Southeast Asia · Malaisie

Hi there, We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.

After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.

We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.

I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.

Day 1: Departure from France

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral. Just one night.

Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo). Stay in Sepilok

Day 4: Sepilok: * Orangutan Center * Malayan Sun Bear Center * Rainforest Discovery Centre

Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan. Boat safari in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Sunrise safari. Jungle walk. Evening safari.

Day 7: Final safari. Return to Sandakan.

Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).

Day 8: Transfer to the port. Boat to the Perhentian Islands.

Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar 5 full days. * Snorkeling * Hiking * Turtle watching * Wild beaches * Relaxation

Day 14: Return to the mainland. Bus or private car to Taman Negara.

Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.

Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves

Day 19: Free day.

Day 20: Return flight.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

Baptiste

Hi there,

I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling. For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees? We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo. Thanks for your tips and help!

Hi there,

Here’s our account of our trip to Malaysia from September 11th to 27th. I hope our tips can help others as much as this forum has helped us!

Day 0:

Departure from Nantes with a transfer in Amsterdam via KLM (720 €).

Day 1:

We arrive at KLIA1 in the early afternoon. First challenge: figuring out where to pick up our luggage. Turns out the answer is right under our noses—we need to take the airport’s internal metro! Once we’ve got our bags, we withdraw some cash from a Maybank ATM right there. Next up: SIM card! Just outside the arrivals hall, several kiosks offer them. We go for a Celcom 5 GB card (70 RM). Then it’s taxi time to get to KL, in the Bukit Bintang area—about 85 RM in a slightly old taxi with weak air conditioning. We check into our Airbnb apartment, which is clean, more spacious than a hotel room, and—best of all—has a charming balcony with a gorgeous nighttime view!



We end up hanging out on that balcony, reviewing our plans for the next day. After dark, we take the monorail just a short walk away to enjoy our first evening on a rooftop at the 34th floor: Hélipad (Raja Chulan station—you have to enter the Menara Tower at the base of the station) with a panoramic view of the city and its iconic towers.





Finally, we head to Jalan Alor to grab a bite in this super busy street. Big sleep ahead! 😴

We’d love to visit Georgetown and the beautiful beaches of Langkawi from mid-September to early October, but we’re worried it’ll be a real steam bath 🥵 Thanks to anyone who can share their experience! Mitisi

Hey everyone,

Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip? I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.

Thanks! 🙂

Hey everyone, I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July. I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple). Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).

Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees. Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands. Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way). Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan. Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide). Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre. Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island. Day 10 – Head to Semporna. Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai. Day 15 – Bohey Dulang. Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.

I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous. I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing. I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture. But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary. If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.

What do you all think? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026. If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot? Hotels or Airbnb? Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share? We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island. Thanks in advance for your replies

Hi. Is it possible to take the train from Malacca to Ipoh? Thanks for your feedback.

Hi there,

I’m spending 4 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Could you let me know what’s absolutely worth visiting and what’s not really worth the effort?

Any suggested itinerary?

Apart from Batu Caves, I don’t have many ideas...

I’m traveling with my partner and our 16-year-old son.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hi there

My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!

Sandakan → Sepilok: No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??

Sandakan → Semporna: From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄). Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM. Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?

Semporna → Tawau: Found this via AI—is it legit? No online booking, as far as I can tell. Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly???? And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????

Thanks for any tips—I’m stuck!

Hi everyone, My 16-year-old son, my partner, and I are planning a trip to Malaysia in August.

Here’s what I’m thinking so far:

- KL (4 nights): The first day is a write-off, so that leaves 3 full days. - Cameron Highlands (2 nights): 1 full day for Mossy Forest, etc.

Now, the big question. I’m planning to go to Penang—either 3 or 4 nights. If I do 4 nights, I’ll have 3 full days to explore. If I do 3 nights, I’m thinking of spending 1 night in Ipoh.

Is Ipoh worth it for a day? Is 3 full days in Penang too much? - Perhentians (4 nights).

To finish, back to KL and a visit to Malacca, or maybe Singapore—but if it’s just for a day, it might not be worth it.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hello to all the Thailand regulars.

I’ve been to Thailand several times, but it was about 20 years ago…

There’s a new system in place now, it seems.

TDAC – Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

Before arriving, I apply for a TDAC, okay. If during my stay I cross the border to spend a few days in Malaysia and then re-enter Thailand, do I need to submit a new TDAC application? Do I use the same TDAC as when I first entered the country?

Or do I initially have to pay for a Thai multi-entry visa?

Thanks in advance for your insights—I can’t find the answer online.

Pierre

Hi there, I’d like to go to the Perhentian Islands from Kuala Lumpur. I’ve seen that I need to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu, but what’s next? Is it reasonable to stay on the island and catch my return flight—my flight from Kuala Lumpur is at 3:30 PM? Thanks so much for your helpful tips!

Hi there, I have a layover in Algeria. I won’t be leaving the airport. The two tickets aren’t with the same airline. Do I need a transit visa? Thanks for any details and your help!

Hi everyone,

I already posted not long ago because I was planning to go to Kota Kinabalu, but there’s been a slight change of plans.

I’m still in Malaysia, but I’ll be staying on the peninsular side, so I need some tips/reviews.

Here’s what I’m planning to do:

- Arrive in Kuala Lumpur on August 16th and do some sightseeing. I saw that you can do a firefly and blue tears tour. Is it worth it? If so, how do you recommend getting there or which agency should I book with?

By the way, do you have any particular recommendations for things to do in Kuala Lumpur?

- Next, I’d like to visit Taman Negara for 2D/1N, but I’m not sure how to get there or which agency to book with to organize everything. Should I figure out how to get there first and then find a guide on the spot? We’d like to do the canopy walkway—is there anything else to do there? I know you used to be able to make your own blowpipe at the village—is that still a thing?

- After that, I’d like to head to the Perhentian Islands. How do we get there? Do I need to go back to Kuala Lumpur to take a bus, or can I leave from Taman Negara? Are there overnight buses? Or should we book the ferry?

I wanted to go there for diving—do you have any reviews or tips on that?

Do you also have any activity recommendations there? Like cooking classes, dance lessons, shows, or great snorkeling spots...

- Then we’d go to Kuala Terengganu. Do you know how to get there? How long do you recommend staying in the city? I think you can do rafting and the Cherating River—is it good, and do you have an agency in mind for that? I’m really not sure if it’s worth stopping in this city.

Is it interesting to visit Kapas Island? Or is it better to go straight from the Perhentian Islands to Tioman?

- Tioman: we really want to go for diving, but again, we’re not sure how to get there. And as always, if you have any activity recommendations, I’m all ears.

From there, I’m not sure yet if I’ll go to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but I thought there were flights from Tioman to Kuala Lumpur, but I can’t find any.

That’s my itinerary.

If you have any hotel, activity, or even city/island recommendations, I’d love to hear them.

Thanks so much! :)

Maalya

Hi, This summer, we’re spending a month in Malaysia. There are 3 adults and two kids in our group. I’ve just finished planning our itinerary and I’d love to get your thoughts on whether it feels "coherent." Thanks in advance for your feedback! Christelle 07/07 Depart France 10:30 AM 08/07 Arrive KL 7:50 PM 09/07 KL 10/07 KL / Batu Caves 11/07 KL 12/07 KL → Kuching (flight) 13/07 Kuching 14/07 Bako National Park 15/07 Bako → Kuching 16/07 Semenggoh Reserve 17/07 Kuching → Mulu (flight) 18/07 Mulu National Park 19/07 Mulu → Kota Kinabalu (flight) 20/07 Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan (flight) 21/07 Kinabatangan 22/07 Kinabatangan → Sandakan / Sandakan → KL (flight) 23/07 Malacca 24/07 Malacca → Chin Swee Caves Temple 25/07 Chin Swee Caves Temple → Kuala Tahan / Taman Negara Park 26/07 Taman Negara Park 27/07 Kuala Tahan → Kuala Besut 28/07 Perhentian Islands 29/07 Perhentian Islands 30/07 Perhentian Islands 31/07 Perhentian → George Town 01/08 George Town / Penang 02/08 George Town / Penang 03/08 Ipoh 04/08 Cameron Highlands 05/08 Return to KL 06/08 Return to France

