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

4.4 /5

based on 31 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Langkawi, Solo travel

Langkawi is made for tourists. Although I hate these kinds of places, the island is amazing. It used to be a hippie-gathering place, so there's a lot of reggae and hippie vibe all over the island. For women who are traveling and looking for a hostel, check out Bunga Hostel. The owner is a friend of mine, and she has created a hotel only for women. It's a creative place for solo female travelers.

Posted: January 16, 2025Experienced: April, 2022
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Malaysia, Family travel

I don't have any pictures because my parents have them but the locals are absolutely friendly, very chill and harmless. They are very welcoming and the food is just delicious. I was in Kuantan btw. And the sunset is soooooo pretty on the beach

Posted: January 6, 2025
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Rhi

Rhi

Australia

Penang Island, Solo travel

I did a solo trip to Penang and it was a really nice spot to go. There was some cool museums. I did the the ghost museum and the upside down museum which were really cool. The easiest way to get around is either by walking or in a grab. I stayed on Chulia street which was such a good location for everything I wanted to do. I also went and did a hair treatment that I 10/10 recommend

Posted: December 27, 2024
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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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Is Malaysia safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 54 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 54 local experiences

Penang Island

Honestly, I feel like it’s safe here but it doesn’t means crime won’t happen at all. You can easily blend in with people or get assisted too since most of us are at least bilingual. Walking alone is fine but always be near crowds. Avoid dark alleys if you are alone since it’s risky and harder to ask for help if anything happens.

Posted: February 22, 2025
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Kuala Lumpur

spent 3 months here and i can say it’s a safe city, except some streets at late night. i haven’t seen any thief. walking alone is also alright but you might get some verbal abuse, that’s it. also need to be careful with grab drivers as well, some of them tried to get my phone number or social media.

Posted: February 1, 2025
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Meet locals in Malaysia

Sunny

Sunny

About Me

My name is Sunny from Kuala Lumpur. I do love to ride my scooter around, I love sports such as badminton 🏸, pickleball , love to eat and not choosy (almost can eat everything except too spicy food) I got an OW diving 🤿 license but seldom go diving even Malaysia has a lot of islands. BTW, I'm half 🍌 I can speak/listen (communicate) English, Malay, Cantonese and Mandarin. I can't write/read Chinese character. If we have a common topic I can talk a lot if not I might be a very quiet type of person. Love to get to know more friends around.

Speaking

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Syaza

Syaza

About Me

Hi! My name is Syaza. I design and teach, from Penang, Malaysia!

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

Andreea

Andreea

About Me

I love traveling and exploring new places, especially through food and photography. I've been to 55 countries so far and want to keep going, often traveling solo to challenge myself and experience different cultures. Cooking, trying new cuisines, and discovering hidden spots are some of my favorite things to do along the way.

Speaking

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Andreea

Andreea

About Me

I love traveling and exploring new places, especially through food and photography. I've been to 55 countries so far and want to keep going, often traveling solo to challenge myself and experience different cultures. Cooking, trying new cuisines, and discovering hidden spots are some of my favorite things to do along the way.

Speaking

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Safety in Malaysia