Malaysia: Southeast Asia's hidden gem
Southeast Asia is a backpacker’s and luxury traveler’s paradise all at once. The region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world due to its affordability, delicious eats, and boasts of options for all types of travelers. When making plans to visit Southeast Asia, most travelers head to the popular hotspots of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and maybe even Cambodia. But it’s a missed opportunity to head all the way to these parts of the world and not visit a true hidden gem of Southeast Asia: Malaysia.
To get to Malaysia, it’s likely that you’ll fly to the capital of Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is a major hub with connecting flights to all over the globe, so finding a flight convenient for your needs should pose no issue.
Related: 6 ways I could use my Malaysia AIrlines Enrich Points before they expire
Once you exit the airport, you’ll have to head into the city which can be done either via bus or taxi. If you plan to take a taxi, download the app Grab, which is an Uber-like app in Southeast Asia (Grab works in Vietnam as well). Despite Malaysia being an affordable destination similar to other nations in the region, one sure-fire way to get ripped off is by taking an airport taxi instead of Grab. For context, I made this mistake, and my airport taxi cost 255 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or $58 and a Grab would have been 75 MYR OR $17.
Now, where to stay? Kuala Lumpur is a luxurious city that has the ritzy feels of Dubai, but at a fraction of the cost. You can opt for a sky-rise hotel or Airbnb in the city center with a rooftop pool overlooking the Petronas Towers, often for as low as $40 per night. If you’ve always wanted a private butler but don’t have enough points or funds to pay for one, The Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur might just be the fast track to your dreams, with rooms starting at $106 per night or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a 2-night stay.
Make sure to hit the Batu Caves, just a short ride outside of the city. This is the temple with the infamous rainbow steps plastered all over Instagram, but don’t only go for getting the perfect shot. At the top of the 272 steps is a Hindu temple in an actual cave, hence the name. Expect to see monkeys along the way and even a small waterfall. Before you head back into the city center, make sure to grab a masala dosa from one of the many Indian restaurants in the area. Batu Caves gets extremely packed due to its popularity, so it’s recommended to get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
Kuala Lumpur also has a bustling Chinatown. Here, you’ll find several street food carts serving up bowls of spicy noodles, such as chili pan mee or curry mee, for less than $1 a pop. If you’re looking for a treat unique to the region, go for the gold and try durian, the stinky fruit that’s been banned on several forms of transportation around the globe. You’ll even see restaurants that have signs that say “No Durians” due to its smell resembling that of dirty gym socks.
Related: Why you should take your family on a vacation to Malaysia
In many parts of Kuala Lumpur, but particularly Chinatown, you can score some cheap souvenirs for yourself including sunglasses, clothes, makeup and more. Don’t go too far out of your way looking for alcohol though. Malaysia’s official religion is Islam, and though alcohol is not banned, it’s not as readily available as it is in other countries in the region. Finding a good cocktail or glass of vino near the Petronas Towers isn’t the most difficult task, but in Chinatown and other popular neighborhoods, options to grab a cold one will be fewer and farther between and might make a dent in your wallet.
Why stop at only Kuala Lumpur? Malaysia has some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia without the crowds of those in Thailand. The climate year-round is humid and hot, so adding a beach to your Malaysian itinerary only makes sense. Head to Langkawi and stay at an all-inclusive resort in Pantai Tengah. Borneo, though divided by three countries (Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia) has some of the best diving in the region. Sipadan Island off the coast of Sabah, Borneo, was once voted the top diving spot in the entire world by Scuba Diving Magazine’s Gold List. Expect to see manta rays, turtles and even some sharks.
Related: A Stunning Hotel with Service to Match: A Review of The St. Regis Langkawi in Malaysia
No trip to Malaysia would be complete without a visit to the northern region of Penang. Penang has the best of both worlds: white sand, crystal-clear water beaches, and a buzzing city, George Town, with cheap eats, temples galore and rich history. Head to Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the entire country. Do some bargain-shopping and late-night eats at Batu Ferringhi Night Market. Learn about indigenous Malay flora and fauna, and take a cooking class using local ingredients at the Tropical Spice Garden. When you’ve had enough of the city, head out to an overwater bungalow at Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, starting at $194/night, a mere fraction of what a similar experience would cost you in the Maldives. Make sure while in Penang to grab a bite of Nasi Lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish served with fried anchovies, peanuts and sambal, said to be the national dish of Malaysia.
So, who should consider a trip to Malaysia? Everyone! Solo travelers, families, foodies, backpackers, thrill-seekers and couples. Malaysia has something for everyone.
Related: Why you should take your family on a vacation to Malaysia
Overall, Malaysia is an affordable, colorful destination with some of the best food and beaches in the region. It’s easily accessible from other nearby nations, so what’s stopping you from adding it to your Southeast Asian bucket list?
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
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Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.