Malaysia is a fun country that's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to make sure your adventure is incredible and affordable. Dive into average costs for hotels, food, activities, sightseeing, and transportation. We'll cover all the essentials for a wallet-friendly trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Malaysia?
You should plan to spend around $101 (RM449) per day on your vacation in Malaysia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $32 (RM143) on meals
- $13 (RM56) on local transportation
- $93 (RM415) on hotels
A one week trip to Malaysia for two people costs, on average, $1,411 (RM6,286). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$705
RM3,143
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,411
RM6,286
-
One Month
Per person
$3,024
RM13,470
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,411
RM6,286
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,822
RM12,572
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,047
RM26,940
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Malaysia cost?
A one week trip to Malaysia usually costs around $705 (RM3,143) for one person and $1,411 (RM6,286) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Malaysia on average costs around $1,411 (RM6,286) for one person and $2,822 (RM12,572) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Malaysia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Malaysia on average costs around $3,024 (RM13,470) for one person and $6,047 (RM26,940) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Malaysia expensive to visit?
Malaysia is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Asia, Malaysia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Thailand or Bhutan.
Malaysia offers a great mix of sights and accommodations, making it a destination that works for travelers of all budgets and preferences. In Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu, budget options like hostels are available, but if you're after something more luxurious, there are plenty of high-end hotels, as well as mid-range spots for families and couples.
It's true that Malaysia can be expensive, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can help you make the most of your money.
On average, budget travelers spend $35 (RM159) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $100 (RM449) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $312 (RM1,402) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Malaysia.
For more details, see Is Malaysia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Malaysia?
The average Malaysia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Malaysia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Malaysia cost?
Malaysia on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
(RM72)
|
$47
(RM208)
|
$151
(RM671)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.46
(RM20)
|
$13
(RM56)
|
$40
(RM177)
|
Food 2
|
$12
(RM52)
|
$32
(RM143)
|
$95
(RM424)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.70
(RM43)
|
$28
(RM123)
|
$87
(RM386)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(RM10-31)
|
$6-17
(RM26-77)
|
$14-43
(RM64-192)
|
Penang, Malaysia
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Many travelers hear that exploring Malaysia can be done for $35 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.
Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.
Fortunately, Malaysia has a significant number of hostels, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu. While food is a major attraction for all kinds of visitors to Malaysia, budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare meals in their hostel, which means they might miss out on this culinary aspect of the country.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Malaysia will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $100 per person, per day.
Malaysia has tons of hotels and vacation rentals available. If you're traveling with a group or family, sharing accommodations with a partner, friend, or your family will cut back on the daily per-person budget. Popular family-friendly destinations like Kuala Lumpur offer hotels and restaurants that cater specifically to kids. For a family-friendly stay, consider Hotel 19 Penang in George Town or Sepilok Nature Resort in Sandakan. You can discover more family and couples options in our hotel guide for Malaysia here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $312 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include Penang and Tanah Rata. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Personalized Malaysia Holiday Package, Daily Start & Private Car - offered by Agate Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Malaysia
The variety of accommodation prices in Malaysia can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Malaysia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $93 (RM415). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $47 (RM208) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Malaysia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a large city that is one of the more popular destinations in Malaysia. During the peak winter months hotels can fill up early, so plan to book well in advance. In Kuala Lumpur, the average hotel price is $30 in the low season and $56 in the busy season. On average, four star hotels will cost $63 to $118. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $9 for a dorm bed. For hotels, a few of the best options here include citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang for $43 and Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin starting at $80. Since travelers often stay up to five days, it's essential to look for a comfortable lodging option in a desirable location if you plan to explore for a bit.
Local Transportation Budget in Malaysia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (RM56) per person, per day, on local transportation in Malaysia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Malaysia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
RM56
Malaysia has limited options for public transportation unless you're visiting places like Kuala Lumpur. You should plan to hire a driver or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. However, this may cut into your overall trip budget.
