Embarking on a journey from Pune, my partner and I decided to cap off the year with an unforgettable trip to Malaysia. From December 16th to 23rd, 2023, we explored the vibrant cities of Kuala Lumpur, the enchanting Langkawi Islands, and the historical gem, Malacca (Melaka). Our travel was a delightful mix of excitement, discovery, and realisations about Malaysia’s unique blend of economic efficiency, modernity, and cleanliness. This Southeast Asian gem proved to not only be budget-friendly but also incredibly foreigner-friendly. Join us as we recount our experiences, from exploring diverse locales to savouring various cuisines and immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Malaysian culture—a journey that provided incredible moments at an affordable cost.

The preparation

Our whirlwind trip to Malaysia was a spontaneous decision, planned meticulously within just three weeks. One of the perks that made our preparation stress-free was Malaysia’s newly acquired visa-free status for Indians. The planning process involved watching a few travel videos, reading other travel stories, and eventually booking our flights and accommodations. To enhance our experience, we utilised the Klook and Viator applications to book various activities. For all the important details, please check out the section below named, Points to Remember. If you find anything useful, please like, share and comment on the blog.

Itinerary

Day 0 – We kicked off our journey from Pune around 4 PM, heading to Mumbai International Airport for an 11 PM flight with Batik (Malindo) Air straight to Kuala Lumpur, sans any layovers. Opting for an OLA cab, we were a bit concerned about its condition, but fortunately, we reached the airport 2hours prior to the departure. At the airport, we exchanged currency and converted an INR 24500 to 1000 Malaysian Ringgit(MYR). However, we soon realised it was a mistake as airport exchanges come with high conversion charges as compared to doing it in local places in Pune. Moving on, the security check and immigration processes were smooth, with manageable queues. Within 30-45 minutes, we completed security and immigration, proceeding to the gates.

Day 1 – Arriving in Malaysia early in the morning, post breakfast at the airport, the first thing on our agenda was to secure a ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to our hotel, IBIS, in Kuala Lumpur City Center. Thanks to the Grab app, we covered the 70-kilometer distance for about Rs. 1300 (~72MYR), tolls included. Surprisingly reasonable, this set the tone for our perception of Malaysia as an affordable destination compared to our initial assumption that it might definitely be more expensive compared to India.

As we approached the city centre in our Grab ride, the breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks—Petronas Towers, Merdeka building, and KL Tower—welcomed us. We arrived earlier than the regular check in time(i.e. 3 PM), we decided to explore the surroundings after depositing our luggage at IBIS. Suria KLCC mall and KLCC park, located nearby, piqued our interest. It was pretty hot and sunny – so we ventured into the mall and the park, which was just below the Petronas Towers.

Our stroll through the luxury mall included some window shopping before indulging in Chinese and Malaysian cuisines at the food court. Don’t miss the National Dish, Nasi Lemak. Following our mall visit, we headed back to IBIS for check-in. Located just 750 meters from Suria KLCC, IBIS, provided us with a comfortable stay on the 12th floor, offering a splendid view of the city.

The next item on our itinerary was a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers. We booked tickets using Viator application and it costed us around INR 6322 for 2 persons that included visit to Sky Bridge (41st floor), observatory deck at 86th Floor and 82nd floor. Our tickets were delivered at the hotel lobby a day prior to the visit. Despite our high expectations, the experience was somewhat underwhelming. The windows on the mid and top floors were not as clear as we had hoped. Having previously visited the Burj Khalifa deck in Dubai, we found the Petronas Towers experience fell short. Nevertheless, the fountain show in the evening from the top of Petronas Towers is a sight to remember. We provided more details about it at the Point to Remember section.

After our tower visit, we went down to Suria KLCC mall for dinner before a relaxing walk back to IBIS, bringing an end to our first day with a restful night’s sleep.

