Category: Travel Blog & News

Malaysia is a renowned multicultural country with a diverse population in the eyes of the world. You’ll gain more than just experience and memories with every visit to Malaysia as travelers learn a lot about local culture and celebrations among the different races and religions – Malay, Chinese, Indian and many other ethnic groups in the country.

Generally, Westerners can enter Malaysia without applying for visa as a 30, 60 or 90 days entry permit will be issued to travelers once they get into the country. However, some nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Travelers from Israel, Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro are required to gain permission from Malaysia Ministry of Home Affairs prior to their trip in Malaysia.

Tourists can choose to travel into Malaysia by plane either by taking the national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) or the world’s best low cost airline AirAsia. International flights will land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) while those who take no frills carrier AirAsia, passengers will land at LCC Terminal slightly further away from KLIA. Besides the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, foreigners usually flock into other hotspots such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi and Penang.

Once you reach KLIA or LCCT, you can either take a bus, Express Rail Link or taxi to get into Kuala Lumpur city centre. It takes about an hour to get to city centre from airport. There are 13 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia. Once you touch down in Malaysia, you have to explore not only Kuala Lumpur but also other historic towns and cities such as Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Labuan and plenty more.

Generally, traveling around Peninsular Malaysia is convenient and affordable thanks to no frills low cost carrier, AirAsia. In addition to AirAsia, passengers can also travel by Firefly or MAS to get around the country. These carriers offer competitive rates to boost tourism industry in the country. For those who would like to embark on a road trip, you may rent a car, take a bus or train from one state to another. Overall, the transportation system between states is quite efficient.

However, if you intend to spend few days in other less developed state such as Kuantan, Ipoh, Perlis et ct, geared up as you either have to walk long distance to visit all the state’s tourist hotspot or hire a cab. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a rental car to travel when you are holidaying in these states.

Travelers are advised not to travel to Malaysia during peak tourist seasons – from December until end of January. This is because major public holidays such as Christmas, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa/ Aidilfitri and school holidays last between these two months. The hotels and accommodations are fully booked during peak tourist seasons.

However, for those who would like to enjoy local festive celebrations, then you just have to plan ahead and book the hotels few months earlier. During festive seasons such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas, there are plenty of open houses organized by the government for people from different races to enjoy the celebrations and holidays together harmoniously.

Basically, Malaysia is a hot and humid country. Therefore, bring light and comfortable clothes if you plan to go sightseeing in the country. However, do take note on the dress code in Malaysia (since there is a mix of many religions but predominantly Muslims).

Westerners traveling in Asian countries can be rewarding and challenging at the same time as you do not know the local language (that will complicate matters and your journey in that particular country). But in Malaysia, no worries if you do not know how to converse in Malay Language since English is widely spoken nationwide especially in capital cities and tourists hotspots.

Various exciting and fun-filled activities await you in Malaysia. From golfing in world class courses to shopping, diving to outdoor activities, there is always something out there for you! Every year, a number of golf enthusiasts flocked into the country as Malaysia is a well-known golfers’ paradise in the world. So perhaps, you can try golfing in Kuala Lumpur while enjoying the scenic view of Petronas Twin Towers.

Among some of the must visit spotlight destinations in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Pulau Redang, Pulau Pangkor, Langkawi, Mount Kinabalu, Endau Rompin Park and Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

The beautiful Penang was voted as a Food Haven by New York Times Readers for scrumptious and mouth-watery local delicacies such as laksa, prawn mee, char kuey teow and plenty more hawkers’ food. In addition to that, beach lovers must also visit Batu Feringghi which is on the northern side of the island. Devout Buddhists must not miss out the opportunity to check out the reclining Buddha in Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple.

Other than the above mentioned Batu Feringghi, beach lovers also must spend some quality time with your loved ones at beautiful tranquil Pangkor Island and the pristine Redang Island. These are some of the must visit spotlight destinations in the country.

On the other hand, here are some city excitement attractions – Penang Museum and Art Gallery, Jalan Temenggong Kelantan, Petronas Twin Tower, Blue Mosque in Selangor, Cultural Handicraft Complex in Negeri Sembilan, Jonker Walk in Malacca and Jalan Satok Sunday Market in Sarawak.

