Welcome to Malaysia
Welcome to our Malaysia blog series, a journey into one of the most underrated travel destinations in Asia! From the moment we arrived, Malaysia has completely won us over. We’ve been soaking up the luxury lifestyle in Kuala Lumpur and seriously, you can live like royalty here for a fraction of what it would cost back in London! It’s not just the affordability though; the mix of modern city vibes, incredible food, and friendly locals has us falling in love. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or dreaming about a new place to live, Malaysia should be at the top of your list.
Come see what makes this country so special, it might just become your new favourite destination! We’re so excited to share all of our stories, top tips and recommendations to help you plan your travels.
Quick insights into Malaysia:
Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
Official Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), though English is widely spoken and understood
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Best Time to Visit: November to March (dry season) for the west coast and June to September for the east coast
Packing Essentials: Lightweight clothes (it can get very humid) and umbrella (unpredictable rain)
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Discover Sabah’s Hidden Rainforests: A Wildlife Lover’s Guide
While the Kinabatangan River is a great wildlife hotspot, Sabah has so much more to offer beyond the boats. From the pristine beauty of Danum Valley to the remote tranquility of Sungai Kapur, uncover immersive rainforest adventures for those ready to take wildlife spotting to the next level.
The Kinabatangan River is one of Sabah’s most famous wildlife destinations, and for good reason. Cruising along its winding waters, you’re almost guaranteed to spot incredible creatures, from pygmy elephants to kingfishers. But there’s another side to Sabah that many travellers overlook due to budget constraints: its untouched, immersive rainforests. If you’re ready to go beyond the popular spots and step into true wilderness, places like Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Sungai Kapur are calling your name.
Beyond the Boats: Why Explore Deeper?
Kinabatangan is a great introduction to Borneo’s wildlife, especially for budget-conscious travellers. However, it’s also become a highly touristic path, with most tours focusing on boat-based wildlife spotting. While the sightings are remarkable, they’re often from a distance and inside a boat. For those who crave a more intimate and immersive experience, venturing into Sabah’s deeper rainforests is a game-changer.
Danum Valley: Imagine trekking through ancient rainforests, where every step brings you closer to nature. Here, you can walk among towering trees, spot gibbons swinging above, and listen to the haunting calls of hornbills. Guided treks ensure you don’t miss a thing, and the possibility of spotting a Clouded Leopard adds an extra rush.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve: Known for its unique mud volcanoes and night safaris, Tabin offers a completely different perspective on Borneo’s biodiversity. Nighttime brings the forest alive with glowing eyes and curious sounds.
Sungai Kapur: For the true adventurer, this remote and untouched haven offers the chance to disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in pure wilderness. Few travellers make it here, ensuring you’ll have the forest almost to yourself.
Tips for Planning Your Adventure
Research Your Destinations: Each rainforest has its own unique charm. Consider your interests and physical fitness when choosing where to go.
Invest in Quality Experiences: While these destinations may cost more, the depth of the experience is worth every penny if you have the budget.
Pack Wisely: Bring sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, and a good camera to make the most of your adventure.
Book Early: Accommodations in remote areas fill up fast, so secure your spot well in advance.
How to Start Planning the Perfect Trip Deep in Borneo’s Sabah Rainforest
If you’re ready to explore Sabah’s wildest corners, our Guide to Discovering Wildlife Beyond the Boats of Kinabatangan is the perfect resource. Inside, you’ll find:
Practical tips for remote destinations: Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Sungai Kapur.
Recommendations for the best eco-lodges and guided experiences.
Insights into what makes each rainforest unique.
This guide is designed for travellers who want to step off the beaten path and experience Borneo’s Sabah in its purest form.
Grab your guide here and start planning your adventure today!
A Guide to Discovering Wildlife Beyond the Boats of Kinabatangan: Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Sungai Kapur
Would you prefer to invest in a more immersive wildlife experience? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to drop a like and share. 🐆✨
Our Malaysia Videos
We Tried Visiting Every Mall in Kuala Lumpur in Less Than 12 Hours (EXTREMELY HARD CHALLENGE!)
THIS IS MALAYSIA?! Kuala Lumpur Really Shocked Us
The City With The CHEAPEST LUXURY LIFESTYLE in Asia (UNDERRATED CITY)
Beating ALL the Tourists to the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
Top Budget Tips for Wildlife Experiences in Kinabatangan, Sepilok & Sandakan
Dreaming of spotting orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and more without blowing your budget? Discover top tips for affordable accommodations, local dining, and cost-effective wildlife tours in Sabah. Explore how to make the most of your adventure with insider advice that saves you money without sacrificing the experience!
Borneo is a land of breathtaking rainforests, exotic wildlife, and unforgettable experiences, but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. When we first planned our trip to Sabah, Borneo, we were determined to experience its incredible biodiversity without overspending. What we discovered is that, with the right approach, you can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a budget.
A Day on the Kinabatangan River
Picture this: It’s early morning, and the mist clings to the surface of the Kinabatangan River. Your small boat glides quietly through the water as you scan the treetops. Suddenly, a flash of movement, a family of proboscis monkeys swings from branch to branch. Later, your guide points out a distant couple of hornbills flying together. These magical moments are what make Kinabatangan special, and they don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to Kinabatangan, Sepilok, and Sandakan without breaking the bank.
Travel Tips for a Cost-Effective Adventure
Affordable Stays: Look for budget-friendly jungle lodges or riverside hostels. Many offer basic but comfortable rooms that let you stay close to nature.
Group Wildlife Tours: Join shared boat tours to save money while trying to spot estuarine crocodiles, hornbills, and pygmy elephants. These tours are often led by knowledgeable guides who can enhance your wildlife experience.
Self-Guided Adventures: In Sepilok, skip the guided packages and save money by exploring the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre at your own pace. Both are easy to navigate and incredibly rewarding.
Local Eats: Sandakan is known for its fresh seafood and local cuisine. Eat like a local at lively markets and family-run eateries to enjoy authentic flavours at affordable prices.
Smart Transport: Use public buses, ride-hailing apps or shared vans to travel between destinations. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to experience local culture along the way.
These tips helped us create a trip full of rich experiences and close encounters with Sabah’s wildlife, and we hope they help you too!
How to Plan the Perfect Trip on a Backpacker’s Budget
For more detailed advice, hidden gems, and insider recommendations, check out our Backpacker’s Guide to Kinabatangan, Sepilok & Sandakan. It’s packed with tips that helped us save $300!
Discover affordable accommodations and tours.
Make the most of your time at key wildlife spots.
Stretch your money while maximising your adventure.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this guide is your go-to resource for an unforgettable and budget-friendly trip.
Grab the guide here and start planning your adventure today!
Backpacker’s Guide to Kinabatangan, Sepilok & Sandakan
Have you travelled to Sabah yet? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to drop a like and share. 🦧✨
Our Malaysia Videos
We Tried Visiting Every Mall in Kuala Lumpur in Less Than 12 Hours (EXTREMELY HARD CHALLENGE!)
THIS IS MALAYSIA?! Kuala Lumpur Really Shocked Us
The City With The CHEAPEST LUXURY LIFESTYLE in Asia (UNDERRATED CITY)
Beating ALL the Tourists to the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
A Guide to Your First Hour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Landing in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)? This guide covers everything you need to know in your first hour. From airport essentials and transport options to must-try local bites. Get your trip off to a smooth start!
Touching down in a new country is always exciting, but that first hour can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you're a first-time visitor or just need a refresher, this blog will help you navigate your arrival in Kuala Lumpur smoothly, that way you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying Malaysia’s vibrant capital.
Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know
Before stepping off the plane, make sure you meet Malaysia’s entry requirements. Many nationalities, including visitors from the UK, US, Australia, and most of Europe, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. However, always check the latest rules before you fly. If you need a visa on arrival, have a valid return ticket and proof of accommodation ready.
Malaysia also requires all visitors to have at least six months of validity left on their passport from the date of arrival. It may sound silly but you also need to make sure your passport is in good condition, with no missing pages.
In addition, travellers must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before flying (you can do it within 3 days before arriving to Malaysia). So many people get caught out by this and end up spending hours in immigration to complete it. Some airlines may check this at boarding, so it’s best to do it in advance. If you’re only transiting and not passing through immigration, you can skip this step. Check the Malaysian Immigration website for full details and exemptions.
Once you land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), immigration is usually smooth, but during peak hours, queues can take time. Having your passport and completed arrival card ready will help you get through faster. You should also be aware that if you are travelling in a group or with your partner you have to go through immigration one at a time, which we noticed is very common in many countries in Asia. That means if you want to save time and avoid headaches you should make sure that everyone in your group has the required information and is aware of the plans for your stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Transport Apps: Getting Around Kuala Lumpur
Public transport in KL is decent and sometimes faster, but rideshare apps like Grab are the easiest way to get around, especially when you're fresh off a long flight. AirAsia Ride and InDrive are other options, but Grab is the most widely used.
