We have 9 days-8 nights in Malaysia. We are spending first 3 nights in KL.
1) Any recs for well-located hotels in KL? I've heard JW Marriott and Westin are better located than Mandarin Oriental?
2) WIth the rest of the time we're having a hard time deciding how to fill our time. Would like some down time at the beach and also some forest, small town, or islands (I know that covers a lot). I've hda recommendations for Sabah region, Langkawai, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Tanjong Jara Resort, Pangkor Laut, Kuantan Pahang, Terengganu, Tanjong Rhu. Have researched them but sort of overwhelming. Any experienced travelers able to shed a little light for me on these or other places would be appreciated.

if you've got a few extra ringgit, take the orient express to bangkok.

1) Westin and JW Marriott is next to one and other. I prefer JW. It's swanky and posh.

2) For some off-the-beaten-path thrills, you could try a few nights in Ipoh, some 2hrs ride north KL. It has everything - colonial charm, rainforest, tribal villages, nearby islands and you should really do a night river safari to watch fire-fly colonies make trees glitter like Christmas tree in the mangrove swamp. Here're some links for photos and interesting tales about the rainforest and countryside vistas around that region ....
http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com...legs-mangrove/
http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com...flesia-flower/
http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com...eron-highland/
http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com...ungle-natives/

And oh, you can easily hop over to Pangkor Laut after your stay in Ipoh. It's just 1hr's drive from Ipoh to Lumut jetty.

What time of year is your trip? That makes a big difference as to whether you should go to the beaches of the east coast and the islands off of the east coast or stay on the west coast, as monsoom patterns move. Also, where are you going to after Malayasia, do you have a flight out of KL back home or are you going on to another place in Asia.

Hi, it will be the middle of December (few weeks from now). We are returning to U.S. out of KL.

OK for December you are going to have some issues on the east coast with the winter monsoon which will bring quite heavy rain. You have to go further north to like Samui in Thailand to be clear of rain and even then you can still have some rain and certainly some cloudy days. (And if you are a diver, the churning of the currents for the past few months has stirred up visibility a bit, and even snorkeling is hard if it is overcast, as so much of the colour of the coral is lost.) You will also have good bit of rain on Kalimantan (i.e. Borneo) were Sabah and Sarawak are located. Take a look at weatherbase.com for info, look at places like Mersing, Kota Baharu, Terengganu, Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu to get an idea of the rain levels you would be dealing with, really they are very heavy, esp on the coast. I think this area is really really beautiful, actually much prettier than any west coast beach area, but I would not really go there in December. (In the old days, like 10-15 years ago, most of the beach resorts on islands there would close from late Oct through April, these days they stay open because they get long haul tourists who don't know any better, but I digress...)

So I would stick to the west coast. Langkawi is popular (I am not a huge fan, for sure make a trip to the Mangrove forests). Go to the south to Malacca, it has some nice colonial charm, not great beaches at all but other interesting bits. I would also include Penang and especially Georgetown there, as the latter actually has quite a few good colonial buildings. I would also go up to the highlands east/north of KL or Penang to the tea growing areas, these are quite pretty and much cooler in temp. I think Cameron Highlands which is about 3 hours from Penang is a bit more interesting and less touristed than the Fraser's Hill area nearer to KL, but either would be a nice trip, IMO. I believe that Taman Negara rainforest area in the north is going to be very rainy, as most of it is over the hump of the mountains to the west (and the mountains keep the winter monsoon on the west coast), but check on this; if it is somewhat dry there in Dec, it is worth a trip (it's a rain forest so it is never really dry of course). I have not been to Pankor Laut in many many years, so can't really judge anymore. I believe they have redone the hotel recently, you might want to check on this. Not sure I would do that and Langakwi, you might want to pick one over the other.

However, if you really want time on a beach/lovely islands in December, I would not go to either, as both are in former tin mining areas and neither really has great beaches. I would seriously suggest you consider going to a place like the Maldives, which is only going to be about 4-6 hours from KL (With the time difference, the flight out only takes an hour in local time). There is great snorkeling and diving there, over-the-water bungalows, and the beaches are really the best I have seen just bout anywhere. You have 8 days and that really would make a great trip. They also have the most incredibly friendly people. I know its not Malaysia, but IMO you are not really in the right month for Malaysia. (Mabye for Thailand, and Hong Kong is great now, but not really so much for Malaysia, IMO.)

Otherwise, move your trip to the summer and go to the east coast of Malaysia and then include Taman Negara rain forest.