For those who missed out the opportunity to try food in Penang, do not be disappointed as Malaysia is a food haven. Travelers can still get delicious and delightful delicacies nationwide. Dining in Malaysia is affordable and inexpensive. Among some of the must-try food are char kuey teow, nasi lemak, nasi briyani, roti canai, satay, prawn mee, asam laksa, teh tarik and plenty more.

Top 10 things to do in Malaysia are shopping, eco-adventure, events/festivals, hill resorts, spa & wellness, culture/homestay and hill resorts.

Exciting experience awaits you in Malaysia’s rich ecosystem – from Niah Caves to Gua Tempurung, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to Royal Belum Forest, as well as Mulu Caves and Gunung Ledang. And similar to any other country, Malaysia also has its own version of Chinatown which is more commonly known as Petaling Street among locals. Shopaholics can purchase anything here from electronic gadgets to toys, t-shirts and even incense. Just remember to bargain with vendors or they’ll take advantage of you.

Travelers and holiday makers can travel all-year round as Malaysia has plenty of world class and local events to entertain you. One of the best events available annually in Malaysia is the Rainforest World Music Festival that features talented indigenous musicians from Indonesia, India, Canada, Russia, Burkina Faso, Japan, Iran, France, Peru and our local musicians from Sarawak. Other must-see festivals in Malaysia are Harvest Festivals in Sarawak and Sabah.

Malaysia offers wide array of accommodation from budget hotels to world-class services city hotels, as well as fascinating island and beach resorts. For those who would like to enjoy great stay but have limited budget for accommodation, perhaps you can book for rooms in Tune Hotel. Run by Tune Group Company, the concept is pretty much similar to Air Asia – no frill hotels.

Tune Hotels can be found in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru; Kota Kinabalu, Kota Damansara, KLIA-LCCT Airport, Downtown Kuala Lumpur, Waterfront Kuching and Penang. The hotels offer three luxuries to visitors – bed, shower and security. Visitors can request for additional services such as toiletries, wireless internet connection and air-conditioner by paying a little extra.

Foreigners who would like to experience village-style living can learn more about Malaysia’s multi-racial culture and practices, then homestay would be one of the best choices available for you to mingle with the locals. Homestay enables you to pick up lessons on preparing local delicacies, to harvest local fruits and cultural performances will entertain you in the evenings.

So all in all, homestay is an excellent choice for you to learn about Malaysia’s multi-racial culture. It can be fun and safe for foreigners. Instead of staying in world-class city hotels, you have a choice of staying far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Homestay options in Sabah

Sandakan is one of the major towns in Sabah where you can enjoy the local delicacies as well as travel to the nearby tourist attractions. There are several homestay options for you to experience a unique traveling experience. The Sandakan Homestay is located very conveniently where it is only 1 km from the Sandakan Aiport. Here is where you are closely connected to the major public amenities like the Fajar Pasar Malam as well as banks and hypermarkets. It offers 3 rooms in the house of which 2 are air-conditioned and facilities include complete living room equipments, television, kitchen and cooking facilities and many more.

Rate start from RM160 per night. You could also head out to Homestay Villa Permai that offers an apartment with 3 rooms. It is very strategically located and you are able to enjoy all the facilities in the apartment building like jogging track, swimming pool and the playground. Rates start from RM160.

Papar traditional homestay

The town of Papar is Sabah is a unique town where you are able to visit and dwell among the local traditions and food. There are several homestay options here to join in the community and participate in their daily activities. At D Putih Desa, the traditional home is located at Kampung Pulasan and offers 3 rooms. Here is where you are able to indulge in the traditional kampong house that starts from RM60 per day.

At Homestay Kampung Benoni, you are able to enjoy a night’s stay at a traditional home with basic facilities.The Papaga Homestay is another popular homestay option here which is located in the rich natural surroundings. Here you can enjoy buffalo rides as well as go fishing and jungle trekking. There are packages available here that include all the activities as well as performances by the locals.

Kudat Village style homestay

The town of Kudat is one of the most traditional towns in Sabah. Here, you are able to experience the traditional and village lifestyle while learning more about the local community here. In order to enjoy the trip, the best place to stay when visiting Kudat is at the homestay options available. At Maranjak Longhouse Homestay, you will be able to fully immerse into the longhouse culture made of bamboo walls and nipah palm leaves.

