Atilla

I plan to get out to Malaysia on an exploratory trip around end of April, early May. Given that I THINK (hard to say without ever visiting) that I may be leaning towards Penang as a place to live I am wondering whether to book my flights to/from Penang or whether those who have done this before found it better to book to KL and then look at where to go 'internally' after arrival given that Penang will require a stop-over in KL anyway AFAIK? Any thoughts.

Also any times to avoid for any reason. I have a window between 12 April and around 16 May and plan to come for about 2-3 weeks, likely 3.

Strider24

April/May starting to warm up a bit. I would be temped to go to KL first, then catch a train, bus or plane to Penang (Air Asia have special on) You might want to visit Melaka first, which is not so far from KL. Also Selangor which like Penang has a low entry point for property purchase, may bare a look.

If you hire a car, then the drive north could take in Ipoh and Taiping. Chinese and more old world but both lovely places.

Enjoy the trip

ex reg

I would suggest hiring a car is a must.

If not for your whole time then for quite a number of days.

It is really the only way to have a good look around imo.

If you do hire then you will have to get used to drivers in Malaysia who on the whole I think are quite good.

Much better than the drivers in Singapore.

Strider24

...except for motor bikes. They are seriously crazy. The Government reckons there could be up to 2 mil unlicensed bike riders in the country

But agree a car is way the best option

Atilla

Thanks. Will do KL for the flight I think.

bakedbean

Enjoy the trip. I think it may be monsooning a bit as south-west monsoon starts up around mid to late April (at least it did in both Singapore and Phuket, so presumably the same in between on the west coast.

Atilla

Thanks. Closer to the time I'll drop a couple of PMs out. Would be nice to meet up for a chat etc if anyone has time etc.