{"id":8792,"date":"2018-12-10T20:24:00","date_gmt":"2018-12-10T19:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/?p=8792"},"modified":"2026-10-28T07:54:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:54:57","slug":"malaysia-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Malaysia Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often overlooked in favor of more popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia actually has far more to offer than people think: from modern Kuala Lumpur to its many national parks, home to species found nowhere else on the planet, to some of the world&#8217;s best beaches and dive sites. This country certainly won&#8217;t disappoint!<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the course of several trips, I&#8217;ve spent quite a few weeks backpacking around Malaysia, and in this guide you&#8217;ll find loads of useful information and tips to plan your trip as best you can.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<div id=\"quick-menu\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Quick menu<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#when\">When to visit Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#doc\">Documents and vaccinations to enter Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#what\">What to do and see in Malaysia<\/a>\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>Destinations<\/summary>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li>\r\n          <details>\r\n            <summary><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#peninsular-malaysia\">Peninsular Malaysia<\/a><\/summary>\r\n            <ul>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#kuala-lumpur\">Kuala Lumpur<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#melaka\">Melaka<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#taman-negara\">Taman Negara National Park<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#ipoh\">Ipoh<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#cameron-highlands\">Cameron Highlands<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#pangkor-island\">Pangkor Island<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#penang\">Penang (George Town)<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#langkawi\">Langkawi<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#perhentian-islands\">Perhentian Islands<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/details>\r\n        <\/li>\r\n        <li>\r\n          <details>\r\n            <summary><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#malaysian-borneo\">Malaysian Borneo<\/a><\/summary>\r\n            <ul>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#kuching\">Kuching<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#miri\">Miri<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#gunung-mulu\">Gunung Mulu National Park<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#kelabit-highlands\">Kelabit Highlands<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#brunei\">Brunei<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#kota-kinabalu\">Kota Kinabalu<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#tip-of-borneo-loop\">Tip of Borneo Loop<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#sandakan\">Sandakan<\/a><\/li>\r\n              <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#semporna\">Semporna<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <\/ul>\r\n          <\/details>\r\n        <\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n  <\/li>\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#iti\">Suggested itineraries in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#how\">How to get around Malaysia<\/a>\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>Transport options<\/summary>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#buses-malaysia\">Buses in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#trains-malaysia\">Trains in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#planes-malaysia\">Planes in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#taxis-malaysia\">Taxis in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#hitchhiking-malaysia\">Hitchhiking in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n  <\/li>\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#cost\">Backpacking Malaysia: costs<\/a><\/li>\r\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#safe\">Backpacking Malaysia: safety<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/malaysia-travel-guide\/#quick-menu\" style=\"position: fixed; right: 18px; bottom: 18px; z-index: 9999; padding: 8px 12px; border: 1px solid #999; border-radius: 6px; background: #fff; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px;\">\u2191 Menu<\/a>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7964\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02530-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02530-HDR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02530-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02530-HDR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02530-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Mount Kinabalu.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"when\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">When to Visit Malaysia<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Temperatures vary very little throughout the year, and so does the humidity, which always stays high. Rain is much more frequent during the rainy season, but it can also fall during the dry season as brief showers, just in the afternoon. As a general rule, avoid the peak of the rainy season, which varies a lot from one region of the country to another.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In short, roughly:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: left;\">Lowlands and Highlands (Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Cameron Highlands) &#8211; Rainfall is constant all year round but slightly more frequent from October to January and in March-April.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: left;\">West Coast (Penang and Langkawi) &#8211; Peak rainfall from August to November and in April\/May. The best period is roughly from December to March.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: left;\">East Coast (Perhentian Islands and Tioman) &#8211; Peak rainfall from November to February. The best period is roughly from April to September.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: left;\">Borneo &#8211; Peak rainfall from November to February. The best period is roughly from May to September.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4393 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07088-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07088-HDR-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07088-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07088-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07088-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Masjid Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"doc\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Documents and vaccinations to enter Malaysia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With an Italian passport you get a <strong>free tourist visa<\/strong> valid for 90 days when you enter the country (the rules change depending on your nationality, so check yours). Since 1 December 2023 you have to present the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) when you arrive in the country. You can submit it online starting three days before your arrival in Malaysia on the <a href=\"https:\/\/imigresen-online.imi.gov.my\/mdac\/main\">official website<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You can extend the visa by another 30 days by going to an immigration office or by doing the classic \u201cvisa run\u201d, that is, leaving and re-entering the country. Be careful, though: to avoid problems, it seems it\u2019s better to stay out of the country for at least a couple of days, otherwise entry, and the additional 90 days, aren\u2019t guaranteed. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/forum\/viewtopic.php?id=756920\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Here<\/a> you\u2019ll find an interesting discussion if you want to look into it further.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Malaysia doesn\u2019t require any mandatory vaccinations, but Hepatitis A and B are always recommended.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For up-to-date information on visas and everything else, I recommend checking your own government\u2019s official travel advice (for example, the UK\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/malaysia\">Foreign travel advice<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"what\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<div id=\"cosa\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8026\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03621-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03621-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03621-Enhanced-NR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03621-Enhanced-NR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03621-Enhanced-NR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Borneo green viper, Mulu National Park.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in Malaysia<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">As you probably already know, or can see from the map below, Malaysia can be divided into two very distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, a wild island that Malaysia shares with Indonesia and the tiny Sultanate of Brunei.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In this guide, you\u2019ll find information and itineraries for both regions, organized into two separate sections. We\u2019ll start with Peninsular Malaysia.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Prices are often given in the local currency. The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit, abbreviated as MYR or simply RM.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The exchange rate is about 1\u20ac = 4.58 MYR. For the current rate, I recommend taking a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xe.com\/currencyconverter\/convert\/?Amount=1&amp;From=EUR&amp;To=MYR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this page<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/cosa_vedere_malesia.png\" alt=\"Tourist map of Malaysia, what to see\" width=\"908\" height=\"479\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>N.b. Several times throughout the guide you\u2019ll find links to <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/\"><em>https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/<\/em><\/a><em>. If you want to use offline navigation directly in the AllTrails app, you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in \u201cGoogle Earth KML\u201d format and then uploading them to <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/organicmaps.app\/\"><em>Organic Maps<\/em><\/a><em>, which is by far one of my <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/app-travelling\/\"><em>favorite travel apps<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"peninsular-malaysia\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Peninsular Malaysia<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<div id=\"kuala-lumpur\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Kuala Lumpur<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Chances are \u201cKL\u201d will be your starting point. In my opinion, a couple of days in the city are more than enough. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the city, with its contrast between old and new, is really fascinating, but the few tourist attractions it has to offer can be seen in a short time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>What to Do and See in Kuala Lumpur<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Unlike other Southeast Asian cities, Kuala Lumpur has an extremely efficient (and cheap) metro, so I recommend making the most of it: getting around the city is really easy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Explore the city and its architecture<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I recommend starting from the city center, perhaps with a visit to the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.pt\/maps\/place\/Kuala+Lumpur+City+Gallery\/@3.147227,101.6910463,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x31cc49cd118d15db:0xf4df5dbee3a1702e!8m2!3d3.147227!4d101.693235\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">City Gallery<\/a>\u201d, which is basically a visitor center where, among many other things, you can admire a 3D model of KL with all the main attractions highlighted. Admission is free.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In any case, the center is where you\u2019ll find most of the colonial-era buildings built by the British. The former government offices and the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/M3K47nfe5Cn2tBXP8\">Sultan Abdul Samad Building<\/a> are on the city\u2019s main square, <a href=\"https:\/\/g.page\/dataran-merdeka-kuala-lumpur?share\">Merdeka Square<\/a>. About a 10-minute walk away, I also recommend taking a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/49e5UqdZgfoYuNqK6\">old train station.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4389 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06974-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06974-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06974-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06974-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06974-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Merdeka Square.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Also on the main square is the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/12uBPMkyvLfSKS898\">Royal Selangor Club<\/a>\u201d, a club used as a meeting place by the upper ranks of British society in colonial times. And finally, not far from Merdeka Square, there\u2019s a fascinating mosque called <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/NXzouXfsmpMrzs9i8\">Masjid Jamek<\/a>, open to the public every day 10:00 &#8211; 12:30 \/ 14:30 &#8211; 16:00 except Fridays. Still on the subject of mosques, there\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/SVtQZPqtjMnPKp3ZA\">National Mosque of Malaysia,<\/a> a gigantic complex that can hold up to 15k worshipers in its prayer hall; unfortunately, during my visit it was temporarily closed to non-Muslim visitors. If you decide to venture over this way, you can also stop by the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/y3iFUpyBtpNfqvVK8\">Perdana Botanical Gardens.<\/a> Admission is free.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4392 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07050-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07050-HDR-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07050-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07050-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07050-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Petronas Towers.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Of course, no tour of the city is complete without seeing the famous \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/g.page\/petronastwintowersofficial?share\">Petronas Towers<\/a>\u201d and the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/g.page\/menara_kl?share\">KL Tower<\/a>\u201d. Both are not far from the center, and it\u2019s best to visit them in the evening when the sun goes down and they\u2019re lit up by thousands of lights: a really striking sight. If you like, you can pay to go up to the top of the KL Tower (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.menarakl.com.my\/\">official website<\/a>) as well as to an observation deck on the 86th floor of one of the Petronas Towers (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.petronastwintowers.com.my\/\">official website<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4390 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07012-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07012-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07012-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07012-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07012-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Kampong Bharu.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For a more authentic experience, remember to walk the streets of the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/3FPqHn3HLLGKpoze6\">Kampong Bharu<\/a>\u201d neighborhood: it\u2019s basically a traditional village inside the city, a stone\u2019s throw from the Petronas Towers. If you decide to take a stroll there, <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/SYRakZVCgKLJF7e19\">Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg Baru<\/a> is a really popular restaurant. As the name suggests, the dish to try is Nasi Lemak. Finally, stop by Chinatown, a stone\u2019s throw from the center; the most iconic street is probably <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/umS2QaXsUUVzr6wz7\">Petaling Street<\/a>. All of this can easily be done in a single day. Getting around by metro is really easy, fast and cheap!<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/chinatown_Kuala_lumpur.jpg\" alt=\"Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Batu Caves<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Batu Caves are another popular attraction in Kuala Lumpur (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/uentbiHmRTiWZiPd9\">Google Maps<\/a>). Hindu priests have used these caves as temples ever since their discovery in 1878. They contain numerous statues and two small structures that you reach at the top of a 272-step staircase, which, in Kuala Lumpur\u2019s muggy heat, isn\u2019t exactly fun, but it\u2019s definitely worth it: the setting is really striking, just watch out for the many monkeys that live nearby, always ready to steal food and anything else they can get their hands on. Admission is free and you can easily get there by metro; the opening hours shown on Google Maps are reliable.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you\u2019re interested, you can join a guided tour of the adjacent \u201cDark Cave\u201d, a cave full of bats where you can often see other animals like spiders, snakes, scorpions and hundreds of other insects that live in the darkness of the cave, 35 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Lastly, if you&#8217;re looking for more places to visit, I recommend Thean Hou Temple (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/QFetq17KzxxV1XfA9\">Google Maps<\/a>). It\u2019s especially striking in the evening when the lanterns are lit.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7922\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04908-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04908-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04908-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04908-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04908-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Batu Caves entrance.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>In general, using Chinatown as your base is an excellent idea, given how close it is to many of the main attractions. If you\u2019re looking for social hostels, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/1000-miles.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Hotel 1000 Miles<\/a> and above all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/mingle-highstreet.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Mingle Highstreet.<\/a> On my second visit to the city I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/space-chinatown.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Space Hotel @ Chinatown Kuala Lumpur<\/a>, slightly more expensive but extremely comfortable if you\u2019re just looking for a place to rest.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Get to Kuala Lumpur?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>If you arrive at the bus terminal, just hop straight on the metro to reach any destination in the city; if instead you\u2019re arriving from the international airport, the fastest way is to board the <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kliaekspres.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>KLIA express<\/em><\/a><em>, a high-speed train that connects the airport terminal to KL Sentral station. You\u2019ll be there in about half an hour and then you can hop on the metro. However, this is also a relatively expensive option: half an hour of travel, 55 MYR.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>A cheaper alternative is to take the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.klia2.info\/buses\/bus-operators\/airport-coach\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>bus<\/em><\/a><em> from the airport to KL Sentral, where you can get on the metro. Departures are frequent, the ticket costs 15 MYR and you can pay by card.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4391 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07017-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07017-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07017-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07017-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07017-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<div id=\"melaka\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Melaka<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Melaka, or Malacca, is a port city conveniently located halfway between Kuala Lumpur and <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/backpacking-singapore\/\">Singapore<\/a>. The city isn\u2019t particularly rich in attractions, but its historic center is a UNESCO site and, especially if you\u2019re arriving by bus from Singapore, it makes an excellent stopover.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>What to Do and See in Melaka<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Personally, I think a day spent strolling around the center should be more than enough; the two most characteristic streets are <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/vMD6KhCgSKacKoki8\">Jonker<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/zgMTWSgLMT5EXCUD8\">Heeren<\/a>. I also recommend not missing the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/g9JRhb9eFGFbNA5X8\">Cheng Hoon Teng<\/a> temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, and climbing up to <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/yoJsJxUvRX78xXK17\">St. Paul\u2019s Church<\/a>, where you get great views. The hill on top of which the church stands was the city\u2019s administrative center for years, and it\u2019s therefore surrounded by some of Melaka\u2019s most important historic buildings, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/aP7NLHVvYbJeeRtYA\">Stadthuys,<\/a> the oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia, and the adjacent <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/wzirXwVUd6DSyM1V7\">clock tower.<\/a> On the other side of the hill is the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/rRBJMuJcN28cGXa67\">Porta de Santiago<\/a>, one of the entrance gates of the fortified citadel built by the Portuguese before the Dutch arrived.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4386 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06907-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06907-HDR-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06907-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06907-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06907-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you want to learn more about the events that led to Malaysia\u2019s independence, I recommend visiting the nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/bNft2cA8vZBMJkEf7\">Proclamation of Independence Memorial<\/a>; admission is free. Another potentially interesting museum is the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/mxjSBHLnCCcF3VBYA\">Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum<\/a>, but it was closed for restoration during my visit, so I can\u2019t comment.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4384 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06815-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06815-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06815-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06815-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06815-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>St. Paul\u2019s Church.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Just outside the center, I recommend stopping by the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/zXka8FsvVbNEp5P7A\">Poh San Teng<\/a> temple; admission is free, and while you\u2019re there you can take a short walk through the adjacent <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/XCjSEG2yW6FVVV286\">Chinese cemetery.<\/a> The site isn\u2019t well maintained, but I still found it interesting. There are about 12,500 graves, some dating back to the Ming dynasty. Also nearby, along the river, is <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/LHxSvgCefUgZiZ1NA\">Villa Sentosa,<\/a> a house museum that a friend had strongly recommended to me because, according to her, it really felt like time had stood still, and whoever welcomed her had been incredibly kind. I went by twice and never found a soul there, so I gave up on the visit, but I guess it was just bad luck.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4383 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06807-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06807-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06807-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06807-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06807-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A grave in the Chinese cemetery.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, the floating mosque \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/d2nD4ro5q6Up9R328\">Masjid Selat Melaka<\/a>\u201d, built on an artificial island, is particularly striking in the evening when it\u2019s lit up. The mosque is fairly far from the center; I ended up walking, but you\u2019d probably be better off taking a taxi, 7\/8 MYR one way. If you go for the taxi, have it wait for you. I recommend arriving for sunset, admiring the illuminated mosque and then getting a ride back to the center. I almost forgot: there\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/STYgyd1QcMJjUn4J6\">public swimming pool<\/a> right in the center where you can cool off from Melaka\u2019s humid heat; admission costs just 5 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4385 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06835-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06835-HDR-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06835-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06835-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06835-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The floating mosque of Melaka.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Melaka?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/ola-hostel.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Ola Hostel<\/a> and I highly recommend it. The location is excellent and in general the place has everything a good hostel should offer. The owner, Sam, is a really kind and welcoming person.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Melaka?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>From Kuala Lumpur, buses to Melaka leave from the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/wpNu87RyZJ4ATb9y7\">Bersepadu Selatan<\/a> terminal roughly every half hour; the journey takes about 2 hours and I personally paid 11.10 MYR for the trip. The Melaka terminal is about 4-5 km from the center; the bus to take to the center is number 17 and it costs 2 MYR. A taxi costs about 7 MYR.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>From <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/backpacking-singapore\/\">Singapore<\/a>, buses leave from pretty much all over the city. I traveled with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kkklexpress.com\/\">KKKL<\/a>, booking online, and the pick-up was at <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/LDjF2ovcxDAXr41PA\">this spot<\/a>. Unlike other buses, they dropped me off right in the center, so I saved a bit on transport from the station. The \u201cbus terminal\u201d used by many of the other (slightly cheaper) companies covering the Singapore &#8211; Melaka route is at the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/VHqJQiHsG5bKuAsh7\">Golden Mile Complex<\/a>. The journey took 6 and a half hours, including a half-hour break and almost an hour at immigration, almost all of it on the congested Malaysian side. If you want to book your bus online, you can use sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/?z=2634140\">12Go<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\">Easybook<\/a>. You can also cover the first stretch to the border by train (Woodlands checkpoint), but I think that only makes sense if you\u2019re continuing to Kuala Lumpur by changing trains, since to get to Melaka you\u2019d have to take the bus anyway.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4388 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06791-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06791-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06791-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06791-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC06791-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Along the river that runs through Melaka.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"taman-negara\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Taman Negara National Park<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">It\u2019s the largest park in Peninsular Malaysia, famous for its rainforest, which is home to really diverse flora and fauna. The most popular entrance is the one via Jerantut. In the past this was the favorite base for exploring the park for many visitors, but now there\u2019s plenty of accommodation in the nearby village of Kuala Tahan, where the actual access point to the park is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to do and see in Taman Negara National Park<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Inside the park you can do anything from simple day trips on foot or by boat to multi-day treks. Entry to the park costs 1 MYR, while the photography permit costs 5 MYR. Technically, the latter is required even for smartphones. To cross the river that separates the village of Kuala Tahan from the park entrance, where the headquarters are, you have to pay 1 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8098\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04388-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04388-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04388-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04388-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04388-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canopy walk.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Independent Trekking<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you\u2019re traveling on a budget, or simply don\u2019t feel like joining an organized tour, I recommend doing the loop that starts from the headquarters, which you\u2019ll find described on this page (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/pahang\/gelung-bukit-teresek?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>). For just 5 MYR, I also recommend doing the Canopy Walk (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/yTfHJiWrwouMrTgc7\">Google Maps<\/a>); considering the price, it\u2019s not bad at all. You pay the entrance fee at the headquarters (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ebsB1HjuT3Lqixsz9\">Google Maps<\/a>). Basically, you pay before starting the walk.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Two-Day Trek with a Night in the Cave<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This two-day trek is relatively popular among travelers. I found it nice but certainly not exceptional. Anyway, on the first day, after a short visit to the headquarters, you do the canopy walk mentioned earlier before heading up the river by boat for about an hour. That\u2019s followed by about four hours of trekking through the jungle to the cave where you spend the night.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The next day you walk for about another three hours and stop briefly at an \u201cindigenous\u201d village where they show you how to light a fire in the jungle and how they make the darts for the blowpipes they use for hunting (if you\u2019re interested, you can even fire a few practice shots!), after which you head back to Kuala Tahan. I paid 250 MYR. Absolutely everything is provided, including the sleeping mat and sleeping bag, but it\u2019s up to you to carry it all in your backpack.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8100\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04424-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04424-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04424-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04424-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04424-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The cave where we spent the night.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Other Tours in the Park<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">My experience in the park ended with the tour I just described, but loads of other options are offered, like the night walk inside the park, or the hike to Lata Berkoh (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/FutvYnfMT1Yeew7V8\">Google Maps<\/a>), a small waterfall where you can swim, which can be reached either on foot (technically the trail can only be done with a guide, but nobody checks) or by boat. Then there\u2019s Teras waterfall (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/sCUhkNXUG4T8LLp5A\">Google Maps<\/a>), another waterfall that, here too, you can reach either by boat or on foot (officially a guide is required). Finally, you can reach Gunung Tahan, which at 2,187 m is the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, on a 6\/7-day trek.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">These are the most popular, or at least the most advertised, tours, but there are other options too, and you could actually put together a private tour tailored to your interests.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7938\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0070-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"977\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0070-Edit.jpg 977w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0070-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0070-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Taman Negara.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Taman Negara National Park?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>From Kuala Lumpur, and other places too, there are direct buses leaving every day for Jerantut (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/j2mLmFwhxEsSxmXD7\">Google Maps<\/a>). Before covid there were public buses that then continued on to Kuala Tahan, but during my last visit in 2023 they still hadn\u2019t resumed operating, or at least that\u2019s what I was told when asking around. The only option was private minivans for 35 MYR per person. If you\u2019re traveling in a group, Grab should be cheaper.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>To and from Kuala Tahan there are also daily tourist minivan departures to all the main tourist destinations on the peninsula. You can book them through your accommodation or the various travel agencies in the village (it doesn\u2019t seem you can book them online). They\u2019re more expensive than public transport but can save you quite a bit of time. I recommend confirming prices and schedules once you\u2019re there, but in 2023 there were two daily departures to Kuala Besut Jetty (the pier where the boats to the Perhentian Islands leave from) at 8:00 and 15:30, 115 MYR per person; Cameron Highlands at 10:00 and 14:30, 90 MYR per person; and finally Kuala Lumpur at 10:00 and 14:30 for 90 MYR per person.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Taman Negara National Park?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>As mentioned, most travelers sleep in Kuala Tahan, which is literally on the other side of the river from the park. I took a room at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/fatehah-inn-jerantut-pahang.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Fatehah Inn<\/a>, a nice and very cheap guesthouse with friendly staff. If you want, you could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mutiaratamannegara.com\/\">sleep inside the park<\/a>, but honestly, costs aside, I don\u2019t really see the point.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ipoh\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Ipoh<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Ipoh, the capital of the Malaysian state of Perak, is a city known for its colonial charm, street art and delicious food. An interesting destination if you want to step a little off the classic tourist circuit, maybe breaking up the journey to the Cameron Highlands or George Town.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7900\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04788-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04788-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04788-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04788-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04788-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Graffiti in Ipoh.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in Ipoh<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The small historic center is really compact and you can easily get around it on foot. This is also where you\u2019ll find the murals painted by Ernest Zacharevic, the same Lithuanian artist who conquered the streets of George Town. Unfortunately, they\u2019re mostly in terrible condition; anyway, some of the most popular ones are An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/1y39y6J1QCTXL7bH6\">Google Maps<\/a>), A Paper Plane (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/BfhNskPZiZPwxVAB6\">Google Maps<\/a>), Motor Wall Art (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/SqUJauCGCi2dyBHk6\">Google Maps<\/a>), Hummingbird (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/LTWpnWPT49tuWH599\">Google Maps<\/a>), Evolution (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/WM3L2pB8pZevJwdK8\">Google Maps<\/a>) and Old Town Relieves Nostalgia with Trishaw (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/xnVY1i7DXyyXtnfr7\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I also recommend stopping by Little India (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/9P3BxA189H2MUEiM9\">Google Maps<\/a>) and Mural Art\u2019s Lane (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gLhzTWFWB7GYgU9u5\">Google Maps<\/a>). As for food, I recommend stopping by Restaurant Haji Yahya (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Q7EgGeTEVqNeRHUY9\">Google Maps<\/a>) and then grabbing an egg tart across the street (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ouCw8WqkEtFRr17m9\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Temples<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Around the city there are some noteworthy temples, which have the peculiarity of being located inside the many natural caves. I went to Perak Tong (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Fhi4uvVGf3XxTs8T9\">Google Maps<\/a>), which houses over 40 Buddha statues and lots of murals. Inside the cave there\u2019s a steep staircase leading to the top of a hill, offering a panoramic view of Ipoh. The cave also contains the tallest and largest Buddha statue in Malaysia.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Another popular temple is Kek Look Tong (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/8UwusP55qs9rDZBW9\">Google Maps<\/a>). I haven\u2019t been there personally, but if you decide to go, there\u2019s a series of temples nearby that you can easily visit on foot: Sam Poh Tong Temple (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gBxpTXLPpnD5X47t7\">Google Maps<\/a>), Perak Guanyin Cave (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/eip64pK5HUuFF1q66\">Google Maps<\/a>), Nam Thean Tong Temple (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/xJL5y4mvRMi8ne9Y6\">Google Maps<\/a>) and finally Ling Sen Tong Temple (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/DhyziVwLDE4DRCGb6\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7904\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04796-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04796-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04796-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04796-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04796-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perak Tong Temple.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kellie&#8217;s Castle<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Kellie\u2019s Castle (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/xQNeaXXwB1s9ZDCf9\">Google Maps<\/a>), half an hour from Ipoh, is the abandoned mansion of a wealthy Scotsman, famous because it\u2019s said to have secret passages and ghost sightings. I haven\u2019t been there, so I can\u2019t comment, but it seems to be a relatively popular excursion. Admission costs 5 MYR; if you use Grab, make sure the driver waits for you, because it can be hard to find one for the way back.