Travel Guide
Malaysia
From Penang’s hidden temples to Langkawi’s duty-free island, from Perhentian’s crystal-clear waters to Melaka’s colourful streets. Modern cities, tropical islands and peaceful towns.
PerhentianIn short
Malaysia is a country where you can move between modern cities, colourful historic towns and islands with crystal-clear water. On the route from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Penang, Perhentian, Sungai Lembing and Melaka there is plenty of both nature and culture.
Because the government charges no tax in Langkawi, supermarkets and alcohol are very cheap. Penang has neighbourhoods built on stilts, Little India, street-art lanes and a 500-step temple. The water around the Perhentian Islands is so clear you can count the fish one by one; snorkelling there is a dream.
Sungai Lembing is a quiet town that offers peace with its giant trees, rainbow waterfall and few tourists. Melaka (Malacca), with its colourful streets, seaside mosque, night market and an atmosphere reminiscent of Japanese anime, may well be one of the most loved cities.
Accommodation can be found for around 50–80 RM (sometimes beachfront, with a pool and breakfast included). Traffic drives on the left. Some buses seat men and women separately. People are generally polite; hitchhiking is not common, but helpful people do turn up.
Route
Main stops from the videos.
Starting point
A modern metropolis. Bus and train connections are strong. A hub for getting to the islands and other cities.
Duty-free island
Everything is cheaper (especially alcohol and groceries). Quiet roads, beaches, a try at the Sky Bridge / hill hike. A peaceful atmosphere.
Temples, street art, Little India
Neighbourhoods on stilts, a 500-step temple, a botanical garden, scooter rental (2 days ≈ 500 lira). Traffic drives on the left.
Clear sea & snorkelling
Cross over from Kuala Besut. Incredibly clean water, fish and snorkelling tours. White sand and dreamlike beaches.
Rainbow waterfall
A quiet town, giant trees, and the waterfall by hike + 4x4. Few tourists, full of peace. Hotel ~80 RM.
Colourful city
A river, water buses, night market, street art, a seaside mosque and a sultanate palace. One of the most loved cities.
Transport, accommodation and food
Bus & ferry
Intercity buses are comfortable. Ferries to the islands (Kuala Besut → Perhentian). Some buses separate men and women.
50–80 RM hotels
Beachfront options with a pool and breakfast included are possible. You can also find good deals in Langkawi and Perhentian.
Scooter rental
A 2-day rental in Penang is practical. Traffic drives on the left, so it takes some getting used to.
Food
Noodles, chicken rice, pastries, coloured rice. Night markets are cheap and varied. Try the blue/yellow rice in Melaka.
Langkawi groceries
Because it is duty-free, products like chocolate, shampoo, oil and eggs are cheaper.
Left-hand traffic
Be careful as a pedestrian too. If you will ride a scooter, allow time to adjust.
Places to see
Penang temples
A hilltop temple with 500 steps, statues and views. Mind the evening opening hours.
Perhentian
Clear water, snorkelling, fish. Described as one of the cleanest seas I have ever seen.
Sungai Lembing waterfall
The rainbow waterfall. Get up early; 4x4 + hike. Magnificent views.
Melaka street art
Colourful walls, Art Street, trees lit with lights, the night market.
Langkawi
Duty-free shopping, beaches, a hill / Sky Bridge hike (can be tough).
Melaka mosques
A mosque right on the sea (Masjid Selat) and a historic atmosphere.
Photos
Practical tips
Ringgit (RM)
We only list prices in the local currency. Keep small notes on you.
Soldan trafik
Get used to it both as a pedestrian and as a driver. Be careful when renting a scooter.
Islands
Watch the ferry times for Perhentian and Langkawi. Check the weather forecast.
Waterfall & hill
The Sungai Lembing and Langkawi hikes can be tough. Bring water and proper shoes, and start early.
Religious sensitivity
Wear suitable clothing when entering mosques. At some places only Muslims are allowed inside.
The people
Polite and helpful. Hitchhiking is not common, but people who help do turn up.
Videos
The whole Malaysia series (6 videos).
Penang Island · Hidden temple
500 steps, Little India, street art, botanical garden.
▶ Open on YouTube
Sungai Lembing · Rainbow waterfall
A quiet town, giant trees, a magnificent waterfall.
▶ Open on YouTube
Melaka · A colourful dream city
Colourful streets, night market, mosque, street art.
▶ Open on YouTubeIslands, colours and peace
Malaysia is both modern and tropical. There is no tax in Langkawi, the water in Perhentian is like glass, the streets of Melaka are like a dream, and a rainbow waterfall awaits in Sungai Lembing.
Carry ringgit, get up early and set aside time for the islands; Malaysia will surprise you.
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