Day 2 – Our second day in Malaysia brought new experiences as we prepared to fly to Langkawi in the evening. To kickstart the day, we indulged in a refreshing dip in the infinity pool at IBIS, soaking in the breathtaking view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline—a perfect morning energiser.

Embracing the convenience of Grab cabs, we started a city tour, exploring KL’s iconic landmarks. Our first stop was Merdeka Square, where the historic flag-raising event takes place. Just opposite to that, Sultan Abdul Samad building and River of Life are situated. From there, we proceeded to National Mosque of Malaysia, providing us with a stunning view of the Warisan Merdeka Tower. Our next destination was Istana Negara, where we caught a glimpse of the Sultan Palace, steeped in regal grandeur. From there we went to visit Maha Mariamman Temple, situated at the heart of Chinatown. Our last stop was the stunning Thean Hou Chinese Temple which was probably the first Chinese temple we had seen and it was grand.

Returning to the hotel, we bid farewell to IBIS, checked out, and headed to the airport for our flight to Langkawi. Upon landing in Langkawi, we seamlessly transitioned to a Grab ride, reaching our hotel (hotel Royal Agate) by 11:30 PM. They charged us MYR 2 as Heritage tax. Surprisingly, we discovered that Langkawi was a vibrant destination, reminiscent of a less crowded Goa but with superior infrastructure.

Eager to unwind, we treated ourselves to a relaxing reflexology foot massage (which costed: 1470 INR for both), concluding our eventful day with a well-deserved rest, ready for more adventures in this lively Malaysian paradise.

Day 3 – Our day in Langkawi began with an early start and a delightful buffet breakfast at the hotel, all while enjoying the serene view of the sea. To kick off our journey, we hopped on a shared minibus for an exhilarating Island Hopping Tour from Jeti Teluk Baru. The Island hopping trip was booked from Klook at the cost of 1630 INR for both of us. As we cruised through the Malaysian seas, we visited several stunning locations, each holding its own unique charm.

The first stop on our island-hopping escapade was the Pregnant Lady Island. True to its name, the island resembles the legendary Lake of the Pregnant Maiden—a mythical lake with a hill shaped like a woman lying on her back. Next, we explored Dayang Buntin Marble Geosite– a forest-enclosed lake, immersing ourselves in the enchanting surroundings. The charges for admission was 6MYR in cash in the island. It is open for swimming and rafting for all the tourists. The ethereal beauty of this site left a lasting impression.

One of the highlights was the Eagle-feeding experience, where we witnessed majestic eagles up close, soaring through the skies. The tour continued with visits to a pristine beach, Pulau Beras Basah adding a touch of tropical paradise to our journey. The entire island-hopping adventure lasted 4-5 hours, providing us with unforgettable memories.

Following the maritime exploration, we headed to the Langkawi Skycab Cable Car, Sky bridge and Sky Glide that we booked using Klook at the price of 3436 INR for both of us—the highest cable car ride in all of Malaysia. The Skycab Cable Car took us through the eastern cliffs of Mt. Machinchang, offering breathtaking views of lush rain-forests and the surrounding archipelago. Ascending 708m above sea level, we were treated to panoramic vistas of Langkawi town and even glimpses of Southern Thailand. If you are planning to visit Langkawi, it is a must visit spot.

To conclude our day, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Langkawi night market. As it changes locations daily, we visited the Kedawang Night Market, a Tuesday’s feature. Indulging in local delicacies such as satay, Mee Goreng, and various desserts, we savoured the flavours of Langkawi. The culinary experiment was followed by a visit to Pantai Cenang(Pantai in Malaysian means beach), where we enjoyed a mesmerising fire show by a talented team.

By midnight, we returned to our hotel, exhausted but content, ready to recharge for the exciting experiences awaiting us on Day 4.

Day 4 – On the fourth day of our Malaysia Trip, we set out on an alluring morning cruise through the intricate mangrove forests of Kilim Geoforest Park. We booked the trip from local tour operators at the cost of INR 5178 for both. The day began with journey to Tanjung Rhu Bay. Our first stop was at Tanjung Rhu Fish Farm where we were educated about the fishes of the region. We resumed our journey on the boat and spotted Gorilla Mountain on our way.