Getting from KLIA to KLCC
Your main transport options from the airport are:
Grab or Taxi: Expect to pay around RM75–RM100 ($17–$22) for a ride to central KL, plus toll fees (which are automatically added to your fare).
KLIA Ekspres Train: A fast and hassle-free way to reach KL Sentral in 28 minutes (RM55 / $12 one-way).
Airport Buses: The budget-friendly option (RM15 / $3), but much slower around 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you're heading straight to KLCC (where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers are), Grab is usually the most convenient option, but the train can be quicker if you want to avoid potential traffic (heavy traffic is common in KLCC during rush hour around 8am to 9am and 6pm to 7pm).
Currency Exchange: Where to Get the Best Rates
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM), and while many places accept card payments, cash is still widely used. Especially for smaller restaurants, street food vendors, and local markets.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as rates tend to be poor.
Instead, head to Mid Valley, Bukit Bintang, or Central Market for some of the best exchange rates in town.
If you prefer using ATMs, Maybank, CIMB, and HSBC are reliable options. Just check for international withdrawal fees with your bank.
Staying Connected in Kuala Lumpur
Having data from the moment you land makes everything so much easier in our opinion, whether it’s booking a Grab, checking currency rates, or finding your hotel. Instead of searching for a SIM card shop at the airport, we use iRoamly Travel eSIMs for instant and simple eSIM setup.
With iRoamly, there are many flexible data plan options to suit the duration of your trip and your budget. If you mainly need data to stay in touch with your family, book Grabs and post your amazing photos on social media we recommend the plan below with 10GB for only $10 (depends on how many service days you choose).
Source: iRoamly.com
However, if your trip involves visiting other places in Malaysia, outside of Kuala Lumpur we would recommend an unlimited data plan. This is because the Wifi connection is pretty good in Kuala Lumpur, but if you go to more remote areas and islands you may not have Wifi in your hotel and therefore require more data. We visited Pangkor island and our hotel did not have Wifi in the room but we were able to hotspot our devices with our iRoamly eSIMs. A plan with unlimited data does cost more but at least you have the freedom to browse, watch videos and hotspot other devices.
Source: iRoamly.com
The setup is quick, and there’s no need to swap out your physical SIM card (this means you can keep your phone number active to make sure you don’t miss any important messages). Just download, activate, and you’re good to go!
Must-Visit Locations in Your First Few Hours
If you have time before/ after checking into your hotel, here are a few places worth stopping by:
Petronas Towers & KLCC Park – Get your first glimpse of KL’s famous skyline.
Chinatown (Petaling Street) – Great for cheap souvenirs and street food.
Batu Caves – If you’re feeling adventurous, visit this colourful Hindu temple just outside the city.
For a quick cultural intro, Chinatown and Merdeka Square are easy to explore within an hour or two.
Grab a Bite to Eat
You can’t visit KL without trying the local food. If you’re arriving hungry, here’s where to go:
Mon Chinese Beef Roti – Flaky, crispy roti (flatbread) stuffed with flavourful Chinese-style beef or chicken.
White Burger – A local favourite serving up juicy burgers with signature white buns.
Rumah Kuning – A cosy spot for authentic Malaysian comfort food.
For something truly local, order Teh Tarik (pulled tea) and a plate of Roti Canai, a traditional Malaysian breakfast that you’ll probably want to eat every day!
Pro Tip:
We’ve done the hard work for you! After 3 months exploring, we’ve put together an epic list of over 95 must-visit spots in KL! 👉Find out straight away which are the best landmarks, local food spots, rooftop bars and more.
95+ Must Visit Locations in Kuala Lumpur - Ultimate Google Maps Guide
Final Thoughts
Your first hour in Kuala Lumpur doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right apps, a good data plan, and a little knowledge about transport and currency exchange, you’ll be ready to dive into everything this incredible city has to offer.
If you’re looking for more Malaysia travel tips, stay tuned, we spent 3 months in Malaysia so we’ll be sharing more insider blogs soon! 🚀
If you found this blog helpful don’t forget to like, share and leave a comment!
Our Malaysia Videos
We Tried Visiting Every Mall in Kuala Lumpur in Less Than 12 Hours (EXTREMELY HARD CHALLENGE!)
THIS IS MALAYSIA?! Kuala Lumpur Really Shocked Us
The City With The CHEAPEST LUXURY LIFESTYLE in Asia (UNDERRATED CITY)
Beating ALL the Tourists to the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
Best 5 Malls to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the most exciting malls in Southeast Asia, offering everything from high-end fashion to bargain shopping and even theme parks. Whether you're looking for luxury brands, unique local finds, or a fun day out, these five malls are the best places to shop, dine, and explore!
Kuala Lumpur is a shopper’s paradise, packed with malls that cater to every budget and interest. Whether you’re after luxury brands, affordable finds, or just an epic food court, KL’s malls offer way more than just shopping, they’re full entertainment hubs. To help you navigate the city’s many shopping malls, we’ve rounded up our top five must-visit malls, along with how far they are from a very well known landmark - the Petronas Twin Towers.
1. The Exchange TRX – KL’s Newest Luxury Mall
📍 Location: Tun Razak Exchange
📏 Distance from City Centre: 2.5 km (10 min by car, 1 stop via MRT, 32 min walk)
🛍 Best For: High-end shopping, dining, rooftop park
🌐 Website: The Exchange TRX
Opened in late 2023, The Exchange TRX is KL’s newest and flashiest mall, featuring designer brands, fine dining, and an impressive rooftop park with stunning city views. It’s directly connected to the TRX MRT station, making it easy to reach. An interesting fact is that The Exchange TRX is where Malaysia’s first-ever Apple Store opened in June 2024.
Don’t miss: The TRX City Park, a scenic spot for a break between shopping sprees.
2. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – The Ultimate Shopping Experience
📍 Location: Bukit Bintang
📏 Distance from City Centre: 1.5 km (5 min by car, 20 min walk)
🛍 Best For: Luxury brands, international retailers, foodies
🌐 Website: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
A KL must-visit, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is home to every international brand you can think of, plus one of the best food courts in the city. It’s located in Bukit Bintang, the city’s main shopping district, surrounded by lively bars and cafes.
Don’t miss: The Tokyo Street section on the 6th floor, where you’ll find Japanese snacks, quirky souvenirs, and matcha treats.
3. Suria KLCC – Shopping Beneath the Petronas Towers
📍 Location: KLCC
📏 Distance from City Centre: 0 km (It’s inside the Petronas Towers complex!)
🛍 Best For: Mid-range shopping, family-friendly attractions
🌐 Website: Suria KLCC
Located right below the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC is one of the city’s most iconic malls. It’s a great mix of high-end and mid-range stores, but what makes it special is the variety of attractions inside, including an aquarium, an art gallery, and the Petrosains Discovery Centre.
Don’t miss: The KLCC Park outside the mall, which has a light and fountain show every evening at 8 PM.
4. 1 Utama – One of the Largest Malls in the World
📍 Location: Bandar Utama
📏 Distance from City Centre: 14 km (25 min by car, 40 min by MRT)
🛍 Best For: Everything – shopping, food, entertainment
🌐 Website: 1 Utama Shopping Centre
1 Utama is one of the biggest malls in the world, with over 700 stores, an indoor surfing wave pool, a rock climbing gym, and even a rooftop rainforest garden. You could spend an entire day here and still not see everything!
Don’t miss: The Secret Garden on the rooftop is a hidden green space perfect for a quick escape from the crowds.
5. Berjaya Times Square – A Mega Mall with an Indoor Theme Park
📍 Location: Imbi
📏 Distance from City Centre: 2 km (10 min by car, 10 min by monorail, 30 min walk)
🛍 Best For: Bargain shopping, entertainment, family-friendly attractions
🌐 Website: Berjaya Times Square
One of Kuala Lumpur’s largest malls, Berjaya Times Square offers more than just shopping. With over 1,000 stores, it’s a paradise for bargain hunters looking for fashion, gadgets, and souvenirs. But what truly sets it apart is the indoor theme park, featuring a full-size roller coaster right inside the mall!
Don’t miss: A ride on the Supersonic Odyssey roller coaster and exploring the specialty stores on the upper floors.
Getting Around KL’s Malls
Most of these malls are easily accessible by Grab (ride-hailing), MRT, or even on foot, but to navigate confidently, you’ll need mobile data. Whether you're booking a ride, checking MRT schedules, or using Google Maps to find the best entrance, having reliable internet is essential in KL.
We used iRoamly Travel eSIMs to stay connected, and in Malaysia, we were able to get fast and reliable internet for as little as $2 per day.
Which KL mall is your favourite? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this blog make sure to drop a like and share. 🛍✨
Our Malaysia Videos
We Tried Visiting Every Mall in Kuala Lumpur in Less Than 12 Hours (EXTREMELY HARD CHALLENGE!)
THIS IS MALAYSIA?! Kuala Lumpur Really Shocked Us
The City With The CHEAPEST LUXURY LIFESTYLE in Asia (UNDERRATED CITY)
Beating ALL the Tourists to the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur