Asia
Malaysia travel guide for backpackers
Malaysia: quick facts, a map and notes from my own trips in 2022.
My route in Malaysia
My experience
I hitchhiked into Malaysia from southern Thailand in 2022. It was easy to get rides in cars and trucks, but motorbikes require helmets, so I could not take rides on bikes.
I visited Penang, spent several days in the Cameron Highlands among tea plantations, strawberry farms and jungle, and finished in Kuala Lumpur. The night before my flight to Vietnam I discovered that visa on arrival for Europeans had been cancelled days earlier, so I changed my ticket to Bali.
Places I went in Malaysia
- Penang
- Cameron Highlands
- Kuala Lumpur
Guides for Malaysia
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Malaysia?
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
What currency is used in Malaysia?
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
Year-round; the west coast is driest from December to March, and the Cameron Highlands are cool all year. This is general guidance, so check current conditions before you travel.
When did Francis travel in Malaysia?
Francis travelled in Malaysia in 2022.