Two Feet, One Backpack: A Malaysian Adventure Chapter 1

If you’re looking for your next adventure and haven’t considered Malaysia, you’re not alone.

I didn’t know much about it either before I arrived. But after spending 90 days exploring this country from coast to capital, jungle to skyscraper, I can now say without hesitation: Malaysia is a terrific travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

Whether you're a solo backpacker on a budget, a couple chasing luxury, or an older traveller; Malaysia offers something for everyone. This blog covers the highlights of my trip—the stunning islands, highland escapes and vibrant cities that made my journey (so far) unforgettable.

Redang Island: Snorkelling, Sea Turtles & Solitude

Dreaming of remote island jungles, clear blue waters, and colourful coral reefs? Look no further than Redang. Famous for its turquoise sea and powder-white beaches, this island was easily the highlight of my trip to date.

Snorkelling in Redang is like swimming inside a tropical aquarium. Coral gardens teemed with life and bales of sea turtles (that's what you call a group of turtles by the way). Unforgettable doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Now, Redang is more expensive than other backpacker-friendly islands like the Perhentians. But here’s the trade-off: you get actual peace and quiet. Some days, I had whole beaches to myself. It was surreal. Just you, the sea, and maybe some monkeys or a lizard (or two).

A tip that can truly shape your trip: where you stay matters a lot. We chose to stay near the Redang Jetty, close to the local town—and that made all the difference. This area gives you a rare glimpse into real island life. The town is vibrant, the people are incredibly warm, and the food? Delicious and affordable—far better value than what you'll find at the resort restaurants, which are often overpriced for what you get.

If you stay near the jetty, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals daily, grab cheap local meals, and explore the island more freely. It felt like being part of a community, not just visiting a destination.

In contrast, if you stay on Long Beach (accessible from the Marina Jetty), you'll mostly be confined to that resort strip unless you take a boat elsewhere. Long Beach is beautiful, but it’s built more for tourists—with international-style bars, resorts, and less of the authentic island vibe.

Redang is spread out, and locals get around by boat—something you’ll notice quickly as they zip between areas. From either jetty, you can take daily boat trips to places like the Marine Park, which is perfect for a relaxed evening snorkel or a sunset hangout. Honestly, I’d recommend basing yourself near the Redang Jetty and doing trips from there—it saves you money and gives you a much richer experience.

Pro Tip: There are NO ATMs on Redang Island. Make sure to bring enough cash. While most larger resorts accept cards for certain expenses, smaller local shops and eateries do not.

Cameron Highlands: Tea, Trails & Jumpers in the Jungle

High up in the central highlands lies a misty escape from the tropical heat: Cameron Highlands. Whether you’re a hiker, a tea lover, or just need to air out your backpack, this place delivers.

Coming from Ireland, where we would have a completely different definition of the word "cold" (shorts and pints by the Spanish Arch in 20°C); after weeks of sweating through Southeast Asia, this chill felt Arctic. I had to buy a jumper when I was there.

And thank Goodness I did, because we extended our stay from a few days to two full weeks. Why?

1) The hikes were incredible. We tackled almost all of the trails. Each one offered something new: moss-covered forests, muddy climbs, and epic views. Don’t go in flip-flops. Bring water, snacks, and a bit of grit.

2) Tea lovers, listen up. The BOH Tea Plantation was SAVAGE!!! (for those who are unfamiliar with Irish slang and the meaning of the word 'savage' in this context, I have attached a link for educational purposes. On your next trip to Ireland, you will be able to pride yourself on being fluent in shite talk- https://www.bestinireland.com/guide-to-irish-slang/).

Detour aside, the free tea tour is laughably short (under two minutes), but the brunch view is cinematic. Hills upon hills of green. The tea selection? Outrageous. Caramel, apple, coffee-infused blends. And I say this as a die-hard Barry’s Tea fan: BOH tea is delicious. After a long hike, it tasted like home.

Also worth a mention:

• Strawberry farms — You can buy a huge punnet in town for a few euros or pay to pick them yourself. The second option is overpriced, yes, but if you’re in a good mood, why not? If you are in the mood for a tiktokable / instagramable, wholesome main-character moment, go for it!

• The weekend night market — buzzing with energy, local honey, strawberries and hot food. Evening in the highlands can sometimes get a little quiet, so this is certainly worth a visit on the weekends.

  
  

Cameron Highlands is one of those places that I would happily return to again.

Kuala Lumpur: Skyscrapers, Street Food & a Backpacker Reset

Kuala Lumpur is not typical Asian capital. It’s sleek, loud, built-up, and brilliantly efficient. Think metro lines, massive shopping malls, and every kind of food you can imagine.

