If you want to truly experience everything that Asia can offer, Malaysia is definitely the place to be especially for the amazing food here that is praised by all. I’m very sure that everyone has been itching to travel and this applied to either foreigners who want to visit or Anak Malaysia who just want to be out and about.

Not sure if traveling to Malaysia is even allowed with the current pandemic? Or maybe you’re just not familiar with the SOPs (Standard of Procedures) in the country so you don’t want to take the next step.

Don’t worry as we’ve got you covered in this Malaysia Backpacking Guide 2022 with everything you need to know about the SOPs during this global pandemic. Don’t miss out on all the amazing things from bee farms in Cameron Highlands to black sands in Pasir Hitam!

The Complete Guide To Backpacking In Malaysia (With Up-to-date SOPs)

1. Plan Your Trip

Many people may irk at the notion of needing to plan their travels because of all the latest trends on spontaneous backpacking but you should be warier especially during these periods. It’s important to lay out a full plan and check with every destination before you make any decisions.

That is because although most restrictions have been lifted from most industries, there are a few that are stricter than others. Some areas and landmarks may still be closed to the public so it’s better if you check them out before going out into unfamiliar territory.

Call them up or just do a simple Google search to see if they’re open, it’s really just that simple. You don’t want to end up halfway around the world just to know that the place isn’t open and you have no idea what to do next. Make sure you’re fully vaccinated as well before you travel as all areas will require you to be so when you visit.

2. Determine A Budget

It’s important to know how much your budget is during your stay to avoid any possible financial issues that might occur. Backpackers usually have a smaller budget as their motto is to travel with the least amount of things possible and enjoy it to the fullest. Luckily for them, it’s quite inexpensive for backpackers in Malaysia.

We estimate that you’ll probably need about $40 (about RM166 as of this blog post) a day in Malaysia to cover all expenses including accommodations, food, transportation, and just enough for one entertainment a day. Of course, this budget will vary from person to person but having $40 dollars can be your benchmark to give you an idea of what to expect financially.

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3. Bring An Umbrella

Malaysia is a country located in the equatorial region and is considered to have a tropical rainforest climate. This means that though Malaysia is less likely to experience rainfall during dry seasons, it is still very susceptible to it during specific periods.

This is especially true during the months of March, April, September, October, and November. On other days, it is usually very sunny which is also a reason why you should have an umbrella at all times.

Rain or shine, bring an umbrella to make sure that you’re fine.

4. Transportation

Public transport is quite easy to access in most towns and cities in Malaysia, especially within the Klang Valley. Busses, Taxis, Monorails, and Commuters are designed to bring you to all parts of the city and they’re quite cheap too.

It probably only costs you somewhere around $1 to travel to and back your destination unless you plan on heading somewhere far from your origin. Taxi fares are a little more costly which is to be expected since they run by the meter.

Make sure you get a Touch’n’Go card as it’ll make your life easier during your stay. It has multiple functions aside from paying for transportation as well.

5. Follow the rules!

Just recently, Malaysia has released all traveling restrictions on fully vaccinated Malaysians but foreigners are still unable to travel into the country as of 11/10/2021. With that said, it doesn’t hurt to know their SOPs as you’re preparing for future travels.

The SOPs are simple, have your face mask on at all times when you are in public areas, and keep your distance against strangers in public, 1 meter apart. Being fully vaccinated is a must and quarantine yourself if you feel unwell with specific symptoms.

One important thing to take note of is the MySejahtera app which Malaysia uses to keep track of the status of everyone in the country. It’s important as you’ll need to check-in and check-out whenever you visit an area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s a good money-saving tip when backpacking in Malaysia?

The best way to save money while still being able to enjoy the best Malaysia can offer is by trying the abundance of street food available. This way, you get to taste amazing food at the low low cost of only about $3 dollars a meal!

2. Is Malaysia safe to backpack travel around?

Malaysia is considered quite safe to backpack travel in as violent crimes are not usually seen even in the dark city areas. With that said, petty theft is very common around these areas and even taxi drivers try to scam foreigners at times. You’ll have to be alert and make sure that things go accordingly such as turning on the taxi meter.

Conclusion

Malaysia is a wonderful country to start backpacking in with all the amazing sights to see from the busy city of Kuala Lumpur to the calm countryside farms in Pahang. There are also many places to hike and even camp if that is an agenda on your list and that list never ends. 

Just be sure to comply with all SOPs and stay safe while traveling. You wouldn’t want to miss it for the world but be cautious.