The accommodation here is fully furnished that come with living and dining room while you are also able to enjoy the local food here where meals are included. Rates start from RM18 per person per day and you can contact Borneo Rungus Longhouse Resort & Tours for further information. The Misompuru Homestay is another option where you can stay at the naturally rich location that include the Ponimpanan Waterfall as well as the honey-bee farm and a handicraft center.

Kota Kinabalu has all the modern homestays

Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah which is the main transportation and commercial center of Sabah. There is an international airport here while most would stop at Kota Kinabalu before heading out to other parts of the state. Hence there are many accommodation choices in Kota Kinabalu where that range from the budget and more affordable ones to the upmarket hotels and resorts.

In terms of homestays, you could engage MZ Homestay which is an apartment with 2 rooms to offer. Rates start from RM150 per day and it comes with facilities like a children’s playground, a swimming pool and others. The Nur Taqiy Homestay provides a condominium with 2 rooms located in 1Borneo Hypermall. Rates start from RM270 per day. The D Putih Villa is another option which is a bungalow house starting from RM100 per day.

About Sabah Malaysia and attractions

Sabah is one of the 2 East Malaysian states which are known for its travel attractions. It is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia as well as a host of many islands famed for being international diving spots. The seaside resorts around here are also one of the most beautiful ones in the world like the Karambunai Nexus Resort. Hence, it is common to find many types of accommodation choices in around Sabah particularly in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state.

As Sabah is known to be very rich with culture and traditions, homestays offer a unique traveling experience for the tourists where they are able to immerse into local lifestyle and activities of the multicultural society here. Apart from Kota Kinabalu, other major towns here also offer many options of homestays which usually offers basic facilities and services around the towns of Tawau, Sandakan and many others.

Perlis Homestay guide and tips

Homestay choices in around Perlis can be found around the state. This is where you is able to find many homes which are rented out with the basic facilities for those who would like to stay in a home environment instead of the hotels and inns around. Kangar, which is the state capital offers the most home choices and these are usually found around the residential areas and community neighbourhoods.

You would find that most of the homestay choices here are commonly found among the more modern houses which are single or double storey as well as semi-detaches and bungalows too which are all vey conveniently located around the city center. Further out, homestays can be found in other major towns in Perlis like in Arau, Wang Kerian and Jejawi although smaller towns too offer these accommodation choices. Rates would start from RM50 per night for a room while the whole house could also be rented from RM150 per night.

Wang Kelian in Taman Negeri Perlis

If you are planning to visit Taman Negeri Perlis when visiting the northern state and is looking for a homestay environment, then you might want to consider heading out towards Wang Kelian in Taman Negeri Perlis. Here is where you will enjoy the classic and traditional home which offers you the rich sub-tropical forest environment which is unique and different from other parts of the country. Here there are a few chalet homes which is connected to other facilities like a campsite, a café, surau and others for an unforgettable stay.

It is known for its serene and peaceful environment and let you be so close to nature, you are almost becoming part of it. The park is managed by the Perlis Forestry Department and you will need to register with the office before heading into the park. Register in homestay.my for more information and for reservations of the chalets here.

Mata Ayer whole house for just RM280

There are several homestay choices in Mata Ayer in Perlis. Here you will be able to choose either to book the whole house or just a section of the house while enjoying the facilities like cooking and living room environments. At the Mata Ayer Guesthouse/Homestay, you will be able to rent the whole house for just RM280. If you decide to stay for a longer period of time, the price is negotiable. However, rooms also are available for only RM60 per night.

The MAH or Mata Ayer Homestay offers one of the cheapest homestays around. Here rooms start from RM60 per night which are air-conditioned and living room facilities are also provided. There are 4 air-conditioned rooms to choose from with 3 bathrooms and you can expect an induction cooker, 2 television sets, you for each floor with Astro channels as well as a fully automatic washing machine available for your convenience.

Homestay in Kangar the capital of Perlis

The capital of Perlis, Kangar offers many choices of homestay if you are looking for a place to stay which will ensure that you get the best local experience in the home environment. At Villa Orkid Homestay which is located at Taman Kemajuan, the 2 storey house offers 3 rooms and basic facilities at RM160 per night which is very near to the amenities and public places around the city. Adam’s Homestay is located in Jalan Bintong where the 2 storey house starts from RM300 per night.

Homestay Jannah meanwhile offers 3 room homes at a very affordable rate which is at RM80 per night but the rooms are not air-conditioned. Homestay Idaman in Taman Bukit Kayangan offer air-conditioned and fan rooms and the single storey homes starts from RM150 per night. The De Putera Homestay is slightly more expensive which starts from RM220 per night and is located at Taman Desa Putera. The endlot home comes with 3 bedrooms which are fully air-conditioned and 2 baths. Other homestays around Kangar include Desa Pulai Homestay, Banglo Klasik which offers a classif bungalow style accommodation, Bahagia Homestay, Santan homestay and HZ Buget Homestay.

Jejawi affordable homestays

Homestay choices in Jejawi are not as many as the other bigger towns and here you can head out to Azi Homestay which also has a premise in Kangar. The Azi Homestay is one of the most affordable choices here which is an ideal place for Muslims. The Jejawi branch is located in Taman Mesra, a peaceful and harmonious neighbourhood which is located very near to Kangar town. The Semi-Detached home is an ideal Muslims only accommodation with 2 air-conditioned rooms to offer. Rates start from RM180 per night.

The Sri Lanchang Homestay is another popular choice here which also offers similar choices in Mata Ayer. There are 3 rooms of which 2 are air-conditioned. Kitchen facilities are provided for cooking. For RM60 per night and RM50 during off-peak season, you can stay at the 4 room home in Jejawi homestay. The whole house which comes with 4 rooms and 2 living rooms is available for RM280 per night.

Beseri chalet style homestay

In Beseri, you can stay at the Al-Hamra Homestay that offers a chalet style place to stay. Located in Jalan Kaki Bukit, there are 2 units of the chalets for rent and it starts from RM80 per night. Over at Cikgu Mary Homestay, you will be able to enjoy a night stay at the standard guest house style which is designed for many people in a group. The house is a large space which can accommodate up to 20 people which is ideal for group tours.

Free tea and Milo drinks and rates start from RM60 for 4 persons with an additional RM10 per person. Another homestay in Kampung Paya known as Homestay in Beseri offers a 2 bedroom house which provides kitchen and living room facilities. Coffee, tea and sugar are provided free of charge with charges from RM60 per person. Standard facilities here include a kitchen for cooking and a drying area for you to hang your clothes.

Arau Tamah Indah Home for just RM180 per night

Arau, a major town in Perlis offers many choices when it comes to homestays. Here you are able to find a wide range of house available which are affordable depending on the duration of your stay. At Rumah Rehat Taman Muhibbah, the terrace, 3 bedroom homes are fully air-conditioned and starts from RM200 per night. Kitchen facilities, a comfortable living room with television, dining area, a refrigerator are the basic facilities. The AF Homestay meanwhile is a corner lot home which offers an RM180 per night, 3 room single storey house.

It is fully furnished with air-conditioning and living room facilities. At LN Homestay, you will be able to enjoy a good night’s rest at the very convenient Taman Indah home for just RM180 per night. Single room rentals are also available while the rates can still be negotiated based on the duration of the stay. The 38Seri Wang Guesthouse/ Homestay starts from RM160 per night with facilities that include water kettle, refrigerator and television.

Hotels & Homestay in Georgetown Penang

Georgetown is the state capital of Penang and is one of the most popular tourist attraction in the country. There is a wide variety of accommodation choices ranging from upscale hotels and resorts to budget hotels and homestays. Annie’s Homestay is one place one can head out to that offers rooms in a double storey house. It is very convenient and located just minutes from the city center. The Cheong Fatt Tze Homestay is a more costly option but it is known to be one of the most unique places to stay in.

At Penang Georgetown Homestay, you can stay at the Semi-detached house located within the heart of the city. This is where you can enjoy the fully furnished home that offers 6 rooms that start from RM35 per day. Facilities provided here include free Wi-fi internet access, kitchen facilities, air-conditioning and television, among others. At HHM budget Homestay, rooms start from as low as RM40 per night while you can also rent the whole house from RM100 per day.

Batu Feringghi, the most popular destination in Penang

Batu Feringghi is a seaside town in Georgetown. It is one of the most popular destinations that brings in visitors each day. Along the coast, there are any resorts and hotels available and for those who would like to enjoy your stay in the form of homes, then there are many choices available. The Homestay Tanjung Tokong in Batu Feringgi is one of the popular ones which are located very near to the landmarks here like Bukit Bendera and the Butterfly Farm.

