Malaysia Holidays

sweetstudent

I am considering booking a holiday next year and I have tried to do some research, looking at prices, where to visit and I was hoping that I could get a few suggestions from the other people who use this forum. Mainly any good operators and some places to visit. I am thinking of going around June - September 2013 (not for four months but in the time period!)

We both like to relax but also discover local culture and the history of the country. Penang looks very nice!

Any help is much appreciated,

Thanks

Doshwaster

Malayasia is fantastic!

Have a read of this thread from last year: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2953372

In my experience KL is OK for a couple of days but it's not as much fun as Bangkok. Penang is the real highlight - it's as if you have all of Asia crammed into one small island with Malay, Thai, Indian, Chinese and other cultures in one melting pot. Because of this mix, you get some of the best food anywhere in the world. The beaches are a little disappointing though.

A short hop from Penang, and in total contrast to it, is the paradise island of Langkawi which is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places anywhere and where nothing much ever happens.

I wouldn't bother with tour operators. Just book a flight to KL (or Singapore) and then work out your own itinerary. Internal flights (esp Air Asia), buses and trains are usually very cheap.

Mr_Wang

Doshwaster wrote: »

Malayasia is fantastic!

Have a read of this thread from last year: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2953372

In my experience KL is OK for a couple of days but it's not as much fun as Bangkok. Penang is the real highlight - it's as if you have all of Asia crammed into one small island with Malay, Thai, Indian, Chinese and other cultures in one melting pot. Because of this mix, you get some of the best food anywhere in the world. The beaches are a little disappointing though.

A short hop from Penang, and in total contrast to it, is the paradise island of Langkawi which is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places anywhere and where nothing much ever happens.

I wouldn't bother with tour operators. Just book a flight to KL (or Singapore) and then work out your own itinerary. Internal flights (esp Air Asia), buses and trains are usually very cheap.

Totally agree, I love Malaysia.

But.....Would you head there exclusively for a holiday?

nico26

I really thnik it all depeds on how long you are going for how to work out an itinery. Penang and Langkawi really worth doing. Maybe even Malacca and Georgetown for a day.

Singapore and Thailand are within easy reach as well if you fancied a couple of nights there.

Doshwaster

Mr_Wang wrote: »

Totally agree, I love Malaysia.

But.....Would you head there exclusively for a holiday?

Yes I would, but it does depend on how long you have and your budget. As I'm sure you know, Malaysia is typically more expensive than the rest of SE Asia but still cheap by Western standards. I usually go to Thailand every year but Malaysia makes an interesting change as it's like Thailand's elder and more sensible sister.

boatman

I would actually say that price wise Malaysia compares favourable with the rest of SE Asia. Coach transport is cheap and many of them are better than UK. Allow for the fact that you don't have to barter for everything, yes you can stay in Siem Reap Cambodia, or 4000 islands Laos for less. By the time the locals in many countries see westerners and start counting the dollar signs.... Malaysia is sooo much easier!! As well as the usual Langkawi and Penang the east coast has some nice islands like Tioman, Kapas and Prehentian. Depends on how much time you have, there is certainly no problem filling a month there.

Doshwaster

The one thing which is much more expensive in Malaysia than elsewhere in SE Asia is alcohol. It may be a Muslim country but alcohol is widely available - it's just that you are charged a lot for it. The one exception is Langkawi which is a duty free island so the drinking is cheap :beer:

Equaliser123

Been many, many times to Malaysia - Penang, KL, Langkawi, Redang, Tioman, KT, etc.

Have to say, of all of the islands, Penang is probably my least favourite. For pure tranquility, it has to be Pulau Redang. Langkawi is also a real favourite.

As others have said, make the trip up yourself. LHR to KUL on Malaysia is great. Rather than going with Air Asia, see if any connecting flights (e.g. to Langkawi) can be provided by Malaysia for the same price. A night (at least) in KL is good. KL Hilton is superb as it is walking distance from the airport express train which is non-stop from KL International Airport to KL.

Doshwaster

One thing KL isn't short of is fantastic hotels at bargain prices. You really can afford to treat yourself to a little luxury - and you'll probably need it after a long flight. The last time I stopped there I used the Sheraton and the room was bigger than my house.

Mr_Wang

Doshwaster wrote: »

Yes I would, but it does depend on how long you have and your budget. As I'm sure you know, Malaysia is typically more expensive than the rest of SE Asia but still cheap by Western standards. I usually go to Thailand every year but Malaysia makes an interesting change as it's like Thailand's elder and more sensible sister.

Get that completely. But admit it, you'd be sat in some little place in Georgetown and be itching to head up to Thailand - Or when in KL tempted to hit up Singapore.....I know I would be

Doshwaster

Mr_Wang wrote: »

Get that completely. But admit it, you'd be sat in some little place in Georgetown and be itching to head up to Thailand - Or when in KL tempted to hit up Singapore.....I know I would be

Singapore has never done much for me (if KL is BKK's more mature elder sister (but still a good time girl once you get to know her), SIN is her disapproving maiden aunt). Put me in a bustling night-time food market in Georgetown or a chilled out beach bar in Langkawi and I'll happily forget the hedonism available over the border in Thailand.

If I could only ever go to one country on holiday again it would have to be Thailand but Malaysia comes a close second.