How much does it cost to travel to Malaysia?
You should plan to spend around $83 (RM390) per day on your vacation in Malaysia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $18 (RM87) on meals
- $12 (RM56) on local transportation
- $88 (RM415) on hotels
A one week trip to Malaysia for two people costs, on average, $1,158 (RM5,456). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Malaysia expensive to visit?
Malaysia is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Asia, Malaysia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Thailand or Bhutan.
For more details, see Is Malaysia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Malaysia?
The average Malaysia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Malaysia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category | Cost |
---|---|
Accommodation1(Double Occupancy) | RM415($88) |
Local Transportation1 | RM56($12) |
Food2 | RM87($18) |
Entertainment1 | RM123($26) |
Tips and Handouts1 | RM5 -16($1 - 3) |
Alcohol2 | RM26 -77($5 - 16) |
Accommodation Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Malaysia is $44 (RM208). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Malaysia is $88 (RM415). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
$44
RM208
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
$88
RM415
Hotel Prices in Malaysia
Looking for a hotel in Malaysia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Malaysia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $29. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Recommended Properties
Local Transportation Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The cost of a taxi ride in Malaysia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $12 (RM56) per person, per day, on local transportation in Malaysia.
Local Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$12
RM56
Recommended Services
What did other people spend on Local Transportation?
Typical prices for Local Transportation in Malaysia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Malaysia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Bus From Airport to George Town
RM2.70
Bicycle Rental (One Day)
RM10
Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
RM12
Motorbike Rental (One Day)
RM30
Taxi From Airport to George Town
RM46
Bus Ride
RM1.50
Bus from Airport
RM8.00
Island Ferry
RM2.40
Food Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While meal prices in Malaysia can vary, the average cost of food in Malaysia is $18 (RM87) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Malaysia should cost around $7.38 (RM35) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Malaysia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
Food2Meals for one day
$18
RM87
Recommended
What did other people spend on Food?
Typical prices for Food in Malaysia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Malaysia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Taiwanese Noodle Soup
RM5.00
Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)
RM6.00
Casual Lunch (for Two)
RM19
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
RM32
Italian Lunch (for Two)
RM48
Street Stall Food
RM2.80
Lassy Juice
RM7.00
Dinner for 2
RM15
Entertainment Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Entertainment and activities in Malaysia typically cost an average of $26 (RM123) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
RM123
Recommended Activities
What did other people spend on Entertainment?
Typical prices for Entertainment in Malaysia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Malaysia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Fort Cornwallis Entrance
RM2.00
Low Cost Kite
RM3.00
Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
RM5.00
Melaka Zoo Entrance
RM7.00
Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance
RM10
Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)
RM10
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
RM10
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
RM30
Tips and Handouts Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Malaysia is $2.22 (RM10) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Malaysia is 5% - 15%.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
$2.22
RM10
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Malaysia is $36 (RM171), as reported by travelers.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$36
RM171
Alcohol Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $11 (RM51) on alcoholic beverages in Malaysia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
$11
RM51
What did other people spend on Alcohol?
Typical prices for Alcohol in Malaysia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Malaysia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Beer
RM8.00
Bottle of Wine
RM45
Water Budget in Malaysia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, people spend $0.94 (RM4.45) on bottled water in Malaysia per day. The public water in Malaysia is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
$0.94
RM4.45
Last Updated: May 12, 2024
Malaysia on a Budget
BOH Tea Plantation, central Malaysia
Modern Malaysia has exquisite beaches, bustling cities, diverse food options, and friendly people. The population is about 60% Malay people, with the rest consisting of Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups. The traditions, culture, festivals, and religions of the nation are equally diverse. The country has a strong technology industry and is one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia. Public transportation in this country is wonderful, from local subways and bus systems, to intercity bus transit, it is very easy to get around. English is also a commonly spoken language here. It is a very welcoming environmental and locals are eager to show you around their country. Whether you're a first time traveler to Asia, or if you've visited many of the area's culturally unique countries, Malaysia is sure to surprise and impress. It has a well established travel and tourist infrastructure, and it is still an incredibly affordable destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. It appeals to all travel types, from backpackers to luxury vacationers, there really is something for everybody.