Our journey took us deeper into the heart of Kilim Geoforest Park, where a naturalist-guided tour unfolded the secrets of this unique habitat. On our way we spotted Shoe island and some islands from Thailand. We marvelled at the intricate network of mangrove roots, a vital nursery for various marine species. The Crocodile cave added an element of excitement as we navigated through its mysterious passageways, appreciating the untouched beauty of this pristine environment.

On the way we visited Bat cave, house of thousands of Bats. The entry fee was INR 72 for both of us. While cruising through the river, As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, it created dappled patterns of light and shadow, enhancing the enchanting beauty of the Mangrove ecosystem when we encountered wild but friendly monkeys.

Amidst the tranquility, eagles soared gracefully overhead, showcasing their majestic presence in their natural habitat. Langkawi means Land of Eagles and at the Eagle Spotting place we realised how appropriate the name is. The mangrove forest, pulsating with life, allowed us to witness the vibrant ecosystem from morning to noon, an experience filled with awe and appreciation for the wonders of nature.

To complement this immersive journey, a local Sun Downer meal awaited us at the floating restaurant in Tanjung Rhu Fish Farm. Here, we indulged in a delightful feast while absorbing the stories shared by the naturalist, adding layers of knowledge to our exploration. After that we spent some time at Tanjung Rhu Beach. The white sand beach offers tranquility with stunning view that filled our hearts with with joy and contentment.

After returning, we headed towards Underwater World. The ticket price was INR 1890 for both of us and it took one hour to cover it. Eager to savour more moments by the beach, we headed to a beachside cafe, Yellow Beach Cafe, enjoyed a snack – before heading to the airport for our journey back to Kuala Lumpur, where a few more days of exploration awaited us.

Day 5 – Our fifth day in Malaysia promised a journey through history and nature on a shared tour, thoughtfully organised through Klook, to the iconic Batu Caves and the captivating Genting Highlands (Cost: 4368 INR for both).

Our exploration began at the legendary Batu Caves, a site steeped in history and spiritual significance and the colossal golden statue of Lord Murugan, standing as a guardian to the entrance. The caves, formed over millions of years, boast intricate Hindu sculptures and paintings, creating a sacred atmosphere within the natural limestone chambers. Home to a rich array of flora and fauna, the caves hold a special place in Malaysia’s cultural and religious heritage. Although entry to the dark cave was closed, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

From Batu Caves, our journey unfolded towards the renowned Genting Highlands, a cool hill station ensconced within a 100 million-year-old rainforest. This mountain retreat, just a short 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, was developed by the visionary Chinese entrepreneur Lim Goh Tong. The Genting Skyway, our means of transport, dazzled us with breathtaking views as we ascended through the clouds.

As we continued our ascent, we marvelled at the grandeur of Genting Highlands. The brainchild of Lim Goh Tong, this mountain retreat not only houses the beautiful Chin Swee Temple but also boasts the colossal Genting Grand Hotel, the largest hotel in the world with 7000 rooms and world-class amenities -a beacon of luxury perched amidst the cool mountain heights.

In the evening, we visited the KL tower by walk and also caught a glimpse of the Merdeka building. Revealing majestic city view from the observatory deck, we descended with a sense of awe.

Day 6 – On our sixth day, we started our amazing journey to Malacca, a city where time seems to stand still, echoing the footsteps of history along its cobblestone streets. The allure of Malacca lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but also in its profound historical significance. Again we booked this trip from Klook and it costed us around INR 5178 (with lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant) for both.

Our first stop was at St. Peter’s Church. The oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia follows strict dress code. Our next destination was A’Famosa, a historic fortress. We explored its ruins and learnt about its rich history, dating back to the 16th century. The heart of Malacca echoes with the whispers of centuries, and its churches stand as silent witnesses to the city’s storied past. The majestic St. Paul’s Church, perched atop St. Paul’s Hill, beckons with its weathered gravestones and timeless architecture. Descending towards the heart of the city, the Christ Church Melaka and the Red Square, adorned in striking red bricks, pay homage to Malacca’s Dutch colonial era.

As we traversed the charming lanes of Malacca, the Malacca Strait unfolding beside us, we were immersed in a living museum of diverse cultures and civilisations. The city’s UNESCO World Heritage status is a testament to its rich heritage, and this cultural diversity was palpable as we strolled through the Malacca Strait.

Beyond the architectural wonders, Malacca unfolded the narratives of its diverse communities. The Chitty Indians, with their unique blend of Hindu and Chinese cultures, presented a vibrant tapestry of traditions. Meanwhile, the Baba Nyonya, descendants of Chinese immigrants who married local Malays, left an indelible mark on Malacca’s cultural identity.

In the midst of this cultural odyssey, we encountered fellow travellers—a retired couple from Delhi, a couple from Canada, with the husband being a Sri Lankan native born in France and the wife a Canadian. Our diverse backgrounds added an extra layer to the shared experience, forging global connections amidst the historical splendours of Malacca.

Guided by a knowledgeable guide, our cultural exploration from Melaka River Walk to Jonker Street to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple visit, was enriched with historical context. The bus ride, comfortable and serene, provided a brief respite, allowing us to rest and rejuvenate. The encounter with Malacca’s cultural kaleidoscope was nothing short of a pleasure, and we were grateful for not missing this enriching chapter of our journey.

Day 7 – As our escapade drew to a close, we savoured a leisurely morning, relishing every moment before bidding farewell to Malaysia. Our destination for the day was Bukit Bintang. Venturing into the lively streets of Bukit Bintang, we found ourselves surrounded by a myriad of shopping havens, offering everything from high-end fashion to local treasures. Our retail odyssey became an opportunity to select gifts for our family, ending in getting a luxury bag that we(one of us) had our eyes on.From the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a luxury shopping haven, to the vibrant Berjaya Times Square Mall, the diversity of offerings catered to every taste.

Our retail endeavours were followed by a delightful lunch at a local eatery, savouring the flavours of Malaysian cuisine that had become an integral part of our journey. The culinary experience added a final layer to our Malaysian escapade, allowing us to indulge in the gastronomic delights that the country had to offer.

With our hearts full of memories and bags laden with gifts, we embarked on a serene trip back to the airport, a reflective journey punctuated by the vibrant tapestry of experiences we had woven throughout our Malaysian stay.

Flight:

• Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur( to and fro): Malindo /Batik air- 5hr25min- INR 50788 for 2 pax. 1 hand baggage and 1 check-in luggage.
• Kuala Lumpur- Langkawi (to and fro): Air Asia- INR 9092 for 2 pax. We had to buy 2 check-in luggages additionally at the cost of INR 5328 in total.

Accommodation

Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC):

Cost: INR 3618 per night for 1 night. Check-in: 3pm. Check out: 12pm.
Amenities: Ibis KLCC offers comfortable and modern accommodations. The amenities include an infinity pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and clean, well-designed rooms.
Location: Centrally located in Kuala Lumpur City Center, it’s within walking distance of major landmarks like the Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC mall.

Royal Agate Hotel, Langkawi:

Cost: INR 2288 per night for 2 nights. Check-in: 3pm. Check out: 12pm.
Amenities: Despite its economical pricing , Royal Agate Hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms, essential facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Location: The hotel is strategically placed at Pentai Chenang, one of the happening areas in the island.

Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur:

Cost: INR 5050 per night for 3 nights. Check-in: 3pm. Check out: 12pm.
Amenities: Concorde Hotel is known for its luxurious amenities, including a pool on the first floor, multiple dining options, spa, and well-appointed rooms.
Location: Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (KLCC), it offers proximity to KL Tower, shopping districts and entertainment hubs.