Hi everyone, I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son. I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.

I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.

* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon. 06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.

* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu 08 – 09: In KK

* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok 11: In Sepilok

* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan 13 – 14: In Kinabatangan

* 15: Head to Langkawi 15 – 21: In Langkawi

* 22: Return to KL 23 – 24: In KL

* 25: Return flight

Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.

Thanks! 🙂

Hi, Are there any banks that don’t charge fees for withdrawals? Thanks

Hi everyone! Here’s a rough draft of my itinerary: I’d like to rent a car in KL and return it in Penang. Is there an overnight bus from Langkawi to the Perhentians? Another option: skip one of the two islands to drive back down to KL and stop at Pulau Redang?

Day 1: Arrival at 10 AM, car rental for 7 days, Putrajaya, night in KL Day 2: Batu Caves, Taman Negara, night in TN Day 3: Taman Negara, night in TN Day 4: Drive to Cameron Highlands, night in CH Day 5: Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, night in Penang Day 6: Penang, George Town Day 7: Return rental car in Penang and flight to Langkawi. Night in Langkawi (4 nights) Day 8: Langkawi Day 9: Langkawi Day 10: Langkawi Day 11: Overnight bus? Langkawi to Perhentians (5 nights) Day 12: Perhentians Day 13: Perhentians Day 14: Perhentians Day 15: Perhentians -> KL (flight) Day 17: KL Day 18: KL Day 19: Return flight at 1 PM

Thanks for your expert advice! !

Hi everyone, We’re planning a trip to Malaysia from March 16 to 31, 2026, and we’d love to hear your advice and experiences. There are three of us girls, and we’d like to visit a few islands, but we’re not sure which ones to choose yet. Could you recommend:

The most beautiful islands to visit at this time of year (is it the right season?)

How to get there easily

Mistakes to avoid and essential info

Must-do activities and sights

Useful things to bring back

The budget to plan for

How long to stay in Kuala Lumpur and the city’s must-sees

Any tips you have—whether you’ve traveled in March or another time—will be super helpful for planning our trip. Thanks so much in advance! 🌴✈️

Hi, I'm looking for the best snorkeling destination from Singapore for August. Any thoughts on Tioman? Is it easy to get there by bus or taxi?

2 nights there or more? Thanks for your help

Hi, I'm looking for information about minibuses that might run between these two cities. I saw there are regular buses, but it's almost 9 hours on the road :-( I couldn't find any info online. Has anyone done this route before, and with which company? Thanks

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Malaysia in June 2026 and will be making a short trip to Sarawak. After reading various reports and blogs online about the Iban communities and others, we’d love to visit a longhouse and spend 3 days and 2 nights there. I’ve found some options online, but always through an agency. So, I’d love to hear if any of you have had this kind of experience and could give us some advice. Thanks

Hi there,

I’d love to get your thoughts and advice/tips for my trip to Malaysia.

I’m heading to Malaysia for 20 days starting in mid-August with three other people.

My plan was to go straight to Kota Kinabalu. I’d like to go rafting (if you have any agencies to recommend, I’m all ears), climb Mount Kota Kinabalu (is it worth it? And again, if you have an agency in mind), and check out the night market (I’m not entirely sure what it’s like).

After that, I’d head to Sandakan (not sure how yet) and do a little 3-day, 2-night safari.