Although travel costs in general are quite low in Malaysia, there are some good tricks you can use to save money. Most taxis don't have meters so make sure you negotiate a price in advance. The food is delicious, and there are plenty of street stalls that offer cheap and authentic meal options. If you're looking to improve your negotiating skills, head to a local market where you can pick up anything from food for a meal to souvenirs to take home. You can often get some excellent deals in the markets. Also consider eliminating alcohol. Although drinks flow freely in most of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a Muslim country. You can definitely find alcohol, but consider passing as it is disrespectful to the local culture, and skipping the drinks will dramatically cut down on your travel expenses.
Malaysia is a diverse country with many things to offer travelers. Whether you're visiting for the beaches, the culture, or the nightlife, you're likely to find so much more than you expected in this fascinating country. It's perhaps the easiest country to navigate in Southeast Asia, and makes for a wonderful introduction to the region for those that have never experienced it.
At A Glance
- There are many discount airlines that fly into and out of Malaysia and throughout all of the Southeast Asia. In particular, if you're booking a flight, look into Air Asia, Air Asia X, and Malaysia Airlines, all of which are well known to have frequent flights with good deals.
- The cheapest way to get around this country is by bus. Almost every town, whatever the size, will have a bus terminal. The bus schedule is usually posted. Generally, the buses are a high quality and are quite reliable, particularly when compared to elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
- Although the official language of the country is Malay, which is somewhat similar to Indonesian, English is compulsory in all schools so most residents have at least a basic understanding of the language.
- Off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia you will find some of the most popular diving spots in the country. The diving season is limited in this area to the months between April and September, so if you are planning to do any diving you must take this into account.
- Drug offenses are taken very seriously in this country. It is best not to find yourself in a situation where you must defend your actions. If traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if they were taken in another country, you will be charged.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Malaysia or Indonesia?
Traveling alone to Kuala Lumpur or Penang?
Looking for a party in Singapore or Bali?
Top Tourist Attractions
Cameron Highlands: A beautiful and temperate part of Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands are the agricultural heart of the country. The countryside is lined with beautiful tea plantations that are worth a visit. Particularly during the hottest times of the year, this area is a great place to escape the tropical heat. Also don't miss out on the opportunity to "pluck your own" fruit.
George Town: A colonial city on the island of Penang, George Town, is known for it's wonderful cuisine. In particular, head to the Little India area where you'll find authentic and delicious Indian restaurants. The owners will eagerly offer you the most delicious dishes and you'll pay a fraction of what you might pay at home. Street vendors also sell some of the most delicious local specialties that are all worth a try.
Taman Negara: This is a national park that is a great place to experience the rainforest on mainland Malaysia. There are some good camping options, but many people choose to stay in hostels in town and explore the hiking trails during the day. The town also offers a good number of restaurants that are lined up along the river. The weather can be variable but it's a beautiful place where you might have some luck spotting some local wildlife.
Popular Foods
Malaysian food is heavily influenced by both the Chinese and Indian cultures. In addition to Malay cooking, you'll find plenty of Indian or Chinese restaurants in even the smallest towns. George Town, on the island of Penang, is an excellent place to visit if you're looking for some of the country's best food. The diversity of options available around the country highlight the area's rich ethnic diversity.
Nasi lemak: Nasi lemak is a Malay breakfast dish that is made from rice, coconut cream and milk. It's often served wrapped in a banana leaf. It is found almost everywhere and many claim it to be the national dish of the country.
Rendang: Rendang is a dry curried dish that is made with meat that is stewed until all of the spices are absorbed. It is typically served during celebratory festivals, particularly those with strong ties to Indonesia.
Satay: Satay are spiced and seasoned meat skewers that are typically made with either chicken or beef. They are grilled and then served with a peanut dipping sauce. You can often find them at street stalls and they make a great, cheap late night snack option.
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.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.