Malaysia has launched Visit Malaysia 2020, which means there will be a lot of exciting events to be held and the country will be full of tourists from all around the world. The incoming tourists are expected to swarm top (and expensive) tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. If you are budget travellers, however, do not worry too much as here are affordable locations that you may check out in 2020!
Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Wau Bulan
The first stop is the state capital of Kelantan – Kota Bharu. According to Lonely Planet, it has the energy of a midsized city with the compact feel and friendly vibe of a small town. Interested yet?
Sabak Fishing Village
Nasi Kerabu
Most people would only pass Kota Bharu on their way to Perhentian Island. However, I would never just pass by Kota Bharu, as it has an abundance of delicious local foods at ridiculously cheap prices. Their specialities include Nasi Kerabu, a type of blue coloured herb rice served with fried chicken, salted egg, crackers, special sauce, and more sides. You should also try Ayam Percik, a grilled chicken marinated in flavorful spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and lemongrass, and coated with a creamy coconut milk sauce. Yum!
Istana Jahar
Besides their heavenly foods, the town has a rich cultural heritage. You can visit many cultural attractions including palaces, museums, markets and historic buildings by foot as they are close to one another in the city centre. There are Siti Khadijah market, Istana Jahar, Handicraft Village and more here.
Pantai Irama
Wat Machimmaram
Other interesting tourist sites include Sabak Fishing Village, Gua Ikan, Pantai Irama, Mount Stong State Park, Nenggiri Rafting Adventure as well as many astonishing temples located in Kota Bharu.
Check out some of our routes to Kota Bharu:
- Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu
- Bus from Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu
- Bus from Kuantan to Kota Bharu
- Bus from Penang to Kota Bharu
- Bus from Putrajaya to Kota Bharu
Sungai Petani, Kedah
Sungai Petani, Kedah is a quaint and quiet town, with vast paddy fields pervading many areas. The view is absolutely breathtaking.
Jetty Semeling
It is imperative to visit Jetty Semeling if you ever visit Sungai Petani. I saw many people took their wedding pictures here because of its exquisite view. Stroll along the platform to view natural habitat of mangroves and chill at one of the restaurants in the area. You can also board the boats to the islands nearby.
Clock Tower
Mount Jerai
Other attractions include the town’s Clock Tower, Tanjung Dawai, and Riverfront City. You can also go to Mount Jerai, the highest peak in Kedah that is only an-hour drive away from Sungai Petani.
Nasi Lemuni
Do you know that Sungai Petani in Kedah is also part of Greater Penang? Similar to Penang, its foods like cendol and nasi kandar are amazing, only much cheaper compared to the former, and you don’t have to queue for a long time to order here 😉
Check out some of our routes to Sungai Petani:
- Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Sungai Petani
- Bus from Teluk Intan to Sungai Petani
- Bus from Ipoh to Sungai Petani
- Bus from Johor Bahru to Sungai Petani
- Bus from Putrajaya to Sungai Petani
Bentong, Pahang
Bentong was where our cherished singer Yuna held a gorgeous wedding in the jungle of Puncak Rimba resort. Located only 48km or about 1 hour from Kuala Lumpur, the town is a great place to have a short weekend trip as Bentong offers many attractions that range from the cool natural Chamang Waterfalls to the exciting theme park in Genting Highlands and multiple other charming resorts.
Chamang Waterfalls
Colmar Tropicale
One well-known attraction is Colmar Tropicale, a resort that incorporated French architecture located in the high altitude of Bukit Tinggi. Besides its unique ambience, the resort also houses a botanical park, equestrian centre and a golf course. Visitors may also visit the Japanese village, where you can put on kimono and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Lentang Forest Reserve
Tofu Puff Factory
You may also see soy sauce and tofu puff production at the factories located in the town. And before you leave, devour durian at one of the durian orchards and taste lemang at Lemang To’ki. If you haven’t heard, some people only come here to fare on these.
Check out some of our routes to Bentong:
- Bus from Kuantan to Bentong
- Bus from Temerloh to Bentong
- Bus from Kuala Lipis to Bentong
- Bus from Jerteh to Bentong
- Bus from Kuala Krai to Bentong
Setiu, Terengganu
Located about 50 minutes from Kuala Terengganu, although Setiu is the least populated district in Terengganu, many of its areas are an absolute asset for tourism. It has a variety of terrain, with the east is coastline stretching out the South China Sea with a host of tropical islands that is a haven for scuba divers.
Meanwhile, most of the other half is a coastal jungle with white beaches, suitable for equestrian activities. To the west of Setiu is more hilly with untouched rivers and waterfalls, ideal for water sports activities or just leisurely family picnic.
Terrapuri Heritage Village
One highlight of Setiu is Terrapuri Heritage Village, a resort and conservation project of 20 restored antique Malay houses aged 100 to 250 years old, all imaginatively built without any nail. You can relax in an orchard and eat fruits and other local village food, and bathe in the river here — a truly immersive experience.
Setiu Wetlands
There is Setiu Wetlands State Park where you can have a picnic and try mangrove replanting. Setiu District is also famous for its array of celup tepung eateries along the coast of Penarik Fishing Village. You can try the viral 45 celup tepung shrimps and more here for only RM10 per set.
Penarik Beach Celup Tepung
Other delightful spots include Setiu River Safari, Kelah Conservation Tourism Park, and Boardwalk Setiu that you can check out. Also, bookmark Menarik di Setiu on Facebook for more exciting places and up-to-date travel information about the town.
Check out some of our routes to Setiu by taking a bus to Kuala Terengganu:
- Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu
- Bus from Kuantan to Kuala Terengganu
- Bus from Putrajaya to Kuala Terengganu
- Bus from Klang to Kuala Terengganu
Kuala Selangor, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Kuala Selangor is a town in Kuala Selangor district, located 55 km north-west of downtown Kuala Lumpur. This town is best known for its night fireflies tour and its other natural sites. If you are a nature and outdoor enthusiast, you will have a whale of a time here!
Fireflies Tour
There are a few fireflies tour in Kuala Selangor, but the most well-known is the one in Kampung Kuantan where you get to travel on a sampan at night-time to observe the fireflies dwelling along the banks of Selangor River.
Sasaran Sky Mirror
Not long ago, Sasaran Sky Mirror has gone viral for its unique mirror-like reflection of the sky on the water, that you should see for yourself. There is also Kuala Selangor Nature Park for bird and animal watching, and nature exploration around the vast mangrove swamps. On the other hand, popular spots to view sunrise and sunset are Melawati Hill, Remis Beach, and Redang Beach, among others.
Check out our route to Kuala Selangor:
Get your bus tickets to these cheap and intriguing places from us — we WON’T charge you any extra fees!
Featured Photo Credit: Bebelan Cik Min
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