How to Explore Malaysia Affordably

Malaysia is an exciting place with its busy cities, beautiful beaches, and green forests. And the best part is, you don’t need a lot of money to see it all! With some careful planning, you can travel around Malaysia, have fun, and still save money - here’s how you can do it.

Use Public Transport

Getting around Malaysia is easy if you use public transport, as these buses connect most cities and towns. They are cheap and run often- for example, a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang costs much less than a flight or a private car!

In cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, you can use local buses, which are are clean and safe. Some city buses are even free, like the Go KL buses in Kuala Lumpur. They stop at many tourist spots.

Trains are another good choice. The LRT and MRT trains in Kuala Lumpur are fast and cool inside. They are good for getting around the city. Prepaid cards, such as Touch ‘n Go, is a great way to pay for buses and trains. This card makes travel easy and saves you time.

If you want to see the countryside, try the KTM train! It goes to places like Ipoh and Johor Bahru. The train is comfortable, and you can see beautiful views along the way. Overnight trains are also a good bet if you want to save money on a hotel!

 Try Ferries and Boats

Malaysia has many islands, and if you want to visit them, take a ferry or a boat. Ferries are cheap and relatively safe! You can go to places like Langkawi or Penang by ferry, and you will find that the ride is quite smooth.

You can buy ferry tickets at the dock or online. It’s better to book early, especially during holidays. Ferries are a good way to travel if you want to avoid land traffic and enjoy the water!

Use E-Hailing Apps and Taxis Wisely

Sometimes you need to go somewhere fast or late at night. E-hailing apps like Grab are your saviours! Cheaper than regular taxis, hailing these taxis simply require a smartphone and internet. It would be safest to download the app before you come to Malaysia.

If you use a taxi, always ask the driver to use the meter. If there is no meter, most certainly agree on the price first since taxis can be more expensive, especially in tourist areas. If you are not sure about the price, ask someone at your hotel.

E-hailing is good for airport rides or if you have heavy bags. It is also safer late at night. Most drivers are friendly and know the best routes.

Eat Local and Stay Smart

Food in Malaysia is tasty AND cheap. You don’t have to eat at fancy restaurants to savour the true locale of Malaysia! Try the street food - you can get a full meal at a hawker stall for a few ringgits. Tip - Look for busy stalls. If locals eat there, it’s probably good!

If you are looking for a place to stay, you have many choices. Hostels and guesthouses are affordable, and you can find a bed in a dorm for a low price. If you want more comfort, look for budget hotels - many are clean and safe.

If you are in Penang, staying in Georgetown is a good idea. There are many hotels in Georgetown Penang which are close to food, shops, and transport. Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL Hotel, is a good spot. It is near the sea and many attractions, and you can walk to many places from there.

Try to book your room early as prices tend to go up during holidays. Hint - If you stay near a bus stop or train station, you can save money on taxis!

Save Money with Simple Tips

There are many ways to save money while you travel, if you are smart. Travel during off-season if you can, as hotels and flights are cheaper when there are fewer tourists.

Use travel cards like the MyRapid card in Kuala Lumpur. It gives you unlimited rides on buses and trains for one price. This is good if you want to visit a lot of places in one day.

Alcohol is expensive in Malaysia, so if you want to save, drink local drinks or fresh juice. Tap water is not always safe, so bring a water bottle with a filter.

Join free walking tours if you see them, as they are a great and interactive way to learn about Malaysia. You also meet other travellers and maybe make new friends!

Plan your days so you don’t waste time or money. Write down the places you want to visit and check how to get there by bus or train. Bring cash for small shops and food stalls too.

Traveling in Malaysia can be affordable. Use public transport, eat local food, and stay in budget places. With a little planning, you can see the best of Malaysia and still have money left for souvenirs! Enjoy your trip and make great memories, all while spending less.