Kuala Lumpur:
This is a rather busy city which can be quite expensive for Malaysia standards! Its definity worth a few days as the petronas towers are incredible to see. Many people go see them and pay to ride up to a high level to get a view of the city. I went to see the towers but recommend going up to the KL tower nearby instead as its much higher up and give you a really nice view of the city area and you can seejust how the towers stick out of the buildings like a shuttle taking off into space. Its far better to do it this way! Instead of being inside of them. If you stay for a few nights the cheapest place to stay is in china town. The night life can be quite pricey so be cautious where you choose to go. Near the city is a place called Batu caves where you should really go check out. There's a huge climb up the stairs to get there and is a rather holy temple with all sorts offerings inside the caves, including monkeys that will snatch anything they can get their hands on if you tempt them so keep all your belongs secure. 3-4 days is all you would need here.
Penang:
This island lies on the west coast in the north. The main city there is georgetown which does not have much to offer and is full of purse snatching thieves. So PLEASE be careful there.. Trust me! The island itself is quit large and there is one nice beach area called Batu Ferringhi. Its really nice and you can stay there for a bit more money but I do recommend you do this if possible instead. We hired motorcycles and drove to other sights on the island which were cool so if can brave the city traffic than do this as well. 3 days on this island would be more than enough.
Langkawi:
This is another large island on the west coast just north of penang. It is much better and unless you desire to go to penang than I'd probably give it a miss and go here in stead. Its possible to catch a ferry from penang to here or along the main land in malaysia. I also heard travelers coming and going to thailand from this island too so I know there is ferries there to. Its white sand beaches are picture perfect and its crystal clear waters wash your every worry away. The accommodation is quite affordable and this island is also quite massive so I would again hire a motorcycle and drive around the island as there is lots to see and some more gorgeous beaches on the northpart of the island too that you should check out for sure. There is a really nice waterfall too on this island. I'd suggest nothing less than 4 days here to soak it all in as the beaches here are as gorgeous as SE asia beaches get.
Alor star:
I can remember there is something nice to see around here but not worth staying any more than 1 night. This place is a good city to catch a ferry to or from langkawi and that's about it. From here I boarded a night bus to Kota Bharu which is on the east coast. I do remember not sleeping at all on this night bus as the roads across are crazy small and windy and our driver scared the hell out of me the whole time. So if your planning a night trip I wish you luck and a driver who is not in a race to get somewhere as fast as possible.. Yikes!
Kota Bharu:
I recommend going here as there are some amazingly wondrous markets to check out and the building offers endless floors of items being sold in the most lively fashion you could ever imagine. This city is located in the NE corner close to the border of thailand. It can be reached most easily by bus or the jungle train. We spent 2 nights here which was enough and then took a bus to kuala besut which is a small town where you can board a ferry and head over to the almighty Perhentian Islands.
Perhentian Island:
These islands are perfectly placed and contain some of the nicest beaches this world could ever offer. There are two separate islands and the smaller island Kecil is where you must go! The other island is larger and full of tourist and family resorts so no need to stay there as there are plenty of budget accommodations on Kecil on long beach. Ahhh! Do I ever miss this little piece of paradise. If you can afford to spend a week on this island just to kick back, relax, and enjoy the
feeling of being on one the best places on earth then Please do so. Everything about this island is stunning and will leave the most satisfying feeling in your body you surely won't forget. Monitor
lizards can be found searching for prey all over this island There is tons to do to pass the time If laying on the white sand beaches just isn't your thing including diving, taking your diving course (I did), snorkelling with black tip reef sharks, chasing enormous sea turtles around on a snorkel trip, or just relaxing and socializing, the world is your oyster and so dive right in. If you decide to explore these islands more I know the island directly south called Redang has really good diving but it is a lot more expensive to dive and stay here.
Jungle train:
Taking the train through the jungle was quite exciting and a journey I would recommend indeed but take it in the daytime if possible so you won't miss out on the endless scenery passing you by.
Taman Negra National park:
If trekking through the jungle in search of wild tigers, elephants, monkeys or anything else you might encounter along the trek then this is something you won't want to miss. I did a 4 day/3 night trek through the heart of the jungle and it left an unforgettable taste in my mouth. The first night we stayed in bat and cobra infested cave, the second night we stayed in a hut looking over a stunning jungle area and staked out the area below which frolicked with wild boars and massive tapier that use the small lake as their local watering hole. The third night we were invited into a small colony of nomads living in a number of tiny straw huts. After our arrival they taught us how to successfully use their blow darts and cleared out one of their huts for us to sleep in. It was an all around remarkable experience to get up close and personal with the jungle and once you hear the sounds! It will just add to the wow factor! I highly recommend you put the jungle at the top of your to do list.
Cameron highlands:
A really cool mountain side city area which lies in the central part in the north. Its known for its chilly weather at night which must add to create some of the most delicious teas and fruits you've ever tasted. Most of the fruits farms and tea plantations are in this area spaced out along the hillsides. I would recommend to visit the BO/BOH/BHO tea plantation there and take a tour. If your really driven, wander out into the fields like I did and volunteer yourself to pick tea leaves for the day with one of the many crews working. It was a great experience here and wished I spent more than just 2 days in this region as it seemed there was quite a lot to do. Also this area is home to the largest flower in the world which is high up hiding in the hillsides called Raffelsia. You can take a tour to go see it which is quite expensive or just meet a local and arrange for
them to take you to see one. If you do so, just make sure you promise them you will keep it a secret as they can get in some serious trouble for doing so from the tour agencies!
Melecca:
The only place I didn't get to but I heard was really cool is Melacca. It lies in the SW part of Malaysia and I suggest looking into it and if you can fit it in your travel itinerary.
Pulau Tioman:
The last place of honorable mention is the Tioman islands or aka Pulau Tioman. Its also a great place for diving, tons of different beaches where you can hire a hut near the beach for a rather affordable price. Massive monitor lizards are easily found roaming all over this island. I think you could probably spend a good week on this island if time permits just beach hoping and staying in different guest houses along the way. If you catch a ferry to this island be sure you know which beach your going to assthey drop off at different points along the island and its often 2-3 hours before another will arrive and it comes at a hefty price too to relocate. If you enjoy my recommendations I'd suggest staying on Tekek beach at some budget huts that are on the end of the beach near the hammocks.Easiet way to locate is to turn right after the ferry docks and walk down to the end! Also there are some big guest houses along the edge of the nearby cliff side and if you scramble up the rocks to them! It makes for a spectacular snap shot down onto the white sand beaches below.
Also there is a small island just beyond the beach and makes for a spectacular snorkel experience if you make a lap around it! If you want to stay at a different place try salang beach. Its the beach as far north as you could go and a bit less busy and touristy!
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