Kuala Lumpur & Penang: A 5-Day Getaway
Exploring Malaysia on a budget! This itinerary covers Kuala Lumpur and Penang, perfect for a 5-day trip with friends. We traveled as a group of four, keeping costs around 7 million VND per person.
Flight Tickets
I booked AirAsia tickets a month in advance for the route: Ho Chi Minh City → Kuala Lumpur → Penang → Ho Chi Minh City. Total cost: approximately 3 million VND per person. Booking earlier or keeping an eye out for promotions can save you even more!
SIM Card
I highly recommend Gigago's eSIM. I got a 5% discount when booking and it was incredibly convenient. Received the QR code via email and had 5G internet as soon as I arrived. No need to swap SIMs or wait in lines!
Accommodation
Booked 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur and 2 nights in Penang, costing approximately 1 million VND per person.
Important: Malaysia charges a tourism fee of 4-5 ringgit per person per night, payable directly at the hotel reception. This is not included in the room price.
Transportation
Grab is a cost-effective option, but prices fluctuate depending on the time. Be prepared for an additional toll fee of around 3.5 ringgit when traveling to or from the airport.
Avoid taxis if possible as they tend to be overpriced.
Kuala Lumpur: Must-See Spots
- Jalan Alor: A vibrant street food haven at night. Nearby are Bukit Bintang and Pavilion Mall – perfect for photos and shopping.
- Batu Caves: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid large crowds. The colorful stairs are a classic photo spot.
- Thean Hou Temple: Every corner is picturesque. Save the keyword "Thean Hou Kong" to show your driver.
- Merdeka Square: Features European-style architecture. Great for a "European vibe" in your photos.
- Masjid Wilayah: The largest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Guided tours and water are provided free of charge.
- Petronas Twin Towers: The iconic landmark of Malaysia. Be prepared to bargain when shopping nearby.
Penang: A Blend of Hoi An and Art
- George Town: A historic district dotted with incredible street art. Walking is the best way to explore. Locals are very friendly and often give way for tourists to take pictures.
- Chew Jetty: Traditional wooden houses built over the water. Don't miss Big Bowl Noodles for an unforgettable meal!
Food Recommendations
Kuala Lumpur: Fast food chains, Seven Eleven, or Wan Tan Mee (wonton noodles).
Penang:
- Tai Tong Dimsum: Delicious and diverse dim sum. I especially loved the steamed chicken feet.
- Char Koay Teow: Try it at the Gurney Drive night market for the best experience.
- Big Bowl Noodles: Giant noodles! The special version is spicy like Tom Yum, delicious and worth trying.
Travel Tips
- Female travelers should dress modestly and wear light makeup when arriving at Malaysian airports to avoid excessive scrutiny from immigration officers.
- Arrive at the airport 3 hours early due to traffic and potential Grab delays.
- Photo Tip: Wear yellow/white/red clothing and use RNI Tech2 + Lightroom/Snapseed for automatically beautiful photos.
Total Cost
Approximately 7 million VND per person. The cost depends on your spending habits. Traveling in a group of 4 helped us split costs.
Hopefully, my sharing will help you plan your trip easier!
```