Solo Travel in Malaysia: The Ultimate Guide!

With several types of tourism, Malaysia can also be a preferable environment for older solo travellers as it’s not so densely packed with young travellers on their first SE Asia backpacking adventure. However, there are plenty of brilliant younger folk backpacking alone in Malaysia too! (In fact, I’ve made friends with some of them).

Malaysia has a big ex-pat culture, especially in Kuala Lumpur, and many locals speak English and are happy to help. You’ll blend into many cities, which can be favourable if you’re a solo female traveller in Malaysia – standing out from the crowd can be great, but not always ideal when solo travelling!

If you’re still wondering, ‘is Malaysia safe to travel alone as a woman?’ read on for more solo travel Malaysia safety tips below. 

Read next: the ultimate Malaysia itinerary

As a solo female traveller, Malaysia is one of my favourite countries! Here are some benefits to travelling solo in this fabulous country:

The low cost of travelling alone in Malaysia is definitely a bonus. Admittedly, it’s a touch more expensive than backpacking in Vietnam or Cambodia but cheaper than Bali. Still, it’s very comparable to Thailand with travellers unable to make their minds up over which country is cheaper.

Experience luxury for less with stunning hotel rooms or hostels overlooking the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, or stay in a beautiful beach hut in the Perhentians without breaking the bank. True budget backpackers will be happy with the vast number of cheap hostels dotted around the country.

There is SO much to see in Malaysia! Experience award-winning street food in Georgetown, explore jungle scenery in vast Taman Negara National Park (or just in Kuala Lumpur city eco-park) and learn to scuba dive or snorkel for a low cost in the Perhentian Islands. And there are many small historic towns and natural attractions to stop at along the way. 

Many locals speak English, especially in touristy areas and hostels, so help and advice is more manageable.

The transport system is easy to use and cheap, with both local buses and tourist-specific mini buses going between key cities and attractions. 

Challenging things about solo female travel in Malaysia

Traffic and air pollution are problems in the main cities, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang. However, in my experience, it’s nothing compared to Bangkok or Hanoi. 

On that note, be prepared for some dangerous driving. Like much of Southeast Asia, traffic rules work differently here! If I’m unsure, I always just cross the road with the locals! 

The infrastructure often needs to be more wheelchair-friendly, with drains and potholes in the roads, even in the capital city.

Like everywhere else in the world, pickpocketing and other petty theft do happen. So be aware of your belongings, and don’t walk alone at night. 

Although Malaysia is incredibly multicultural, racism does happen. It’s unlikely it will be directed at you but rather at other locals. However, this is still uncomfortable to witness. That said, my understanding of racism is limited as a white woman so read this account of being an ex-pat in Malaysia for a more well-rounded perspective.

How to make friends during a solo trip in Malaysia

For more tips on making friends, read my guide on how to meet people while solo travelling.

Getting to Malaysia

By air: Most solo backpackers in Malaysia arrive by plane. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (or KLIA) is a fantastic transport hub, with many flights arriving worldwide daily. It’s a clean, modern airport that’s easy to navigate. I use Skyscanner to book flights.

If you fly into Kuala Lumpur, you can take a bus or the KLIA Express train into the city centre. However, for a leisurely trip following a long flight, you can just book a Grab taxi from the airport using the app. Then, head to Doors 3 and 4 at Level 1 in KLIA (or Door 5 on Level 2 of the transportation hub if you arrive at KLIA2) to wait for your taxi.

How to get around during solo travel in Malaysia

Getting around by bus, train or tourist transfers (usually minibuses) is easy when it comes to solo female travel in Malaysia. Use 12go to get local prices on buses and trains around the country. Most highly-rated hostels can also help you book transport around the country. 

Best solo travel destinations in Malaysia

Here’s where to go and what to see, do and eat while there! As a woman travelling alone in Malaysia, I can vouch for all these places, first-hand.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is known for being one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia; it’s a place of endless rolling hills and tea plantations. Visit the plantations and strawberry fields or hike through the highlands.

It’s a relaxing location that feels worlds away from many busy Southeast Asia backpacking hubs. Perfect for sitting back with a cup of locally-produced tea and enjoying the scenery, reading a good book, or simply enjoying some downtime during a busy Malaysia solo travel itinerary!

Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Besar (the larger island known for quieter accommodations and resorts) and Perhentian Kecil (the small, backpacker-friendly island) are perfect for beach lovers visiting Malaysia.

Both Perenthian islands are ideal for sunbathing, spotting turtles and snorkelling, but Perhentian Besar is better if you want a more relaxing stay. 

Perhentian Kecil is the best place to travel alone in Malaysia if you want to learn to scuba dive. It’s one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI Open Water Diver certification. I used Turtle Bay Divers who were amazingly professional and made sure I got certified and confident underwater (despite a few panic attacks along the way)!

Penang

Langkawi

Relaxing on Langkawi island (accessible from Penang by ferry) is a great way to wrap up a Malaysia solo travel adventure. You’ll find endless beaches, native wildlife and stunning views across the island.

For the best scenic views in Malaysia, soar over the island on the Langkawi Cable or walk over the Langkawi Sky Bridge. 

Accommodation for solo travel in Malaysia

How to dress for solo female travel in Malaysia

Cover your shoulders and legs when travelling in rural regions or visiting spiritual places. Female travellers to Malaysia should pack a sarong to quickly cover up when unsure how to dress.

Otherwise, it’s normal to see travellers walking around in shorts and a vest top. 

Water: As you might expect, you cannot drink tap water in Malaysia. I use a reusable water bottle (and reusable straw) or a purifying water bottle.

You should also brush your teeth using bottled water and avoid non-filtered ice cubes. They’re usually safe if they have holes in them.

Street food is a big part of Malaysian culture and travel. When it comes to solo travel in Malaysia and elsewhere, street dining is an informal dinner option if you feel self-conscious eating alone in a restaurant. Eat at busy places, and don’t leave food out for long periods – especially if you eat meat.

In my experience, I’ve had fewer food safety issues and stomach upsets in Malaysia than anywhere else I’ve been in Southeast Asia! I also don’t know anyone with particularly nasty tummy issues in Malaysia, which I can’t say about anywhere else nearby besides Singapore.

That said, if you’re not used to spicy food, it might take your body a few days to adjust.