Is Malaysia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Malaysia is generally safe for solo female travelers. There's a high level of security in the main cities and tourist areas. Malaysian people are generally friendly and hospitable towards foreigners. However, like all destinations, it's advisable to exercise caution, particularly when traveling alone. Stick to well-lit, populated places, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. While petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching can occur, this is not common, and vigilance can reduce risk significantly.

Safety rating

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How safe is Malaysia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

While Malaysia maintains a generally safe environment, it is always important to stay cautious, especially while walking alone at night. Well-lit, crowded areas such as shopping destinations are generally safe, but less populated areas might be riskier. That being said, serious incidents are not common, but incidents like pickpocketing or theft can happen. To reduce such risks, avoid unlit and isolated places and always ensure someone knows about your whereabouts. Remember to book safe rides and avoid arguments with locals. Be aware, pay attention to your surroundings and follow your instincts – these are your most reliable safety tools.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Malaysia is generally safe, efficient and reliable. Whether you are traveling by train, bus, or taxi, providers prioritize passenger safety. Important caution must be taken during peak hours due to the large crowds and heightened risk of pickpocketing. As in any travel situation, always be aware of your surroundings and belongings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Malaysia is a relatively safe country for solo women travelers. The prevalence of street harassment is quite low in comparison to other countries. Respect for personal space is generally observed due to the blend of cultures and religions present. Nonetheless, during peak hours in crowded places like public transport, markets, or tourist spots, occasional instances might occur. Therefore, it's always crucial to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings. Be sure to dress conservatively, respecting local customs, to further minimize unwanted attention.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Whilst Malaysia is generally a safe place for solo female travelers, as with most destinations, petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft can occur particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Therefore, it is advised to always keep your belongings close to you, use secure bags and keep a cautious eye on your surroundings especially in public transportation and markets. Moreover, it's always a good idea to have copies of your important documents like passport, credit card, etc. stored somewhere safe in case you become a victim of such crimes.

Is Malaysia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 28 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Kuala Lumpur, Solo travel

Stayed in a hostel for one week near Jalan Alor night market and was very safe and welcoming, meeting a lot of people of many backgrounds. Lots of activities for both nightlife, culture and sober activities.

Posted: November 10, 2024
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Semporna, Solo travel

I took the bus from Semporna to Tawau, when I was the last passenger, the driver asked me to wait for him a few minutes on the car, he said he just need to do something, but he stopped his car at somewhere is nothing around, I told him I would call police, he said no you don't have to, you're safe, I won't touch you, then he took off his pants and started to touch his dick 😭😭😭😭😭Everyone please be careful, don't talk to any stranger easily and prepare spicy spray anytime 😭

Posted: October 28, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
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Malaysia, Couple travel

Kuala Lumpur is so nice and the food is so delicious. I tried many kinds of Malaysian food, very unique. The building is so nice and vibrant. Hope someday I will be there again soon.. Love from Cambodia

Posted: October 12, 2024Experienced: October, 2023
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Anna

Anna

Malaysia

Perak, Solo travel

* Taiping is safe for solo traveller * Things to do : Visit Zoo , jog at Lake garden, hiking at Maxwell hill * things to skip : dont walk at midnight * Restaurants recommended: The warehouse 1957 * Budget to spent about less than 100 Myr per day

Posted: October 10, 2024
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Yasmine

Yasmine

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Solo travel

Recently arrived in KL and so far so good. Stayed at 3 kinds of services apartments and they were great! Many food options here both western and eastern, and quite cheap. Transportation via metro/train/grab cab is very affordable. Will be here for the next few months and would love to meet up!

