Solo Travel in Malaysia: The Ultimate Guide

Solo travel in Malaysia isn’t just a journey—it’s pure joy.

This underrated jewel of a country offers a diversity of cultures and landscapes and a rich historical heritage. Furthermore, it is affordable and relatively safe for female solo travellers to explore independently.

Transport is efficient, locals are so friendly – many speak English – and you will fall in love with cheap and tasty street food. I still have dreams about a bowl of Char Kway Teow I wolfed down in Penang.

My Malaysia solo travel guide is packed with expert tips and includes a relaxed 2-week itinerary that showcases some of this diverse & distinctive country. It also has useful practical information, including how to get around Malaysia, where to stay and what to eat.

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Is Malaysia Safe for Female Solo Travellers?

Malaysia is generally considered safe for female solo travellers and I had a trouble-free trip. 

Crime rates are low compared to many other Southeast Asian nations. Violent crime against tourists is rare but petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation hubs. It’s always best to remain vigilant, keep your belongings secure and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.

As with any destination, trust your instincts. Take a taxi when this is a safer option. Seek local knowledge on the safety of areas.

Keep safe by checking out my expert essential safety tips for travelling alone.

There is a threat of terrorism in Malaysia, although this has been muted in recent years. Due to militant activity by the Islamic group Abu Sayyaf, which operates from the southern Philippines, there is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping and criminality on the eastern coast of Sabah, and in particular the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.

To seek further information on safe travelling in Malaysia, check out the advice issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Dress Code and Cultural Sensitivity

Malaysia is a multicultural and moderately conservative country, with a significant Muslim population. While it’s not necessary to fully cover up, it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques or temples, or in more rural areas.

Light, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is generally a good choice. In touristy areas like Kuala Lumpur or beach destinations like Langkawi, dress codes are more relaxed.

How to Get to Malaysia

BY AIR – The main international gateway is Kuala Lumpur (KUL), which is also a major regional hub. Kuala Lumpur International Airport has two terminals: KLIA which serves most international flights from full-service carriers and KLIA2 which serves low-cost carriers.

In addition, Penang and Langkawi have domestic and international airports. To the east, the main hubs are Kuching, Miri and Kota Kinabalu.

BY LAND – You can cross into Malaysia by land from Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia. Kuala Lumpur is connected by rail to Singapore and Bangkok (via Butterworth).

BY SEA – Boats and ferries connect Malaysia with Singapore, Thailand, Brunei,  Indonesia and The Philippines. Cruise ships also visit Malaysia’s ports.

Getting Around Malaysia

Travelling around Malaysia is easy and inexpensive. Although the most commonly used options for getting around Peninsular Malaysia are buses, minivans, budget flights and ferries, there is also a limited railway network.

BY BUS – Popular routes are served by multiple bus companies. This plethora of operators means that fares are cheap and departures are frequent.

You can usually just turn up and buy a ticket for the next departure. Each company in a Malaysian bus station will have its own booth.

BY TRAIN – I love train travel and recommend the train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth (for George Town, Penang). Western Malaysia’s intercity train service is operated by KTM.

URBAN TRANSPORT – Cities like Kuala Lumpur have efficient and safe metro systems. Taxis are inexpensive and widely available. Make sure you ask the driver to turn on their meter or use the ride-hailing app, Grab.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia

Climate-wise, Malaysia is a nation of two halves.

The best time of year to visit Western (Peninsular) Malaysia is in the dry season between November and February. This is also its busiest season, especially around the Chinese New Year (usually late January to mid-February). Prices are lower and crowds are fewer between March and June, although you are likely to see some rain.

To escape the monsoon season, you should travel to Eastern Malaysia between March and September

My Suggested 2-Week Malaysia Itinerary for Solo Travellers

My 14-day Malaysia itinerary concentrates on Western (Peninsular) Malaysia. As the most developed part of the country, it’s a solid choice for your first trip to Malaysia.

It starts and ends in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and includes three popular west coast destinations: Melaka, George Town on Penang Island and Langkawi Island.

This is a relaxed itinerary but you can squeeze more in. An obvious addition is the Cameron Highlands, the inland region of Malaysia known for its tea plantations, hiking trails and strawberry farms. Although this was one stop too many for me, adding it to this itinerary is entirely feasible, albeit resulting in a faster-paced two weeks.

Kuala Lumpur

Initially, Kuala Lumpur’s scale and its frantic pace can be overwhelming. However, give it a day or so and this vibrant metropolis will win you over.

The cultural diversity of Kuala Lumpur is striking. Ethnic Malays, Chinese prospectors, British colonial rulers and Indian immigrants have all left their mark on Malaysia’s capital city.

KL is all about contrast. Hindu temples and mosques rub shoulders with gleaming shopping malls, the 21st-century cathedrals of consumerism. Cafes offering foam-topped lattés and wi-fi sit cheek-to-jowl with streetside hawker stalls.

What to see

Petronas Towers

The iconic Petronas Twin Towers are a must-see in Kuala Lumpur. Once the world’s tallest buildings, I recommend visiting them inside and out.

As visiting the Petronas Towers is very popular, buy tickets online in advance. Note that they are closed to visitors on Mondays.

Try to visit the Petronas Towers late afternoon to watch the sunset and witness Kuala Lumpur light up below you. It’s a magical experience.

To admire them from the outside, head to KLCC Park, right behind the towers. or enjoy the view over a cocktail at the Traders Hotel Skybar.

KL Bird Park

Home to over 200 species of birds, swooping beneath a massive canopy, KL Bird Park was an unexpected delight. Watch out for the peacocks strutting their stuff.

Islamic Arts Museum

After visiting KL Bird Park, stop by Kuala Lumpur’s outstanding Islamic Arts Museum. As well as selling an astonishing collection of Islamic decorative arts, its gift shop is also a good place to pick up tasteful gifts.

Merdeka Square

The colonial heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka Square is fringed by handsome heritage buildings. Back in the British era, the square was used as a cricket pitch (the Padang) and it is also where independence was declared in 1957.

Chinatown

Fill your face with tasty rice and noodles and go temple-hopping in Chinatown. For its vibrancy, and for the sheer good luck of timing my visit with a wedding celebration, my favourite was the Hindu temple of Sri Mahamariamman.

But a close second was the serene  Sin Sze Si Ya, the oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves

The Batu Caves is the most popular day trip from Kuala Lumpur. This complex of limestone caves 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, houses Hindu temples that have been a pilgrimage site for more than 120 years. They are free to visit.

How to get around

• Thanks to its integrated transport system, it is easy to get around Kuala Lumpur. The city’s trains and buses connect through the central station, KL Sentral.
• Although you can buy single tickets at machines and counters, if you are in the city for a few days it is worthwhile getting a Touch & Go card. This contactless travel card allows you to travel around Kuala Lumpur with ease and you also benefit from lower prices.
• Here’s further information on using Kuala Lumpur’s public transport.
• Taxis are also a good option and are plentiful and relatively cheap

Where to stay

As Kuala Lumpur is an enormous city, and each of its districts has its distinct identity and pros and cons, choosing where to stay can feel like a Herculean task.

Bukit Bitang and KLCC, in the shadow of the Petronas Twin Towers, are good bets. Both districts are centrally located and have good transport links and dining options.

I chose to stay in KLCC, which is the least busy of the two and close to the city’s landmarks. As a solo traveller, safety is important to me and walking around KLCC at night always felt safe. However, as home to many of Kuala Lumpur’s luxury hotels, sleeping in KLCC is not cheap.

I stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel, which is my favourite hotel ever! Their flawless customer service sets them a notch above other 5-star hotels.

It’s worth splashing out on a Horizon Club Executive King room. This includes day-long access to the Club Lounge which serves fantastic evening cocktails with canapés and afternoon tea.

Bukit Bitang offers accommodation options to suit all budgets and is home to Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur’s hawker stall heaven. If you are travelling on a budget, take a look at The Bed KLCC.

Melaka

Visit Melaka for its beautifully preserved historic centre with its kaleidoscope of architectural styles, the lively Jonker Walk weekend night market and psychedelic trishaws.

What we see today is thanks to Melaka’s rich history.

One of the oldest cities on the Straits of Malacca, the city started life as a fishing village founded by a Sumatran Hindu prince in the 14th Century. Over the subsequent six centuries, it passed through the hands of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British before gaining independence in 1946.

Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008, Melaka’s historic centre is a jumble of restored Chinese shophouses cradled between Portuguese, British and Dutch buildings. Be warned; it can be ridiculously busy, particularly at weekends.

You will sometimes see Melaka referred to as Malacca, the Anglicised spelling of the state’s, and city’s, name. Officially, it is Melaka.

