5 Budget-Friendly Destinations In Malaysia For 2024

With 4 more national public holidays left for 2024, you can definitely still plan to travel within Malaysia, without breaking the bank. From foodie towns to island adventures to relaxing in lush natural landscapes, we are definitely spoilt for choice in deciding the next Malaysia budget-friendly holiday. Here are just 5 that are quite easy to get to. And with budget estimates too, so you can get going soon!

1 ) Taiping

Often overlooked for nearby Ipoh, Taiping takes after its name which translates to “everlasting peace” in Chinese. It is a town with many firsts in Malaysia historically, much natural beauty and interestingly was ranked 3rd most sustainable city in the world.

Source: Google Maps, Taiping Lake Gardens, yeekong ng

Best Time to Visit: Year round, with peak hotel prices March-May. (Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g670111-Taiping_Larut_Matang_dan_Selama_District_Perak-Vacations.html)

Budget Estimate

Accommodation: Average MYR 130 per night (Source: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/malaysia/taiping-1734586 x 4.7 USD to MYR)

Food: MYR 8-20 per meal at local hawker centers and cafes (depending on what you choose, own estimate only)

Transport: MYR 10-20 for bus / e-Hailing rides / bike rental (depending on what you choose, own estimate only)

Attractions and Activities:

Taiping Lake Gardens: Malaysia’s First Public Garden, with more than 10 lakes and ponds spread over 64-acres. FOC (Public garden)

Bukit Larut/Maxwell Hill: Malaysia’s oldest hill station. Popular for hiking (3-4 hours to hilltop for scenic views and cooler air) and bird watching. A jeep ride up and down the hill costs RM10 (Source: https://www.travelswithsun.com/bukit-larut-taiping/).

Taiping Zoo: Malaysia’s First Zoo. Admission fee costs RM16 (Source: https://zootaiping.gov.my/en/plan-your-visit).

Perak Museum: Malaysia’s First Museum. Admission fee costs RM2 (Source: https://www.taiping.my/places/taiping/attractions/perak-museum/#google_vignette)

2) Pulau Pangkor/Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island is a laid-back destination which offers affordable and family-friendly activities such as kayaking, cycling, and island hopping for those looking for a little adventure. Of course you can just have a relaxing Malaysia holiday sampling local snacks, duty-free goodies and unique cultural heritage sites.

Source: Google Maps

Best Time to Visit: Drier season of March-October, avoid monsoon season in November & December.

Budget Estimate

Accommodation: Average MYR 169 per night (Source: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/malaysia/pangkor-p12961  x 4.7 USD to MYR)

Food: MYR 10-25 per meal at local seafood restaurants and markets (depending on what you choose, own estimate only).

Transport:

Bicycle rental MYR 15 & above per day (depending on what you choose).

Car rides with driver MYR 50 & above per day (depending on season and what type you choose).

(Source: https://gopangkorholiday.com/pangkor-transportation)

Attractions and Activities:

Teluk Nipah/Nipah Bay: Relax on this popular beach with clear waters.

Hornbill Feeding: Watch hornbills being fed in the evenings at some local guesthouses (FOC).

Masjid Seribu Selawat aka Floating Mosque and Masjid Seribu Doa: 2 beautiful mosques on the island with architecture and design.

Foo Lin Kong Temple: Visit this colourful Taoist temple with beautiful gardens.

Dutch Fort: Explore this historical site dating back to the 17^th century.

3) Cameron Highlands

Cool off and enjoy scenic landscapes of tea plantations and strawberry farms. Cameron Highlands is a popular yet affordable destination for those who just want to chill and have high tea, enjoy hotpot with local fresh produce or hike/trek its many trails.

Source: Unsplash

Best Time to Visit: Drier months of February-April, July and August. (Source: https://my.trip.com/guide/info/weather-in-cameron-highlands.html#:~:text=Best%20Time%20to%20Visit%20Cameron%20Highlands,-While%20Cameron%20Highlands&text=If%20you're%20keen%20on,visit%20during%20the%20wet%20season.)

Budget Estimate

Accommodation: Average MYR 174 per night in Brinchang (Source: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/malaysia/brinchang-p155668  x 4.7 USD to MYR)

Food: MYR 10-25 per meal at local restaurants and cafes (depending on what you choose, own estimate only).

Transport: MYR 20-40 per day for shared taxis; MYR 1-3 for local buses (depending on what you choose, estimated only).

Attractions and Activities:

Tea Plantations: Tour and sample tea at Boh Tea Garden. FOC (Source: https://bohtea.com/visit-our-tea-gardens/)

Strawberry Farms: Pick your own strawberries. FOC to enter; Charges apply to picked strawberries and other purchases. (Source: https://www.silverstar.com.my/strawberry-farms).

Mossy Forest: Trek through this unique cloud forest which Lonely Planet ranked as 5th Most Instagrammable Forests In The World. Getting a local experienced guide for trekking is advised. Fee of RM10 for a 200m walk. (Source: https://www.malaysia.travel/explore/mossy-forest-cameron-highlands).

Cameron Lavender Garden: You don’t have to go to Provence, france to see lavender fields, just RM15 here (Source: https://www.facebook.com/cameronlavendergarden/).

4) Penang

The foodie destination which is also rich with culture and history and plenty to do and see.

Many of Penang’s attractions, including its beaches and historic sites, have free or affordable entry fees.

Google Maps, Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear

Best Time to Visit: Year Round, rainiest months are April-May and September-November. Low season with lower accommodation prices during April-May. (Source: https://www.travelswithsun.com/best-time-to-visit-penang/)

Budget Estimate

Accommodation: Average MYR 197 per night (Source: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/malaysia/penang-1735106 x 4.7 USD to MYR)

Food: MYR 8-20 per meal at local hawker centers and cafes (depending on what you choose, own estimate only)

Transport: MYR 10-20 for bus / e-Hailing rides (depending on what you choose, own estimate only)

Attractions and Activities

Penang Hill: Take the funicular railway for panoramic views of the island for RM16 (Source: https://penanghill.gov.my/index.php/en/tickets)

George Town: Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site and explore its street art and colonial buildings. FOC (Public area)

Batu Ferringhi Beach: Relax on this popular beach with various water activities. FOC (Public beach).

Pulau Jerejak: A hidden gem with insta-worthy spots and sunset, located a short 10-minute ferry ride from Penang Island which costs only RM20 to and fro (Source: https://says.com/my/lifestyle/photos-this-romantic-retreat-is-right-here-in-m-sia-and-the-ferry-ride-is-only-rm20).

Kek Lok Si Temple: Visit one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. (FOC to enter temple grounds).

5) Kuching

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, will probably be a pleasant surprise for travellers. It is modern yet has a certain old world charm. It allows you to catch a glimpse of Borneo’s wildlife without camping in a jungle itself. National Geographic reports that Kuching was recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, becoming the first city in Malaysia to receive the accolade and joining a list of just 50 worldwide.

Source: Sarawak Tourism

Best Time to Visit: Year Round, Driest months are April - September. (Source: https://my.trip.com/guide/info/trip-to-kuching.html)

Budget Estimate

Accommodation: Average MYR 165 per night (Source: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/hotels/malaysia/kuching-1735634-t_firsttime  x 4.7 USD to MYR)

Food: MYR 10-20 per meal at local eateries and hawker centers. (depending on what you choose, estimated only).

Transport: MYR 1-3 for local buses; MYR 5-10 for short taxi/grab rides (depending on distance, estimated only).

Attractions and Activities

Kuching Waterfront: Stroll along the waterfront with views of the charming architecture, browse local markets or even take a ride on a local “perahu tambang” or “penambang” boat (MYR 10 for half-hour) (Source: https://dayakdaily.com/despite-almost-killed-in-boat-crash-penambang-continues-ferrying-people-for-over-50-years/#:~:text=One%20trip%20to%20the%20other,ride%20along%20the%20Sarawak%20River)

Sarawak Cultural Village: Learn about the diverse ethnic groups in Sarawak and their cultures. (MYR90 for 1 day admission) (Source: https://scvticket.com.my/homepage/entrance-ticket/).

Semenggoh Nature Reserve: Meet orangutans in their natural habitat (MYR 5 entrance fees) (Source: https://sarawakforestry.com/enrance-fees/).

Kuching Cat Museum: Explore quirky exhibits on all things “oyen” i.e. kucing, the city’s namesake.

Whichever destination you choose, here are some budget travel-savvy tips to keep in mind:

• plan your trip at the right time of the year, i.e. low travel season if you can.
• check “all in” prices when comparing budget airlines.
• explore on foot for free!
• take public transport where available.
• eat local, and be merry.

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