There are 3 rooms available that include television, washing machine and kitchen facilities that start from RM150 per night. At Raj Homestay, you can stay in the many rooms available which is located very close to the beach. There are 4 rooms available here that include all the standard facilities. At the Batu Feringgi 6 Rooms Homestay, there are 6 rooms available which is located very near to the beaches in Batu Feringghi.

Balik Pulau homestay for only RM80 per night

Balik Pulau offers a wide range of homestay options. Here you can head out to Dazreen Homestay that offers a peaceful and quiet environment in a typical home. The double storey bungalow house offers rooms that start from RM180 per night with all the basic facilities available. At the Deer River Homestay, you can choose between the homestay and the Guest house options.

Rates start from RM80 per night and it is known for its location which is nearby to the public amenities around here. Standard equipments provided include television, living room as well as free internet access. The homestay also offers cars for rent where you can drive an MPV for RM80 per night. There is also a homestay option that offers breakfast that starts from RM130 per night. Rooms are air-conditioned and facilities here include television with astro while it is located very near to convenience stores, banks, mini market and many more.

Simple and comfortable homestay in Air Itam

Air Itam is one of the main towns in Penang. It offers many types of homestay options that you can choose from. At Homestay Air Itam, you can enjoy a simple and comfortable accommodation that starts from RM120 per night. Located at Bandar Baru Itam, it offers a wide range of facilities like queen size beds, television and cooking facilities. Another one can be found at the Sri Impian Apartment with the units starting from RM180 per night. Here, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe place to stay that offers LCD television in the living room.

Rates start from RM150 per night and the standard facilities are offered. The Sakinah Homestay in Air Itam is another choice you could head out to as it is an apartment based accommodation which is very convenient and strategically located. Here, you can easily go to nearby shopping malls like Komtar and Prangin Mall which is only 10 minutes away.

Most popular homestays in Penang

Penang is very much known for being a major tourist attraction in Malaysia. It welcomes millions of tourists into its island each year where there are many things to see and visit. Here, one will be able to find a full range of accommodation choices that stem from 5 star hotels and resorts to budget accommodations like B & B and homestays which are more affordable and economical.

You would find that most homestays are congregated near to the city center of Georgetown and are usually found in the residential neighbourhood further out like in Tanjung Tokong and Balik Pulau . Most of the homestay choices here offer the basic facilities and could be rented in terms of daily or periodically depending on the choice and requirements. Some offer meals while most other offer cooking facilities. One of the most common places where homestays are demanded is at Batu Feringghi which is the coastal town of the island.

Malaysian Government’s effort to promote homestay in Malaysia

In an effort to revive homestay in the country, Tourism Ministry collaborated with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to introduce and promote rural tourism. The collaboration between Tourism Board and KTMB was meant to encourage travelers to participate in an all-new homestay programme which is accessible via rail. A total of 22 home are located all along the Singapore-Tumpat and Singapore-Padang Besar routes. In line with government’s effort to promote homestay programme not only among foreign tourists but also locals, a new travel TV programme was launched to introduce and bring viewers to see various attractions on board a train.

The collaboration between Tourism Board and KTMB will showcase the exact homestay locations where KTM stations are located – Tumpat, Tanah Merah, Wakaf Bharu, Kuala Kerai, Dabong, Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis, Mentakab, Gemas and Kluang. Meanwhile, Singapore-Padang Besar route stops in nearby stations which are Kajang, Ipoh, Bukit Mertajam, Alor Setar, Arau, Padang Besar, Tampin, Butterworth and Seremban. To further promote Malaysian homestay to Singapore tourist market, a new kiosk at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and Facebook page were launched to generate word-of-mouth and create buzz. By visiting the new kiosk, Singaporeans can easily inquire and get all the information needed regarding the 2,800 homestay operators nationwide in a total of 142 traditional kampung.

Homestay business is booming

Besides promoting homestay programme in Peninsular, the Tourism Board also aims to elevate homestay business in Sarawak tourism market in an effort to increase the state’s revenues. Generally, the main tourism product in Sarawak lies in the cultural, adventure and nature aspect. Thus, homestay programme will integrate all these components to attract tourists. In that sense, homestay business is the front runner as a marketing tool in terms of accommodation factor. One of the products available to tourists would be homestay in longhouses during Gawak Dayak celebration.