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, Kledang Hill (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/kSR1DKdMNJsL2ifL9\">Google Maps<\/a>) has a series of trails popular with locals. I haven\u2019t been there and honestly I don\u2019t think it\u2019s anything special, but a taxi driver recommended it to me.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Ipoh?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/de-cafe-amp-rest-house.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">D\u00e9 Cafe &amp; Rest House<\/a> and I recommend it. Central location, comfortable and clean. If you\u2019re interested, you can also use the caf\u00e9 on the ground floor as a coworking space.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Ipoh?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>If you\u2019re arriving from the south, that is from Kuala Lumpur, or from the north, like George Town, I recommend taking the train (<a href=\"https:\/\/online.ktmb.com.my\/\">official website<\/a>). The trains are new, comfortable, clean and cheap. Plus, the station is right in the center (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/KkXF7XZndnH6cpxx5\">Google Maps<\/a>). The new bus station, on the other hand, is far from the center (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/EBrVhRpKw7f2hdUS9\">Google Maps<\/a>), which is all the more reason to take the train. In any case, Grab isn\u2019t that expensive, and if you want there are public buses connecting the terminal to the city center; you\u2019ll find the schedules on Google Maps.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7898\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04784-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04784-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04784-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04784-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04784-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Graffiti in Ipoh.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"cameron-highlands\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Cameron Highlands<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This mountainous region, about 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its tea plantations and its really pleasant climate compared to the scorching heat that characterizes most of the country.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With altitudes ranging from 1,135 m to 1,829 m, it\u2019s in fact the highest region in the country that can be reached by road and, given the altitude, night temperatures can get close to 10\u00b0C, which can be really pleasant!<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7910\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04841-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04841-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04841-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04841-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04841-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in the Cameron Highlands<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Many of the attractions are located around Tanah Rata and Brinchang, the two villages that host most of the accommodations in the Cameron Highlands.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Jungle Trekking<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Trekking is one of the most popular things to do in the Cameron Highlands, so much so that many people come just for that. The trails are generally well marked and can therefore be followed on your own (to be on the safe side, download <a href=\"https:\/\/organicmaps.app\/\">Organic Maps<\/a>). Around Tanah Rata and Brinchang there are trails for pretty much every fitness level, and they\u2019re numbered from 1 to 14.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Unfortunately, except for trail number 10, for a few years now all the others have required a day permit, which costs 10 MYR and has to be obtained at the forestry office (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/fUEV6cpEAsSdZo9TA\">Google Maps<\/a>). In practice there\u2019s nobody checking along the trails, but the signs are there, and if you get caught you risk a hefty fine.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you\u2019re short on time, I recommend doing trail 10, so you don\u2019t even have to pay for the day permit. The trail starts at <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/WacG4HDbL4EuGj1A6\">this spot<\/a>; the old access no longer exists because of a construction site (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/pahang\/mount-jasar-and-cameron-tea-house-loop?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>). I recommend it because, besides a good dose of \u201cjungle trekking\u201d, you cross a tea plantation (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/m95o9j9vX5VjbivcA\">Google Maps<\/a>), so you kill two birds with one stone! Once you get to the plantation, you could head back to Tanah Rata walking along the road, where finding a taxi shouldn\u2019t be too hard, and hitchhiking is always an option.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Another nice loop you can do starting on foot from Tanah Rata is the one described on this page (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/pahang\/gunung-berembun-melalui-denai-4-denai-3-dan-denai-8?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>). If you like, you can cut it short by taking trail number 5 instead of number 8. This one (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/pahang\/parit-falls-melalui-laluan-5-6-dan-4?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>) is a slightly shorter version.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, if you want a less crowded mossy forest (a forest characterized by a dense presence of moss), check out the trail that goes up to Mount Siku Peak (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/pahang\/puncak-gunung-siku?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>). To get there you have to rent a scooter, arrange a taxi or hitchhike.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7908\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04811-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04811-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04811-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04811-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04811-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Robinson Falls.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Other Attractions<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The most popular Mossy Forest (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/uQHr6dfG3Y1JTf33A\">Google Maps<\/a>) is extremely commercialized, and considering that this fascinating type of forest can be seen elsewhere nearby, I\u2019m not convinced it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In any case, in recent years the locals seem to be \u201cforcing\u201d all tourists to take a Jeep, for about 60 MYR per person, to go up the main road. Even if you decide to walk up to the actual Mossy Forest, maybe taking trail number 1 (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cj9ZkFN4sJj7DBod9\">Google Maps<\/a>), which you\u2019ll find described here (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/pahang\/gunung-brinchang-barat?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>), the rangers only allow visits on guided tours, at least in 2024. I suggest reading some more recent reviews or asking once you\u2019re there; things might change in the future, although personally I doubt it.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">That said, the whole area is very scenic, with vast tea plantations you can see along the road and lots of viewpoints, like this one (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/LbPpUK5ckFoMeZCMA\">Google Maps<\/a>) and this one (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/B3U9YLtDNTVwQnv47\">Google Maps<\/a>), just to name a few.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Other popular activities include visiting the butterfly farm (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/QMGDYhSQNfBnJmDG7\">Google Maps<\/a>), where you can see not only butterflies but also many kinds of insects, like the stick insect; admission costs just 10 MYR. Then there are lots of businesses that let you visit their facilities, where they produce things like tea, strawberries and roses.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, although I don\u2019t think it\u2019s necessary at all, there are loads of guided tours that include all the main attractions and make getting around a lot easier, especially if you don\u2019t plan to rent a scooter. They cost about 100 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7906\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04809-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04809-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04809-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04809-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04809-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Mossy Forest.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Stay in the Cameron Highlands?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100l3LP6\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FDe-Native-Guest-House%2FCameron-Highlands%2F90975%3FdateFrom%3D2018-12-12%26dateTo%3D2018-12-13%26number_of_guests%3D1\">De\u2019Native GuestHouse<\/a> is a nice place surrounded by greenery just outside Tanah Rata. Almost every evening there\u2019s a dinner with all the guests, and then everyone sits around the fire. Basically a great, extremely social atmosphere; the only flaw is that it could maybe use a bit of maintenance. On my most recent visit I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/the-rustique-guest-house.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">The Rustique Guest House<\/a>: the atmosphere is definitely less social, but the location is excellent, the rooms are cheap and the owner is a wonderful person.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Get to the Cameron Highlands?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>There are direct buses both to Kuala Lumpur in the south and to Penang in the north, but also to other destinations such as nearby Ipoh or Jerantut (Taman Negara National Park). As always in Malaysia, if you want to book online I recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\">Easybook<\/a>. If you\u2019re interested, at the Tanah Rata bus station (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/rAwE4ZZ1TjZ6VnKJ9\">Google Maps<\/a>) you can rent a scooter right away for your stay in the Cameron Highlands.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7912\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04845-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04845-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04845-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04845-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04845-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"pangkor-island\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Pangkor Island<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, this small island is far less known than Penang and Langkawi, especially among foreigners, but it\u2019s popular with locals on weekends; the rest of the week the beaches empty out and make way for an authentic atmosphere, with fishing villages that have changed very little over the past 50 years.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">It has some of the nicest beaches on the west coast of the peninsula; if you\u2019re looking for a destination off the classic tourist itinerary, this island is definitely worth considering. To get there, there are frequent boat connections from the town of Lumut, which has plenty of buses every day from both Kuala Lumpur and Penang.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For things to do on the island, I recommend taking a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecrazytourist.com\/15-best-things-to-do-in-pangkor-island-malaysia\/\">this article<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"penang\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Penang (George Town)<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Penang is an island in the north of Malaysia, connected to the mainland by two bridges. Penang is also the name of the state whose capital, Georgetown, is on the island. It\u2019s a really fascinating city, rich in history and in a culture born from the fusion of Indian, Malay and Chinese cultures, all within a city that was long administered by the British, who left a big mark on the architecture of the colonial buildings.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7920\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04896-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04896-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04896-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04896-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04896-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Blue Mansion.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>What to Do and See in Penang<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The city is really compact and easy to explore on foot. I recommend literally getting lost in the streets of the historic center, hunting for the hundreds of murals (<a href=\"https:\/\/streetartpenang.com\/\">here you\u2019ll find a complete list<\/a>) and, of course, admiring the architecture of the many colonial-era buildings. The standout is probably the <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/4DpGqNDHePjj6zt19\">Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion<\/a>, also known as the \u201cBlue Mansion\u201d. The mansion is now a hotel, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheongfatttzemansion.com\/discover\/daily-tours\/\">daily tours to visit it<\/a> are offered. The guided tour lasts about an hour and all in all I recommend it, but it has to be booked at least a few days in advance. I haven\u2019t been there, but another often-recommended visit is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/3qNQKU56qeMVUJEz7\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/murales_penang.jpg\" alt=\"Murals on the streets of Georgetown\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>One of the many murals on the streets of Georgetown.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">It\u2019s the hill that overlooks the city (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/qAad1iGTSp7RWQqr7\">Google Maps<\/a>), and the view from up here is excellent. I recommend going up in the late afternoon so you can see the panorama both in daylight and with the city lit up at night.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There\u2019s a convenient funicular train (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/eFNfcvYyhEsPD1z66\">Google Maps<\/a>) that goes up to the top, where there are a couple of facilities, including restaurants, temples and more. The ride takes about 5 minutes and costs 30 MYR round trip; it runs from 6:30 to 21:00 every day. To get to the train station you can take a taxi or the public bus (schedules and routes on Google Maps). If you want, you can also walk up (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/tiB3AvhXtK6zZZ2E8\">Google Maps<\/a>). Especially if you decide to go up by funicular, avoid weekends and public holidays if you can, because you risk standing in line for hours.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/penang_hill.jpg\" alt=\"View from the top of Penang Hill\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>View from Penang Hill.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Kek Lok Si Temple<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I saw hundreds of temples during my trip through Asia, but this one is really impressive (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/6gdbv7rz5io8DWdq9\">Google Maps<\/a>). It\u2019s the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. You can literally spend hours exploring it. Thanks to a sort of cable car\/elevator (3 MYR) you get a great view of the city, in the company of a gigantic statue of Kuan Yin (goddess of compassion), a whopping 36 meters tall! If you want to save money, you can walk up.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You can reach the temple entrance by taxi or by bus; you\u2019ll find routes and schedules on Google Maps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Penang National Park<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, if you want to spend a few hours relaxing, the island has a few beaches that aren\u2019t bad in the northwest, inside Penang National Park; in any case, don\u2019t expect anything heavenly. Admission costs a hefty 50 MYR. During my last visit, it wasn\u2019t possible to reach Monkey Beach (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/kXmE2c8jGT9RWSHC8\">Google Maps<\/a>) on foot, only by boat, for a whopping 100 MYR. If you like, you can walk to Turtle Beach, also known as Pantai Kerachut (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Tx2U89754TC6zgQz7\">Google Maps<\/a>), where, however, you can\u2019t swim because of the jellyfish. There is, though, a small information center (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/5TKKi9Ve2PFyXJbu9\">Google Maps<\/a>) where you can often see turtles.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, if you want to take some fun photos, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/ZYvSTnXBrMz\">the Upside Down Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7918\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04881-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04881-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04881-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04881-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04881-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Part of the huge Kek Lok Si Temple.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Penang?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/some-place-else.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i>Some Place Else<\/i><\/a> is an excellent, recently opened hostel in an excellent location near the center. If you\u2019re traveling light, you can easily walk from the port where the ferry arrives. There\u2019s also a large coworking room, in case you\u2019re interested.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Penang?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>If you\u2019re arriving from Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur, I recommend taking the train (<a href=\"https:\/\/online.ktmb.com.my\/\">official website<\/a>) to \u201cButterworth Penang Sentral\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/NxW3dYmDxeoKzias5\">Google Maps<\/a>). In any case, the bus station is well located too, since it\u2019s literally right next door (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/6kfmm81ohK4UbqQ3A\">Google Maps<\/a>). Both stations are connected to the Ferry Terminal (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/mdRWohioyDteRSPX8\">Google Maps<\/a>), where there are frequent connections to Georgetown; the schedules are on Google Maps too. The ferry crossing takes about 10 minutes and you can pay for the ticket by card; it costs 2 MYR. The same goes in the opposite direction from the Georgetown Terminal (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/fWoHt84n9kRJDCHL6\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>From the island of Langkawi to the north there are daily ferry connections. If instead you\u2019re arriving overland from <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/thailand\/backpacking-thailand\/\">Thailand<\/a>, so without going through Koh Lipe and Langkawi, you first have to get to the well-connected city of Hat Yai, which also has direct train connections to Bangkok if you need them. From Hat Yai you can go for a direct transfer offered by any agency in town or do it yourself. In that case, there are a couple of train connections to the border town of \u201cPadang Besar\u201d, or minivans that leave frequently <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/sfmqDB4DERdnZ94R8\">from the bus station.<\/a> Once you\u2019ve crossed the border, there are both trains and buses to Penang. On <a href=\"https:\/\/railtravelstation.com\/hat-yai-padang-besar-minivan\/\">this page<\/a> you\u2019ll find loads of information. Finally, Penang has a fairly busy international airport with good fares.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7916\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04862-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04862-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04862-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04862-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04862-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>George Town World heritage day.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"langkawi\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Langkawi<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Just a couple of hours by ferry from Penang lies this archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, on the border with Thailand. It\u2019s a popular destination for spending a few relaxing days on the beach and taking advantage of the many duty-free shops on the island (alcohol is particularly cheap).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>What to Do and See in Langkawi<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The island isn\u2019t exactly gigantic, but to enjoy it to the fullest I strongly recommend renting a scooter to explore it in complete freedom.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Sky Bridge (Suspension Bridge)<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This is probably the most popular attraction on the island: a 125-meter-long suspension bridge 660 meters above sea level (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ePReCDaF8PaVYkMR8\">Google Maps<\/a>). To get there you have to take a cable car (55 MYR) to an intermediate station, from where you have two options: take another elevator for 15 MYR or continue on foot for about ten minutes, paying 5 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The 360-degree view of the island is nothing short of breathtaking, and so is the feeling of walking on a suspension bridge at that height. Although it\u2019s not exactly a budget activity, I recommend it. I recommend combining the visit to the bridge with the nearby Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) waterfall (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/QyrMJQkPWt9Uo9Zb8\">Google Maps<\/a>); the parking lot for the waterfall is less than a kilometer from the one for the cable car up to the suspension bridge, and to get there you just walk for about ten minutes through the forest. Not particularly impressive, but definitely worth it.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/ponte_sospeso_langkawi.jpg\" alt=\"Sky bridge in Langkawi\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Langkawi Sky Bridge.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Beaches<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The most popular beach, which is also where most of the accommodation is, is undoubtedly Pantai Cenang (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/SgQnPe259ZM8Hb918\">Google Maps<\/a>). The beach isn\u2019t bad, but it\u2019s nothing heavenly, and it\u2019s also particularly crowded. My advice is to hop on a scooter and head north; the two most beautiful beaches are Tanjung Rhu (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Zjhwhufp9Z6xNTsP7\">Google Maps<\/a>) and Pasir Tengkorak (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/xRw96jG7SYdDMu549\">Google Maps<\/a>). If you want to see something unusual, go to the \u201cblack beach\u201d, Pantai Pasir Hitam (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/hFfjXZh1jzX3t5sn9\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Night Market<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">It\u2019s a traveling market that changes location every night. You can eat typical food at great prices or buy local products. Ask your accommodation where it is that day and, if you can, stop by!<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, a day tour of the many surrounding islands, with activities like snorkeling, is extremely popular. I didn\u2019t do it myself, but I was told it\u2019s not bad at all.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Langkawi?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.solunaguesthouse.com\/rooms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Soluna GuestHouse<\/em><\/a><em>: look no further, and try to book in advance, because this place is always full. The prices are excellent and so is the place itself; the location is a stone\u2019s throw from the beach and at the same time away from the chaos. One of the two partners is an extremely kind and helpful young Italian woman.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Get to Langkawi?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>There are daily ferry connections to the paradise island of <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/thailand\/backpacking-thailand\/\">Koh Lipe in Thailand<\/a> and to Satun on the mainland, from where you can continue to any other destination in Thailand. To the south there are frequent connections with the island of Penang. Langkawi also has an international airport with really attractive fares; for example, flying back to Kuala Lumpur is often better value than the bus+ferry combination, both in terms of time and money.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"perhentian-islands\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Perhentian Islands<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Perhentian Islands are another archipelago near the border with Thailand, but this time on the opposite side of the Malaysian peninsula, along the east coast.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Isole_Perhentian.jpg\" alt=\"Turtle Bay, Perhentian Islands\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Turtle Bay in the Perhentian Islands.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>What to Do and See in the Perhentian Islands<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I haven\u2019t personally been to the Perhentian Islands, but they\u2019re widely considered to be among the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The two main islands are Pulau Perhentian Besar (\u201cBig Perhentian Island\u201d) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (\u201cSmall Perhentian Island\u201d). Kecil attracts more travelers because it\u2019s slightly cheaper, while Besar is generally more expensive and attracts more families.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The smaller islands, on the other hand, like Susu Dara, Seringgi and Rawa, are uninhabited and part of the marine park.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Basically, if you\u2019re looking for a place to relax, enjoy the beach and do some diving or snorkeling in a heavenly setting, look no further. <a href=\"https:\/\/stingynomads.com\/diving-perhentian\/\">Here you\u2019ll find an excellent guide dedicated to diving.<\/a> Quite a few travelers recommended <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/3oUMTxnBqmrw878a9\">OhLaLa Divers<\/a> to me as cheap accommodation and a dive center. Apparently, if you dive every day, they include accommodation for free. I was also told that there are no ATMs on the island, so it\u2019s a good idea to arrive with a good amount of cash. Finally, more than a few people told me that the cost of the various diving certifications is extremely competitive, as low as on Koh Tao if not even lower.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach the Perhentian Islands?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>The gateway to the Perhentian Islands is the town of Kuala Besut, where the ferry connecting the archipelago to the mainland leaves from (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/zKFPuAm15dnsS4JG6\">Google Maps<\/a>). For information on how to reach Kuala Besut by public transport, take a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/wikitravel.org\/en\/Kuala_Besut#Get_in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this article<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"malaysian-borneo\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Malaysian Borneo<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The gigantic island of Borneo, divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and the tiny Sultanate of Brunei, is still relatively untouched by mass tourism, and it\u2019s one of my favorite regions in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The usual itinerary starts in Kuching and ends in Semporna, or vice versa. Generally speaking, the most practical and cheapest way to get to Borneo is via Kuala Lumpur\/Singapore (but also check out flights from Penang!), from where there are lots of flights every day to and from the main cities in Borneo.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7978\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02616-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02616-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02616-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02616-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02616-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Orangutan, Borneo&#8217;s iconic animal.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"kuching\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Kuching<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Kuching is the capital of the state of Sarawak, as well as the largest city in Malaysian Borneo. Still, it\u2019s a relatively small city and an excellent base for exploring what the Sarawak region has to offer.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8084\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04082-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04082-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04082-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04082-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04082-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sarawak Legislative Assembly.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in Kuching<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The city itself isn\u2019t particularly interesting, but make sure you walk along the river (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cFh1ioY63vFRWTdLA\">Google Maps<\/a>) and cross the famous S-shaped Darul Hana bridge (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/KWX9i21oXg7jNhx98\">Google Maps<\/a>). On the other side of the bridge, I recommend stopping by the Orchid Garden (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gwrqSTk84JDfGPro7\">Google Maps<\/a>): admission is free and the garden is very well kept, definitely worth a visit. I went in the morning right when it opened and there was practically nobody there. To escape the heat, I then recommend going to the Borneo Cultures Museum (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/DcKWmS4bkwLCSzZ17\">Google Maps<\/a>); admission costs 50 MYR, but if you want you can pass yourself off as a student, they didn\u2019t ask any of us for proof. The museum was built recently and I found it very interesting.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8096\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04337-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04337-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04337-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04337-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04337-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Darul Hana Bridge.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Semenggoh Nature Reserve<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Here you can see orangutans (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Dqb7dFsZiGJ7eGqi9\">Google Maps<\/a>); sightings are practically guaranteed all year round, since the animals are fed by the park rangers. The November-February period is considered less favorable because fruit is abundant in the jungle and the animals basically find food on their own.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8086\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04124-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04124-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04124-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04124-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04124-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Semenggoh Nature Reserve.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In any case, the animals are fed every day from 9:00 to 10:00 and then in the afternoon from 15:00 to 16:00. Admission costs 10 MYR and you have to register on the <a href=\"https:\/\/selfregister.sarawakforestry.com\/\">official website<\/a>; if you have a SIM card you can do it on the spot, otherwise you could do it before you arrive. I recommend taking the K6 bus (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/GaGrtkxkX914N4gj8\">Google Maps<\/a>) at 7:20, which costs just 1 MYR; get off at the park entrance (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/TwV8G7x8zSDhkKNc6\">Google Maps<\/a>) and walk about 1 km to the area where the orangutans are fed. If you don\u2019t want to walk, there\u2019s a paid electric shuttle that runs back and forth on this last stretch for 15 MYR. I walked and still got to the feeding area by 8:30; the ranger was already feeding one of the orangutans, and when the crowd arrived ten minutes later, it left.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To get back to Kuching, take the number 103 bus at 10:00, which is also free! If instead you want to stay longer, in theory the K6 comes by at 11:00, but I recommend confirming. If you\u2019re not a morning person, you can attend the afternoon session; the bus should leave Kuching at 13:15 and return at 16:00. Obviously, Grab is always an option.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8090\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04152-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04152-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04152-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04152-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04152-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Semenggoh Nature Reserve.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Bako National Park<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The park is just 45 minutes by bus from Kuching and is home to an extraordinary diversity of flora (including some carnivorous plants!) and fauna, as well as of landscapes, in a relatively small area where the rainforest meets the sea. Here, with a bit of luck, you might spot the rare proboscis monkeys and numerous other species of primates (about 150 species in total!).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Unfortunately, during my visit a big part of the park was closed to the public for maintenance work, including the famous two-day hike to the beach at the far eastern end of the park. In any case, the staff provide maps and precise instructions on the trails you can do on your own. I literally did all of them during my 2-day, 1-night stay. All in all, I also recommend the guided night walk for 15 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8076\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04013-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04013-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04013-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04013-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04013-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sunset in Bako National Park.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For Bako National Park too, you have to register on the <a href=\"https:\/\/selfregister.sarawakforestry.com\/\">official website<\/a> before your visit. Admission costs 20 MYR. If you decide to sleep inside the park, I recommend booking your accommodation at least a few days in advance, especially in high season (<a href=\"https:\/\/ebooking.sarawak.gov.my\/eBooking\/public\/home.htm?lg=en\">official website<\/a>). The restaurant at the park headquarters isn\u2019t that bad and the prices are fair.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You can easily get to the park by public transport: the line to take is number one; the bus leaves every hour from 7:00 in the morning onwards from <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/T3AS1NdwoAPgqP5a9\">this spot<\/a> (with several stops along the river) and takes about an hour to reach Bako market. Opposite the market is the visitor center (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/wKghcfWYJhJcH3qn7\">Google Maps<\/a>), where you register and get all the relevant information, pay the entrance fee (20 MYR) and arrange the boat to the park (200 MYR to split among the number of people, maximum 5); the trip takes about 20 minutes. The last boat should leave at 15:00.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8068\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03966-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03966-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03966-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03966-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03966-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Bako National Park.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Fairy Caves and Wind Caves<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Fairy Caves <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/1uwtiwV54neBoqdJ6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> and Wind Caves <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/rBixUf6pmYkU5Pnt6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> are unfortunately tricky to reach by public transport; the easiest option is to rent a scooter. Personally, after visiting the caves in Mulu National Park, I didn\u2019t feel the need to go and see two more just a few days later, but it can undoubtedly be a nice way to spend the day.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Mount Santubong and Sarawak Cultural Village<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The evening before the day I was supposed to climb Mount Santubong, it poured for hours. Reading various comments online, I found out that the trail not only becomes dangerous, but the rangers often don\u2019t even allow the climb, so I preferred not to risk a pointless trip. It still seems like an interesting hike worth considering. There are two possible trails, which you\u2019ll find described here (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sarawak\/mount-santubong?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>) and (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sarawak\/mount-santubong-via-bukit-putri-trail?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">A short distance from Mount Santubong is the Sarawak Cultural Village (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/NSFDj7mRYB54xoJc7\">Google Maps<\/a>). It\u2019s a living museum featuring traditional houses, cultural shows and activities of Sarawak\u2019s indigenous communities. I haven\u2019t been there, so I can\u2019t comment, but if you decide to go, you\u2019ll save a bit by buying your ticket online on the <a href=\"https:\/\/scv.com.my\/\">official website<\/a>, and I think it could be an interesting visit. From what I understand, there are also free shuttles leaving from the Grand Margherita Hotel (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/23in7BiBVqFPYq169\">Google Maps<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8082\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04067-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04067-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04067-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04067-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC04067-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Borneo Cultures Museum.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Gunung Gading National Park<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Gunung Gading National Park <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gcUqj2mXAZjFSNqaA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> is about two hours from Kuching. I met some people who went there paying a driver 300 MYR for the whole day. If you want, you could rent a scooter. There are a few waterfalls, and you can see the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rafflesia\">rafflesia<\/a> (the largest flower in the world) if you catch the flowering period. These guys described the park to me as \u201cnothing special\u201d, so I decided not to go, but it\u2019s still an option for a day trip out of town.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><em>Where to Sleep in Kuching?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I spent a couple of nights at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/sunset-homestay-kuching.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Sunset Homestay &#8211; Backpacker Hostel<\/a>: it lacks a bit of a hostel atmosphere, but the location is excellent and all in all I recommend it. On my way back from Bako National Park, I spent a night at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/marco-polo-guest-house.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Marco Polo Guest House<\/a>; the location is less central, but the staff are really friendly and it\u2019s definitely a more sociable environment. I recommend this one too.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><em>How to Reach Kuching?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>Whether it\u2019s Miri, Mulu National Park (with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maswings.com.my\/\">Maswings<\/a>) or Peninsular Malaysia, I recommend flying; if booked in advance, flights are really cheap. In any case, the only real overland connection worth considering is the night bus to Miri, which you can book on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\">Easybook<\/a> if you like. To and from the airport you can take bus 103: it\u2019s free, but it takes a very long detour, and unless you\u2019re on an extremely tight budget, you\u2019ll get there much faster by taking a Grab.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8072\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03978-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03978-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03978-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03978-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03978-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Viper in Bako National Park.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>Planning your trip? If you still need travel insurance, you can find my <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/safety\/travel-insurance\/\">guide to the best travel insurance<\/a> here. Purchasing through the links in the guide supports this site at no additional cost to you.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<div id=\"miri\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Miri<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Miri is usually the next stop on a Borneo itinerary. The city is mainly used as a base for exploring the famous Gunung Mulu National Park and the less touristy Kelabit Highlands. Honestly, if you&#8217;re short on time, I think you&#8217;d be better off flying from Kuching or Kota Kinabalu directly to Mulu National Park. If, on the other hand, flights with a stop in Miri turn out to be cheaper, or you simply want to visit Brunei, then passing through Miri can make sense.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8022\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03520-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03520-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03520-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03520-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03520-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Miri.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in Miri<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In the morning, you could head up to Canada Hill and take the obligatory photo of The Grand Old Lady <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/zN3K48LNqBKM5kNC8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, which was Malaysia\u2019s first commercial oil well, drilled in 1910. The well played a significant role in the development of the oil industry in Malaysia and contributed to Miri\u2019s growth as an oil town. Next to it there\u2019s a museum dedicated to the oil industry that you can visit for free <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/BxooGdkivqyuuXyk6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8020\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03519-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03519-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03519-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03519-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03519-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Grand Old Lady.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In the afternoon, you could go up to the roof of City Hall <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/aGZSewosadhbngiV7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. I didn\u2019t go because I visited Miri over a weekend that ran into a public holiday, so it was closed, but from what I was told entry is free, you just have to register at reception. It closes at five, so after taking in the view you can head to Coco Cabana to watch the sunset <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/idnjCNpmntro1raJ7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. In the evening there was also a night market on the square, but maybe that was because of the weekend\/holidays. Finally, you could visit the Lian Hua San San Ching temple <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/CByRszyhGpbBiPaQ8\">Google Maps<\/a>)<\/span>. Unfortunately it was closed for the holidays, so I only saw it from the outside.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><em>Where to Sleep in Miri?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/oyo-976-dragon-inn.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Super OYO 976 Dragon Inn<\/span><\/i><\/a>, not exactly cheap but not that bad either, considering there aren\u2019t any truly cheap options in Miri.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><em>How to Reach Miri?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>As mentioned, overland there are buses to and from Kuching, which you can book on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.easybook.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>. There used to be direct buses to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei before Covid, but at least during my visit they hadn\u2019t resumed service yet. <a href=\"https:\/\/asocialnomad.com\/brunei\/brunei-to-miri\/\">Here\u2019s an article<\/a> that\u2019s updated frequently with the various options. I made the trip with Pauline, who went way beyond my expectations: it took us 5 hours, but we stopped for breakfast and lunch (she paid!!), visited a <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/6SvmuxSSeoTCDnJK7\">luxury hotel<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/jTRkKsHJ155RCwzJA\">area where the refineries are<\/a>. She\u2019s a really kind person and great company, and she also speaks excellent English.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8024\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03614-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1099\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03614-Edit.jpg 1099w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03614-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03614-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03614-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1099px) 100vw, 1099px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lian Hua San San Ching.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"gunung-mulu\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Gunung Mulu National Park<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The park is famous for its karst terrain and its curious rock formations above and below the ground. In fact, inside the park you\u2019ll find the largest known cave system in the world (around 12 million cubic meters), and within it the tenth longest cave in the world, discovered only in 2007.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8056\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03884-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03884-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03884-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03884-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03884-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Mulu National Park.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in Mulu National Park<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Unfortunately, many treks\u2014and all cave visits\u2014require the presence of a certified guide. That said, the prices of the excursions are very reasonable if you book directly through the <a href=\"http:\/\/mulupark.com\/\">official website<\/a>. The park itself organizes a variety of tours and excursions, which you can find listed on <a href=\"http:\/\/mulupark.com\/tours-activities\/\">this page<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In short, my advice is to reach the park independently and arrange your guided tours through park headquarters (ideally by contacting them a bit in advance, as some of the less popular tours require a minimum number of people). So avoid outside agencies: this way, you not only support the park directly but also save money. The entrance pass costs 30 MYR and is valid for 5 days.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Below are the excursions I personally did, but the options are really extensive, so I recommend checking the official website for a complete overview.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8028\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03628-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03628-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03628-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03628-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03628-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Deer Cave.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Deer Cave, Lang Cave, and the Bat Exodus<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you\u2019re short on time, I recommend doing at least this excursion, which you\u2019ll find described on <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/deer-lang\/\">this page<\/a>. Long story short, setting off on foot from park headquarters you visit two impressive caves, and the tour ends with the fascinating exodus of the bats that come out at sunset to hunt. A really nice tour and accessible to everyone, since inside the caves, as well as along the jungle trail, there\u2019s a well-maintained system of walkways.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Again, if you\u2019re short on time and looking for excursions that aren\u2019t too demanding, I recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/night-walk\/\">Night Walk<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/canopy-walk\/\">Canopy Walk<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8034\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03676-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03676-HDR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03676-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03676-HDR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03676-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Deer Cave.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">These are the other two caves equipped with walkways that I recommend visiting. To reach them, you need to go upriver by boat. You\u2019ll find the tour described in detail on <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/clearwater-winds\/\">this page<\/a>. If you decide to do the Pinnacles trek I talk about below, it\u2019s good to know that you can combine the two tours, as many people do (yours truly included). Basically, in the morning you visit the two caves and then, instead of going back to headquarters, you continue on to the campsite, where you spend the night before tackling the trail to the Pinnacles.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8042\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03781-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03781-HDR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03781-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03781-HDR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03781-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Wind Cave.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>The Pinnacles<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Pinnacles are perhaps the most iconic sight in the entire park. You\u2019ll find a detailed description of the hike on <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/pinnacles\/\">this page<\/a>. The hike is normally completed in 3 days. As I just wrote, on the first day you can choose to visit Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave before continuing along the river (if the river\u2019s water level is low you might have to get out of the boat, so maybe wear flip-flops) and walking for about 2 hours to \u201ccamp 5,\u201d where you spend the night. On this page you\u2019ll find the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sarawak\/mulus-pinnacles?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">detailed AllTrails description of the entire route<\/a> (trail to the campsite + trail to the viewpoint).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The campsite is well equipped and there\u2019s a kitchen where you can cook; at the shop inside park headquarters you can buy trekking provisions like noodles, cans of tuna\/sardines, cookies, etc. That said, if you\u2019re traveling on a particularly tight budget, I think it\u2019s worth doing your shopping before flying to Mulu.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8050\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03835-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03835-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03835-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03835-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03835-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sunset at camp 5.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The next day you climb for about 4 hours to the viewpoint; the last stretch is quite \u201ctechnical,\u201d with ladders and so on, and then it takes about 3 hours to get back down. The trail is really steep and never lets up, and combined with the heat and humidity it\u2019s definitely not to be underestimated. We spent a second night at the campsite and went back to headquarters the following day, but if you\u2019re on a private tour, or all the members of your group agree, you could head back in the afternoon and avoid a second night at camp 5.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">As a side note, if you want, you can combine the Pinnacles hike with the Mulu Peak one, which you\u2019ll find described on <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/the-summit\/\">this page<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sarawak\/gunung-mulu?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>). According to the guides I talked to, although it\u2019s less popular, Mulu Peak seems to be the most beautiful hike, and you\u2019re much more likely to see wildlife, since the trail is less busy and in general you\u2019re in a more remote area of the park.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8052\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03840-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03840-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03840-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03840-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03840-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Pinnacles.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Racer Cave<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There\u2019s a series of tours categorized as \u201cAdventure caving,\u201d where you basically visit caves, or at least sections of caves, that aren\u2019t equipped with walkways or lights. You\u2019re given a harness, since there are sections where you have to climb up\/lower yourself down, but nothing too complicated. I found the tour really nice and fun. We even saw the snake the cave is named after. If you\u2019re looking for a bit of adventure, I think it\u2019s an interesting option. As a side note, the guide I did the Racer Cave excursion with told me that, in his opinion, <a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/clearwater-revival\/\">Clearwater Revival<\/a> is more beautiful.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8054\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03844-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03844-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03844-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03844-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03844-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Pinnacles.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Paku Valley loop<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Paku Valley Loop (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sarawak\/paku-valley-loop?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> is a short loop you can do on your own starting from park headquarters; it takes about three hours, and if you want you can take a dip at the small waterfall. Technically, you have to register at the park entrance where the security post is: you just write your name and start time on the board. Nothing exceptional, but definitely a nice way to spend a few hours immersed in the park\u2019s nature without having to spend a cent.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, just so you know, as for SIM cards, during my visit Celcom had no signal inside the park, only around the airport. According to the official website, Digi has signal at headquarters too.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8060\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03896-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03896-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03896-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03896-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03896-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Paku Valley loop.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Mulu National Park?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?ss=Mulu&amp;aid=1680713\">Here<\/a> you\u2019ll find a couple of cheap places to stay just outside the park entrance, but personally I recommend staying right inside the park, where you\u2019ll find various types of accommodation (<a href=\"https:\/\/mulupark.com\/accommodations-facilities\/\">official website<\/a>). I stayed in the hostel, which isn\u2019t bad at all: prices are fair and breakfast is included. The restaurant isn\u2019t bad at all either. Finally, if you\u2019re looking for some relief from the scorching heat, the Discovery Centre is air-conditioned and the small museum is quite interesting, with loads of information about the park\u2019s geology, flora and fauna.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Mulu National Park?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>To get to the park I recommend flying. There are flights from Kuching, Miri and Kota Kinabalu. The airline that operates the flights is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maswings.com.my\/\">MASwings<\/a>. From the small airport I walked to the national park headquarters, but if you prefer there are taxis for 5 MYR. If instead you want a more adventurous journey, you can get there by boat, but it\u2019s a relatively long trip and not necessarily cheaper. You\u2019ll find more information on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelfish.org\/transport\/malaysia\/sarawak\/sarawak\/gunung_mulu_national_park\/all\">this page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8036\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03761-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03761-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03761-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03761-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03761-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Bat exodus.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"kelabit-highlands\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kelabit Highlands<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">It\u2019s another popular destination for nature lovers, located near the border with Indonesia on a plateau at an altitude of about 1,000 meters.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Here too, the region is extremely remote and best reached, once again, with the airline MASwings (the main airport is \u201cBario\u201d).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The most popular activity here is by far trekking: you can do various day hikes or hire a local guide and head into the jungle for several days. <a href=\"https:\/\/backpackingman.com\/the-kelabit-highlands-the-land-of-nowhere\/\">Here\u2019s an article<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"brunei\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Brunei\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Obviously, being an independent country, Brunei shouldn\u2019t be part of this Malaysia travel guide, but since it\u2019s on the way between Miri and Kota Kinabalu, it may be worth spending a couple of days exploring the capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/destinations-en\/brunei-travel-guide\/\">Check out my Brunei travel guide.