Best tips for Solo Female Travel in Malaysia

Traveling solo is a truly enriching experience that many prefer. You’ll enjoy unbound freedom, you can explore the sights at your own pace, and will meet like-minded people along the way.

If you’re planning your first solo trip abroad, it’s worth exploring a safe and welcoming country where you can feel comfortable exploring all the sights. Malaysia should top your list of places to visit, especially if you’re nervous about traveling alone as a woman. 

Is Malaysia safe for solo female travellers?

Malaysia is a very safe country, and you should feel very comfortable moving around the country on your own.

Like anywhere you travel, you still need to be considerate of local laws and customs, and be aware of your surroundings. Let’s look at a few tips on how to travel solo as a woman in Malaysia and some great places to add to your Malaysia itinerary. 

Is Malaysia Safe to Travel Solo as a Woman?

Whether you’re simply looking for a little “me” time or you are looking to expand your horizons on the big open road, Malaysia is an incredible country.

It’s full of warm and welcoming locals, incredible natural sights and beaches, exceptional food, and very affordable shopping! Malaysia is a location chosen by many wandering women who travel solo, exploring the many touristic gems the country has to offer. 

While it’s certainly not considered a dangerous country, there are always some risks involved which you should be more aware of when traveling solo and take the same precautions as you would in any country. 

Petty crime and theft are common in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, as much as any other city in Southeast Asia. Be extra vigilant when using Kuala Lumpur’s monorail, or LRT, as pickpockets often target solo female travelers. Like all cities, avoid walking the backstreets alone at night and stick to busy, well-lit roads.  

In the capital and on some more touristic islands, thieves on motor scooters are also a common sight. They will quickly ride up behind you and aim to steal your bags, making a quick getaway through the busy traffic. The best way to avoid this is to stick to busy streets whenever possible and avoid staying close to the roadside. 

Finding Accommodation as a solo female traveler

Malaysia caters to a broad range of travel budgets and is very accommodating to even the tightest of purse strings.

That said, you’ll always want to find comfortable and safe accommodation wherever you travel in Malaysia. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem and many hotels and hostels offer very affordable room rates with excellent facilities. 

Always look for an accommodation option that is conveniently located, and avoid making reservations in less than favorable neighborhoods. Always check hotel reviews online before committing to making your Malaysia itinerary. 

When booking accommodation in large cities, also read past reviews and ratings. Alternatively, consult other solo travelers you meet on the road for places that are recommended suitable for female solo travelers looking to get some peaceful nap time. 

If you are backpacking solo, there are a wealth of affordable places that are excellent for a good catnap. They’re also great for gathering travel advice and tips on accommodation for solo travelers all over the country. 

Safety is always a concern for solo female travelers when returning to accommodation late at night. Make sure your hotel is on a well-lit street, preferably in a busy part of town. That way, you’re conveniently located for a night out and can get home safely! 

It’s also worth checking with your hotel about security, and if you need a pin-code or special key for entry after hours so you don’t get caught out in the dark.

Traveling solo within Malaysia

You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible sights and countryside that Malaysia has to offer: from stunning rainforests or pristine white-sand beaches to the gorgeous landscapes of Borneo. It’s one of the best Spring Break Destinations!

Malaysia has been a favorite location for years and has a lot of excellent, clean, and safe transport methods allowing you to explore the country comfortably. 

That’s not to say you shouldn’t take some precautions as you would in any country. 

Never show off your valuables while traveling on public transport, especially if you plan to travel at night. If you do use public transport at night, some services offer ‘women only’ carriages. 

Most travel services will offer a range of departure times on all of their routes. It’s always best to travel during the day whenever possible as a solo female traveler.

Always keep in mind your arrival time too, as arriving at a bus station in the middle of the night can be a frightening proposition. 

If you’re arriving at your destination late, make sure you have your accommodation booked and your hotel knows your arrival time. Many will even offer to collect you for a small fee which is well worth the peace of mind. 

Multicultural Malaysia

Malaysia is a diverse multicultural society made up of many different regions such as Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus, among others. 

Exploring the multicultural facets of Malaysia is a fascinating and enriching experience.

The only noticeable difference may be a slight difficulty in purchasing alcohol in some areas of Malaysia because it’s a predominantly Muslim country. When traveling during Ramadan, many restaurants and bars will close to honor tradition and locals will attend religious ceremonies.

If you’re curious about what to wear, take your cues from the locals as this will vary considerably from the Malay mini-skirt-clad women in the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur to the elegant gowns and headscarves worn to religious landmarks and ceremonies.

Of course, when visiting mosques, be sure to wear long-sleeved clothing, and use a headscarf and sarong (note that many mosques will lend these out).

Summary – Best tips for Solo Female Travel in Malaysia

Ladies of the land, women of the world, girls of the globe! Go forth with this knowledge and plan your ultimate Malaysia itinerary.

With this information, feel safe in the comfort knowing that the many stunning white-sand beaches, adorable wildlife, world-class shopping, and ancient rainforests await you to explore and discover safely as a solo frame traveler!