Australians are searching for flights to Kuala Lumpur three times as much at the same time last year, according to Booking.com data.
With more direct flights between Australia and Kuala Lumpur than ever, it’s a convenient destination. But if you limit your vacation to Kuala Lumpur, you could miss some of Malaysia’s less famous wonders.
If you’re heading to one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse countries, take time to visit Malaysia’s hidden gems for a richer understanding of its incredible history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s how to prepare for your trip and what to prioritise once you arrive.
Preparing for your trip to Malaysia
Before you can jet off to Malaysia, thorough preparation is key. If you’re visiting remote areas, you’ll need to organise internet access, clothing, and navigation aids. This will help ensure a smooth journey throughout Malaysia, leaving you more time to be present and truly take in this fascinating destination.
Staying connected
You’ll rely on mobile data and public Wi-Fi during your Malaysian exploits. But some of the websites and platforms you use back home may be blocked or inaccessible. To get around restrictions, you can use a reliable VPN that lets you connect to Australian servers. Reconnecting to home servers comes in handy for everyday things you might not think about until you’re overseas, such as checking your bank account, streaming the next episode of a show you’re halfway through, or catching a live sports broadcast that’s otherwise geo-locked outside Australia. Snag a bargain in a Cyber Monday VPN sale to keep costs down.
Clothing for variable conditions
Humidity is often high in Malaysia, especially during its two monsoon seasons. Typically, the Northeast Monsoon occurs between November and March, while the Southwest Monsoon hits from May to September. However, monsoon patterns can differ from one year to another, which makes conditions harder to predict. Pack waterproof and lightweight clothing to withstand the wettest periods.
How about outside of the monsoon seasons? Malaysia often experiences soaring temperatures, so you’ll need to think differently when it comes to these months. Prioritise loose, breathable clothing if you plan to visit between monsoons.
Download offline maps and guides
When you decide which less-famous areas of Malaysia you want to see, download maps and guides before you leave Australia. Make sure you can access your maps, passes, tour details, and other resources without an internet connection to avoid complications.
5 must-see Malaysian spots off the beaten path
As you venture beyond Kuala Lumpur and other tourist-heavy parts of Malaysia, you’ll find many incredible sites.
Taiping: Malaysia’s oldest town
Established in 1874, Taiping holds the title of Malaysia’s oldest town. Its railway station was the country’s first, built for the local mining operation and its workers. Taiping is also home to Malaysia’s first zoo and first museum (dating back to 1886). The Lake Gardens are a stunning sight today, but they were originally a mining ground before becoming a public space in 1880. Cherished for spectacular natural beauty, the Lake Gardens are central to Taiping’s identity and worth the trip alone.
Cherating: A relaxed culture and wildlife treat
Cherating is a small village that attracts backpackers, surfers, swimmers, and kitesurfers. As you might expect with a sandy former fishing village, Cherating has a laid-back vibe perfect for well-earned downtime. The government-created Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is massively important to the area. Stop by if you want to learn about these amazing creatures, see eggs, and support a good cause.
Mulu Show Caves: A massive hidden world
The Mulu Show Caves are one of Gunung Mulu National Park’s main attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the caves with a guided tour to learn about them in detail, from the limestone chambers to their subterranean rivers. Wander through the four main caves: Wind Cave, Lang Cave, Clearwater Cave, and Deer Cave. Bats roost in the latter cave in droves, and you may get to watch the Bat Exodus that happens at sunset. If you love bats or want to witness a unique natural sight, the Exodus is one of the most unmissable experiences you can have in Malaysia. Not only is it visually impactful, but it’s something you’ll remember vividly long after you return home.
Pulau Perhentian Besar: A picturesque spot for relaxation
Pulau Perhentian Besar is an island neighbouring Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands boast immense tropical beauty, with clear water and rich wildlife, but they’re different in other ways. Pulau Perhentian Besar is calmer and quieter, ideal for a relaxing break. Families, solo travellers, and couples gravitate more to Pulau Perhentian Besar. Backpackers and tourists looking for nightlife tend to prefer Pulau Perhentian Kecil instead.
Ipoh: An old town with modern appeal
Ipoh is a former tin-mining hub that has gradually become more of a go-to spot for travellers. But you still won’t see anywhere near as many tourists as you would in Kuala Lumpur. As you wander through Ipoh, you can immerse yourself in Malaysian history. The Old Town is known for its street art, with murals that are big on colour and detail. Other local treasures include Sam Poh Tong Temple (a Chinese Buddhist cave temple) and the Mirror Lakes.
Building the right Malaysian experience for you
Hopefully now you can see what else you can add to your Malaysian itinerary beyond Kuala Lumpur. But Malaysia offers many other places worth considering. If you plan to see remote, truly hidden spaces, take planning seriously. Make sure you have all the information and gear you need before you leave tourist hubs behind.
