Malaysia was a destination that surprised me. It’s a country that most backpackers skip over, so I went into it with low expectations and ended up falling in love! Here are 20 photos to inspire you to visit Malaysia.
If you are coming to Southeast Asia, you must visit Malaysia!
When I told the group of backpackers at my hostel that I was planning to overland between the Thai Islands and Singapore, they were all silent. None of the usual backpacker advice (read: trying to one-up each other’s travels) was given. Every single one of them had skipped Malaysia or just visited KL, assuming that there wasn’t much to see. Oh boy, were they wrong! Malaysia may not be firmly on the backpacker trail but it has so much to offer.
Seriously, this country was amazing! In three short weeks, I climbed mountains in Langkawi, explored the amazing street art in Penang, got ridiculously lost in Kuala Lumpur and soaked in the rich history of Melakka.
I had a jam packed visit, but there was still so much I didn’t get to see! Because it was monsoon season, I skipped the Perhentian islands and Borneo, which are said to have amazing dive sites.
Malaysia is often overlooked by travelers but has so much culture and adventure to offer!
Though what I loved most about the country was how its melting pot of culture. There is such strong influences from the Chinese, Indian, Dutch and Portuguese cultures. I l enjoyed exploring the vibrant neighborhoods in places like Georgetown, where you had the clan jetties just a few blocks away from a bustling little India.
And, of course, this mash of cultures led to an amazing array of food choices! I feasted on traditional Malay food, frequented food hawker stalls and ate my weight in chicken and rice balls! There were so many delicious options. If you visit Malaysia, you won’t go hungry!
I truly enjoyed my 3 weeks backpacking this country and can’t wait to go back someday. I hope that this post inspired you to add Malaysia to your bucket list!
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Amazing photos! Malaysia is one of the places in SE Asia that I HAVEN’T visited yet – but really want to!
Love the colours in the pictures. Years ago I worked in Taiwan; I used to go to Thailand to renew my visa each month. Just before one of the visa trips, my boss asked if I would like to go to Malaysia instead – he could get cheap tickets, he told me. I had a girlfriend and daughter in Thailand and told him ‘no, thanks.’ Kinda always regretted that decision – maybe one day…
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It’s a beautiful country! Hope you get to visit someday 🙂
I just recently visited a few SE Asia destinations and Malaysia was definitely one that I feel like I missed out on! It has been on my list for SUCH a long time and your photos are totally inspiring me to make it happen soon! The mural of the little boy on the chair is especially intriguing 🙂
Hope you make it someday!
Your photos are amazing and agree with you that Malaysia is underrated as a tourist destination. I enjoyed my time there and would definitely want to go back! It was quite an experience and was able to see most of the ones you photographed here!
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Beautiful photos! I loved the Batu Caves and Petronas Towers – and the street art in Penang is incredible! There was hardly any art there when we visited years ago. It might be time for a return visit!
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The area has got a reputation so many artists have gone and created art there recently! Definitely worth a second visit!
I spent 36 hours in KL this summer on a long layover and although I didn’t get to see much (just Petronas, Batu caves and a heck of a lot of malls!) I really loved the vibe of the place. Would love to go back and explore more of the country one day, it looks beautiful!
I hope you do because the best of Malaysia is outside of KL! The malls in KL though ?
Gorgeous pics and I’m definitely inspired. I am going next month actually but I only have one week there. Super excited!
Enjoy Malaysia!
I loved my (brief) trip to Malaysia, such an interesting place to visit. These are great photos and certainly make me want to return. I love the street art with the two children and the bicycle! Very clever.
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Yes the street art in Penang was amazing! I had way to much fun taking photos!
We traveled for 4 months in SEA but didn’t have time to go to Malaysia. I really wanted to go and now your pictures make me want to go even more. I love the canal!!
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I’ve got a trip planned to Malaysia in March! Not that I needed more encouragement to go there, but your photos definitely got me more excited! I think I am most excited to see the street art in Georgetown and also to try all the local foods!
If you are a foodie there is this street hawker center called Red Garden in Penang that you can’t miss. So many amazing options. Enjoy 🙂
I would love to visit Langkawi. I recently stayed in KL for four days, and I plan to return to Malaysia by 2020. I had such a great time there! May I ask, what was your favorite place or activity? I fell in love with the food, for sure.
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Langkawi is amazing! My favorit place was Penang though! The city had so much culture and history. I LOVED the street art and especially the food scene. There were so many amazing hawker centers and every one let us in even though we were foreigners!
Totally agree with this!! People often overlook Malaysia, but it was honestly one of my favorite places I have ever been! Loved all of your photos, as well. They are making me want to go back to Malaysia haha
Thanks, Tarah! It’s definitely bucket list worthy but is too often left off people’s itinerary. I guess that leaves quieter tourist attractions for me so maybe I should stop writing about it 😉
Wonderful pictures! The grafitti shots are cool! I would like to visit Malaysia one day. 🙂
Hope you go someday! It’s an amazing country.
Malaysia looks full of color and culture! Great photos. Hopefully someday I’ll get to visit Asia, although it’s quite a long flight!
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It was a long flight! Our flight home was 18 hours non-stop!
You pictures are amazing, Kassie! I loved their street art! What’s your favourite thing you’ve seen there?
Hmm that is such a tough one! In Malaysia in general, I think my favorite thing I saw was the Langkawi Skybridge or the Batu Caves. Both were really cool and unique experiences.