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7873\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03416-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1099\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03416-HDR-Edit.jpg 1099w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03416-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03416-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03416-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1099px) 100vw, 1099px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Brunei.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"kota-kinabalu\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Kota Kinabalu<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah, in northern Borneo. The city is growing fast, and its airport is the second busiest in Malaysia thanks to really good fares. It\u2019s no coincidence that for many people their Borneo itinerary ends or begins right in Kota Kinabalu.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7956\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02255-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02255-HDR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02255-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02255-HDR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02255-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sunset at the port of Kota Kinabalu.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">What to Do and See in Kota Kinabalu<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For many travelers the city is purely a crossroads for exploring Borneo, but there are lots of really interesting attractions in the surrounding area. In Kota Kinabalu proper, I recommend stopping by the floating mosque (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/3JjX3CPn8HbAbBfg9\">Google Maps<\/a>) and the night market (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/4xrrw76ZmYGesF8y6\">Google Maps<\/a>), and maybe heading to Tanjung Aru Beach (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/vrbb2c6bB7KNhVTr6\">Google Maps<\/a>) for the sunset.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you decide to rent a scooter, you could go to Ulu Kionsom Waterfall (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/HBhYeBtxLCC5Tx4g8\">Google Maps<\/a>), just outside the city, and to the nearby Mari Mari Cultural Village (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/g5HdnVs3EDAqFejFA\">Google Maps<\/a>). I only went to the waterfall, where they charge 10 MYR, so I don\u2019t know whether the cultural village is worth it or not. You could then end the day at Swallow House Cafe (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/mbwEoqJGAkrudLR77\">Google Maps<\/a>), which has a nice view with Kota Kinabalu in the background. If you decide to ride up to the caf\u00e9, be careful, because the road is extremely steep in places.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8016\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03151-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03151-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03151-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03151-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03151-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Ulu Kionsom Waterfall.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">A group of 5 islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik) located a few kilometers off the mainland where the city stands (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/k8S2Qc5sRoZTJJ7r7\">Google Maps<\/a>). The boat ride takes only 15-30 minutes: you just take a speedboat from the Jesselton Point ferry terminal (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/tB7v8vdYosN1bh9dA\">Google Maps<\/a>). Inside the terminal you can choose from a number of companies that basically all offer the same packages. One island 35 MYR, two islands 45 MYR, three islands 55 MYR and four islands 65 MYR. Departures roughly every hour from 8:30 onward, last boat back at 16:00. Park entry costs 25 MYR for foreign tourists. For another 10 MYR you can rent a mask and snorkel right at the port.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In one day I recommend visiting two islands at most. I went to Manukan and Mamutik and preferred the latter, smaller and less crowded. A friend who visited them all over several days told me that in his opinion Sapi is by far the most beautiful.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7954\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02236-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02236-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02236-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02236-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02236-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Mamutik.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Mount Kinabalu<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Mount Kinabalu <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/kgRivTpMBUGJibbe6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, at 4,095 meters, is the highest mountain in Malaysia and one of the highest in all of Southeast Asia. Reaching the summit is definitely no walk in the park, let alone cheap, but if your budget allows it, it\u2019s without a doubt a nice experience.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Unfortunately, the only way to do it is on an organized tour which, depending on the accommodation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountkinabalu.com\/stay\/laban-rata\">there are four different huts<\/a>) and the agency you choose, can cost even more than 500\u20ac for foreigners, who pay a whole series of surcharges, from park entry to the overnight stay. The climb is typically done over two days and the price includes pretty much everything, but it\u2019s still no small sum.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7958\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02311-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02311-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02311-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02311-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02311-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>On the trail.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I organized everything with Borneo Encounter <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/TzaVGSopFw6kYyPw5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. Olivia is a really kind person who speaks excellent English, but the most important thing is that the agency offers great prices, if you\u2019re a little flexible and take advantage of last-minute cancellations. I stayed at Panar Laban hut, paying \u201conly\u201d 1,600 MYR for the two-day, one-night tour.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Long story short, on the first day you walk for about four hours to the area where the four huts are. The next morning you wake up in the middle of the night (around 2 a.m.) to reach the actual summit in about 3 hours and watch the sunrise. You then go back to the hut for breakfast and after that you descend to the valley (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/mount-kinabalu-trail?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\">All Trails<\/a>). It\u2019s all really nice and well organized; a maximum of 200 permits are issued per day, so apparently it\u2019s never too crowded. The trail is well maintained, with toilets along the way, and the buffet meals at the hut aren\u2019t bad at all.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7966\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02553-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02553-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02553-Enhanced-NR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02553-Enhanced-NR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02553-Enhanced-NR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Ascent under a starry sky.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Basically, there\u2019s nothing to complain about, if it weren\u2019t for the price. Personally, I don\u2019t regret doing it, but if you\u2019re on a tight budget, I can\u2019t really recommend it. On top of that, the weather is unpredictable to say the least: the stretch from the hut to the summit is often closed for safety reasons, so you also risk shelling out a fortune only to be told you can\u2019t go up. I myself ended up completely wrapped in clouds just after sunrise.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7968\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02566-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02566-HDR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02566-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02566-HDR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02566-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sunrise from the summit.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Kota Kinabalu?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I spent several days at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/the-student-hostel-kota-kinabalu.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capsule Inn<\/span><\/i><\/a>: great value for money, kind and helpful staff. If you\u2019re looking for cheap accommodation, look no further. That said, some friends were staying at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/homy-seafront-hostel.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homy Seafront Hostel<\/span><\/i><\/a>, and objectively it\u2019s a nicer hostel.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Get to Kota Kinabalu?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>By air, there are daily and not too expensive flights both from Peninsular Malaysia and from other destinations in Borneo, including Mulu National Park. Overland, the closest destinations are Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei to the south, to which there are buses three times a week with Sipitang Express Bus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which you can book on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.easybook.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>. The same bus runs in the opposite direction on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>To and from Sandakan to the east, there are buses several times a day, a 7-8 hour bus ride that you can book on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.easybook.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>. If booked in advance without checked luggage, the flight to Sandakan might even be cheaper than the bus.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7974\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02582-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1099\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02582-HDR-Edit.jpg 1099w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02582-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02582-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02582-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1099px) 100vw, 1099px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Panorama during the descent.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"tip-of-borneo-loop\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Tip of Borneo Loop<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This is a pretty good scooter loop that you can complete in 4-5 days, starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu. You spend a couple of days between Kundasang and Ranau at the foot of Mount Kinabalu and then a couple of days in Kudat, the region where the northernmost point of Borneo is. Here there are some really nice beaches that are still far from mass tourism.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All in all, it\u2019s something I recommend, but if you\u2019re literally short on days you\u2019d probably be better off doing something else. I rented the scooter from Scooter Rabbit <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/aqqJffKL4CBuZfYW9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> and was happy with it. If you want, Kudat as well as Kundasang and Ranau can also be reached by public transport, but as far as I know there\u2019s no direct connection between Kundasang\/Ranau and Kudat, so if you want to complete the loop without going back to Kota Kinabalu you have to have your own vehicle.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7950\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0941-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"977\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0941-HDR-Edit.jpg 977w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0941-HDR-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0941-HDR-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sunrise in Ranau.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Kundasang and Ranau<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">As mentioned, these are the two towns on the plateau at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. They offer a relaxed atmosphere, a pleasant temperature and fantastic views of Mount Kinabalu.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>What to Do and See in Kundasang and Ranau<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you\u2019ve decided not to climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, you could still explore the national park. From the headquarters <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/TqSr4auxuq3SuwHJ9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> there are a number of trails you can do on your own. I didn\u2019t go to this side of the park, except to climb to the summit. Anyway, a couple of friends described them to me as nothing exceptional and often not well maintained, as in the case of the Liwagu Trail <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/liwagu-trail?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, which seems to have been closed for quite a while. Still, if you want to spend a few hours immersed in nature, I doubt you\u2019ll be disappointed. For foreigners, park entry costs 50 MYR. Here are two more examples: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silau-Silau Trail (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/kiau-view-trail-silau-silau-trail?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and Mempening Loop (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/gelung-mempening?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7948\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0913-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"977\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0913-Edit.jpg 977w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0913-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0913-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Langganan Waterfall.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I personally visited the side where the Poring Hot Spring is (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/yHvgAtLuxztMPXTJ8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a>). The hot springs are nothing special, I\u2019d almost say pitiful, but you can do a nice trek to Langganan Waterfall <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/langganan-waterfall?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, and for those who don\u2019t feel like walking too much there\u2019s a canopy walk <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/at7YTsTiqSqF8auTA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, a small botanical garden and another, more accessible waterfall <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/air-terjun-kipungit?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. To do all this, you enter the national park and pay 50 MYR plus 3 MYR for scooter parking.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Nobody checks, but officially, although a guide isn\u2019t required, to hike to Langganan Waterfall you have to enter the park before 10:00 and tell the staff where you buy the ticket what you plan to do. It took me just under two hours to go up at a good pace and a little over an hour to come down. The trail is well maintained. That said, in the reviews many people complained about leeches, and in fact I pulled off more than a few, but nothing excessive. The waterfall is spectacular, and I met fewer than five people along the trail.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8008\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02993-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02993-HDR-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02993-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02993-HDR-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02993-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Kipungit Waterfall.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Viewpoints<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There are loads of viewpoints offering great views of Mount Kinabalu. I only went to Sosodikon Hill Kundasang <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/S52EqpqucSUKqSrD9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>: they charge 10 MYR and ask you to come down by 18:00 if possible, but they weren\u2019t strict at all. Not far away there\u2019s Piramid Hill <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/WWw5T2VwWSQoXoc79\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, where you have to walk a bit more.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Maragang Hill <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/malaysia\/sabah\/bukit-maragang?u=m&amp;sh=mxqbmj\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> is perhaps the most popular, especially at sunrise, but unfortunately you have to be accompanied by a guide and register at the office in town <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/uZ153exwEd6n2mcB9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. The same goes for the AKI-AKI trail <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/inhzfBRotJ1qcHjz8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, there are a number of botanical gardens where, with a bit of luck, you might see the rafflesia (the largest flower in the world), and I recommend calling first to make sure there are some in bloom. At the hostel where I stayed, they recommended the Kokob Rafflesia Conservation Garden <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/xY5vyTPU2JWCTriBA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8004\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02942-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02942-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02942-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02942-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02942-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sosodikon Hill.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Kundasang and Ranau?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I stayed one night at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/ranau-backpackers-hostel.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ranau Backpackers Hostel<\/span><\/a>, nothing special but cheap and functional.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Kundasang and Ranau?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>Some people decide to visit the area as a day trip by scooter from Kota Kinabalu, but honestly I\u2019m not convinced it\u2019s worth it; I\u2019d spend at least one night there. By public transport, the bus is the same one that goes to and from Sandakan, which you can book on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.easybook.com<\/span><\/a>, or there are minibuses that leave from this spot <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/4wp4cVZFzpxsnJFw7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8006\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02966-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02966-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02966-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02966-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02966-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sosodikon Hill.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Tip of Borneo (Kudat)<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There are loads of beaches along the coast; I particularly recommend Kelambu Beach <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/FBKodhRd6EL2S4FL6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> and above all the beach where Secret place bar &amp; camping is <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gLwMikj4cufH8j6r9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, a really nice place to spend the day lazing around. Restaurant with fair prices, swings, lots of shade, a clean beach and very friendly staff.