Posted: August 12, 2024
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Maggie

Maggie

Australia

Langkawi, Solo travel

Beautiful time in Langkawi - I was volunteering so can't comment on price of accommodation - food was ok - local cuisine not compatible with vegetarians - malay desserts are incredible - sweet and coconutty - best beach is tanjung rhu

Posted: August 5, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Sinziana

Sinziana

Romania

Langkawi, Solo travel

Langkawi like the rest of Malaysia is very safe, it’s extremely beautiful, it has really nice beach bars. It’s totally worth spending a week there. It doesnt have a crazy night life like before, but it’s still worth it

Posted: August 3, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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anya

anya

Indonesia

Kuching, Family travel

During our stay in Kuching, we went to the Semenggoh Wildlife Center to see orangutans and to Bako National Park to see proboscis monkeys. In Semenggoh, we were able to meet seven orangutans, but in Bako National Park, we were not able to see any proboscis monkeys. However, the trail in Bako was fun.

Posted: July 27, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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zohra

zohra

United States

Kuala Lumpur, Solo travel

I went for one night by myself to KL on a visa run from bali, I arrived in my hotel late at night to drop off my stuff then went to walk around the city centre and felt very safe walking at night especially to see other people out and about! my hotel was nice and really cheap (comparing to american prices) the next day I had fun exploring the mall and went to a butterfly museum experience place which was beautiful!

Posted: July 15, 2024
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Sarawak, Solo travel

The places were city and rural. The price little expensive. There are more hidden places like adventure, hikes, places to eat. Better to have tour guide to guide you into hidden gem places. The road is more stone road.

Posted: July 13, 2024
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Is Malaysia safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Kuala Lumpur

Overall, the touristy areas in Kuala Lumpur (Petaling Street, KLCC, etc) are quite safe, the only thing is that it can get crowded so I would just be a bit more careful with my belongings to be extra safe and vigilant. Like any other city, avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy areas. Another thing to note is that the MRT (train lines) in Malaysia have women only coaches so you can opt for these as you travel around KL. For other public transport options, it is recommended to use grab rather than taxis since you get the price upfront.

Posted: November 6, 2024
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Kuala Lumpur

Safe but don’t test it. Avoid dark alleys, wearing too flashy items or appear lost and not confident. Most spots are safe, just some areas or when your sling bags are just too exposed and you appear vulnerable. I go out late night all the time but always stay cautious and mindful where i am

Posted: October 23, 2024
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Meet locals in Malaysia

Snow

Snow

About Me

Hey I am staying nearby Kuala Lumpur If you ever come here just ping me. On the days I am not working I can bring you around .

Speaking

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Shahida

Shahida

About Me

A 20-something lawyer turned writer. I lost my youth to depression, and now I am reclaiming my lost years by traveling solo. A self-proclaimed digital nomad. I love to travel in hoping to fall in love with places, its people, food and culture. I can be found at @speakingofshahida on Instagram where I share bits of my travel

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Malaysia

Shahida

Shahida

Kuala Terengganu

Can host for:

2 days

About me

A 20-something lawyer turned writer. I lost my youth to depression, and now I am reclaiming my lost years by traveling solo. A self-proclaimed digital nomad. I love to travel in hoping to fall in love with places, its people, food and culture. I can be found at @speakingofshahida on Instagram where I share bits of my travel

Speaking

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Sheeda

Sheeda

Kuala Lumpur

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m sheeda love travel all over the world…53 years old.. Already travel to 35 countries

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Malaysia

charly1319

charly1319

About Me

Hi, my sister Toni (23) & I (25) are halfway into our 3 month travel through Oceania and South East Asia. By using this platform we hope to add more local and international exchange to our travel while also making it more affordable. We are versatile travel buddies/flatmates/passengers and can be quiet & almost invisible or communicative & open to joint activities - whatever suits your style best. If our introduction resonates with you, we would be very grateful for you to reach out to us and look forward of you becoming a part of our journey. We are both new to this platform but do have positive reviews on our BeWelcome and AirBnB profiles (see screenshots in the picture section). Cheers, Charlotte & Toni

Speaking

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Juanita

Juanita

About Me

I have the travel bug, 51 countries and counting. I love reading, cooking, board games, and eating out. I spend a lot of time volunteering in prison ministry. I'm a tedx speaker on human trafficking and an author on child abuse prevention.

Speaking

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Safety in Malaysia