Backpacking Malaysia - Welcome
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Sandakan

Sandakan is a starting point for ecotourism destinations such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary,Turtle Islands Park, Kinabatangan River and Gomantong Caves.

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.

Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan.The name means ‘new city’ or ‘new castle/fort’ in Bahasa Malaysia. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2005, it had an estimated population of 425,294, making it the largest town on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.It’s known for its colourful markets and the muslim culture.

Singapore

Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. At 704.0 sqkm (272 square miles), it is one of the few city-states in the world and the smallest country in Southeast Asia.

Man in Kampung
Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Kota Bahru Kelantan River
   
KL Moments Mangosteen Seller


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

Puduraya Bus Terminal temporarily closed
The Puduraya Bus Terminal was closed on April 13 for at least four months due to renovation works in the terminal. Long-distance buses will meanwhile operate from Bukit Jalil. ... more

Malaysian F1 GP 2010 (Formula 1 in Sepang)
It is time again for the Grand Prix in Malaysia on April 2-4. The Malaysian GP will take place for the 12th time already from at the Sepang track, about 1h south of Kuala Lumpur. It will be the third race of the season after Bahrain and Melbourne.aaa ... 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
Dangers and Scams in Kuala Lumpur
(1 comment)
Thaipusam Festival
Malacca: the city that best gives a sense of Malaysia’s past
Famous Jalan Alor
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
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
LCCT,Kuala Lumpur
Low cost carrier terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport serving budget airlines like AirAsia ... more
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera),Penang
Hill system with hill resort (highest point 833m above sea level) about 6km from city centre of Georgetown. Bukit Bendera is 735m above sea level and can be reached by Penang Hill Railway ... more
FRIM,Kuala Lumpur
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) promotes sustainable management and optimal use of forest resources in Malaysia. There is a canopy walk among other things ... more
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay,Singapore
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
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
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang),Perhentian Islands
Most popular beach on the small Island for backpackers with many chalets and restaurants, snorkel spots right at the beach ... more
Bukit Cina,Melaka
Bukit Cina (Chinese Hill) is the largest chinese burial ground outside China. ... more
Little India & Kapitan Keling Mosque,Penang
Small Indian enclave in Georgetown where you can find shops, food, temples and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. ... more
Rock-climbing at Batu Caves,Kuala Lumpur
You can rock climb at 4 spots of the limestone hill that also hosts the famous Batu caves temple. Climing the walls is free of charge unless you want to take courses. ... more
Datai Beach,Langkawi
Langkawis most exclusiv beach in the north-west of the island. Home to the super-exclusiv Datai and Andaman Resorts ... more
BB Plaza / Sungai Wang,Kuala Lumpur
Massive complex with 2 shopping malls and hundred of shops in Bukit Bintang. People tend to get lost in there. ... more
Central Market (Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah),Kota Bharu
very colourful dry and wet market in the city center ... 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
Butterfly Chalets, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
 basic chalets on Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil with magnificent views ... more
Sunset Beach Resort, Langkawi
Hostel, Langkawi
 cozy, beautifully landscaped and designed small resort at the southern end of Cenang Road and northend end of Tengah Beach ... more
Father’s Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
 Guesthouse in Tanah Rata, Peaceful setting, surrounded by gardens & jungle on a private hill, RM10-100 ... more
Fern Loft Hostel, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
 hostel in eastern Singapore, not far from the beach ... more
Pondok Sri Salang, Tioman
Chalets, Tioman
 accommodation on Salang Beach, RM50 - RM180 ... more
Maya Guesthouse, Perhentian Islands
Guesthouse, Perhentian Islands
 chalets on Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil with very good value ... more
Mata Hari, Cherating
Chalets, Cherating
 nice bungalows/chalets in a nice setting a bit off the beach ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Sarawak Forestry
forest management and conservation
TheCicak.com/
socio-political youth magazine
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Temples
MalaysiaForum.de
German Malaysia Portal
Monorail.com.my
public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur
info-my.de
Malaysia Information and News
Monorails.org
Loving Photo Essay of KL Monorail by The Monorail Society
Sejarah Melayu
A History of the Malay Peninsula
Cinema Online
Cinemas in Malaysia
Wikipedia:History of Malaysia
Wikipedia article about the history of Malaysia


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Food & Drinks
Roti Canai

side dish, snack
Roti Canai
popular southern Indian dish in Singapore and Malaysia made of ghee, flour, egg and water
... more
Teh Tarik

beverage
Teh Tarik
most popular drink in Malaysia made of black tea and condensed milk
... more

» Food & Drink Database Malaysia & South-East Asia

Things to do & see
Penang, Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Penangs grandest and most famous colonial hotel built in 1884, established by the two Armenian Sarkie brothers Tigram and Martin who later founded Raffles Hotel in Singapore ... more
Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata

Main town in the Cameron Highlands (with Brinchang to the north and Ringlet to the south). Most budget guesthouses are here and it is the starting point for many jungle trails. ... more
BOOK HOSTELS
DID YOU KNOW?
Alcohol

Being a majority muslim country, alcohol is rather expensive compared to other Asian countries because of the so-called sin taxes. But alcohol is served in most convenience stores and Chinese restaurants. It’s also cheap in Langkawi because it is the status of a duty-free zone.

PRESS ARTICLES
Traditional geomantic designs (The Star)

Story about ancient Malay building principles, the ancient art of Malay geomancy, a parallel to Chinese feng shui and Indian vasthu sastra.

RANDOM LINKS
KTMB.com.my
National Railway Company
Malaysian Nature Society
study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia's natural heritage
DiscoverMalaysia.biz
Discover Malaysia - the backpacker's trail (documentary)
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones
Asian Images
Interesting Pix and Stories from Malaysia and beyond

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STORIES
From Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara using public transport
How did get from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara (National Park) on your own without going on a package.
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Perhentian Islands
Flora Bay