Thailand v Malaysia
 

I have been to Thailand twice and was in the process of planning a third trip for August 2006. It has been suggested to me that the east coast of Malaysia would be a great trip as well.

I love thailand and was planning a month trip on the gulf side both mainland Kanchaburi, Hua Hin, Chomphon and island hopping Koh toa, Phangan samui.

My alternative for Malaysia would be to hire a car from Singapore and drive up the east coast staying at a few places and then out to Redang and the Perehetian islands.

Has anyone been to both of these proposed locations that can give me an honest comparison that may assist me in making a final decision. Just some background my partner and I are both beach people who love snorking love to eat and try different restaurants and the odd scenic bush walk and also look at local sights. Which have people like best Maylasia or Thailand and why. Thanks in advance for your honest opinions.

On the whole, I much preferred Thailand to Malaysia. I am not sure I can really put my finger on it - however, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Perhentian Islands. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, far better snorkelling and diving than Ko Tao etc. Even from the boat arriving on the island, we could see Manta Rays and turtles swimming around. It is far less developed than Ko Tao etc too - and best it stays that way imo. To my knowledge (although this might have changed) it has stayed well off the package tour route and you don't seem to be able to book it through the independent ages either from here (UK). So the people visiting are KL weekenders and backpacker really. One islands has more upmarket resorts - although no five * humongous ones - and the other backpacker/budget accommodation (we preferred the latter btw when we were there, more soul although friends stayed in a really nice little place on the other island that I would recommend - will dig out the name if you are interested). The islanders are lovely people.

I would go back in a shot - and last time combined it with a trip to Thailand. We flew down to a town in Thailand nr the border and got a motorbike taxi from that town to the border and crossed over by foot, picking up a taxi the other side and heading straight to the port. Unfortunately, I don't think it is safe to go to that town nr the border anymore (am sorry, the name of it escapes me).

So, I prefer Thailand - the warmth of the people, the food, the temples, Bangkok - it holds a place in my heart (hence we are getting married there). But if you have been twice already, then perhaps you should go to Malaysia with a nice long stay on the Perhentians. Be warned though, once you are there, it is very hard to leave...

The place on Perhential Besar where our friends stayed was Coral View. We stayed at Perhentian Island Resort, which - at that time at least - was the most expensive place and was our 'treat'. I thought it was rundown though and soulless. Coral View was more charming.

On Perhential Kecil, we stayed on Long Beach. There are very few places that you can book in advance on this island, but there are a couple. Long Beach is absolutely stunning.

Thai town that we flew to near the border was Narathiwat.

Thanks Bella. Unfortunately someone has told my partner that Malaysia is a dirty place and not to go there and he is putting up resistence. Did you find Malaysia dirty??? Thanks for your accomodation suggestions do you know of any internet booking sites for Malaysia so I can price some places as in the end it may come down to cost. How did you find the cost of food etc in Malaysia compared to thailand

There are lots of lovely places to go in Malaysia. I can't imagine what the comment that Malaysia is "dirty" is about. For price comparisons, you might check the www.asiahotels.com site (though their prices aren't as good as they used to be). For Thailand, try www.sawasdee.com Note that they also have some Malaysia hotels.

Here is a list of resorts available on the Perhentian Islands and their prices.

http://www.pinganchorage.com.my/perhentian_island.htm

Malaysia is not dirty. When compared to Singapore, I'd say Malaysia is not "as clean" but still far from "dirty".

Hi M,

Malaysia "dirty"? Depends on your relative standard - if it is to BKK, pristine may be a better word, compared to Singapore, dirtier as someone mentioned may be more apt. Also, depends on what you are looking at - we make fun of our public toilets (that I agree could do with better housekeeping) but in general, not bad.

Wrt to your questions about the islands, if it is parties and "happening" places you are thinking of wrt to beaches and islands, scratch the East Coast islands - loveliest of islands in its natural form, but it is very natural...and natural...no parties, nightlife, etc. The mainland States near the islands are vert rural, rustic, and lovely - friendly folks etc, but again, no wild parties... unlike Thailand.

