Kuala Lumpur & Penang Adventure: A 5-Day Malaysian Journey (Budget: ~7 Million VND/Person)
Here's a peek into our amazing 5-day self-guided adventure through Malaysia! We traveled as a group of 4, and here's how we made the most of it.
✈️ Flights
We scored some great deals on AirAsia tickets about a month in advance for our route: Ho Chi Minh City → Kuala Lumpur → Penang → Ho Chi Minh City. It cost us around 3 million VND per person. If you're willing to hunt for deals, you might find even better prices!
📱 SIM Card
We opted for an eSIM from Gigago. We even snagged a 5% discount when booking! It was super convenient. You receive a QR code via email, and all you need to do upon arrival is enable data roaming – instant 5G! No more fumbling with physical SIM cards or waiting for delivery.
🏨 Hotels
We booked 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur and 2 nights in Penang, totaling about 1 million VND per person.
Heads up: Malaysia has a tourism tax of 4–5 ringgit per person per night. You pay this directly at the front desk, and it's not included in your room rate.
🚗 Getting Around
Grab is affordable, but prices fluctuate based on the time of day. Remember to factor in an extra ~3.5 ringgit for toll fees when traveling to/from the airport.
Avoid taxis – their prices are notoriously high.
Kuala Lumpur: Must-See Spots & Food Adventures
Here are some of the highlights of Kuala Lumpur:
- Jalan Alor: A buzzing nighttime food street. Close to Bukit Bintang & Pavilion Mall – perfect for endless photo ops.
- Batu Caves: Get there before 8 AM to avoid the crowds. The colorful staircase is iconic!
- Thean Hou Temple: Every angle is picture-perfect. Tell your driver "Thean Hou Kong" for easy navigation.
- Merdeka Square: European architecture creates a perfect backdrop for photos.
- Masjid Wilayah: The largest mosque in KL. Friendly guides, complimentary water, and free entry.
- Petronas Twin Towers: The symbol of Malaysia. Be prepared for vendors – haggle for the best price!
Penang: Art, Culture, and Charm
Penang feels like a blend of Hoi An and a thriving art scene!
- George Town: Explore the old town and discover amazing street art. Be prepared to walk to discover it! The locals are incredibly friendly and often yield to you taking photos.
- Chew Jetty: Wooden houses on the pier. Don't miss Big Bowl Noodles for an unforgettable meal.
🍽️ Foodie Finds
Here's a glimpse into what we ate:
Kuala Lumpur: Mostly fried chicken, Seven Eleven snacks, or Wan Tan Mee (wonton noodles).
Penang:
- Tai Tong Dimsum: Delicious and diverse. The chicken feet in black bean sauce are a must-try.
- Char Koay Teow: The best is at the Gurney Drive night market.
- Big Bowl Noodles: Enormous noodles. The spicy Tom Yum version is a delicious challenge!
⚠️ Quick Tips
- Airport Advice: Ladies, dress respectfully and wear light makeup to avoid any unnecessary scrutiny from immigration.
- Airport Time: Arrive at the airport 3 hours early due to potential traffic and Grab wait times.
- Photo Secrets: Wear yellow, white, or red clothing, and use RNI Tech2 + Lightroom/Snapseed to edit your photos for stunning results.
🎒 Overall Budget (~7 Million VND Per Person)
The overall cost depends on your spending habits. We traveled in a group of 4, so we split the costs, making it quite reasonable.
I hope this helps you plan your Malaysian adventure!
If you're planning a trip to Malaysia and have questions, don't hesitate to ask! ✈️
```