Who’s feeling utterly drained from work and can’t wait for the May Day holiday to escape and have some fun again [crying emoji]? Reflecting on my February trip to Malaysia, I’m inspired to pen another travel log.
✈️ Shanghai – Kuala Lumpur (flight at 12, landed at 6 am and hit the ground running)
We checked into a trendy hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, primarily for its stunning infinity pool and great value.
The four of us snagged the largest suite for just over 1k per night. We relied mostly on taxis 🚗, booking Grab in advance, and it’s a must to avoid the regular cabs, especially during peak hours, to dodge any potential scams.
📍Kuala Lumpur: Merdeka Square – Batu Caves – Jalan Alor Night Market – Little India – Petaling Street
The freedom to indulge in durian and coconut 🥥 was a treat, and the variety of fruit smoothies was incredibly satisfying.
While Little India in every city tends to be a bit too sanitized, Batu Caves are truly unique and a must-visit. We snapped photos at Merdeka Square and moved on. Petaling Street is a food lover’s paradise with very local flavors. You can pay to take photos under the Twin Towers, but always haggle; the prices are negotiable.
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the photo outcome, but my siblings loved it. Overall, Kuala Lumpur feels like a bustling, commercial city that seamlessly blends Southeast Asian charm 🏙️.
✈️ Kuala Lumpur – Penang
📍Penang seems to be a haven for Fujian people, and speaking Chinese there was a breeze.
We booked a cozy homestay, which felt very cost-effective. The narrow streets buzzed with life, and the locals were incredibly warm. We dined at a Michelin-recommended Thai restaurant, where the food was delicious, though a reservation and service fee were required. The roads are quite narrow, so it’s wise to book a taxi in advance to avoid long waits.
Street food is generally affordable and delicious. We were lucky to catch a local festival, complete with beautiful fireworks 🎆. Exploring Chew Jetty or Lee Jetty, those surnamed piers, gave us a genuine taste of the local culture. Overall, Penang is a vibrant, Southeast Asian-flavored gem 🍛, brimming with authenticity.
✈️ Penang – Langkawi
📍This leg of the journey provided me with the shortest flight experience of my life—just 20 minutes from takeoff to landing, with only 8 minutes of level flight before we were told to prepare for descent. It was quite amusing. Langkawi is all about unwinding, as the island is mostly sea (a driver in Penang humorously noted that visitors to Langkawi are either looking at the sea or enjoying intimate moments).
So, we splurged on a luxurious resort, with a sea-view suite for around 3k+ per night, including breakfast, a swimming pool, and a game room. This confirmed the saying, “booking an expensive hotel saves 80% of the hassle.” The hotel offered a sumptuous buffet breakfast, and the waterfront restaurant served a delectable and reasonably priced seafood platter 🦞.
The resort even had its own private beach, just a 5-minute walk from a popular dining spot.
❗️If you have a sweet tooth, Langkawi is the place to be for chocolate lovers! The island boasts an array of duty-free shops where you can find a wide variety of chocolates at incredibly reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for exotic flavors or classic favorites, Langkawi’s chocolate selection won’t disappoint.
Beyond the chocolate, Langkawi is the perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. Lounge on the pristine beaches, soak up the sun, and let the tranquil atmosphere wash over you. ⛱️
Summary‼️Each of the three cities has its own unique charm and style. In the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia stands out as a country that offers a high sense of security, making it a comfortable choice for travelers. When it comes to expenses, while hotels and flights might be the major costs, you’ll find that shopping and dining are surprisingly affordable once you arrive.
Although the discounts on luxury brands like Chanel aren’t as generous as they used to be, the overall experience and value make Malaysia a top pick for your next adventure!
That itinerary looks packed but doable! I especially love how you squeezed in both city vibes and island relaxation. Any tips for navigating KL’s public transport during rush hour?
Glad you found the itinerary helpful! Navigating KL’s public transport during rush hour can be a bit chaotic, so try to avoid traveling between 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM if possible. The LRT and Monorail are usually your best bets—they’re faster and less crowded than buses. Thanks for your question—happy travels!
This itinerary looks packed with fun! I especially love the idea of starting in KL with that infinity pool – perfect after a long flight. Have you tried any must-try foods in Penang? I remember it being a foodie paradise.
Glad you like the itinerary! Penang is indeed a food lover’s dream. Don’t miss out on char kway teow and Hokkien mee – they’re local favorites. Thanks for your interest, and enjoy your trip!
This itinerary looks amazing! I especially love the tip about booking that trendy KL hotel for the pool alone. Have you tried any must-try food spots in Penang? I remember loving the hawker centers there.
Glad you liked it! Penang’s hawker scene is incredible—don’t miss out on Cheah Choon Seng Claypot Rice or Gurney Hawker Center for local favorites. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and savor every bite! Thanks for your interest!
This itinerary looks amazing! I especially love the tip about booking that trendy KL hotel for the infinity pool. Have you tried any must-try street food in Penang? I remember it being a highlight of my trip.