It's much easier to avoid getting around in cars in the larger cities like Kuala Lumpur because they are busy and crowded. Parking is often expensive and traffic is challenging. You can save money by using public transit or walking.
The typical transit costs in Malaysia are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
-
Bus From Airport to George Town
RM2.70
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)
RM10
-
Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
RM12
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)
RM30
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town
RM46
-
Bus Ride
RM1.50
-
Bus from Airport
RM8.00
-
Island Ferry
RM2.40
Food Budget in Malaysia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Malaysia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Malaysia is $32 (RM143) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$32
RM143
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Malaysia is around $32 (RM143) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $94. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Malaysia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $16
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Malaysian food is heavily influenced by both the Chinese and Indian cultures. In addition to Malay cooking, you'll find plenty of Indian or Chinese restaurants in even the smallest towns. George Town, on the island of Penang, is an excellent place to visit if you're looking for some of the country's best food. The diversity of options available around the country highlight the area's rich ethnic diversity.
Nasi lemak: Nasi lemak is a Malay breakfast dish that is made from rice, coconut cream and milk. It's often served wrapped in a banana leaf. It is found almost everywhere and many claim it to be the national dish of the country.
Rendang: Rendang is a dry curried dish that is made with meat that is stewed until all of the spices are absorbed. It is typically served during celebratory festivals, particularly those with strong ties to Indonesia.
Satay: Satay are spiced and seasoned meat skewers that are typically made with either chicken or beef. They are grilled and then served with a peanut dipping sauce. You can often find them at street stalls and they make a great, cheap late night snack option.
Known worldwide for its outstanding cuisine, Malaysia is a hugely popular food destination. The food alone draws many visitors. Some of the top cities for food enthusiasts are Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur
One of the best culinary spots in Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.
When dining with children, make sure to find restaurants that offer a childrens' menu. This can save you a considerable amount, as those meals are usually much cheaper. Also, remember that some restaurants might not list the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your waiter.
Many hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some may charge extra for it. The price and quality of breakfast can differ greatly between hotels. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you want to spend more on that hotel buffet or if a nearby bakery or café would be a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of purchasing drinks everywhere, bring a water bottle along. It's also an eco-conscious choice.
Before you head out on a tour, it's important to check which meals are included. If you have to pay for some meals yourself, it could affect your overall budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Malaysia, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings for $45 details
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown for $62 details
- Silver Leaf Monkeys and Firefly Tour with Boat Ride and Seafood Dinner for $182 details
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie for $92 details
Typical food prices in Malaysia, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Taiwanese Noodle Soup
RM5.00
-
Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)
RM6.00
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)
RM19
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
RM32
-
Italian Lunch (for Two)
RM48
-
Street Stall Food
RM2.80
-
Lassy Juice
RM7.00
-
Dinner for 2
RM15
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Malaysia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Malaysia typically cost an average of $28 (RM123) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
RM123
Malaysia is an extremely popular travel destination, and offers many visitors a chance to check off many places on their bucket list. Some of the most popular destinations in Malaysia include Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and its a cosmopolitan city with a modern and vibrant skyline. The city is a popular destination with backpackers, families, and international travelers who come to see the mix of cultures and dynamic neighborhoods. You'll find many colonial-era buildings as well as the striking Petronas Twin Towers, which offers an observation deck and viewing area.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Malaysia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari for $92 details
- Riverside Experience Tour for $45 details
- Langkawi Mangrove Kayak Tour by Sham for $61 details
- Kuala Lumpur Sightseeing for $70 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Malaysia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance
RM2.00
-
Low Cost Kite
RM3.00
-
Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
RM5.00
-
Melaka Zoo Entrance
RM7.00
-
Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)
RM10
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
RM10
-
Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance
RM10
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
RM30
Nightlife Budget in Malaysia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 (RM51) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Malaysia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
RM51
Malaysia has become a major hotspot for nightlife, with visitors flocking from all corners of the world to join the fun. Among the best nightlife cities are Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur
Visitors love the nightlife in Kuala Lumpur. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.
While enjoying the local nightlife is part of the adventure, limiting drinks can help stretch your travel funds.
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Malaysia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Malaysia. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
-
Beer
RM8.00
-
Bottle of Wine
RM45
Travel Costs Last Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Traveling in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Modern Malaysia has exquisite beaches, bustling cities, diverse food options, and friendly people. The population is about 60% Malay people, with the rest consisting of Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups. The traditions, culture, festivals, and religions of the nation are equally diverse. The country has a strong technology industry and is one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia. Public transportation in this country is wonderful, from local subways and bus systems, to intercity bus transit, it is very easy to get around. English is also a commonly spoken language here. It is a very welcoming environmental and locals are eager to show you around their country. Whether you're a first time traveler to Asia, or if you've visited many of the area's culturally unique countries, Malaysia is sure to surprise and impress. It has a well established travel and tourist infrastructure, and it is still an incredibly affordable destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. It appeals to all travel types, from backpackers to luxury vacationers, there really is something for everybody.
Although travel costs in general are quite low in Malaysia, there are some good tricks you can use to save money. Most taxis don't have meters so make sure you negotiate a price in advance. The food is delicious, and there are plenty of street stalls that offer cheap and authentic meal options. If you're looking to improve your negotiating skills, head to a local market where you can pick up anything from food for a meal to souvenirs to take home. You can often get some excellent deals in the markets. Also consider eliminating alcohol. Although drinks flow freely in most of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a Muslim country. You can definitely find alcohol, but consider passing as it is disrespectful to the local culture, and skipping the drinks will dramatically cut down on your travel expenses.
Malaysia is a diverse country with many things to offer travelers. Whether you're visiting for the beaches, the culture, or the nightlife, you're likely to find so much more than you expected in this fascinating country. It's perhaps the easiest country to navigate in Southeast Asia, and makes for a wonderful introduction to the region for those that have never experienced it.
At A Glance
- There are many discount airlines that fly into and out of Malaysia and throughout all of the Southeast Asia. In particular, if you're booking a flight, look into Air Asia, Air Asia X, and Malaysia Airlines, all of which are well known to have frequent flights with good deals.
- The cheapest way to get around this country is by bus. Almost every town, whatever the size, will have a bus terminal. The bus schedule is usually posted. Generally, the buses are a high quality and are quite reliable, particularly when compared to elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
- Although the official language of the country is Malay, which is somewhat similar to Indonesian, English is compulsory in all schools so most residents have at least a basic understanding of the language.
- Off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia you will find some of the most popular diving spots in the country. The diving season is limited in this area to the months between April and September, so if you are planning to do any diving you must take this into account.
- Drug offenses are taken very seriously in this country. It is best not to find yourself in a situation where you must defend your actions. If traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if they were taken in another country, you will be charged.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Malaysia or Indonesia?
Traveling alone to Kuala Lumpur or Penang?
Looking for a party in Singapore or Bali?
Top Tourist Attractions
Cameron Highlands: A beautiful and temperate part of Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands are the agricultural heart of the country. The countryside is lined with beautiful tea plantations that are worth a visit. Particularly during the hottest times of the year, this area is a great place to escape the tropical heat. Also don't miss out on the opportunity to "pluck your own" fruit.
George Town: A colonial city on the island of Penang, George Town, is known for it's wonderful cuisine. In particular, head to the Little India area where you'll find authentic and delicious Indian restaurants. The owners will eagerly offer you the most delicious dishes and you'll pay a fraction of what you might pay at home. Street vendors also sell some of the most delicious local specialties that are all worth a try.
Taman Negara: This is a national park that is a great place to experience the rainforest on mainland Malaysia. There are some good camping options, but many people choose to stay in hostels in town and explore the hiking trails during the day. The town also offers a good number of restaurants that are lined up along the river. The weather can be variable but it's a beautiful place where you might have some luck spotting some local wildlife.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.