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TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA IS SO EASY
"Travel costs in Malaysia are relatively affordable, and there's no visa requirement for Vietnamese visitors, so recently many people have chosen it as a destination in Southeast Asia. Although there are many differences in ethnicity, religion, and culture, I find the people here gentle, calm, and hospitable. This is probably one of the factors that creates the special affection that tourists have for Malaysia," Travel Blogger Buu Vi Vu shared with Travellive.
Travel blogger Buu Vi Vu currently owns the TikTok channel @buuvivu with over 300,000 followers.
Visa requirements are quite simple; Vietnamese tourists traveling to Malaysia for no more than 30 days only need a passport valid for at least 6 months. Malaysia also no longer requires COVID-19 testing or online declarations as before. Simply having a flight ticket and hotel booking is sufficient for customs procedures; the immigration process is quick and easy, making traveling to Malaysia very convenient.
HUNT FOR CHEAP FLIGHT TICKETS
Currently, many airlines operate direct flights on the SGN – KUL route, but the most competitive prices are offered by Air Asia and Vietjet. Additionally, there are more premium airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. To optimize travel costs, you can compare ticket prices through Traveloka.
The total cost for flights from SGN to KUL and from KUL to PEN is usually comparable to a direct flight from SGN to PEN.
"Note that sometimes the total cost of a flight from Saigon (SGN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and then to Penang Island (PEN), is only equal to a one-way ticket from Saigon to Penang. Therefore, take advantage of this to optimize your schedule and costs for your trip to Malaysia," he said.
Additionally, here's a little tip for those planning to combine a trip to Singapore: "I usually fly from Saigon to Kuala Lumpur, and then buy a plane ticket to Singapore. The price for this leg is sometimes the same as a bus ticket, and much cheaper than the return trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur," shared travel blogger Buu Vi Vu.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA
Malaysia has a distinctly humid tropical climate, with warm weather almost year-round. The average annual temperature is around 27-33°C, with the lowest around 17°C. The best time to visit Malaysia is from March to September. During this period, temperatures are around 29-35°C, ideal for enjoying activities without worrying about sudden rain showers. This is especially recommended for visiting eco-tourism and outdoor attractions in Malaysia.
However, Malaysia is a country that tourists can visit at any time.
"If you're only traveling in the capital Kuala Lumpur, combined with visiting nearby areas, 4 days is a suitable amount of time. If you combine it with trips to more distant areas, to other tourist centers like Penang or even further afield, I think 5-7 days is enough for a complete experience," he suggested.
GETTING AROUND IN MALAYSIA
In Kuala Lumpur, public transportation is convenient for getting to attractions. The popular MRT, LRT, and KTM train systems are very convenient. The elevated train (LRT), in particular, has the advantage of being faster, with fewer waits, and reaching almost all the famous landmarks in the capital, including Chinatown, Bukit Bingtan, the Pavilion, and the Petronas Towers.
Public transportation options in Malaysia are quite diverse.
Additionally, Grab's home base – Malaysia – with its surprisingly low prices, would be a sensible choice for those seeking more convenient transportation. Taxis and buses are also readily available and affordable.
If you want to travel from Kuala Lumpur to neighboring provinces, you can choose from trains, intercity buses, and airplanes. Airport taxes and fees in Kuala Lumpur are relatively low, so flight prices from Kuala Lumpur are generally very affordable.
Malaysians drive on the left, which is also something to keep in mind if you're renting a vehicle. Traffic jams are also very common during rush hour.
STAY IN MALAYSIA
Hotel rooms in Malaysia aren't too expensive, even in the city center. Outside of peak season, 3-4 star hotel rooms cost around 700,000-800,000 VND. For large groups, consider booking an Airbnb. Kuala Lumpur has many good quality apartments for rent at affordable prices. "I once booked an apartment opposite the Merdeka 118 building, the second tallest in the world, for only 5,100,000 VND for 2 nights/3 rooms," he shared.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT WHEN VISITING MALAYSIA?
Like broken rice in Vietnam, Malaysians are very proud of Nasi Lemak. This traditional dish is cooked with coconut milk and served with various toppings. You can also try Roti Canni, made from wheat flour, eggs, and milk, baked until crispy and fragrant – a unique and delicious combination.
When you visit Malaysia, you absolutely must try Musang King durian.
"Malaysia is famous for its Musang King durian – it's sold everywhere, and the price isn't as expensive as it used to be. You should try it to experience the sweetness, aroma, and richness of this durian variety, considered the best in the world. Pulasan, or Malaysian rambutan, is also a unique fruit with a rambutan-like taste and edible seeds," he shared.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA
The currency used in Malaysia is the Ringgit (MYR), with 1 MYR equaling approximately 5,100 VND. "It's advisable to exchange money in Vietnam beforehand and avoid exchanging at the airports in both directions as the exchange rate won't be favorable. If you have USD, exchanging it to MYR will be more convenient once you arrive in Malaysia," Bữu advised.
Travel blogger Nam also noted that it's advisable to buy a SIM card in advance from Gohub so you can easily make calls and check your information as soon as you land. Alternatively, you can buy one at the airport or an eSIM online if you haven't purchased one in Vietnam beforehand. Remember, if your trip includes Singapore or Indonesia, choose a SIM card that allows international calls between these countries for cost savings and convenience.
