Kuala Lumpur & Kota Kinabalu｜First International Trip Made Easy

With limited vacation time, I spent 5 days in Malaysia ✅ and had a great experience.
I chose two cities, [Kuala Lumpur + Kota Kinabalu], where I could enjoy city strolls, island getaways, and tropical rainforest adventures 🌴.
Why I recommend Malaysia 🇲🇾 for first-time international travelers:
✅ Visa-free (just need a passport)
✅ Language (many Chinese locals + local guides)
✅ Low cost, diverse activities (urban vibes, island scenery, and laid-back towns)
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🗺️ Preparation for the trip
① Hotel/flight itinerary + MDAC entry form
② ID card + passport + some cash
③ SIM card ☎ (I pre-purchased a Celcom card)
④ UK plug adapter!
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🗺️ Itinerary:
This trip was tightly scheduled, allowing me to visit many attractions within a limited time.
DAY 1: Tun Mustapha Tower (a must-visit city landmark) — Tanjung Aru Beach (to catch a stunning sunset 🌅), experiencing the blend of urban vibrancy and natural romance!
DAY 2: Mantanani Island (snorkeling/diving to explore the underwater world) — Kawa Mangrove (boat ride to see fireflies 🌳✨), daytime adventures and magical evenings!
DAY 3: Sapi Island (white sandy beaches + crystal-clear waters, enjoying a private island retreat 🏝️), a full day of immersive island vacation mode!
DAY 4: Free day (optional Kuala Lumpur day tour to try Nyonya cuisine, Malaysian Bak Kut Teh, Tom Yum Laksa, and other delicacies 🍜), a culinary journey awaits in Malaysia!
DAY 5: Private transfer to Kuala Lumpur Airport (don’t forget to buy Musang King durian, curry satay skewers, or traditional desserts like cendol as souvenirs 🎁), ending the trip with hopes to return ❤️!
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Kuala Lumpur Highlights
🏞 Attractions: Petronas Twin Towers, National Mosque, Independence Square, and the famous McDonald’s Crossroads
🥘 Food: Hai Kah Lang (recommended for seafood noodles with Tom Yum broth), TG's Bistro (famous for its super long naan bread), Wong Ah Wah Restaurant
🏠 Accommodation: The Face Style Hotel (enjoy breathtaking views of the Twin Towers from the infinity pool)
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Kota Kinabalu Highlights
🏞 Attractions: Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset, University of Sabah, Kinabalu National Park (feeding cows and paragliding), Kawa Mangrove Rainforest, Sapi Island
🥘 Food: Welcome Seafood Restaurant (highly recommend 🌟 butter tiger prawns and salted egg crabs), Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh (Bak Kut Teh, pork trotters, fish balls), Sin Kee Bak Kut Teh (Bak Kut Teh, herbal chicken feet with a strong herbal flavor)
🏠 Accommodation: Besides staying at resorts on Mantanani Island or Gaya Island (not overwater villas❗), there are many four-star and above hotels in the city (e.g., Grandis, Horizon Hotel, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, etc.)
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💛 Durian Varieties
Personally, I think Malaysian durians taste much better than those in Thailand! Here, the durians are tree-ripened (not artificially ripened), making the fruit more mature, aromatic, and flavorful.
✍🏻 Malaysia offers a wide variety of durians: Musang King, Black Thorn, Golden Phoenix, Sultan, Red Prawn, Bamboo Leg, Gourd, Red Flesh, etc.
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