Cherating

Cherating is the only real backpacker hub at the east coast of the peninsula on the mainland. Offering plenty of affordable chalets and a relaxed atmosphere, it is good place to stop for a night or two on the way up or down the east coast. The beach itself is not that spectacular and misses the palm directly at the beach. But it has a good vibe and few things you can do like taking a tour or renting a kayak up the river into the mangroves. There is also an active surfer scene when the waves are right. Cherating is located about 30km or 1h by local bus north of Kuantan.

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)

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.

Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Kota Bahru one of few gates around the town
   
KL Moments Tropical City


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
Coral Bay (Teluk Aur),Perhentian Islands
Smaller Beach on the small Island, more relaxed and quite with excellent snorkel and dive spots and great sun sets ... more
Komtar Tower,Penang
Penangs tallest building and the sixth tallest building in Malaysia, the complex also hosts a shopping mall and a local bus terminal. ... more
Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple,Kuala Lumpur
Founded in 1873, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. It is situated at edge of Chinatown in Jalan Bandar (formerly High Street). ... more
KLIA - Kuala International Airport,Kuala Lumpur
The award-winning International Airport is located about 45km south of Kuala Lumpur. The airport was opened in 1997. ... more
Menara KL (KL Tower),Kuala Lumpur
TV Tower (421m tall), standing on a hill, 94m above the sea level, offering higher ground than the twin towers and the highest view of the city. ... more
Teregganu State Museum,Kuala Terengganu
Acclaimed as the largest museum in South East Asia, the Terengganu State Museum Complex houses century old artefacts and artworks of rich and colourful heritage ... more
Thean Hou Buddhist Temple,Kuala Lumpur
Picturesque Chinese temple with impressive architecture. It is situated on a hill offering excellent view over the city. ... more
Pulau Perhentian Besar,Perhentian Islands
The Big (=besar) Island. The slightly bigger island offers more expensive resort style accommodation. For family travellers or those who like it more quiet and have an extra Ringgit to spend. ... more
Wats around Kota Bharu,Kota Bharu
There are a few impressive thai buddhist temple between Kota Bahru and near thai border in the north ... 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
Sepang F1 International Circuit,Kuala Lumpur
The Sepang F1 International Circuit right next to KLIA airport and used for the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix as well as the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix. ... 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
Boh Tea Garden,Cameron Highlands
Visitors center of the Boh tea estate south-east of Tanah Rata with impressive views over the tea estate, a cafe area and free tours of the tea factory every 30min until about 4pm. ... 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
Equator Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Equator Hostel is located right next to Times Square shopping mall in a 3-storey post-colonial in Bukit Bintang. ... 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
The Hive, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel close to Lavender Bus Terminal ... more
The Haven Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse on Jalan Bukit Bintang. ... more
Summer Tavern, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
centrally located in downtown Singapore ... more
Number Eight Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur
Number Eight Guesthouse is located in Bukit Bintang and considered a boutiqe guesthouse, somewhere between a hostel and a hotel. ... 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

... view all hostels

LINKS

TheCicak.com/
socio-political youth magazine
Transnasional
journey planer by the national bus company Transnasional
WWF Malaysia
environmental conservation organisation
List of Nightlife venue
venue in alphabetical order
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Churches
Encyclopedia.com.my
Encyclopedia of Malaysia is the largest Malaysian collaboration in the history of reference publishing
Malay Mail
yellow press typ newspaper
Malaysia-Maps.com
collection of maps
PetalingStreet.org/
Malaysia Blog Portal
Travelling by bus
bus schedules and routes by journeymalaysia.com


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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