I spent nearly seven weeks in Malaysia — more time than I expected — and I miss it a great deal. The country surprised me in many pleasant ways: its people, food and landscapes often left me intrigued and wanting more.
After an intense spell in Hong Kong, I wanted a calmer place to linger for a few weeks. Malaysia felt perfect, and I ended up basing myself in Melaka, a compact UNESCO city that became my home for much of that time.
Now that I’ve left, I can reflect on the highlights and a few drawbacks from my Malaysian travels. Overall, there was far more to love than to dislike.
The Good
The people
Malaysia is a multicultural nation where Malay, Chinese and Indian communities coexist, and this blend creates a friendly, tolerant atmosphere. On every occasion I met locals who were helpful, offered directions, or simply smiled. That openness made traveling there easy and welcoming.
The food
Combining Chinese and Indian culinary traditions with spicy Malay flavors meant I rarely struggled to find something delicious. I discovered memorable dishes such as nyonya laksa, steamed buns (pau) in many varieties and even the oddly named Mexican coffee bread. Food here is diverse, affordable and often unforgettable.
The beaches
I was genuinely surprised by how beautiful some Malaysian beaches are. The Perhentian Islands, for example, have soft white sand and crystal-clear water where you can easily see your feet. Coming from the drab shore near my hometown in England, the clarity and cleanliness of these beaches felt like a revelation.
Underestimation of travel times
This was an amusing and welcome surprise. In many places I’ve visited, locals tend to underestimate how long journeys take, often leaving me late. In Malaysia the opposite occurred: travel times were frequently overestimated. A bus ticket might be labeled four hours, yet the trip often took two. When told something was a 20-minute walk, it often proved even shorter. Whether this stems from a relaxed pace or deliberate generosity, it meant fewer missed connections and a more relaxed schedule.
The Bad
The price of alcohol
As a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol in Malaysia is relatively expensive. Backpackers will notice prices are higher than in many other parts of Asia — a can of beer can cost around $3–5. There are exceptions: Chinese-run shops or supermarkets sometimes sell alcohol more cheaply. Still, during my seven weeks there I drank very little because it quickly became a strain on my budget.
The sweating
Malaysia’s humidity is intense and persistent. Almost every outing left me returning sweaty and sticky. Good air conditioning becomes essential, and the first few days require adjustment before you can be productive or comfortable outdoors.
3-in-1 coffee sachets
If you prefer a proper strong brew, Malaysia can be disappointing. Iced white coffee is a tasty treat, but hot coffee often comes in “3-in-1” sachets — coffee, sugar and powdered milk — delivering a weak, overly sweet result. It’s convenient, but not for those who enjoy a robust hot cup in the morning.
The Ugly
The steamboat phenomenon
Steamboat dining — where diners cook thin slices of meat, fish or vegetables in a communal vat of boiling water, broth or sauce — is extremely popular. While social and fun for many, it wasn’t to my taste. Some versions use inexpensive seafood substitutes like crab sticks, which diminished the experience for me. Still, it’s an authentic local habit worth trying if you enjoy interactive meals.
Cold baked beans
One culinary habit baffled me: serving cold baked beans alongside a cooked breakfast. I rarely had a full Western breakfast, but whenever I did, it came with a small bowl of chilled baked beans — a mismatch in temperature and texture that never made sense to me.
Other Malaysia Posts:
How To Drink At Sky Bar In Kuala Lumpur On A Budget
Riding Rickshaw in Melaka
Melaka’s Graffiti Street Art
The Time A Ladyboy Cut My Hair
A Mini Guide To Perhentian Kecil Island
The Monkeys of Batu Caves