, it’s advisable to go to Gua Damai Xtreme Park, which affords gear leases and showcases 100 routes to check out within the Batu Caves space.

Selangor Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Selangor. Selangor Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Selangor.

Genting Highlands

Many vacationers imagine that Malaysia is all about sizzling summer time climate; however, in Genting Highlands, you may get sweater climate as chilly as 12 °C (54 °F)!

Sitting on the height of Gunung Ulu Kali at 1,800 meters (5,906 toes), this hill resort in Pahang is among the finest solo journey locations in Malaysia. It options thrilling indoor and outside theme parks and retail buying malls — and is dwelling to the nation’s solely two casinos.

There are bus tickets to Genting Highlands, nonetheless, I like to recommend going by automobile because the roads are winding and steep.

If you want a faster approach up the hill, you may trip the Awana SkyWay Gondola Cable Car as much as Genting Resort. These cable vehicles are environment friendly, enjoyable, and help you see close to Kuala Lumpur from a panoramic angle.

Genting Highlands Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Genting Highlands. Genting Highlands Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Genting Highlands.

Cameron Highlands

Additional up north from Genting Highlands is Cameron Highlands, the land of tea plantations. In truth, it’s the place Malaysia’s hottest tea model, BOH Tea, originated from. 

The climate is kind of chilly up right here as temperatures can drop as little as 12 °C (54 °F) — which is among the explanation why it’s a standard place for Malaysia solo journey.

There are buses to Cameron Highlands; nonetheless, just like Genting Highlands, these slim roads are winding and steep, particularly in poorer climate situations. Due to this, it’s clever to go for a non-public switch as a substitute.

The place most locals will flock to Genting Highlands for leisure, those that favor a quiet and serene environment will head to Cameron Highlands. 

You may go to bee and strawberry farms right here in addition to hike lovely trails whereas having fun with a cool breeze. Throughout your hikes, attempt to spot the world’s largest (and smelliest) flower, the Rafflesia.

Cameron Highlands Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Cameron Highlands. Cameron Highlands Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Cameron Highlands.

Penang Island

Solo journey in Penang ought to positively be in your itinerary. Fortunately, this island state is simply a 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Many vacationers select to fly because the airplane tickets are fairly inexpensive — usually between $30-$80 for a return journey. Plus, flying saves time because it’s a fast 60-minute flight every approach.

It’s vital to grasp that Penang is break up into two places: one is positioned on Peninsular Malaysia (or the Malaysian Peninsula) whereas the opposite is called Penang Island and is the place George City is positioned. 

George City can be one in every of two colonial cities (together with Melaka) on the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia classified as a UNESCO World Heritage City. That is because of a still-visible multi-cultural heritage relationship again to when these cities functioned as buying and selling ports linking East and West.

George City has additionally grown in recognition as a photograph spot with distinctive avenue artwork and murals showcased within the hidden alleys.

Penang Island is among the most secure locations in Malaysia, with extraordinarily low crime charges compared to Kuala Lumpur. The easiest way to get across the island is both by foot, bicycle, or through e-hailing rides. You’ll find many bike rental places in George City to lease from about RM 20 ($4) a day.

The Ethnic Chinese language makes up the vast majority of the inhabitants in Penang. As such, English and Hokkien are the 2 most generally spoken languages right here, so it’s straightforward to converse with locals or ask for instructions for those who’re misplaced.

When you go to Penang, be sure you take a look at the biggest Chinese language temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple. Situated on a hill, this temple went by means of a major fire recently however continues to take care of an impressive outlook with its lovely pagoda overlooking the town. 

To enter the pagoda, you will want to pay a small price of RM 2 ($0.45). You may take their mini cable automobile that goes to the best components of the temple for RM 16 ($3).

One other unforgettable expertise:

Reconnect with nature by means of the a number of forest trails of Penang Nationwide Park. That includes 2,997 acres (1,213 hectares), there are a selection of intermediate mountaineering trails that you could take to go to the gorgeous Monkey Seashore — which sure, has monkeys!

To enter Penang Nationwide Park, you’ll must pay a conservation price of RM 50 ($11) for foreigners and RM 10 ($2) for locals. You too can take a ship trip again to the doorway for RM 100 ($22) to get a glimpse of the totally different Penang bays.

Penang Island Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Penang Island. Penang Island Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Penang Island.

Kinabalu Park

If West Malaysia has cultural cities as UNESCO World Heritage Websites, East Malaysia has nationwide parks.

Kinabalu Park close to Kota Kinabalu is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site and is the place Mount Kinabalu, the best mountain in Malaysia, resides. 

The one method to get to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur is by flight. From Kota Kinabalu, you may take both a taxi, bus, or rental automobile to enter Kinabalu Park. 

Mount Kinabalu is on many locals’ bucket lists as mountaineering to the highest of the mountain is a big achievement. I do know associates who skilled each day to have the ability to do the arduous hike to the height, which takes two days and one night time.

Even if you’re not planning to hike, you may nonetheless go to Kinabalu Park and take a path stroll across the Botanical Gardens for a soothing Malaysia solo journey expertise.

There are different locations to go to, too, such because the Upside Down House and Desa Dairy Farm at Kundasang Valley. Right here you may bottle-feed child calves and style contemporary milk from the farm.

To wrap up your keep right here, take a soothing heat soak at Poring Hot Springs. These sulfur baths will allow you to sleep properly in your flight again!

The doorway price to Kinabalu Park, together with their native information, is RM 23 ($5). There’s additionally a conservation and entrance price if you’re visiting sure sights such because the Cover Bridge and Butterfly Farm inside Kinabalu Park.

Kinabalu Park Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kinabalu Park. Kinabalu Park Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kinabalu Park.

