Malaysia - A beginners guide
Discussion
I'm heading off on my honeymoon to malaysia on Sunday and was looking for suggestions for things to do from the well travelled masses on here.
The plan is as follows:
4 nights in KL
2 in Taman Nagara
2 in Cameron Highlands
6 on Pangkor Laut
I'm after suggestions for places to eat, see and anything that's special about the places I've listed. Are there any nice day trips to take from Pangkor Laut or are we 'stuck' on the island. Which at the moment would be no bad thing!
Also, is the shopping in KL good for anything in particular? I'm not sure where the exchange rate is in terms of it's past value.
The plan is as follows:
4 nights in KL
2 in Taman Nagara
2 in Cameron Highlands
6 on Pangkor Laut
I'm after suggestions for places to eat, see and anything that's special about the places I've listed. Are there any nice day trips to take from Pangkor Laut or are we 'stuck' on the island. Which at the moment would be no bad thing!
Also, is the shopping in KL good for anything in particular? I'm not sure where the exchange rate is in terms of it's past value.
Honestly i would suggest less time in KL, for Honeymooners there is not realy that much there.
However an unusual set of destinations that you have picked there!! No Langkawi or Tioman islands for example!
Pangkor is very prety but very quiet, the east side (facing Lumot) is all local fishing vilages and fishing boat manufacture, west side is resourts but it iis very off teh beaten track (suppose why you are there)
On the mainland, very little in lumot other than the Malaysian Navy, but again very prety! There is a mad Italian chap that has a restaurant by the marina in Lumot, very good cook doing a sort of fusion Malay / Italian food!! edit again - just remembered his name - Massimo!!
I am guessing that you are driving from KL through Cameroon Highlands to Taman Nagara? Fantastic roads for hooning, just watch out for wild life etc!!! - Trengganu all the way to the east is also very prety, with a fantastic traditional wooden build shipyard!!
Food wise, most any street stall is good for eating, but you have described some very large areas of jungle / plantation there to give recomendationd on specific places. Avoid Genting unless youa re chinese and obsessed with gambling!
The people are generally very nice, helpfull and friendly but do watch your belongings!
Sure Berw will be along soon to tell you the real story!!!
KL not bad for counterfiet stuff I suppose (although not something we ever look for as the pe-nalties for bringing into Singa are a bit fierce)
edit - Congratulations, another one of us falls by the wayside ... welcome to the club .....
However an unusual set of destinations that you have picked there!! No Langkawi or Tioman islands for example!
Pangkor is very prety but very quiet, the east side (facing Lumot) is all local fishing vilages and fishing boat manufacture, west side is resourts but it iis very off teh beaten track (suppose why you are there)
On the mainland, very little in lumot other than the Malaysian Navy, but again very prety! There is a mad Italian chap that has a restaurant by the marina in Lumot, very good cook doing a sort of fusion Malay / Italian food!! edit again - just remembered his name - Massimo!!
I am guessing that you are driving from KL through Cameroon Highlands to Taman Nagara? Fantastic roads for hooning, just watch out for wild life etc!!! - Trengganu all the way to the east is also very prety, with a fantastic traditional wooden build shipyard!!
Food wise, most any street stall is good for eating, but you have described some very large areas of jungle / plantation there to give recomendationd on specific places. Avoid Genting unless youa re chinese and obsessed with gambling!
The people are generally very nice, helpfull and friendly but do watch your belongings!
Sure Berw will be along soon to tell you the real story!!!
KL not bad for counterfiet stuff I suppose (although not something we ever look for as the pe-nalties for bringing into Singa are a bit fierce)
edit - Congratulations, another one of us falls by the wayside ... welcome to the club .....
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 28th September 07:54
You should be arriving Sunday, Malaysian Super Series At Sepang, 2 miles from the airport. I'll be there.
Panag is overated, the sea is very murky from the Tidal rip. But I lived there so I admit I got feed up. its Ok for a visit, take a ferry to Lankowi.
In Kl
The Green Man In Chankit Bukit Bingtang is the best English pub in town and my local watering hole, and the whole street is great for places to eat, or you can walk from there to Jalan Alor, for local food. MingKey's is the best of the sea food places there.
Heritige row is OK, but very trendy, Hard Rock is woth a visit, Beach Club if you want the divroce,
China Town (Petaling Street) is OK, Rodnes is a good chinese resturant, but not cheap. Majid India, (Just North of China Town is significantly cheaper than China Town for shopping, (fakes), and I do mean signifcantly.
Panag is overated, the sea is very murky from the Tidal rip. But I lived there so I admit I got feed up. its Ok for a visit, take a ferry to Lankowi.
In Kl
The Green Man In Chankit Bukit Bingtang is the best English pub in town and my local watering hole, and the whole street is great for places to eat, or you can walk from there to Jalan Alor, for local food. MingKey's is the best of the sea food places there.
Heritige row is OK, but very trendy, Hard Rock is woth a visit, Beach Club if you want the divroce,
China Town (Petaling Street) is OK, Rodnes is a good chinese resturant, but not cheap. Majid India, (Just North of China Town is significantly cheaper than China Town for shopping, (fakes), and I do mean signifcantly.
Berw said:
Panag is overated, the sea is very murky from the Tidal rip. But I lived there so I admit I got feed up. its Ok for a visit, take a ferry to Lankowi.
OP said Pangkor not Penang, next one down .... bit off the beaten track too, have only been there once and that was last year when we needed to stop off for some parts for a Deep Freeze compressor that was banging!!!eta - got me at first too - agree with Penang, Benedorm for Singaporeans, and better bars in Butterworth too!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 28th September 10:22
XJSJohn said:
Berw said:
Panag is overated, the sea is very murky from the Tidal rip. But I lived there so I admit I got feed up. its Ok for a visit, take a ferry to Lankowi.
OP said Pangkor not Penang, next one down .... bit off the beaten track too, have only been there once and that was last year when we needed to stop off for some parts for a Deep Freeze compressor that was banging!!!eta - got me at first too - agree with Penang, Benedorm for Singaporeans, and better bars in Butterworth too!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 28th September 10:22
Not to worried about KL not being classic honeymoon territory, the OH and I really like big cities and it's a place I've always wanted to go.
Berw, thanks for the email, will get back to you when I get a chance.
theboyfold said:
XJSJohn said:
Berw said:
Panag is overated, the sea is very murky from the Tidal rip. But I lived there so I admit I got feed up. its Ok for a visit, take a ferry to Lankowi.
OP said Pangkor not Penang, next one down .... bit off the beaten track too, have only been there once and that was last year when we needed to stop off for some parts for a Deep Freeze compressor that was banging!!!eta - got me at first too - agree with Penang, Benedorm for Singaporeans, and better bars in Butterworth too!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 28th September 10:22
Not to worried about KL not being classic honeymoon territory, the OH and I really like big cities and it's a place I've always wanted to go.
Berw, thanks for the email, will get back to you when I get a chance.
Its free to go up the Petronas Towers (as far as the interlink bridge) but there is a limited number of tickets. To get these you have to queue up very early in the morning.
The tip - talk to your Hotel Concierge - for (ballpark) RM50 he will have a runner (read street kid) that will queue up and get your tickets - just ask the evening before.
XJSJohn said:
Honestly i would suggest less time in KL, for Honeymooners there is not realy that much there.
There's not that much there, full stop. We had one day in KL and there's not much to do apart from eat. It's a perfectly nice place - just a bit dull. The Pet Towers are quite spectacular, but KL isn't interesting in the same way as, say, Bangkok. Can you tell we were disappointed?Actually, why don't you just spend the time in Bangkok instead? If you're into cities it's got much more atmosphere than KL, and there's loads to see.
N Dentressangle said:
XJSJohn said:
Honestly i would suggest less time in KL, for Honeymooners there is not realy that much there.
There's not that much there, full stop. We had one day in KL and there's not much to do apart from eat. It's a perfectly nice place - just a bit dull. The Pet Towers are quite spectacular, but KL isn't interesting in the same way as, say, Bangkok. Can you tell we were disappointed?Actually, why don't you just spend the time in Bangkok instead? If you're into cities it's got much more atmosphere than KL, and there's loads to see.
Having said all that - I still wouyld not concider it a Honeymoon city (and its the city that i proposed to my missus in too!!)
XJSJohn said:
N Dentressangle said:
XJSJohn said:
Honestly i would suggest less time in KL, for Honeymooners there is not realy that much there.
There's not that much there, full stop. We had one day in KL and there's not much to do apart from eat. It's a perfectly nice place - just a bit dull. The Pet Towers are quite spectacular, but KL isn't interesting in the same way as, say, Bangkok. Can you tell we were disappointed?Actually, why don't you just spend the time in Bangkok instead? If you're into cities it's got much more atmosphere than KL, and there's loads to see.
Having said all that - I still wouyld not concider it a Honeymoon city (and its the city that i proposed to my missus in too!!)
So we like cities, we like a bit of nightlife and I do have a local who I know out there who can help, I was just wondering if others had things they enjoyed there. I've read about Malacca which could be worth a day trip.
I've been there a few times. I personally like KL and can happily spend 4 days there. If your missus likes shopping, there's several huge malls dotted around the city to waste many hours and they're all open late (10pm ish) 
I can recommend a Chinese temple in KL which is worth a visit: Thean Hou Temple. If it's a clear day you will have a nice view of the skyline.
The revolving restaurant in the KL Tower also gives spectacular views of the city, including the twin towers. It's expensive (about RM100 each), but IMO worth it for the view.
Just outside KL is Batu Caves, but be warned there's a lot of steps and monkeys!
About an hour outside KL is Bukit Tinggi (a French and Japanese style village). It's near Genting Highlands (I agree with XJSJohn, Genting has nothing to offer).
Cameron Highlands is great, I'm sure you'll love it there. Try and visit one of the tea plantations to see the process. A couple of points worth mentioning; there's less English speakers in the Highlands and keep your passport with you when you're driving around because the police pulled me over for a few 'random' checks.
I haven't been to the other places you’re going, so can't help with those. Hope you have a great honeymoon
I can recommend a Chinese temple in KL which is worth a visit: Thean Hou Temple. If it's a clear day you will have a nice view of the skyline.
The revolving restaurant in the KL Tower also gives spectacular views of the city, including the twin towers. It's expensive (about RM100 each), but IMO worth it for the view.
Just outside KL is Batu Caves, but be warned there's a lot of steps and monkeys!
About an hour outside KL is Bukit Tinggi (a French and Japanese style village). It's near Genting Highlands (I agree with XJSJohn, Genting has nothing to offer).
Cameron Highlands is great, I'm sure you'll love it there. Try and visit one of the tea plantations to see the process. A couple of points worth mentioning; there's less English speakers in the Highlands and keep your passport with you when you're driving around because the police pulled me over for a few 'random' checks.
I haven't been to the other places you’re going, so can't help with those. Hope you have a great honeymoon
Antonio 82 said:
About an hour outside KL is Bukit Tinggi (a French and Japanese style village).
Yup forgot about bukit Tinggi, very prety.Antonio 82 said:
keep your passport with you when you're driving around because the police pulled me over for a few 'random' checks.
standard "fines" are RM50 (a blue one) to the Hari Raya fund.Sorry is Said Panang, I meant Penang,
Anyway, I've been here 12 years, and it is a great place to live. But I always say, I would not spend 12 hours plus on a plane to come to Malaysia, for a 2 week holiday, it is overrated, loads of places great for a weekend, but 2 weeks? There is just not enough in any one place, if you fancy a holiday and a 12 hour flight go to Thailand, much more free and easy.
As John said the night life in KL is great but you need to know where to go, the quote made in an earlier post 'it is local' is exactly right. There are no big theaters, clubs etc, but good pubs and restaurants abound. (There is a Zuk club as in Singapore, on Jalan Ampang). Heritage Row and Changit Bukit Bingtang, have loads of bars and places to eat. Remember that 60 % of the population doesn’t drink and that salaries are low for many of the others. The only people who do after hour drinking (like we did when I worked in London) are the expats, locals go to a coffee shop and drink cheap coffee.
