Money and Costing Guide for a 15-Day Malaysia Trip

Planning a 15-day trip across Malaysia sounds fun—and knowing how much it’ll cost helps you travel smartly, avoiding any shocks. Based on a route that hits Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Ipoh, and Georgetown (Penang), this guide provides a thorough breakdown of daily expenses, average prices, and helpful money-saving ideas. Regardless of whether you’re a budget backpacker or a mid-range traveler, you’ll know exactly where your money is going.

Estimated Budget Overview

These totals are flexible. The cheaper end works for frugal travelers who enjoy street food and hostels, while the pricier range covers air-conditioned transport, private rooms, and more planned activities.

Cost Breakdown by City (Based on the Route)

1. Kuala Lumpur (6 Days)

Accommodation: Kuala Lumpur provides great budget hostels (as low as $15/night) and stylish mid-range hotels near KLCC or Bukit Bintang (~$50–70/night). You can find good Airbnbs in this price range, too.

Transportation: Public transit is cheap and dependable. Figure on spending roughly $1–2 per MRT/LRT ride. GRAB (Asia’s Uber) rides cost between $3–10 for short distances. A 6-day MyRapid pass costs about $5.

Food: Street food is plentiful and cheap. You can eat for as little as $2 per meal at local stalls. Eating in cafes or mid-range restaurants will cost roughly $8–15. Rooftop dining or themed restaurants can run upwards of $25–30.

Attractions:

• Petronas Towers: $20 for the observation deck.
• KL Tower: Around $10–15.
• Batu Caves: Free entry, but you might spend $5–10 on transport/snacks.
• Thean Hou Temple and other cultural spots: Free or <$5.
• Islamic Arts Museum: $3–5 entry.
• Extras: Budget for the occasional café visit, souvenirs, or spa treatments.

Average Daily Cost in KL:

• Budget: $40
• Mid-range: $100

2. Melaka (2 Days)

Accommodation: Boutique hotels or riverside guesthouses range from $20–30 for budget travelers and $50–70 for mid-range stays.

Transportation: The city is easily walkable. A trishaw ride costs $5–10. Buses or GRAB for longer distances will cost only a few dollars at most.

Food: Jonker Street has $1–3 snacks and tasty meals for $5. Mid-range restaurants may set you back $10–15. Don’t miss Melaka’s signature dishes like chicken rice balls or laksa.

Attractions:

• River cruise: $5–8
• Museum entries: $2–5
• Christ Church and Stadthuys: Free to enter, small museum charges possible

Average Daily Cost in Melaka:

• Budget: $35
• Mid-range: $80

3. Ipoh (2 Days)

Accommodation: Budget hotels or Airbnb-style homestays cost $15–25, while mid-range hotels charge $40–60.

Transportation: GRAB rides within Ipoh run about $3–5. Many places like Concubine Lane are walkable. If you want to explore outside the city (temples and caves), set aside $10–15 for GRAB.

Food: Ipoh is known for its white coffee and local dishes. You’ll get great meals for $3–5. Mid-range restaurants are in the $8–12 range. Sample salted chicken, curry noodles, and bean sprout chicken.

Attractions:

• Cave Temples: Free to $2 donations.
• Ipoh Railway Station and heritage walks are free.

Average Daily Cost in Ipoh:

• Budget: $30–40
• Mid-range: $70–90

4. Penang/Georgetown (4 Days)

Accommodation: Georgetown has charming heritage stays. Budget hostels cost $20–25, while boutique hotels start at $60. Homestays can provide a cultural touch.

Transportation: GRAB is cheap ($2–5). Rent a bicycle for under $5/day. Penang’s CAT bus service is free for short city trips.

Food: Penang is a food paradise. Local dishes cost $2–4. Gurney Drive food court has meals under $10. Restaurants cost $10–20 per person.

Attractions:

• Penang Hill Funicular: $8
• Kek Lok Si Temple: Free (donation suggested), elevator $1–2
• Blue Mansion: $4–6 for a guided tour
• Camera Museum: $3–5
• Clan jetties: Free to enter, optional donations

Average Daily Cost in Penang:

• Budget: $40–50
• Mid-range: $100–120

Transportation Between Cities

• Kuala Lumpur to Melaka: Bus – ~$3–5
• Melaka to Ipoh: Bus/train – ~$8–12
• Ipoh to Penang: Train – ~$6–10
• Penang to KL: Bus or flight – $10–15 for bus; $30–50 for a budget flight
• Total Intercity Transport: $30–60 for the entire trip
• Shopping and Souvenirs
• Budget $50–100 for souvenirs. Popular items include:

Local crafts and batik: $5–10

T-shirts and clothing: $5–20

Snacks (gula Melaka, white coffee): $3–8

Mini Petronas Towers or fridge magnets: $1–3 each

SIM Cards and Connectivity

Staying connected is inexpensive in Malaysia. A tourist SIM card with 10–15GB of data costs around $5–10. Pick one up at the airport or a 7-Eleven. Wi-Fi is accessible in most accommodations.

Travel Insurance

Highly advised! Travel insurance for a 15-day journey usually costs $30–60, depending on the provider and coverage. It can save you far more if emergencies come up. Some insurance also covers travel delays, lost luggage, and COVID-related concerns.

Sample Budget Summary (Mid-Range Traveler)

• Use Public Transit: KL and Penang have dependable MRT and bus systems. Save money by skipping taxis and choosing affordable public transit options.
• Dine Local: Street food is delicious and budget-friendly. Malaysia is famous for its array of local dishes that you can savor for under $5–10 per meal.
• Book Accommodations Early: Early booking platforms like Agoda or Booking.com often offer big discounts, especially for mid-range travelers. This can save you a lot on the overall cost.
• Group Tours: Bundle attractions via group tours to get a better deal and a more convenient experience.
• Free Attractions: Many temples, parks, and markets cost nothing. Explore these for a richer experience without hurting your wallet.
• Exchange Currency Wisely: Avoid airport exchanges, which usually offer poor rates. Go for city-based money changers or use international cards that provide favorable exchange rates.

Currency and Payment Tips

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

$1 USD = ~4.5 MYR (subject to change).

Credit/debit cards are broadly accepted in cities, but keep some cash for small stalls and rural areas.

Use apps like Wise or Revolut for improved exchange rates and lower fees.

ATMs are widely available, but check with your bank about international withdrawal fees.

Additional Tips for Budget Travelers

For those on a tight budget, consider using local buses instead of taxis for intercity travel. Malaysia has a good network of local buses that are very affordable and give a great way to see the countryside. For accommodations, try hostels or guesthouses for a more economical option, especially in cities like Ipoh or Melaka, where boutique hotels are often cheaper.

When it comes to food, don’t be shy about street food vendors, as they frequently offer genuine Malaysian dishes for a fraction of restaurant prices. It’s not only a way to save money but also a chance to have a more intimate experience of the local culture.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Malaysia. With a well-balanced budget, you can experience lively cities, historic towns, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty without overspending. From the shining Petronas Towers to the murals of Georgetown, every experience is worth the ringgit.

And truthfully? Some of the finest experiences—like sipping kopi tarik on a quiet street or catching a sunset at Batu Ferringhi—won’t cost you a cent. Plan well, spend smartly, and enjoy every moment of your Malaysian adventure.

With careful planning and a clear cost breakdown, your 15-day Malaysia adventure will be easy, culturally rich, and surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re admiring the skyline in KL or indulging in street food in Penang, Malaysia is kind to both the traveler and their budget.