Whether you’re a local Malaysian exploring your country or an outside-visitor, these travel tips from Local Malay are handy. Who else should give advice about traveling in Malaysia other than the residents themselves?
With their handy travel tips, you will discover many new cultures, places, and people in the most convenient ways possible!
8 Handy Travel Tips Given by Local Malaysians Themselves:
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“Travel Cheap in the Right Season”
Malaysians know their country’s weather and climate better than anyone else. Yes, the Monsoon Season brings with it quite heavy rain, but it’s also the cheapest time to travel.
It’s not because the weather cooperates in this time of the year. But it’s the travel industry’s seasonal time where all travel prices go down. This way, you can save up a lot on flights, hotels, and other activities. Take advantage of this tip by visiting Sabah or Sarawak in East Malaysia!
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“It’s Safe to Sleep Anywhere and Everywhere”
Malaysian Locals say: it’s safe to sleep in Bed and Breakfasts or Transient Hotels. These cheap places are definitely safe to sleep in. So for those who are concerned with security, don’t fret. You can save up on money by sleeping in a cheap but comfy room.
Besides, it’s best you experience something really Malaysian that will bring out the country’s charm. After all, Malaysia is a unique and colorful country. Take for example, Sunflowers House Homestay in Kuala Lumpur. It’s both a cozy Homestay and a Yoga-center!
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“Learn Local Malay Phrases”
Malaysia is a multi-cultural and multi-racial country. There’s not only Malay, but Chinese Malay and Indian Malay. They all speak different languages. And although Manglish (Malay + English) is a thing, it’s better to know some local Malay phrases.
According to Local Malay, these are some of the essentials:
- Thank You = Terima kasih (te-ree-mah ka-seh)
- Yes = Ya
- No = Tidak
- How Much? = Berapa (be-raa-paa)
- Beautiful! = Cantik (chan-tek)
- Please = Tolong (toh-long)
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“Immerse in Local Communities Different from your Own”
Try to discover more of other Malay communities and peoples that you’re not familiar with. Malay people are generally kind and accommodating, why not take advantage of that by befriending other Malaysians from different communities? You’ll learn a lot from them and you’ll also gain a few contacts in different places in the country as well.
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“Be Adventurous, Try New Malaysian Food”
This is one of the more delicious travel tips. Malaysian food is diverse, it’s different in every place. Penang even has their own version of Laksa called Penang Asam Laksa.
Discover more of Malaysian culture by eating other region’s take on Malaysian food. It’s sure to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
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“Always Use Public Transportation”
Malaysian Locals advice people to stay away from taxis. They tend to overcharge, which is why most use transportation-hailing apps like Uber. Still, they might seem tempting when you’re already getting lost in a place you’re not familiar with.
Try to avoid the taxi-temptation! Use public transportation as much as possible. It will also give you a glimpse into the true Malaysian-experience.
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“Get Ready to Go Hiking”
Malaysia has a lot of beautiful rainforests and mountains. There are even a lot of travel-trails close to KL city. You’ll never know when but it’s likely that you might go hiking as an exercise and travel activity.
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“Avoid Tourist Spots at All Costs”
This is no-brainer advice, but it still must be said. Avoid the usual Tourist Spots! And by the usual tourist spots, we mean the places that were purposefully created to gain tourist and travel traffic. If you really want to experience Malaysia, then avoid the usual attractions you know will be crowded.
Local Malay’s advice? Explore Hidden Gems in Malaysia not everyone knows about. We made a list specifically for you!
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