Travelling Alone In Malaysia: Safe For Women?

Malaysia is a vibrant, cultural, and historic country that is considered a wonderful destination for solo female travellers. It offers a mix of modern cities, historic old towns, paradise islands, and lush jungles. While there are some safety concerns for women travelling alone, such as bag snatching and harassment, Malaysia is generally considered a safe and friendly place to visit, with helpful locals and a thriving tourist scene. Here, we explore the topic further, discussing safety tips, transportation, accommodation, and the best places to visit for solo female travellers in Malaysia.

Is Malaysia safe for solo women travellers?

Malaysia is a vibrant, cultural, and historic country that is considered a wonderful destination for solo women travellers. Here are some insights and tips to help you navigate your trip safely and confidently.

Overall Safety

Malaysia is generally considered a safe destination for solo travellers, including women. However, it's important to stay vigilant and take standard safety precautions. Always be cautious at night, especially when walking alone, and keep your belongings secure to prevent bag snatching and pickpocketing, which can occur in crowded areas and on public transport.

Cultural Considerations

Malaysia is a cosmopolitan country with three major religions and races. While you may stand out as a solo woman traveller, the racial diversity can make it easier to blend in and not feel like an outsider. When visiting rural regions or spiritual places, it's respectful to cover your shoulders and legs, and a sarong can be a useful item to pack for this purpose.

Transportation

Malaysia has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to get around. Buses are cheap and operate throughout the country, but some journeys can be lengthy. Night buses can be a good option to save time. Kuala Lumpur also offers light rail, and Grab or Uber are useful apps for safe taxi rides, especially at night when prices can increase.

Accommodation and Costs

Malaysia offers a range of accommodation options, from cheap hostels to luxury resorts. Hostels are highly recommended for women travelling alone as they are affordable, safe, and provide opportunities to meet other travellers. The cost of travelling in Malaysia is relatively low, with comparable prices to Thailand and cheaper options than Bali.

Food and Attractions

Malaysia is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, blending Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences. Street food is a significant part of the culture, offering an affordable and authentic dining experience. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka are notable food destinations, with Kuala Lumpur also known for its vibrant nightlife.

When it comes to attractions, Malaysia boasts a mix of modern cities, historic sites, and natural wonders. Kuala Lumpur, with its stunning skyline, is a must-visit, featuring landmarks like the Petronas Towers and China Town. Other recommended destinations include the Cameron Highlands for its tea plantations and the Perhentian Islands for their snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.

Additional Tips

• Consider joining a group tour if you're a first-time solo traveller to Malaysia. G Adventures and Intrepid Travel are reputable companies offering small group tours.
• Stay vigilant when it comes to purchasing tour or transport tickets, and always buy from reputable vendors to avoid fake ticketing scams.
• Dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples, and be mindful of local customs and cultural sensitivities.
• Invest in good travel insurance that covers any activities you plan to do, such as trekking or diving.
• Get a local SIM card for convenience and safety, and consider carrying a reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and hand sanitiser.

What to wear as a solo female traveller in Malaysia

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, and while locals are used to foreigners and are generally tolerant and liberal, it is advisable to dress modestly when travelling in the country, especially outside of tourist areas.

When travelling in Malaysia, it is recommended that women cover their bodies, wearing blouses or shirts with sleeves, slacks or long skirts, and closed collars. It is also a good idea to pack a sarong, which can be used to quickly cover up when needed. Loose-fitting clothing made from lightweight, natural fibres such as linen, silk or cotton will help to keep you cool in the hot and humid climate.

While skimpy or revealing clothing should be avoided, you will see tourists wearing shorts and vest tops, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which is a cosmopolitan city with no particular dress code. However, if you plan to visit religious sites such as temples or mosques, you will need to cover your legs and shoulders, and dress modestly. A pashmina or wrap can be useful for this purpose.

It is also worth noting that Malaysian women generally dress conservatively, opting for loose and long clothing. As a female solo traveller, respecting local cultural norms when it comes to dress will ensure you are treated with respect and will allow you access to religious sites, which are an integral part of Asian culture.

When packing for Malaysia, it is a good idea to include the following:

• Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres
• A pashmina or wrap
• Slip-on shoes
• At least one pair of comfortable trousers for more conservative outings and air-conditioned environments
• A lightweight rain jacket
• A small dry bag to protect your belongings from rain and sand
• A reusable water bottle
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen
• A sun hat
• Sunglasses

How to get around Malaysia

Travelling through Malaysia is fairly simple and straightforward. The country has a great infrastructure network, a reliable and inexpensive public transport system, and a good network of roads. Here are some ways to get around Malaysia:

