Adventure
There is no place like Malaysia to spend a memorable vacation. From sightseeing to resort escapades or visiting places of interest such as Batu Caves, the country offers the visitor a myriad of places, sights and sounds to soak in.
Malaysia is known throughout the world for its intoxicating mix of cultures which has proven to be an irresistible draw for people from all around the world.
Malaysia is a land of exotic charms and wonders, a place to visit and soak in the warmth of the green environment, luxurious resorts and golden beaches. There are a hundred and one hidden gems to discover, explore and relish. Be part of the Malaysian experience.
One of the largest islands off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Pulau Redang is also one of the most enchanting spots in the world. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, the island is perfect for snorkelling, diving and sailing. With 10 beach resorts to choose from, you don’t have to worry about accommodation, dining or entertainment. Be warned, Pulau Redang will spoil you to bits.
Sabah, located at the northern tip of Borneo, is home to Mount Kinabalu. 4,095 meters above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is a whole new adventure. Try a bit of mountaineering. As you ascend the mountain trails, a pleasant surprise awaits you, a hostel within a green environment. Take a break here, and have a hot meal before ploughing on. Trekking up may be sweaty but once at the summit, the cool breeze will wipe away all your tiredness. Enjoy the breathtaking views, it’s unforgettable.
Satu Malaysia or 1 Malaysia is one of the building blocks uniting all Malaysians in the country’s multi-cultural heritage. Whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian or Kadazan, each community retains its unique customs and charming ways of life in a myriad of festivals. This is when Malaysians come together to exchange greetings with one another.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri or EID marks the end of Ramadan - 40 days of fasting from dawn to sunset and a time to pray, offer alms and refrain from all forbidden acts. On Hari Raya morning, attired in their best, Muslims attend prayers at mosques before returning home to greet their elders and parents. Then, it is time to welcome their Malaysian friends into their gaily decorated homes for a sumptuous spread of beef rendang and other delicacies.
Deepavali is a festival celebrated by Hindus in Malaysia. The festival of lights, it signifies the victory of light over darkness. Houses and streets of Malaysia are adorned with colourful lights and oil lamps. The day starts off by taking a bath with oil and praying.
Nowhere else will you experience the multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnicity diversity as in Malaysia. Here, there is a vibrant burst of colourful festivals, events and happenings throughout the calendar year when Malaysians are united in a display of goodwill, harmony, and tolerance.
The festival marks the beginning of another prosperous year for the celebrants. Families gather at the home of their parents to enjoy a grand dinner together. Dressed in red, they wish each other good fortune and longevity for the year. Kids rejoice because they receive generous angpows (red money packets) from their parents and elders. Later, they are joined by their Malaysian friends to feast over a spread of Chinese goodies against the burst of firecrackers.
Most visitors to Malaysia are awed by the glorious spread of food galore here. From traditional Malay cooking to spicy Indian foods and elegant Chinese dishes to favourite Western cuisines, Malaysia has everything to feed the gastronomic traveller.
Another staple Malaysian favourite, this dish is a must-try for food enthusiasts. Made with seasoned rice and poached sliced chicken, cucumber and bean sprouts, it is served with a bowl of chicken stock. Most Chinese restaurants serve it which is originally from the Hainan province in southern China.
RM18.00 - RM135.00
(USD4.14 - USD30.33)
Lunch
It will not take long for international students to sample this traditional Malay evergreen dish. A breakfast choice, this coconut milk steamed rice comes wrapped in banana leaf or served on a plate with eggs, fried anchovies, cucumber slices and appetising sambal (spicy ginger and chilly paste). Your choice: Nasi Lemak Ayam/Beef/Telur, Biasa or Nasi Lemak Kukus.
RM5.00 - RM12.00
(USD1.12 - USD2.69)
Breakfast
You will probably order another serving after enjoying the first. Fluffy, crusty and piping hot, this Indian flatbread is a sold-out favourite at most restaurants. It is best eaten with fish or chicken gravy and downed with teh-tarik or tea specially cooled by the tea maker. Try it!
RM1.20 - RM1.80 (USD0.30 - USD0.34)
Breakfast/Lunch
Malaysia is a shopping adventure like no other. From street vendors to night markets to swanky city malls, shopping takes on a new dimension. The only thing left to do is to indulge yourself as your purse strings would allow.
Go on a shopping parade. Here are some exciting spots to satisfy your appetite for a shopping splurge.
Situated in the heart of the golden triangle, Pavilion KL is a shopping paradise to be seen and recognised. This is where shopping elites and ordinary folks come to pick the best retail items and designer goods or to fine dine in style and comfort.
A fast-developing country, Malaysia’s population of 32 million enjoys a low cost of living in spite of the high quality of lifestyle. For most Malaysians, life is comfortable, affordable, and reasonable.
Although inflation is a worry, the country maintains the prices of essential goods at steady levels. Prices of food, accommodation, entertainment, and property are within the means of most Malaysians. Malaysia has world-class infrastructure, excellent roads and highways, rail and air services. The standard of living continues to trend upward. Before Covid-19, Malaysia hosted 150,000 international students because of affordability, quality tertiary education and job opportunities. With international borders opening up, more students are making Malaysia their preferred country to study, live and experience a rewarding lifestyle.
Currency fluctuates daily and it is prudent to check out the rates before you convert your USD to MYR or vice versa to enjoy the best rates.
The cost of living in three Malaysian cities is comparatively similar. On a grand scale, the average figure shows a slight difference, which is value-for-money for international students.
Location | Cost of living - Single person / month |
---|---|
Kuala Lumpur | 486.50 USD |
Penang | 486.50 USD |
Johor Baru | 486.50 USD |
Malaysia - Average | 457.30 USD |
Comparing cost of living | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Basic cost of living | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | London, United Kingdom | Melbourne, Australia | Munich, Germany |
1 bedroom flat in city center (monthly rent) | 461 USD | 2,200 USD | 1,600 USD | 1,800USD |
Lunch for 2 (3 courses - mid range restaurant) | 18 USD | 26 USD | 40 USD | 36 USD |
Transportation (monthly pass) | 24 USD | 160 USD | 223 USD | 88 USD |