Backpacking in Malaysia
Jun 18th, 2006, 06:23 AM
#21
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Hi Tiffin - a real mixture of responses there.
I have backpacked in Malaysia - took the bus from Singapore to Mersing (stopping somewhere on the way - I've forgotten the name of the place). Couldn't do what I wanted in Mersing - one of the downsides of travelling alone is that often you need a min of 4-5 pax to do this or that, and if you haven't happened to meet up with other people, then you're stuffed.
From there I took the bus across to Melaka, and up to KL and train to Taiping, and on to Penang, and over to Khota Bharu, etc. At no point did I feel unsafe. It is an easy country to travel in.
But I second the suggestion to consider Malaysian Borneo - Sabah and Sarawak are both amazing, and totally safe.
Have fun.
I have backpacked in Malaysia - took the bus from Singapore to Mersing (stopping somewhere on the way - I've forgotten the name of the place). Couldn't do what I wanted in Mersing - one of the downsides of travelling alone is that often you need a min of 4-5 pax to do this or that, and if you haven't happened to meet up with other people, then you're stuffed.
From there I took the bus across to Melaka, and up to KL and train to Taiping, and on to Penang, and over to Khota Bharu, etc. At no point did I feel unsafe. It is an easy country to travel in.
But I second the suggestion to consider Malaysian Borneo - Sabah and Sarawak are both amazing, and totally safe.
Have fun.
Jun 18th, 2006, 08:22 PM
#22
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Thanks everyone for saying backpacking is generally safe in Msia. Sorry for being such a pessimist earlier. I don't know about other parts of the world but like your Msian relatives, we tend to feel protective towards foreign visitors. Yes, Msians are respectful towards ladies. This stems from our cultural believe that "heaven is a place on a mother's foot". Being kind to womenfolk is a way of life here.
Say, I am really keen to know what spurs foreigners to choose Msia as a backpacking holiday destination? Is it the culture, nature, history, low cost ... or something else? What do you find fascinating here? What are the downsides? How much would backpacker willing to spend for, say 10-15 days backpacking?
Say, I am really keen to know what spurs foreigners to choose Msia as a backpacking holiday destination? Is it the culture, nature, history, low cost ... or something else? What do you find fascinating here? What are the downsides? How much would backpacker willing to spend for, say 10-15 days backpacking?
Jun 18th, 2006, 11:25 PM
#23
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Agree with fuzzy about needing 4 or 5 pax to cover the cost. I've often checked around and got a good quote on a ride or tour, then put a sign up where I'm staying, it's worked for me a few times, I've got the numbers together. Anyway, just a thought for you...
Jun 19th, 2006, 01:10 AM
#24
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TravelTwiddle, I'm not too sure why Malaysians have this idea that their country is unsafe. Like you said I'm sure theyre just being protective (well that's definitely the case with my relatives!)
Anyway in answer to your question, I think its a combination of all those things. The natural beauty (and lack of artificial, touristy places - say compared to a lot of Thailand) was really refreshing. In particular, the friendliness and honesty of the locals, and the fact that they weren't trying to rip me off were bonusses. Oh, and the food is unbelievable.
Cost wise, i think i spent about 120 ringgit a day, and while i was staying at a lot of the cheaper places, I wouldnt really say I was skimping it.
The only downsides really were having to deal with malaysian "efficiency" and poor customer service. But these were definitely overshadowed by all the plusses. I've recommended Malaysia to everyone who I've talked about travelling with since.
Anyway in answer to your question, I think its a combination of all those things. The natural beauty (and lack of artificial, touristy places - say compared to a lot of Thailand) was really refreshing. In particular, the friendliness and honesty of the locals, and the fact that they weren't trying to rip me off were bonusses. Oh, and the food is unbelievable.
Cost wise, i think i spent about 120 ringgit a day, and while i was staying at a lot of the cheaper places, I wouldnt really say I was skimping it.
The only downsides really were having to deal with malaysian "efficiency" and poor customer service. But these were definitely overshadowed by all the plusses. I've recommended Malaysia to everyone who I've talked about travelling with since.
Jun 20th, 2006, 07:04 PM
#25
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Head for the island on the east coast for snorkling - Tioman, REdang, Perhentian. Caves - go to Sarawak.
Goodness... Seems like you want to do a lot of things! ;-) I can give you a long list of places to go, but it's probably best that you check out http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/default.asp to get a feel of where to go.
I think KL is a food heaven. Most people say that the food is cheap and good (understatement).
Goodness... Seems like you want to do a lot of things! ;-) I can give you a long list of places to go, but it's probably best that you check out http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/default.asp to get a feel of where to go.
I think KL is a food heaven. Most people say that the food is cheap and good (understatement).
Jun 22nd, 2006, 06:59 PM
#26
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Wow! Thank you all so much for all your advice and kind tips! I really appreciate it. I just reserved my flight to Singapore and a really close girlfriend of mine is coming with me, so I am really excited!
Because I am leaving Tokyo at a really busy time (Obon, or summer vacation in Japan) flights are extremely expensive and the times of the cheaper flights aren't so great. So unfortunately I arrive late and have to leave early, which means we end up having only 5 full days. We are thinking of spending a day in Singapore and heading either to Penang for a couple days or to Sabeh and Sarawak. Thanks again for ALL the AWESOME information. I am in the processing of researching and deciding what we should do and where we should go with such little time
TravelTwiddle thank you SO much for your detailed advice and wealth of information. I hope I will get a chance to meet you, but am not sure how things will work out because of time constraints. The main reason I chose Malaysia for my holiday is because I have heard that it is a safe, clean, beautiful place with amazing food and super friendly people! That was enough reason for me!
Because I am leaving Tokyo at a really busy time (Obon, or summer vacation in Japan) flights are extremely expensive and the times of the cheaper flights aren't so great. So unfortunately I arrive late and have to leave early, which means we end up having only 5 full days. We are thinking of spending a day in Singapore and heading either to Penang for a couple days or to Sabeh and Sarawak. Thanks again for ALL the AWESOME information. I am in the processing of researching and deciding what we should do and where we should go with such little time
TravelTwiddle thank you SO much for your detailed advice and wealth of information. I hope I will get a chance to meet you, but am not sure how things will work out because of time constraints. The main reason I chose Malaysia for my holiday is because I have heard that it is a safe, clean, beautiful place with amazing food and super friendly people! That was enough reason for me!
Jun 25th, 2006, 06:52 PM
#27
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Tiffn san, o sei wa ni narimasu. 5 days? Oh dear, I hope you have enough time for sightseeing after the bus travelling hours. Unlike in US or Japan, public transport is not as efficient here. The Japanese sinkansen (bullet train) can zip across 200km in less than 1 hr. To cover 200km here takes 3-4 hrs, sometimes more, by public bus. Nonetheless, do enjoy your stay. Email me if you need more facts and figures.
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