While backpacking across Southeast Asia has become something of a trend amongst people wanting a “gap yaar”, most hit Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and then head home. Whilst I could go on and on about the pitfalls of travelling through four countries in a measly three months (as is most common amongst young backpackers), the point of this blog is not to advocate against fast travel. Instead, my desire is to promote the benefits of adding Malaysia to your Southeast Asia travel itinerary.
Bordering Thailand to the south, mainland Malaysia is a cheap and easy destination to reach, as opposed to the popular bonus destinations of Indonesia and the Philippines. Its varied climate makes for a distinct range of landscapes and its amalgamations of culture produce a variety of traditions and cuisines. Malaysia deserves its flowers, but because of its relative unpopularity amongst the backpacking community it feels untouched. Get to know this diverse jewel of a country before it inevitably follows Thailand’s footsteps and becomes a hotspot for the Western party scene that is gradually consuming the continent.
British passport holders can attain a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival but I know the majority of you won’t have the time or funds to add an extra three months to your Southeast Asia itinerary. Instead, this travel route makes sure you see all of the highlights this country has to offer in just 20 days.
Kuala Lumpur: 3 Nights
Starting your time in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur makes the most sense. Being the capital city means Kuala Lumpur has the best transport links and is by far the easiest place to travel to. As well as its practicality, Kuala Lumpur also boasts an amazing variety of restaurants and, for those of you with an extra few pennies, rooftop bars. The most popular things to do involve the multitude of skyscrapers the city is lined with. However, if ascending the Petronas Towers isn’t your cup of tea, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of alternative activities which can be read here.
Tioman island: 4 nights
As my favourite island in Southeast Asia, Tioman should be the first destination on any itinerary. An unblemished paradise, you’ll spend your time lounging on deserted beaches, paddleboarding magnificent coastlines and, should you wish, trekking the jungle to find the world's largest flower (Rafflesia arnoldii). My time on Tioman was spent staying at ‘Beach Shack Chalet’ on Juara beach which I wholeheartedly recommend. You can hear more about the accommodation on my blog here.
* Be aware, however, that the island is closed from mid-November until early February due to monsoon season.
Redang Island: 4 nights
I spent 2 weeks volunteering on this island, which you can read about here. However, if you are visiting as a holiday-maker, 4 nights should be enough to explore the island's extraordinary coral reefs. Accessible by boat from Kuala Terengganu, Redang is a lesser known snorkel hotspot of Southeast Asia. Staying on the Southeast side of the island, near Redang Camp, will mean you have access to Long Beach, a stretch of white sand and crystal water, and plentiful coral reefs allowing for shark and turtle sightings.
* Like Tioman, Redang is closed during monsoon season so plan accordingly.
cameron highlands: 3 nights
A stark contrast from the beach destinations before it, Cameron Highlands is a hikers' sandbox. With a much colder climate and forests galore, the area is famous for two things, hiking and tea. With rolling hills sporting tea plantations and misty forests, a tour of both the BOH Tea Plantations and the Mossy Forest cannot go amiss. Should you wish to venture on your own hikes, make sure to download MapsMe, as maps from hostels can be confusing and Google Maps is not great in the area. For a more detailed account of the Cameron Highlands visit my blog here.
george town: 4 nights
On the Northeast side of Penang Island lies Georgetown. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Penang, Georgetown is a melting pot of cultural influences: a city like no other in Malaysia. With contemporary street art decorating colonial architecture, fusions of Asian food lining every pavement and enough clothes shops to keep you spending for weeks, George Town is an unmissable destination on your Malaysia itinerary. Penang National Park is only a bus ride away, giving a nice break from the bustling city, but if this doesn’t tickle your fancy, a must-do, due to its cheap beer and friendly owner, is Wild Chillie’s live music nights.
Langkawi: 2 nights
Although my least favourite destination on this list, Langkawi is still a famous spot amongst backpackers and holiday makers alike. What it lacks in beautiful beaches it makes up for with watersports. From jet skis to paragliding, Langkawi has it all. However, if you’re like me and neither have the money nor the will to partake, Telagu Tuju is an amazing waterfall with natural waterslides and cliff jumping spots to keep you busy for hours. Langkawi also has the benefit of great transport links. With an airport on the island and boats to Thailand via Koh Lipe and Satun, Langkawi is a practical destination to end your travels in Malaysia.
Mainland Malaysia is a must-visit destination when it comes to travelling Southeast Asia. From skyscrapers to coral reefs, the country has something for everyone and in a similar vein to Thailand (despite being nowhere near as tourist-centred) is trouble-free when it comes to transport. Following this itinerary means you’ll hit every must-see spot in a relatively short timeframe and it makes sure you’ll leave with Malaysia as one of your top destinations.