Planning Your Next Trip? Here’s Why Malaysia Should Be First

Are you dreaming of your next big trip, aren’t you? Scrolling through pictures, wondering where to go. You’re probably thinking of the usual suspects – maybe Thailand, a bit of Europe, or perhaps even the States. But what if I told you there’s a place that combines the best bits of Asia into one vibrant, friendly, and utterly unforgettable country?

I’m talking about Malaysia.

Honestly, it’s a country that seems to have it all, yet it sometimes flies under the radar. It’s a place of contrasts, where futuristic cities rise up from ancient rainforests, and where you can spend one day spotting wild orangutans and the next sipping cocktails on a paradise beach. If you’re looking for a destination that will thrill you, feed you incredibly well, and leave you with memories for a lifetime, then you need to put Malaysia at the very top of your list.

A Tale of Two Worlds: The Cities and the Rainforests

The first thing you need to know about Malaysia is its incredible diversity. You can have two completely different holidays in one trip.

Kuala Lumpur: The Buzzing Metropolis

First up, you have the magnificent capital, Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it’s affectionately known. It’s a city that grabs you from the moment you arrive. The skyline is dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which are even more spectacular in real life, especially when they light up the night sky.

But KL is so much more than just its skyscrapers. It’s a city of bustling street markets where you can haggle for souvenirs, and incredible shopping centres where you can find everything from high-end fashion to local crafts. The real heart of the city, though, is on its streets. Head to Jalan Alor at night, a whole street dedicated to food stalls, where the air is thick with the sizzle of woks and the smell of spices. It’s an electrifying experience. The mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures means you’ll see beautiful mosques, colourful Hindu temples, and traditional Chinese shop-houses all within a few streets of each other. It’s a proper melting pot.

Borneo: The Call of the Wild

Then, just a short flight away, you can be in a completely different world: the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo. This is where real adventure begins. We’re talking about some of the oldest rainforests on the planet, home to an incredible array of wildlife.

The star of the show, of course, is the orangutan. Seeing these gentle, ginger-haired apes swinging through the trees at a sanctuary like Sepilok is a moment that will stay with you forever. But there’s also the cheeky proboscis monkeys with their massive noses, pygmy elephants, and countless species of birds. You can take a river cruise down the Kinabatangan River, staying in a rustic jungle lodge and waking up to the sounds of the rainforest. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s spectacular.

A Food Lover’s Paradise (Seriously, Bring Loose Trousers)

If you’re a foodie, let me be clear: you need to go to Malaysia. The food is, without a doubt, one of the best reasons to visit. It’s a glorious collision of Malay, Chinese, and Indian culinary traditions, and the result is a flavour explosion like no other.

Forget your diet. Just dive in. Start your day with a Nasi Lemak, the unofficial national dish of coconut rice, spicy sambal, fried anchovies, and a boiled egg. For lunch, grab a plate of Char Kway Teow, which is smoky, stir-fried flat noodles that are ridiculously addictive. In the afternoon, find a local ‘mamak’ stall for a fluffy, flaky Roti Canai dipped in a rich curry sauce. And don’t even get me started on Laksa, a spicy noodle soup that’s different in every region you visit.

The best part? It’s unbelievably cheap. You can eat like a king for just a few quid a meal, especially if you embrace the street food culture.

Beaches That Look Like a Postcard

Had enough of the city buzz and jungle trekking? No problem. Malaysia has some of the most stunning beaches in Southeast Asia. We’re talking classic, Bounty-advert-style paradise.

Langkawi is a brilliant option, an island easily accessible by plane with a great mix of beautiful resorts, duty-free shopping, and natural attractions like its famous cable car and sky bridge. But if you want something a bit more rustic and off-the-beaten-path, head to the Perhentian Islands on the east coast. Here, life slows right down. The main activities are snorkelling and diving in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, where you’re almost guaranteed to swim with sea turtles and countless tropical fish. It’s pure bliss.

So, Why Visit Malaysia? The People and the Price Tag

If the cities, jungles, food, and beaches haven’t convinced you yet, then let’s talk about two more things that make Malaysia so special.

First, the people. Malaysians are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you could ever hope to meet. There’s a genuine friendliness that makes you feel instantly at ease. Plus, because of its history, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, which makes getting around and chatting with locals an absolute breeze.

Second, the value for money. Malaysia is an incredibly affordable destination. Your pound will go a long, long way here. You can stay in luxurious hotels for a fraction of what they’d cost in Europe, travel across the country cheaply, and, as I mentioned, eat amazing food for next to nothing. It allows you to have a truly epic holiday without completely emptying your bank account.

The Smart Traveller’s Secret: Staying Connected with Ease

Now, on a trip with so much to see and do, you’re going to want to use your phone. Whether it’s for navigating the streets of KL with Google Maps, booking a Grab (their version of Uber), looking up restaurant reviews, or, let’s be honest, making everyone at home jealous with your incredible photos.

The big problem is that using your UK SIM card abroad can lead to a nasty bill when you get home, thanks to ridiculous roaming charges. The smart solution is to get a local data plan, but in the past, that meant faffing about at the airport trying to buy a physical SIM card.

But there’s a much better way in 2025. It’s called an eSIM.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that’s already built into most modern phones. Instead of a physical card, you just download a data plan directly to your device. It’s a complete game-changer for travellers. My go-to for this is a company called Commbitz. You can go to their website before you even leave the UK, choose a data plan for Malaysia that suits the length of your trip, and pay for it there and then.

They’ll email you a QR code, you scan it with your phone, and that’s it. The plan is installed. The moment you land in Malaysia, you can switch it on and you are instantly connected to the internet. No queues, no fiddly plastic, no stress. You can even keep your UK SIM in your phone to receive important texts from your bank. It’s the single best travel hack for a modern trip.

Your Malaysian Adventure Awaits

So, if you’re still wondering why visit Malaysia, I hope this has painted a picture for you. It’s a country that offers a bit of everything. It’s a destination that will challenge your taste buds, open your eyes to incredible nature, and welcome you with a warm smile.

Stop scrolling and start planning. Book that ticket, grab your CommBitz eSIM so you can travel smart, and get ready for an adventure you will truly never forget.