If it is food, tons of varieties of food, try Penang, but unfortunately the beaches are so-so.

Hi Maisy - we didn't find it dirty, other than in one unspeakable hostel in Kota Bharu. This was just unfortunate though, we arrived without reservations in the middle of a Muslim festival and this was the only place with beds left and it was obvious why.

Greenham is right to point out that the east coast islands are not party islands - but I know from your posts regarding Thailand that this is absolutely not what you are looking for anyway so I don't think this will be a problem for you. On the Perhentian Islands, there are very low key beach restaurants. Not much alcohol is served but on Long Beach last time I stayed, there was a place where you could buy cans of beer but that was it.

btw, do you dive? If not, Perhentian would be a fantastic place to learn.

Malaysia dirty? I found it cleaner than Thailand!!!
Kuala Lumpur then, is a mcuch more clean city than Bangkok.

I've found Malaysia to be a bit more user-friendly than Thailand, as English is more widely spoken and street signs and so on are in English. There's also more variety in food. However, Thailand has more to offer in terms of culture and diversity of scenery. In my opinion Thailand is cleaner than Malaysia, I've come across some vile smelling toilets - even in upmarket venues – in Malaysia but haven't noticed this in Thailand. All in all I prefer Thailand but I also like Malaysia and enjoy going there for a change.

It's difficult to compare as they are different. I like KL, have been to Penang and Langkawi quite a few times, they are different from Thailand, scenary can be similar but that's about it. I enjoy a few days but admit to being very glad to get back to Thailand !

bellabluebell,
Currently we are thinking of going to Langkawi till I read your posting about
Perhentian. Can you please describe the Perhentian beach to Lankawi beach? We don't dive. How do you get to Perhentian from Kuala Lumpur? I guess we will fly into kuala terengganu from Kuala lumpur. Do we take a ferry to get to Perhentian island from the kuala terengganu, which resort is the nicest resort in Kuala terengganu? Thank you.

Bella_Bluebell,
Where is Perhential Kecil?,How do you get to Perhential Kecil from Kuala lumpur? thank you.

The beaches in Langkawi are far surpassed by Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil. The Perhentian Islands, in particular Long Beach, have white silky sand and completely crystal clear turquoise waters. We didn't really think the beaches of Langkawi were that wonderful, although the beach by the Datai was better.

Langkawi is well developed compared to the Perhentians - it has duty free shopping malls, big 5* resorts, tourist infrastructure, an airport. Perhentians are relatively undeveloped with only a few more upmarket resorts (none on the scale or standard of Langkawi however). There are no shops, no international restaurants. In the daytime, the activities are focused on the water (diving and snorkelling) although you can trek in the jungle like centre of the islands or paint your own batik cloth.

Langkawi is a duty free island so you have full bar service in most resorts. In Perhentian, at least on my last visit, this was not the case. Beer was available but little else - and if it was it was incredibly expensive.

In the Perhentians, you can snorkel straight from the beach - the snorkelling is amazing, even if you don't dive. In Langkawi, there is more to do besides water activities and to dive you need to go quite far away in a boat. I don't recall being able to snorkel from shore either.

To get there from KL, you fly to Kota Bharu and then get a taxi to the boat pier and then over to the islands.

In terms of which resort is nicest, in Perhentian Kecil (which is where Long Beach is), we just stayed in wooden huts, fan only, cold water only, electricity was not on 24 hours a day. There wasn't much choice other than this standard of accommodation although I think there may have been one place on Long Beach with air con. I remember thinking that if we were in Thailand on Ko Tao or Ko Pha Ngan, we would not be paying as much for our hut.

On Perhentian Besar, I would recommend Coral View and NOT Perhentian Island Resort. However, there are more places on that island with air con etc and I didn't take a look at those.

Should add - we went there last 4 years ago which is a v short time in Asia. It could be v built up by now!!

Another place - Tuna Island Resort or something like that in Perhentian Besar. Bubu in Perhentian Kecil.

