1

In summer 2010 we were spending ca. 200-250 RM per day for two of us, staying at cheap hotels rather than hostels.

2

It depends on what you do and where you go to. Some places can be very expensive (Mt Kinabalu, most islands, Tabin and Danum, turtle island etc.).

3

Overall, it is definitely more expensive than Thailand (or even West Malaysia). Maybe twice as much.

4

Budgetted island trip (around Malaysia east/west/borneo) :

1. Langkawi (Yachting 100usd for 4 hours/pax, 99 islands to hop with private charter or group tour, nearest Maldives of Thailand is reachable "Tarutao National Park Thai")

2. Penang Island (City with lots of histories, culture, clubs and Penang Hill)- about 100 usd per day for food & transport & maybe a pint of beer with one day accommodation at boutique hotel-Dragon Inn) Penang is not suitable for island hoping as the only place to see coral is Pulau Paya which you may visit if you plan to go Langkawi.

3. Pulau Redang/Perhentian (about boat from mainland to island cost about 30usd per way+30usd per night B&B with dinner & lunch- a normal package for 4 days 3 night with snorkeling island hoping cost about 200usd)

4. Pangkor Island more upscale

If you are commencing from east Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak) mostly cultural/tropical forest/swamp/island related activities). Get around with chartering of private car for about 80usd/day or flights with Air Asia-public transport is cheaper )

_Activities which you can include are generally more of cultural exploration and jungle hiking.
Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Manuka Island, tunku abdul rahman marine park (all for approx 500usd for budget accomodation/food/island hoping/hiking for 10 days!)
You may add Brunei or part of Indonesia to your itinerary.
Upscale island include Mabul Island, Sipadan which is very costly appox 500 usd per night._

If you are landing at Kuala Lumpur(KL), you probably need 5usd per meal (lower end), 10usd (comfort food-excluding alcoholic beverage), transportation could cost up to 20-30usd for taxi and taking train is cheap about 3-5usd per return trip.

for travelling between states (Malaysia has 14 states) check Aeroline for coaches price and time/cost. easibook.com provide good list of option.

Hope this little information help. :)

5

Hi Guys,

thanks for ur replys, this indeed gives me an idea of what to expect!

6

I was able to do it at under US $1000 per month of travel.....hostels, local bus and boats....I think I was taking about RM500 from the ATMS about every 6-7 days.