Then from Sandakan (still not sure how), go to Tawau to visit Sipadan for some diving.

And then head back home.

Nothing’s set in stone yet—I’m open to tons of suggestions. I feel like I could do more. I’d seen Taman Negara jungle, but it’s way off the route, so I’m not sure if it’s doable. I’d also love to find other interesting diving spots.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Good evening everyone,

I’m leaving for Malaysia very soon with my 3-year-old daughter—this will be her first big trip! As a former backpacker, I’m finally taking my little one to discover Asia, starting with Malaysia 😊 We’re traveling from December 7th to January 5th, and I’d like to split our stay into 5 must-see spots where we can settle in comfortably for about 5 days each. Given that we’ll definitely spend a few days near Kuala Lumpur upon arrival, that I *must* take her to Malaysian Borneo to see the orangutans, and that I’d also love to relax with her on some beautiful beaches in the east ☀️

Do you have any recommendations or must-see tips?

Are there any cool guesthouses in Kuala Lumpur or nearby where we might meet other families?

Are there places that are especially great for kids—or, on the contrary, places to avoid?

Are there other solo-parent families traveling in the area around the same time as us?

Thanks so much for your kind and alternative suggestions 🤗

Hello everyone! So glad to be back on this forum to swap some great tips. I’m heading to Malaysia from mid-May to mid-August 2025 for nearly 3 months. With my advanced certification in hand for a few years now, I’m on the lookout for the best dive spots in Malaysia. I’ve obviously heard about the Perhentians and Sipadan. Someone mentioned Tioman too, but not necessarily for diving. Do you have any feedback on these places for diving? (visibility, marine life diversity, etc.) Any idea about the rates for fun dives? Dive centers you’d recommend? Any help would be super valuable for planning the trip, so thanks a million in advance to those who take the time to reply. Safe travels, everyone!!

Hi everyone!

So great to be back on this forum after being away for—I don’t even know what!

I’m planning a trip to Malaysia in July with my 5-year-old son. The thing is, I’m not sure which coast to choose. AI keeps telling me east one minute and west the next. Which spot is least affected by rain during this time?

Thanks a bunch

Hi, Flight from Phu Quoc to Langkawi via Kuala Lumpur with a self-transfer layover of 2H10. No terminal change, but you’ll need to collect your carry-on luggage, recheck in for the second flight (same airline, AirAsia), go through customs and security... I’m not familiar with this airport, which I’ve read is quite large. For those who’ve done this before—is the layover time enough? Thanks for your reply.

Hi everyone,

We’re a family with two kids who’ll be 3½ and 6½ years old at the time of the trip. We live in the city, and the little ones aren’t big hikers in nature, but they’re pretty cool with transportation. Travel month: May 2026 for 3 weeks (round trip) What we’re looking for: a relaxed trip combining nature, culture, beautiful beaches with snorkeling, and sunshine! We want to take our time with the kids and avoid driving 6 hours every couple of days. We’ve traveled as a couple before but not much with the kids (in Europe, by car).

Choices: I ruled out Mexico for various reasons. I’d also dismissed Indonesia because it seemed more tiring with kids in terms of transportation, but it’s back in my top 2 now! 😊 I also crossed off Sri Lanka because of the monsoon on the west coast in May. So, I’m left with Malaysia (KL-Malacca-Selangor-Borneo Sabah-Perhentian Islands area) or Java (Yogyakarta-Bromo-Karimunjawa Islands)... This list isn’t exhaustive—just some rough ideas.

Budget-wise, we’d like to stay in small hotels with pools for under 100 € in cities, but no need for a pool at the beach. Thanks in advance for your tips! Hélène

Hi there, We’re heading to Malaysia for 10 days (landing in Singapore). We’ll spend 4 or 5 days on Tioman, but what after? I’m really struggling to find an itinerary or a second spot to settle in—any suggestions?