Need suggestions for first visit to Malaysia during Thanksgiving(Nov 20-27)

[tntb4u]

Hello All,
I am planning my first visit to Malaysia along with my wife during the upcoming thanksgiving vacation (Nov 20th – Nov 27th). Both of us are young (26 yrs old) and are interested in outdoor activities. In this trip, we are looking forward to visit some great beaches (snorkeling) and nature (Jungle safari, hiking).
Given that we have 8 days in Malaysia; my ideal itinerary would have been as follows –
1 Day in KL, 2 to 3 days in Taman Negara and rest of the time (3 to 4 days) on Perehenthian or Tioman.

But I am feeling pretty lost right now after reading forums posts and lonely planet guidebook, which mention that this is not a good time to visit east coast islands due to monsoon (Actually after doing some research I found out that not all the resorts on the island are closed in that time period.

Regarding Taman Negara, I was told that it is not worth visiting just for a couple of days and it would be too wet.

Given this, I am rethinking about my itinerary. Here’s what I have right now –

Day 1, 2 – KL , Batu caves etc.
Day 3, 4 – Visit Cameron highlands and come back to KL
Day 5, 6, 7, 8 – Langkawi. If it’s not becoming too hectic then I’ll try to visit Penang on the way to Langkawi.

Does this sound good?

As of now, I have not given serious thought to time spent traveling but first I want to get the list of places that I should visit and then I will try to remove items from the list if it’s getting too hectic.

Since I am landing in KL when I enter Malaysia, I would spend at least a day there but apart from that I am flexible and open for suggestions!

I have not considered Borneo at all in my planning. But after reading up forum posts, I am thinking whether I should spend most of time in borneo apart from spending the first day in KL.

This way I can visit do some jungle safari and view some wildlife and also visit some islands if the weather permits.

Sorry for the long post but that’s how confused I am. Please comment!

[VacationBuddy]

Hi there,

Your itinerary sounds fantastic, a few suggestions I would add are:

- Since you'll be in KL for a couple of days, dont miss out on the most famous Malaysia tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers.

You can get amazing panoramic views of the city as well as enjoy arcades, and an assortment of restaurants.

- Langkawi Island top attraction is the Pulau Payar Marine Park where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. There’s an underwater observatory and many beautiful beaches to enjoy.

After Palau Payar Marine Park, you can head, as you mentioned, on to Penang and visit Georgetown or take the train down to Kuala Lumpur and do some exciting city exploration.

- Borneo is also another must if you can fit it in. In the Borneo rain forest you can do canopy walks, and explore the burial site of the first area settlers, called the Kadazandusunburial, and swimming in the refreshing rock pools below stunning waterfalls found along the way.

Hope this helps
Vacationbuddy

[tntb4u]

Thanks to all who replied! So I have made up my mind to drop east coast islands, Taman Negara, Borneo for this time:) Here's the current version of my itinerary.

I have to find out the specifics of ground transportation (buses, car rentals etc),things to do at those places, accommodation arrangements to make this plan work. So lots of work ahead! As always, I need your valuable suggestions:)


Please comment on the revised itinerary!


20 - Arrive in KL from SIN by noon. KL siteseeing, stay at KL. (Would like to visit Batu caves too but not sure whether I can visit it on the same day.)

21 - Leave for Melaka(2 hrs) early morning, site seeing in Melaka, Catch the night bus to KL(~9pm), stay at KL.

22 - Catch early morning bus for Cameron highlands(3 hrs). Siteseeing and stay at Cameron Highlands

23 - More siteseeing in Cameron Highlands.
Leave for Penang(Butterworth)(3 hrs) in the afternoon, hang out and stay at Penang

24 - Spend the day at Penang. leave for Langkawi by Jetty (1 hr) in the late evening, stay at Langkawi

25 - Siteseeing and stay at Langkawi

26 - Siteseeing and stay at Langkawi

27 - Siteseeing at Langkawi, return to SIN via KL. (I have already booked return tickets from KL to SIN by Air Asia. Will see how easy it is to cancel those tickets and book return flight from Langkawi to SIN to avoid a stop at KL.)


Being new in the country, I am playing it safe and avoiding traveling in the night. Because of this I am wasting some valuable time for sure but I guess, during the travel, I can see some more of Malaysia:) Thoughts?

[VacationBuddy]

Hi again,

You can catch a bus from the following locations in KL to get to Batu Caves:

- Pudu Raya Bus Terminal
- Chinatown
- The Lebuh Pudu station

If you're on a budget, public transportation in Malaysia is extremely affordable and good with buses, taxis and trains. Specially buses, with a bus ride costing around .30cents

If you rent a car in Malaysia, you'd be glad to know prices are affordable (around $25) and you can choose different types of vehicles. Having said this, driving conditions are not like those enjoyed in North America so be warned.

Accommodation-wise, Malaysia has a great range of accommodation types to suit all budgets.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Hotel Itsana located in the Golden Triangle is within walking distance the Petrona Towers and other KL attractions.

In Cameron Highland the Strawberry Park resort, is located on lovely acres of land and offers furnished apartments and studios.

In Langkawi Island, the Bayview Hotel located in the center of Kuah is within close proximity of attractions such as Eagle's Square, Lagenda Park, Galeria Perdana, Underwater World, Air Hangat Village and the Crocodile Farm.

Hope this helps
Vacationbuddy