"Travels in Malaysia" Malaysia by D_Shannon

Malaysia Travel Guide: 27,570 reviews and 68,400 photos

Because of some rather odd flight plans from Asia to Europe to North America, I ended up with a stopover in Malaysia and I decided to take advantage of it by extending my stay for two weeks. For the full story and pictures, check out my travelogue.

(The map showing my route in Malaysia was shamelessly swiped from my Lonely Planet guidebook. I b*tch a lot about my LP in these pages, but I still think it's the best book out there, and at least they've got the bus and train timetables straight.)

Disclaimer:

I had some serious ups and downs as I travelled from Kuala Lumpur to Penang to the Perhentian Islands to Melaka and then, finally, back to Kuala Lumpur. Most problems were probably my own fault. I didn't have much time, and if I were to do it again, I'd plan things differently. I would spend more time in KL, I'd check out Pulau Pangkor and the Cameron Highlands instead of wasting so much time in ugly Penang, and I'd skip the jungle train entirely unless it was to head into Singapore for a day of gawking at skyscrapers.

Lots of folks are upset about this page, claiming that I"ve exaggerated the dangers women travelers face. Hey, look, I've got nothing against Malaysia and, given the opportunity, I'd definitely go again. But forewarned is forearmed and maybe if I'd had all the info before going, I could've avoided some rough spots. The whole point of VT is to dish the real dirt, and I told my story straight and true. Why would I lie?

These experiences, though, are just my experiences. I've talked to many a female traveller, before, during, and after my stay in Malaysia, and not one of them had problems like the ones I describe. So, go and be fearless, but keep your eyes open and your arms covered.

Last visit to Malaysia: Jun 2002
Intro Updated Oct 12, 2003
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Reviews (7)

Pudu Hostel in Kuala Lumpur Hotels (2)

4 bed dorm: 12RM single room: 30 RM triple room: 40 RM Plain rooms but clean and cool, with windows and good communal... more travel advice

Light and Sound show in... Tourist Traps (3)

Light and Sound show in Melaka. The light show consists of green and red floodlights momentarily brightening the nearby... more travel advice

Packing List What to Pack (1)

Hat - keep off the sun and allow you entrance into some mosques which require women to have their heads covered.... more travel advice

Simply put, Malaysia is not... Warnings and Dangers (1)

Simply put, Malaysia is not safe for women travelling alone. I read the warnings in all the guidebooks, but I thought... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Oct 12, 2003

32 photos

Malaysia Diary

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Comments (6)

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gnh Aug 4, 2005 at 8:56 AM

I am Malaysian and can vouch for you. But why did you end up in those ugly places ? In many places they consider women easy prey. Lots of snatch thefts, robberies and rapes these days - you know the reputation of our police.
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iannish Mar 10, 2003 at 4:28 PM

Shannon....GET REAL!! I have live in Malaysia for some time, and relatively US is even worse than Malaysia. You are the one exaggerating. I have many friends visited Malaysia, and frankly you are only one with that experience.
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dgeorge10 Dec 12, 2002 at 3:26 PM

Hey.. I guess you had a pretty good trip after all! Excellent Travelogue!
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frankcanfly Aug 15, 2002 at 5:37 PM

You can run, but you can`t hide from LP!! KL rocks!!
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l_joo Aug 6, 2002 at 12:27 AM

Anyway..welcome to Malaysia
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jenniferchin Jul 29, 2002 at 11:55 PM

Umm.. Interesting read !