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Kalampunian Beach <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/d97rvc5GyLv2Ph1U9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, further north, is another popular beach, and here there\u2019s also a really cheap little restaurant where I recommend eating: Ina Cafe <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/m59SM4fv1tsZnB2g7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, The Tip of Borneo <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/X87mdy4356qhxJss6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> is nothing special, but since you\u2019re there I still recommend stopping by; entry is free. There\u2019s a monument and a series of viewpoints.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8010\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03143-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03143-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03143-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03143-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03143-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Secret place bar &amp; camping.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Kudat?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/tampat-do-aman.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tampat do Aman<\/span><\/i><\/a>. Howard, the owner, is a really kind and helpful person. The place has definitely seen better days, but I&#8217;d still recommend it. On top of that, if you don\u2019t have your own vehicle, Howard is willing to drop you off at the beach in the morning and pick you up in the afternoon, which is really convenient.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Kudat?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>As mentioned, I went by scooter from Ranau, but here are the instructions Howard gave me: \u201cTo get here, the best way is to take a shared taxi from Banderaan Berjaya <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/4wp4cVZFzpxsnJFw7\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/i>, in downtown Kota Kinabalu, heading to Kudat, get dropped off at the Ria hotel and call me on WhatsApp so I can send a local taxi driver. Kota Kinabalu &#8211; Kudat RM 50 per person and from Kudat RM 50 for 2 people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8012\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03146-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03146-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03146-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03146-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC03146-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kalampunian Beach.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"sandakan\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Sandakan<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The city is nothing special. It\u2019s not that I regret passing through, but in fact, as I write in the \u201cwhere to sleep\u201d section, you could consider staying directly in Sepilok, since there\u2019s really nothing to do in Sandakan. That said, if you\u2019re interested, you could organize the excursion to Turtle Islands National Park <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/qznGvajYaKaucm9A7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelitebackpacker.com\/countries\/visiting-turtle-island-borneo\/\">Here\u2019s a detailed article about it<\/a>. A couple of friends who did the tour weren\u2019t particularly enthusiastic, especially considering the cost. Personally, I decided to skip it, mostly for lack of time, but it can definitely be an interesting excursion to organize from Sandakan.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7988\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02734-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02734-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02734-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02734-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02734-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sepilok.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Sepilok<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In Sepilok, just outside the city, is the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/wildlife.sabah.gov.my\/index.php\/20-protected-areas\/50-sepilok-orangutan-rehabilitation-centre\">orangutan sanctuary<\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gqwjFE5rqRHZMrZHA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. If you decide to stay in Sandakan, there are at least a couple of buses going back and forth during the day; I recommend checking locally. During my visit I took the 9:00 one and came back on the 16:00 one; it costs 10 MYR. The station is at this spot <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/pLQZPNGvByCY6miy8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, but there are stops along the road: I, for example, got on in front of the hostel where I was staying. Alternatively, you can always take a Grab. Entry to the sanctuary costs 30 MYR plus another 10 MYR for the camera. The orangutans are fed at 10:00, so you\u2019re practically guaranteed to see them, after which I recommend visiting the nursery <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/wENosF7PxrdW2qvQA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. Of course, seeing orangutans is always nice, and I absolutely recommend the visit if you\u2019re in Borneo, but if you\u2019ve already been to Semenggoh in Kuching or plan to go, I think one of the two sanctuaries is more than enough.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I then went into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsbcc.org.my\/\">Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre<\/a>, which is literally on the other side of the road <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/XvXJpEeF1ajFTDMv9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. Entry for foreigners costs a whopping 50 MYR; in my opinion that\u2019s really too much to see a few sun bears, but at least the money should be used for what is a nice conservation project.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7982\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02699-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02699-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02699-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02699-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02699-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, you could visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rainforestdiscoverycentre.com\/\">Rainforest Discovery Centre<\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iiwJTBeyUuJTVt4B6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, where there are a number of trails, suspension bridges and walkways that let you immerse yourself in the rainforest. There\u2019s also a small visitor center with some interesting information. Entry costs 30 MYR. The minibus back to Sandakan has a stop in front of the entrance, so you can simply wait here around 16:00 without having to go back to the orangutan sanctuary.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The various \u201cattractions\u201d are a short distance from each other, so you can easily get around on foot; for lunch there are at least a couple of restaurants, like Mango Garden Restaurant <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/r5EyE6iqdjaUy4xf7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and <\/span>White House Bistro <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/fbPKPRHeihHL74nNA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7984\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02709-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02709-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02709-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02709-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02709-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Rainforest Discovery Centre.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Kinabatangan River<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At 560 kilometers long, the Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia, as well as the natural habitat of pygmy elephants, orangutans and the rare proboscis monkeys, just to name a few of the species you might come across. Along the river there are loads of lodges that more or less all offer the same packages: besides room and board, they include a couple of boat trips along the river to spot wildlife and a night walk.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7996\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02878-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02878-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02878-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02878-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02878-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Crocodile.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At the time, I was traveling with two other guys who had already booked a lodge, so I just followed them without making a fuss, and I have to say that all in all I\u2019d recommend it. We stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/sukau-kinabatangan-senbil-lodge.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\">Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort<\/a> (booking through <a href=\"https:\/\/asiagreentravels.com\/\">Asia Green Travels<\/a>) for two nights and three days, paying 411 MYR each for the air-conditioned dorm and excellent buffet meals. Personally, I didn\u2019t see the elephants (but I met more than a few travelers luckier than me!), but on the other hand I saw a wild orangutan, a couple of crocodiles, more than a few hornbills and loads of other monkeys. All in all, a nice experience.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Other lodges often recommended among travelers are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/bilit-adventure-lodge.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bilit Adventure Lodge<\/span><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/sukau-backpackers-b-amp-b.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sukau Backpackers B&amp;B<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7998\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02898-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02898-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02898-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02898-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02898-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Wild orangutan.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Sandakan?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/sandakan-backpackers.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sandakan Backpackers Hostel<\/span><\/a> and I recommend it. That said, there\u2019s nothing to see in Sandakan, so you could consider staying directly near Sepilok, for example at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/sepilok-b-amp-b.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sepilok B&amp;B<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Sandakan?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>To and from Kota Kinabalu there are several daily bus departures, which you can book on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.easybook.com<\/span><\/a>. I want to point out that if you\u2019re traveling with carry-on luggage only and book in time, the flight can literally cost less than the bus! There are also direct connections south toward Semporna, but at least during my visit you couldn\u2019t book them online.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7940\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0836-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"977\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0836-HDR-Edit.jpg 977w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0836-HDR-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0836-HDR-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Kinabatangan River.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Danum Valley<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Danum Valley is a conservation area known for its rich biodiversity. The protected area covers 438 square kilometers and is home to endangered species like the Bornean orangutan and the pygmy elephant. Accommodation is limited to the Danum Valley Field Centre, which serves as a research station, and a few eco-lodges like the luxurious <a href=\"https:\/\/danumvalley.rainforestlodge.com\/\">Borneo Rainforest Lodge<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I didn\u2019t go, because between the Mount Kinabalu climb and diving at Sipadan, Borneo had already put my backpacker budget to the test enough. I did, however, get to spend a few days with a Dutch guy who had just spent a few days at the Field Centre when I met him. According to him, the accommodation is very basic and you mostly go on hikes in the forest \u201chunting\u201d for wildlife. If you\u2019re interested, through the contacts on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/danumvalley1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facebook<\/span><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/danumvalley_official\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instagram<\/span><\/a> pages you should be able to contact the Field Centre directly and bypass third-party agencies, which inflate the prices even more.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7992\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02787-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02787-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02787-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02787-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02787-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Kinabatangan River.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"semporna\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Semporna<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Semporna is probably one of the ugliest cities I\u2019ve seen in Malaysia, but it\u2019s a must-stop for anyone who wants to visit the islands off the city, including the famous Sipadan. The various dive centers in Semporna offer extremely competitive prices for diving certifications. During my visit, the Open Water cost around 1,200 MYR.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Sipadan Island<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The island is often named among the best dive sites in the world. Objectively, the two dives I did weren\u2019t bad at all, but just the island entry plus the dive permit costs around 90\u20ac for foreigners (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sabahparks.org.my\/sipadan-island-park\">official website<\/a>). On top of that, you have to add the price of the actual dives plus the boat transport. A bit like Mount Kinabalu, if you\u2019re on a tight budget I can\u2019t really recommend it: for the price of the permits alone, you can do a couple of equally spectacular dives somewhere else in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There are 13 sites on the island, but you usually do Barracuda Point and South Point, where you can see a school of barracuda and a school of jackfish respectively. Unfortunately, I didn\u2019t see the barracuda school, just a few isolated ones, while the school of jackfish is practically guaranteed. I also saw more than a few reef sharks and a couple of turtles. Other recommended sites are Hanging Garden and then a \u201cblue dive\u201d where you can see hammerhead sharks, but I don\u2019t remember the name of the site.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I haggled relentlessly with the owner of Mabul Backpackers at the office they have at the Semporna jetty <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/TFq8QSgvU1YsLf6i6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> and ended up paying 1,300 MYR for two dives at Sipadan, two dives at Mabul, two nights in the dorm at Mabul Backpackers and the various boat transfers. Finally, I want to point out that Sipadan permits are limited and sell out especially on weekends, so if you really care about it, I recommend organizing everything a few days in advance.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7944\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0859-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"977\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0859-Edit.jpg 977w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0859-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0859-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Mabul Island.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Mabul Island<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you want to spend a few days of \u201cisland life,\u201d Mabul offers quite a few places to stay and a much more pleasant atmosphere than Semporna. Many of the dive centers here have a second base, so you can organize dives at Mabul, nearby Kapalai and even Sipadan. As I write further down in the \u201cwhere to sleep\u201d section, I spent a few nights at Mabul Backpackers, and all in all I recommend a few days on the island, especially if you want to do some diving, but also just to snorkel, rent a kayak or simply laze in the sun. I also spent an afternoon at Mabul Water Bungalows <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/tYfU1KRvbGKjKFsu6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. They charge 30 MYR to enter the resort as a visitor, and you get access to the white beach next to Mabul Backpackers <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/MNWaQmMjuW95MsAy7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, but also to the area with the overwater bungalows, where there\u2019s a nice spot for snorkeling or just relaxing.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7942\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0846-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"977\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0846-Edit.jpg 977w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0846-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DJI_0846-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Mabul Island.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Island hopping tour<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you don\u2019t feel like staying on the island, or maybe you want to visit some other islands nearby, day trips by boat are offered from Semporna. I didn\u2019t join any of these tours, so I\u2019m not speaking from direct experience, but according to what some friends told me, the excursions aren\u2019t bad at all.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The first option is Bohay Dulang island <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Sa8TYeifCB9wQRV1A\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, where there\u2019s a really nice viewpoint you reach at the end of a short hike. After that, you visit Mantabuan <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/1aV1TdVgyqSBMbdc7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>. They charge about 150 MYR for the excursion with lunch, plus another 50 MYR to hike up to the viewpoint. The second option is the excursion to Mataking Island <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/VXr62Tk9FKyKeSWKA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span> and Timba Timba Island <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iSbubMCQj6612YgQ7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span>, where there\u2019s great snorkeling. Here too they charge 150 MYR. Finally, there are tours that visit Mabul island and Kapalai.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Where to Sleep in Semporna?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>In Semporna town I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/island-backpackers.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Island Backpackers<\/span><\/i><\/a> and all in all I recommend it: clean place and great location, a stone\u2019s throw from both the bus station and the port where the tours\/transfers to the islands leave from. Kind and helpful staff. Breakfast included. On Mabul island I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/my\/mabul-backpackers.en.html?aid=1680713&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mabul Backpackers<\/span><\/i><\/a>: the dorm is awful and I don\u2019t recommend it, but the sea-facing rooms with air conditioning aren\u2019t bad at all.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>How to Reach Semporna?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>To and from Kota Kinabalu there are direct connections several times a day and at night too; on my hostel\u2019s advice I traveled with Sentosa Express, and you can book directly online on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.easybook.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>. To and from Sandakan there are direct connections, but at least during my visit it wasn\u2019t possible to book online; these are the same buses you have to take if you\u2019re along the Kinabatangan River and want to go straight to Semporna without going back to Sandakan. The lodge booked the bus for us and they dropped us off at the bus stop on the main road.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>Finally, there are minibuses to and from Tawau airport for 30 MYR. This is the closest airport to Semporna and offers direct flights to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan and even a couple of international destinations.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"itinerari\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8000\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02914-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02914-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02914-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02914-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02914-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"iti\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Possible Itineraries in Malaysia<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Below I list possible 2, 3 and 4-week itineraries. Obviously, take what follows as inspiration and adapt the itinerary to your interests\/budget, and remember to take into account the time of year you\u2019re visiting the country. For example, visiting the Perhentian Islands outside the March-October period isn\u2019t recommended at all: the sea is generally very rough, and many accommodations\/businesses close down too!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Two-Week Itinerary in Peninsular Malaysia<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This itinerary focuses exclusively on the peninsula, so without visiting Borneo. A few simple changes to this itinerary based on your interests could be visiting the Perhentian Islands from Penang and maybe skipping Langkawi, a day trip to the city of Melaka and a couple of days in Taman Negara National Park. Or combine everything for a 3-week itinerary in Peninsular Malaysia.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/itineario_viaggio_malesia.png\" alt=\"Two-week itinerary in Malaysia\" width=\"322\" height=\"515\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kuala Lumpur (2 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 1:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Recover from jet lag and admire the Petronas Towers and KL Tower at night.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 2:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit downtown Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Caves.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Cameron Highlands (3 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 3:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands. Visit the small town of Tanah Rata.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 4-5:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DIY jungle trekking, visit a tea plantation or two, the butterfly farm, the Sam Poh temple, or join any other activity.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Penang (3 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 6:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Bus from the Cameron Highlands to Penang. Enjoy the city in the evening.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 7:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Spend the morning hunting for the city\u2019s best murals. Head up Penang Hill in the afternoon and stay until evening to see the city lit up at night.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 8:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple and the Blue Mansion.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Langkawi (4 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 9:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Ferry from Penang to Langkawi. Enjoy the rest of the day at the beach.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 10:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit the Seven Wells waterfall and the Sky Bridge.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 11-12:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You could easily spend your days lazing on the beach or, for example, join a tour of the nearby islands.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 13:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Return to Kuala Lumpur.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 14:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Fly home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Two-Week Itinerary in Borneo<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Considering that you\u2019ll most likely have to stop over in Kuala Lumpur anyway before heading to Borneo, my advice is to take advantage of it and briefly visit the city. After that, fly to Kuching in the south, or to Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan in the north, depending on which option is cheaper (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airasia.com\/en\/home.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Airasia<\/a> is the low-cost airline par excellence). Basically, the itinerary can easily be followed in reverse and, of course, adapted to your preferences!<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/itinerario_viaggio_borneo.png\" alt=\"Two-week itinerary in Borneo\" width=\"974\" height=\"472\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kuala Lumpur (2 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 1:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Recover from jet lag and admire the Petronas Towers and KL Tower at night.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 2:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit downtown Kuala Lumpur and the Batu Caves.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kuching (2 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 3:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching early in the morning. Visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve in the afternoon.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 4:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit Bako National Park.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Mulu National Park (4 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 5:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You have several options: you could fly directly to Mulu with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maswings.com.my\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MASWings<\/a> (the most practical option but also the most expensive) or first fly to Miri with Airasia and then take a flight to Mulu with MASWings. Or you could take a Kuching &#8211; Miri bus and then either fly or reach Mulu overland, your choice.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 6-7-8:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Three days of <a href=\"http:\/\/mulupark.com\/tours-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">activities inside the park<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Bandar Seri Begawan &#8211; Brunei (2 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 9:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Flight Mulu &#8211; Miri. Bus Miri &#8211; Bandar Seri Begawan.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 10:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Explore Bandar Seri Begawan.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kota Kinabalu (3 nights)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 11:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Transfer Bandar Seri Begawan &#8211; Kota Kinabalu.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 12:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 13:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Return to Kuala Lumpur.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Day 14:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Fly home.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With three or more weeks available, you could spend a few more days inside Mulu park, a couple of days in the Kelabit Highlands, visit Sandakan or Semporna, or climb Mount Kinabalu, if your budget allows.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7980\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02674-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02674-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02674-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02674-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02674-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>3-Week Itinerary in Malaysia<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With three or more weeks to spare, you could choose to focus exclusively on one of the two regions (Peninsular Malaysia or Borneo), or combine highlights from both. If you choose the latter, I recommend following the Peninsular Malaysia itinerary up to Penang, and then flying from there to Kuching or Kota Kinabalu.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In this case, to gain a couple of days if you need them, you could fly directly to Mulu from Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, and then fly on to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, without going through Miri and Brunei. This way you\u2019d travel only by plane, spending a bit more but saving loads of time.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7986\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02716-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02716-Edit.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02716-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02716-Edit-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC02716-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Rainforest Discovery Centre.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"how\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">How to Get Around Malaysia<\/h2>\r\n<div id=\"buses-malaysia\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Buses in Malaysia<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The bus system in Malaysia is efficient, well-connected, and generally the cheapest form of travel within the country, except for long distances, where it\u2019s definitely worth considering domestic flights.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Unless it\u2019s a weekend or a special holiday (I was in Malaysia during Chinese New Year and got stuck for a day at Cameron Highlands because all the buses were full), you can just show up at the terminal without buying tickets in advance and board the first departing bus.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">However, if you just can\u2019t stand the idea of not having a ticket in hand already and going to the bus terminal in person the day before is particularly inconvenient for you, you can use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.easybook.com\/affiliate_easibook\/affiliate_forward_link.aspx?page=Homepage&amp;source=ilbackpacker\">Easybook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/?z=2634140\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">12go<\/a>, keeping in mind that quite often not all the available options are online, and buying online in this part of the world is generally more expensive than buying on the spot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"trains-malaysia\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Trains in Malaysia<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The rail network in Peninsular Malaysia is relatively extensive. Generally speaking, buses are cheaper, but with the new high-speed line, train travel can be significantly faster and certainly more comfortable. <a href=\"https:\/\/online.ktmb.com.my\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">This is the website of the national company<\/a>: you just need to register to buy tickets directly online, all very simple. For the most popular routes, such as Kuala Lumpur &#8211; Penang (Butterworth Penang Sentral) and Kuala Lumpur &#8211; Padang Besar (border with Thailand), I strongly recommend booking your ticket in advance. An interesting route, not so much for speed or efficiency but for the scenery it crosses, is the so-called Jungle Train, which you can read about in <a href=\"https:\/\/wikitravel.org\/en\/Jungle_Railway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this article<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/jungle_train_malesia.jpg\" alt=\"Jungle train in Malaysia\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Jungle train.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"planes-malaysia\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Planes in Malaysia<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Traveling within the country by air can be extremely cheap, mainly thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airasia.com\/en\/home.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AirAsia<\/a>, which offers really competitive fares, especially when it comes to visiting Borneo. However, I also recommend checking the flights of the national carrier, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.malaysiaairlines.com\/hq\/en.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malaysia Airlines<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">When it comes to flights to remote regions within Borneo, such as Mulu National Park and the Kelabit Highlands, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maswings.com.my\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MASWings<\/a> has a monopoly instead. Finally, I\u2019d point out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fireflyz.com.my\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Firefly<\/a>, another low-cost airline that operates within the country at really good fares.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"taxis-malaysia\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Taxis in Malaysia<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Taxis are widespread throughout the country and are definitely cheap by European standards. However, whenever possible, my advice is to use apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grab.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Grabtaxi<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uber.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uber<\/a>. Besides being efficient, the service is cheaper than regular taxis. In rural areas, or in any case where the meter isn\u2019t used, remember to negotiate the price before getting in, so you avoid pointless arguments once you reach your destination.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"hitchhiking-malaysia\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Hitchhiking in Malaysia<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Hitchhiking is a common practice in Malaysia, especially in rural areas. Personally, I only did it once in the Cameron Highlands, and it took no more than five minutes before a couple of local women picked me up, along with a group of guys I met at the hostel.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4394 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07103-HDR-Edit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07103-HDR-Edit.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07103-HDR-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07103-HDR-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC07103-HDR-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Masjid Jamek Mosque.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"cost\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Travel Costs in Malaysia<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">How much does a trip to Malaysia cost? Not much. For short trips, the biggest expense is very likely to be the flight. My advice here is to check flights not only to Kuala Lumpur but also to neighboring Singapore, which is just a few hours by bus from Kuala Lumpur, and to Penang, which has a fairly busy international airport.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You might be interested in reading my guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/transport\/find-cheap-flights\/\">how to find cheap flights.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Once you\u2019ve arrived, it\u2019s reasonable to expect to spend around 25-30\u20ac per day, especially in Peninsular Malaysia, while in Borneo probably a bit more. All this <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/planning\/40-tips-for-backpackers\/\">traveling on a budget<\/a>, that is: staying in hostels or basic hotels, eating street food or dining in local restaurants, using public transportation (especially avoiding taxis), and steering clear of organized tours whenever possible.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">As for the cost of ATM withdrawals, fortunately most local banks don\u2019t charge any fees. So, by using the <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/gear\/best-travel-cards\/\">best travel cards<\/a>, the cost of getting cash can be reduced to zero.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, if for any reason you want to minimize the use of cash, I\u2019d like to point out that lots of merchants, even if they don\u2019t accept cards, accept QR payments, and using Grab pay you can simply top up your account with your card, so without needing to withdraw cash.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/cibo_malesia.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1110\" height=\"624\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A meal for a couple of euros.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"safe\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Travel Safety in Malaysia<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">What are the dangers of traveling to Malaysia? In general, Malaysia, like much of Southeast Asia, is a relatively safe destination, and violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">That being said, minor incidents of crime can happen, just like anywhere else in the world. Especially in larger cities, it&#8217;s important to use common sense and avoid certain neighborhoods. Personally, I believe Malaysia can be considered a safe country for all intents and purposes. In any case, here you\u2019ll find all my tips for <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/safety\/backpacking-safety\/\">traveling safely anywhere in the world<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">A quick note for those who occasionally indulge in smoking joints or other types of illegal substances: the law in Malaysia is extremely strict. Possessing large quantities of drugs can result in the death penalty, while even personal use can lead to several years in prison!<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Are you planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out these posts:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/gear\/packing-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">What to pack in your backpack<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/gear\/travel-backpack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Which travel backpack to choose<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ilbackpacker\/\">Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>Since I no longer run ads, if you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your <a href=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/safety\/travel-insurance\/\">travel insurance<\/a> through one of the links on this site. Doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU and UK residents, I recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.truetraveller.com\/?tag=4486\">True Traveller<\/a>. For everyone else, I recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/heymondo.com\/?utm_medium=Afiliado&amp;utm_source=ILBACKPACKER&amp;utm_campaign=PRINCIPAL&amp;cod_descuento=ILBACKPACKER&amp;ag_campaign=INPUT&amp;agencia=3e3e0e90cc3ad100e738962ea2e0b0be8d69\">HeyMondo<\/a>, which offers a 5% discount. Thank you for your support!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=QTBBEQQCE37GA\">For donations\/pizzas and virtual beers<\/a> \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">Did you like the post? Pin it!<\/h5>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8794\" src=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backpacking_malaysia_guide.jpg\" alt=\"how to plan a trip to Malaysia\" width=\"330\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backpacking_malaysia_guide.jpg 330w, https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backpacking_malaysia_guide-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Often overlooked in favor of more popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia actually has far more to offer than people think: from modern Kuala Lumpur to its many national parks, home to species found nowhere else on the planet, to some of the world&#8217;s best beaches and dive sites. 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