Are you a budget traveller planning for a trip to Malaysia? Don’t worry, you have plenty of options on your plate!

Home to stunning hills, picturesque landscapes, enthralling temples, and unparalleled local culture, Malaysia is a year round destination that every tourist will enjoy. Here are some of the best budget destinations in Malaysia.

1. Ipoh: Do you want to experience the beauty of nature, tasty local food and adventure related activities in a minimum? If you do, head to Ipoh, the capital city of Perak, and immerse in the laid-back lifestyle the picturesque township has to offer. It will take you around two hours to reach Ipoh from Kula Lumpur on road.

Once you reach Ipoh, try out the local cuisines and other delicacies, including nasi kandar, tau fu fah, cendol, and the likes. If you are one of those who love indulging in adventure sports, Ipoh has a host of such activities in store for you. Travel to Gopeng, located 25 minutes away from Ipoh, to try out white water rafting. If you are a caving enthusiast, Gua Tempurung, one of the largest caves in Malaysia, won’t disappoint you. Easy to explore, Gua Tempurung makes for a great cave exploration exercise for beginners. Nature lovers can take a stroll in Taiping Lake Garden to get a glimpse of the natural delights.

2. Sungai Chiling: Escape the wrath of the scorching heat with a trip to Chiling Waterfalls. The 80-metre long waterfall is a treat to look at. Some tourists indulge in adrenaline-rushing activities by jumping into the water.  However, to reach the waterfall, you need to cross the river as many as six times, and that is an adventure in itself! Make sure you carry enough food as there are no restaurants around.

3. Melaka: A historical place in every sense, Melaka gives you a glimpse of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Stadhuys or Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum or take a stroll inside the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum for a visual treat.

4. Salt Flat Lake: A great weekend destination, Salt Flat Lake is known for its natural beauty and serene landscape. Perfect for a family day out, it’s located just an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Take a boat ride to explore the lake.

5. Kuantan: Here’s another one for nature lovers. Known for its pristine and quaint beaches, a trip to Kuantan makes for a perfect nature escapade that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You can also visit Turtle Sanctuary to catch a glimpse of a hatching turtle. Don’t leave without tasting the seafood!

6. Kota Bharu: If you want to get a better understanding of the Malaysian heritage, visit Kota Bharu. Located in Northern Malaysia, Kota Bharu is famous for its markets, mosques, and museums. Far away from the hustles and bustles of city life, Kota Bharu makes for an ideal destination to relax and explore the Malaysian culture. From Kota Bharu, you can also visit Temenggor Lake, Istana Jahar, and Pantai Irama Bachok – all in a minimal budget.

7. Sekinchan: Drive along the golden paddy fields of Sekinchan and explore the natural beauty the place has to offer. Laidback lifestyle coupled with unparalleled picturesque landscape, Sekinchan is a s real as it gets. You can also stop at Pantai Redang, just 30 minutes away from Sekinchan to explore the pristine beach.

8. Taman Negara: Get immersed in the beauty of Taman Negara rainforest. The 130 million-year-old rainforest is home to various animal species and birds. You can take a guided tour or a river cruise to explore more about the place.

9. Seremban: Foodies love it here! Seremban offers a host of local delicacies. Try out Seremban laksa and other mouth-watering cuisines at bargain prices! For sightseeing, visit Jelita Ostrich Farm, The Dusun, and Royal Gallery Tuanku Jaafar.

10. George Town: A favourite among Malaysians, George Town has a charm of its own. Opt for guided tours or attend the monthly events (not expensive at all!), to immerse in the unique culture of this place.

Have you travelled to any of these places yet? If not, will you be visiting any of these places?

This was brought to you by Syed Faraz from BBazaar.my.