Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Essential Vaccinations:- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Recommended (depending on activities):- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies (if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors or with animals)
- Cholera
Routine Vaccinations:- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
- Polio
- Influenza
Always check with a healthcare provider for the latest advice based on your travel itinerary.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Malaysia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for MalaysiaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs in Malaysia by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Use your right hand for eating and giving. Public displays of affection aren’t common and can be frowned upon. For women, traveling alone is generally safe but dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet, as Malaysia has conservative views on homosexuality. Always ask before taking photos of people. Avoid touching anyone’s head, as it’s considered sacred.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Malaysia.
- Nasi Lemak: Considered the national dish, it’s a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and boiled or fried egg. It’s a breakfast staple and a comfort food for locals.
- Rendang: A slow-cooked dry curry, often made with beef, simmered in coconut milk and a rich mix of spices. Originally a ceremonial dish from the Minangkabau ethnic group, it’s now enjoyed widely across Malaysia.
- Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, bloody cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, and bean sprouts, infused with a smoky wok hei aroma. A Penang favorite and a street food classic.
- Satay: Skewered and grilled meat, typically chicken or beef, served with a spicy peanut sauce. It’s an essential part of Malaysian street food culture, often found at night markets and food stalls.
- Roti Canai: A flaky, crispy flatbread served with dhal or curry. Of Indian-Muslim origin, it’s a beloved breakfast or snack option that’s both cheap and filling.
Tap water in Malaysia is generally treated and safe for locals, but it’s not recommended for tourists to drink directly due to potential contamination in pipes. Most locals boil it or use filters, so it’s a good idea to stick to bottled or filtered water. You can easily find bottled water everywhere without breaking the bank.
The main language in Malaysia is
Malay. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Malay skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Malaysia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Malaysia,
English is widely spoken and understood, making it a convenient language for travelers. As a former British colony, the country has a significant English-speaking population, particularly in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among the younger generation. In cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca, you’ll find that most locals in the hospitality, retail, and service sectors are proficient in English.
While English is commonly used, proficiency may vary in rural areas, where Malay is the dominant language. However, many Malaysians are bilingual or multilingual, often speaking Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and other local dialects alongside English. Road signs, menus, and public information are typically available in English, further aiding navigation and communication.
Overall, travelers will likely find it easy to get by using English in Malaysia, but learning a few basic Malay phrases can enhance the experience and foster goodwill with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Malaysia is MYR (RM).
If you’re backpacking in Malaysia, it’s pretty straightforward when it comes to money. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist spots, but make sure your card is activated for international use before you leave. As for cash, it’s always handy to have some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for street food, small shops, and rural areas where card acceptance might be spotty.
Don’t bother bringing euros or dollars to use directly—they won’t be accepted for payments. Instead, exchange them for local currency. Money changers in major cities often offer better rates than banks, but always double-check rates and fees. In Kuala Lumpur, places like Mid Valley Megamall or Bukit Bintang have numerous options. Avoid exchanging at the airport unless you’re in a pinch, as the rates usually aren’t great.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but cash is king in smaller towns. Carry a mix of both, and you’ll be set. Lastly, consider getting a multi-currency travel card if you’re hopping around Southeast Asia, to save on conversion fees.
Tipping in Malaysia isn’t customary, but it’s appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, so no extra tip is necessary. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common, and hotel porters might expect 5-10 MYR per bag.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.