The Perhentians sounds soooo beautiful. I wish I could fit them in on my trip next month, but that's just not possible. I guess I have yet another reason to start planning that second trip!

I quite agree LA - as I was writing this I am thinking could I change our plans this summer to fit in 5 days or so on the Perhentians...

Bella blue would it be the same route to Redang as Perhetians we are thinking of also doing this island. Did you fit this island into your travels at all.

I like both countries. I believe the weather will be an important factor in making your decision.

August is a monsoon season (rainy) for certain parts of Thailand (Phuket). Not sure what season it is in Malaysia. Also, note that each part of the country has different rainy seasons. For example, in some months it's rainy in Phuket but dry in Koh Samui.

I once went to Phuket (stupidly without checking the climate charts) when it was rainy. I did not go to the beach at all and the weather was stormy.

Bella_Bluebell - surprised you didn't like the Perhentian Island Resort - I stayed there late 2002, right before the monsoon, and found it more comfortable than the Coral View. I thought the Perhentians were a great place to just rest up, and do very little beside eating and snorkelling. maisymoo, you might want to check the current policy on alcohol.

While Malaysia is not as clean as Singapore (is anywhere?) I certainly wouldn't call it dirty. It's also very easy travelling, with good long-distance buses.

thursday - perhaps you had a different experience to us. I liked the beach and the snorkelling straight from the shore. I found the room smelt mouldy (including my pillow), the restaurant empty and the food not very tasty, the swimming pool was dirty and no guests were using it and the staff at reception was very welcoming but very unresponsive to queries/concerns. This was in June 2002 so perhaps it had changed by the time you got there. I think it needed a little TLC and got its custom by virtue of being the most luxurious resort on Perhentian (ie no competition at that level) rather than on its own merits. Compared to Coral View, I found it devoid of atmosphere - particularly in the communal places. But I think up to date reviews would need to be considered by anyone looking to stay here.

Maisy - will check how we got to Redang - we went there separately on a different trip. The snorkelling is great there too - there are some more luxurious hotels as well. Another lovely place to visit.

hi

You can get to Redang via Marang (via bus or car) - a little village in between Kuantan and Kuala Terenganu (you land here and catch a ride to Marang if you fly. It is the usual launchpad for the Ferries.

If you are staying at the Berjaya Resorts (they have one by the beach and another on a hill with golf course), the package includes the ferry.

Hope this helps!

Hi

I enjoy Thailand as well. My wife and I have been there twice and we like the food, people, nature, price level etc :-) This year we are going to Malaysia and we will go to KL, Langkawi and Perhentian Island...I'll post a trip report on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com when I get back and I think the comparison of Thailand and Malaysia will be a topic :-)

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

Hi Bella_Bluebell,
This summer, where are you going and what is the plan? Thank you for sharing.

clear, we are in Thailand for 5 weeks this summer. Our first trip to Asia with our daughter, who will be two. We spend 4 nights in Bangkok, 6 nights in Chiang Mai and then back to Bangkok for a few more nights. Then 3 weeks down in Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao. We get married in Ko Samui on 9th August at this place - www.rockyresort.com - I am very very excited about the wedding and the holiday. What makes it all the more special is that our families are coming out too and we will be showing them around Thailand.

Hi Bella_Bluebell,
Congradulations!!! Oh my, I'm very excited to hear that your wedding will be in Samui-WOW, & 5 wks in Asia, lucky you! I get so excited reading people reviews and I feel like I'm there even though my body is in Texas. Please share your wonderful wedding/experience later on. If possible please post pictures too. Are you wearing something light and comfortable for the weddding? Thank you.

Gard how did you book your accomdation. Was it through the internet or with an agent. If internet what sites did you use. Where are you staying in the Perehentians. I think more and more I am leaning towards a Malaysian holiday this year and maybe back to Thailand next year. Have you found it is more expensive to go to Malaysia than Thailand flights/accomodation etc or similar pricing. I have not priced anything up yet but with my limited research it looks like accomodation is going to be more expensive???

Thanks everyone for there replies keep them coming it is great hearing everyones experiences. Any travel tips that will make transfers etc easier are welcome.

Congratulations Bella_Bluebell!! That looks like a totally awesome place for a wedding - I hope everything is magical for you.

clear and thursday - thank you for your good wishes :)

I think it will be magical - and I will certainly be posting back and taking lots of photos. I am wearing a full length dress but it is made of light material so should not be too hot. I am having it specially made as most of the weight of the dresses in the UK would have me wilting in the thai heat!

Subject on Malaysia's P.Redang and Perhentian. There are two ways to go to these islands. If you fly to Kota Bahru, you'll have to catch a taxi to the seaside hamlet Kampung Kuala Besut where there are boats ready to ferry you to the islands. Taxi ride from airport to Kuala Besut is about 2-3 hrs thru coastal villages. If you fly to Kuala Terengganu, visitors usually take taxi to Marang jetty to the island. It's also about 2-3 hours ride. Nonetheless, I'd rather fly to Kuala Terengganu airport because the place looks more organised for taxi bookings (at least, on my last trip). From the jetties (either Kuala Besut or Marang), an average 40 footer boat will need about 4-5 hours to get to the islands, in good weather. But I've taken the speed boat which only took 2 hours (a bit costlier but worthwhile).

Apart from spending lazy hours at the Perhentian Besar (meaning big) or Kecil (small) beaches, one should really try getting a boat ride to Pulau Lima nearby. Lima literally means five. It's a cluster of five outcrop hills and snorkelling among the tight corridors is simply out-of-this-world. These corridors are shallow and flanked by colourful table corals. Imagine swimming in an underwater ravine.

If you have the time, also try going to a village near Perhentian Island Resort. Village houses are on stilts and you can walk about on wooden planks that strung houses together. For a taste of local food, ask for "keropok lekor" (fish paste fritter), "goreng pisang" (banana fritter), "nasi dagang" (steamed unpolished rice with fish curry, usually packaged in banana leaves) and perhaps "roti canai" (flat fried bread eaten with lentil sauce). They are usually sold smallholders around the village.

Yes, August is a good time to visit Msia's east coast. Drive from Spore to Marang? It's a 10-12hrs back breaking drive thru coastal road Spore-Johor Bahru-Desaru-Mersing-Pekan-Kuantan-Cherating-Balok-Paka-K.Terengganu-Marang (yes, that many main towns you'll be passing thru). If you intend to drive all the way from Spore to Marang, I think the driving journey itself is a holiday adventure. It'll take you to some of the best beach romps around the country. Stopover Mersing, get a boat ride to Tioman Island - voted top 20 most beautiful island in 80s', movie "Bali Hai" was shot there partially. Pekan is the royal home of Pahang's Sultan and his family, you can expect a town steeped in royal Malay tradition. Check out the bustling river mouth town of Kuantan. Don't forget Cherating beach - during low tide, the beach looks like a vast desert. Club Med is also there. Sail surfers throng Balok's windy beach every year for the "Monsoon Madness" challenge.

There are just too many outstanding places along Spore-Marang route to list them all. You can easy spend 10-14 days combing interesting places along the route.

Hi

We have booked accomodation using the internet both on Langkawi and Perhentian island. We are staying at Perhentian Island resort and we have bought a package deal (hotel, food, snorkellig etc). We have also booked planes on the net. It seems to be a bit more pricy then Thailand but I will get back to you with more details when I get back :-)

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

i just want to add that i think driving along the coastal road in east malayisa is a good idea. its scenic, rural, idyllic and relaxed. i think if you want to get to perhentian / redang in a leisurely manner, you probably would want to do it over AT LEAST 2 days.

