Explore Malaysia on a Shoestring Budget with 5 Million Dong

Discover Kuala Lumpur with just 2 million for your flight, 2 million for accommodation, and the rest for various expenses.

Traveling abroad has become incredibly straightforward with direct flights to many popular destinations and budget-friendly ticket prices from various airlines. Information about tourist attractions is easily accessible online or through the experiences of many. However, a critical aspect to consider is the budget. Without sufficient funds, no matter how well-prepared you are, the joy of the trip may be compromised.

Let me suggest a Malaysia tour package, a trending destination for many summer travelers, for a 3-4 day journey with just 5 million dong. Currently, the all-inclusive tour prices offered by travel companies range from 8 to 12 million dong, depending on the number of attractions. Although 5 million dong may not be the safest amount, it is the most economical cost to materialize a trip to visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

Flight tickets: under 2,000,000 dong

Currently, several airlines operate flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur, such as Air Asia, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tiger Airways... with an average price of 4 million dong for a round trip.

If you're willing to be a bit of a 'ticket hunter,' you can successfully book flights for as low as half the price, under 2 million dong. Cheap tickets often come with drawbacks such as inconvenient timings, inflexibility with time, and limited availability, making the booking process a bit tedious. Additionally, cheap tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. However, for those prioritizing savings, this is not a hindrance. If you're on a short trip, pack light, avoid excess clothing, and minimize liquids to avoid checked baggage costs.

Kuala Lumpur airport is quite far from the city center. It's advisable to pre-book bus rides or take the train to the city instead of spending a 'mountain' of money on taxis. Train tickets cost around 200,000 dong, while bus tickets are only about 60,000-70,000 dong to reach KL Sentral station in the city center. If flying with Air Asia, consider booking the bus ticket along with the flight for a discount of around 40,000 dong for a round trip.

Hotel: around 1,000,000 dong

Typically, young travelers often go in pairs or groups, allowing room costs to be shared, significantly reducing expenses. In Kuala Lumpur, there are various room options, from upscale hotels, budget accommodations, ordinary guesthouses, to shared accommodations (bunk beds, multiple people in one room).

The shared accommodation option's major advantage is its affordability, starting from 60,000 dong per night, but it comes with risks, especially for female travelers sharing a room with strangers. Moreover, hygiene conditions may not be guaranteed. If traveling in a large group with both males and females, you can consider this option.

For couples or small groups looking for a private room, it's advisable to explore budget hotels or guesthouses, with prices ranging from 20-30 USD (400,000-600,000 dong) per night. When divided among the group, this cost becomes quite reasonable.

The farther the guesthouse from the city center, the more affordable it becomes. The KLCC area (home to the Petronas Twin Towers) and Bukit Bintang are pricier but centrally located, saving transportation costs, with many shopping centers. On the other hand, China Town is a bit cheaper, lively, and easily accessible by the train into the city.

The price for 3 nights is around 60-90 USD, and if you're traveling as a pair, you'll spend less than a million dong for this category. Remember to book in advance online for the best deals.

Transportation fee: 500,000 dong

There's a constant warning you'll hear, both from online guides and locals, not to take taxis in Kuala Lumpur. Most taxis either don't have meters or, if they do, they run fast, and prices can be quite 'sky-high.' For the same distance, you might be quoted anywhere from 6-30 RM (1 RM is about 7,000 dong) depending on... the 'driver'.

In urgent situations, opt for Chinese or Malay drivers (with lighter skin than Indians) as some travelers have found them to be more pleasant in terms of both pricing and attitude. Remember to negotiate before getting in to avoid 'sticker shock' when paying; you should only pay below 50% of the fare suggested by the driver.

In the city, besides buses, tourists can choose LRT (light rail transit) and monorail to travel to various city locations. Many travelers prefer these options not only for their affordability but also for the interesting experiences that are hard to come by in Vietnam, such as enjoying city views from above or simply buying tickets from vending machines.

You can visit websites to gather information about routes and stops for these modes of transportation or purchase a tourist map (which includes train routes). A trip is available every 5 minutes, with stops approximately one kilometer apart, passing through key attractions in the city. The cost of both LRT and monorail is only a few RM, depending on the distance you want to travel.

For short distances, under 3 km, consider walking to save costs and fully experience the city's vibrant life. Actively engaging with locals will provide you with valuable and practical experiences, even those not shared on the internet.

With a tight budget, you can still travel to nearby cities from Kuala Lumpur for sightseeing and entertainment, such as Genting Highlands (about 50 km away), Batu Caves (13 km away), or the new city of Putrajaya (25 km away). Bus tickets to these places are affordable and conveniently purchasable from city bus stations like KL Sentral or Pudu Station.

Especially when heading to Genting Highlands, the ticket price is very favorable, around 11 RM one way (about 80,000 dong, including cable car fees), and for Putrajaya, the ticket is also around 10 RM. However, when booking the return ticket from Genting, carefully consider the timing, as it cannot be changed after purchase.

Dining: around 1,000,000 dong

Malaysian cuisine is a blend of various regions like China, India, and more. Indian and Malay dishes tend to be rich in oil and slightly challenging to eat. Chinese dishes are more suitable for Vietnamese taste buds but can be on the sweeter side.

In general, the cost of food here is comparable to that in Vietnam. If you travel in a group and share meals, the expenses become even more economical. Chinatown and Jalan Alor food street are two places with many budget-friendly eateries, reasonable prices, and a high appeal to tourists. Especially in Jalan Alor (in Bukit Bintang area), you can find Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian dishes along the bustling street with closely packed food stalls.

On average, a meal for one person costs around 15-20 RM, totaling about 50 RM (350,000 dong) per day, providing a reasonably satisfying and nutritious diet. When it comes to dining expenses, it's crucial not to cut costs, as maintaining good health is essential for a successful trip.

Furthermore, Malaysia is renowned, like Thailand, for its fresh and meticulously cut fruit sold in convenient nylon bags. Purchasing in the morning provides more choices, and the fruits are even fresher. A small bag of fruit costs 1 RM (around 7,000 dong). Fruit juices and sweets are also widely available on the streets, especially in pedestrian areas, train stations, and around shopping centers, priced at just a few RM but quite delicious.

Souvenirs and miscellaneous expenses: 500,000 dong

Kuala Lumpur features several pedestrian streets offering a rich variety of souvenirs reflecting Malaysia's distinct culture, such as Kasturi Walk near Central Market or in Chinatown. Prices for these items vary greatly; some are negotiable, while others are firm. Nevertheless, it's still worth trying to bargain, as you might still get a good deal.

If you happen to visit during the sale season around July, you can hunt for discounted items such as clothes and shoes in shopping centers like Lot10, Pavilion, Mid Valley, Starhill, BB Plaza, Brand Outlet, featuring budget-friendly brands like H&M, Forever 21, Cotton On, with prices dropping to a few hundred thousand, or even just a few tens of thousands dong. However, carefully consider before deciding to spend, as the primary goal of this trip is to save costs as much as possible.

In Malaysia, there are few shopping spots that accept USD, so it's advisable to exchange the necessary amount in advance to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. If you end up with excess, you can easily sell it back upon your return at the place of purchase. Currently, 1 RM is approximately 6,900 dong.

Above are cost suggestions for the most budget-friendly trip to Malaysia. For peace of mind, it's recommended to carry extra cash to handle unforeseen situations comfortably, as Malaysia is renowned as a 'shopping paradise.'

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Source: Travel guide from Mytour – Via: Ngoisao.net