Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hamlet]

I'm thinking about going down to Malaysia for about a month in July. Any suggestions? tips? recommendations?

I'd like to relax on a beach but also be around a little night life. Probably do some diving. Maybe a little walk in the woods. I'd like to see a few different places but also don't want to spend my whole trip on buses, boats, etc.

Also, can anybody who has been there recently give me some idea of the price of things.

Thanks!

[BoholDiver]

Penang is probably the best place to be. If you like nature and stuff, then try Borneo.

Prices? I can't help you, but I know it's not terribly expensive.

[conbon78]

I found Malaysia to be pretty expensive compared with Thailand and/or the Phillipines. I went to Kota Kinabalu and since we found the town dirty and not very fun, we basically stayed at our resort, so sorry I can't help much.

[scorpiocandy]

I'm having a week stopover in Malaysia and am having the same "problem" as you. Not sure what to do, where to go etc.

www.tripadvisor.com is my go-to place for information before I travel anywhere. Reviews, a forum to ask questions, photos, everything.

Incidentally, I found I could have maybe another week there as I only had to be back at work on Sep 6th not the 1st as i thought and I looked into maybe going to Singapore too. It takes 8 hours by train. Train to Phuket is longer but if you were interested in that and seeing as you have a month that could be pretty cool too.

I have tons of information so if you'd like to look at what I have then let me know where to send it.

[kiwiinkorea]

We went to langkawi for a few days which was pretty nice. The beaches are good, there is some night life but it is quite laid back. It is a duty free island so alcohol is cheaper here than the rest of Malaysia. There is some nice rainforest, kayaking around the mangroves is pretty cool. You can fly there or take a train or a ferry from Penang or Thailand.

I don't remember prices of stuff. It's more expensive than Thailand and maybe comparable to Korea. We went there after Japan so everything seemed pretty reasonable!!

[canale226]

Malaysia is really really great. I've been a few times now, and for what you're looking for - Pulau Perhentian would be perfect. From June-September(ish), the weather is amazing and the islands are full of backpackers. The night life is a bit more low key than say, Thailand or Kuta Bali - but the islands themselves are more beautiful in my opinion. Probably my favorite place in SE Asia (and there are plenty of beautiful drunk girls to hit on as well). Tioman island is also very very pretty - but I was super sick the whole time I spent there and didn't have a great time. I think there is less of a nightlife there as well.

As for costs. Its basically Thailand plus 5 dollars is my rule (for rooms). For a cheap room in Thailand (say 5 bucks), you'll be looking at closer to 8-10 bucks. Food can still be quite cheap though, and transport is also reasonable.

Seriously though, Malaysia is THE most underrated place in this part of the world and I can't for the life of me understand why. The islands are second to NONE and the people are kind and speak a great deal of English. Good luck! Any more questions just holler!

[Missihippi]

I went this past Feb. for 2 weeks and my itenerary was something like this:

Rented a car in kuala lumpur and drove to Georgetown, which is on an island. This by far had the best night life that we were able to find in Malaysia. Some sketchy parts of town, but overall a charming place with some nice beaches.

Drove to east coast and took a boat to the Perhetian Islands. Beautiful beaches, nice enough locals, but very little night life.

Drove back to Georgetown (driving was half the fun in Malaysia: nice roads, nice views, and freedom to go wherever)

Then went to the Cameron Highlands. This area has some nice views, good hiking, and some interesting people (malaysia itself is a mix of indian, chinese, and malay indigenious).

After Cameron, I drove to Singapore for a couple of days of ridiculous spending (mission accomplished: 3 parking tickets, 1 speeding ticket, 300,000 Won bar tab on a wednesday night) Singapore is infamous for fines, be ware.

Back to Kuala Lumpor for some Twin Tower tourist pictures and relaxing before the flight back. KL was decent enough (somewhere between Manilla and Singapore) as far as ammenities and cleanliness.

Overall. i found that prices in malaysia are similar to prices in Korea. Not as cheap as phillipines or thailand as another posted pointed out, but definitely cheaper than singapore, hong kong, or japan.

Good luck

[Kaypea]

Hey, I'm starting to put together a rough itinery for 20 days in peninsular Malaysia for July-Aug...

I definitely want to see and do: KL, Langkawi, Penang, Melaka.

The question is: should I also do Kota Bharu and/or Taman Musang? The appeal is taking the jungle train from Kota Bharu to Taman Musang, and then spending a couple of days in deep jungle, hiking around and stuff. Or is my plate full with the other stuff? (or should I ditch some of the other stuff?)

Oh, and... should I go to Cherating for the surfing?

Thanks! If nothing else, help me decide: yay/nay for Taman Musang.

[Missihippi]

[bucheon bum]

[Kaypea]

Hey,

I've decided to go with western peninsular Malaysia for *this* trip. I think the other stuff might be more interesting with a partner/group anyway.

I think I'm just going to make my way up the west side, spending a bit of time on Penang and then Langkawi, then double back and finish with a few days in KL for some shopping...

Another quick 2 questions:

How much time is good for KL and Melacca?

I actually spent a whole week in Bangkok in January and really enjoyed it, even though most people think that's crazy. I stayed in a Hostelling International and just enjoyed the company of the other tourists, and I rode around on the skytrain, and sat around and read books... I find islands to be too phony (and I give in to the temptation to drink too much ) and prefer the reality of a city.

So... I think I'm answering my own questions (save at least 5 days at the end to "live" in KL)... can anybody reccomend a friendly hostel?

[Missihippi]