We will be going to Malaysia next year. We're also going to the Middle East, but that's more easily planned. Time is limited, so we want to spend some time in just 2 or 3 places. We have just over a week. We will arrive near the end of March. We're not planning on hiring a car- we will be on a bit of a budget anyway. I understand it's still pretty wet in March, so perhaps KL isn't great. We don't like the big cities anyway, and shopping isn't really a priority. My wife has been to KL and Malacca so would like to see other places. I enjoyed the Cameron Highlands many years ago, but I've heard that a lot of it has been cleared, and it's nowhere near as good these days. Does anybody have any feedback? Given the tail end of The Wet, is it worth while to head to the East Coast? If so, which destination?
The Kuching part of Malaysia's nice. It's a place that I reckon I could have stayed a lot longer than I did. I think it appeals to people from Sydney.
I was planning to visit kuching in early January but had to can it. Sigh. @geoffw I have a friend there and if u r visiting I can connect you both and he could take you around.
Thank you. But I guess I was only thinking of West (peninsular) Malaysia at this stage. Flights might take a chunk out of limited time and budget.
The North-East Monsoon strikes between November and February and so the East Coast are generally best avoided during this period. Yeah, East Coast like Terengganu in March may still get the tail end of the North-East Monsoon especially if the Monsoon is late. But Terengganu has got beautiful, pristine beaches. The rains are a lot heavier on the east side of the peninsula and they can disrupt boat crossings, and some of the resorts close during November - February, re-opening in March. Some places that would be nice to visit are Langkawi island (sun and sand), Penang (culture, food, historical town like Georgetown, history as British Straits Settlement ) and Ipoh.
I have been to Malaysia about four times, it has the best food with its Malay, Chinese and Indian. KK is good for shopping and food and big city stuff. I enjoyed Langkawi as was in a nice resort, but lacked a little authenticity. Penang probably my favourite island stay as has fantastic hawker food at cheap prices. Kota Kinabalu was ok but I was just passing through. Sabah was very relaxing but more remote.
I really liked Sabah... but that's not on the mainland. Travelling from Kota Kinabula to Sandakan was a good little adventure. Lots to see & do.
I've only been to KL and Malacca, but I've heard good things about Penang - especially if you are into eating. (This was from a Malaysian too, not a tourist)
From a tourist perspective, I really liked Penang (the island ). Easy to get around & see the sites in a few days with great food but then again, everywhere in Malaysia is a foodies treat. I'd certainly recommend to anyone who wants a short stay on NW Peninsula.
You have a week which is very good. Since you dislike the city, why not skip the Peninsula altogether and go to Sabah? As your family grows and life becomes more hectic, you'll find it even harder to go in the future. Have a look at Lonely Planet Thorntree.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll check it out. I'm glad I sound young. We are in our early 60s, with grown daughters and no grandchildren at this stage.
I would only have grandchildren I'm not aware of if I had children I'm not aware of. I'm quite sure my two known daughters haven't had children.
Sorry my bad. No, not sorry. The logic remains: hubby and I tried to go to 'more challenging' places first. .