Points to Remember:

1. Documents Required: Malaysia is Visa free for Indians (not Visa on arrival). All you need is a Passport with at least 6 months of validity, MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) Form fill up that hardly takes 5 minutes and you are good to go. Make sure to fill-up the MDAC form as it gets checked during flight check-in and boarding at the airport. Also, we had printed copies of Flight Tickets, Hotel Bookings and Travel Insurance with us but none of these is checked anywhere.
2. Temperature: Malaysia is a tropical country with daytime temperatures hovering around 32-33 degrees Celsius. Consider the bright sun and occasional scorching heat while packing your bags. Don’t miss to pack your sunscreen, umbrella/hat or water bottle.
3. Clothes: There are places like Churches, Mosques or Temples where you need to be properly dressed. I prefer to keep Shrug or Scarf in my bag just in case.
4. Klook and Viator: We booked most of our trips and activities through Klook and Viator. Klook is more affordable than Viator.
5. Niyo: With low conversation charges, we prefer to pay by Niyo among all our forex and credit/Debit Cards.
6. Cash: It’s always safe to keep cash while traveling to an islands in a different country. Only cash is acceptable in most of the local stores or as entry fees.
7. Currency Conversion: It’s better to exchange cash in local Forex shops than at Airport (Airport shops have higher exchange rates). In actual, currently 1MYR equals to 18INR (almost). We lost around INR 7000 as exchange rate at the airport.
8. Petronas Towers Entry Ticket: If you are planning to visit Petronas Towers (Observatory decks and Sky Bridge), I’ll highly recommend to pre-book the tickets as there is high chances of the tickets being sold out. You have to be present 15 minutes prior to the actual time at the entry point of Petronas Tower (can be easily found at the ground floor of the Suria KLCC Mall). It generally takes 1 hour or so to visit.
9. KL Tower: Another important tower to visit in Kuala Lumpur is KL Tower. I walked in at the Ticket counter and was able to get ticket to Observatory deck at the cost of INR 864. The Skydeck and TW100 were closed.
10. Langkawi Sky Cab, Sky Bridge and Sky Glide: It is recommended to visit this must visit spot in afternoon because the sunset we experienced is one of the best sunsets of our lives.
11. Malacca/ Melaka: Most of the Museums and Boat Ride are closed on Friday.
12. Google Maps: I’d like to suggest to download the map of the cities offline.
13. Google Translator: I downloaded Malay language to translate it to English although it was rarely required. Most people understand and speak manageable English if not fluent.
14. Grab: Although we had installed Uber and Grab both but to be honest, Grab was saviour in this trip.
15. Go KL Bus Service: Malaysia’s local transportation is pretty advance with GoKL providing free bus services free of cost in 5 different routes( Red, Green, Blue, Purple and Orange). These routes can be easily found on Google.
16. KLIA Ekspres: Another convenient mode of transportation is Train – KLIA Ekspres. By mistake we had reached the wrong Terminal in Malaysia on the day back to India but took the KLIA Ekspres to reach the right terminal. It was on time and quick.
17. Marts: We were buying snacks from 7-11 or 24*7 marts. It’s affordable and can be found everywhere in KL and Langkawi.
18. Paid Washroom: Make sure to carry cash while using Washroom even at a mall. It’s not free. Also, at certain places, you’ll get facilities like Perfume, Talcum powder and Body Lotion.

As our Malaysia Trip concluded, we reflect on a journey that surpassed expectations. From vibrant Kuala Lumpur to serene Langkawi and the historical tapestry of Malacca, Malaysia revealed itself as a enchanting Southeast Asian gem.

Our hope is that our journey inspires fellow travellers to travel to Malaysia. Malaysia, with its efficiency, hospitality, and diverse landscapes, has left an imprint on our hearts. Terima kasih (thank you), Malaysia, for the diversity, discovery, and delightful surprises. Until our next adventure!