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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.

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.

Taman Negara

Taman Negara National Park was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after Independence, which literally means “national park” in Malay. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 km².

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)

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang
Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Sipadan / Mabul Island arriving at the jetty, Sipadan
   
Cameron Highlands Winding Road


The Responsible Tourist and Traveller

This is practical 8-step guide based on the "Global Code of Ethics" for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization. It promotes traveling with an open mind and respect for people, culture, animals and environment. ... more

Hiking at Bukit Tabur

It is hardly noticeable from the city centre - especially on hazy days - but Kuala Lumpur is surrounded by lush hills, rock formations and water reservoirs. Escaping the the huzzle and buzzle of the city is a mere 30min drive away. One the most spectacular hikes is up on Bukit Tabur, part of a quarz ridge in the north-east of the city at Taman Melawati. ... more

Exploring Cameron Highlands

There are 13 different paths to discover the Highlands on your own. To fully experience the nature, culture and economy of the area it is recommended to join one of the various tours. ... more

Buses from and to Cameron Highlands

There are 2 bus companies bringing travellers to and from Cameron Highlands, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. From Cameron Highlands, you also have the option to travel to Taman Negara and Pulau Perhentian via mini bus. ... more

Dangers and Scams in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a safe place for travellers in general. However, there a few scams and dangers but if you are aware of them you should be having a pleasant stay in this vibrant city. ... more

Malaysian GP 2009 (Formula 1 in Sepang)
Thaipusam Festival
Malacca: the city that best gives a sense of Malaysia’s past
Famous Jalan Alor
Keropok Lekor
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Crystal Mosque (Islamic Civilisation Park),Kuala Terengganu
also known as Taman Tamandun Islam. The RM250 Million theme park was opened in february 2008 and houses besides the Crystal Mosque replicas of several world famous mosques. ... more
Jalan Alor,Kuala Lumpur
Food Paradise in Bukit Bintang. Jalan Alor turns into a giant open air street restaurant at night ... more
Melaka Sentral,Melaka
New Bus Termin for Melaka built in 2004. It almost feels like an airport, probably the most modern bus terminal in Malaysia. ... more
Istana,Melaka
Reconstruction of the Sultan′s Palace which was destroyed by a fire in 1460. ... more
Old Railway Station,Kuala Lumpur
Moorish-style structure built in 1910 is no longer the jumping-off point for long-distance destinations, but its charms remain. ... more
Jungle Walks - Trail 9A,Cameron Highlands
There are 13 Trails in and around Tanah Rata and Brinchang, varying from a few hours to full-day, to explore the Cameron Highlands rainforest yourself. Track 9A starts out at the western end of Tanah Rata und passes the Robinson Falls. ... more
Sri Mariamman Temple,Singapore
Singapores oldest and most important Hindu temple, right in the middle of Chinatown ... more
Fraser’s Hill,Kuala Lumpur
Hill resort at 1,500 meters above sea-level on the Titiwangsa mountain range, about 100km north of Kuala Lumpur. Originally set up as a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s, it consists of seven hills. ... more
Kampung Morten, Villa Sentosa,Melaka
a village of traditional Malay houses, it is located in a bend of Sungai Melaka, north of downtown. A Family in one of the biggest houses, Villa Sentosa, receives visitors. ... more
Tekek beach,Tioman
beach at Kampung Tekek, the main hub of the island ... more
Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach),Langkawi
Stretch of wide beach on the west of the island with a high concentration of budget (and upper price) accommodation. It is a lively place also at night with various bars and restaurants. ... more
Kampung Baru,Kuala Lumpur
Oldest malay residential area in KL with still authentic traditional Malay wooden houses and the the backdrop of the close-by downtown skyline ... more
Bukit Bintang,Kuala Lumpur
Main shopping, dining and entertainment area of Kuala Lumpur. Many backpacker accommodations are here. ... 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. ... more
Fox Hill Langkawi holiday resort, Langkawi
Resort, Langkawi
Small resort in the heart of Langkawi on the road to Makam Mahsuri with a house for backpackers who want to be in the middle of nature ... more
The Reef Chalets, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
chalets on the big island, next to Coral View ... more
ET Budget Guesthouse, Penang
Guesthouse, Penang
budget guest house located at Batu Ferringhi beach ... more
Sandy Beach Resort, Langkawi
Hostel, Langkawi
Chalets on both sides of the road on Cenang Beach, from RM90 ... more
Malibest Resort, Langkawi
Chalets, Langkawi
nice Budget Resort on Cenang Beach, RM 100 - RM 230 (Chalets). They also have really lovely treetop chalets (RM180, RM230) but you need to book in advance to get them, on-site indian restaurant ... more
Borneo Global Backpackers Lodge, Kota Kinabalu
Hostel, Kota Kinabalu
Hostel close to the State Museum ... more
Salang Indah Tioman, Tioman
Chalets, Tioman
accommodation on Salang Beach, RM50 - RM185 ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Monorails.org
Loving Photo Essay of KL Monorail by The Monorail Society
KTMB.com.my
National Railway Company
Maleisie.be
Belgian Malaysia Travel Guide
Travelling by bus
bus schedules and routes by journeymalaysia.com
info-my.de
Malaysia Information and News
Sejarah Melayu
A History of the Malay Peninsula
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones
tourism.gov.my
government tourism website
MmalaysianFood.net
all about Malaysian Food
Malaysia-Today.net
source independent news


see all links



Food & Drinks
Roti Canai

side dish, snack
popular southern Indian dish in Singapore and Malaysia made of ghee, flour, egg and water
... more
Fresh Orange

beverage
drink with freshly squeezed oranges, syrup, water and ice
... more

» Food & Drink Database Malaysia & South-East Asia

BOOK HOSTELS
Things to do & see
Kuala Lumpur, Bangsar

Bangsar, to the south of downtown, popular entertainment area for local yuppies and expats with an Mediterranean flair. ... more
Singapore, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

Architecturally unique (durian shaped) Performing arts centre alongside Marina Bay, near the mouth of the Singapore River. It contains a concert hall, theatre, outdoor performing centres and the Esplanade Mall. ... more
PRESS ARTICLES
Twilight streetside action with Borneo rockers (The Cicak)

A cicak story about 2 urban chinese guys deciding to head down to Bukit Binang (Kuala Lumpur) in the middle of the night to play their guitars. Unexpectedly they make friends with a group of guys from Sabah. A fresh story about a night in downtown KL and music as a common language.

DID YOU KNOW?
Culture

Besides the malay muslim majority (50+%) there is the big Chinese community (30+%) and Indian minority (8%) plus many various indigenous cultures on Borneo (Iban, Datak,...) so walk around with open eyes and be amazed by the malaysian melting pot.

STORIES
how to get from KL to KLIA / LCCT Airport
The Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is about 45km south of KL. The LCCT is the low cost carrier terminal for budget airlines like Air Asia. It's locally at the same complex but there is no direct connection between the 2 terminals at the moment. There are various ways to get there from KL and to get to KL from there. It takes about 1h by taxi (plus or minus depending on traffic), around 1h15min by bus and 28min by KLIA Express (KLIA - KL Sentral) to get to the Airport / to KL. Read the details...
RANDOM LINKS
MmalaysianFood.net
all about Malaysian Food
Utusan.com.my/
malay newspaper
SarawakTourism.com
website of Sarawak Tourism Board
Borneo Fairyland
Sarawak Tour Provider
malaysiasite.nl
dutch/english guide

see all links
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Jungle Train
Kampung