Like other tourist-friendly Asian countries, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, Malaysia is famous for offering value for money. The cost of visiting Malaysia is also very low compared to the US and many EU countries, making it cheaper, especially for citizens of the West.
People who have already visited the US and European countries like Croatia, Hungary, Turkey, etc., can feel the difference in price in Malaysia, as Malaysia is way more pocket-friendly.
But tourists love Malaysia not only because of its inexpensive and budget-friendly environment. The diversity in the culture is what makes Malaysia even more beautiful, and you will see this diversification in food and cuisine as well.
From Coastal areas to stunning architecture to historical landmarks, Malaysia has everything a tourist expects from a country he travels to.
Here are the top 10 cheap places to visit in Malaysia.
Table of Contents
1. GEORGE TOWN
George Town is famous for its historical and architectural beauty, which is why it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also a coastal city. Visitors can visit the beautiful beaches and view the Straits of Malacca.
However, you can also use a boat to explore the sea. Religious sites like Kapitan Keling Mosque and Wat Chaiyamangalaram’s Reclining Buddha are also essential in the city.
Historical landmarks and architectural sites like The Blue Mention, Armenian Street, Cheah Clan House, and Chulia Street will give you insights into the city’s history. Apart from that, there are museums like Penang Peranakan Mansion, Khoo Kongsi, and, for camera lovers, the Asia Camera Museum.
Different parks and gardens add to the city’s beauty. Speaking of natural beauty, don’t forget to visit the mountains at the back of the central city. These mountains are covered with trees, giving them a stunning look. You can visit all these places at little to no cost.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $5 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $5-$10 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $8-$15 for one person per day.
2. KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. It is a developed city known for its urban beauty. It is home of one of the biggest buildings in the world, Petronas Twin Towers, which was the tallest building in the world in the early 2000s, is the most visited destination in Kuala Lumpur.
Near the Twin Tower, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is also one of the tallest in the country. At the same time, historical Merdeka Square is also there, and playing a massive role in increasing tourism in the city.
Moreover, museums and galleries like the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, Islamic Art Museum, and MinNature Malaysia are also among the most visited in this city.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and Aquariums are also in this city for wildlife lovers. While lakes, ponds, and small mountains also hold great importance, where tourists love to go whenever they travel to Kuala Lumpur.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $2 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $5-$10 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$15 for one person per day.
3. KUCHING
A beautiful city connected with the South China Sea is a go-to destination not only for budget travelers but also for eco-traveler freaks as well. The whole city ends on the South China Sea, so you can enjoy the sea views if you are a beach freak.
However, the city’s beaches, like Golden Beach and Mersan Village Beach, are essential. Kubah National Park and Bako National Park are also loved by tourists. There, you will see small and medium-range hills covered with trees, waterfalls, and wildlife. Animals are also found in these national parks and are most visited by those who love nature.
After that, visit Mount Santubong, as it is the best place to view the sea from a height. Also, the whole mountain is covered with trees and greenery, giving it an enchanting look.
Apart from natural beauty, places like Kuching Waterfront, The Brooke Gallery, Sarawak Museum, and Darul Hana Bridge make this city beautiful and cheap to visit.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $4 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $5-$10 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$20 for one person per day.
4. KOTA KINABALU
Like Kuching, Kota Kinabalu is a city loved by eco-travelers and budget-friendly travelers. Due to its connection with the South China Sea, the shores are beautiful.
However, on the back side of the main city, you will see mountains covered with greenery, giving a stunning look. These mountains and hills are also great when viewing the city from a height. These mountains are also great for seeing wildlife, while camping and hiking are normal here.
If we talk about the main city, Sabah State Museum, Monsopiad Heritage Village, and Sabah State Mosque are famous. Different art galleries, museums, and parks also played a massive role in this city’s beauty. They made it budget-friendly, as all these things are available for free or with little to no fees.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $5 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $10-$20 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$15 for one person per day.
5. LANGKAWI
An attractive piece of land, Langkawi is an island in Malaysia. This small island is known for its natural beauty, as it is surrounded by water. Because it is an island, you can view the sea and enjoy beach destinations from anywhere.
Some famous beaches are Tanjung Rhu Beach, Black Sand Beach, and Sandy Skull Beach. This Island is also a place for natural reserves. So, you will see many areas covered with greenery, high and medium-range mountains covered with trees, and wildlife views, making people love that beautiful Island.
Different zoos, aquariums, and waterfalls also add to the island’s beauty. In the central city, you should visit places like Eagle Square, Rice Museum, and Galeria Perdana (a museum showcasing a collection of gifts and awards presented to former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad).
You can also visit these places with little to no entry fees, helping make the Island budget-friendly.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation here costs around $5 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $10-$15 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$20 for one person per day.
6. JOHOR BAHRU
Johor Bahru is where you will see the charm of a developed city. At the same time, this city is connected with Singapore and the Johor River.
Here, you will see architectural beauty and religious sites. Places like Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Wong Ah Fook Street, and Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street is loved and visited by all due to their cheap rate and beauty.
Legoland Malaysia, part of that amusement park, is loved by people of all ages. Johar Zoo is also there for those who love to see wildlife. Moreover, Kota Tingi Firefly Park is where you can use a ferry to explore the river.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $7 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $5-$10 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$15 for one person per day.
7. KUANTAN
Kuantan is a coastal city where you can see attractive tourist destinations cheaply. There are many beach destinations here, but Beserah Beach, Black Rock Brach, and Sepat Beach are loved by all and visited by many people.
There are many sites in Kuantan that are covered with greenery, where you can see different birds and animals. At the same time, the mountains are covered in greenery, and tourists love hiking and camping here.
The Sungai Pandan Waterfall in these mountains also adds to the beauty of the city. The main city’s Masjid Sultan Ahmed Shah, Tower Quantan 188, and Pahang Art Museum are famous for being budget-friendly and having little to no cost.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $6 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $5-$10 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$15 for one person per day.
8. MIRI
Miri is a city that shares a border with Brunei. It is a place for eco-tourism seekers, but it is also budget-friendly.
This place is fully exposed to the sea, so you can enjoy your time on the beach. Here, you will also see a national park, Bukit Lambir National Park, where you will see a large part of the land covered with trees and greenery.
You will also see mountains covered with trees and waterfalls. Moreover, viewing the main city from the mountains is also wonderful.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $7 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $5-$10 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $5-$15 for one person per day.
9. BINTULU
Bintulu is situated at some distance from Miri. Like Miri, it is loved by eco-tourists and budget travelers. The beaches give this palace a stunning look.
Tanjung Batu Beach and Kuala Nyalau Beach are some of the most beautiful beaches in the town. Here, you will also see attractive parks. At one place on the beach, there is a rock formation named Batu Kura-Kura (Tortoise Rock), which is an excellent place to click some memorable photos.
Similajau National Park, on the other hand, is the best place to see wildlife and animals. It is also covered with trees, making it more beautiful than ever.
In the main city, there are also museums that you can visit for free or at a small cost.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $11 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $10-$15 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$20 for one person per day.
10. SANDAKAN
Sandakan is the last city on our list, but it is still an impressive destination to be the first. Places like Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, The Church of St Michael and All Angels, and Bao Gong Temple are famous not only for their historical resemblance but also for their architectural beauty, which is second to none.
You can visit there for free or at a low cost, making it one of the cheapest places in Malaysia. But Sandakan is most famous for its natural beauty.
View of the Sulu Sea from the beaches is unmatched. Additionally, more than half of the city is covered with mountains and forests, making it an attractive destination for those who love to see wildlife and go hiking and camping.
Viewing the city and the Sulu Sea from the mountains is an experience one should do in Sandakan.
TRAVEL COST
- Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
- Accommodation costs around $9 per night for one person.
- Local transport can cost around $10-$20 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
- On average, food can cost around $10-$20 for one person per day.
FAQ’s
Can I find affordable food options in Malaysia?
Yes, street food will be available in Malaysia, which will be an affordable option for food.
Which cities in Malaysia are known for being budget-friendly for tourists?
The cities mentioned above are good budget-friendly destinations for tourists in Malaysia.
How can I save money on transportation in Malaysia?
If you are not going far, try walking instead of using a transport, and use a bus instead of a taxi if using a means of transportation is necessary. Buses can be cheaper and help you save money on transportation in Malaysia.
How can I find cheap flights to Malaysia?
Skyscanner and kayak can help find cheap flights to Malaysia.
Is it possible to travel in Malaysia on a backpacker’s budget?
Yes, it is possible to travel to Malaysia on a backpacker’s budget.