travel twiddle already mentioned possible stops. i drove from kl to terengganu once over two days. i think you could either stay at cherating or kuantan before heading all the way up to terengganu. in terengganu, there used to be a charming place called marang rivers and safaris resort. dont know if it is still there. in my case, after a few nights at redang (having parked my car in MERANG, not MARANG) , i drove across the east west highway to my hometown alor setar in kedah. you could do the same and drive to penang instead and either drop your car there or after a few days in penang, drive down the north-south highway to kl (that takes about 5-6 hours)

by the way, i thought that one takes the boat from merang, not marang to go to redang. or could you do both?

i went to redang in 1988 and again in 1996. although the beaches were still beautiful, i did see that marine life there had suffered for the 'development'. in the deeper waters, there were still lots of marine life but before you just had to be walking at the beach to see the fishes.

finally, with regards to malasyia being dirty, i think whoever made that comment must have meant our public toilets. which are shameful. i normally tell people to bring a supply of tissue or toilet paper eveywhere they go and to use hotel toilets as far as possible. to be forewarned is to be forearmed!

Hornbill,

You are right - thanks for catching it. Kg Merang to catch a boat to Redang. Marang is closer to P. Kapas (which is another smaller island, with golf course!)

BTW, one can catch a ferry from KT too to P. Redang, but I think it is a longer boat ride.

Someone mentioned 2-3 hrs boat ride from Merang to Redang - my impression is it is closer to 1hr...maybe?

I took a speed boat ride (comes with the resort package, otherwise it costs less than US$10 for the transfer) from Merang to Redang a few years ago and it only took 45 minutes. I think it's just a little bit further to the Perhentian islands.

Well hornbill, you really hit the nail on the head with regards to Malaysian public toilets. True, in most respects Malaysia is a fairly clean country but for some reason nobody wants to clean the public toilets. I remember some Chinese business friends taking me to a dinner club in PJ, this place was very upmarket & expensive, but every time somebody opened the toilet door a revolting stench floated out and filled the room. To me it was almost unbearable but my friends didn't seem to notice, they were probably used to it.

i know. our toilets are a real embarrassment. even at KLIA!

hornbill,

Do you know any travel agency in Malaysia? My cousin is going to Kuala in November and wants a travel guide to show him around. OR should he book through the hotel? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Sorry. I made a mistake too. Yes, Merang is nearer to P.Perhentian than Marang. Of course, many still catch a ride to the island from KT and Marang. I once took a boat to Redang from KT's wet market jetty. But it took longer to reach the island (which cancels out time spent on taxi ride to Merang). Merang/Marang - visitors beware, there're a lot of towns in Msia with similar names. Something you'd want to watch out for during your stay here. In my home state alone, there are 2 towns with "Sungai Siput" name.

BTW, Merang is fueling local headlines today. Jean Todt, CEO of Ferrari F1, has decided to build a holiday home in Merang. Lucky guy.

sorry clear. i do not have a travel agent for kl. as guenmai said in reply to another message, you dont really need a guide to move around in kl or singapore. maybe if you could let us know what your cousin would specifically like to see, fellow fodorites can give suggestions on how to go about it.

Hi Maisymoo,
I am currently living in malaysia now for a few years and I love it. quite a bit different than thailand, but definitely worth a trip. the east coast is great. Make sure you come between March- October, otherwise it is monsoon season and most islands are closed. I have gone to 3 really great islands on the east coast:
1) Perhentian - lovely, but getting very touristy. Far from Singapore, about 11-13 hr bus ride. really nice... especially for diving. Stayed at Coral Island resort, didnt like it at all. Make sure you hire a little boat to take to you some remote beach for the day. not expensive and so nice to have a whole island to yourself for the day. they even pack your lunch for you! just ask around, someone will do it.

2) Tioman island- a party place with duty free alcohol, so its really cheap! a great place if on a budget. Try salang beach or ABC.

3) SIBU island, only 3 hrs from Singapore. not popular yet, so very untouched. the best place to stay is Sea Gypsy Resort as its location on the island is the best. Great bar that never closes. they have budget and midrange accomodation. I go there often due to its proximity. If you have a few days I highly recommend it.
hope this helps, and happy travels.