Is Malaysia expensive to visit?
While Malaysia is a popular destination, it is also fairly affordable and not very expensive to visit. Compared to other countries in Asia, travelers find it to be a moderately priced country. Ranked in the top 50% of countries in Asia for its travel costs, our cost analysis found it to be comparable to countries such as Thailand and Bhutan.
Malaysia is not frequented by travelers as much as other countries, but it still offers destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit in Malaysia is Penang. For more affordability, you can visit Johor Bahru.
Average daily price of selected cities in Malaysia, by affordability
| City | Average Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Tanah Rata | $182 |
| Penang | $137 |
| Kuala Lumpur | $79 |
| Sandakan | $76 |
| Kota Kinabalu | $64 |
| Johor Bahru | $62 |
| Melaka | $31 |
Melaka, Malaysia
How expensive is Malaysia?
The average daily spending amount for tourists in Malaysia tends to be around $101 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Malaysia here.
How expensive is a one week trip to Malaysia?
On average, a one week trip to Malaysia costs about $707 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,415.
How expensive is a two week trip to Malaysia?
A two week trip to Malaysia costs about $1,415 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $2,830.
How expensive is a month long trip to Malaysia?
Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Malaysia costs around $3,032 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $6,064.
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Is it expensive to backpack in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a very popular destination for backpackers, offering an extensive network of over 130 hostels across the country. The average cost for a dorm room in these hostels is approximately $9 per night. (See detailed information on hostel prices in Malaysia here.) Notably, backpackers often flock to the popular hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Kuching and Melaka has some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $8 and $7 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur with an average cost of $11 and $9 per night.
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Malaysia.
- $9 for a dorm bed at Sunshine Bedz KL in Kuala Lumpur
- $10 for a dorm bed at Faloe Hostel in Kota Kinabalu
- $11 for a dorm bed at House of Journey in Penang
Where to find affordable hostels in Malaysia
| City | Number of Hostels | Average Price for a Dorm |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | 47 | $9 |
| Kota Kinabalu | 22 | $9 |
| Penang | 16 | $9 |
| Melaka | 11 | $7 |
| Kuching | 9 | $8 |
| Ipoh | 8 | $8 |
| Johor Bahru | 6 | $11 |
Are hotels expensive in Malaysia?
When considering the analysis of hotel prices in Malaysia, it becomes apparent that they are notably more budget-friendly compared to other countries. The average nightly price for a hotel room is around $29. However, within Malaysia, be aware of varying prices across cities, with destinations like Penang commanding a higher average of $42 per night. For those looking for more economical choices, Johor Bahru offers a budget-friendly alternative, with hotel prices averaging $21 per night.
Where to find affordable hotels in Malaysia
| City | Average Hotel Price |
|---|---|
| Penang | $42 |
| Tanah Rata | $42 |
| Melaka | $33 |
| Kota Kinabalu | $31 |
| Sandakan | $31 |
| Kuala Lumpur | $30 |
| Johor Bahru | $21 |
Langkawi, Malaysia
How expensive are sightseeing activities in Malaysia?
Activities and things to do in Malaysia can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $28 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $93
- Langkawi Mangrove Kayak Tour by Sham: $65
- Half-Day Geopark Mangrove Kayaking Adventure: $60
- Riverside Experience Tour: $45
- Private Halfday Batu Caves and Cultural Tour in Kuala Lumpur *25*: $33
- Half Day Guided Jet Ski Tour in Langkawi Island: $81
- Full day in Malacca Historical Private Tour in Kuala Lumpur: $115
- Kuala Lumpur Sightseeing: $70
Is food expensive in Malaysia?
Food in Malaysia can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $32 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Fireflies Cruise with Batu Cave Visit and Seafood Dinner: $100
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Kuala Lumpur Walking Food Tour Experience With Secret Food Tours: $55
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
- Private Fireflies Tour with Blue Tears and Seafood Dinner: $83
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Is transportation expensive in Malaysia?
Local transportation in Malaysia can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $13 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.
Intercity transportation in Malaysia can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $52 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.
More for Malaysia
If you're planning a trip to Malaysia, check out these other informative travel guides.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.