• By Air: Flying is the best option if you're short on time or want to cover longer distances quickly. Budget flights are a great, inexpensive option for getting around the region, especially given that no ferries connect Peninsular and East Malaysia. Air Asia is the most commonly used airline, along with Silk and Batik Air.
• By Boat: Boats are the only way to travel to the small tropical islands off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Most boat rides take approximately 30-45 minutes. If you travel to Taman Negara, you'll sail on a wooden jungle boat for about 2 hours. Plenty of ferries also buzz from coastal ports to islands such as Penang, Pulau Langkawi, and myriad islands off the coast of Borneo.
• By Bus: Malaysia's national bus network is comprehensive and easy to use, with regular express coaches between all major cities and towns. Bus transport on the west coast is very well arranged. Buses here are quite comfortable and air-conditioned. It is an economical, local, and efficient way to get around the country.
• By Train: Malaysia has a limited railway network from south to north. It is not the quickest means of transport, but it is worth including during your trip as it is an enjoyable means of transport and a great way to meet locals. The train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is a good, wallet-friendly, and eco-friendly option.
• By Taxi/Car/Moped: Most towns in Malaysia have long-distance taxi ranks. Taxis run between cities and towns and can be quicker than buses, but they operate on a shared basis. For visitors travelling in small groups, the advantage of these taxis is that you can charter one for your journey, paying for the vehicle rather than per person. Car and moped rental are also options in Malaysia, but be aware of the local attitude to road rules, which can take some getting used to.

Where to stay in Malaysia

There are plenty of accommodation options in Malaysia, from homestays to luxury hotels, and it's easy to find something that suits your budget. Here are some recommendations for places to stay as a solo female traveller in Malaysia:

Kuala Lumpur

• Traders Hotel: This hotel offers views of the Petronas Towers and has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained, including an open-air Sky Bar, a spa area, and a variety of dining options.
• Mingle Hostel: A highly recommended hostel that's social and offers daily activities and tours. It's also located next to Chinatown, providing easy access to great food and shopping options.
• Regalia Suites and Residences: This apartment complex has become a popular Airbnb option thanks to its legendary rooftop pool.
• Sunshine Bedz: A comfy, social hostel.
• La Vista @ Regalia Residence: A rooftop pool hostel.

Langkawi

• Boxpackers Langkawi: A simple and friendly hostel, perfect for meeting other travellers. It's a 5-minute walk from the beach and a 20-minute walk from the town.
• Langwaki Chantique: A friendly, quiet, and clean hotel with a garden and saltwater pool. It's within walking distance of the beach and offers a free shuttle to the beach and mall.

Penang

• Dou Houz Guest House: A friendly guest house located in the centre of Georgetown, with a girls-only room option. It's just a few minutes from the beach, and the staff are very helpful.
• Noordin Mews: A boutique hotel located 5 minutes from the shopping area of Penang and near the bus station. It features an outdoor swimming pool and peaceful ambience.
• EZ Social
• The Frame

Ipoh

• Brownstone: The best hostel in Ipoh, according to one source.
• Jindagu Hotel
• M Boutique

General Tips for Accommodation

Hostels are highly recommended for solo female travellers in Malaysia as they are cheap, safe, and a great way to meet people. However, if you prefer more privacy, many hostels also offer private rooms in addition to dorms.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, you can find 5-star resorts in Langkawi and other locations. Airbnb is also an option if you prefer to stay with locals.

Additional Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Malaysia

• Malaysia is a very cosmopolitan country with a mix of different religions and races. You may still be in the minority as a solo female traveller, but the racial difference is not as obvious, so you can mingle and not feel like an outsider.
• Kuala Lumpur has a large expat community, and many locals speak English and are happy to help.
• It's recommended to dress conservatively when visiting temples or mosques in Malaysia. Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples, and use a headscarf and sarong when visiting mosques (these are often provided at the entrance).

Things to do in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country of contrasts, with its two halves separated by the South China Sea. The country is known for its modern cities, historic old towns, paradise islands, and lush jungles.

• Visit the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. These 88-story skyscrapers are an iconic symbol of Malaysia's advancement and feature a unique double-decker Skybridge.
• Take a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and sea.
• Explore the King's Palace, the equivalent of Malaysia's Buckingham Palace, with its golden domes and Islamic-style architecture.
• Stroll through the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), a vibrant commercial hub with plenty of shopping and dining options.
• Experience the vibrant energy of Merdeka Square, where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957.
• Discover the folklore and natural beauty of Dayang Bunting Island, the second-largest island in the Langkawi archipelago.
• Climb the Kuala Lumpur Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
• Admire the modern architecture of the National Mosque of Malaysia, a symbol of the country's independence.
• Walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a curved suspension bridge offering stunning views of the jungle-covered mountains and the Andaman Sea.
• Explore the Batu Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to macaques and several limestone caves.
• Venture into Bako National Park, where you can find proboscis monkeys, carnivorous pitcher plants, and other unique wildlife.
• Visit Thean Hou Temple, one of the most important Chinese temples in Southeast Asia, blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
• Observe proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
• Stroll through Eagle Square in Langkawi, a star-shaped square with ponds, fountains, cafes, and duty-free shops.
• Marvel at the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a colonial-era architectural masterpiece that now houses the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Culture.

In addition to these highlights, Malaysia offers a plethora of cultural and natural attractions, from the vibrant street food scene to the lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Whether you're seeking city adventures or natural escapes, Malaysia has something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions