Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is located at on at the east coast of the peninsula at the mouth of the Sungai Terengganu river. It’s the capital of the state of Terengganu which forms together with Kedah and Kelatan the heartland of malay culture. KT is good stop for one or 2 days before moving on along the eastcoast or towards the National Park / Tasik Kenyir. There are also day trips available to Pulau Rendang (Island) and Tasik Kenyir (Lake)

Brunei

Tiny state in Borneo, sandwiched between Sarawak and Sabah. After it was a big regional player a few hundred years back, Brunei became rich upon the discovery of Oil in the 1940s. For a period time the Sultan of Brunei was the richest person in the world.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Being a young city (founded only in 1857) it developed fast into a bustling metropolis of 1.5 million people (6 million including the satellite cities in the Klang Valley). Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL (as it is it called by Malaysians), literally means “muddy estuary” in Bahasa Malaysia. With good and cheap accommodation, great shopping and even better food in this multi-cultural melting pot, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Having been in the shadow of other big cities in the region like Bangkok and Singapore, KL was put back on the map for good with the opening the Petronas Twin Towers in 1997, until 2004 the highest and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Though, the sights are not what makes this city unique, it’s KL itself and it’s mixture of people and visitors. 

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Bahasa Malaysia) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian"). Popular for it’s beaches, snorkeling and driving. Like a real postcard.

Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Bako National Park Pitcher Plant
   
Taman Negara Root Sculpture


Malacca: the city that best gives a sense of Malaysia’s past

Article from the Telegraph newspaper: Along with its sultry climate, atmospheric Malacca boasts an intriguing history, unusual food and a lively nightlife, says Rhymer Rigby. ... more

Famous Jalan Alor

The well-known food street Jalan Alor is currently the talk of the town. Every local and tourist will eventually end up here having feast of good food in one of the many many restaurants and stalls. But since this week you might have a hard time finding this short but remarkable street in Bukit Bintang because the city council decided to change the name to Jalan Kejora - much to the dislike of about everybody. ... more

Keropok Lekor

The easiest way to describe Keropok Lekor is to call it fish sausage. It is the specialty from Terengganu, a state at the east coast and omnipresent in the streets and villages and very much a part of the live of the people there. Here are some pictures from one of the most popular Keropok Lekor stalls or shall I say factory, in Kuala Terengganu. ... more

Nasi Campur (Malay Mixed Rice)

Besides the Indian and Chinese food, there is also the flavorful and diverse Malay cuisine. The best way to experience this is to have your lunch at a Nasi Campur counter. Nasi Campur means Mixed Rice in Malay and refers to a plate of white rice that you will get from the kakak, (short: Ka, means sister in Malay and waitresses often been addressed that way), before filling your plate whatever that suits your taste from the counter. ... more

Malaysia vs. Singapore

Entertaining story from guest author Maik from his Blog "Wah Lau". He is a german guy who developed quite some affection for the whole range of Asian diversity. Being based in Singapore, he went for a trip to nearby Melaka in 2006 and reflected about the differences between Malaysia and Singapore and what people think of each other, prejudice or not? ... more

A guide for drivers in Malaysia
(1 comment)
Georgetown and Melaka just became Unesco world heritage sites
(4 comments)
Rainforest World Music Festival 2008
Jackfruit (Nangka)
I got it from my Mamak
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Salang Beach,Tioman
Salang is on the northernmost end of the island and is most frequented by backpackers and independent travellers looking for a spot of diving, plenty of nightlife and cheap accommodation. ... more
Dutch Square (Red Square),Melaka
The Dutch Square, also called Red Squared because all the surrounding building painted red, next to the Melaka river is a good starting point for visiting the old part of the town. ... more
Little India,Kuala Lumpur
Downtown area with street markets, many indian fabric shops and food. ... more
Bukit Puteri,Kuala Terengganu
Princess Hill. Hill in city center with the remains of an old fort. ... more
Bukit Cina,Melaka
Bukit Cina (Chinese Hill) is the largest chinese burial ground outside China. ... more
Petaling Street (Chinatown),Kuala Lumpur
mostly Chinese roofed street market (food, bargain for fake branded goods) ... more
Suria KLCC Shopping Mall,Kuala Lumpur
Shopping Mall in the famous KLCC complex (Petronas Twin Towers). Mostly upper price designer stores, TGV cinemas, KLCC Park, KLCC Aquaria, Kinokurnya bookstore. ... more
Pulau Duyung,Kuala Terengganu
Island in the river mouth of Sungai Terengganu across the city center with malay Kampungs and traditional boat making ... more
Sarawak Cultural Village,Kuching
Sarawak Cultural Village is tucked away on the foothills of Mount Santubong at Damai Beach, 35 km north from Kuching. It is also known as a living museum. ... more
Chinatown,Melaka
Melaka′s chinatown has a very peaceful atmosphere especially at night. Almost all houses are still in tact and painted colourfully. ... more
Lake Gardens,Kuala Lumpur
Big park near Chinatown area, includes National Mosque, Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum, Deer Park, Orchid Garden, Tasik Perdana (Premier Lake) ... more
Mangrove River Tour,Cherating
A must-do in Cherating is a boat tour into the mangrove forest. The guides are good in spotting various animals, includings snakes. ... more
Plaza Low Yat (Tech Mall),Kuala Lumpur
Low Yat is the place go to buy electronic and high-tech stuff like computers, laptops , computer parts and accessories, cameras, mobile phones, blanks discs etc. ... more

... view all things to do & see

HOSTELS
Red Palm, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Red Palm was voted the best hostel in Asia in 2006. It′s a small, relaxed and cozy place and this website wouldn′t exist without Red Palm. Home sweet home. Stay here if there′s is still availability as Red Palm can′t accommodate more than 14 people at a time. ... more
Mohsin Chalets & Restaurant, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
Chalets on Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Chalets with own restaurant with the best view over the beach. Free Wifi at the restaurant if you order something. ... more
Ranting Beach Resort, Cherating
Resort, Cherating
pricier accommodation with bungalows at the beach and across the road, on-site restaurant ... more
The Haven Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse on Jalan Bukit Bintang. ... more
Cameronian Inn Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
Guesthouse in Tanah Ratah ... more
Panorama Chalets and Restaurant, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
Chalets on Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil with the best restaurant on this beach ... more
AB Motel, Langkawi
Chalets, Langkawi
Accommodation on Cenang Beach with Travel Agency and Bike Rental, RM50 - RM150 ... more
Best Star Resort, Langkawi
Hotel, Langkawi
2-storey hotel and 6 Chalets on Cenang Beach ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

WWF Malaysia
environmental conservation organisation
VisionKL.com
city lifestyle magazine
VisitSingapore.com
Official Tourism Website Singapore
Seat61.com
how to travel by train in Singapore & Malaysia
Uncletan.com/
Wildlife Adventure tours
DiscoverMalaysia.biz
Discover Malaysia - the backpacker's trail (documentary)
multimap.com
very good map service
KL-Lifestyle.com.my
KL Lifestyle magazine
TourismPenang.gov.my
Official Tourism Website for Penang
SarawakTourism.com
website of Sarawak Tourism Board


see all links

Red Palm Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Red Palm Hostel
The award-winning Red Palm Hostel Kuala Lumpur - a special, cozy, personal and small place for backbackers of all ages - is also the birthplace of backpackingmalaysia.com and maybe your home during your visit in Kuala Lumpur.
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