It was a shock to the system (in the best way). After weeks of a backpacker lifestyle, KL was like a spa break for my travelling soul.

One of the highlights was the Batu Caves — a colourful climb into limestone caverns that are part temple, part nature wonder. This was a place full of little monkeys running around being fed by the tourists and little gift shops to shop around and pick up that travelling fridge magnet that you have been looking for.

While I’m not a big city girl, I loved the contrast KL offered. It’s a great place to recharge your batteries, soak up some AC, and plan your next jungle escape, all while sitting at the Petronas Towers Lake Symphony Water Show.

Culture, Colour, and Charm: The Streets of Melaka

Melaka was the surprise hit of my trip.

The riverside walks are stunning — lantern-lit cafes, colourful buildings, and live music in the evenings. It’s all very postcard-perfect, without feeling staged.

Top tip: Don’t miss Jonker Street night market. It’s chaotic, packed, and 100% worth it. Think: oyster omelettes, coconut shakes, and stalls selling everything from kids toys to traditional desserts.

If you're the type who likes to wander, snack, and snap photos of pastel walls, Malacca is your place.

What makes Melaka so special isn’t just the lantern-lit cafes or the pastel-painted walls—it’s the layers of history beneath them. Once a powerful trading port, Melaka was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British over the centuries. Each left a unique mark, and you can still feel those influences as you walk around the city.

You don’t need a formal history tour (though there are great ones if that’s your style), but it’s worth doing your own little walking tour through the city’s historic core.

What’s cool is that the history doesn’t feel dusty or hidden—Melaka wears it right on its sleeve. You’ll see colonial architecture alongside Chinese temples, mosques, and old Peranakan houses, all within walking distance.

Optional Additions You Can Include on your Trip:

• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – The oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia.

• Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum – A quick, engaging insight into Peranakan culture.

• Melaka River Cruise – A fun and scenic way to soak in the historical buildings and street art.

• And just a short drive from the old town is the Melaka Straits Mosque, built on a man-made island and seemingly floating over the water during high tide. It’s one of the most photogenic spots at sunset, especially when the golden light hits the sea. If you go in the evening, you are offered free food—locals often distribute meals there as part of community outreach, especially around prayer times. It’s a lovely moment of generosity and a chance to connect with the warmth of local culture in an unexpected way.

Ipoh: Great for a Day Trip, Not a Whole Chapter

Ipoh is often called an underrated gem. And sure, it has some cool bits — a night market, a few quirky cafes, and some cave temples that are worth a snap. We visited Sam Poh Tong, Perak Cave Temple, and Lin Sen Tong, and honestly, they were pretty cool. Carved into limestone cliffs, with giant golden Buddhas and colourful shrines tucked into the rock, they definitely had a unique vibe.

Plus, you might spot a group of tortoises lazing around, fish in the ponds, and even the occasional monkey perched up on the rooftops. Worth a quick detour if you're into that kind of peaceful, slightly surreal atmosphere.

But overall? It felt very very quiet and a bit underwhelming compared to everywhere else I had been. We visited Concubine Lane, and while charming, it was swarmed with tourists and overpriced trinkets. Not to mention a pretty short walk, even for a lane. Personally, not exactly life-changing.

Still, if you’re nearby, pop in for the day. Drink the white coffee, eat the chicken rice, and move on. That's just my own personal opinion but lots of people like Ipoh, so maybe we just did it wrong! Let me know in the comments your experiences if you have ever been. I am all for giving places a second chance.

Why Malaysia Is the Best Beginner Travel Destination in Asia

Here’s what shocked me most: how easy, safe, and welcoming Malaysia is.

• English is widely spoken.

• Public transport works.

• People are kind. Like, actually kind.

If you're nervous about solo travel or first-time backpacking, this country is the perfect intro. Affordable, diverse, and full of both nature and comfort.

Whether you’re chasing jungle adventures, beach sunsets, mountain hikes, or rooftop cocktails — Malaysia really does have it all. And the locals? Easily the friendliest I’ve met.

What’s Next? More Malaysia, Please.

Ninety days wasn’t enough. Not even close.

Next up on my list? Taman Negara’s wild jungles, the untouched east coast, and maybe the magic of Borneo. But wherever I end up, Malaysia set the bar high and I will be back with a Chapter 2.

If you're curious about even more places to explore, this isn’t the only part of Malaysia we’ve been to. Check out our detailed travel guide written by Shane on Penang Georgetown — it's packed with extra tips, spots we loved, and everything you need to plan your trip.

Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, share it, save it, and let me know your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear from you.

Happy travels! 🌍✈️