The first couple of weeks of this 4-week trip to Malaysia involved island hopping from Phuket to Penang, stopping off in between in Langkawi. Despite their close proximity to each other, these are 3 very different types of island. Phuket is quite commercial, whereas Langkawi is much less-developed and laid-back. Penang is culturally the most diverse of the three. Something for everyone, then 🙂 .
Be sure to first check out our Plan, Maps and Budget for this 4-week round trip.
Phuket Thailand - Welcome to Russia
Many foreigners - especially Russians - treat Phuket Thailand as a 2nd home, making a periodic visa-run to Malaysia to extend their stay.
Langkawi - Lush, Tropical, Timeless
Langkawi’s archipelago comprises 99 thickly-forested islands dating back half a billion years - home to the most ancient rainforest life on the planet.
Climbing Gunung Raya, Malaysia
We were alone and a long way from any help climbing Gunung Raya, and as in all the best horror movies we had no mobile signal.
Visa Runner - Malaysia to Thailand
If you're planning an extended stay in Malaysia you have to renew the visa you're given on arrival. This is referred to as making a ‘visa run’.
Georgetown - A Cultural Smorgasbord
There's even a Tesco's on the outskirts of Georgetown, but don't get too excited. This is like no Tesco's we've ever visited in Europe, with mainly unrecognizable brands.
Langkawi Accommodation Options
From €22 to €700 per night, your accommodation options are varied enough, but are the pricier venues good value for money?
Malay Peninsula West Coast
If you're planning a multi-destination road trip, then booking an open-jaw flight can be a godsend.
Rebak Island, Malaysia ⛵
Rebak Island is a hidden gem offering a tranquil escape with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, & rich biodiversity, for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
Island Hopping: Phuket to Penang
The first couple of weeks of this 4-week trip to Malaysia involved island hopping from Phuket to Penang, stopping off in between in Langkawi. Despite their close proximity to each other, these are 3 very different types of island.
Kuala Lumpur Airport Layover 🛬🛣🛫
Nestled just steps away from your arrival point in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Sama-Sama hotel offers weary travelers a haven of comfort and sophistication.
Penang Malaysia - Welcome to China
On a first visit to Penang, you could be forgiven for thinking yourself in China: This Malaysian island is home to a disproportionate percentage of ethnic Chinese.
AirAsia 'v' budget European airlines
It was raining but the crew anticipated this, providing a covered gangway & colorful red umbrellas. A nice final touch to our AirAsia inflight experience.
Island Hopping from Phuket to Penang
Coming up soon… Penang Malaysia: Over-hyped, Over-priced, Over-rated.
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