While Penang is commercialized side trips (1 day) with a driver/guide are very interesting). The Cameron Highlands, 2 1/2 hrs. from KL are breathtaking and can be a long day trip from KL or spend 2 days there and really enjoy the beauty.
Surprising we the the Sheraton-LUXURY COLLECTION simply first class in a deluxe room. We have stayed at the Westin, Ritz and others and in our opinion this luxury Sheratan is a find.

Hi

My wife and I went to KL, Perhentian and Langkawi last year. I have posted trip reports with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/malaysia_kuala_lumpur.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there.

I went to KL in September by the way and I stayed at the Traders Hotel and that was a fantastic experience Here is my review: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rsekutuan.html

Regards
gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Hi, our trip is for December. We basically have 8 nights 7 days in Malaysia. We thought 3 nights KL, then 3 nights in Kota Kinabalu and surroundings, then 2 nights in langkawi. It was just too much. So now we're just deciding between Kota Kinabalu or Langkawi (in addition to KL). If Langkawi, I'm afraid 5 nights is too much there. What can we break it up with on the way? I saw the post for Ipoh, which is interesting. Some say Cameron Highlands, Fraser, Penang. Other people say to avoid. Any ideas?

You are quite right to restrict yourselves to two locations with that short amount of time.

I like Kuching better than Kota Kinabalu. It's a charming town, great for wandering, lots to do nearby. You might want to read Kathie Borneo Trip Report.

I also loved our time in the Georgetown area of Penang. That's the historic area, and we stayed at the superlative and legendary E&O. Look for my trip report on Penang to give you ideas about hoe you might spend your time. We didn't even go to the beach there. My trip report is called something like Kathie's Penang, Chiang Mai and Bangkok Trip report.

For a jungle experience try Taman Negara which is a national park not too far from KL. Very popular destination for the adventurous tourist.

How about 3 nights in KL, 2 nights Penang and last 3 nights in Langkawi for beach time? THen you could take a flight from Langkawi back to KL and fly out. We this earlier this year and it worked out great.

Alternatively, you could substitute Penang with Ipoh, although personally, I loved Penang.

Also, for Penang, check out the Traders Hotel. Its near the Mandarin Oriental with a great view of the towers.

ok, this helps a lot. I think we'll forget about the sabah side because even 5 nights 4 days doesn't sound sufficient for there. so if we say 5 nights 4 days divided between langkawi and then somewhere else, how do people vote from ipoh, cameron highlands, or penang? and are there enough day trips from KL that it might be worth it? Taman Negara is how far from KL? Thanks for the help everybody!

Taman Negara is about 4 hours by road from KL.

This is not a recommendation as I have never used any of the tour companies below.

More info.

http://www.marimari.com/cONteNt/mala...a/tnegara.html

www.taman-negara.com

MarcusBoxer,

9D/8N is a nice amount of time to have in Malaysia. As Cicerone has already mentioned, the East Coast is not ideal now due to the monsoon weather. So I'd suggest spending all your time on the West Coast. If I were you I'd split my time as follows:

1. 3N - Kuala Lumpur then fly up to Penang for the beach down time (AirAsia would be the cheapest). You can do Melaka as a day trip from KL.

2. 2N - Penang. I'd pick Penang over Langkawi because there is more to see and eat in Penang. The beaches in Langkawi might be a little nicer but there's a bit more to do in Penang. In Penang the main stretch of beach hotels is in Batu Feringghi. From Penang, head to Ipoh by road (about 2 hours).

3. 1N - Ipoh. This is a smallish town and there are some nice cave temples to visit. From Ipoh drive up to Cameron Highlands (via Simpang Pulai, about 1+ hour)

4. 2N - Cameron Highlands. Nice verdant hills and cool weather (a pleasant change from the hot muggy tropical weather in the lowlands). You can do some walks in the forest and visit the tea plantations. From here head back to KL for your flight out (about 3 hours).

The above is just a rough guide. If you need a bit more detailed info on any of these places just ask.

Regarding your question on hotels in KL, I'd say JW Marriott and Westin are better located. They are in the city centre and close to the main shopping areas (the latest upscale mall, called Pavillion, just opened recently).

Thank you for the recommendations. From KL to Penang, would you fly, take a bus, or rent a car? I hear all types of recommendations. Jcwc, I saw you recommended flying?

I suggest driving for KL - Penang route. Roads are pretty developed on this corridor but you've to get used to not-so-good road signage. To let you have an idea ....