One big problem I have with the east coast is the beaches, lovely to look at but very steep, with big back currents from the waves, lots of local kids are drowned, my kids were not allowed in the sea on the east coast. The same is not true of the Thai cost, especially the Andiam Sea, which is shallow with gentle angles on the beaches.
KL is good for shopping, KLCC, Lot10, 1Utama, Pavilion, Times Square are world class, having said that everyone comments that the shops themselves are always empty how much designer stuff can you afford in one go. Petaling Street and Majid India are great for fakes; there is actually a guy in Majid India who sells fake Scarlet rugby shirts. Central market is good for trinkets and tourist gifts.
Most of the tailors are good, bring your own pattern book and they will make you a copy form the Guci, Armani catalogue, but the designs they have in their books tend to be old fashioned. A three piece suit in the best material will cost you around 300 pound. Don’t go to a 24 hour tailor, and get at least one fitting before it is ‘ made up’ and you will be pleased with the result. I know one family who pay for their holiday each year by having the school uniforms, and new work suits, made up while they are here.
Medical care is fantastic and cheap so medical tourism s growing.
Things to see in KL, Batu Caves, half a day. KL Tower, long lunch to do one revolution in the restaurant. There is an aquarium, museum Zoo etc but you will have seen better elsewhere.
The problem with KL is that it is a low cost economy, and local people do not get long leisure hours, 10 hour day and 6 day weeks are common.
Best way up the Petronas tower is to know someone, who works there, or is a member of the Petroleum Club. The Towers are very impressive in the right light, but they are made of stainless steel and on a cloudy day they can sort of disappear into the background, they look fabulous today.
Having said all the above I love it and I’m not coming back to the UK, no speed traps, 28% maximum tax and 35 pence a liter for petrol. Track days are 20 pounds. Some one posted a question last week on places to emigrate to and I would whole heartedly recommend Malaysia, for that.
Anyway, I've been here 12 years, and it is a great place to live. But I always say, I would not spend 12 hours plus on a plane to come to Malaysia, for a 2 week holiday, it is overrated, loads of places great for a weekend, but 2 weeks? There is just not enough in any one place, if you fancy a holiday and a 12 hour flight go to Thailand, much more free and easy.
As John said the night life in KL is great but you need to know where to go, the quote made in an earlier post 'it is local' is exactly right. There are no big theaters, clubs etc, but good pubs and restaurants abound. (There is a Zuk club as in Singapore, on Jalan Ampang). Heritage Row and Changit Bukit Bingtang, have loads of bars and places to eat. Remember that 60 % of the population doesn’t drink and that salaries are low for many of the others. The only people who do after hour drinking (like we did when I worked in London) are the expats, locals go to a coffee shop and drink cheap coffee.
One big problem I have with the east coast is the beaches, lovely to look at but very steep, with big back currents from the waves, lots of local kids are drowned, my kids were not allowed in the sea on the east coast. The same is not true of the Thai cost, especially the Andiam Sea, which is shallow with gentle angles on the beaches.
KL is good for shopping, KLCC, Lot10, 1Utama, Pavilion, Times Square are world class, having said that everyone comments that the shops themselves are always empty how much designer stuff can you afford in one go. Petaling Street and Majid India are great for fakes; there is actually a guy in Majid India who sells fake Scarlet rugby shirts. Central market is good for trinkets and tourist gifts.
Most of the tailors are good, bring your own pattern book and they will make you a copy form the Guci, Armani catalogue, but the designs they have in their books tend to be old fashioned. A three piece suit in the best material will cost you around 300 pound. Don’t go to a 24 hour tailor, and get at least one fitting before it is ‘ made up’ and you will be pleased with the result. I know one family who pay for their holiday each year by having the school uniforms, and new work suits, made up while they are here.
Medical care is fantastic and cheap so medical tourism s growing.
Things to see in KL, Batu Caves, half a day. KL Tower, long lunch to do one revolution in the restaurant. There is an aquarium, museum Zoo etc but you will have seen better elsewhere.
The problem with KL is that it is a low cost economy, and local people do not get long leisure hours, 10 hour day and 6 day weeks are common.
Best way up the Petronas tower is to know someone, who works there, or is a member of the Petroleum Club. The Towers are very impressive in the right light, but they are made of stainless steel and on a cloudy day they can sort of disappear into the background, they look fabulous today.
Having said all the above I love it and I’m not coming back to the UK, no speed traps, 28% maximum tax and 35 pence a liter for petrol. Track days are 20 pounds. Some one posted a question last week on places to emigrate to and I would whole heartedly recommend Malaysia, for that.
Berw said:
Sorry is Said Panang, I meant Penang,
Anyway, I've been here 12 years, and it is a great place to live. But I always say, I would not spend 12 hours plus on a plane to come to Malaysia, for a 2 week holiday, it is overrated, loads of places great for a weekend, but 2 weeks? There is just not enough in any one place, if you fancy a holiday and a 12 hour flight go to Thailand, much more free and easy.
The trouble with Thailand is (or was) that when we were booking the honeymoon it was all kicking off over there, and it really didn't appeal to the lady at the time.Anyway, I've been here 12 years, and it is a great place to live. But I always say, I would not spend 12 hours plus on a plane to come to Malaysia, for a 2 week holiday, it is overrated, loads of places great for a weekend, but 2 weeks? There is just not enough in any one place, if you fancy a holiday and a 12 hour flight go to Thailand, much more free and easy.
I'm sure we will find enough to keep us amused for 2 weeks whilst we are out there. There is enough variety in where we are going to stop things getting dull. I can't wait!
I'm sure you will find enough to do for two weeks; your itinerary is that you only have a few days in each place, KL is great for a few days say as a stop over on the way say to Aus. But coming to Malaysia and spending say two weeks in Langkowi, I think is very boring, unless you want to spend the time just sat on the beach or the pool side, and I am serious about the beach dangers in the east coast, tidal rip is horrendous, I stay at a Hotel there regularly on business and wouldn’t dream of swimming in the sea. But then again I used to live half way between Penang and Langkowi, so I’ve ‘done’ them, my family don’t understand that after 30 years overseas I actually enjoy Porthcawl or Western Super Mare you’d be bored at both I think. I understand your concern with Thailand, but it is OK in the Tourist areas. My Aunt could never understand that I considered it safer to walk around cities in Asia than in Cardiff or Bristol. Muggings are almost unknown here.
One thing to tell you wife is to watch bag snatchers on Moto Bikes, try to walk on her outside and get here to have her hand bag on the inside. There was a girl (local) died Saturday when she hit her head when she was pulled over by a motorbike.
One thing to tell you wife is to watch bag snatchers on Moto Bikes, try to walk on her outside and get here to have her hand bag on the inside. There was a girl (local) died Saturday when she hit her head when she was pulled over by a motorbike.
Berw said:
Yeh John I know sad, but I'm going to enjoy the Malaysian Super Series at Sepang Friday and Saturday if you want to come, my Phonix if B*ggred at the moment, but I'm running the 7.
I have very wonky rear wheel bearings that have to be pulled this weekend (god that sounds as bad as "i need to wash my hair" 
aperbah: ) so doubt that me or the porker will make it ... I will get up there one of these weekends though!!!
How did the Bukitt Tinggi hillclimb go?
XJSJohn said:
I recon you will have fun!!! How are you planning on getting about Malaysia, as that scedule has you travelling about a fair bit ....
Private transfers from the moment we land. It's not my normal way of doing things, I tend to like to drive or take the train, but couldn't be bothered arranging it all this time. Our trip round China was something I arranged myself and it took quite a bit of effort. As it's our honeymoon we thought we'd be a bit lazy Berw said:
One thing to tell you wife is to watch bag snatchers on Moto Bikes, try to walk on her outside and get here to have her hand bag on the inside. There was a girl (local) died Saturday when she hit her head when she was pulled over by a motorbike.
I've head that about KL, I'll bear that in mind. It's pretty sage advice I think.Also, promise to get back to your emails soon!
Won't be there in time for Sunday's race (flight leaves LHR @ 10pm) but the lunch offer could be a winner. Just need to check with the lady, but she is normally up for meeting people etc...Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff