Is Malaysia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo travel experience

I traveled to Malaysia after staying for 5 months in Nepal. People there were really kind and open. And also really interested but in a appropriate way. We met so many kind people on the street, who brought us to the next guesthouse or scooter rent station. One woman also offered me money because she noticed I had a problem with my credit card. I denied taking it but her gesture impressed me! And one man also called an Uber for me because I stranded in the middle of the night at the main station and no bus or train was driving anymore. Never met so many kind and helpful people. They just warmed my heart. By the way I part time traveled with a female friend. Also it’s a Muslim country and many people speak Arabic and a lot of signs are also in Malaysian language and in Arabic. Also everything is halal signed. Even the water. That’s why a lot of people from Arabic country’s like to travel there. BUT most locals don’t like them that much, because they experience them as arrogant and expect them to speak Arabic, just because it’s a Muslim country. They feel not respected from most Arabs. (That’s what many locals told me in different parts of the country) That’s why maybe they are not that super extra nice to people who approach them in Arabic. But still I would say it’s a safe country to travel to and I think they are still respectful to everyone. (Note: I am a white person and I can not speak for PoC)

Solo travel experience

Malaysia, Truly Asia. Safe for solo and easy access public transportation. The beaches are also beautiful, so many rainforest and nature. Food and night life also amazing. You will get amazing experiences.

Solo travel experience

Malaysia is incredibly easy and safe for solo travel. They speak fantastic English, they are very kind, friendly, helpful and polite. I would say it's a middle-income country. Buses are okay, but trains are brilliant. And the food is delicious and cheap.

Solo travel experience

I spent two weeks alone in Malaysia in July and had a great time. I felt very safe and didn't have any problems. I was in Kuala Lumpur, on the Perhentian Islands, in Ipoh, Penang, and Langkawi. I highly recommend visiting the Perhentian Islands (natural beauty and one of the most peaceful places I've ever been to, as well as a fantastic place for diving) and Penang (Georgetown has an amazing atmosphere with its food, heritage, street art, and nightlife).

Solo travel experience

I had no problem being alone. I didn't go beyond Kuala Lumpur. I felt safe taking a taxi at 2:00 a.m. to my AirBnB, public transport was easy to understand. I ate alone in the shopping mall and restaurants. Great food.

Solo travel experience

I spent 2 weeks in Malaysia alone as a young woman, traveling solo for the first time. I felt very safe the whole time. The locals were amazing, as were the other backpackers I met along the way. Long-distance buses were very safe and clean in my experience.

Group travel experience

I went with my friend and we were very harassed everywhere we were, KL, Penang, Langkawi, and Borneo. There were some nice places, but nothing that would make me say WOW, even when we took a jet ski tour of the islands in Langkawi. When we parked on one of the islands to swim, a boat with only men docked who surrounded us and sat on our jet skis. We tried to have drinks on the beach in Langkawi at a beach bar, and the locals were terrifying and constantly asking if they could come back to our hotel. We had people trying to cheat us out of money in Penang. I don't know, I go by vibes and some parts were nice but as soon as I feel unsafe somewhere, it's over for me. I will never return.

Pretty safe depending on where you stay! More upscale housing area that’s guarded = safe! More underdeveloped areas as expected, less safe. Just be mindful of your surroundings in general when you travel, you’ll be fine

Solo travel experience

It was a memorable trip. I was in Malaysia to sit for my speciality exam and I passed 😄 One thing about traveling solo that I appreciate is the lack of commitment. I visited several cities, KL, Cameron and Genting highlands, Malaka and Lankawi. I stayed in luxury hotels and I stayed in windowless rooms😅. I enjoyed not having to plan or have a schedule ahead. I went ziplining and skydiving. 🪂