Mulu Nationwide Park

Turn into one with nature at Mulu Nationwide Park, a spotlight of any Malaysia itinerary. Situated in Sarawak, you may expertise tranquility inside the Borneo rainforest and the biggest cave passages on the earth. This protected forest reserve can be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

The one method to enter Mulu Nationwide Park is by airplane on a 64-seater plane, with direct flights from Miri, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. Don’t fear, it’s utterly protected — though it might really feel like a mini roller-coaster within the air as a result of space’s unpredictable climate! 

Be ready to have intermittent entry to your emails as there’s restricted connectivity right here. 

Additionally, you will be jungle trekking continually so be certain to carry your finest strolling footwear and correct mountaineering apparel.

You may go to present caves — such because the Deer Cave, the world’s largest cave passage, through a 1.8-mile plank stroll. Moreover, it’s attention-grabbing to discover Clearwater Cave, the eighth longest cave on the earth, through a 200-step climb, and Wind Cave through a river boat. 

Trekking the caves is intriguing as you need to belief your senses whereas navigating with a head lamp. Some components of the caves could require you to swim to the subsequent part, too; however even if you’re not a swimmer, guides can be there to help you to shore.

Deer Cave additionally has a Bat Observatory part. It’s one of many prime locations to go to at sundown, when you may witness an exodus of tens of millions of bats leaving the cave to hunt for his or her subsequent meal.

You probably have time to spare, hike up a steep 1.5-mile path to the long-lasting peaks of Gunung Api (Mount Api) for a jaw-dropping view of the Pinnacles, a hanging karst formation.

Word that to go to Mulu Nationwide Park you will want to buy a 5-day move for RM 30 ($7) even for those who keep for a shorter period.

Mulu Nationwide Park Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Mulu National Park. Mulu Nationwide Park Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Mulu National Park.

Bako Nationwide Park

In case you take pleasure in mountaineering and need to discover extra of the Borneo rainforest’s fauna and flora, then Bako Nationwide Park is well worth the go to. It’s only accessible through boat.

Located 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Kuching, Bako Nationwide Park is presumably the very best place to journey alone in Malaysia for those who love wildlife. In truth, the park is dwelling to a wide range of wildlife together with proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, bearded pigs, and silver-leaf monkeys. 

You may spot the proboscis monkey by its giant nostril and reddish-brown fur close to the park’s headquarters and round Telok Paku (Paku Bay), Telok Delima (Delima Bay), and Telok Assam (Assam Bay). These spots are accessible by foot by means of their many jungle trails. 

The Lintang Loop Path is for hikers who don’t thoughts a 3.26-mile path that usually takes about 4 hours. Additionally, you will move the well-known Sea Stacks rock formation — which resembles a hooded cobra arising from the water — when you’re returning by boat or on a tour of the national park.

If you’re staying in Kuching Metropolis, you may as well take a private tour with a lodge pick-up to Bako National Park the place you may go on an 8-hour lengthy tour that features cruising alongside the South China Sea.

The park entrance price is RM 20 ($4).

Bako Nationwide Park Resorts: Click here for a full list of hotels in Bako National Park. Bako Nationwide Park Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Bako National Park.

Ideas For A Enjoyable & Secure Solo Journey To Malaysia

Solo touring in Malaysia is usually a enjoyable and protected expertise for feminine vacationers; nonetheless, it’s good to recollect a couple of vital suggestions when visiting any international nation: 

Be cautious of pickpockets. Whereas pickpocketing and bag-snatching usually are not as frequent as they have been again within the day, it’s nonetheless good to maintain your valuables locked in your lodge protected.

If you’re carrying a bag, at all times have these things in entrance of you and away from the street to attenuate such occurrences. You may additionally ditch the bag and opt for pickpocket-proof garments as a substitute in order that thieves don’t even know you’re carrying money.

Keep away from carrying giant quantities of money. Sometimes locals carry a most of RM 200 ($44). Most distributors are going cashless and settle for funds through bank card and e-wallet.

Keep protected when exploring Malaysia at night time. It’s completely okay to stroll round at night time in Malaysia; nonetheless, be sure you use your judgment — particularly on less-crowded and dimmer streets throughout late nights.

Journey safely utilizing e-hailing trip apps similar to Seize or public transportation to get round city.

What Does A Solo Journey In Malaysia Price?

Right here is the each day value if you’re taking a Malaysia solo journey for 2 weeks: 

Entrance charges for many vacationer sights are free. Sights that require guided excursions can value as much as $100 USD.

Do You Want Journey Insurance coverage For Malaysia?

When touring to Malaysia — or wherever else on the earth — it’s clever to get insurance coverage to assist guarantee an excellent journey.

One of many finest journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve obtained a big community and provide each short-term and long-term protection — together with protection for those who’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation.

Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and affords $250,000 price of protection with only one low general deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Ultimate Ideas On Malaysia Solo Journey

With that, I hope you discovered this complete solo feminine journey Malaysia information useful. The nation is among the finest locations for touring solo, with loads of sights and sounds to discover with out breaking the financial institution.

You’ll shortly understand that one journey isn’t sufficient to cowl all of it. With each go to, there can be one thing new to see, strive, and eat.

Plus, for those who’ve ever puzzled, “Is Malaysia protected for solo feminine vacationers?” you’ll understand it’s when you expertise this attractive nation for your self.

What suggestions would you add to this Malaysia solo journey information?

About The Writer

Aisha Preece is the founder and proprietor of Women Wandering Beyond. Studying how you can journey and discover by means of the world remodeled her life and helped her turn into a happier particular person. She desires that can assist you do the identical. Her feminine journey journey website is devoted to serving to ladies journey extra, step outdoors their consolation zone and expertise wonders of the world past their wildest desires! You may comply with her adventures on Instagram and Pinterest, too.