Planning my first trip to Malaysia in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.
My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?
I'm coming from Australia and have experience in a few different countries but this would be my first time in Malaysia.
Thanks for any help!
Budget trip to Malaysia
Started by PortlandPaul · 28 Feb 2026 · 192 views
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28 Feb 2026 at 05:07
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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28 Feb 2026 at 09:13
I was there in March and prices were great value.
Spent about $58/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
Spent about $58/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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28 Feb 2026 at 18:36
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 7/10 destination.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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1 Mar 2026 at 00:50
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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1 Mar 2026 at 01:42
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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1 Mar 2026 at 03:10
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
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1 Mar 2026 at 03:45
How does it compare to the Philippines?
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
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1 Mar 2026 at 08:07
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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1 Mar 2026 at 10:12
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 9/10 destination.
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1 Mar 2026 at 11:01
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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1 Mar 2026 at 16:58
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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2 Mar 2026 at 02:47
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
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2 Mar 2026 at 08:57
Been going for years. The scene has stayed consistent.
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
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2 Mar 2026 at 14:48
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
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2 Mar 2026 at 17:32
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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3 Mar 2026 at 02:51
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
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3 Mar 2026 at 11:42
How does it compare to the Philippines?
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3 Mar 2026 at 14:39
Adding my experience from February.
The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
The scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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3 Mar 2026 at 23:21
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything checks out.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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4 Mar 2026 at 07:16
Not sure I agree about that area. I found downtown to be better value.
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