Malaysia, a quick getaway from India, has a million things to offer: bustling cities, silky beaches, fascinating wildlife and a few regions that seem straight out of an old history book. If you are going on vacation for 7 days, choose only three cities: Kuala LumpurLangkawi and Penang – otherwise you won’t be able to savor the beauty that these cities offer.
If you book your accommodation wisely, eat locally and use public transport, you can easily have a 7-day vacation in Malaysia for less than ₹1.35 million.
Read also | Budget Travel Guide: How to Vacation in Bali in Less Than ₹1.30 million
To see/do:
Kuala Lumpur : Admire the bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur from the Petronas Twin Towers. Expand the Batu Caves and say a prayer at Thean Hou Temple. Shop at Pavilion Mall, Starhill (the best deals are during Lunar New Year which usually falls between January and February), Taman Connaught Night Market and Sungei Wang Plaza. Travel to Kampung Baru, the only remaining traditional Malay village, with the contemporary skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur as a backdrop. Take a day trip to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nightlife at its best at Changkat Bucket Bintang.
Langkawi: Distance from Kuala Lumpur: 425 kilometers. You can fly, take a train or even take a long ferry ride. Take a sunset cruise. Walk the Sky Bridge. Travel to Gunung Raya, one of the highest peaks in Malaysia. Visit the Paradise 3D Museum. Spend an afternoon at Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, also known as Seven Wells. Watch the sunset at Tanjung Rhu Beach. If you want a quiet evening, head to the less crowded Tengkorak Beach. For a panoramic view, ride the Langkawi Cable Car.
Penang: Distance from Kuala Lumpur: 350 kilometers. Take a walking or rickshaw tour of George Town. Visit the 19th-century Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (also known as the Blue Mansion). Travel to Penang Hill, the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia, with a peak rising 833 meters (2,732 feet) above sea level. Learn all about World War II at the Penang War Museum. Don’t miss Penang Butterfly Park and Penang Wonderfood Museum.
Read also | Budget Travel Guide: How to Visit Vietnam in Less Than ₹1.25 million
Must eat:
- Kuala Lumpur : Jalan Alor, a famous food street in Kuala Lumpur (go there in the evening). Eat in Petaling Street Chinatown. Try tuak (East Malaysian rice wine). Eat street food at Lot 10 Hutong Food Village.
- Langkawi: Have breakfast at Nasi Dagang Pak Malau, known for Nasi Campur; Cili Kampung Restaurant for those who like spicy food; Telaga Seafood Restaurant. Don't miss the Yellow Beach Café.
- Penang: Penang is often called the food capital of Malaysia. Head to Food Bayana, Malaysia's first semi-automated food court. At Harry Hari Café, get personalized drinks based on your mood (they find out your mood just by looking at you). If you like cats, head to Munchkin & the Gang Cat Cafe. You have to try Char Koay Teow, the iconic dish of Penang; Tau Sar Piah, a delicious snack; Nasi Lemak (literally, big rice); Oyster omelette; Otak Otak, a snack made from fish paste.
Visa: Indian nationals can enter Malaysia without a visa until December 31, 2024, with a stay of up to 30 days for each entry. Online submission of Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before the arrival date is mandatory.
Flight: The Chennai-Kuala Lumpur-Chennai return economy class flight on Air Asia starts from ₹20,000+. Cabin bag + one handbag only. Add checked baggage to ₹5,600+. (Flight duration: 3 hours 50 minutes). Delhi-Kuala Lumpur-Delhi return flight starts from ₹28,000+. Check the baggage allowance. (Flight duration: 5 hours 25 minutes).
Accommodation: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang offer accommodation for all budgets: from expensive 5-stars to reasonable AirBnB options, hostels, guesthouses and homestays. Book only approved accommodation.
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 1 MYR = 20.85 INR.
Getting around: From Kuala Lumpur airport to the city center, take the KLIA Ekspres train (US$13, duration: 30 minutes). The cheapest option is to take the Express Coach bus (US$2.30, duration: 45 minutes). By taking the ferry to Langkawi and Penang, you will save almost 50% on the cost of the flight. In Kuala Lumpur, use the Light Rail Transit (LTR) as it will cost less than ₹125 per trip.
Tips for saving money:
- Use public transport; taxis can be expensive.
- Eat at local night markets and Mom & Pop restaurants.
- If you book accommodation outside tourist areas, the rate will drop by at least 30%.
- Many restaurants offer lunch menus at reduced prices compared to dinner; take them.
- Rent a scooter, it's cheap and practical.
Do’s and don’ts:
- Public display of affection is considered inappropriate.
- Do not point at any person or object with your index finger.
- If you plan to move away from cities, carry cash. You may not find an ATM for miles around.
- Even if you are left-handed, when shaking hands, always use your right hand.
- Tradition has it that if you enter a forest in a group, don't call out to each other at all – the belief is that the spirits listen to you.
- Do not drink tap water.
- In an emergency, call 999 which connects the police, firefighters, the Ministry of Health, the maritime agency and the Ministry of Civil Defense. If you are calling from a mobile phone, dial 999 112.
- Carry insecticide.
- Beware of motorcycle thieves.
- Do not take or carry drugs. The punishment is very severe and can include the death penalty.