- KL-Penang non-stop driving 3.5hrs.
- KL-Ipoh 2hrs
- Ipoh-Penang 1.5hrs
- Ipoh-Cameron Highlands 50 mins, via new Simpang Pulai highway.

See
- http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com/category/map-ipoh/
- http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com...eron-highland/

If you have time, veer off at Kuala Kangsar and Taiping for historical sites and the fabulous golden-domed Ubudiah mosque.

Finally, I suggest you also try finding your way to mangrove forests and fishing villages along that stretch. Lots of heron, falcons, eagles ... birds from inner Siberia take refuge in there to escape Dec winter. See http://malaysiaupclose.wordpress.com...legs-mangrove/. Use the old Taiping - Penang trunk road.

Hello there. This is the exact trip I'm thinking of doing with a multi-generation family of 15 people. We'll be there from the 26th to Jan.2 thereabouts. Was thinking perhaps of flying straight to Penang for 2 nights, then Cameron for 2 nights, then KL for the last 2 nights (and for New Years).

Does this sound like a good plan? I think driving would be fun if we found a mini-bus to take our group around. Are there such companies that do this?

Aside from transportation recommendations, can you give me hotel reco's too for each place (altho we are in contact with Traders hotel for KL already) and things that are a must to do since we have limited time?

btw, we don't need to spend any time at the beach. Woudl rather have unique Malaysian experiences.

Thanks so much for all this information so far, and to the OP for posting such a similar question I had.

(should I have started my own thread? sorry OP!)

Vicki,

The Penang-Cameron-KL south bound journey is a good flow. Here are my thoughts ....

PENANG

I prefer G Hotel. It's posh (looks more like a fashion boutique), reasonably prices, rooming fronting the sea, next door shopping mall and just 5 mins walk to a streetfood haven.

I know some prefer to stay in Georgetown but IMHO, there's nothing much to do at night except clubbing.

There's a fabulous restaurant I think your family would enjoy - Hot Wok. Authentic Nyonya cuisine. It's about RM10-15 taxi ride (Penang's taxis are notorious for not using the meter). You can walk there from G, about 30 mins or so. Btw, besides touristy hooplas in Penang, you should try finding your way to Batu Ferringhi beach night bazaar. Lots of restaurants and great bargains. The Ship and Eden are top picks for dining.

For 2 days, comb the old town (Little India, Khoo Kongsi tempple, Armenian street area, Penang Street ...etc ) on day one and for day two, cover Batu Ferringhi Beach, Spice Garden, Butterfly Farm and the new Penang National Park via Teluk Bahang gateway.

I can't give you any contacts for mini-bus that does Penang-Cameron-KL. It doesn't work that way in Malaysia. All tourism-related vans or mini-bus can only service local destination. Example, you can book a van to take you around Penang easily from hotel, but not border crossing to other states.

CAMERON HIGHLAND

Depends on your budget, you can try Heritage, Equatorial, Strawberry Park or upscale Cameron Highland Resort.

I reckon your 15 pax need half day to travel from Penang to Cameron, check in and freshen up. Spend the first day's afternoon (or whatever time left) trekking Sg Palas tea plantation. Find your way (taxis can be arranged from your hotel no problem) to a small roadside fesh market that marks the starting point of Sg Palas trail. The easy going hike takes approx 3hrs return. A fabuolus tea cafe balcony is there for pitstop.

Another must-do is Brinchang night market to sample local streetfood.

For day two, visit Tanah Rata town and Smokehouse, easy going.

Important - For the up and down Cameron road trip, insist that your driver use the new Simpang Pulai highway. The old Tapah road is narrow and dangerous. Anyway, I'd recommend you hire cars in Penang and drop them off in KL. This option is very popular. If you intend to hire cars, making a short stop in Simpang Pulai and want some rainforest / tribal village experience, email me. I may be free on those days to take your family around.

KUALA LUMPUR

You don't need advice on how to go about KL. The internet is loaded with the hows, whats and wheres. Trader is a good choice. Anyway, you can add Impiana KLCC Hotel and Spa as a back up. Very new and near KLCC. Your kids must visit KLCC Aquaria to view Malaysian marine and freshwater life without getting wet.

Remember to make a date with Bukit Bintang shopping enclave on New Year'w eve (you can walk there from Traders or Impiana) for fireworks and street party.

If you don't want beach in Penang (and I think the beaches are not that good), I'd stay right in Georgetown at the E&O. It's a fabulous hotel and right in the historic district, so easy access to the Chong Fatt-Tze mansion, the Khoo Konsi, China town, Little India and lots of good places to eat - both hawker stalls and restaurants.