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Whether it’s your first or 100th time going abroad on your own, traveling solo in Malaysia is an incredible experience for many reasons. Along with friendly locals who can often converse in English, this beautiful country is safe, affordable, and a perfect location as your second tropical home. And that is just the beginning of what to look forward to.
If you are considering solo traveling to Malaysia, don’t worry because this country is on the top 20 safe countries in the list of 163 countries, according to a recent report from the Global Peace Index from Vision of Humanity. In the report, Malaysia ranks #18, and it has a low violent crime rate.
Furthermore, those who had the chance to visit this beautiful land always say that the country is well-known for its friendly residents, high safety standards, and especially tourism infrastructure.
Why you should travel to Malaysia alone. (Source: Unsplash)
Thus, in some bigger cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, solo travelers must be cautious from thieves on motorbikes at night and keep an eye on your stuff carefully, so it seems essential for you to invest in some travel safety stuff like pickpocket-proof garments or a personal safety alarm.
Read more: Discover Malaysia's Coffee Culture and Must Visit Cafes
You can’t visit Malaysia without visiting Kuala Lumpur, aka KL City!
This bustling capital city offers solo travelers plenty of unique food, local culture, tourist attractions appealing to locals and foreigners alike, and a vibrant nightlife like no other. There are also many different tours and experiences in KL that will easily become the highlight of your Malaysia itinerary.
Kuala Lumpur is the most developed city in the country and has an efficient public transportation system for easily getting around. As such, it is one of the best places to travel alone in Malaysia.
It is no surprise that Kuala Lumpur was just awarded Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel. With that, here are some fun things to do for solo travel in Kuala Lumpur:
Best solo travel destinations. (Source: Shutterstock)
The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world and are iconic landmarks that stand out in the KL skyline. Certain levels, including its double-decker Skybridge, within its 88 floors are open to the public with an entrance fee.
That being said, Petronas Twin Towers isn’t the only iconic tower in KL you can check out.
The Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is only 1.4 miles away from the twin towers and also has an observatory deck where you can get a 360-degree glimpse of the city. It looks particularly majestic at sunset.
If the height does not make you dizzy, try dining in its revolving restaurant, located 925 feet above ground level. This experience includes spectacular views, live entertainment, and a delicious Malaysian food buffet.
Step out of Kuala Lumpur, and you will arrive in Selangor. That’s because Selangor is the surrounding state outside of the capital city.
Selangor is the country’s most developed state, with a solid infrastructure and a decent public transportation system. Because of this, you can solo travel in Selangor with ease.
In terms of tourist attractions, the beaches in Selangor are a highlight, as are the many local nature experiences. These stretches of sand are perfect for a fun beach trip alone.
Best solo travel destinations. (Source: Unsplash)
Another highlight of traveling or backpacking Malaysia is experiencing the “Sky Mirror” at Kuala Selangor Beach. The Sky Mirror appears at low tide when a sand bar—which is touted as Malaysia’s own “Salar de"Uyuni"—appears, and you get a reflective mirror effect on the ground.
If you’re looking to take some interesting travel photos, you won’t want to miss it. Do note that the Sky Mirror does not occur every day, as weather conditions need to be just right where the tide is low enough to reflect the sky. It is best to visit either on the day of the full moon or the new moon.
Further up north from Genting Highlands is Cameron Highlands, the land of tea plantations. In fact, it is where Malaysia’s most popular tea brand, BOH Tea, originated from.
The weather is quite chilly up here, as temperatures can drop as low as 12 °C (54 °F), which is one of the reasons why it is a popular place for solo travelers to Malaysia.
There are buses to Cameron Highlands; however, similar to Genting Highlands, these narrow roads are winding and steep, especially in poorer weather conditions. Because of this, it’s wise to opt for a private transfer instead.
Where most locals will flock to Genting Highlands for entertainment, those who prefer a quiet and serene atmosphere will head to Cameron Highlands.
Best solo travel destinations. (Source: iPick)
You can visit bee and strawberry farms here as well as hike beautiful trails while enjoying a cool breeze. During your hikes, try to spot the world’s largest (and smelliest) flower, the Rafflesia.
Solo travel in Penang should definitely be on your itinerary. Luckily, this island state is only a 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
It’s important to understand that Penang is split into two locations: one is located on Peninsular Malaysia (or the Malaysian Peninsula), while the other is known as Penang Island and is where George Town is located.
George Town is also one of two colonial cities (along with Melaka) on the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia classified as a UNESCO World Heritage City. This is thanks to a still-visible multi-cultural heritage dating back to when these cities functioned as trading ports linking East and West.
George Town has also grown in popularity as a photo spot with unique street art and murals showcased in the hidden alleys.
Penang Island is one of the safest destinations in Malaysia, with extremely low crime rates in comparison to Kuala Lumpur. The best way to get around the island is either by foot, bicycle, or via e-hailing rides.
Best solo travel destinations. (Source: FreePik)
While you visit Penang, be sure to check out the largest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple. Located on a hill, this temple went through a major fire recently but continues to maintain a majestic outlook with its beautiful pagoda overlooking the city.
Solo traveling in Malaysia can be a fun and safe experience for female travelers; however, it is good to remember a few important tips when visiting any foreign country:
Be cautious of pickpockets: While pickpocketing and bag-snatching are not as common as they were back in the day, it is still smart to keep your valuables locked in your hotel safe.
If you are carrying a bag, always have these items in front of you and away from the road to minimize such occurrences. You might also ditch the bag and opt for pickpocket-proof garments instead so that thieves don’t even know you’re carrying cash.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: Typically, locals carry a maximum of RM 200 ($44). Most vendors are going cashless and accept payments via credit card and e-wallet.
Stay safe when exploring Malaysia at night: It is perfectly okay to walk around at night in Malaysia; however, be sure to use your judgment, especially on less-crowded and dimmer streets during late nights.
Essential tips for solo travelers in Malaysia. (Source: Shutterstock)
Travel safely using e-hailing ride apps, such as Grab, or public transportation to get around town.
To sum up, Malaysia is a great country for travelling solo, with plenty of sights and sounds to explore without breaking the bank. You will quickly realize that one trip isn’t enough to cover it all. With every visit, there will be something new to see, try, and eat. Let Asia King Travel help you have an unforgettable journey in this majestic land.
Read more: Guideline for cocktail drinks in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
