Malaysia travel ideas

When planning your ideal Malaysia trip, you may want to take a moment and have a look at the layout of the land. Your ideal trip should be the perfect combination of places you would like to visit, places which are conveniently located near each other and should take into account the different types of transport you would like to use and which are available to you. Climate is another factor that should be considered when planning your trip to Malaysia. To find out more about the best time to travel, have a look at our Malaysia climate web page. More detailed information on transport in Malaysia can be found on our transport page. We also suggest having a look at our Malaysia adventure tours and itineraries. This will give you an impression of travel options and what’s possible. You can then go on to create your ideal travel plan, based on your specific preferences, with the help of one of our travel specialists. We can be reached by email: info@malaysiatravelplan.co.uk, telephone: 01273 322 048 or through the Malaysia travel quote request form.

Below you’ll find more information on the most logical travel route through West Malaysia and Borneo. It will also give you a quick glance at locations where you’ll spend the night. Our selection of accommodation options is based on atmosphere and ideal location, fitting with the surroundings. After travelling extensively through this area, we know the in’s and out’s of Malaysia and what the best places to visit are. We look forward to sifting through your options with you and creating your own personal Malaysia trip of your dreams.

Suggested trip in West Malaysia

Most Malaysia trips begin in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. We offer easy going starter packs to help you cover the first or last two nights in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and transfers to and from the airport. Our Malaysia travel modules also originate in these cities. From Kuala Lumpur you can easily travel on through Malaysia, for instance by bus to the jungle of the Taman Negara National Park and on by hire car from the Cameron Highlands to the tropical island of Pulau Pangkor. After several days of relaxing on the beach you can choose to check out local culture in the north in Penang and then continue on by boat to the white shores of Langkawi.

If you want to see the real Malaysia, you most definitely should see the East Coast. You can catch a domestic flight departing from Penang. From Kota Bharu you can go island hopping to our favourite tropical islands in Malaysia: Perhentian and Lang Tengah. Once you return to the mainland, you can fly back to Kuala Lumpur or choose to spend to days at home with the Malay where you can get a sense of the fishermen's life and enjoy the fireflies. For more detailed information or to find out about transport options between our Malaysia travel modules, visit our transport web page.

Malaysia travel ideas - The western Peninsula

Borneo

If you would like to combine your trip to West Malaysia with Borneo, we suggest you start out on Borneo. This will leave you with the most adventurous part of your journey at the beginning of your trip. Fly into either Kuching (Sarawak) in the south or Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) in the north. From Kuching you and your guide will travel to the Bako National Park and you'll become acquainted with the Headhunters. From Kota Kinabalu you can choose to spend some time relaxing on an island first with the module Mud baths in paradise and then fly on to Sandakan for the module Orangutans and a jungle boat cruise. You'll mostly travel by air plane and private transfers on Borneo. It's best to schedule some rest breaks during your trip since you'll be on the road quite a bit on Borneo and this can be quite tiring. By adding on an extra night after one or two modules, you'll be able to rest up for your next adventure. We look forward to helping you plan the best possible travel itinerary.

Malaysia Accommodation

Hotels
In larger cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Melaka, Georgetown, Kota Bharu, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu you'll spend the night in mid-class hotels. Naturally with air conditioning. Our main concerns when selecting accommodation options for Malaysia were comfort, atmosphere and an ideal location. If you would like to experience a truly luxurious accommodation in a specific location, for instance while staying on a tropical island, please let us know and we'll submit a proposal to you.

Resorts
While visiting tropical islands and in the Taman Negara you'll stay at charming resorts. We're not a big fan of large 'concrete block resorts', that's why we've selected small scale resorts for you to stay at. Usually you'll have your own chalet, for 2 sharing, with air conditioning and whenever possible we'll arrange for a sea or jungle view.

Jungle Lodge
While visiting Borneo's national parks, you'll stay in cosy, wooden lodges in the middle of the jungle. The facilities are quite basic; however you'll have a fine bed with (when necessary) mosquito netting. Jungle lodges usually do not have air conditioning, although they do have a fan that can offer some relief from the heat. You'll have your own private bath room or you'll share one with several other travellers.

Special Hotels
If you prefer more luxurious accommodation, are going on your honeymoon or simply if you're looking for something different, we have accommodation options in the most beautiful locations for an extra special stay. Malaysia has several exclusive accommodation options where you'll be treated like royalty. Not all accommodation options are listed on our web site; some of them are still a surprise.... let us tell you about them.

Homestay
A homestay is simply an accommodation option allowing you to spend a few nights in a local family's home. We offer the opportunity for you to get a taste of the real Malaysia. You'll stay at the home of a very friendly and hospitable couple and their family. They live in a modest, yet well cared for home on the East Coast of Malaysia. They have decorated and prepared an entirely separate home in their house for you. You'll experience first-hand how warm, friendly, modest and hospitable the Malaysians are. They are very proud of their culture and heritage and enjoy showing you around. You'll be a part of their everyday life and you'll feel as if you were a real 'Orang Malayu'.

Tents
If you decide to go on a trek through the Malaysian jungle, such as in Taman Negara or Endau Rompin, you'll spend the night in lightweight double occupancy tents. We consider this the best way to really experience the jungle. Sleeping bags can be rented from the local guide and usually cost approximately £ 2 per person. No mattresses are brought along. Your bathroom during your stay.... the great outdoors.

For more detailed information regarding our comfort class-levels of accommodation, please see our accommodation page.

Malaysia travel ideas - Hotel bedroom

Malaysia travel ideas - Beach resort

Malaysia travel ideas - Jungle lodge

Malaysia travel ideas - Special hotels

Malaysia travel ideas - Homestay

Malaysia travel ideas - Tents

Malaysia travel ideas - Our friendly local office

Our local representatives

We work closely with two local partners in Malaysia. Our partner on West Malaysia is located in Kuala Terengganu on the East Coast and our partner on Borneo is located in the city of Kuching. On your arrival at the airport, an English speaking representative will be waiting for you. All necessary information and vouchers for your hotels and excursions will be waiting for you at your first hotel. The travel documentation you receive from us will include contact information such as the address and telephone numbers of our local partners. You will also receive a 24-hour emergency telephone number.

All of us at Malaysia Travel Plan have travelled through Malaysia extensively. We look forward to giving you travel advice, for instance regarding the climate in Malaysia and the time of year you would like to travel in. Get to know our team on our travel specialists page. If you would like to contact us, give us a call at 01273 322 048 or simply send us an email at info@malaysiatravelplan.co.uk and we will answer any questions you may have about travelling in Malaysia.

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Click here for our bite-sized Borneo tours