I am OBSESSED with Malaysia. It has everything I need for a quick south east Asian holiday - insane food, city and island life and the friendliest, most accomodating locals on the planet.
I've just returned from 10 incredible days and as always, I was taking copious notes along the way to share with the Miss Trix community. Here are my top tips if you're thinking about heading to Malaysia!
Let's get into it....
1. Always stop for the roadside delicacies! Some of the best food I ate in Malaysia wasn't in a restaurant - it was from a stall on the side of the road with incredibly talented locals. Stop. Always stop to see what they're selling. I had two really gorgeous encounters - one was at a little doughnut stall (Peneram Kak Yan) in Langkawi where the owner was the definition of a literal queen and the other was at a small Roti Canai stall (Selera Pantai Langkawi). Both experiences were some of my favourites of the trip!
2. Relax to the max. Langkawi, I love you. If you're after a party scene, this probably isn't the island for you. It's gorgeous, quiet, and properly relaxing which is precisely what I needed. Think mornings spent exploring the island via scooter - there are plenty of waterfalls, beaches and food stalls to eat at - and the afternoon spent by the pool. Perfect!
3. Balance resort and island life perfectly. Cast me in the next season of the White Lotus, because I love a resort. Particularly one that I can spend poolside when I'm too hot and bothered and have spent the mornings exploring. We stayed at the PARKROYAL on Langkawi Island and I would absolutely return. It's in a great location, has an excellent breakfast buffet and don't even get me started on the infinity pool.
4. Seek out the creative scene in KL. Kuala Lumpur has such a good creative energy if you know where to look. I particularly loved REXKL. It's such a cool concept with all the little vendors, art and events under one roof. GMBB was another creative highlight full of local designers, streetwear and genuinely interesting independent shops.
5. Pack light! You will want the room in your suitcase for the shopping (see above, re: KL's creative scene but also the thrift scene in KL is excellent). Honestly with the heat and humidity you will need way less than you think. I could have left a third of my suitcase at home.
6. Use Grab like you would the Tube in London. Grab is an absolute lifesaver in Malaysia and honestly will become second nature. KL in particular isn't very well connected so Grab is the way to go - it's cheap, easy, and reliable.
7. We love a boutique hotel. For KL, Kloe Hotel is such a gem. It's got that boutique charm and personal touch that a bigger chain hotel just can't compete with, and it puts you right in the middle of the action for exploring the city.
I hope my tips help with your travels!! Linked below is my Google Map with plenty of recommendations (mainly food, because that's personally all I travel for) but some others as well!
MALAYSIA TRIXIE MAP
Happy travels xx
