Malaysia, Thailand or elsewhere - where to go?

#1 (**permalink**) 14th January 2010, 11:51 AM

Hello,

I am going on a 3 week holiday and I am flying in to KL where my sister lives. My plan is to stay there a couple of days with her, then travel on. I have been to Thailand several times - visiting Koh Lanta (don't like), Koh Lipe (paradise but a little remote), Railay Beach (love), Ton Sai (love), Kao Lak (for 4 days live aboard diving) and stopped by Phuket which I really don't like since it is so touristy.

When I was in Malaysia last year I stopped by Langkawi and I was very disappointed.

I do not want to spend too much time travelling and I want to go places that have beautiful beaches, not much traffic, great food and a bit of life but not too many tourists either (where restaurant signs are in all languages etc.). I really love Thailand because of the food, the laid-back atmosphere, the friendly people and the easy travelling but I feel that I cannot go back to the same places every year even though I love these places. This time I am also bringing my boyfriend for the first time and he has never been to Asia so I want him to fall in love with Asia too and to have the best experience.

So with this information of my likings, can anyone please advise me on where to go (areas in Thailand, Malaysia or other places in the neighbourhood)? Does anyone have any information about Koh Tao in Thailand?

Can somone also advise me on massage and spa prices in Malaysia compared to Thailand?

Thank you very much for all you travel tips.

ll_angel86 · #2 (**permalink**) 18th January 2010, 05:50 AM

Hi!
I'm not sure where else in Malaysia you have visited. But if you are looking for non-touristy sites, why not try a road trip in malaysia. the highways are pretty well connected and you can drive from Kl to Malacca (for heritage/culture/food) or north towards Penang (food, beach) but Penang can have pretty bad traffic jams....

or on your way to Penang you can drop by Ipoh, my hometown for delicious food and to experience a small city in Malaysia. there's not much shopping/nightlife in Ipoh but the food definitely is good. also, if you are interested to visit cave temples (Buddhist) Ipoh is a good place too.

Enjoy!

tanmaysnv · #3 (**permalink**) 17th February 2010, 10:37 PM

If you're looking for some nice beaches for snorkelling & sea walking, I recommend you to go to Sabah (East Malaysia). There are many great islands for diving as well. Some island is restricted only a few tourist per day so suit your interest which us beautiful beaches, not much traffic, great food and a bit of life but not too many tourists either.

Thanks !!!!

phil mcfc · #4 (**permalink**) 8th March 2010, 10:33 PM

in thailand you want Kanchanaburi area - suit you down to the ground and he cant help fall in love with thailand in that area

jackwilliam · #5 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 01:51 PM

hi go and visit he tallest building in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, is a commanding sight, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre boasting of the latest in fashion trends and designer labels and lot of wonderful places are available in Malaysia.

ll_angel86 · #6 (**permalink**) 22nd March 2010, 01:39 PM

Definitely recommend the Twin Towers too.

6knowspring · #7 (**permalink**) 25th March 2010, 04:22 AM

You should check out Pulau Rawa- I've been there many times and it isn't as touristy (at least since the last time that I was back, which was actually about 4 years ago.. I hope things haven't changed much).

The resort is called Rawa Safaris- you should be able to find it with a quick Google search.

mark1234 · #8 (**permalink**) 29th March 2010, 03:47 PM

as two people had mentioned above, even i strongly believe that you should see the twin towers..

munirfarhan · #9 (**permalink**) 19th April 2010, 06:08 AM

what about Singapore - it is near by

have you visited Penang (about 45 min flight or 4 hr. by bus)

I would prefer a bus - you will see amazing country side

Amazingtouristattractions · #10 (**permalink**) 23rd June 2010, 09:32 AM

I've been to Tioman and thouroughly enjoyed myself there. It has one of the best dive sites in Asia but the beaches are not as fantastic. You can consider Pulau Aur too. However,you won't find clear blue waters there. But if you go to Thailand , you can find beaches with white sand and clear waters at Koh Phi Phi , Koh Samui and other beaches. There are countless other beaches around Thailand which are very attractive.
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao-Once almost exclusively a base for divers, visitors are slowly realizing that Ko Tao has more to offer than just a place to eat and sleep between dives.
The resorts around there are more commercialised hence more comfortable as well. I think the rates are higher there too if i can remember correctly.

I'd definitely go to Chinatown in KL if i have the time , you can bargain for cheap stuff there and eat great food!Also ,since you have 20 days ,you may want to check out the indoor themepark at the largest shopping centre in Malaysia, Berjaya Times Square.

hope this helped