How to get to Melaka

• There is a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur airport. The journey takes around three hours. Buses also depart from Kuala Lumpur’s chaotic central bus station.
• Although not necessary, you can book your bus ticket in advance here.

What to see

Jonker Street 

Once renowned for its antique shops, Jonker Street today is home to restaurants, clothing and craft shops. It comes alive at the weekend when it is the scene for a hugely popular night market, selling all manner of things that you need, as well as things that you didn’t realise you needed until you strolled amongst its stalls.

Aside from its retail and culinary opportunities, this is a fascinating area to wander through

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum was one of my Melaka highlights. Nyonya Baba or Peranakan people are descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to Malaysia in the 15th century. Nyona refers to the Peranakan women; Baba refers to the Peranakan men.

A guided tour of this wonderfully restored townhouse takes you back to 19th-century Melaka. The museum houses an exquisite collection of traditional furniture and is arranged to resemble a typical Baba-Nonya residence.

Christ Church Melaka

Built by the Dutch to commemorate the capture of Melaka from the Portuguese, this 18th-century Melaka landmark is one of the most photographed sites in the city. Avoid the crowds by visiting Christ Church early in the day.

It is open from Monday to Saturday.

Stadthuys Melaka

Adjacent to Christ Church is the cerise town hall and governor’s residence.

Today, this houses the History & Ethnography Museum, exploring the history of Melaka through the lives of the ethnic groups living in the city.

How to get around

• Melaka’s compact size makes it easily walkable. However, if you are feeling weary why not take a ride on one of the city’s psychedelic trishaws? Agree on a price before setting off.
• You can also hire a bike to get around.

Where to stay

As Melaka is awash with accommodation choices, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to rest your head. If you want to be in the thick of things, concentrate your search around Jonker Street. As there are some lovely hotels at affordable rates, this is a good place to treat yourself.

I enjoyed my stay at Jonker Boutique Hotel, a 3-star hotel, in the centre of the action on Jonker Street. Don’t expect luxury, but this is a characterful property which had super-friendly staff.

For a splurge, book a room at The Majestic, a 5-star hotel that looks glorious inside and out. Housed in a heritage building dating back to 1920, and set along the banks of Melaka River, it has garnered rave reviews.

George Town, Penang

Cultural diversity is Penang’s calling card. Visit George Town, Penang’s main city, for this cultural mix, a vibrant street art scene and fantastic food.

How to get to Penang

• Ride on a section of the iconic route from Singapore to Bangkok by taking the train from KL to Butterworth station. It’s cheap, relaxing and takes around five hours. From Butterworth station, it’s a short and scenic ferry ride to Penang.
• A non-stop bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang will take around the same time and is also inexpensive.
• Penang is also served by domestic flights which land at its airport, 18km south of George Town.

What to do

Explore George Town’s architecture 

The UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town has unparalleled architecture. Romantically dilapidated Chinese shopfronts rub shoulders with British colonial buildings, Hindu temples and mosques.

The best way to explore the historic heart of George Town is to simply stroll along its streets.

Visit The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze)

This striking mansion, built in the 1880s, is one of the few surviving examples of the architectural style favoured by the wealthy Straits Chinese. East meets West with art nouveau stained glass, elaborate floor tiles and louvred windows.

Visit the Blue Mansion on one of their daily 45-minute guided tours.

Visit George Town’s clan houses and clan jetties

Clan houses, known locally as kongsi, grace George Town’s streets and jetties.

Explore George Town’s street art

Today’s George Town is all about street art. Take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene to hunt down work by the renowned Lithuanian artist, Zacharevic.

Eat some of the best food in Asia

George Town is hawker stall heaven.

Malaysians take their food very seriously, and the stalls in George Town serve some of the best street food that you will eat in Asia. The sheer variety and quality of food attract visitors from home and abroad.

How to get around

As Penang’s sights are close together, it is easy to get around on foot.

Where to stay

George Town is awash with accommodation options to suit all budgets, from backpacker joints to luxury hotels. Some of these choices, even those in the lower price brackets, are in characterful heritage buildings in the heart of George Town.

I splurged on the Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang, an all-suite, historic 5-star hotel, which is the embodiment of old-world glamour. Since its inauguration in 1885, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel has welcomed such luminaries as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Noel Coward and  Somerset Maugham.

Other hotels that caught my eye were Campbell House, a mid-range boutique hotel in the heart of George Town, and Wifi Boutique Hotel, a centrally-located budget hotel.

Langkawi

The paradise island of Langkawi is the perfect place to kick back on a white sand beach. After travelling around Malaysia for nearly two weeks you deserve some relaxation.

How to get to Langkawi

I reached Langkawi by ferry from Penang. Sadly, this service has stopped operating and you now need to fly from Penang, a flight time of 35 minutes.

What to do

Relax on one of Langkawi’s spectacular beaches

Let’s face it. This is the primary reason to visit Langkawi.

Just relax on a blindingly white sand beach, under the shade of a palm tree. With a cocktail in hand, of course.

Walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge

Spoiler alert. You need a head for heights to walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

I don’t and made it only 20 meters across the bridge before having to turn back.

To reach the Langkawi Sky Bridge, take the cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang. Even if you can’t pluck up the courage to step onto this 125-metre-long pedestrian suspension bridge, you will still be treated to sweeping views of Langkawi’s rainforests and islets.

The Langkawi cable car operates daily except for public holidays. The entrance is in the Oriental Village near Pantai Kok.

How to get around

• As Langkawi does not have public transport, a taxi is your best bet.
• Hiring a motorcycle is another option.

Given Langkawi’s lack of public transport, an organised day trip is worth considering. Here are a few options:

Langkawi Island Hopping Tour – This half-day tour takes you to three of Langkawi’s most beautiful islands: Dayang Bunting, Singa Besar, and Beras Basah.

Langkawi Mangrove Safari Boat Tour – Explore the mangroves of Langkawi on this 4-hour boat safari with the help of a guide.

Where to stay

Popular Pantai Cenang beach has a wide range of Langkawi hotels to suit most budgets and is lively compared with other areas of the island.  I chose a hotel in the quieter spot of Pantai Kok, 15 minutes from Langkawi Airport and close to the Langkawi Cable Car.

If you want to splash the cash on super-luxury hotels, head to Datai Bay.

I splurged on Berjaya Langkawi Resort. Hotels on the island can carry a hefty price tag.  To me, this hotel offered the best value for the quality of accommodation.

The price tag varies enormously with the location of the room. Whereas the rainforest rooms represent affordable luxury, be prepared to blow your budget on one perched over the water on stilts.

Here are some other hotels on Langkawi that I have found that may suit other budgets.

Mid-range: The Smith House – Located less than a mile from Langkawi Airport, The Smith House has garnered rave reviews. This Pantai Cenang hotel features a rooftop pool and is a 20-minute walk into town.

Budget: Kapal Terbang Guest House – Also located in Pantai Cenang, this affordable option offers rooms or holiday homes with self-catering facilities.

Money Matters

Malaysia’s currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). The brightly coloured notes make each denomination a breeze to identify.

Although the Malaysian ringgit is divided into 100 sen (cents) with coins in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen denominations, prices are often rounded to the nearest ringgit. Instead of coins, you might get a sweet as change.

You can withdraw money from Malaysian ATMs. Unlike Thailand, there is no local charge for doing this. At most, the transaction is subject to a modest fee.

Although credit cards are accepted in more upscale restaurants and hotels, don’t rely on them as your sole source of payment.

Tipping is not expected in Malaysia. However, this may be expected at more upscale establishments and service charges may be levied on bills at luxury hotels and smart restaurants.

What to Eat in Malaysia

Welcome to foodie heaven! See how many different dishes you can try during your two weeks in Malaysia.

Here are a few to whet your appetite.

• Mee goreng mamak – An irresistible marriage of yellow noodles, beef or chicken, prawns and vegetables tossed in soy sauce with a hint of chilli.
• Nasi lemak – rice cooked in coconut milk with variations on a side order of egg, peanuts, vegetables, cucumber, meat curry, seafood and sambal (chilli-based sauce).
• Nasi kerabu – Blue rice anyone? Served with fried chicken, egg, and fried keropok (crackers).
• Rendang – Beef, chicken or lamb slowly simmered in coconut milk and spices.
• Laksa – This spicy noodle soup is one of Malaysia’s greatest exports.
• Roti canai – A Malaysian street food staple of light flatbread served with three different dipping sauces.

Ready for your solo trip to Malaysia?

My view is that Malaysia is often wrongly overlooked by solo travellers.

Although it lacks the big-hitting tourist attractions of other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, it does offer an enticing mix of city life, colonial towns and beach bliss. Add to this a compelling cultural diversity, welcoming people and fantastic food and you have the perfect recipe for a great trip.

Happy travels!

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About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.

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