Solo Adventure: Navigating Kuala Lumpur & Penang with Ease
Just returned from an incredible solo trip to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and I'm excited to share some insights that might make your first solo adventure smoother and less stressful!
Getting Around: My Travel Itinerary
I spent two nights in Kuala Lumpur and three nights in Penang. For my flights, I flew Air Asia going and Malaysia Airlines returning (from Penang, with one layover where my luggage was checked through to my final destination).
Upon landing in KL, I took a bus to the city center. The ticket was about 100,000 VND, and it's easy to find the ticket counters by following the signs. The journey to KL Sentral took about an hour. From there, you can hop on a train or grab a ride to your hotel.
For my trip to Penang, I also opted for a flight (Air Asia, under 500,000 VND). Getting to the airport involved a combination of train and bus. You can pay for train tickets with cash or a Visa card each time you travel.
In Penang, both airport transfers were by bus, costing 2.7 Ringgit each way. Remember, they don't give change, so it's wise to have small denominations ready. The bus drops you off at Komtar, from where it's a short Grab ride to your accommodation.
Money Matters: Cash, E-wallets, and Cards
I managed my expenses using three main methods:
- Cash: I exchanged a small amount at the airport before leaving and then found a Vietnamese store where I exchanged the rest. I converted 2 million VND, which was just enough for my needs.
- E-wallet (ZaloPay): Linked to Alipay, this was incredibly convenient for everyday spending. The fees were minimal. Most eateries and convenience stores accepted it, so I primarily used it for food and shopping.
- Debit Card: I registered for a BIDV debit card before my trip. I mainly used this when ZaloPay wasn't an option or for purchasing train tickets.
Seamless Arrivals and Departures
My immigration process was quite smooth. I filled out the declaration form beforehand, but it wasn't even looked at! I dressed modestly and simply, which seemed to be the best approach. My prior solo experience in Thailand made this part feel straightforward.
Staying Connected: SIM Card
I purchased an eSIM from Trip, opting for a 3GB daily plan for around 130,000 VND. It was a reasonable price, and the network performance was excellent. The email included clear instructions, making setup a breeze.
These are the aspects I was most concerned about when planning my trip. I hope this information is as helpful to you as it would have been to me! Wishing you a wonderful journey filled with beautiful memories, just like mine.
Cre: T293
