Review and Tips: Malaysia

Please be aware that these posts don't provide comprehensive, guide book level information. We're not claiming a lack of bias either ;) These overviews are simply a record of our experience which we post in the hope that they may occasionally provide more up to date, specific or detailed information than you've been able to find elsewhere...

Best Locations:

Tioman Island, the all-rounder. Tioman gets top spot in my lunchbox because if I'd been limited to one great Malaysian destination, this would be it. A jack of all trades, Tioman is really accessible (practically next door to Singapore) and the island has a very pleasant underwater playground and beach scene. It scores a ton of extra points for also having a beautiful, challenging interior for trekking that is absolutely stuffed with wildlife, a relaxed atmosphere, duty free drink prices, sweet locals and cheap as chips budget accommodation. The beaches and snorkeling/diving can't compare with it's northern neighbours (Perhentians, Redang or the Thai islands) but it sports a lack of pretension and a laid-back attitude that can be hard to find elsewhere. Take the family and go Swiss Robinson.

Cameron Highlands, for romance. Snack on tea and strawberries, breath the finest air in Asia, feel energised by the climate and then take that energy and splurge it all on treks through some simply gorgeous high altitude rainforest, or whatever else takes your fancy :)

Penang, for Asian flavour. There's so much to do in Penang and it felt more genuinely Asian than anywhere else in Malaysia. The food is fabulous (of course) and Georgetown has unbeatable cultural and heritage value – I'm talking temples, clan houses, markets, mansions, quaint shophouses – and that's on one block.

Special Mention: Perhentian Islands, beautiful jewels, best beach action in Malaysia. Skip the crowds up north, these Malaysian belles have what it takes to compete with the best.

Best Places to Stay:

My Friend's Place, Tioman Island. Value+ – your own tiny A-frame with a fan and bathroom on the beach. Nice food, nice people, nice garden, all for MYR30/night.

Hillview Inn, Cameron Highlands. Just beautiful, the location is convenient, the rooms are so comfortable and the views are sweet. Heading up in price to about MYR77/night.

Ideal Travelers, Kota Bharu – Easily the best value place we stayed in Malaysia. Extra points for cheap, reliable wireless internet. Points off for bad animal husbandry practices! Around MYR25/night gets you a reasonably large room with shared bathroom and a spot in the shady garden too.

Best Vegetarian Eats:

Home cooking by Fay, Shadow of the Moon guesthouse, Cherating. This woman can cook. No matter how simple the dish it will taste like manna from heaven. You might have to track her down to make her cook something for you though. One meal a day is free for guests, MYR7 for a mug of beer :)

Bunga Suria Banana Leaf Meals, Cameron Highlands. It's just too easy to stuff yourself on vegetarian delights here. The banana leaf meals are different every time you order but they are always GREAT. Around MYR21 makes a meal for two with drinks.

Echo Cafe Pasta, Georgetown Penang. This is a really sweet cafe with charming owners and brilliant pizza and pasta dishes from a small menu, always cooked and served like you paid through the nose for it, except you didn't – MYR45 for a meal for two with drinks.

Special mention: Jaya, Lebuh Penang, Georgetown Penang. This place is so cheap, fast and convenient it's almost a miracle. Name one other place you can get a scrumptious roti with dahl breakfast in a nice open cafe for MYR0.90. 24 hours a day, at your service. Don't miss the green pancakes.

Friendliest People: Ipoh! We loved Ipoh people 'cause they made us feel loved too!

The Wow Factor: The giant tree on the Gua Telingga trek from Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara.

Awesome Shopping: Anime from Hong Kong video store, Komtar Komplex, Penang and local crafts from Yung Seng souvenir shop, Main Street, Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands.