Budget Friendly Malaysia Travels

In Malaysia where the sun greets you every day with its warmth and tropical climate, it’s no wonder Malaysia is one of the top tourist destinations. At times, to fulfill your wanderlust desires with a limited budget, the best place to visit could be your very own home country. If you’re low on cash but still need some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, check out these budget friendly local destinations.

Sekinchan

Sekinchan is a travel worthy place for both foreigners and locals located at Sabak Bernam, Selangor, Malaysia. This fishing village has become one of Malaysia’s hidden gems with its wide array of affordable seafood, fruits and home to 4,300 acres of farming land. Locals visit Sekinchan for a day trip but you can find various peculiar hotels around the area at an attractive price. Hop on to a lodging or hotel booking website and you can find numerous accommodation to rest your head for a full on relaxation trip. Check out “Farm Ville Cafe & Homestay”, this quirky and cozy space ranging only from RM 98 per night is made up of multiple box containers.

Sekinchan’s lush green paddy field produces top notch quality rice should not be missed. Want to know how rice is made? Why not stop by the Paddy Processing Factory and museum. You can purchase a bag of pearl short grain rice at Sekinchan’s Paddy Processing Factory at an affordable price. As a fishing village, it’s a must for everybody who visits Sekinchan to stop by Fisherman’ Wharf for fresh seafood. It is advised to visit Sekinchan.org for the paddy plantation schedule. You can plan ahead if you want to see beautiful golden or a sea green paddy field.

Pulau Kapas

Pulau Kapas indirectly translates to Cotton Island noting the island’s white beaches.

This sun drenched island is truly a hidden gem even with the locals. There is no internet access on the island making it genuinely a destination away from the hustle and bustle from the busy city lifestyle. There are chalets available ranging from RM 80 and above but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a tent priced at RM15 per night. The ferry to Pulau Kapas from Marang Jetty located at the South of Kuala Terengganu priced from RM 30 to RM 50. This fun filled island allows individuals to immerse themselves with laid-back activities such as snorkeling, jungle trekking, and scuba diving or just by reading a book on the beach. The island’s turquoise clear water is ideal for a swim and exploring the coral reefs. It is worth mentioning that visitors of this island should do their part in protecting the corals while snorkeling and scuba diving.

Penang

Penang is a great destination for nature lovers who crave simplicity. This hot spot is popular among locals and tourists in which you are able to find accommodation in a hostel for less than RM80 per night. Here you may find backpackers from around the world. Penang is known for its flavorful Laksa and similar to other Malaysian food; it will be scrumptious and inexpensive. Look out for the well known “Sister’s Curry Mee” stationed at Air Itam, packed with spicy goodness.

Penang Hill is Penang’s main attraction and once you are on the hill, the panoramic view will surely amaze you. It is highly recommended to visit Penang Hill early morning before 10AM to avoid the hot sun. Penang Hill is part of Southeast Asia oldest British hill station dated late 1700’s. Additionally, “The Habitat” located in Penang Hill, is an educational nature walk promoting environmental consciousness and conservation awareness tourism. You will find several gardens of bountiful flowers and giant swings, among the untouched jungle. As of June 2016, the ticket entrance to “The Habitat” is priced at RM20 with a complimentary guided tour by the in-house naturalist team.

*Do take note as of Aug 2016; some attractions in “The Habitat” is still under construction.

Grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks located in Batu Feringghi, Penang for a surprise. This selected Starbucks is situated by the beach. Visitors can indulge their beverage looking out towards the vast ocean whilst enjoying the cooling sea breeze. Georgetown, Penang is home to Malaysian street art, not limited to just 2D murals, the street art in Georgetown incorporates objects, making the art interactive. Georgetown has a relatively urban feel, with its row of non-commercialized cafés and restaurants nearby.

Kudat, Sabah

Kudat is located at the north of Sabah. This destination is best suited for those who are looking for a free and easy trip. Travelers are welcome for a traditional stay at Tampat Do Aman ranging from chalets, huts and rooms in a longhouse priced from RM 45 onwards. Kudat ethnic composition is predominantly ethnic Rungus. At The Rungus Museum, visitors will be able to learn more about the Rungus tribe's cultural heritage. What makes Kudat different from other Malaysia destinations is the landscape view from Tanjung Simpang Menayau. Known as the tip of Borneo, this is where the most northern part of Borneo is located. Breathtaking view of ocean waves crashing on to the rocks will make you feel on top of the world. Nothing beats a picturesque sunset and sunrise at the tip of Borneo. To the left, you will spot a Kalampunian Beach, an undisturbed white sandy beach perfect for soaking up the summer sun.

Photo Credit : -

Sekinchan 
Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/chleong/2994589011
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Penang  
Source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlann/8351372717
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Tip of Borneo #1
Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabah#/media/File:Kudat_Sabah_Tanjung_Simpang_Mengayau-12.jpg
This photo was created by Uwe Aranas. It is protected by law and is not in the Public Domain. However, 
it can be used free of charge by everyone under the terms of the license stated below.
The requirements to comply with the terms of licence are:
- The image is credited with "Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas" or alternatively with "© CEphoto, Uwe Aranas". 
Pulau Kapas
Source : http://www.malaysia.travel/en/places/states-of-malaysia/terengganu/pulau-kapas